From gars@speakeasy.org Fri Oct 31 21:35:40 2003 Date: Tue, 28 Oct 2003 15:12:00 -0800 From: Gary Night Owl To: Internet Recipients of Wotanging Ikche Subject: Wotanging Ikche--nanews11.044 _ __ _____ __ _ __ ___ ____ _ __ ___ ' ) / / ') / / ) ' ) ) / ) / ' ) ) / ) / / / / / / /--/ / / / ___ / / / / ___ (_(_/ (__/ ( / (_ / (_ (___/ '__/_ / (_ (___/ ' ____ _ , ___ _ , ___ / ' ) / / ) ' ) / / ' VOLUME 11, ISSUE 044 / /-< / /--/ /-- __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, WOTANGING IKCHE - Lakota - Common News Wotanging Ikche and Native American News Copyright c. 1996-2003 nanews.org Aboriginal/AmerIndian Perspective about the First Nations of Turtle Island November 1, 2003 Klamath Kapchelam/Snow Moon Blackfeet iitaohkanaikokotoyi niitahtaistsi/Moon when all the rivers freeze +-------------------------------------------------------+ | Much more happens in Indian Country than is reported | | in this weekly newsletter. For daily updates & events | | go to http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm | +-------------------------------------------------------+ Otapi'sin Atsinikiisinaakssin -- Blackfeet -- News for All the People Ni-mah-mi-kwa-zoo-min -- Ojibwe -- We Are Talking About Ourselves Aunchemokauhettittea -- Naragansett -- Let Us Share News Kanoheda Aniyvwiya -- Cherokee -- Journal of the People O Es'te Opunvk'vmucvse -- Creek -- People's New News O o O Acimowin -- Plains Cree -- Story or Account O o O Tlaixmatiliztli -- Nahuatl -- News O o o o o O Agnutmaqan -- Listuguj Mi'kmaq -- News O o O Sho-da-ku-ye -- Teehahnahmah -- Talking Birchbark O o O Un Chota -- Susquehannic Seneca -- The People Speak O Ha-Sah-Sliltha -- Ditidaht Nation -- News of the People 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 Dineh jii' adah' ho'nil'e'gii ba' ha' neh -- Navajo Nation -- What's Happening among The People News Okla Humma Holisso Nowat Anya -- Choctaw -- People(s) Red Newspaper Hi'a chu ah gaa -- Pima -- The stories or the talk of the People Native American News -- Language of the Occupation Forces ==>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 <================<<<< >>>>================> 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; Frostys AmerIndian, Radical Frybread Lovers, Native American Prisoner Support and Iron Natives 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: + -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- + ======================== "Do Not grieve. Misfortunes will happen to the wisest and best of men. Death will come, always out of season. It is the command of the Great Spirit, and all nations and people must obey. What is past is past and what cannot be prevented should not be grieved for..." __ Chief Big Elk, Omaha +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | 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! -=-=-=- WINTER REZ HELP -=-=- WINTER REZ HELP -=-=- WINTER REZ HELP -=-=- If you know of a reliable point where funds can be sent to assist these precious elders please drop me a note at gars@nanews.org and make the subject (all caps) WINTER HELP. -----> this list will remain up until January -----> PLEASE email gars@nanews.org with any updates/additions From: wn27 Subj: Winter Clothing Mailing List: Frostys AmerIndian Good evening, I was asked to request winter clothing, coats, boots, gloves, t-shirts, sweat shirts, etc. for the Waseskun Healing Center men from anyone in the vacinity of Montreal/Kahnawake who may have extras. Many of the men do not have warm clothes and are from the north, Atlantic Canada or Ontario. We can arrange to have them picked up. We can be contacted by e-mail (staff@waseskun.net) or by phone (450-883-2034) - Jo-ann. -=-=-=- From: "Brigitte Thimiakis" Subj: Urgent Winter Request To: =========================================================================== Urgent Winter Request for Donations - Winter 2003 Greetings, If you wish to make a difference and help children and elders through the harsh winter months in Montana, please take the time to read this request. On behalf of reliable Northern Cheyenne contacts from Lame Deer, we are once again collecting donations for those in need on the Northern Cheyenne reservation. The donations that you can send are: new and good quality used warm items, (clothing and blankets), as well as toys. The toys will be distributed during the Christmas give away but the clothes and blankets will be distributed right away. During Montana winters, the temperature can drop to 30 or 40 degrees below zero so warm winter clothing and blankets can be lifesaving. It is best if donations are received by Dec. 10th. Our goal is to help the children, the elders, the single parent families, or families unable to make ends meet due to the high unemployment rate, the difficult conditions and the extreme poverty on the reservation. We would like to help everyone we possibly can on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation who is in need, but our priority is the elders and children. The children need all the help and encouragement they can get. List of useful donations : - blankets - warm winter coats and clothing - socks, gloves, boots, hats and scarves - toys (educational toys included) - school supplies - They can also use grooming supplies like toothpaste, tooth brushes, soaps and shampoos, combs, hair brushes, hair barrettes, rubber bands or other types of hair or pony tail holders. Last but not least : pampers diapers or pull-ups. - There is a special need for men's winter coats, clothing, hats, boots, gloves and anything else that protects against the cold weather. The men's winter wear is for the Tongue River Homeless Shelter. Donations can be sent to the following address: Honor Your Spirit - Protect the Children % Sue Buck PO Box 901 Great Falls, MT 59403-0901 Please contact suemontana@mcn.net for mailing information other than regular US Mail service. (Also please include your name and address if you would like for us to acknowledge/confirm receipt of your donations.) If you cannot send items due to the shipping cost, you can still help by sending a money donation.Please be assured that it will be used only for the children and elders this winter and/or for their Christmas; even small amounts can help them. The address for money donations is the same as above. You will receive a receipt which may be used for tax purposes. Please contact us before you send money (email addresses listed below). The priority of our group, "Honor your Spirit - Protect the Children" is to make sure all donations get to where they are supposed to and recognized. It is very important to us to make sure that everything is distributed fairly and to those in the greatest need. Contact Info: Sue Buck, Project Coordinator, MT suemontana@mcn.net Brigitte Thimiakis, European Link thimiakischool@the.forthnet.gr If you would like to learn more about the donation projects, please read our Shipment and Group Project Status: http://www.geocities.com/honoryourspirit/shipment1.html Our heartfelt thanks to everyone for your support. "Your help makes a huge difference for those who have never received help.Your donations provide hope and encouragement to those who have never known these qualities. Your concern and solidarity can improve the lives of many children, elders, families, on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. There is still a lot to do but all together you can help us make these dreams come true." Thank you for being a part of this project and supporting it. Manuel Redwoman, Northern Cheyenne/Lakota/Arapaho. <>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o Our group opposes all forms of child abuse, and believes that only awareness, prevention and support can reduce the number of children who suffer. Please visit our pages and our group against child abuse & violence. "Honor Your Spirit, Protect the Children" STOP CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT http://www.geocities.com/honoryourspirit/stopabuse.html http://www.geocities.com/honoryourspirit/home.html <>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o -=-=-=- WINTER REZ HELP -=-=- WINTER REZ HELP -=-=- WINTER REZ HELP -=-=- If you know of a reliable point where funds can be sent to assist these precious elders please drop me a note at gars@nanews.org and make the subject (all caps) WINTER HELP. -----> this list will remain up until January -----> PLEASE email gars@nanews.org with any updates/additions Dohiyi Ani Oginalii , , Gary Smith Night Owl (*,*) gars@speakeasy.org P. O. Box 672168 (`-') gars@nanews.org Marietta, GA 30008, U.S.A. ===w=w=== http://www.nanews.org ----------- News of the people featured in this issue ---------- - Invitation to conspire - Zuni Woman shocked - New efforts aimed by Porn from Councilman at Indian Trust fund Lawsuit - Quebec Cree threaten - Rider halts decision to resume suing Ottawa won by Indian Account Holders - Deh Cho threaten - Democrat Plan for Minority to block NWT Pipeline and Indian Health - Expert matches Stonechild injuries - Stevens unapologetic to Handcuffs in Speech to Alaska Natives - Federal Fisheries Officers - Only 3 of 12 recognized seize Boats Sioux Code Talkers remain - Alaska Natives call for Unity - Famous Dave gets warm D.C. Welcome - Alaska: Rural Safety in Jeopardy - Trinity River offer rejected - Tribes want to build new Prison - Government, Tribe - Navajo Nation in contempt struggle over Values - Crash sparks Tribal - Global event Boundary dispute to honor Earth's Waters - Omaha raise concerns - Oneidas, State considering Tax Deal over handling of Assault - Homeowners given - Native Prisoner deadline by Oneidas -- Native American Prisoner - Oneida Tribal Court delays eviction in Serious Danger - Shoshone Settlement - Rustywire: The Spring remains Distant - Poem: Walk - Narragansett launch - Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days Seafood Business - YELLOW BIRD: - $6 million for Close encounters on Rainy River Native American Health Center - Book: - Cobell cited Stories for Future Generations by Women's Leadership Exchange - This Week on First Peoples TV - The Slow Progress of Understanding - Specials This Week on APTN - Proud time for Mohawk Grandmothers - This Week on NAC --------- "RE: Invitation to conspire" --------- Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 10:11:50 -0600 From: "jkdowell" Subj: Fw: Invitation to conspire.... Mailing List: "Radical.frybread.lovers" In honor of Tecumseh Steve Newcomb Indigenous Research Coordinator / D-Q University at Sycuan October 5, 2003 marked 190 years since the great Shawnee leader Tecumseh was killed in battle fighting American troops during the War of 1812. Tecumseh died on the river Thames not far from present day Moraviantown in Ontario, Canada. Tecumseh was born under the sign of a great comet. He worked for many years with his brother Tenskwatawa in an effort to unify the Indian nations in common cause against a common foe: the United States. The 200th anniversary of Tecumseh's passing to the spirit world will take place in October 2013, and for a number of years now, I've thought that Tecumseh's life ought to be commemorated by Indian country in some significant way. In my view, the greatest tribute to Tecumseh's memory would be to revive his vision of unifying all our Indian nations and peoples into a spiritual and political force. Every spark that spirals into the air from a ceremonial fire represents the spiritual essence of the universe that burns in each and every one of us. We have the ability to combine together the fire of our spiritual essence as human beings to become a tremendous force of healing and cultural resurgence and revitalization. I believe this is what Tecumseh's vision was really about. Tecumseh's vision was also about the inherent right of every Indian nation that the Creator has placed on this sacred Earth to maintain and protect a spiritual way of life in our respective homelands. He was willing to fight and die for the right to be free. But as we know, the United States did not believe our Indian nations had any inherent right to live in our homelands on our own terms. Instead, the leadership of the United States believed that their "God" had "promised" the lands of our Indian nations to the United States, and further believed that the U.S. therefore had a divine right to take over Indian lands, and forever end the free and independent life of our Indian nations. The leadership of the U.S. believed that the Indians were an inferior race, destined to submit to the might of the American empire. Its leaders considered their empire destined to profit from the theft and colonization of Indian lands and resources, and to grow into a powerful force in the world. My friend and colleague Birgil Kills Straight (Oglala Lakota) once said of the Christian-European power system: "They cut you off from your heart, stick you in your head, and manipulate you out of a book." This is an incredibly profound insight into the methodology of colonization. The Christian European system has systematically colonized our minds and our lives, and it is our solemn responsibility to work hard at a spiritually grounded process of decolonization and healing. Such was the focus of Tecumseh's life: Never submit, never give in, never surrender your spirit to those who would capture it and hold you against your will under a system of domination. The following words are attributed to Tecumseh (though he would have said them in Shawnee). I have no way of knowing if they are actually his words, but I like to think so because the principles are direct, simple, and profound: "Live your life that the fear of death may never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, and beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long, and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song, for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and nothing, for abuse turns the wise ones into fools and robs the spirit of its vision." In honor of Tecumseh I propose that we join together as Native nations and peoples by directly challenging and calling for an end to the twin doctrines of Christian discovery and plenary power in federal Indian law. If, for the next 10 years, we work tirelessly as Tecumseh did, who knows what we might accomplish as we combine the fire of our spirituality and the political force of our ideas, and then direct that energy toward our liberation as nations and peoples. Clearly, we cannot allow the Supreme Court to continue to slowly but surely make it appear, through ruling after ruling, that our rights and our political identity as nations are being gradually amputated bit-by-bit on the basis of the doctrines of discovery and plenary power. The U.S. courts have been very clear: The justice (right or wrong) of those doctrines is a political matter that will not to be dealt with by the courts. This means that the U.S. courts will refuse to address the question of whether those doctrines are right or wrong, but will not hesitate to continue using those doctrines as weapons against our nations and peoples. One thing needed for success in the political realm is the acumen to develop and put forth powerful arguments. Tecumseh's thinking and speaking skills made him a formidable force that the United States had to deal with. Not only did he have a powerful and sweeping vision, he had the gift of articulating it in a way that electrified and inspired people. Over the next decade we ought to develop and put forth, systematically and strategically, the most powerful arguments against the doctrine of discovery and the plenary power doctrine. We ought to do this while imagining and expressing what we can achieve at the end of a decade of cultural, spiritual, economic, and political resurgence. Tecumseh said that although he would certainly die, his vision of unifying the Indian nations would not. He believed that his vision would live on and rise again in a future generation. Perhaps we are that generation. If we are willing to accept the idea that we are, then let us have the courage and the strength to accept responsibility for moving forward together, in a courageous and proactive manner, for the unified and peaceful liberation of our respective nations and peoples. ----- Steven Newcomb, Shawnee and Lenape, is director of the Indigenous Law Institute, and Indigenous Law research coordinator at D-Q University at Sycuan, on the Reservation of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and is a columnist for Indian Country Today. The author can be reached at: snewcomb@sycuan.org --------- "RE: New efforts aimed at Indian Trust fund Lawsuit" --------- Date: Wed, 22 Oct 2003 08:53:28 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="TRUST FUND BILL" http://www.indianz.com/News/archives/002129.asp New efforts aimed at Indian trust fund lawsuit Wednesday, October 22, 2003 Backing away from pledges to appoint a mediator for the Indian trust fund lawsuit, Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) on Tuesday introduced a bill aimed at settling the billion-dollar debacle for millions. Even though the Department of Interior admits it has not accounted for at least $13 billion that has passed through the system, the measure would appropriate just $40 million over four years to pay Indian account holders. "The bill will get money into the hands of Indians and that is my goal in introducing this bill," said Campbell, the chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, in a statement. The Indian Money Account Claims Satisfaction Act of 2003 would create a new bureaucracy to sort out historical accounting claims dating back more than a century. An Indian Money Account Satisfaction Task Force, composed of nine experts in the fields of forensic accounting, Indian law, commercial trust, mineral resources, economic modeling and civil litigation, would be charged with determining the balances in Individual Indian Money (IIM) accounts. An account holder could accept the balance proposed by the task force or challenge it before a new Indian Money Claims Tribunal, a five-member body chosen by the U.S. Attorney General. Or an account holder could chose to remain in the Indian trust fund class action, which was filed in 1996 on behalf of more than 500,000 individual Indians throughout the country. Keith Harper, a Native American Rights Fund (NARF) attorney handling the Cobell v. Norton case, welcomed Campbell's involvement. But he called the bill "fundamentally flawed" and said the plaintiffs, who gave a briefing to Senate staff on the case last week, support mediation of the suit. "We continue to believe that the initial approach accepted by tribes and the Cobell plaintiffs to mediate and resolve the case in a wholesale manner is still the best approach," he said in an interview. "It is not clear to us why the chairman, who initially suggested mediation, has now abandoned that approach." In June, Campbell and Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), vice-chairman of the Indian committee, held a hearing to address settlement of the case. At the time, both Campbell and Inouye backed the appointment of a federal mediator. The idea was also endorsed by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the largest inter-tribal organization, whose president Tex Hall testified at the hearing. NCAI has since been granted a larger role in the case by U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth. Over the years, the plaintiffs and tribal leaders have called for a resolution of the case that is fair to account holders. Many account holders are elderly and depend on income from oil, gas, agricultural and other activity on their lands. But the effort to resolve the matter has been complicated by political meddling. For the past two years, the House Interior Appropriations subcommittee has devised riders that would terminate the case by limiting the scope of an historical accounting and the funds used to conduct one. Indian Country has unanimously rejected those approaches and successfully lobbied members of the House last year to remove one such rider. This summer, Rep. Richard Pombo (R-Calif.), the chairman of the House Resources Committee, secured an agreement to strike another rider from the 2004 Interior budget bill. That bill is currently before a joint House-Senate conference committee, of which Campbell is a member. Yet in spite of Pombo's arrangement, Congressional aides expect the Republicans who sit on the committee to unveil language, as early as today, targeting the Cobell suit. Fearful of another rider, the leaders of the Congressional Native American Caucus, Reps. J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.) and Dale Kildee (D-Mich.), said they oppose any provisions "that would limit the full historical accounting of the individual Indian trust or otherwise diminish the rights of Indian trust beneficiaries." In an October 17 letter to the Interior subcommittee, they also backed negotiated settlement of the case. Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), who represents thousands of Navajo tribal members affected by the suit, is backing Campbell's bill. While calling the federal government's management of the trust "inexcusable," he said ti would put put "an end to the never-ending cycle of litigation." "This legislation will attempt to account for past actions and put in place a process to avoid future problems," he said. Copyright c. 2000-2003 Indianz.Com. --------- "RE: Rider halts decision won by Indian Account Holders" --------- Date: Fri, 24 Oct 2003 08:29:07 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="COBELL LAWSUIT UNDER ATTACK" http://www.indianz.com/News/archives/002161.asp Rider halts court decision won by Indian account holders Friday, October 24, 2003 In yet another attack on the Cobell v. Norton lawsuit, Congressional appropriators have unveiled legislation that stops the Department of Interior from performing a court-ordered accounting of the Indian trust. Just three months after dropping their bid to end the lawsuit, a group of lawmakers is back with another attempt. Their action also comes less than a month after the plaintiffs in the landmark class action won a ruling affirming their rights to an accounting of at least $13 billion of their own money. The new legislation, contained in the Interior's 2004 budget bill, prevents the Bush administration from abiding by that decision. It forbids the use of any federal funds to conduct the broad and far-reaching accounting dictated by U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth until his September 25 order can be reviewed by the higher courts. Secretary of Interior Gale Norton has not announced whether she will appeal Lamberth's ruling. At the time it was issued, a spokesperson only said the department was "reviewing the decision and the options for it." But the rider is at odds with other legislative efforts to resolve the seven-year-old case. On Tuesday, Sens. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) and Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), the leaders of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee introduced a bill that appropriates $40 million to clear up the balances in hundreds of thousands of Individual Indian Money (IIM) accounts. In July, Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) proposed spending $10 billion to pay account holders. And just last week, two of Indian Country's strongest advocates said they would oppose any rider "that would limit the full historical accounting of the individual Indian trust or otherwise diminish the rights of Indian trust beneficiaries." Reps. J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.) and Dale Kildee (D-Mich.), the co-chairs of the bipartisan Native American Caucus, said Lamberth's decision paved the way for a negotiated settlement. "[I]t is now clear what the nature and scope of the IIM trust accounting is," they wrote on October 17 to the House Interior Appropriations subcommittee. The rider, developed by that same subcommittee, undermines Indian rights and the entire judicial process, said Keith Harper, the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) lawyer handling the Cobell case. "We believe that this is unconstitutional," he said. "We would challenge it as such." For three years in a row, the House subcommittee has drafted several anti-Cobell provisions. Some, like language allowing Interior to use taxpayer funds to pay for private law firms, have become law. Other provisions, however, have been stripped from the Interior's budget bill in response to unanimous opposition from Indian Country and assistance by advocates in Congress. The latest was scuttled by Rep. Bill Pombo (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Resources Committee, which has jurisdiction over Indian issues. Pombo is holding a field hearing in Billings, Montana, tomorrow on developing methods to settle the case. "If there is a legislative resolution, it will be done in this committee, and it will not be done in the appropriations committee," he declared at a Washington, D.C., hearing in July, drawing accolades from tribal leaders and the Cobell plaintiffs. Lamberth's September 25 decision came after he heard testimony in Phase 1.5 of the case. Experts retained by the plaintiffs and the Department of Interior presented their competing strategies for clearing up the IIM account balances. Lamberth largely sided with Interior on methodology. He said the department could move forward with its accounting plan, so long as it was completed by 2006 for most accounts and 2007 for large-dollar accounts. But he rejected several limits the Bush administration sought to impose on the project in an effort to keep costs down. A broad accounting could end up costing as much as $2.4 billion, the Office of Historical Trust Accounting (OHTA) has estimated. In their letter, Hayworth and Kildee said OHTA's proposed limits were "arbitrary." But to the lawmakers who control the government's purse strings, they were necessary in order to protect funding for other Indian programs. Reps. Charles Taylor (R-N.C.) is the chairman and Norm Dicks (D-Wash.) is the ranking member of the subcommittee that puts together Interior's budget bill. They have used their positions of power to question the more than $700 million that Interior has spent on trust reform, and their latest rider was developed as part of a joint House-Senate conference committee working on a final version of the $20 billion package. The final version is not yet ready but the rider was circulated to members of Congress starting on Wednesday. It states: That nothing in the American Indian Trust Management Reform Act of 1994, Public Law 103-412, or in any other statute, and no principle of common law shall, be construed or applied, to require the Department of the Interior to commence or continue the historical accounting ordered by the District Court in Cobell v. Norton at the conclusion of Phase 1.5 of that proceeding, until any and all appellate review of Phase 1.5 orders has been completed. The language is attached to the section of the bill for the Office of Special Trustee (OST). OST, headed by Bush appointee Ross Swimmer, requested $130 million in fiscal year 2004 to carry out various historical accounting activities for the IIM trust and for some tribal trust accounts. According to a Congressional aide, the rider could be stricken from the budget bill before it sees a final vote. But lawmakers could also wage a battle on the House and Senate floor to remove it. "We believe that there are many in Congress who understand the problem with this type of deep interference with the judicial process and an attempt to legislatively limit the enforcement rights of beneficiaries," said Harper. "We think that they will fight vigorously to support Indian Country." Copyright c. 2000-2003 Indianz.Com. --------- "RE: Democrat Plan for Minority and Indian Health" --------- Date: Wed, 22 Oct 2003 08:53:28 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="INDIAN HELTH PLAN" http://www.indianz.com/News/archives/002135.asp Democrats lay out plan for minority and Indian health Wednesday, October 22, 2003 Accusing Republicans and the Bush administration of ignoring Native Americans, Congressional Democrats on Tuesday unveiled a legislative initiative to improve minority health care. As part of a larger effort to highlight domestic issues, the Democrats said the Healthcare Equality and Accountability Act of 2003 will expand health coverage for minorities, address health disparities and ensure adequate funding for American Indians and Alaska Natives. "Our bill will make adequate funding for the Indian Health Service mandatory so that we can finally stop the shameful rationing of Indian health care," said Senator Minority Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota. Daschle was joined by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California and Rep. Frank Pallone of New Jersey, the Democratic co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus. Both drew attention to the high rates of disease experienced by racial and ethnic minorities, and said those problems were linked to limited funding and resources. "Because of minorities not being fully in the loop," said Pelosi, "African-Americans suffer from diabetes at a rate of 70 percent higher than White Americans and Native Americans suffer from it at three times the average rate." "The disparities that exist between Native Americans and the general population are incredible," added Pallone, citing high death rates from disease including diabetes, pneumonia, tuberculosis and alcoholism. The bill, to be introduced next week, will make funding for IHS an entitlement like Medicare or social security. Calling the levels of funding to IHS an "embarrassment," Pallone said this provision will ensure the federal government is meeting its trust responsibilities. The legislation elevates the director of the IHS to an assistant secretary of health within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). "It's very important to prioritize that position," Pallone said. Tribal leaders and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) have been pushing elevation for several years. These two goals are also contained in the recently introduced Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which is currently under debate in the House and Senate. The House Resources Committee and the Senate Indian Affairs Committee have held joint hearings to reauthorize several health programs. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.), chairman of the Indian committee, has introduced a version of the bill in the Senate. The entitlement provision draws attention to funding battles between Democrats and Republicans. Although members of both parties have voted to increase the IHS budget, which stands at about $3 billion, Democrats say their colleagues are backing away from specific pledges. In September, Republicans in the Senate voted down two provisions to boost IHS funds. They cited a need to stay within federal budget rules and guidelines. Some were also concerned about shifting money away from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. "Over the last five years, well over $1 billion in new money has been provided in order to improve health care within our Native American community," said Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) at the time. "Within the extremely limited resources . . . we've been responsive to the needs of the Native Americans." According to statistics compiled by Daschle, the federal government spends $3,800 per prisoner on health care but only $1,900 for every Native American patient. In some areas, notably on the Navajo Nation, IHS spends a meager $800 per patient. A study released by the Institute of Medicine called attention to the lagging health care of the nation's minorities. Other reports, including a recent one from the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, highlight funding disparities for Native Americans. Copyright c. 2000-2003 Indianz.Com. --------- "RE: Stevens unapologetic in Speech to Alaska Natives" --------- Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 09:14:33 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="STEVENS SPEECH" http://www.indianz.com/News/archives/002193.asp Stevens unapologetic in speech to Alaska Natives Monday, October 27, 2003 Saying "sovereignty is not the answer" for Alaska's tribes, Sen. Ted Stevens (R) on Friday defended himself against accusations of racism before the largest gathering of Alaska Natives. In a videoaped speech to the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN), the powerful chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee sought to counter controversy over remarks that have Native leaders fuming. Pointing to his record on Native issues, which includes telling white-owned businesses to take down their "No Natives Allowed" signs to bringing millions in federal dollars to the state, he said he was hurt by the criticism. "To be called a 'racist' after more than 50 years of dedicated service to Alaskans, particularly Alaska Natives, is something I will not forget," Stevens said on the tape. "It is a stain on my soul." But Alaska's senior senator was unapologetic over his push to change the way more than 220 tribes in the state receive federal funds. Stevens has authored legislation that would shift the money to the state and to regional Native entities, a move tribal leaders and their advocates see as an attack on their sovereign rights. Stevens framed the debate a different way. Not only would exercising sovereignty create jurisdictional disputes, he told delegates that they wouldn't be able to make decisions affecting their own land "without Uncle Sam's permission" and said the Bureau of Indian Affairs would mismanage their assets. "Tribal sovereignty is not the answer to the problems Alaska Natives face," he said. "It merely brings authority to some, power to others, and legal fees to advocates that bring incessant litigation." Earlier this month, Stevens told the Alaska media that it was impossible to fund each and every village due to budget constraints. That explanation, while disputed by Native leaders, wasn't what got him in trouble. It was his statement that tribes threaten the state by exerting their sovereignty. A comment about the exploding Native population didn't help either. Friday's speech to the AFN annual convention, held at the Egan Center in Anchorage, did little to quiet the controversy. Native leaders saw Stevens as overly defensive and weren't satisfied with the justification he gave for his campaign. "The services that we provide currently are in jeopardy," Mike Williams, president of Alaska's Inter-Tribal Council, told KNBA FM, which provided continuous coverage of the AFN meeting. "Suggesting that the state of Alaska has a better answer to our problems. . . I disagree with that." In a speech to delegates on Thursday, AFN president Julie Kitka said she was alarmed by Stevens' proposals. But she also said it was up to Alaska Natives to respond to some of the issues he has raised. She called on the creation of a "blue ribbon" federal commission to examine them. On Saturday, AFN passed a resolution endorsing the "Commission on Fiscal and Governmental Relations." Composed of tribal, state and federal officials. it's task would be to provide recommendations on improving delivery of federal services to Alaska Natives. Keeping the funding issue separate from tribal status is a critical one, Kitka said. But in his speech, Stevens traced the source of his concern to the Bureau of Indian Affairs' decision to recognize every Alaska tribe. "It's a problem that developed because the former director of BIA, Ada Deer, decreed that every Alaska Native village was a tribe, leading many to assert there are now 231 Alaskan tribes," he told delegates. In October 1993, the BIA placed Alaska's tribes on the list of federally recognized entities, ensuring them equal status with tribes in the lower 48 states. But Alaska tribes differ from their counterparts in important ways, including small membership and limited territorial jurisdiction. Nevertheless, tribal leaders in the state have sought to assert their powers by establishing housing departments, court systems and law enforcement units, among other activities. The tribes provided critical services, particularly in rural areas where state dollars don't reach. Through a rider in an appropriations bill, Stevens is cutting off federal funds for village courts and law enforcement. The language forces the Department of Justice to send the money to the state instead. Separately, Stevens is considering another rider that would redirect federal housing funds to regional Native organizations. Some are affiliated with for-profit corporations that Stevens helped create with the passage of the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. The corporations are not tribes. The AFN convention ended Saturday. An estimated 4,000 Natives from across the state attended three days of meetings, speeches and cultural events. A separate conference for youth and elders was held Monday through Wednesday. Copyright c. 2000-2003 Indianz.Com. --------- "RE: Only 3 of 12 recognized Sioux Code Talkers remain" --------- Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 09:14:33 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="TIME TO HONOR SHORT" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/2003/10/27/news/local/top/news01.txt Only three of 12 recognized Sioux code talkers remain By Kevin Abourezk, Lee Enterprises WANBLEE - The old soldier with skin like cracked mud squints now, trying to recall that killing field. He watched dozens of soldiers and friends die all around him. He struggles to understand why he was saved from all that hell. And he can only attribute it to a prayer. As bullets and shrapnel from grenades rained down around him, Clarence Wolf Guts whispered a promise in his Lakota tongue. Wakantanka waglikte wachi, hechel chazenitaki gluonihasa. Bring me home God, and I will praise your name always. Navajo code talkers are the most famous group of American Indian soldiers to use their language to confound America's enemies in World War II. Most served in the Pacific with the U.S. Marines, relaying messages from island battlefields to nearby gun ships and aircraft. The 450 Navajo code talkers sent radio messages using a code based on their language. Even fluent Navajo speakers who did not know the code could not have interpreted their messages. The code was never broken. Later, the Navajo were the subject of books and movies, including last year's "Windtalkers." That attention eclipsed the efforts of Indian soldiers from at least 15 other tribes who used their languages to fight the Japanese and Germans in World War II. Kenneth Townsend, a history professor at Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina and author of "World War II and the American Indian," said Navajo code talkers deserve the recognition. But other tribes shouldn't be forgotten. "It is equally important to remember they were but a few men among a much larger body of men who served their nation, their communities, their families, and, most critically, their comrades in arms," he said. Among the tribes that sent code talkers to war: Assiniboine, Cherokee, Choctaw Kiowa, Comanche, Menominee, Muskogee Creek, Navajo, Pawnee, Seminole and Sioux. Now, nearly 60 years after the end of World War II, congressional leaders are working to recognize code talkers. The Code Talkers Recognition Act, introduced in March by Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., would honor all Indian code talkers with the Congressional Gold Medal. But it has not made it past the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, according to an aide to Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., a co- sponsor of the bill. Last year, former Rep. John Thune, R-S.D., helped a similar bill move through the House of Representatives. But it never made it past the Senate. "We certainly wanted to recognize a number of tribes around the country, but especially the Sioux," Thune said. Time is running out. Only three of 12 recognized Sioux code talkers remain. Two live in South Dakota, one of them on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and one in Gregory. The third lives on Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana. He was looking for a way out. A way to escape a father who liked to drink and wake his son by whipping him with a rope. One evening, the 17-year-old packed his things and left his father's home. Shirley Quentin Red Boy, now 82, never looked back. He had always been a good shot, hunting deer and elk in the backwoods of northern Montana. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, he got to put his hunting skills to use. At the time, he was part of an all-Indian infantry company stationed in San Francisco and charged with loading ships bound for the Pacific. One Sunday, he awoke to reports of civilians killed by stray bullets and ships bombed to oblivion in a place called Pearl Harbor. A few weeks later, he boarded a supply ship headed for Hawaii, where he saw ships smoldering in the bay and bodies being loaded into giant pits. His unit was sent to guard the north shore of Oahu, the island where Pearl Harbor is. To kill time, he and his friend, Herman Red Elk, would sing songs to each other in Dakota using their field telephones. As they scanned the ocean, they relayed messages in Dakota. Because the language didn't include words to describe military machinery, they developed their own. The Dakota word for mosquito, chapunka, came to describe a small aircraft. Dragonfly, tuswecha, meant a large bomber. Fish, hogan, was a submarine. Turtle, keye, meant a tank. When another soldier told a lieutenant about their use of Dakota, the officer paid them a visit. "When he first asked me about it, I asked him if we were doing anything wrong," Red Boy said. No, the officer said. In fact, he thought it was a clever way to protect their lines of communication. Before he left the beach, he told the men, "You might save lives." Little has been written about the contribution of Sioux code talkers during World War II. Townsend, the historian, said Yankton Sioux were first used during World War I to transmit messages. Later, they used their language to call in artillery strikes in North Africa, Sicily and Normandy. However, historians continue to debate whether any Sioux actually "spoke code" during World War II. Indeed, some say only the Comanche and Navajo used code during the war. Using code was different from merely sending messages using the unaltered words of an Indian language, Townsend said. Although the language would form the foundation for a code, a code was essentially a new language. For the most part, Sioux soldiers sent messages only in emergency situations, when communication lines were severed or a unit was about to be overrun, he said. Yet, perhaps even more remarkable to some is that young Sioux men would join the military at all, considering the tribe's troubled past with the U. S. government, he said. In fact, for years before the war, the government forced Sioux children to attend boarding schools, where they were punished if they spoke their native tongue. The four soldiers sat on a dock pounding on empty beer boxes, imagining they were Dakota singers around a drum. The war was over. And Clarence Wolf Guts was trying to forget the confusion, the deprivation, the horror. He had spent 3-1/2 years fighting the Japanese and, now, guarding Tokyo. He was tired and homesick. The song he and his friends made up by pounding on beer boxes would be one of his few war souvenirs and one of many memories. He and his cousin, Iver Crow Eagle, joined the Army together in June 1942. The United States had been at war with Japan for seven months, and the young men from Pine Ridge wanted to join the fight. They took basic training in Alabama, where Wolf Guts first heard of the code talkers. One day, a general called him into his office. "I thought, 'What the heck did I do now?'" Wolf Guts said. He asked Wolf Guts if he could speak Sioux. Wolf Guts told him there were three dialects of Sioux - Lakota, Nakota and Dakota - and that he could speak and write Lakota. The officer asked if he could learn to operate a radio. Yes, he responded. After the meeting, Wolf Guts helped develop a phonetic alphabet based on Lakota, he said. That alphabet was later used to develop a Lakota code. He and three other Sioux code talkers eventually joined the Pacific campaign, jumping from island to island, pushing the Japanese ever farther back toward their homeland. Wolf Guts' primary job was transmitting coded messages from a general to his chief of staff in the field. When it was over, Wolf Guts never forgot the promise he made. To this day, the 79-year-old continues to pray to God, thanking the creator for allowing him to return. "All my boys, my buddies, they're all gone now," he said. "I often wonder, 'Why, why am I alive?'" As he lay in a hospital bed under a tent in New Guinea, Charlie Whitepipe watched the transport ships sail away, taking with them the soldiers of his unit, his friends. He was sick. Sick with jungle rot and malaria, diseases earned from months spent up to his neck in flooded foxholes. Now, he would be sent home, a casualty of war. He would tell his son many years later that his unit "got clobbered" on its next mission. "I didn't feel any regrets," he said about leaving the Pacific. Whitepipe never got to use his Lakota language in combat. Nor was he ever taught to use a code based on Lakota. He spent nearly two years in New Guinea, a forward observer and radioman for an artillery unit stationed on the American-occupied island. When it was learned he could speak Lakota, his commanding officers made plans to have Whitepipe transmit messages to a Lakota-speaking Crow soldier in case the unit's communications were cut. The plans were never carried out, because communications were never severed. And Whitepipe never got to meet the Crow soldier whose first name he only remembers as "Gerard." "A lot of that I forgot," he says, an elder now sitting at his dining room table beside his son and daughter. The 85-year-old's memories come and go now, like the autumn leaves outside his bedroom window. Still, one memory continues to bring him joy. The day he returned home from the war, he caught his mother by surprise as she stood in a pool hall in Mission. "She pretty near collapsed." Contact Kevin Abourezk at 1-402 473-7237 or kabourezk@journalstar.com Copyright c. 2003 The Rapid City Journal. --------- "RE: Famous Dave gets warm D.C. Welcome" --------- Date: Wed, 22 Oct 2003 08:53:28 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="DAVE ANDERSON WELCOME" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/local/7079089.htm 'Famous Dave' gets warm D.C. welcome BY TOM WEBB Pioneer Press October 23, 2003 WASHINGTON - "Famous Dave" Anderson, an Ojibwe Indian and successful barbecue restaurateur from Minnesota, was approved 13-0 by a U.S. Senate panel Wednesday to lead the troubled Bureau of Indian Affairs. The vote followed an upbeat confirmation hearing that included warm testimonials from Midwest tribal leaders, a positive Oprah video and Anderson himself leading a prayer. Senator after senator praised Anderson's talents, his outreach to young Indians and his life-changing personal story, although many also warned about the difficult job that lies ahead. The job is "one of the most important, and probably the most difficult, in the federal government," said Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, R-Colo. And if Anderson can solve the BIA's troubles as assistant secretary for Indian affairs, the senator later joked, "We might build a statue to you." Confirmation by the full Senate could come as soon as this week, probably by a unanimous vote, a committee aide said. It would make Anderson the top Minnesotan in the Bush administration. The position is just below Cabinet level. At the hearing, Anderson quickly resolved the lone objection that had been raised to his appointment: his long-standing ties to Plymouth businessman Lyle Berman, who has four Indian casino projects awaiting BIA approval. Anderson promised that, if confirmed, he would recuse himself from any decisions involving Berman, sell all his remaining stock in a gambling concern called Park Place, and resign as chairman of the Famous Dave's chain of 88 rib restaurants. Anderson, 50, gave a message brimming with hope, self-respect, responsibility and optimism. Although he's been involved in tribal matters for many years, Anderson conceded he's hardly the nation's foremost authority on oft-complex Indian issues. He was nominated by President Bush, he believes, "because, in my lifetime, I have overcome many formidable adversities, and I never quit." He hopes to foster that can-do spirit in tribal communities across the country, akin to what he has tried to do through his LifeSkills center in Minneapolis for Indian young people, which he founded and financed with millions of his own money. "I really believe that, today, it isn't that the federal government is irresponsible or that the BIA is inefficient," Anderson told the committee. "I really believe that the reasons why we have the things that we face on our reservations - the high alcoholism rates, the dropout rates, the high suicide rates - these are really symptoms of young people growing up without hope. "I hope that my story will impact the youth of tomorrow, because they will be our next leaders," he added. TURNING LIFE AROUND Anderson mentioned both his life's high and low points Wednesday. He said he'd been a below-average student in school - making "the top half possible," he said - and drank so much that he ended up in alcohol and chemical abuse treatment. He went through bankruptcy. But then he turned his life around, he said, by accepting "100 percent responsibility for changing the character of who I was." Today, his resume includes a master's degree from Harvard University, partnering to form the lucrative Grand Casinos gaming company, helping launch the Rainforest Cafe chain, then launching Famous Dave's barbecue restaurants, which can now be found in half of the 50 states. "He is a great business leader, a humble and remarkable public servant and, finally, a barbecuer extraordinaire," said Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn. Later citing Anderson's charitable work, Coleman added, "There is no question that Dave Anderson has been doing the Lord's work; now it's time to give him a shot at helping Uncle Sam do his." BIA CHALLENGES Anderson may need a miracle. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is widely perceived as one of the government's most troubled agencies, viewed warily both by the American Indian communities it is supposed to serve as well as by many outsiders. Yet the scope of the bureau's reach makes it critical, too, touching a wide swath of Indian health and education, Indian gaming and land issues, along with other elements among distinct and sovereign tribes. Audrey Bennett, president of the Prairie Island Indian Community, testified: "Our cultures are eroding with the passing of time. Land issues threaten our senses of community, and many tribes continue to struggle for economic development capable of sustaining their governments. And many of our children are not getting the education they need.... The BIA, for all its faults, remains a critical resource for addressing and helping meet these challenges." Anderson was asked how he would improve the BIA. He "respectfully" demurred, saying he would need time to become more familiar with the complexities. Replied Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii: "You needn't be apologetic. We've been working on this for more than 100 years, and we're still trying to find the answer." On two other issues important to tribal communities, Anderson gave direct responses. Asked about sovereignty, he vowed to "do everything in my power to protect the sovereignty of native peoples." Asked about tribal gaming, he replied, "We have to manage those resources appropriately," but then warned against letting "our people have an easy way. I think that gaming is only an opportunity that you use as a stepping stone, and you need to use it as a beginning, a developing point, so you can go on and invest in other areas." Anderson's parents, his wife, one son and other relatives were on hand for the confirmation hearing. After the 13-0 vote, he was asked if he was daunted by the job ahead. "I don't think any more than any of the other challenges I've faced in life," Famous Dave said, smiling. Copyright c. 2003 St. Paul Pioneer Press, TwinCities.com. --------- "RE: Trinity River offer rejected" --------- Date: Wed, 22 Oct 2003 08:53:28 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SALMON" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.redding.com/top_stories/local/20031021toplo029.shtml Trinity River offer rejected Hoopa tribe, feds say more water needed for salmon Alex Breitler Record Searchlight October 21, 2003 The federal government and the Hoopa tribe have rejected a settlement that would have bolstered flows down the Trinity River, though not as much as officials had promised. The settlement offer by Westlands Water District would have pumped river flows up to 92 percent of those mandated in the 2000 Trinity River restoration decision. It also would have ended a legal stalemate that began in 2001 when Westlands sued to block the decision. The district, which serves 600 large farms in the San Joaquin Valley, says farmers depend on water diverted from the Trinity since the 1960s. Westlands spokesman Tupper Hull said the district was disappointed by the rejection. "We continue to believe the settlement proposal was based on good science, was fair and would have resulted in the restoration of the Trinity River fishery," Hull said Monday. River advocates, however, were lukewarm at best from the beginning, saying last week's offer was nothing more than a public relations move. In a letter to the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hoopa tribal Chairman Lyle Marshall said the Westlands proposal had "no credible biological or scientific justification." He claimed that the district's consultants spent two to four weeks preparing it, in contrast to 20 years of study that went into the restoration decision three years ago. Marshall could not be reached for comment Monday, but his letter also said that Westlands scientists had no direct experience or knowledge of the Trinity River. "We listened to their proposal in good faith and had our scientists analyze it," but found no new science, said tribal Councilman Joe Jarnaghan. When compared with the record of decision - not with current river levels - the plan leaves less water in the river most years, the tribe said. However, a federal judge has capped river levels due to litigation, so the settlement would have meant higher flows for now, Hull said. "I think the next step is that it's up to others to develop a reasonable and fair proposal or to let the litigation run its course," he said. Bureau of Reclamation spokesman Jeff McCracken said the government will continue to rely on the original Trinity River flow evaluation. That evaluation, prepared in 1999 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, links historic water diversions with a decline in the salmon runs. More than 100 miles of Trinity River fish habitat had already been blocked when the Lewiston and Trinity dams were built. Since then up to 90 percent of the Trinity's water has been diverted for agriculture. Within a decade of the start of those diversions, adverse effects on fish were obvious, the evaluation said. Average spawning populations of spring- and fall-run chinook salmon dropped 68 percent. Large numbers of returning fish since 1978 have typically been hatchery-produced, with natural fish accounting for as little as one-third of their spawning runs. Before diversions, high flows scoured the riverbed, moving gravel bars and allowing the river to meander in its classic "S" shape. When those high flows were gone, streamside vegetation moved into the river channel and formed berms along the edges. The series of alternating riffles and deep pools in which salmon thrive were gone. The record of decision called for anywhere from 368,000 acre-feet of water per year to 815,000, depending on precipitation. The judge's order has capped flows at 452,600 acre-feet. The Westlands proposal would have ranged from 340,000 to 815,000 acre-feet. Reporter Alex Breitler can be reached at 225-8344 or at abreitler@redding.com. Copyright c. 2003 Record Searchlight - The E.W. Scripps Co. --------- "RE: Government, Tribe struggle over Values" --------- Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 09:14:33 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SPOKANE/SALMON" http://www.spokesmanreview.com/news-story.asp?date=102603&ID~tribal_news Government, tribe struggle over values Spokane Tribe wants compensation for culture devastated by dam's construction John Craig Staff writer October 26, 2003 Where Spokane Tribe members see a lost way of life, government officials see real estate. That difference is frustrating the tribe's efforts to be compensated for flooding caused by Grand Coulee Dam. In the government's way of thinking, the relatively small dam site is equal in value to all the land taken for Lake Roosevelt. Federal officials want to pay the Spokane Tribe at roughly half the rate paid to the Colville Confederated Tribes, whose reservation contains what Woody Guthrie called the biggest thing built by the hand of a man. The U.S. government has agreed since 1933, when Congress decided to build Grand Coulee Dam, that the Spokane and Colville tribes should be paid for land taken by the project. But it took more than 60 years for the Colvilles to get their first check, which arrived in 1995. The Spokanes are still waiting, although two bills in Congress are aimed at ending the wait. The sticking point is that the government won't give the Spokanes the same deal as the Colvilles. Or, depending on how you look at it, the government insists on giving the Spokanes exactly the same deal. Colville tribal members split a $53million check for back payments in 1995. Each of 8,231 members got $5,988. Since then, tribal members have split annual payments ranging from about $14million to almost $22million, depending on power production and prices. All the money goes directly to tribal members. Spokane Tribe Chairman Warren Seyler said tribal leaders have made no decision on how any settlement would be distributed. Some likely would go directly to tribal members, "but the majority is going toward building a future for the tribe," he predicted. That means applying the money to things such as education, economic development, health programs and other government operations, Seyler said. Legislation pending in Congress would give the 2,300-member Spokane Tribe about $80million in inflation-adjusted back payments and annual payments that equal roughly 39percent of those that go to the Colville tribes. But the Bush administration objects to giving the Spokanes more than 19 percent of what the Colvilles get. The Colville tribal government has taken no position on the issue, a spokesman said. Salmon eaters In part, the dispute may reflect a cultural difference. Government officials view the Spokane Tribe's claim in terms of the value of the 7,000 megawatts of electricity Grand Coulee Dam generates. Without the strategic real estate under the dam, there would be no electricity for seven cities the size of Seattle. "The dam site is actually the place where most of the value is generated," said Roy Fox, manager of federal hydro projects for the Bonneville Power Administration. Ask any real estate agent: The three most important things about real estate are location, location and location. Based on that principle, federal officials continue to stick with a formula Secretary of Interior Harold Ickes proposed in 1934. Ickes called for payments to the Colville Tribes to be based half on the dam site and half on the upstream land flooded by Lake Roosevelt. The Spokane Tribe should be paid only for its portion of flooded land, Ickes suggested, because their land doesn't touch the dam. Under a veneer of complicated clauses, that formula is still the core of government policy on the issue. It's at the heart of the settlement with the Colville Confederated Tribes, which was modeled on a deal for Kerr Dam flooding of the Flathead Reservation in Montana, Fox said. So the Bush administration holds that, if everything else were equal, the Spokanes would be entitled to only half as much as the Colvilles because of where Grand Coulee Dam is located. The Spokanes figure an upstream acre is worth as much as an acre under the dam. In their view, Grand Coulee Dam would be useless concrete without Lake Roosevelt. They also note that they would have been bound by no such arbitrary formula if the dam had been built by Washington state as originally planned. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rules would have required only that a settlement be negotiated. Anyway, the Spokanes don't think of their contribution to the dam as a real estate transaction, Seyler said. Tribal members want to be compensated for a loss they measure in salmon, not megawatts. In that sense, Seyler said, the Spokanes' loss actually was greater than the Colvilles'. While salmon still come to a corner of the Colville Reservation, the Spokanes' salmon fishery was destroyed. "Our life, culture, economy and religion centered on the rivers," Seyler said in testimony earlier this month before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the House Committee on Resources. "We were known by our neighboring tribes as the Salmon Eaters." Seyler said his tribe called the Spokane River, which also was affected by Grand Coulee Dam, the "Path of Life" because "it was and is the center of our life." Tribal members lived and died near the Spokane and Columbia rivers, and their graves now are regularly exposed by rising and falling reservoir levels. A long wait Rep. George Nethercutt and Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell have submitted bills that adopt the Spokane Tribe's position in the dispute. Both bills would give the Spokanes what the Colvilles got, adjusted down to 39percent on the basis of acreage. The Cantwell-Murray bill would require the entire package -- both a retroactive payment and ongoing annual payments -- to be paid by the Treasury. Nethercutt's bill would have the Bonneville Power Administration handle the ongoing payments, as the BPA does for the Colville tribes. The BPA's Fox said the electricity-marketing agency is prepared to make ongoing payments to the Spokanes if the Treasury picks up the back payments. But the BPA says the Spokanes should get 19 percent of what the Colvilles get, roughly half of what the proposed legislation offers. Fox said that percentage reflects not only the fact that the Spokanes didn't contribute the dam site, but that they don't pose as much threat in court as the Colvilles did. BPA and other government officials were willing to pay the Colvilles a premium because they had a valid legal claim pending in federal court, Fox said. That brings up another quirky historical artifact of the kind found only in Indian Country. Except for some token payments, the Colville and Spokane tribes failed to reap the promised benefits when Grand Coulee Dam was completed in 1940. So they sent a joint delegation to Washington, D.C., to discuss the matter with federal officials. Unfortunately, Seyler said, the meeting was on Dec. 10, 1941, three days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The delegates were told their case would have to wait. After the war, in 1946, Congress established an Indian Claims Commission and gave tribes five years to file claims for historic grievances. Seyler said the isolated Spokane Tribe, represented by the Bureau of Indian Affairs office on the Colville Reservation, got no formal notice. Seyler said the Spokanes found out about the claims deadline in 1951 and filed in the nick of time. He noted that the tribe's first formal government was formed only two months before the filing deadline. Neither the Spokanes nor the Colvilles included Grand Coulee Dam in their claims. Seyler said they understood that only old grievances, not those involving ongoing conduct, were to be included. The Spokanes settled their claim in 1967, but the Colvilles held out for another decade. By 1975, Seyler said, the rules were changed to encompass ongoing issues, and the Colvilles were allowed to amend their claim to include Grand Coulee Dam. It was that amended claim that gave the Colville tribal government leverage to negotiate the Grand Coulee settlement Congress approved in 1994. With no claim to amend, the Spokane Tribe had no leverage except a clause in the Indian Claims Commission Act calling for "fair and honorable" treatment of tribes. Seyler is optimistic that Congress will embrace that standard and pass one of the current bills. "I think a lot of members of Congress are positive about trying to resolve the issue," Seyler said. "They see the injustice of it." Copyright c. 2003 Idaho Spokesman-Review. --------- "RE: Global event to honor Earth's Waters" --------- Date: Thu, 23 Oct 2003 08:27:43 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="N-AQUIFER" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.navajohopiobserver.com/~P=836964&S=392&PubID=11458 Global event to honor N-aquifer and all earth's waters October 22, 2003 KYKOTSMOVI - The Black Mesa Trust Hisot Navoti Conference on Thursday, Oct. 23, will gather worldwide support as participants join in a global honoring of the life-sustaining waters of the Earth. At noon, conference panelists and guests will say in unison the words, "Water, we love you. Water, we respect you. Water, we thank you." All over the world-at exactly noon local time-people will repeat the honoring statements, so the event will move in space and time around the globe through the 24 time zones. The event is being coordinated in Tokyo as a result of Black Mesa Trust Executive Director Vernon Masayesva's recent trip to Japan, where he met with scholars and Shinto priests, as well as presenting a keynote speech. During the visit, Masayesva and his wife, Becky, met with researcher Dr. Masaru Emoto, chief of Hado Institute in Tokyo and author of the two- volume work "Message from Water." Dr. Emoto investigates hado (rhymes with shadow), which he defines as "the intrinsic vibrational pattern at the atomic level in all matter. The smallest unit of energy. Its basis is the energy of human consciousness." Dr. Emoto has taken revolutionary photographs of water crystals under extremely high magnification. He has discovered that not only do waters from different sources crystallize into distinctive forms, but that those forms can be radically altered by projecting thoughts and feelings through written and spoken words, music, and visual images to the water as it crystallizes. Simply put, "water changes its expression" as a result of human actions. Black Mesa Trust will show a short video of Dr. Emoto's work during the Hisot Navoti conference, which will begin at 10 a.m. at the Hopi Veterans' Center in Kykotsmovi. Conference participants-Hopi, Acoma, Zuni, Laguna, Raramuri, Purepecha and Aztecan elders-will hold a roundtable discussion about the sacred significance of water to indigenous cultures, which, unlike global corporations, do not consider it to be a commodity that can be bought, sold and hoarded for profit or put to inappropriate uses. Dr. Emoto has asked Black Mesa Trust to collect water samples from a spring and from the N-aquifer and to keep those samples at the conference for its duration. After the conference Masayesva will then send the water to Dr. Emoto. The conference will end at 4 p.m. and an evening water blessing ceremony will be offered by the Aztecan guests. The public is invited. A $5 donation is suggested. Black Mesa residents may attend for free. Black Mesa Trust's second annual Water Fair is scheduled for the next day, Friday, Oct. 24, also at the Hopi Veterans' Center in Kykotsmovi. This day of educational activities, booths and demonstrations about the sustainable use of water and the cultures of Black Mesa will begin at 7:30 a.m. and continue to 3 p.m. This free event is geared to school children their teachers and parents. Black Mesa Trust's Reception and Benefit Auction previously scheduled for the evening of Oct. 25 has been postponed. 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, 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. Navajo-Hopi Observer Copyright c. 2003 Northern Arizona Newspapers, Inc. --------- "RE: Oneidas, State considering Tax Deal" --------- Date: Thu, 23 Oct 2003 08:27:43 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="NY ONEIDA TAX PLAN" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.syracuse.com/~/base/news-4/1066832343127140.xml Oneidas, state considering tax deal By WILLIAM KATES The Associated Press October 22, 2003 SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - The Oneida Indian Nation has almost completed a deal with the state that would allow the tribe to collect taxes on cigarettes and gasoline sold to non-Indians and keep it for tribal government services, a tribal attorney said Wednesday. The state would not receive any tax money under the deal. However, the taxes charged by the Oneidas would be equal to state taxes and would reduce - although not eliminate - the tribe's competitive advantages over non-Indian retailers, said tribal tax attorney Eric Facer. "After 18 months of negotiations, we are very close to wrapping this up with a written agreement. There are no major outstanding substantive issues. It will be before Dec. 1," Facer said. Beginning Dec. 1, the state is scheduled to begin collecting taxes on cigarettes and gasoline sold to non-Indians on Indian land. The tax will be imposed on wholesalers, who will collect it from retailers. Under the new tax regulations, if a tribe reaches an agreement with the state, it would be exempt from turning over the taxes. "What we are talking about is hardly a revolutionary idea," Facer said. "There are dozens of other tribes in states across the nation that have reached such agreements." Gov. George Pataki and the Mohawk Nation reached a similar agreement in May, but that has since been thrown into limbo following the election of new chiefs on the northern New York reservation. The Cayuga Indian Nation of New York made a similar offer in a letter to Pataki last week. The governor's office did not immediately return phone calls Wednesday seeking comment. The Oneidas operate 12 combination gasoline station-convenience stores and two cigarette shops in Oneida and Madison counties. The tribe also owns Turning Stone Casino, which has reported profits of $30 million annually. The tribe has not released revenue or profit figures for its cigarette and gasoline sales. Facer said the nation would lose millions of dollars in sales as well as market share because it would no longer have a big price advantage over non-Indian retailers. He said the gain in taxes - which he estimated at "seven figures" - would not be enough to offset the loss in revenues. Although it would receive no tax money from the Oneidas, the state would still benefit because it would be collecting tax money on the increased sales at non-Indian stores, he said. Some people now drive 20 to 30 miles to take advantage of the Oneida's significantly lower prices. If there is less savings, some shoppers will decide it is no longer worth it to make the drive and instead buy from local merchants, Facer said. Facer said imposing a tribal tax equal to state taxes would raise the nation's retail prices on cigarettes, which are about $10 less per carton than non-Indian retailers, to within $2 or $3 of those retailers. Gasoline prices would go up, too, but Facer said he didn't know how much. Prices at the Oneidas' gas stations generally fall within 10 cents of non- Indian service stations. The agreement also would include a number of "protective components" for the state, including minimum threshold prices for fuel and tobacco sold by the Oneidas. The state also would have the authority to audit the nation's books to make sure the tax money was being used for government services and programs and not being invested into Oneida business ventures, Facer said. Copyright c. 2003 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Copyright c. 2003 The Syracuse Post-Standard - Syracuse.com. --------- "RE: Homeowners given deadline by Oneidas" --------- Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 09:14:33 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ONEIDA EVICTIONS" http://www.theithacajournal.com/~/20031024/localnews/509033.html Homeowners given deadline by Oneidas October 24, 2003 The Associated Press ONEIDA, N.Y. - Residents involved in a politically charged battle over planned home demolitions on Oneida Indian land said they were given until Sunday to evacuate. "They just delivered the papers last night," resident Victoria Halsey said Thursday, " ... gave us four days to get out and nowhere to go." The dispute revolves around four trailer homes on the Oneida Indian Nation's ancestral land, about 30 miles east of Syracuse. An order given to residents tells them to evacuate and remove all their possessions from the trailers by Sunday. Tribal Council leaders have said the trailers were condemned by the tribe as part of a nearly decade-old program to improve housing conditions on nation land. But some of the roughly 20 residents and their supporters have claimed the demolition is a way of suppressing political dissent against Ray Halbritter, the Oneidas' federally recognized leader. "This has always been their desire - to be rid of our principles and to be rid of our traditions," said Diane Shenendoah. A statement released by Oneida Nation officials said they were obligated to make sure residents weren't living in housing that is unsafe, unsanitary and in violation of codes. "Claims in the media that actions by the Nation are anything other than in the interest of public safety are unmitigated lies," according to the statement. Oneida spokesman Jerry Reed added that he was not aware of any demolition date being set. Those facing eviction are traditionalists who do not recognize Halbritter as the tribe's leader and accuse him of acting like a dictator. In 1993, the traditional governing body of the Iroquois tribes stripped Halbritter of his leadership. Halbritter's spokesman has said the Grand Council has no authority in this area and that each Indian nation is a sovereign state. The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs recognizes Halbritter as the Oneida leader. Halbritter has been the driving force behind the Oneida's highly profitable Turning Stone Casino Resort. The trailer homes on the tribe's ancestral 32-acre reservation were scheduled for demolition in August, but that was put on hold while residents fought their case in court. The group of residents includes Halbritter's aunt, Maisie Schenandoah, a traditional clan mother, and her daughters Diane Shenendoah and Halsey. Oneida leadership no longer recognizes Schenandoah as a clan mother, a spokesman has said. Diane Shenendoah said she was optimistic an agreement could be reached to head off an eviction, but she said she has no plans to leave if last- minute talks fail. "We have every right to live here," she said, "and we're not leaving." Copyright c. 2003 The Ithaca Journal. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Oneida Tribal Court delays eviction" --------- Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 09:14:33 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ONEIDA EVICTIONS" http://www.syracuse.com/news/poststandard/~/1066985759275591.xml Tribal court delays eviction Four families told to leave their homes on the Oneida Nation may remain for now. October 24, 2003 By Glenn Coin Staff writer Four Oneida Indian families ordered to leave their homes by Sunday have been granted a temporary reprieve. Lawyer Barb Olshansky said the families might even receive housing money from the Oneida Indian Nation, something they have been denied for years because they have opposed tribal leadership. Nation spokesman Jerry Reed said he wasn't aware of any talks on housing money. Olshansky said she and nation lawyers will have a conference call Monday with the tribal court judge who ordered the evictions, Richard Simons. "I have had some preliminary discussions with (nation lawyer) Pete Carmen about trying to settle the whole matter in a way that's acceptable to everyone," Olshansky said. The four families were told this week they had to remove all their belongings and, by Sunday, move out of their trailer homes on Territory Road. Simons said the order won't be enforced while lawyers are still negotiating. Simons last week upheld a nation order to demolish the trailers. Reed said no date has been set for the demolition. The families are holding out hope that they will be able to stay on Territory Road, where some have spent their entire lives. "It's snowing out as I'm speaking here, and they're going to tell me they're going to destroy my house and make me homeless," said Vicky Schenandoah, a single mother with three children. "Where are my children supposed to go?" Also facing eviction is Schenandoah's sister, Diane, who has five children; Vicky and Diane's mother, Maisie Shenandoah, 72, a nation clan mother; and four members of the Thomas family. Maisie Shenandoah is the aunt of nation leader Ray Halbritter. The nation a year ago demolished the trailer of Danielle Schenandoah Patterson, another of Maisie's daughters. Patterson has three children. The trailers sit on the 32-acre tract known simply as the territory. For decades it was the only remnant of ancestral Oneida land still controlled by tribal members. In the early 1990s, the nation began buying land with bingo hall and casino profits and now owns more than 16,000 acres. Most Oneidas can receive a $50,000 grant to build new houses. The nation has cut off benefits to the Schenandoah and Thomas families, however, because they have spoken out against Halbritter's leadership. Reed said Thursday he was not aware of any change in the nation's stand toward those on Territory Road. The families claim the nation housing ordinances were written specifically so that their trailers would fail inspection. Simons disagreed, ruling last week that the nation's housing ordinances are similar to those of the state and municipalities. Simons said the trailers had serious code violations, including "inadequate supports, leaking roofs and water and sewer lines, hazardous electrical systems and inadequate heating systems." Copyright c. 2003 The Syracuse Post-Standard. Used with permission. --------- "RE: Shoshone Settlement remains Distant" --------- Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 09:14:33 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="WESTERN SHOSHONE LAND CLAIMS" http://www.rgj.com/news/printstory.php?id=55122 Shoshone settlement remains distant Doug Abrahms RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL October 26, 2003 WASHINGTON - A settlement for the Western Shoshone's long disputed land claims in Nevada has taken one step forward and one step back. The Senate last week voted to pay nearly $145 million to the Western Shoshone as reparations for ancestral land taken by the federal government. Eligible tribal members would get about $20,000 apiece to settle a 1977 land claims case. But opponents of the payout filed a lawsuit in federal district court earlier this month seeking to assert title to more than 60 million acres, mostly in Nevada, under a treaty signed with the U.S. government in 1866. The dispute over land claims dates back more than 50 years and seems destined to drag on, especially as tribal members remained divided over whether to accept a one-time payment from the government or continue seeking ownership of the land. "We're kind of stiff-necked about the situation and haven't caved in," said Raymond Yowell, chairman of the Western Shoshone National Council, which sued the federal government. "Time is not important to us - those who are close to the land." The battle over the tribe's land claims, which encompass the eastern half of Nevada, has been going on since the 1950s. The Indian Claims Commission ruled in 1972 that the federal government owed the Western Shoshones $26.2 million, which has since grown with interest to $145 million. In Congress, Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Reno, and Sens. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and John Ensign, R-Nev., offered legislation at the behest of some tribe members to distribute that money. Reid pushed the bill through the Senate in each of the last two sessions. "The tribal members came to him and asked him for help," said Tessa Hafen, Reid's spokeswoman. Many tribal members support the payment, including Felix Ike, chairman of the Te-Moak band of the Western Shoshone. Ike, who could not be reached for comment, told a House panel this summer that Western Shoshone voted to accept the payment. "Too many of our tribal members have passed away without benefiting from money that was set aside for them," he testified. "Although it cannot fully compensate us for the loss of our land and way of life, the claims money may help to make life better for the tribal members who receive a share." Jeff Herman, an attorney representing the Western Shoshones suing the federal government, said the congressional settlement money and court dispute over the land are separate issues. But the settlement makes it look like tribal members are trading their land claims for money, he said. About a dozen land-claims lawsuits are ongoing between tribes and the federal government, said John Dossett, general counsel for the National Congress of American Indians. Eventually, most cases get settled with the federal government supplying some amount of money and land, but those deals should be voluntary, he said. For Yowell and other tribal members opposing the congressional payment, the issue remains the U.S. government never obtained the right for the land signed under the Treaty of Ruby Valley. The tribe has no plans to contest title to land owned by homeowners or businesses but only the large tracts owned by federal agencies. The Bureau of Land Management manages 67 percent of Nevada's land, and the Forest Service and Defense Department control other areas. "It's a federal so-called landowner, that's who our fight is with," Yowell said. "Right now, the U.S. can't show how they got the land." Copyright c. 2002 The Reno Gazette-Journal. --------- "RE: Narragansett launch Seafood Business" --------- Date: Thu, 23 Oct 2003 08:27:43 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="TRIBAL SEAFOOD" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.projo.com/news/content/projo_20031023_ntribe23.59ea6.html Tribe launches seafood business The Narragansett Indians say the new company is one of several it plans to establish in the next few months. October 23, 2003 BY PAUL DAVIS Journal Staff Writer MASHANTUCKET, Conn. - Hundreds of years ago, the Narragansett Indians scoured Narragansett Bay for fish, quahogs and clams. Yesterday, the tribe launched a new business based on that coastal tie. The wholesale company, Narragansett Tribal Seafood Co-op, will sell lobster, flounder and other seafood to tribes, restaurants and businesses. Several private investors and a Narragansett seafood company will work with the tribal-owned company. "Seafood and the Narragansetts. This is a natural for us," said Tribal Councilwoman Paulla Dove Jennings. The tribe announced the new business -- one of several it plans to launch in the next few months, members say -- at the annual meeting of the United Southern and Eastern Tribes at the Foxwoods Resort Casino. "Years ago, lobsters and crabs and quahogs were so plentiful," said Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas. "We survived on a seafood diet. It's been a part of our history." Thomas, who addressed the conference yesterday morning, talked about sovereignty and the July 14 raid on the tribe's tax-free smoke shop in Charlestown. But before his talk, he introduced Mike Murphy, a salesman for the new company. Murphy held up a large purple logo showing an Indian with a spear, superimposed over a map of Rhode Island. "The finest seafood products in the nation," he said. The tribe's economic development commission worked on the business for more than half a year, Jennings said. During that time, members also worked on other business plans, including the Narragansett smoke shop. "There are a few more ventures planned," said Scott Perry, vice chairman of the commission. "The state needs to understand we're not just about gaming and tobacco." Although Governor Carcieri earlier offered to help the tribe launch nongaming companies, Perry said the state wasn't involved with the seafood venture. In addition to selling local seafood, the tribe will also sell sole and flounder from the Netherlands along with farm-raised shrimp from Vietnam and Indonesia, Perry said. He would not name the tribe's investors. "We know it will be a viable business." Perry, Jennings and other tribal members pitched the business from a booth in a Foxwoods ballroom, part of the annual meeting and business expo. A plate heaped with lobsters, shrimp, ice and lemon wedges crowded a small table. Tribal members collected business cards from attendees and handed out a list of seafood items, including scallops and swordfish steaks. The tribe plans to take orders through a Web site. "We need to make as much money as possible, to help pay for all these suits brought against us by Charlestown and the state," Jennings said. "It's economic development. Unfortunately, it's going for legal expenses" rather than to help tribal members with health, housing and other needs, she said. Over the past few decades, the tribe has considered a number of businesses, including bottling spring water on the tribe's land. On July 13, the tribe opened a tax-free tobacco shop on Route 2. But Carcieri said the tribe could not sell cigarettes without collecting state taxes, and ordered the state police to close the store. Tribal leaders -- who said they would only recognize federal papers -- resisted state troopers who tried to serve a state warrant, and the raid quickly escalated into a melee in the store's parking lot. Dave Nicholas, a special law enforcement agent with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, told convention goers that the issue of sovereignty is "too important" to be resolved in a parking lot. The raid pitted state police officers against federally recognized tribal police, placing both "in a tenuous situation," he said. The day after the raid, a newspaper referred to the tribe as "defiant" in a headline, Thomas said. "We were not being defiant. We were simply doing what we have an inherent right to do. The state ignored our status as a sovereign nation and threw our leaders to the ground. That was an awful thing to feel," said Thomas, who said the raid recalled the tribe's early history, when Colonial soldiers "quartered our sachems and stuck their heads on poles." Thomas urged leaders at the conference to form a committee to help tribes protect their sovereignty. At the tribe's request, the conference will sponsor a sovereignty and civil-rights rally at the casino today from 3 to 5 p.m., in the Grand Pequot Tower. "If they did it to us, they're going to do it to you," Thomas said. In fact, state and federal officials are chipping away at tribal sovereignty everywhere, said U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., of New Jersey. Pallone, a member of the Native American Caucus, said Oklahoma, Maine and New York are trying to impose taxes on tribal businesses "in an effort to increase revenue." Connecticut is trying to prevent some tribes from being federally recognized, he said. Lawmakers have made some progress in recognizing the needs of Native Americans, and may increase the money tribes receive for health care, he said. But "the threat to Indian sovereignty . . . is the greatest threat to Indian country," Pallone said. During a break in yesterday's program, Thomas said he has asked Carcieri to meet with him, in part to quash a rumor that the tribe wants to build a casino on 32 acres in Charlestown. The land, in federal trust, is earmarked for housing, he said. "We need to discuss this mythical casino, which has produced unwarranted attacks" on the tribe, Thomas said. "We're going after West Warwick for a casino. We've been trying to get into West Warwick for years." The Charlestown casino rumor, Thomas said, is being used "to beat us up and chip away at our sovereignty." Copyright c. 2003 Providence Journal - Belo Interactive, Inc. --------- "RE: $6 million for Native American Health Center" --------- Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 09:14:33 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="HEALTH CENTER" http://www.timesstar.com/Stories/0,1413,125~1486~1726362,00.html Feds award big grant to local center October 27, 2003 $6 million for Native American Health group to fight substance abuse By Paul T. Rosynsky, STAFF WRITER OAKLAND - The Fruitvale district-based Native American Health Center has received a $6 million injection to help cure the long-standing disease of substance abuse among Native families. "We have some pretty horrendous statistics," said Sandra Beauchamp, family services coordinator for the center. "We have been expanding our system of care for a number of years now and with this grant we can expand again." The center was one of seven agencies across the country that received funds from the latest round of grants given out by the federal government's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The administration awarded the funds last week as part of its Children's Mental Heath Initiative. It will give the center about $1 million a year for the next six years. "They just did outstanding work on the grant," said Jill Erickson, public health adviser for SAMHSA. "It was a very competitive process." The Native American Health Center will use the funds to develop a system in which various public agencies can share information and conduct outreach to Native American families suffering from substance abuse. "Right now, it is really hard to get children in here," Beauchamp said. "We are going to develop a system of care that goes out and gets the families who are struggling." According to Beauchamp, some 53 percent of Native American junior high school students use alcohol and 32 percent use marijuana. Of those children, 22 percent said they used alcohol weekly and 12 percent said they use marijuana weekly. With the new funds, the Native American Health Center will develop a four-pronged approach to help reduce the amount of Native Americans who abuse substances. The approach will include everything from developing a commission to make recommendations for the program, to a training institute that will provide information and outreach to public officials, staff members, various agencies and Native American parents. Erickson said part of the reason the center was chosen was its wide- ranging plan to develop outreach. In many cases, she said, programs for Native Americans are fragmented and difficult for a family to find and utilize. "These grants encourage a lot of collaboration between schools, mental health programs and any entity that serves children with special needs," Erickson said. "It will help to reduce duplication but also develop wrap- around programs." The federal government will monitor the health center's progress through site visits on the second and fourth year of the grant and through annual progress reports provided by the health center. While the program's initial goal is to serve Native Americans, Beauchamp said services will also be available for other residents of Oakland who live within the center's service area. "It's pretty exciting ... I can't tell you how wonderful it is to work with our children," Beauchamp said. Copyright c. 1999-2003 the Alameda Times-Star. --------- "RE: Cobell cited by Women's Leadership Exchange" --------- Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 20:54:30 -0500 From: "Bill McAllister" Subj: NATIVE AMERICAN LEADER CITED BY WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP GROUP FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NATIVE AMERICAN LEADER CITED BY WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP GROUP NEW YORK, Oct. 28-- Native American Leader Elouise C. Cobell, who has led the fight for a full accounting of trust funds held by the federal government for thousands of American Indians, is one of four women who will be honored Nov. 14 by the Women's Leadership Exchange. Ms. Cobell, a member of Montana's Blackfeet Tribe and executive director of the Native American Community Development Corp., will be presented with the exchange's Compass Award during a conference in New York. Lesley Visser, a CBS-TV Sport analyst, Dr. Kathy Magliato, a heart transplant surgeon from Los Angeles and Renetta McCann, chief executive of Starcom North America, a Chicago-based advertising agency will also be cited by the group. "I am honored to be in the company of these women," said Ms Cobell. "And I am happy to accept this honor, not for myself, but for the thousands of American Indian women who have contributed so much to the welfare of their tribes and native people for so many years." "I hope that with this award I can call attention to our continuing, seven-year fight with the federal government for the full and complete accounting of monies that the government has held in Individual Indian money accounts for decades," she said. "Despite repeated court orders, it is shameful that the government still has to yet to provide a complete accounting of the first Indian account." Ms. Cobell, who lives in Browning, Mt., is the lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit that has secured court rulings that the Interior Department breached its trust responsibilities to American Indians by its incompetent handling of the Indians' trust accounts. The accounts were established in 1887 to handle the proceeds from government-arranged leases of Indian lands in the West. Government officials have conceded that many of the records needed to reconcile the accounts have been lost and it will take years for them to discover of how much money should be in the accounts. Lawyers for Ms. Cobell and the Indians say that the government owes the Indians billions of dollars. Ms. Cobell, a winner of the 2002 International Women's Forum award for "Women Who Make A Difference," filed her lawsuit in 1996. She has funded the lawsuit with funds from a 1997 grant as a MacArthur fellow and from other foundations interested in social justice. Additional information on the award is available at www.womensleadershipexchange.com Information on the lawsuit is available at: www.indiantrust.com For additional information: Contact Bill McAllister 202-257-5385 (media calls only) --------- "RE: The Slow Progress of Understanding" --------- Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 09:14:33 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="UNDERSTANDING" http://www.native-voice.com/fullstory.cfm?ID=78 The Slow Progress of Understanding By Frank J. King III The times, they are a changing, evolving slowly like the ocean pounding the shores of our inner islands. It has always been difficult for human beings to comprehend the illusion of time. Like the little animals we are, we seldom realize that our existence is but the second hand clicking past the notches of the clock of universal nirvana. Hate, anger, jealousy, drama - all these things exist as human-made psychological pollution filling the subconscious air with the emotional soot of our own personal ignorance. And so we exist today trying to grasp the meaning of life out of the everyday rubble of politics, racism and stress. These factors forbid our emotional spirituality to grow from our evolved seeds that were planted for us by our ancestors long ago. We destroy ourselves unknowingly by misleading our own inner child into believing that adulthood is nothing more but a responsibility best left unprovoked. In this way the ignorant adults remain childish and the angry remain violent. Hate, as it seems, is easier to express then compassion. Through this we sever the spiritual plant at the root and allow the weed of Indian reservation to pollinate the seeds of our next generations. I have often said that alcoholism is a factor in the destruction of our people but these words, spoken or written, fall on deaf ears and unconcerned personalities. Alcoholism is the destroyer of our children, it is the emotional torturer of our children, and it is the bruise on the face of our grandchildren, yet many still evoke this demon every day to possess our sacred beings. Such is also true with racism. We cannot justify our racism toward another race because we aren't strong enough to confront the discriminator with pride and compassion. We cannot look at the issues if we are racists ourselves. Hate breeds hate; it's an evil that contaminates the walls of your soul. It seems that many have become the image of that which they have been advocating against, no matter what color they are. Isn't it ironic that we are all supposed to be civilized and yet we act out uncivilized behavior? Even the word civilized is looked upon as a racial slur just as the word god is. The obvious reasons we learn to hate other people is because of a total lack of the spiritual understanding our parents had of their religious teachings; many children today aren't taught that racism is against all religions, even native. All religions teach humanity. The key to solving the issues of humanity doesn't lie in a leader, or a government, but sit silently within us all. When we discover this sacred part in ourselves then we can see the truth in it all. We become confident in ourselves and so we find that we have been wasting a lot of time, energy, stress, and life fighting ourselves and our own insecurities when we could have been finding the answers in the teachings of the Great Spirit. When we awaken within ourselves and keep it to ourselves and discover that spirituality isn't something that we sell, or use against others or gain an ego from, then we can confront our addictions to the drugs of drama, stress, racism, and low self esteem. Only after this can we begin to heal the physical health of our nations. Spirituality is the all-curing medicine for all humanity. Yes, the times are changing, we are changing, but in order for us to have a small piece of nirvana we must use our spiritual teachings to look beyond the color of skin. We are all born with a gift to see beyond the issues; it is important that we seek truth in the lessons of everyday life. Take a good look around you and ask yourself `what do I see?' Look at the reservation, the community, the land that is our life giver; look at the leader and the children and you will see that we have been overlooking the reality that plagues us all. Humans today live in a reflection of themselves, and if it is an unhealthy environment then their health is physically effected; if the land is littered then they are internally littered with sickness; if the communities are violent then they are accepting violence as a normal behavior; if the people are consumed by alcohol then the minds of the people are hidden from all this reality. But also this applies to other races. If the parents are bigoted toward other races then the children become unknowingly taught and comfortable in their racist behavior, and how many times have the words `I am not racist' drifted from the lips of the ignorant like leaves in the fall? Human beings cannot unite; it's an impossibility, because the ego eats at the confidence of the soul replacing it with the root of racism and hate. When people hate themselves they develop an ego for a mask to hide their insecurities, they become the abusers of other human beings and are their own worst enemy because eventually they destroy themselves. Reconciliation isn't a useable term; it's a solvent to clean the dirty issues of racism. We must rely on the common ground in which we all live and together change the issues that divide us as a community. It is only through open dialog that we can mend the issues that affect our lives. Copyright c. 2002 The Native Voice, All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Proud time for Mohawk Grandmothers" --------- Date: Wed, 22 Oct 2003 08:53:28 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="MOHAWK LANGUAGE" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.canada.com/~id=c92fa476-1024-450c-aa94-282bc6e83993&disp=e&end Proud time for Mohawk grandmothers PEGGY CURRAN The Gazette October 22, 2003 As a little girl growing up in the 1950s, Tiorensawes Zachary loved to listen to her mother talking to her grandmother and great-uncle in their native Mohawk. But when they spoke to her, Tiorensawes answered in English, the new language she was learning from the nuns at school in Kahnawake. "My grandmother barely spoke more than a few words of English," said Zachary, 53. "She was always disappointed that I couldn't speak to her in our own language." A generation later, Karahkwe'nhawe Goodleaf, 22, learned Mohawk at the immersion school in Kahnawake. For conversation outside the classroom, she had to visit her great-grandmother. Her parents had never learned the language. It's a proud week for grandmothers. Zachary, Goodleaf and 15 other students from Kahnawake are to receive Certificates in Aboriginal Education at McGill University's fall convocation tomorrow. It's the first time the program, launched in 1993 in conjunction with the Cree School Board, has been offered in Mohawk. Last week, 23 Mi'kmaq students in Wagmatook, N.S., collected diplomas after completing a two- year program offered in Cape Breton through McGill's Office of First Nations and Inuit Education. Donna Lee Smith, director of the McGill program, said those who enroll know the native language, but must brush up oral and written skills before they can teach. It's hoped many will get a bachelor's of education. Most have found work as language assistants in neighbourhood schools in their communities. In doing so, they are helping to prop up indigenous languages, at risk from English, what Mark Abley, author of Spoken Here: Travels Among Threatened Languages, calls "the Wal-Mart of languages." Of the dozens of languages once spoken by Canada's aboriginal peoples, only Cree, Inuktitut and Ojibway are still relatively healthy. "All the others are at risk or have disappeared," Smith said. Among the endangered ones, Mohawk is in a better position than most. "There's so much passion behind the effort to have it stabilized. And there are Mohawk-speaking elders still young and energetic enough to take on the job of teaching the language to others. Elders like Dorothy (Karihwe'nhawe) Lazore, who started teaching Mohawk at Howard S. Billings High School in Chateauguay more than 30 years ago. When Kahnawake introduced an immersion program for elementary school in1981, Lazore was recruited to teach Grade 1 - and eventually became the school's principal. An Akwesasne Mohawk who speaks six languages, Lazore was an obvious choice when Eddie Cross, director of education services in Kahnawake, asked McGill to offer the program on the South Shore reserve. Lazore and Konwaronhia':wi Deer spent last year teaching McGill students at the United Church hall in Kahnawake. Now they're working on a curriculum to help Mohawk-language teachers explain grammar, legends and even traditional speech patterns. Cross said the program met a desperate need to replace teachers who were rapidly approaching retirement age. But with only about 5 per cent of adults in Kahnawake fluent in the language, the community is looking to bolster use of Mohawk beyond the classroom - through radio and TV broadcasts, the Internet and adult language lessons. Smith said aboriginal education programs have "a ripple effect" as students speak to their children, parents and pupils. Like Cross, however, she favours other initiatives to get people to speak indigenous languages on a daily basis. Yet after half a century of listening, Zachary finds she can't speak her language enough. She's proud to say she can read and write Mohawk, even prouder to be able to chat with her aunt in the mother tongue she was once too shy to speak. "Oh my gosh, it's who we are." pcurran@thegazette.canwest.com Copyright c. 2003 Montreal Gazette. --------- "RE: Zuni Woman shocked by Porn from Councilman" --------- Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 09:14:33 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ZUNI PORN" http://www.gallupindependent.com/10-25-03zuniwomanshockedby.html Zuni woman shocked by porn from councilman Apology sought for porn sent over gov't computers Tom Purdom Staff Writer October 25, 2003 PUEBLO OF ZUNI - A 47-year-old female tribal employee here was shocked to open her e-mail June 2, and find unsolicited and unwanted pornography on her government computer. She was even more shocked to discover it had been sent to her by Zuni Councilman Carleton Albert Sr. And then she found out that Albert got it from his friend, Mike Daney, who sent it via a Bureau of Indian Affairs computer at Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute, where he works as a cross country coach. Dancy Simplicio, a tribal real estate specialist, said the material she got was totally inappropriate for anyone to send over government computers, especially from an elected tribal official such as the head councilman. Simplicio filed a sexual harassment complaint against Albert with the tribal council. She said she wanted the entire tribal council to know about the situation. In addition, she sought a public apology from Albert and a fine donated in her name to the Zuni Women's Shelter, but no money for herself. What she ended up getting was a letter of apology from Gov. Arlen Quetawki Sr., not Albert who sent the e-mail. The council also suspended Albert three days without pay and fined him $515.64, which is the exact amount the tribe paid a special investigator to look into the case. "Is there no justice when you are dealing with an elected official?" Simplicio asked. "I've gone through enough pain and anguish and no one seems to care." Simplicio got the e-mail June 2. She wrote a letter of complaint addressed to Tribal Administrator Shirley L. Bellson on Aug. 13. The reason for the delay, Simplico said, was because a nephew close to her had been killed in a motorcycle accident. She got the e-mail on the day she returned to work after bereavement leave and she said her emotional state at the time was "fragile" at best. "It is my belief, that the members of the tribal council were aware of the death our nephew and why anyone would forward e-mail material of a sexual nature without consideration of another human being's feelings is beyond words," Simplicio said, adding that Albert's actions also violate the oath of office taken by elected officials. On Aug. 18, Simplico contacted Bellson. Simplico said she was concerned that the issue was not being shared with the entire council. In an Aug. 27, letter to Bellson, Simplicio said, "I asked if the tribal council knew about my complaint. You answered that you advised the governor and (lieutenant governor). I became concerned that it may not have been shared with the rest of the tribal council. My complaint was filed with you on August 13, 2003, and according to our conversation you only mentioned that this was taken up with the governor and (lieutenant governor) on August 15, 2003. Since my compliant involved a member of the legislative body of the tribal council it would have been more appropriate to address this issue with the whole council instead of the executive body only." Bellson acknowledged receipt of the complaint in an Aug. 22, memorandum to Simplicio stating that Albuquerque investigator Robert Caswell's firm had been hired to investigate the complaint. Doug Shaw, an investigator with the Robert Caswell firm, came to the Pueblo of Zuni on Aug. 25. Simplicio met with him. Without the investigation the council apparently was not going to make a move. "I was advised that Carleton Albert was not being placed on administrative leave during the investigation since the tribe's personnel policies did not apply to elected officials," Simplicio said. The telling tale did, in fact, come from the investigator. Apparently, Lt. Gov. Carmalita Sanchez tried to make the issue nothing more than sour grapes on Simplicio's part concerning an issue her brother has with the tribal council. Wrote Shaw: "There was also speculation, from Ms. Sanchez, that Ms. Simplicio's motive for filing the complaint had something do with the fact her brother, who is also on the tribal council, has been placed on administrative leave. Ms. Sanchez and Mr. Albert indicated that Ms. Simplicio's complaint surfaced after Dan (Simplicio) was denied his return to work and him threatening to expose the governor and Mr. Albert's past." Shaw answered: "With regards to the concerns brought up by Lieutenant Governor Sanchez and Mr. Albert about Ms. Simplicio's filing the complaint after her brother was denied reinstatement, I find that it has no bearing on the issue at hand. Regardless of speculation and perception about why Ms. Simplicio came forward with the complaint, it does not change the fact that she received an unwanted, unsolicited sexually related e-mail from Mr. Albert." Shaw also concluded that his investigation did, in fact, show that Albert sent the e-mail, though it was intended for her brother and she got it by mistake. "Regardless of who the material was intended for, this type of material is inappropriate, unwelcome and unsolicited," Shaw said in the conclusion to his investigation. The investigator took the issue a step further. "I also found that joking and teasing are commonplace within the Zuni culture. I find this a volatile situation and the potential to excuse these types of behavior as "Zuni Culture" is alarmingly high. Regardless of the intent or culture, it is my experience (and case law) that sexual harassment and hostile work environments are based on the perception of those being subjected to it," Shaw wrote. "Because of this, it is imperative that the incident involving Mr. Albert and Ms. Simplicio needs to be addressed and future behavior of this nature needs to be prevented." Shaw went on to make suggestions how to prevent future such acts. Documents show that Bellson told Simplicio she would be told about what action the council intended to take concerning Albert on Sept. 11. On Sept. 16, Simplicio had heard nothing. She wrote directly to the governor. "You are mistaken for whatever speculation and perception you have on why I addressed my complaint. The wrongdoing was not done by me. If this situation occurred off the reservation it would not be tolerated," Simplicio wrote. She added that she had gone through enough mental anguish and does not wish to go through more wondering what action the council took. By the time she wrote the governor, though, Quetawki already had written Albert a letter stating the penalties imposed by the council. Quetawki wrote to Albert: "It is our utmost hope that this decision will cause you to be able to reflect on the seriousness of the situation." The day after Simplicio's Sept. 16, letter to the governor, Quetawki wrote a letter of apology to her saying: "The tribal council and I take this opportunity to offer our sincere apologies to you for the hurt that you have endured. An inappropriate, unwanted or unsolicited actions is by no means reflective of the positions that we hold. Our hope is that you can find a way to forgive us and we continue to work together toward the betterment of our people." She was unaware of the letter Quetawki wrote to her, or the Sept. 10, letter from Quetawki to Albert about the penalties, until minutes before a Sept. 19, tribal council meeting, which she attended. She was given the letters at that time. "I questioned the tribal council why I was not consulted before the punishment was rendered against Councilman Albert," Simplicio said. "None of the tribal council bothered to inquire what I wanted as retribution." Simplicio said the punishment handed out to Albert was nothing more than a "slap on the hand for what he did." Simplicio said she reminded the council of its oath of office. "I asked their consideration for a harsher punishment with a public apology including a monetary consideration for the women's shelter," Simplicio said, adding that she told council members that other victims of the pornography e-mail existed, but they were afraid to come forward." The meeting ended saying they would consider my request," Simplicio said. Meanwhile, she also wrote to Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute. David Parrish, dean of administration in an Oct. 22, response to the Independent wrote: "Several weeks ago we received information from a private citizen that made allegations against one of our employees. Considering the nature of the allegations, we referred the matter to the office of the Inspector General. The IG's Office has assigned a case number to the matter, and issued directions to initiate an investigation. We are complying with the IG's directives." Daney, the individual who originally sent the pornography through the school's computer system, is a popular cross country coach for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and was mentioned several times recently in an article about a cross country runner in the Albuquerque Journal. Bellson's office was contacted for comment on this story, but no response has come from her. As of Friday, Simplicio said she has heard nothing more from the Zuni Tribal Council. Copyright c. 2003 the Gallup Independent. --------- "RE: Quebec Cree threaten to resume suing Ottawa" --------- Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 09:14:33 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="GOVERNMENT BAD FAITH" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.theglobeandmail.com/~/20031027/UNATS27-4//?query=aboriginal Quebec Cree threaten to resume suing Ottawa Canadian Press Monday, Oct. 27, 2003 Quebec City - Cree Grand Chief Ted Moses is warning the federal government to start taking current land negotiations seriously or risk having the Cree reactivate billions of dollars in lawsuits withdrawn as part of a recent deal with the Quebec government. He said the federal government has shown bad faith and a lack of respect for the province's Cree by refusing to follow the Quebec government's lead and pay millions a year in compensation for hydroelectric projects in northern Quebec. Under a deal signed last year between the Quebec government and the Cree, the Cree will receive $3.5-billion over 50 years. In exchange, the Cree dropped more than $7-billion in lawsuits directed at both the Quebec and federal governments. Copyright c. 2003 Bell Globemedia Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Deh Cho threaten to block NWT Pipeline" --------- Date: Wed, 22 Oct 2003 08:53:28 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="DEH CHO" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.globeandmail.com/~/TPStory/LAC/20031022/RPIPE22/TPEnvironment/ First nations threaten to block NWT pipeline By BRENT JANG Wednesday, October 22, 2003 The Deh Cho First Nations threatened yesterday to block development of the Mackenzie Valleypipeline, complaining about the environmental review process and alleging wrongdoing in a mysterious mineral claim by the wife of a high-ranking federal bureaucrat. Deh Cho Grand Chief Herb Norwegian said he's dissatisfied with regulatory reviews for the proposed natural gas project, and he urged Ottawa to settle land claims with his tribal council before regulators assess it. The Deh Cho want a greater voice in how the $5-billion project unfolds on its traditional lands, which cover roughly 40 per cent of the 1,300- kilometre pipeline route through the Northwest Territories. Grand Chief Norwegian said residents in Deh Cho communities are worried about the environmental damage that could be caused by construction. "If it's not done right, we will definitely bring the pipeline project to a halt." Eleven key regulators will be scrutinizing the gas project, including the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. Grand Chief Norwegian sees major flaws in the review process, which is set to start in earnest next spring and could last 30 months. The Deh Cho held a news conference in Ottawa yesterday to express fear that important social, cultural and ecological issues will be glossed over if the existing review process is allowed to stand. Deh Cho leaders said clues about the federal bureaucrat's role surfaced during a recent routine mapping exercise to follow activity on their territory. "We did not set out to prove that there was something fishy," Grand Chief Norwegian said. He alleged that the wife of the civil servant registered a dozen mineral claims in the NWT in October, 1998, and has invested $100,000 so far to keep the rights current -- mineral claims that the Deh Cho say align with the pipeline route along the Mackenzie River. That bureaucrat in an environmental agency is in a conflict of interest because he holds an indirect mineral stake in the NWT, and appears to have had prior knowledge of the precise route, he said. The staking puzzled Deh Cho leaders, who noted that the mineral claims were in what would have been only known at the time as a moose pasture, and away from any past drilling for oil, gas, gold and diamonds. "Although this issue touches on a particular federal official, this is not a personal matter. We have nothing against the individual involved, but we believe the actions of this individual have tainted the whole pipeline process," Grand Chief Norwegian said. The official named by the Deh Cho didn't return phone calls yesterday, but Environment Department spokeswoman Kelly Morgan said the public servant initially asked federal ethics counsellor Howard Wilson to ascertain whether there was any conflict. It's unclear when the bureaucrat approached Mr. Wilson, but whatever the case, he usually advises MPs, so the civil servant made his next request for guidance to Treasury Board, Ms. Morgan said. Copyright c. 2003 Bell Globemedia Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Expert matches Stonechild injuries to Handcuffs" --------- Date: Wed, 22 Oct 2003 08:53:28 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="STONECHILD INQUEST" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://sask.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=stonechild031021 Expert matches Stonechild isrnjuries to handcuffs October 21, 2003 SASKATOON - An expert in precise measurement says the marks on Neil Stonechild's hands and face, compared with a pair of standard-issue handcuffs, are within a fraction of a millimeter of a perfect match. Garry Robertson was testifying at the judicial inquiry into Stonechild's death. He's an expert in photogemetrics - the science of obtaining precise measurements from photographs or other images. Robertson was asked to measure the marks on Stonechild's face and hands and to measure a pair of standard isse handcuffs, like the ones used by Saskatoon Police in 1990 - the year Stonechild's frozen body was found in a field north of Saskatoon. According to Robertson's measurements, the handcuffs and the marks are within a fraction of a millimeter; however, Robertson wasn't allowed to say if he thought the handcuffs made the marks. In fact, he almost didn't testify at all. Aaron Fox represents one of two Saskatoon constables who have been suspected of playing a part in Stonechild's death. He questioned Robertson's qualifications in an examination that lasted over four hours. A main topic was one line on Robertson's resume about classes in engineering he attended, but didn't finish. Fox felt that cast enough doubt on his credibility to disqualify Robertson as an expert. The Commissioner Justice David Wright disagreed and ruled that since the engineering classes had nothing to do with Robertson's specialty, he'd be allowed to give evidence but only about the measurements. Copyright c. 2003 CBC. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Federal Fisheries Officers seize Boats" --------- Date: Wed, 22 Oct 2003 08:53:28 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="MI'KMAQ FISH WARS RESUME" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.canada.com/~id=46c2cfff-f3f0-4e32-afd9-0b2e3c471661 Tensions rise on N.B. reserve after federal fisheries officers seize boats Canadian Press October 21, 2003 BIG COVE, N.B. (CP) - Tensions were rising Tuesday on a New Brunswick Mi'kmaq reserve after federal fisheries officers seized boats for alleged illegal fishing. Fisheries Department officials confiscated four boats from Elsipogtog First Nation, in northeastern New Brunswick, alleging they were being used in an illegal salmon fishery. Native fishermen from the large native community lit fires and raised flags on a beach, and challenged the department of fisheries and oceans to come and seize more fishing vessels. RCMP said they were gathering evidence to lay charges against some fishermen who they say damaged a fisheries department vehicle after the boats were seized. The fishermen have since launched four new boats and cast nets into the water, and are challenging fisheries officers to come and seize the equipment. Chief Robert Levy said he had been trying to negotiate a deal with the fisheries department. Levi travelled to Moncton, N.B., on Tuesday in an effort to retrieve the communities' boats. Copyright c. 2003 The Canadian Press. --------- "RE: Alaska Natives call for Unity" --------- Date: Fri, 24 Oct 2003 08:29:07 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="AFN CONFERENCE" http://www.indianz.com/News/archives/002162.asp Alaska Natives call for unity at annual convention October 24, 2003 The largest gathering of Alaska Natives kicked off on Thursday with a rousing message to stay united in the face of challenges to Native rights. The annual Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) convention has drawn thousands to Anchorage for three days of meetings at the Egan Center. On opening day, delegates heard from AFN President Julie Kitka, Gov. Frank Murkowski (R) and state and federal officials on the need to work together to solve common problems. Jobs, education and health were high on the agenda. But it was an address from Jackie Johnson, the executive director of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), that drove the point home. Johnson, a member of Alaska's Tlingit Tribe, said she was speaking from the heart when she noted the state's indigenous people were deeply divided into two camps: traditional tribal governments and for-profit corporations. "In recent years, we've been seeing the increasing friction between our tribal governments and corporations," she said. "But at the end of the day, these are merely two sides of our own selves, two elements that are absolutely critical to our survival, two structures that must have shared goals if we are to survive as distinct people." As a former tribal council member and a sitting member of the board of directors of a regional corporation, Johnson acknowledged that tribes and corporations have "fundamentally different goals." "Yet let there be no mistake, we need both voices to fully protect the interest of our people," she said. The remarks served to highlight a legislative proposal to change how Alaska's 220-plus tribes receive federal funds. Sen. Ted Stevens (R- Alaska), the powerful chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, wants to redirect tribal money to the state or regional organizations -- perhaps the corporations -- because he says not every village can expect to have their own justice system or housing departments, particularly when times are tight. The proposal, contained in riders to appropriations bills, has sparked concern among Native leaders and their advocates. It didn't help when Stevens, speaking to the Alaska media, said the Native sovereignty movement threatened the state. "You are self-governing, self-determining peoples living in tribes throughout Alaska and that poses no threat to the state," said Myra Munson, an attorney whose work for Alaska Natives earned her this year's Denali Award, AFN's highest honor for non-Natives. "It poses no threat to the non-Native citizens of this state." Many Natives feel the push to change how they receive services is an attack on their federal recognition. The Bush administration has been asked by Alaska Republicans to reconsider the status of each tribe. But Kitka said AFN would fight to keep the tribal question separate from the funding one. "We cannot afford to have anyone sit on the sidelines because nobody can say it's a tribal problem, it's a non-profit problem, or it's this or that, ," she said. "We going to need everybody's help. The only way we're going to survive these challenges is if we pull together and have the most united Native community we have ever had." The unity theme was echoed by Johnson, who called on Native leaders from the tribes and corporations to respond to the funding issue by developing solutions of their own. "If we let our tribal status be diminished or taken from us, if we let others control or shape our governmental structures and our relationship to the federal government," she told delegates, "I believe that every generation to come will look back to this time with regret and shame." "Indecision is not an option," she added. If we do not decide, others will decide for us." Copyright c. 2000-2003 Indianz.Com. --------- "RE: Alaska: Rural Safety in Jeopardy" --------- Date: Thu, 23 Oct 2003 08:27:43 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="VPSO SUSPENDED" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.ktva.com/Stories/0,1413,163~6882~1716466,00.html Rural Safety In Jeopardy By Heidi Loranger October 22, 2003 The future of public safety in rural Alaska is up in the air tonight and now the question is what happens next with the Village Public Safety Officer program. A rural law enforcement summit was held Wednesday as part of the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention. The message from that is crime in villages is an Alaskan problem, not a rural or a native problem. It will have a big impact on the state of Alaska and it will take a joint effort from everyone to make rural law enforcement work. "There was a lot of crime and alcohol abuse in my community and there was nothing being done about it, " said Ben Beaver, who became a village public safety officer three and a half years ago to make a difference in his community in the Bethel area. He says the program is working. "Kids are more happy that I'm around and they're playing and not seeing people staggering around the village." The VPSO program started in the late 1970's to provide public safety in many rural villages. When problems arise, they are the first responders, they are the eyes and ears of the community. Right now there are 64 officers in the program, but it's future is in jeopardy. Earlier this year Governor Frank Murkowski cut nearly a million dollars from the program already struggling for funding. Sgt. Robert Baty is the troopers VPSO coordinator, "I know the state is concerned and we're trying to do our best to serve rural public safety issues. The future is pretty dependant on budgetary issues, whether or not we're able to resolve some of the issues with funding." If the VPSO program is bailed out, all agree there need to be changes. Topping the concerns are community support, officer turnover rates, housing and pay, for a job with its own rewards. "I didn't get into this job because of the money, I got into the VPSO program to help my community, help the young children have a better place to live," said Officer Beaver. When officers are assigned to their own villages, there is a better response. Officer Beaver enjoys working in his home village but says things are not so easy for fellow officers, "The officers could be treated better if they get good support from the community and the council from that community." Another concern is resources. Officers are unarmed and typically have no where to take criminals. "If they don't have a holding cell, if they take in someone, an individual for protective custody and we've seen it happen, because they don't have a holding facility, they've had to handcuff onto an electric pole," noted Myron Naneng, President of the Association of Village Council Presidents. Many people at the rural law enforcement summit agree the VPSO program may have been a part of the solution but it will require involvement from everyone to solve the problems. Law enforcement in rural areas has been a long-standing program. Back in 1999 the Native American Rights Fund sued the State of Alaska claiming it failed to provided equal public safety services in the villages. However, one year ago, a judge ruled against those claims. The group said they will appeal to the supreme court. Currently, Senator Ted Stevens is working on an effort to redirect additional funding to the Village Public Safety Officer program. Although its future is questionable, the Department of Public Safety says it plans to continue with business as usual with the VPSO program and will continue recruiting and training officers. Copyright c. 2003 KTVA-TV/Anchorage, AK. --------- "RE: Tribes want to build new Prison" --------- Date: Wed, 22 Oct 2003 08:53:28 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="TRIBAL RUN PRISON" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/2003/10/22/news/679e6d1fd1ef10ea0f9d15bd1e00766b.txt Tribes want to build new prison By JOAN BARRON Star-Tribune capital bureau October 22, 2003 CHEYENNE - The Joint Business Council of the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone Indian tribes wants to build the state's new medium security prison in Fremont County, an Arapaho council member said Tuesday. "We want the jobs," Allison Sage of Fort Washakie said Tuesday during a joint meeting of the tribal council and the Legislature's Select Committee on Tribal Relations. Sen. Cale Case, R-Lander, said the Legislature is planning to authorize construction of a medium security prison during the February budget session and suggested Sage contact a legislative committee working on the proposal. "We're short 600 male beds," Case said, and that is why the state is forced to send male inmates to prisons out-of-state. Later, Sen. Bill Vasey, D-Rawlins, said there had been "rumblings" that the tribes themselves want to build the prison at Riverton for the jobs. Noting the concern of tribal members about American Indian inmates sent to out-of-state prisons, he said, "We have to gather them up and bring them back." The two groups are hearing reports from various state government departments on services to the reservation during the two-day meeting, which concludes today. The tribal council contends the reservation is not getting services equal to what residents pay in taxes. Sage made his comment during a presentation to the committee from Department of Corrections (DOC) administrator Steve Lindly and Gary Starbucks, warden of the Prison Honor Farm at Riverton in Fremont County. A report distributed to the committee said the DOC spends $4 million per year for American Indians who are on probation, parole or are inmates. Total cost for American Indian inmates alone is $3.67 million. In addition, the DOC pays an individual contractor $28,000 a year to supervise religious activities for American Indians, such as sweat lodges, in the four state penal institutions and also helps the staff with cultural awareness programs. Of the 1,735 inmates in state prisons, 108, or about 6 percent, are American Indians. In addition 220 American Indians are on probation or parole in the state. The number does not include American Indians who are prosecuted under the federal system. In answer to tribal members' questions, Lindly said that only 12 of the more than 500 employees in state penal institutions are American Indians. Sage asked the DOC officials if they would contract for American Indian men and women healers to visit the prisons. Noting there are twice as many Arapahos as Shoshones on the reservation, Sage said, "I'm here to speak for the Arapahos." He asked for a part-time probation and parole office on the reservation. Lindly said that five officers in Riverton and two in Lander now supervise the 107 American Indians on the reservation who are on probation. Burton Hutchinson, Sr., chairman of the Northern Arapaho council, said he is concerned about the way "our boys" are treated in jail and in prison. "We need someone on our side," he said. American Indian elders from the reservation used to visit the prisons and he would like that practice to be revived, he said. Legislators on the committee, including chairman Rep. Harry Tipton, R- Riverton, mentioned the historical significance of the joint venture. Before the committee took a lunch break, both Tipton and Case noted that the initial discussion was about equity in taxes paid by American Indians but had evolved into broader issues. "I don't think you're ever going to get a dollar equity that makes much sense for policy," Case said. Copyright c. 2003 Casper Star-Tribune published by Lee Publications, Inc. --------- "RE: Navajo Nation in contempt" --------- Date: Thu, 23 Oct 2003 08:27:43 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="HEAVY FINES" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.daily-times.com/artman/publish/article_4304.shtml Navajo Nation in contempt By Jim Snyder/The Daily Times Oct 22, 2003, 11:07 pm Shiprock court imposes heavy fines, suspends prosecutor SHIPROCK - Shiprock Judicial District Court Judge Raymond Begaye held the Navajo Nation in contempt of court during a hearing Wednesday for failing to obey a July 31 court order to return property belonging to former Council Delegate J. C. Begay. The Navajo Nation skipped the hearing. Begaye also fined the Navajo Nation $1,000 a day retroactive to July 31 - an estimated $85,000 - for levying the search and seizure on the J.C. Begay family home which he had previously ruled illegal. He also fined the nation $5,000 a day, beginning Wednesday, for ignoring the court order. In addition, Begaye ordered White Collar Crime Unit Prosecutor Vernon Roanhorse be held in civil contempt for failing to comply with his order to return the property and for failing to appear as ordered at Wednesday's hearing. "If we don't hear from him within five days the court will further suspend his practice," Begaye said. The suspension will be until all the property is accounted for, he added. "There were three correspondences sent to him (Roanhorse) with no response," Begaye added. "The show-cause hearing letter was sent to him Sept. 23. The court has done all it has to do and still there is no response from the Navajo Nation ... they should be aware of the gravity of the situation." Roanhorse filed a letter with the court Tuesday stating he had too many of his own court cases to attend Wednesday and could not go to the hearing in Shiprock. J.C. Begay's belongings, as well as property belonging to his children and grandchildren, was seized Nov. 25, 2002, when a search warrant was executed. The predawn raid was executed by heavily-armed Crownpoint Police officers in camouflage uniforms and Navajo Rangers from Window Rock, Ariz., at Begay's Mesa Farm Road home in Shiprock. The Shiprock Police Department did not participate. J.C. Begay and his family were locked in a bedroom and denied food and access to a bathroom for 13 hours during the search. "They definitely did violate my civil rights. They really broke the law," J.C. Begay said Wednesday. "No one is above the law." The Navajo Nation has never charged J.C. Begay with a crime in the 11 months following the search. The state of New Mexico dropped felony cattle rustling and larceny charges against J.C. Begay in October 2002 - one month before the Navajo Nation's search warrant. District Attorney Greg Tucker said the state had no jurisdiction five weeks after his office had filed the charges. Tucker represents the 11th Judicial District Division 1 office in Farmington. "It's a mystery as to why it took (the district attorney) a month to figure it out," said J.C. Begay's attorney, Doug Moeller of Farmington. An estimated $200,000 worth of property confiscated from the family during the search - including 51 head of cattle and their yearlings - was never returned. Items taken include more than $3,000 in cash, various cattle trailers and gooseneck trailers as well as computers and his grandchildren's belongings. The number of items taken was around 200, J.C. Begay said. He added police caused the "destruction of many home decors, appliances, interior walls and personal items." Moeller said the law states the tribe cannot bring any future charges against J.C. Begay based on the items seized because the judge ruled the search illegal. Moeller had argued for the fines during the hearing before Begaye. Moeller said following the ruling, "This should set a great precedent for civil rights violations on the Navajo Nation. You know what the law is. We know they did it wrong and so do they." J.C. Begay's wife, Grace Begay, a physician's assistant at the Northern Navajo Medical Center, said she still has flashbacks about the predawn raid. A lifetime of belongings are gone, she said. "They took it all." Their daughter Kaibah Begay, director of Head Start for the Navajo Nation, said she has endured cattle theft comments from the public amounting to "defamation of character." Grace and Kaibah added they want "an apology" from the Navajo Nation. "The prosecutors think they are above the law," Grace Begay said. Moeller wrote in a lawsuit against the Navajo Nation that "The plaintiffs have been denied or suffered an abridgement of their rights to equal protection and due process of Navajo Nation law." He added "The plaintiffs have been deprived of their rights under the Constitution of the United States by being subjected to unreasonable search and seizures, denied the right to a fail trial by jury, subjected to cruel and unusual punishment and deprived of the rights of due process and equal protection. All of these actions were done under the color of law." Moeller also wrote "In addition to the deprivation of their property, the Navajo Nation has deprived the Begay family of its civil rights and without due process locked them and imprisoned them in their home without access to food or sanitary facilities for 13 hours." Jim Snyder: jims@daily-times.com Copyright c. 2003 Farmington Daily Times, a Gannett Co., Inc. newspaper. --------- "RE: Crash sparks Tribal Boundary dispute" --------- Date: Wed, 22 Oct 2003 08:53:28 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="TRACTOR RAM" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/~/dece4f0b4d44acc986256dc6001a5c4a.txt Crash sparks tribal boundary dispute By Kevin Abourezk, Lincoln Journal Star October 21, 2003 Tension on the Omaha Reservation heated up again earlier this month when, federal prosecutors said, a farmer rammed his tractor into a patrol car carrying two tribal officials. U.S. Attorney Mike Heavican is investigating the Oct. 7 incident. The alleged assault has raised the familiar specter of jurisdictional confusion related to law enforcement on American Indian land. According to an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Omaha, Kim "Ken" Knecht rammed his tractor into the patrol car when tribal authorities tried to detain him. Omaha Tribal Prosecutor Thayne Glenn and Roberto Gorrin, a police officer for the tribe, were in the car when it was hit. While Gorrin was not injured, Glenn suffered injuries to a shoulder and his neck, the affidavit states. The incident was the result of an ongoing land dispute between the tribe and Knecht. In July, Knecht was ordered by the Omaha Tribal Court to quit harvesting crops on land over which he and the tribe were contesting ownership, according to the affidavit. On Oct. 7, Glenn and Omaha tribal police officials were notified that Knecht had removed "no trespassing" signs placed near the property and planned to harvest alfalfa on the property. After tribal authorities observed Knecht drive his tractor and baler onto the disputed property, they decided to stop and detain him, the court document states. Tribal officers set up a roadblock to prevent Knecht from leaving the property, but Knecht drove past them toward his nearby residence. With Glenn as his passenger, Gorrin then drove his car alongside Knecht's tractor, stopping in front of the tractor on its left side. But, rather than stopping, Knecht rammed his tractor into the right side of the patrol car and kept going. When Knecht stopped the tractor behind his house, tribal officers ordered him out of the tractor. When he refused to do so, they sprayed Knecht with pepper spray. They then wrestled him out of the tractor and detained him, according to the affidavit. The incident has raised questions over jurisdiction as it relates to race. While Gorrin is Native American, Glenn and Knecht are not. The problem? While federal authorities have power to investigate crimes against Native Americans on tribal land, they don't typically have authority to investigate crimes against non-Indians by non-Indians. State and county authorities usually handle such crimes. While Heavican has filed an assault complaint against the farmer in federal district court, he has not decided whether to prosecute Knecht for the alleged assault of Glenn. "That will be determined at a future time," he said. Yet another jurisdictional question has been raised because Glenn was acting as an agent of the tribe when he was injured. Heavican said that could mean federal authorities will have jurisdiction over Glenn's alleged assault. Until the matter is resolved, Heavican said, he plans to prosecute only Knecht for the assault of Gorrin. The incident has raised the ire of Omaha tribal officials, who have criticized Thurston County authorities for not arresting Knecht for assaulting Glenn. "It appears to the observer that if you are associated with the tribe, be it Native or non-Native, you will not be protected from assault," said Darren Wolfe, tribal spokesman. Thurston County Sheriff Chuck Obermeyer said the only reason he did not get involved in the matter was because it was unclear whether the county had any jurisdiction over the dispute. "We probably do have jurisdiction on the assault on the (tribal) prosecutor," Obermeyer said. "A question does exist as to whether he was enforcing tribal jurisdiction." He said he won't take any action until the U.S. Attorney's Office advises him on what action to take. As tribal, state and county leaders continue to debate how to handle the incident, a meeting to discuss jurisdiction on the Omaha Reservation has been planned for this week. Terri Teuber, spokeswoman for Gov. Mike Johanns, said representatives from the Nebraska Attorney General's Office, Nebraska State Patrol, U.S. Attorney's Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Omaha tribal leaders and Thurston County law enforcement officials planned to attend the meeting Wednesday. "The goal is to bring everyone to the table to discuss jurisdictional and deputization issues," she said. Reach Kevin Abourezk at 402-473-7237 or kabourezk@journalstar.com. Copyright c. 2003 Sioux City Journal. --------- "RE: Omaha raise concerns over handling of Assault" --------- Date: Thu, 23 Oct 2003 08:27:43 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="TRACTOR ATTACK" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/~/eab73f8f22642b9f86256dc8000a7934.txt Tribe raises concerns over handling of assault By Kevin Aburezk, Lincoln Journal Star October 23, 2003 LINCOLN - Omaha tribal officials angry over what they see as unequal justice on their reservation took their case to the Nebraska governor's mansion Wednesday. They raised their concerns during a meeting of state, county and tribal officials held to discuss jurisdiction on the Omaha Indian Reservation. The meeting led to the creation of a committee charged with drafting a proposal to resolve jurisdictional problems on the reservation. "People want to resolve this," Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns said. "The risk of not resolving it is too great." The committee is expected to submit its plan by the end of the year. The meeting couldn't have been timed any better in light of an Oct. 7 incident on the reservation involving two tribal officials and a Thurston County farmer. Federal prosecutors say the farmer, Kim "Ken" Knecht, rammed his tractor into a patrol car carrying two tribal officials when authorities tried to detain him. Nebraska U.S. Attorney Mike Heavican is investigating the incident and has filed a complaint in federal district court against Knecht for assaulting Omaha tribal member and Tribal Officer Roberto Gorrin, who was in the patrol car when it was hit. On Wednesday, Omaha tribal leaders said they were concerned because state and county authorities had not taken any action to prosecute Knecht for assaulting Tribal Prosecutor Thayne Glenn, also in the patrol car when it was hit. "This guy used a tractor to crush a vehicle," said Darren Wolfe, spokesman for the tribe. "In any other part of the state, that would have been attempted murder. I don't understand what the big debate is, what the big holdup is." Heavican has said he is unsure whether he has the authority to prosecute the alleged assault on Glenn, who is non-Native. Crimes against non-Natives by non-Natives are typically handled by state and county authorities. The fact that Glenn was acting as an agent of the tribe when he was injured has also raised jurisdictional questions. No decision was made by those who attended Tuesday's meeting at the governor's mansion on how to proceed with the case. Wolfe, meanwhile, said the decision to hammer out jurisdictional problems on the reservation comes none too soon. Non-Native residents and employees on the Omaha Reservation have told tribal leaders they fear they will not be protected while working for the tribe after the Oct. 7 incident, he said. They worry they would have no legal recourse if attacked by a non-Native due to jurisdictional confusion, he said. "They're sitting there wondering, 'Am I protected?'" he said. You can reach Kevin Abourezk at (402) 473-7237 or kabourezk@journalstar.com. Copyright c. 2003 Sioux City Journal. --------- "RE: Native Prisoner" --------- Date: Mon, Oct 27 2003 19:18:40 -0700 From: Janet Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="NATIVE PRISONER" ===== Date: Friday, October 24, 2003 2:54 PM From: "Brigitte Thimiakis" Subj: Petition: Native American Prisoner in Serious Danger ==================================================== Native American Prisoner at USP Atwater Remains in Serious Danger - Please Sign Petition NAPS sent out earlier postings concerning the safety of Teddy Stivahtis at USP Atwater (http:www.hri.ca/partners/naps/. In short, Mr.Stivahtis was held hostage while his friend and cellmate was stabbed 41 times. He was then placed in a cell next to the assailants, where his life was repeatedly threatened. Mr. Stivahtis allegedly remains under FBI investigation (6 months), while officials refuse to provide him with the required paperwork, refuse to give him the forms to get a lawyer, and break every policy in the book. This lengthy delay in the investigation has led some prisoners to believe that Mr. Stivahtis is co-operating with the administration, so they have ordered a "hit" on him (which has been confirmed by some of the CO's). CO Williams and a colleague seem to think this situation is for their entertainment, and continue to place cellmates with Mr. Stivahtis despite his requests to be alone for his personal safety. In retaliation, the above guards taunt and insult Mr. Stivahtis, and write up disciplinary reports for his refusing to share the cell. In addition, officials refuse to communicate with the Stivahtis family. The threats against Mr. Stivahtis are very real, as another Native prisoner was stabbed to death very recently. Please help the Stivahtis family by signing the petition below and circulating it widely. Your assistance is much appreciated. http://gopetition.com/info.php?petid=3082 Valerie Scott, NAPS ===== NAPS (Native American Prisoner Support) http://www.hri.ca/partners/naps/ __________________________________ PLEASE READ, SIGN AND FORWARD == THANK YOU -=-=-=- Date: Saturday, October 25, 2003 2:51 PM From: "Brigitte Thimiakis" Subj: Think of Them Now - Urgent Mailing List: Iron Natives ----- Original Message ----- PRISONACT-LIST Hi everyone, This project was founded by a prisoner. It is another proof that lots of men and women in prison are good, caring people and that they want to and can help their community, in spite of the walls around them. Please help these children and elders to have a decent Christmas. Respectfully Brigitte ============================================ Greetings to everyone, This winter the needs are growing in many places, especially on the reservations. Our group "Honor Your Spirit, Protect the Children" is collecting toys, warm clothes and blankets for this winter, to be sent to the children and elders on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana, and re- distributed by reliable contacts to the most in need. A list of useful donations is enclosed below. Lots of people have helped last year, and the year before last, so we pray that this winter too, many people will make a difference for those who have so little. It is best if donations are received by Dec. 10th. The address is the same: Honor Your Spirit - Protect the Children % Sue Buck PO Box 901 Great Falls, MT 59403-0901 (USA) suemontana@mcn.net If you wish to send a money donation instead of a package, please contact Sue at the address above. We can assure you that it will be used for the children and elders. Hopefully they will be able to enjoy a warm Christmas dinner as the one that was organized last year. With our heart felt thanks. Brigitte "Honor Your Spirit, Protect the Children" To learn more about the donation projects: http://www.geocities.com/honoryourspirit/projects.html Urgent Winter Req.: http://www.geocities.com/honoryourspirit/project3.html Also please read our Shipment and Group Project Status: http://www.geocities.com/honoryourspirit/shipment1.html List of useful donations : - blankets - warm winter coats and clothing - socks, gloves, boots, hats and scarves - toys (educational toys included) - school supplies - They can also use grooming supplies like toothpaste, tooth brushes, soaps and shampoos, combs, hair brushes, hair barrettes, rubber bands or other types of hair or pony tail holders. Last but not least : pampers diapers or pull-ups. - There is a special need for men's winter coats, clothing, hats, boots, gloves and anything else that protects against the cold weather. The men's winter wear is for the Tongue River Homeless Shelter. <>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o "Honor Your Spirit, Protect the Children" URGENT WINTER REQUEST http://www.geocities.com/honoryourspirit/project3.html Manuel Redwoman, Northern Cheyenne/Lakota/Arapaho http://www.geocities.com/honoryourspirit/home.html STOP CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT http://www.geocities.com/honoryourspirit/stopabuse.html <>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<>o<> [This message may be forwarded under the condition that it is not altered in any way] --------- "RE: Rustywire: The Spring" --------- Date: Tue, July 1, 2003 11:23 PM From: rustywire@yahoo.com (john rustywire) Subj: The Spring Newsgroup: alt.native The Spring by Johnny Rustywire I stood with my grandson, I am an old man and we came to my spot on this mountain top. I have been here many times and with me, all those that have come before have taken a little of their vision and shared it with me. I can see far and it is pretty, clear across the valley and all the places there. My sight is not so good but I know it looks the same, it is beautiful. My great grandson has helped me to this spot. I can not remember his name, but he looks a little like me when I was his age. His body is young and strong. He helped to stand tall and erect. I told him the story of his fathers and how we had survived to bring him life. His eyes are bright, wide and innocent. He listens patiently to the rambling talk of an old man. Look over there, that is the place I have spoken about, it is a spring. There you will find fresh cold water. When you are thirsty you can take a drink and wash yourself on a hot day. You can lie down next to it on the grass, soft earth and enjoy the day. He looked at me and said, I can't see it. I can not see so clearly, but I know it is there. I tell him how it sits against the mountain, how the earth is cracked there and a small stream flows into a pool, somehow made through time. My vision is not that good. I tell him how it has always looked. There is nothing there, Shi Che' (honored grandfather) There is only a road and an oil well. Oh, yes, I remember. The tribe was having a hard time and so the need for money was great, those were tough times. Someone needed the water to put back into the earth to bring up oil way down there, below. My spring is no more. Where have we gone with these things my grandson, I am sorry it is not here for you. I didn't take care of it like I should have and now it is gone. I can't remember all that was here, but yet some of these things are gone. Remember there was a time when it was there and that it refreshed us so. I wish I could give you a drink. How is it so that this water is gone forever. Who can take away water, but yet it is so. The grass is gone and so is the quiet spot. I stand here, and those behind me in the shadows, my fathers weep and so I find myself standing with tears streaming down my cheeks. I feel old and tired and my soul hungers for what was once ours. My heart cries our a mourning song for the morning dove, the plants, the mountain tobacco and the quiet times that are no more. --------- "RE: Poem: Walk" --------- Date: Fri, Jul 11 2003 06:23 AM From: rustywire@yahoo.com (john rustywire) Subj: walk Newsgroup: alt.native Come my child, walk with me take my hand, and stay a while with me I have seen you cry, and wiped the tears from your eyes stay with me just a short while I have traveled these crazy funny roads of life and still I can see there is a ways to travel will you walk with me my child follow me and I will show what I know Look isn't this a pleasant place to be take care for sometimes rocks slip listen to sound of all that is around someday you won't see me but will hear me in the wind I am thinking of days ahead when you will walk alone times will come when you don't want to go on I will be there with you in these things I give to you Come my child, walk with me I can see you are growing and soon will leave Oh my heart sings and crys you look at me with innocent eyes grow old and walk these places I have known Look over there, there an eagle flys Come my child walk with me go there to the high places crossing valleys long and dark I stand with you in this place you will forever be my small child look you now stand so tall I love you my child, come walk with me Just a little ways not too far come this way walk with me --------- "RE: Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days" --------- Date: Sun, 26 Oct 2003 12:24:38 -1000 From: Debbie Sanders Subj: Hawaiian Book of Days A HAWAI`I BOOK OF DAYS, week of October 27-November 2 `OKAKOPA October `Ikuwa 27 The sunlight weaves dappled patterns of leaves upon the grass. 28 Only the wind can speak my true name. 29 The leaves sigh with the wind's caress. 30 In knowledge lies the greatest power. 31 The moon is my guardian on this night of nights. NOWEMAPA November Welehu November was the first month of the Ho`oilo season, which ran from November through April. This month marked the season when people, for sport, darted arrows made of the flower stalk of the sugar-cane. 1 Know your own heart as no other can. 2 The reward for all endeavors is self-satisfaction. (c) Copyright 1991 by D. F. Sander Me ke aloha i ka nani, ... Moe'uhanekeanuenue (With love and beauty, ... Rainbow Dream) --------- "RE: YELLOW BIRD: Close encounters on Rainy River" --------- Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 09:14:33 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="DORREEN YELLOW BIRD" http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/news/columnists/dorreen_yellow_bird/7063457.htm COLUMNIST DORREEN YELLOW BIRD: Close encounters with spirits and sturgeon on Rainy River Oct. 21, 2003 Rainy River, the northernmost river in Minnesota, is one of my favorite places. It's one of the best fishing spots you will find anywhere; wilderness begins at its banks and it's an ancient river traveled by Native people for thousands of years. On Saturday evening, as I sat in Pete Hapka's fishing boat in the center of Rainy River, the boat swayed softy in the eddies and swirls of the water. Flocks of Canadian geese flew intermittently overhead. The last flock was the biggest and filled the night sky with honking that was so loud the river seemed to rustle and move as if it wanted to rise up and follow the migrating birds. Rainy River, like many rivers, is a boundary water. The river is one of the dividing lines between Canada and the United States. It runs 80 miles west from Rainy Lake and International Falls, just above Voyageurs National Park (the only national park in Minnesota), to the vast and endless Lake of the Woods. I had thought that the river, like a wide chalk line, was a boundary that somehow belonged to both the United States and Canada. Not true, my fishing buddy said. Immigration officials from the United States and game wardens from Canada use laser range finders to determine a boat's position in relation to the border. If your boat is in the Canadian side, you may get a ticket or be told to "move it." I looked downriver at the other boats that evening. The weather already was cold and damp and was getting colder, yet there were probably 10 boats in this one fishing hole. Most of them had a tiny light on top of a staff in the stern. Some had small red-or-green lights in the bow and some had no lights at all. But all of the boats seemed to be on the south side of the river. Fishing in Rainy River is excellent. Anglers brag that the river has the largest spring walleye spawning run in the world. Not only are there walleye, but also northern pike, smallmouth bass, sturgeon and muskies. Walleye are the best eating. That evening, the fish eluded me. The next day, we went out at 7 a.m. We were one of the first to the good fishing spot on the river. This fishing stuff is addictive. I could hardly wait to try my hand at fishing again after my experience in Lake of the Woods. Fishing isn't just about watching the water for nibbles, at least for me. It's about the experiencing the beauty of the wild and communing with the river. Bald eagles seemed as common as crow. One flew low overhead. It was then I remember my camera in the car. I compare fishing to my brother and his golfing. He loves the game. But there is nothing about golfing that tastes as good as fresh walleye. Eating them isn't the best, though. It is the chase - the maneuvering of the fish to the net and the struggle to pull the jumping, squirming fish in the boat. Sandy Hapka, Pete's wife, caught a big sturgeon and handed me her line to play the fish until it got tired enough to be landed. The fish was a big one and I fought it until it got beside the boat. Then it leaped into the air. I swear I thought this monster was going to jump in the boat after me. Its head was bigger than a football and was followed by a body that must have been 3 or 4 feet long. I'm embarrassed to say I screamed. The fish cut the line and dove deep. Before I went fishing, I visited some Ojibwa friends from the Rainy River reserve near Manitou Falls, Ont. They were in the middle of a four- day Native ceremony. I was there for one day. They are located only a few miles from Rainy River and used to depend on the river for many things. But now they hesitate to drink the water because of pollution, one of the elders told me. In ancient times, the Native people used the river as a thoroughfare, moving up and down the river as if it were a four-lane highway. Not only did Rainy River provide food and water, but also it had a spiritual significant to them. As the ceremony began Saturday and the sound of the water drums echoed through the pine, the river must have heard the sounds and remembered that familiar song from many years ago. Perhaps my instant like of the river comes from the spirit of that ancient river. Perhaps She recognizes Her children. Yellow Bird writes columns Tuesday and Saturday. Reach her at 780-1228, (800) 477-6572 ext. 228 or dyellowbird@gfherald.com Copyright c. 2003 Grand Forks Herald and wire service sources. --------- "RE: Book: Stories for Future Generations" --------- Date: Fri, 24 Oct 2003 08:29:07 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="YUP'IK ELDER STORIES" http://www.adn.com/life/v-printer/story/4235341p-4246980c.html Yup'ik elder Paul John publishes his 'Stories for Future Generations' By MIKE DUNHAM Anchorage Daily News October 24, 2003 Born in 1928 near the village of Chefornak, Paul John is among the last generation of Yup'ik men who spent their boyhoods in the communal men's house, or qasgiq. In that setting the young men were constantly schooled in traditional skills and the making of tools. They also were taught life lessons through the ongoing recitation of stories -- both legends of antiquity and real-life experiences recounted by those with firsthand knowledge. As an adult, John became a respected advocate for preserving and advancing Yup'ik language and traditions, speaking at forums from school assemblies to conferences of professional educators. In 2002 he received the Governor's Award as Distinguished Humanities Educator. Now the University of Washington Press, in conjunction with the Calista Elders Conference, has published "Qulirat Qanemcit-llu Kinguvarcimalriit: Stories for Future Generations." Subtitled "The Oratory of Yup'ik Eskimo Elder Paul John," it is drawn primarily from sessions he presented to students in Toksook Bay in 1977. The stories are arranged by subjects like history, shamans or parents and children, each presented in Yup'ik with English translations by Sophie Shield on the facing page. The chapters, edited by Ann Fienup- Riordan, contain much unique material, such as the significance of the traditional Bladder Festival and well-known tales, such as the story of the man who was just a head, recounted with John's own style, embellishments and explanations. The first copies of the book arrived in Alaska this week, and a limited number are available. John will sign copies at Cook Inlet Book Co., 415 W, Fifth Ave., from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Loretta Outwater Cox will sign copies of "The Winter Walk" at the store from 4 to 6 p.m., and author Debbie Dahl Edwardson with illustrator Annie Peterson will sign their children's book, "Whale Snow," there at 5 p.m. Copyright c. 2003 The Anchorage Daily News (www.adn.com) --------- "RE: This Week on First Peoples TV" --------- Date: Mon, 27 Oct 08:03:22 2003 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - - - - - - - - - filename="WORLD LINK TV" Available on DirecTV (800-531-5000), Channel 375, and on EchoStar/Dish Network (800-333-3474), channel 9410 = = = = = = = = = First Peoples' TV: Tushka Length: 01:30 Type of program: Documentary Broadcast Times All times Eastern Monday, October 27 7:00 PM Tuesday, October 28 12:00 AM Tuesday, October 28 6:00 AM Tuesday, October 28 12:00 PM First Peoples' TV: Tushka In 1972, a Native American activist, involved in the popular American Indian Movement, led a rally to the steps of the FBI headquarters in Washington, DC. 12 Hours later his wife and children were killed in a mysterious house fire. "Tushka" is a fictionalized drama based on these events of the 1970's, when the FBI waged its COINTELPRO campaign against civil rights efforts made by organizations such as the American Indian Movement and the Black Panthers. A raw, compelling story, "Tushka" tells of government corruption, Indian defiance, and the power of the human spirit. "Tushka" is part of the "First Peoples' TV" series made possible by DreamCatchers , a non-profit organization working to bring Native films to a wider audience. For more information, and to purchase this film, please contact the filmmaker: Ian Skorodin 1801 N. Kingsley Dr. #103 Los Angeles, CA 90027 323-466-7400 --------- "RE: Specials This Week on APTN" --------- Date: Mon, 27 October 2003 08:03:22 2003 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="APTN" Available on Star Choice (1-888-554-STAR), channel 350 and on Bell ExpressVU (1-888-SKY-DISH), channel 441 = = = = = = = = = Aboriginal Peoples Television Network is a full featured network available to Canadian DBS viewers on Star Choice and Bell ExpressVU. The weekly program grid is available at http://www.aptn.ca/Schedule/schedule_html =========================================== Times are shown in Eastern time. APTN National News: Contact ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 08:00 PM et, October 31 APTN National News: Contact Repeated at 12:30 AM et Saturday, November 1, 2003 Halloween Special: Aboriginal Spooky Stories Language: English APTN National News and APTN National News: Contact Whether you live on or off the rez, been spooked by a ghost or windigo, Contact' wants to hear from you! Do you have a frightening tale that sends shivers up people's spines or turns their hair grey? Join Contact host Rick Harp this Halloween Night to discuss your spooky Aboriginal story. To take part during the story, call 1-877-647-2786 or email contact@aptn.ca. APTN National News and APTN National News: Contact Create even greater synergy than ever before, with daily coverage on News that is followed up with interactive, national phone-in discussions and guest interviews, every Friday. APTN National News: Contact is your chance to express yourself on APTN interactive Fridays. Voice your opinions to Host Rick Harp about the most crucial issues of this century - a Canada wide viewing audience is only a phone call or e-mail away! Live, immediately following APTN National News. --------- "RE: This Week on NAC" --------- Date: Mon, 27 October 2003 08:49:03 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: This Week on Native America Calling - Cobell vs. Norton: The Umpteenth Round - Sinking the Land Bridge Theory - Book of the Month: Shapeshift NATIVE AMERICA CALLING Native America Calling, the AIROS flagship program, is a live one-hour call-in show, now distributed to over 40 Native and non-Native radio stations across Indian Country, Monday-Friday at 1 p.m. ET. Monday, October 27 - Cobell vs. Norton: The Umpteenth Round: The largest class-action lawsuit ever filed against the U.S. government is taking another dramatic twist. Less than a month after Judge Royce Lamberth issued his latest ruling in this seven year-old case, ordering the Department of Interior to begin a full accounting of billions of dollars in missing Indian trust funds, members of Congress are trying to stall the process. Will they succeed in adding language to an appropriations bill that will allow Interior to await the decision of an appeals court before moving on this long-sought issue? How long can these delay tactics continue? Guests include Eloise Cobell of the Blackfeet Nation and lead plaintiff in this historic case. Tuesday October 28 - Sinking the Land Bridge Theory: Discoveries in the science world have debunked the Bering Strait theory, which said North America's first inhabitants crossed a land bridge from Russia to Alaska and migrated southward. Archaeological data found in Oklahoma suggests that humans were in America 20,000 years earlier than previously believed. Soil estimated to be 34,000 years old was uncovered, along with evidence of human existence in the same period and an ancient buffalo skull, in grasslands in the northwestern part of the state. Who are the First Americans? And where did they come from? Wednesday October 29 - Book of the Month: Shapeshift: A new poet has emerged from Dine' country who is taking on American culture and politics and their lack of spiritual grounding. Sherwin Bitsui is originally from White Cone, Arizona, of the Bitter Water People, born for the Manygoats People. In words drawn from urban American and Navajo perspectives, he links story, history and voice. With complexities of tone that shift between disconnectedness and wholeness, irony and sincerity, he demonstrates a balance of excitement and intellect rarely found in a debut volume. Join us as we interview the University of Arizona's recent recipient of the Academy of American Poets Student Poetry Award. Thursday October 30 - TBA Friday October 31 - TBA To participate call 1-800-996-2848, that's 1-800-99NATIV --------- "RE: Upcoming Events" --------- Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 15:39:14 -0700 From: Gary Smith (gars@speakeasy.org) Subj: Upcoming Events =+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+= EVENTS ARE FEATURED IN ODD NUMBERED ISSUES ONLY =+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+= ------------------------------------------------------------------------- --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//- Notice of Copyright Clearance by Contributors: The following have granted permission for their original articles to be reposted in order to help mend the Sacred Hoop: Jo-ann/Waseskun Healing Center, Brigitte Thimiakis, Sue Buck, Gary Smith, Jo-Kay Dowell, Steven Newcomb, Bill McAllister, Frosty Deere, Valerie Scott, Janet Smith, Johnny Rustywire, Debbie Sanders --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//- _ __ __ _ / | / /___ _/ /_(_) __ __ / |/ / __ \ __/ / | / / _ \ / /| / /_/ / /_/ /| |/ / __/ /_/ |_/\__,_/\__/_/ |___/\___/ ______ _ / ____/____ ___ __________(_)___ ____ _____ / / / ___/ __ \/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ \/ ___/ / /___/ / / /_/ /__ /__ / / / / / /_/ /__ / \____/_/ \____/____/____/_/_/ /_/\__, /____/ Volume 11, Issue 044 /____/ November 1, 2003 Native Crossings (c) is a separately emailed suppliment to Wotanging Ikche (c) Native American News (c) dedicated to the memory of those in Indian Country who have begun their spirit journeys It may be subscribed to via email by sending a request from your own internet addressable account to gars@speakeasy.org <================<<<< >>>>================> 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. <================<<<< >>>>================> 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. <================<<<< >>>>================> --------- "RE: Effie Zaldain Dressler" --------- Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2003 08:51:48 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="EFFIE ZALDAIN DRESSLER" http://www.rgj.com/obits/index.php?id=8185 Effie Zaldain Dressler October 22, 2003 Effie Zaldain Dressler, 84, a member of the Washoe Tribe, was born in Colevile, CA on December 11, 1918. She passed on October 20, 2003. She attended Stewart Indian School where she met her future husband, John H. Dressler. Her life was devoted to her family and her passions, which included helping people. The door to her and her husband's home was always open to family, friends and anyone else, and the coffee pot was always on. She was past Chairperson of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, Chairperson of the Eastern Nevada Indian Health Board, Member of the Phoenix Area Indian Health Board and an alternate to the National Indian Health Board. She was preceded in death by her father, Lorenzo Zaldain; her mother, Rosie Sam; her husband John H. Dressler; sons Willis E. Dressler and Paul John Dressler; and brothers Elmo Zaldain, Wilber and Frank Bengochea. She is survived by daughters, Jeanette Dixon of Susanville, CA; Sheila Katenay of Reno, and Paula Dressler of Hungry Valley, NV; sons, John Dressler and Robert Dressler of Hungry Valley, NV; and Tom Dressler of Reno; and good friends, Marlene and Bill Coffey of Reno. She is also survived by 28 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. She also had many relatives in Nevada, California and Idaho, and many good friends throughout the United States. Viewing will be at her home at 48 Reservation Road on Thursday, October 23, 2003 at 4:00 p.m., with a Cry Dance following. It was her desire to be cremated after which a private internment will be held. Funeral services will be on Friday, October 24, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Gym. Dinner will be served at the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Gym following services. Copyright c. 2003 Reno Gazette-Journal, a Gannett Co. Inc. Newspaper. --------- "RE: James "Lee" Edwards" --------- Date: Thu, 23 Oct 2003 08:27:43 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="JAMES EDWARDS" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.news-star.com/stories/102203/New_36.shtml Absentee Shawnee tribal governor dies; service today James "Lee" Edwards The Absentee Shawnee Tribe, along with family and friends, are mourning the loss of Absentee Shawnee Tribe Gov. James "Lee" Edwards. Funeral services are scheduled today in Shawnee. Edwards died 1:33 a.m. Tuesday at Saint Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City with family and friends at his side. Gov. Edwards had been hospitalized since Thursday, when he suffered an apparent heart attack while driving in the area of 34th and Bell streets in Shawnee. Edwards served as governor of the more than 2,900-member Absentee Shawnee Tribe from July 1999 to present, and had just begun his third term. His leadership was instrumental in bringing gaming to Oklahoma; the Absentee Shawnee Tribe was the first to bring gaming to the state. Revenue from the casino expanded services to tribal members in the areas of health, education, child care, youth programs and services to tribal elders. Edwards was a force for the construction and development of the Resource Center in Little Axe. Under Edwards' administration, 12 area public schools received financial support during a time of drastic state budget cuts earlier this year. The governor also supported more than 20 area youth-oriented programs during his tenure. "Gov. Edwards believed that we must take care of our children, nurture our children, educate our children and support and care for our elders," according to a statement released from the tribe. "He placed emphasis on helping all tribal members to have safe, sanitary and adequate housing. He put all of these ideas into action by how he lived. He truly loved his tribe." In addition to serving the tribe as governor since 1999, Edwards served as representative from 1994-96 and treasurer from 1996-98. He also was employed for 13 years as field services director at the Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority. Funeral services for Gov. Edwards will be 1 p.m. today at First Baptist Church in Shawnee. Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Johnson Cemetery northeast of Shawnee, with the procession leaving Cooper Funeral Home in Tecumseh at 9 a.m. See Gov. Edward's obituary on Page 4A for more information. [Editorial Note: In this issue of Native Crossings] The Absentee Shawnee Tribal Complex will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, with the exception of essential services, tribal leaders said. The Absentee Shawnee Tribe was organized in 1936, and its tribal headquarters in Shawnee. Copyright c. 1997-2002 The Shawnee News-Star. --------- "RE: Crossings" --------- Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 08:10:52 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CROSSINGS" October 23, 2003 Viola B. Cummings LUMBERTON - Mrs. Viola Brayboy Cummings, 75, of 1201 Lowery Road, died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003, in Southeastern Regional Medical Center. The funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday in Deep Branch Baptist Church by the Revs. James A. Hunt and Ricky Locklear. Burial will be in Lumbee Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Cummings is survived by her husband, Harvey "Bill" Cummings of the home; three daughters, Valorie Hardin, Cynthia Thomas and Carol S. Cintron, all of Lumberton; two sons, James E. Cummings and Willie Cummings, both of Lumberton; two sisters, Ellen Oxendine of Pembroke and Iola Ransom of Fairmont; a brother, Robert Brayboy of Fayetteville; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends tonight from 7 to 9 at Biggs Funeral Home in Lumberton and at other times at the home. October 24, 2003 Charity L. Hunt PEMBROKE - Ms. Charity L. Hunt, 86, of Pembroke, died Sunday, Oct. 19, 2003, in Sunbridge Nursing Home. The funeral will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday in Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lumberton by the Rev. Willie Wynn. Burial will be in Lumbee Memorial Gardens in Lumberton. Ms. Hunt is survived by six sons, James A. Hunt and Roger Hunt, both of Thomasville, Charles R. Hunt of Rowland, Samuel H. Hunt Jr. of Hinesville, Ga., Teddy F. Hunt of Sacramento, Calif., and Henry B. Hunt of Pembroke; three daughters, Frances Calantoc of Hilo, Hawaii, and Mandy B. Hunt and Barbara J. Hunt, both of Sacramento; a stepdaughter, Marquerite Chavis of Laurinburg; two brothers, Lucious Hunt and Rucious Hunt, both of Rowland; five sisters, Evelyn Jacobs of Lumberton, Glois Hunt of Fairmont, Lena Oxendine of Wilmington, Coleda Ransom of Rowland and Alma Hunt of High Point; 25 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and five great-great- grandchildren. The family will receive friends tonight from 7 to 9 at Locklear & Son Funeral Home in Pembroke. Copyright c. 2003 The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer. -=-=-=- October 22, 2003 James Mitchell Jr. James Mitchell Jr. 65, of Onamia, died Oct. 13, 2003, at the Mille Lacs Hospital in Onamia. Funeral services were held Oct. 17 at the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Lee Staples officiating. Burial was in Vineland Cemetery on the Mille Lacs Reservation. Arrangements were with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia. James is survived by his wife Beatrice Mitchell; daughters Doreen Mitchell of Onamia, Debora Mitchell of Garrison, Lori (Greg) Benjamin of Onamia, Amy (Kevin) LaDue of Onamia, Beth Mitchell of Onamia, Cari Mitchell of Garrison; sons Robert Mitchell and Alan Mitchell both of Onamia; sister Lorena Gahbow of Onamia; 17 grandchildren, three step- grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents James Sr. and Jennie Mitchell; daughter Shelley Mitchell; grandson Lydell Mitchell; sisters Nancy Dailey, Susan Nickaboine, Geraldine Mitchell; brothers Ralph and Jerry Mitchell and Charles Houle. James "Tuggo" Mitchell Jr. was born on April 25, 1938, in Vineland, to Jennie (Skinaway) and James Mitchell Sr. James spent most of his childhood there. He enlisted in the United States Army on May 17, 1956, and served in the Panama Canal as a Private First Class and was honorably discharged on April 29, 1959. James married Beatrice Sam on Dec. 26, 1959, in Robbinsdale. The couple had nine children. He worked in the shipyard in San Francisco, Calif., from 1962 to 1964. James and Beatrice moved back to Onamia where he was employed as a construction worker. In 1965 the family moved to Minneapolis where James worked as a bus driver until 1971. They moved back to Onamia and he worked for the Nay Ah Shing School as a teacher's assistant as well as for Grand Casino Mille Lacs as a grey coat. In 1987, James went to Central Lakes College in Brainerd where he obtained his Associates of Arts Degree. He wanted to prove to his children that he could do it. After graduating, James worked for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe as a tribal preservation officer retiring in in 2000. He was an active member in the AM Vets Post 53 and enjoyed playing bingo, going to garage sales and joking around, but he loved having his family around him most of all. Copyright c. 2003 Mille Lacs Messenger/Isle, MN. -=-=-=- October 22, 2003 Ervin Tonce Ervin Jude "Gebegiizhig" Tonce, 62, of Ponemah, died on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2003, at Merit Care Hospital in Fargo. The traditional funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Ponemah Community Center. A wake will begin at 2 p.m. today and continue until the time of the service. Burial will be in the family burial grounds in Ponemah. Snustad Funeral Home of Blackduck is handling the arrangements. October 27, 2003 Harvey Roy Harvey Kenneth Roy (Animikiimakwa - Bear Clan), 83, of Red Lake, died on Monday, Oct. 27, 2003, at the Red Lake Hospital in Red Lake. The funeral will be 8 a.m. on Wednesday at the Red Lake Center in Red Lake with the Rev. James Speer officiating. Copyright c. 2003 The Pioneer/Bemidji, MN. -=-=-=- October 22, 2003 James Yellow Earrings James Yellow Earrings, 65, McLaughlin, S.D., died Oct. 18, 2003, in McLaughlin. Services will be held at noon CDT Saturday at St. John's Episcopal Church, Bullhead, S.D. Burial will be in the church cemetery. He is survived by one son, John Skinner, Bismarck; one daughter, Lenore Reed, McLaughlin; one adopted daughter, Monique Rainbow, Fort Yates; three brothers, George Archambault, Fort Yates, David Yellow Earrings, Mobridge, S.D., and Matthew Yellow Earrings, Bullhead; and five grandchildren. Oster Funeral Home, Bullhead. Timothy Ironroad FORT YATES - Timothy (Timbo) W. Ironroad Sr., 45, Fort Yates, died Oct. 19, 2003, at Fort Yates. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Youth Activity Center, Cannon Ball, with Brother George Maufort officiating. Burial will be in Red Cedar Cemetery, Solen. Visitation begins at 5 p.m. Friday at Perry Funeral Home, Mandan, with a rosary service at 7 p.m. Visitation continues from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Youth Activity Center. Tim was born Sept. 11, 1958, at Fort Yates, N.D., to Albert John and Serena (Eagle Boy) Ironroad. He was raised in San Francisco and graduated from Solen High School in 1977. He worked as a welder for Cannon Ball Industries, as a teacher's aid and hall monitor at the BIA Elementary, as a custodian at the Fort Yates Police Department and as a custodian at the Standing Rock Junior High School. Tim enjoyed horseshoes, softball, basketball and attending Maryellen's track and basketball games. He is survived by his special friend, Lena Wise Spirit and her children, Mercury Hollow Jr., Mariko Hollow and his favorite little girl, Maryellen who was always with him, Fort Yates; one daughter, Marisa Ironroad, Porcupine; three sons, Timothy and Dawn Ironroad, Cannon Ball, Kevin Ironroad, Fort Yates, and Beau James Two Crow, Fort Yates; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Beverly and Donald Fox, Cannon Ball, and Elizabeth and Gerald White Jr., Fort Yates; four brothers and two sisters-in-law, Robert and Laurel Ironroad, Fort Yates, William Ironroad, Fort Yates, Perry Ironroad, Porcupine, and Michael and Trisha Ironroad, Solen; two grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Austin; special nieces, Tyra Bren, Keana Raine and Ronesha; one uncle, Joseph and Barbara Ironroad; and adopted daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Jose Garcia, Norfolk, Va. Tim was preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents; his uncles; and one brother, Gary. Copyright c. 2003 Bismarck Tribune. -=-=-=- October 22, 2003 James Edwards Absentee Shawnee Tribe Gov. James "Lee" Edwards of Shawnee died Tuesday, Oct. 21, in Oklahoma City. He was 66 years old. Edwards was born June 5, 1937, in Concho, Okla., to John W. and Martha (Ellis) Edwards. He graduated in 1957 from Prairie Valley High School in Seminole. He also attended Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kan. In 1956 he married Ernestine Marshall. She preceded him in death in 1972. He married Carolyn Marzett on March 6, 1993, in Las Vegas. He served as governor of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe for three terms, from July 1999 until present. He had just begun his third consecutive term. He served as representative from 1994-1996 and as treasurer from 1996-1998. He was employed for 13 years as field services director at the Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority. He was also preceded in death by his father. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Marzett Edwards, of the home; mother, Martha Ellis Edwards of Shawnee; children, Trenekia Watson, Kailani and husband Charlie Miller, Ken and wife Kim Edwards, LaDonna Cortez and husband Nick Bristow, Chet Edwards and Brandon Edwards; brothers, John Edwards of Shawnee and Glenn Edwards of Walters; sisters, Atheda Fletcher of Houston, Gilreath Godwin of Shawnee, Cheryl Jones of Shawnee and Charlene Whittington of Shawnee; five grandchildren, Heather, Kristie, Tony, Bryan and Ryan; and three great-grandchildren. Service will be 1 p.m. today at First Baptist Church in Shawnee with the Rev. Wayne Wilson officiating. Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Johnson Cemetery with the procession leaving Cooper Funeral Home at 9 a.m. Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh is in charge of arrangements. October 23, 2003 Freida Marie Grant Wise Freida Marie Grant Wise died Tuesday, Oct. 21, at her Shawnee home. She was 71 years old. She was born on Oct. 6, 1932, in Pawnee to Fred and Amelia (Gokey) Grant. She attended the Pawnee Indian School and worked for TDK for 22 years, retiring in 1999. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Gloria Lasley; son, Rick Blanchard; brother, Ulysses S. Grant, and two sisters, Viola Spoon and Elsie Johnson. Surviving are her sons and daughters-in-law and daughter and son-in-law, Alden Blanchard of Norman; Clifford and Jimmie Blanchard; Carol Blanchard and Shannon Byers, Eddie and Lucinda Blanchard, and Larry and Lisa Blanchard, all of Shawnee; three sisters, Elizabeth Exendine of Stroud, Christine Rolette of Shawnee, Lorena Ponkilla of Shawnee; two brothers, Chester Grant of Shawnee, Jerome Grant of Pryor; 26 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Viewing will be at the Horseshoe Bend Community Center from Thursday morning until burial. Tribal rites will be Friday evening at the center. Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the Wakolee Cemetery with the Rev. Mike Wester officiating. Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee is directing arrangements. Cathy Ann Lester Drumright resident Cathy Ann Lester died Tuesday, Oct. 21, in Drumright at the age of 49. Survivors include her husband, William F. Lester of Drumright; her mother, Virginia Irene York of Cushing; son, Vernon Moura of Tulsa; daughters, Angela Moura of Tulsa, Michaela Phillips of Stroud, Jennifer Waggoner of Oilton; brothers, David York and Ronnie York, both of Cushing; sisters, Beverly Allen of Cushing, Patty Pendleton of Tulsa, Sharon Hinds of Stroud, and 11 grandchildren. Services will be 4 p.m. today at the Sac and Fox Community Center near Stroud, with Tommy Morris officiating. Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday at the Sac and Fox Cemetery in Stroud. Arrangements are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Stroud. Copyright c. 1997-2003 The Shawnee News-Star. -=-=-=- October 22, 2003 Timothy W. Chasenah ELGIN - Funeral for Timothy W. Chasenah, 37, Elgin, will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Comanche Nation Complex with the Rev. Gerald Watson officiating. A prayer service will be at 7 p.m. today at Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Burial will be at Cache Creek Indian Cemetery, Apache. He was born April 9, 1966, in Lawton, to John Chasenah Sr. and Jeanette Connahvichnah Pohlemann. He attended Stoney Point and graduated from Elgin. He played basketball and baseball. He attended Culinary School, and was employed as a chef for Crab Town in Oklahoma City. He married Randi Tsotigh on Nov. 21, 1997, in Oklahoma City. He was an American Indian straight dancer and gourd dancer. He was a descendant of the Horseback and Ten Bears Clans, and a member of Petarsy Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, of the home; a son, Cory Chasenah; a daughter, Amber Laurenzana; three stepsons: Amos and Terrence Littlecrow and Bruce Whiteman III; his mother; four sisters: Linda Silverthorn, Mary Laurenzana, Fisty Fawbush and Wilma Blackowl; nine brothers: Lewis, John Jr., Ronald, Gerald, Frankie, Gary, Donald, Kent and Tommy Chasenah; an uncle, Garrett Connahvichnah; seven uncles; seven aunts; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; and his grandparents: Lewis and Mary Connahvichnah, Leon Motah, Authur and Emma Chasenah, Ella Pewewardy and Poha-yotee Mocho. Copyright c. 2003 The Lawton Constitution. -=-=-=- October 21, 2003 Lillie E. Deschilly Shiprock March 15, 1919 - Oct. 17, 2003 Lillie E. Deschilly, 84, of Shiprock, passed from this life on Friday, Oct. 17, 2003, at the University Hospital. Lillie was born March 15, 1919, in Oak Springs. Services will be held at 2 p.m., today, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003, at the Bethel Christian Reform Church in Shiprock. Pastors Woody Yazzie and Larry Harper will officiate. Lillie will be laid to rest at the Shiprock Community Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Cope Memorial Chapel of Farmington, (505) 327-5142. Manuel Ramone Shiprock Sept. 9, 1981 - Oct. 19, 2003 Manuel Ramone, 22, of Shiprock, passed from this life Sunday, Oct. 19, 2003. He was born Sept. 9, 1981, in Shiprock. Funeral services are pending with Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home of Shiprock, (505) 368-4607. Elvin William "Willie" Smith Shiprock Sept. 24, 1973 - Oct. 18, 2003 Elvin William "Willie" Smith passed away Saturday, Oct. 18, 2003, at Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock. Willie was born Sept. 24, 1973, in Shiprock to Elvin O. and Lorraine Atcitty Smith. Willie is survived by his mother, Lorraine Atcitty Smith of Shiprock; wife, Lucy Marie Wayne of Shiprock; daughter, Yolanda Noel Smith of Shiprock; two sisters, Sharon Smith and fiance', Oscar Lucero Jr., of Kirtland, and Sheryl Smith of Shiprock; two nieces, Raquel and Starla Martinez; two nephews, Eric Lucero and Brandon Martinez; numerous aunts and uncles; and his maternal grandmother, Jessie Redshirt Atcitty of Shiprock. Willie was preceded in death by his father, Elvin O. Smith; sister, Marion Marie Smith; maternal grandfather, Hugh Atcitty Sr.; and paternal grandparents, William Smith Sr. and Harriet Beyale. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., today, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003, at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Shiprock. Burial will follow at Shiprock Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Elwilliam Yabeny, Delbert Atcitty Jr., LeAnder Antonio, Edmund Bidtah, David Pettigrew, Darrell Wayne, Troy Barbone Sr., Eric Lucero, Aaron Jack Wayne, Odell Yazzie and Roland Washburn. Honorary pallbearers will be Oscar Lucero Jr., Bud Begay, Jackson Wayne, Edward Atcitty, Leonard Wayne, Hugh Begay, Calvin Atcitty, Samuelson Antonio and Joe Ben. Funeral arrangements are with Chapel of Memories Funeral home in Kirtland, (05) 598-9636. Jerry B. Begaye McCracken Mesa, Utah Dec. 18, 1927 - Oct. 19, 2003 Jerry B. Begaye, 76, a resident of McCracken Mesa, Utah, passed away Sunday, Oct. 19, 2003. Mr. Begaye was born Dec. 18, 1927. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., today, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003, at the family cemetery in Warm Springs, near Montezuma Creek, Utah. Burial to follow. Arrangements are under the direction of Cope Memorial Chapel of Farmington, 404 W. Arrington St., (505) 327-5142. October 23, 2003 Timothy Roanhorse Hogback Dec. 25, 1930 - Oct. 20, 2003 Timothy Roanhorse, 72, of Hogback, passed from this life Monday, Oct. 20, 2003, at Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock. He was born Dec. 25, 1930, at Sheepsprings. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2003, at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home Chapel in Shiprock. Interment will follow at the Shiprock Community Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home of Shiprock, (505) 368-4607. October 24, 2003 James Dan, Sr. April 3, 1939 - Oct. 22, 2003 Fruitland James Dan Sr., 64, of Fruitland, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Louise Dan of Fruitland; five sons, Michael R. Dan Sr. and wife Teri of Kirtland, Manuel Dan Sr. and wife Alfrieda of Fruitland, James Dan Jr. and Tia Phillips of Albuquerque, Troy Dan and Stephanie Begay, Craig Dan and Erica Mason, all of Fruitland; two daughters, Sandra Miller and husband Ronald of Fruitland, and Rhonda Platero and husband Sterling of Kirtland; and one sister, Phyllis Thomas of Fruitland. He has numerous cousins who are his Navajo brothers and sisters. James was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and a true blue Dallas Cowboy fan. He loved being there for his grandchildren: Katara, Michael "Dink," Kristin and Jordan Dan; Vanessa, Melissa, Manuel "Son", and Aaron Dan; Raquel, Taylor, Kayla and Christopher Miller; Nicolas Dan and Emmitt Dan; and great-grandchild, Kaitlyn Harrison. He was born at Nenahnezad and went to school in Ignacio, Colo. He worked at BHP Minerals for 27 years from 1970, until he retired in 1997. Viewing will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., today, Friday, Oct. 24, 2003, at Chapel of Memories Funeral Home in Kirtland. Services will be held at 10 a. .m., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2003, at the LDS Stake Center in Kirtland with Bishop Ronald Jack officiating. Burial will follow at the Kirtland Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Michael R. Dan Sr., Manuel Dan Sr., James Dan Jr., Troy Dan, Craig Dan and Michael Dan Jr. Honorary pallbearers are Ronald Miller, Sterling Platero, Jordan Dan, Manuel Dan Jr., Aaron Dan, Arnold Dan, the BHP Utility Shop, and all his nephews. Arrangements are entrusted to Chapel of Memories Funeral Home of Kirtland, (505) 598-9636. Copyright c. 2003 Farmington Daily Times, a Gannett Co., Inc. newspaper. -=-=-=- October 21, 2003 Kawauna Noelle Begaye SHEEPSPRINGS - Services for Kawauna Begaye, 17, will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22 at Sheepsprings Full Gospel Church. Rev. Edward Jim will officiate. Burial will follow at Naschitti Cemetery. Begaye died Oct. 18 in Sheepsprings. She was born Aug. 27, 1986 in Gallup into the Water's Edge People Clan for the Red Running into the Water People Clan. Begaye was a senior at Newcomb High School. Her hobbies included boxing, basketball and volleyball. Survivors include her parents, Theresa S. and Alfred L. Begaye both of Sheepsprings; brothers, Shawn Alfred Begaye and Sonny Aaron Alfred Begay both of Sheepsprings; and grandmother, Mae B. Yazzie of Naschitti. Begaye was preceded in death by his sister, Tricinda Lynn Begaye; and grandparents, Thomas Yazzie, Lucinda and Alfred Lueppe. Pallbearers will be Jonathan Owelecio, Rueben Martin, Dexter Nelson, Kee Yazzie, Walfredo Watchman and Ivan Begay. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Theodore "Ted" Evans CHINLE, Ariz. - Services for Theodore Evans, 80, were at 11 a.m, Tuesday, Oct. 21 at the family home. Burial followed on family land. Evans died Oct. 16 in Chinle. He was born March 14, 1923 in Black Mountain, Ariz. into the Bitter Water People Clan for the He Who Walks Around People Clan. Evans attended Wingate High School, studied civil engineering at Fort Sill, did University of California research in Los Alamos, worked for theONEO, VA-Navajo Tribe, Chinle Chapter President, and was president of theChinle Aging Council. Hobbies included hunting, fishing, baseball coaching, bowling, reading, watching movies and powwows and southern traditional dancing. Survivors include his wife, Harrietta Evans; sons, Aaron, Nathan, Henry, Ben and Jonathan; daughters, Elizabeth "Lu" Evans, Margaret, Wonda, and Winona; brother, Lewis Jones; sisters, Mary Mitchell and Jessie Gorman; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Evans was preceded in death by his first wife, Treva; brothers, Paul and Harold; sister, Francis; and his parents. Pallbearers were the Chinle Honor Guards. Gilbert Garcia PINE HILL - Services for Gilbert Garcia, 39, will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22 at Pine Hill Church of God. Evangelist Eugene Cody Sr. will officiate. Burial will follow at a private family cemetery. Garcia died Oct. 16 in Pine Hill. He was born Nov. 13, 1963 in Apache Creek into the Apache People Clan for the Tangle People Clan. Survivors include his mother, Lucy M. Garcia of Pine Hill; brothers, Arthur Garcia of Pine Hill, Lawrence Garcia of Canoncito, Ernest Garcia and Paul Garcia both of Albuquerque; and sisters, Katherine Garcia and Etta Martine both of Pine Hill, Berniece Garcia, Evelyn Garcia and Lucia Garcia all of Albuquerque. Garcia was preceded in death by his father, Harry Garcia Sr. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. October 22, 2003 Gladys F. Bitsoie TOHATCHI - Services for Gladys Bitsoie, 78, will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 23 at Tohatchi Christian Reformed Church. Pastor John Kostelyk will officiate. Burial will follow at Naschitti Community Cemetery. Bitsoie died Oct. 19 in Gallup. She was born June 16, 1925 in Naschitti into the One Who Walks Around You People for the Red House People Clan. Survivors include her husband, Edgar Bitsoie Sr. of Tohatchi; sons, Edgar Bitsoie Jr. of Gallup and Nathan Earl Bitsoie of Naschitti; daughter, Rolanda Hardy of Tohatchi; brothers, Larry Foster Sr. of St. Michaels, Ariz. and Samuel Sullivan of Window Rock; sisters, Louise F. Joe of Sanders, Ariz., Flossie Silversmith of Window Rock, Glenna Smith of Vain, Okla., Roselyn F. Begay and Geneieve Sice both of Gallup; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Bitsoie was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Fred Foster; brothers, Melton Foster and Sam Johnson; and Florence Cronymyer and Emily Johnson. Pallbearers will be Byron Bitsoie, Nathan Earl Bitsoie Jr., Nathaniel E. Bitsoie, Shannon Bitsoie, Alex Hardy, and Clinton Hardy. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Rita Begay MANY FARMS, Ariz. - Services for Rita Begay, 83, will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 23 at Chinle Catholic Church. Father Blane will officiate. Burial will follow on family land, Many Farms. Begay died Oct. 18 in Flagstaff, Ariz. She was born Nov. 17, 1919 in Many Farms into the Tangle People Clan for the Water Flows Together People Clan. Begay was a farmer, rancher and rug weaver. Her hobbies included crotcheting, crossword puzzles and cooking. Survivors included her sons, Cecil Tsosie of Canoncito, John Tsosie of Tuba City, Ariz., Woody Tsosie and Chee Tsosie both of Many Farms; daughters, Elaine Claw of Chinle, Ariz., Zonnie Deswood and Elizabeth Gorman both of Nest, Ariz.; brothers, Alfred Tabaha of Many Farms and Fred Tabaha of Shiprock; sister, Louise Tabaha of Many Farms; 46 grandchildren; 72 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. Begay was preceded in death by her husband, Totsonie Tsosie; parents, Zonnie Tabaha and Yoe E. Begay; and sister, Bah E. Tsosie. Pallbearers will be Owie Tsosie, Travis Tsosie, Ryan Tsosie, Darin Tsosie, Terin Tsosie and Corey Baker. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. October 23, 2003 Larry Jim Davidson TSAYATOH - Services for Larry Davidson, 62, will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 24 at Cope Memorial Chapel. James Hasteen will officiate. Burial will follow at Gallup City Cemetery. Davidson died Oct. 21 in Tsayatoh. He was born Nov. 5, 1940 in Gallup into the Edge Water People Clan for the Black Streak of Forest People Clan. Davidson was employed with the railroad and also did carpentry. Survivors include his wife, Alice Spencer of Mentmore; son, Stanley S. Davidson of Mentmore; daughter, Shantell Etsitty of Mentmore; brothers, Charley Davidson of Pretty Rock and Billy Tsosie of Thoreau; and sister, Mary D. Nez of Hunters Point, Ariz. Davidson was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and John Davidson. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Kee Robert Bia GANADO, Ariz. - Services for Kee Bia, 53, will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 24 at the Presbyterian Church, Ganado. Rev. Samuel Walker will officiate. Burial will follow at Ganado Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Bia died Oct. 18 in Fort Defiance, Ariz. He was born May 20, 1950 in Ganado into the Blackstreak Wood People Clan for the Bitter Water People Clan. Bia attended Ganado Public School. He was a self employed carpenter, painter and handyman. His hobbies included football games, telling jokesand the outdoors. Survivors include his wife, Anna Mae Bia of Fort Defiance; son, Keroy Bia of Fort Defiance; daughters, Matilda Van-Winkle of Navajo, N.M., Ketrisha Bia, Charlena Bia and Tammy Bia all of Fort Defiance; brothers, John Bia Jr. of Farmington, Francis Bia of Ganado, Sammy Bia of Navajo, Ariz. and Leo Bia of Flagstaff, Ariz.; sisters, Bonita B. James, Anita B. Bob and Alberta B. Tsosie; and ten grandchildren. Bia was preceded in death by his parents, Blanche K. and John Bia; brothers, Peter Bia and Jimmy Bia; and a sister. Pallbearers will be Francis Bia, Leo Bia, Sammy Bia, Terry Bia, Nathan Bia and Lionel Bia. The family will receive friends and relatives after the burial services at Bia's residence, 3 miles south of Ganado. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Joe Kee Sr. STEAMBOAT, Ariz., - Sevices for Joe Kee Sr., 69, will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 24 at the Catholic Church, Ganado. Father Flann O'Neil will officiate. Burial will follow on family land, Steamboat. Kee died Oct. 20 in Flagstaff. He was born Jan. 14, 1934 in Ganado into the Mexican People Clan for the Coyote Pass Jemez People Clan. Kee attended Steamboat Day School and INter-Mountain School in Brigham City, Utah. He worked for Toyei Nursing Home in the 1980s. He was a rancher and farmer and his hobbies included taking care of his livestock. Survivors include his wife Mary Jane Kee; sons Oscar, Jefferson, Herman, Harrison, Jonah, Joe Jr., Otis, Ervin and Johnson Kee; daughters, Josephine Kee and Serphina Byale; brothers Nelson Kee; sisters, Bernice Smith; and 26 grandchildren. Kee was preceded in death by his parents Aktk'idahnzbaa' and Joseph Kee; brothers Allen, George, Ivan Kee and Guy Tso. Pallbearers will be Jonah Kee, Otis Kee, Arnold Begay, Thornton Beyale, Francis Smith and Benson Kee. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Thomas Billy Davis BLUEWATER VILLAGE - Services for Thomas Davis, 31, will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 24 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Bishop Wayne Hassell will officiate. Burial will follow at Pioneer Memorial Park, Bluewater Village. Visitation will be one hour prior services. Davis died Oct. 18. He was born May 26, 1972 in Acoma. Survivors include his parents, Pamela and Kenneth Woods both of Valley View Estates; brothers, Roy Davis of Odessa, Texas, Brian Wood of Grants and David Allen Woods of Valley View Estates; sisters, Ashely Ann Williamson of Grants, Cheryl Mae Davis Maynard, Patsy Davis and Robin Chapman of Columbus, Ohio; and grandparents, Gladys Williamson of Clovis, Betty and Ken Spitler of Grants. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Watkins, Carl Capps, Victor Yazzie, Roy Davis, Jim Brewer, and Robert Gonzalez. October 25, 2003 Gary O'Dell GALLUP - Services for Gary O'Dell, 55, will be 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Gallup. Bishop Jeff Nolte will officiate. Burial will follow at Gallup City Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. O'Dell died Oct. 20 in Albuquerque. He was born June 17, 1948, in Aneth, Utah, into the Red Running into the Water People Clan for the Waters Edge People Clan. O'Dell attended McKinley County Schools. He was employed with NCI, RMCH, IHS and Gallup McKinley Manor. His hobbies included playing basketball, reading and listening to music. Survivors include his sons, Brian O'Dell and Lawrence O'Dell; daughters, Bernadette O'Dell and Deirdre O'Dell of Gallup; and sisters, Evelynn O'Dell of Orem, Utah and Carlene O'Dell of Provo, Utah. O'Dell was preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Leona O'Dell; brother, Larry O'Dell. Pallbearers will be Wayne Chopito, Kevin O'Dell, Brent O'Dell, Brian O'Dell, Henry Hutchinson and Moses Trijillo. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Raphael Tabaha HUNTERS POINT, Ariz. - Services for Raphael Tabaha, 90, were 10 a.m., today at St. Michaels Catholic Church. Father Gilbert Schneider will officiate. Burial will follow St. Michaels Cemetery. Tabaha died Oct. 22 in Fort Defiance. He was born June 27, 1913, in Hunters Point into the Edge Water People Clan for the Tangle People Clan. Tabaha attended St. Michaels Catholic School. He was a World War II veteran and was honorable discharged. He was employed as a carpenter, and with El Paso Natural Gas, Union Pacific/Santa Fe Railroad, Neilson Construction Co. His hobbies included maintaining his livestock, woodcrafting and homebuilding. Survivors include his wife, Marie K. Tabaha; sons, Albert Tabaha Sr., Leonard Delegarito Sr., Ernest Tabaha Sr. and Anson Tabaha Sr.; daughters, Arlene Tabaha, Irene Tabaha, Bernice Upshaw, Angeline Tabaha and Lorraine Tabaha; and sisters, six; 38 grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. Tabaha was preceded in death by his children, Lorenzo Tabaha and Agnes Tabaha; parents, Navajo and Gleehasbah Joe; brothers; and sisters. Pallbearers will be Jason Begay, Franklin Upshaw Jr., Joel Upshaw, Hyland Joe, Loronzo Delegarito, Asa-Ryan Begay and Delbert Tabaha. The family will receive friends and relatives after the burial services at St. Michael Parish Hall. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. October 27, 2003 Harrison Morgan CROWNPOINT - Services for Harrison Morgan, 65, will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, at St. Catholic Church, Crownpoint. Pastor Wilson Morgan will officiate. Burial will follow at Rehoboth Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m., today at Cope Memorial Chapel. Morgan died Oct. 24 in Farmington. He was born Dec. 8, 1937, in Nahodishgish into the Bitter Water People Clan for the Towering House People Clan. Morgan graduated from Wingate High School in 1958. He was employed as a community liaison for the BIA and for the Summer Youth Program for the Navajo Nation Division of Labor. He served as the Nahodishgish Chapter secretary, vice-president and president, McKinley County School Board and headed the Crownpoint Diabetes Wellness Center. His hobbies included silversmithing, horseshoeing, riding horses and sports. Survivors include his wife, Laura M. Morgan, of Crownpoint; sons, Beau Morgan of Standing Rock, Wes Morgan of Crownpoint, Chad Morgan and Harley Morgan both of Albuquerque; daughter, Buffy Ann Morgan of Santa Barbara, Calif.; brother, Wilson Morgan of Standing Rock; sisters, Lorraine Smith of Standing Rock, Nellie Billie of Dalton Pass, Martha Morgan of Crownpoint and Lenajean Morgan of Fort Defiance; and six grandchildren. Morgan was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Hadesbah Morgan; and sister, Irene Singer. Pallbearers will be Beau Morgan, Chad Morgan, Harley Morgan, Wes Morgan, Alvin Smith and Dickie Billey. The family will receive friends and relatives after the burial services at St. Pauls Catholic Parish Hall, Crownpoint. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Ritchie Singer PAGE, Ariz. - Ritchie Singer, 49, died Oct 14, 2003. He was born Oct. 9, 1954, in Tuba City, Ariz., into the Honaghaahnii People Clan for the Todichiinii People Clan. Singer graduated from Tuba City High School in 1973 and also attended Haskell University. He was employed with the Public Utilities Department of the City of Page, Peabody Western Coal Company as a foreman at the Kayenta Mine, Williamette Industries and Stone Container Plant, both of Phoenix, the Ute Power Plant, in Craig, Colo. and Salt River Project at the Navajo Generating Station in Page. He was a certified motorcycle mechanic. Survivors include his wife, Brenda; son, Jade B. Singer of Scottsdale, Ariz.; mother Katherine Singer of Kayenta, Ariz.; brother, Richard B. Singer Jr. of Denver; sisters, Sharine Sonny of Flagstaff, Ariz., Regina Singer of Denver, Karen Garcia of Tuba City, Beverly Thomas, Arloa Singer, Patricia Osif and Dawny Singer all of Kayenta. Singer is preceded in death by his father, Richard B. Singer Sr.; and brother, Richard E. Singer. Copyright c. 2003 the Gallup Independent. -=-=-=- October 20, 2003 Geoffrey Theodore Wilcox Holy Rosary for Geoffrey Theodore "Ted Wilcox, were held Monday, October 13, 2003 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Father Dan Hussey officiating. Mass of the Christian Burial was held Tuesday, October 14, 2003 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Father Dan Hussey officiating. Interment was held Wednesday, October 15, 2003 at Desert View Cemetery in Winslow. Ted succumbed to complications of diabetes on Friday, October 10, 2003 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix. He had been in St. Mary's Hospital in Tucson for six weeks before being transferred to Phoenix where he continued his confinement for another six weeks. Ted was born to Joseph B. Wilcox Sr. and Dorothy Gabaldon on January 30, 1943. Ted's clans were the Tewa Winter People of San Juan Pueblo, born for the To'bahaa or Edgewater People of the Navajo. He attended Winslow Public Schools from K-12. Ted decided to become a teacher early in life. He was impressed with some of his own teachers in elementary school. They were master teachers Virginia Allen, Hally Duckworth and Helen Campbell, just to name a few. He remained friends with these ladies throughout his life. He did well in school and excelled in sports. He left Winslow to attend Arkansas Tech in Russellville, Arkansas on three athletic scholarships: football, basketball and baseball. After his freshman year in college he decided to transfer to Northern Arizona University. He pitched for the Lumberjacks one season. There he also met his future wife, Lucille. He graduated in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in Education and a minor in Math. Ted pushed on to obtain his Master's Degree in Education from NAU and later on, administrative certification. Ted took a position at Dilcon School where he taught 7th and 8th graders. After a year and a half he started teaching 6th grade at Washington Elementary School. He worked for WUSD No. 1 for 28 years. He taught Math at the junior high school level and then returned to Jefferson Elementary School as principal. He served as principal for 18 years until his illness forced him into retirement. Ted started the 6th grade camp out for the school district. He did all he could to make education a wide variety of experiences for his students. He was the initiator of the teacher in-services. Mr. Peters got a few gray hairs at this program's inception. Ted was not afraid to "rock the boat" if it meant new and enlightening experiences for his students. He served on the steering committee for the JOM Program for our school district's Native American students. He could also claim honorary membership in the Winslow High School's Tribe of Many Feathers Indian Club, as many of their functions were held in his home. He even coached football, basketball and baseball at Winslow High School for eight years. Ted loved sports and being active. He enjoyed baseball, softball, bowling, golf and tennis. He taught tennis for the Winslow City Recreation for a few summers. He went hunting, fishing and quail hunting. Over the years, he and his wife welcomed many young men and women who resided in Winslow Residential Hall (Emmons Dorm) into their home and they became part of the family. He always emphasized that getting a good education was the best way to make a better life for themselves. He was active in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, serving on many different committees including three terms on the parish Council and lectoring for many years. Ted was very active in his community. He was a member of the Winslow Kiwanis Club and the BPOE Elks Lodge #536. He served as Marshal on the election board and served a term on the Council for Aging. Ted loved Winslow and his "second family," the WUSD employees. Winslow folks helped keep track of him after he became impaired the last few years of his life. He was so outgoing and loved to socialize all over town. He was also the family comic. Some did not believe he was impaired because he was such a talker. Few knew he was legally blind on his left side and would wonder why he didn't respond if they waved, as he was such a friendly fellow. He was truly a hometown product, born and raised here in Winslow. He was up against all odds from the start and had humble beginnings. He often said with pride, "just from the neighborhood I grew up in we had 11 college graduates, all minorities"... no easy accomplishment in that day and age. These young people formed a tight bond and have kept in touch through the years. He loved his children and his grandchildren and supported them in all their activities. He would say that Winslow was a good place to live and raise children. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 38 years, Lucille. A daughter, Toni Villanueva (Richard), a son Tim (LaVonne) and seven grandchildren and many, many more grandchildren who called him "Papa"; his mother, Dorothy Wilcox, three brothers, Joe Jr. (Elvira), Willis Dean (Millie) and William George (Doris), and his sister Eleanor Reyes (Gibbie). He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph B. Wilcox Sr., his brother Norman Wilcox; his sister Verna Wilcox and a grandson, Skylar Wilcox. Contributions in the name of Geoffrey Theodore Wilcox can be made to the American Diabetes Research Program through the American Diabetes Association, 8125 N. 23rd Avenue, #222, Phoenix, AZ 85021. Arrangements were under the direction of Greer's Scott Mortuary of Winslow. Timotheous "Timmy" Titus Long Services for Timotheous "Timmy" Titus Long were held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Leupp on Friday, October 17, 2003. Viewing was held prior to services at the church. Interment was in Old Leupp Cemetery. Timmy was born on April 15, 1990 in Winslow. He died Friday, October 10, 2003 from a lifelong battle with a rare disease named Navajo Neuropathy. He was 13 years old. He grew up in Flagstaff, experiencing all that he could. He loved rockin' to "Dying Tribe" or "Linkin Park" CDs. He appreciated music and played the drums for Christensen Elementary School. Timmy was an avid Phoenix Suns fan. He had incredible skill and wanted to be a professional ball player. He had great impact on the lives of everyone he met. Although he battled a debilitating illness that eventually took his life, Timmy filled every day with adventure and zest for life. He battled his enemy within, Navajo Neuropathy, with weapons of love and laughter. He was a modern-day warrior deserving of a hero's homecoming in heaven. Timmy is survived by his parents, Dylan and Tandie Askan of Flagstaff; his siblings, Krystina, Ericka, Andrew and Dylan T.; his grandparents, Ernie and Elsie Nadeau of Dilkon, Gary and Inez Askan of Flagstaff, and Andrew (Papa) and Charolette Christensen of Winslow; his mother, Priscilla Carlson of Bird Springs; his father, Thomas Long of Leupp; siblings, Timothy, Thomasina, Tanya, Titus, Georgina, Anissa and Roxanne; maternal grandparents, Billy and Mary Carlson of Bird Springs; paternal grandparents, Leroy and Alvina Long of Leupp; several aunts, uncles and cousins. Timmy is also survived by his entire community, each touched by his joyous spirit. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Timmy's honor to a memorial fund. Arrangements were under the direction of Greer's Mortuary of Winslow. Copyright c. 2003 The Winslow Mail. Copyright c. 2003 The Winslow Mail. -=-=-=- October 24, 2003 Arnold H. Valenzuela Arnold H. Valenzuela, 37, of Tucson passed away October 20, 2003. Survived by parents, Joe R. and Dolores H. Valenzuela of Guadalupe; companion, Priscilla; children, Veronica, Victoria, Jessica and Jesse of Tucson; Annaelisa and Mykhail of Florence; brother, Joe "Chino" (Irma) of Yuma; Jesse, Anthony and Michael of Guadalupe. All night vigil to be held Friday, October 24, 6:00 p.m. at Yaqui Temple in Guadalupe. Mass Saturday, October 25, 8:00 a.m. at Yaqui Temple. Burial to follow in Guadalupe Cemetery. Copyright c. 2003 Tucson Citizen. -=-=-=- October 22, 2003 Tyrone Tonto Tyrone Tonto, 38, of San Carlos died Oct. 13, 2003, at Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix. He was born in San Carlos. He worked as an extra/actor. Survivors include his father, Hollis Tonto of San Carlos; one brother, Steve Sisto of San Carlos; and two sisters, Carmelita Sippi of San Carlos and Suzi Scott of Phoenix. Funeral service was Oct. 19 at San Carlos Miracle Church. Interment was in Northgate Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Lamont Mortuary of Globe. Copyright c. 2003 Arizona Silver Belt/Apache Moccasin. -=-=-=- October 22, 2003 Charles Phillip (Funny Man) Everybodytalksabout Charles Phillip EVERYBODYTALKSABOUT (Funny man) - The final celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday the twenty-first at Forest Lawn, 6701 30th Ave. S.W. at 2 p.m. Charlie lived in West Seattle for the last 35 years of his life. He succumbed to lung cancer on the 17th of October, in the presence of his family. Charles, a member of the Blackfeet tribe, grew up in Browning, Montana. At the age of seventeen he was regional golden gloves champion. He served in the armed forces 82nd Airborne paratroopers. Charles married Vicki Stout on 6/4/70 and went to Roswell, NM. to attend college. He and his wife returned to Seattle in 1971. Charlie is survived by wife Vicki, his children Charleen, Mike, Dale, Neva (Carmen) and Tanya, his grandchildren Reanna and Winden, and four sisters and three brothers. He was much loved by his family for his loving nature and good humor. Copyright c. 2003 The Seattle Times Company. -=-=-=- October 22, 2003 Choaya Eagle Boy POPLAR - Choaya Arnold Charles Eagle Boy, 49, died Sunday, Oct. 19, 2003, in his sleep. A vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at the church. Interment will be at St. Anne Cemetery in Poplar following the service. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel is in charge. Copyright c. The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. -=-=-=- Golden Triangle On-Line Obituaries The following obituaries appeared in the Cut Bank Pioneer Press, Shelby Promoter, Valierian or Glacier Reporter this week. October 24, 2003 Vicky Lee Vielle Vicky Lee Vielle, 47, of Browning, an executive assistant, died of cancer Sunday, Oct. 19, 2003 at Blackfeet Community Hospital. Rosary is 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24 at Little Flower Parish. Her funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at Little Flower Parish, with burial in St. Michael's Cemetery. Day Funeral Home is handling arrangements. She was born in Browning on Nov. 5, 1955 and grew up in Browning. Vielle graduated from Chalaco Indian School in Oklahoma and attend Blackfeet Community College for two years for CNA training. She married Robert Lee Arnoux in 1980. She was employed with Blackfeet Tribal Document for 23 years. She enjoyed collecting bears and going camping and spending time with her grandchildren. Survivors include her husband, Robert Lee Arnoux; daughters, Franky Hoyt, Robin Arnoux, Chayle Tadd and Bobbie Jo Arnoux; sons, Robert Lee Running Rabbit Jr., and Randy Len Running Rabbit; her mother, Shirley Gobert; sisters Rachel Gobert, Charlene Cadotte and Angie Vielle; a brother, Alan Dale Vielle Sr.; and 15 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father Victor Vielle and her grandparents Francis and Franky Boyle and Peter and Cecile Vielle. Calvin Marcellas Rides At The Door Calvin Marcellas Rides At The Door, infant son of George and Rhonda Rides At The Door of Cut Bank, died of health complications shortly after his birth on Oct. 18, 2003. Calvin's wake has begun at 114 3rd Ave. SW in Cut Bank and will last until the service. His graveside service is 11 a.m. today, Wednesday, Oct. 22 at Willow Creek Cemetery in Browning. Day Funeral Home is handling arrangements. In addition to his parents, survivors include a sister, Gabrielle; a brother, Tymond; grandparents George Rides At The Door and Lorelie and James No Runner, all of Cut Bank; his great-grandmothers Mary Marshall of Cut Bank and Velma "Tiny" Smith of Browning. Calvin was preceded in death by his grandfather, James Smith; his grandmother, Marcelle Rides At The Door; and great-grandparents Kenny Singer, Alfred Smith and Don and Peg Strand. Sidney A. LaPlante Sidney Aaligan LaPlante, 4-month-old daughter of Nadine LaPlante and Ronald Trombley Sr. of Browning, died of sudden infant death syndrome Sept. 18, 2003 at her home in Browning. Services took place Sept. 23 at Little Flower Parish, with burial in Willow Creek Cemetery. Day Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. LaPlante was born May 2, 2003 in Great Falls; she enjoyed swinging in her chair and playing with Israel. In addition to her parents, Sidney is survived by sisters Carla Trombley, Shannon Trombley, Vanessa Trombley, Natasha Lamere, Raven Lamere and Nikki LaPlante; brothers Tyler Gordon, Logan Gordon, Israel Trombley, Kevin Trombley and James Trombley; and grandparents Francis LaPlante Sr., Sharon Reevis and Clarence Trombley, all of Browning. Copyright c. 2003 Golden Triangle Newspapers. -=-=-=- October 23, 2003 Kenneth Martin Sellars Jr. BROWNING - Kenneth Martin Sellars Jr., 38, a construction worker and firefighter, died Monday at his home in Browning. The coroner has not determined the cause of death. Rosary is 7 this evening at Glacier Homes Community Center. Funeral Mass is 2 p.m. Friday at Little Flower Parish, with burial in Blackfoot Cemetery. Day Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Survivors include his partner, Priscilla Cut Finger of Browning; daughters Bobbie Jo Sellars, Chancie Sellars and Natasha Sellars of Browninga, Latasha Makes Cold Weather of Cut Bank; stepdaughters Cherish Cut Finger, Brianne Johnson and Whittney Johnson, all of Browning; sons Willie Martin Sellars, Kenneth M. Sellars III, Justin Old Chief of Browning; stepsons John Cut Finger, Colby Cut Finger and Travis Johnson of Browning; his father, Kenneth Martin Sellars Sr. of Browning; sisters Eva Old Shield of Hebron, N.D., Teddie Rae Sellars of California, Stacy Sellars of Browning, Hatty Pepion of Grand Portage, Minn.,, Phyllis Pepion of Cut Bank and April Pepion of Great Falls; brothers Dennis Sellars of Missoula, Rod Sellars and Vance Sellars of Browning and John Pepion of Belcourt, N.D.; and his grandmother Eva Upham of Cut Bank. October 27, 2003 Clarence Home Gun BROWNING - Army veteran Clarence Home Gun, 70, of Browning, a rancher and laborer, died of natural causes Friday at a Great Falls hospital. Rosary is 7 p.m. Tuesday at Starr School gymnasium. His funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday at Little Flower Parish in Browning, with burial with military honors by the Warriors Society in Home Gun family cemetery on the Home Gun ranch. O'Connor Funeral Home of Great Falls is handling arrangements. Survivors include his wife, Delores May (Morning Gun) Home Gun of Browning; daughters Carol F. Home Gun of Cut Bank, Valerie Home Gun, Lottie A. Trombley and Catherine Little Dog, all of Browning, and Cecile L. Home Gun of Lawrence, Kan.; sons Clyde J. Home Gun, David Home Gun and Peter J. Home Gun III; sisters Florence Horn and Marie Goings; and 14 grandchildren. Additional survivors include a niece, Patty Home Gun. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Pete and Catherine (Earrings) Home Gun; a brother, Peter Man Home Gun II; sons Clement Home Gun and Casey L. Home Gun; a granddaughter, Cheryl L. Home Gun; and sisters Emery Home Gun and Violet M. (Home Gun) Everybody Talks About. He was born Oct.1, 1933, at Starr School, Mont., and raised on the Home Gun ranch. He attended elementary school at Starr School and graduated from Browning High School. He attended Blackfeet Community College from 1994 to 1995. He also served in the U.S. Army. He married Delores M. Morning Gun in 1957, at Little Flower Parish in Browning. Clarence was a rancher, worked for the Great Northern Railroad and Green Thumb, B.F. Woods (saw mill), BIA Roads and was a Blackfeet Indian firefighter for the U.S. Forestry. He was a BCC bilingual teacher and was employed at St. Mary Lodge and Resort as a laborer. He was a member of Men's Cursillo in Browning and the Feast of the Sacred Heart at Starr School. Clarence enjoyed rodeo, family get-togethers (holidays, picnics and branding), basketball, exercising, reading, traveling and hunting. Memorials are suggested for spiritual bouquets to Little Flower Parish. Copyright c. 2003 Great Falls Tribune, a division of Lee Enterprises. -=-=-=- October 21, 2003 Christine Marie (Lozeau) Husky PORTLAND, Ore. - Christine Marie (Lozeau) Husky, 62, passed away Saturday morning at her home in Portland. Christine was born Sept. 26, 1941, in St. Ignatius to Thomas Alfred and Margaret Mary (Joscum) Lozeau. Orphaned at a young age, she was raised by her aunts and uncles on the Flathead Reservation and the coast, traveling back and forth many times throughout her life. A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Christine was a dedicated mother and later became a dedicated foster parent for several years. Christine has had a long, hard life and it is now her time to rest in peace. She had raised kids all of her life and never had a chance for a childhood of her own. She was very honest, kind, respectful and funny, the best mother we could ever ask for. Christine has always been there for her children no matter what. And she will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter Julia Evans Green; and siblings Annie Lozeau, Irene Louise Lozeau, Daniel Noel Tenas, Eugene Louise Lozeau and Ronald "Ronnie" Lozeau. She is survived by her children, Sharon Marker, Charles Logan, Esther Logan, James Logan Jr. Derrick Gibbs, Roseanna Logan, Serena Hill and Maria Jackson-Lopez; brothers and sisters, Victoria Jane "Vicki" Lozeau of Wapato, Wash., Patrick Louis Lozeau of Portland, Edward Lozeau of Worley, Idaho, Ken Lozeau of Ronan, Thomas Alfred Lozeau Jr. of Ronan and Victoria Ray Lozeau of St. Ignatius; and numerous grandchildren, great- grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives. Traditional wake services will begin 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius, where a Salish Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Longhouse. Interment will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in St. Ignatius. Foster & Durgeloh Funeral Home of St. Ignatius is assisting the family with arrangements. October 25, 2003 Louis Lemery SPOKANE - Louis Lemery, 96, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2003, in Spokane. He was born on Oct. 14, 1907, in Adams, Ore. He attended rural Hillcrest and St. Ignatius Mission elementary schools, graduated from Loyola High School in Missoula in 1927 and from Gonzaga University in 1931. He worked for the Flathead Irrigation Project in Polson and St. Ignatius; was tribal secretary for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Indian Reservation Agency in Dixon; worked at Cass Lake, Minn.; was chief clerk at the Flathead Indian Agency in Dixon; and was a realty officer in the Portland, Ore., office. His interests included hunting and fishing during his years in Montana and golf after moving to Portland. He retired in 1972, following a 30-plus-year career with the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs. He received the department's Citation for Meritorious Service. Louis was a resident of the Spokane area for 27 years. He is survived by his son, James L. Lemery of San Diego; daughter Janet L. Rodeghiero of Roundup; nine grandchildren, including Diana Rodeghiero Frampton of Whitefish; seven great-grandchildren; and three nephews, including Bill Udall of Ronan. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Ruth Callahan Lemery, in 1999; parents Albert W. and Minnie Gibson Lemery; sisters Ruth Lemery Udall of St. Ignatius, Louise Lemery Golic Levy of Woodburn, Ore.; and brother Benjamin Lemery of Woodburn. Private family services will be held. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Gonzaga University in Spokane; Loyola High School in Missoula; St. Ignatius Catholic Church Restoration Fund in St. Ignatius; or the charity of choice. Hennessey-Smith Funeral Home, 2203 N. Division, has been entrusted with arrangements. Copyright c. 2003 Missoulian, a division of Lee Enterprises. -=-=-=- Char-Koosta News - The official publication of the Flathead Indian Nation October 2003 Obituaries WAYNE BACHMAN POLSON - Wayne Frederick Bachman died from natural causes on Oct. 2, 2003 at St. Joseph Hospital here. Wayne was born on June, 5, 1917, in Ronan. He attended schools in St. Ignatius. He joined the U.S. army and served during WWII. After the military, he moved back to the Mission Valley. Wayne married Theola Devereaux in 1958 and they had two children, Dorthea and Tana. Wayne lived and worked in Polson. He enjoyed playing cards, solitaire and watching Loony Tunes cartoons. He was a generous man. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Dorthea, and his brother, Neal. He is survived by his daughter Tana Bachman (Polson); two stepsons, Martin "Bud" Papin (Polson) and Darrell Papin (Kicking Horse); a sister, Alice (Finley Point); a brother, Earl (Seattle); three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Oct. 7 in Polson. Interment with military honors followed at the Old Catholic Cemetery in Polson. MARY ANN COSTILLA POLSON - Mary Ann (Sarceeman) Costilla died from natural causes on Oct. 10, 2003, at St. Joseph Hospital here. She was born on Feb. 28, 1934, to Joseph and Maggie (Home Gun) Sarceeman in Browning, where she grew up and attended Starr School. She married her soulmate, Edward Costilla, in Browning. They moved their family to Houston, TX, in 1967. They moved to Polson in 1989. One of Mary Ann's main accomplishments in life was taking a mission trip to Ecuador in 1985. She made most of her own clothing and was an excellent seamstress and afghan-crocheter. She was known on the Flathead Reservation for her authentic Mexican food. People knew her as the "Tamale Lady." She loved to attend powwows. She especially loved her traditional Blackfeet customs and was fluent in the Blackfeet language, which she taught at Rice University in Houston and Salish Kootenai College. Mary Ann was a devout Christian and a member of the Blackfeet and Peigan Tribes. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Gerald Home Gun; two sisters, Rosalie Cutfinger and Sally Big Beaver; and a grandson, Shawn Smith. She is survived by her husband, Ed (Polson); her children - Felicia "Keela" Smith and Joe (Browning), Ricardo Costilla and Brenda (Polson), Jani M. Costilla (East Glacier), Valerie A. Costilla and Perry Nation (Missoula), David M. Costilla (Polson), Louisa "Lisa" F. Cadman and Darin (Polson), and Jose I. Costilla (Missoula); 13 grandchildren; a sister, Theresa Sarceeman DuBray (Polson); and numerous other relatives. Funeral services were held on Oct. 13 in Polson. Services were also conducted in Browning. Burial was at the Home Gun Cemetery. ELI FINLEY PABLO - Eli Finley, 18, died on Oct. 3, 2003, as the result of an auto accident. Born July 6, 1985, in Ronan to Alex "Rick" and Sarah Gardipe Finley, he was raised and educated on the Flathead Reservation. Eli was a member of the Conf. Salish and Kootenai Tribes and had many interests such as fishing and hunting - just about anything outdoors. He was a free-style dancer and enjoyed writing. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Gardipe Finley; a brother Ta'a McKee; grandpa Pete Finley; and grandmother Rose Gardipe. Survivors include his father, Alex "Rick" Finley, Sr. (Ronan); his brothers P.J. Finley (Pablo), Alex Finley, Jr., Jacob Finley and Stephen Finley (Ronan); grandmother Margaret Gardipe (Pablo) and Grandpa Robert LittleBoy (St. Ignatius); as well as a large and extended family of aunties, uncles, cousins and friends. A wake began Oct. 5 at his grandmother's home in Pablo; it moved to the Longhouse on Oct. 6. Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated on Oct. 9 in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission. Interment followed in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery. Copyright c. 2003 Char-Koosta News. -=-=-=- October 22, 2003 Beverly Gardipee FORT BELKNAP AGENCY - Beverly Florence Gardipee, 67, Indian name "Baha Toe Weyhs" meaning Blue Hills Woman died on Monday, Oct. 20, 2003, at a Havre hospital. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the Red Whip Center with burial following at the Hi-Way Cemetery. Wake and rosary will be at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Red Whip Center. Beverly was born to Roger and Amy C. (Blackbird) Long Knife, Sr. at Fort Belknap Agency. Her grandparents were Abe and Susie (Red Dog) Long Knife and George and Angela (Deafy) Blackbird, Sr. She attended schools at Harlem and Helena. Beverly married James Gardipee in Havre on Feb. 11, 1969. Beverly was a chemical dependency counselor and nurse's aide in Havre, Boulder, Chinook, Butte and Thermopolis, Wyo. She cooked for Head Start, Pow-Wow Committee, Bingo Hall and the summer food program. Beverly also served on the Personnel Committee Housing Board. She enjoyed visiting and discussing the politics of today. Beverly made sure all visitors left with a full tummy. Beverly had a strong and deep Christian faith. One of "Hills" best qualities was laughter, even at herself. She spent a lot of her childhood with her Gramma Susie and Gramma Clementine. She was preceded in death by parents, daughter Virginia and infant boy; sister Georgialle (Chena) Doney. Survivors include her husband, James Gardipee of Fort Belknap Agency; children, Patty (Hugh) Getten of Fort Belknap, Toni Rae Siemans of El Monte, Calif., Jay (Jackie) Long Knife and Alberta Freeman of Independence, Mo., Amy Long Knife of San Francisco, Marcus Long Knife of Havre, Will James (Shanon) Gardipee of Hays, James William (Latana) Gardipee of Browning, Tom (Ella) Gardipee of Hays; adopted-daughter, LaQuenae Gardipee of Fort Belknap; 26 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; brothers, Roger P. (Catherine) Long Knife Sr., Morris (Vicki) Belgard and Marvin "Sonny Man" Flying Sr., all of Hays; and sister, Betty Jo Long Knife of Fort Belknap. Arrangements are by Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook. Copyright c. 2003 Havre Daily News. -=-=-=- October 24, 2003 Peter Venedict Tetoff, 44 St. Paul St. Paul resident Peter Venedict Tetoff, 44, died of natural causes Oct. 21, 2003, at Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. A visitation will be at 9 a.m., with a service at 10 a.m., Saturday at Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 737 E St. Burial will be in St. Paul Island Cemetery. Mr. Tetoff was born April 29, 1959, in St. Paul. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church. He enjoyed watching sports, listening to music and playing cards. His family wrote, "He was very lovable." Mr. Tetoff is survived by his mother, Mary Tetoff; brothers, Simeon Tetoff and Mark Tetoff; sisters, Sarah Melovidov; grandmother, Frances Emanoff; numerous nieces and nephews; aunt, Nellie Misikin; and god-mother, Anna Lekanoff. He was preceded in death by his brother, Simeon Tetoff; and his father, Peter Tetoff, Sr. Burl F. Mosquito Sr., 59 Anchorage Anchorage resident Burl F. Mosquito Sr., 59, died Oct. 22, 2003, after a long illness at Alaska Native Medical Center. Visitation will be at 6 p.m. today at Central Lutheran Church. A service will follow at 7 p.m., with the Revs. Karen and George Sonray of Alaska Native Lutheran Church officiating. Pallbearers will include Frank, Mark, Einer, Frank Jr., Stanley and Peter. A celebration of life will be after the service. Burial will be later in Teller. He was born on Aug. 18, 1944, in Marys Igloo on the Seward Peninsula to Frank Sr. and Ruth (Keezhuk) Mosquito. Mr. Mosquito served two tours in Vietnam with the Army from 1963 to 1968. In 1970, he moved to Nome, where he met Vera, whom he later married. He worked as a cook, cab and bus driver, baker and carpenter. He enjoyed hunting, fishing upriver, camping, setting crab pots and spending time with his family and friends. Mr. Mosquito was preceded in death by his wife of 22 years, Vera Singyke Mosquito; daughter, Patty Ann Mosquito; mother, Ruth Mosquito; maternal grandparents, Kugzruk and Avrina; paternal grandparents, Fred and Mary Mosquito; sisters, Alice Mosquito and Betty Jane Andrews; and brother-in- law, George Andrews Sr. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Delores and Peter Savage, Stanley Milligrock of Teller, Doreen and Peter Nelson of Marion, N. C., Ellen Milligrock, Madelon and Ben Meyer, Burl F. Jr. and Analin Mosquito Jr., and Mark and Grace Mosquito; six grandchildren; brothers and sister-in-law, Roger Sr. and Einer of Renton, Wash., Ruben, and Frank Jr. and Rose Mosquito; sisters, Helen McClusky and Stella Dau; many nieces, nephews, cousins; aunts, Florence Pennington, Irene Thornton, RoseMary Hunter and Lucille Whisenant; and his best friends, Ed and Mary Bruns of Teller. Arrangements were made with Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 737 E St. Copyright c. 2003 The Anchorage Daily News. -=-=-=- October 23, 2003 Ronald L. Long The following services will be held in honor of Ronald Lee Long, 67, who died Oct. 18, 2003. On Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25, tea will be served at 6 p.m. each day at the David Salmon Tribal Hall. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 26, at Fairbanks Funeral Home. A celebration of life will follow at Wickersham Hall, 107 Wickersham St. A funeral service will be held Monday, Oct. 27, at noon at the David Salmon Tribal Hall. An inurnment service will follow at Birch Hill Cemetery. A potlatch will begin at 6 p.m. Monday at the David Salmon Tribal Hall. Friends and family are now gathering at 1204 28th Ave. A full obituary will be published at a later date. Arrangements were by Fairbanks Funeral Home. October 27, 2003 Millie C. Gigliotti Long-time Anchorage resident Millie Gigliotti, 57, died peacefully in her home surrounded by family and friends on Oct. 23, 2003, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Millie was born Jan. 19, 1946, to Eli and Winnie Charlie in Minto. She was raised in Nenana and attended school in Texas and Washington before moving to Anchorage in the 1960s. Millie enjoyed reading books about different countries and traveling to those countries to experience them firsthand. Those countries included China, Japan, Korea, France, England, Spain, Greece, Italy, Mexico and the Bahamas, including extensive travel within the United States, always accompanied by one or two of her nieces or nephews. Millie was an excellent gourmet cook, especially for her large family during the holidays. Other hobbies included sewing, quilting, shopping, reading, and most importantly helping to raise her younger sisters and her nieces and nephews; teaching them important life lessons to live by. Millie retired in 2002 after 33 years of service from Delta (Western) Air Lines. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eli and Winnie Charlie. She is survived by her lifelong partner and husband of 38 years, Louis "Jiggs" Gigliotti; her daughter, Jo Ellen Noble; granddaughter, Lydia; grandson, Jamie; sisters Clare Charlie and Bonnie James of Anchorage, Wanda Charlie of Nenana and Jeri Knabe of Fairbanks; sister and brother- in-law Mary and Marty King of Anchorage; brother and sister-in-law Donald and Ginger Charlie of Nenana; brothers Wayne Charlie of Minto and Brian Charlie of Nenana; nieces and nephews Brandon and Kory Knabe of Fairbanks, Karlisa Charlie of Las Vegas, Crystal Jade, Sean Carey, Tyler and Devyn King, all of Anchorage, Casey, Brian and Sharlie James, all of Kenai, and Dustin and Hayley Harrison of Fairbanks and Nenana; great-grandnephew, Knabe of Fairbanks, with whom she proudly shared a birthday; and many lifelong friends, family from Minto and Nenana and co-workers at Delta Air Lines. Visitation will be held Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 737 E St., Anchorage. The funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. A celebration of life will be at the home of Louis "Jiggs" Gigliotti following the service. A traditional Athabascan potlatch will follow in Nenana on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Arrangements were made with Evergreen Memorial Chapel. Copyright c. 1999-2003 Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Inc. -=-=-=- October 22, 2003 Edward J. Fox Lifelong Juneau resident Edward J. Fox, 69, died Oct. 18, 2003, in Juneau. He was born Jan. 19, 1934, to Daisy Fox Hansen and Roy Williams. He worked as a commercial fisherman with his grandfather as a young man, then worked at the Juneau Sawmill and with the federal government. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 before being honorably discharged. He married his wife, Florence, on Oct. 30, 1996. He was a member of the T&H Indian Tribes of Alaska and the Douglas Indian Association, and he was a Sealaska and Goldbelt shareholder. His family said, "He was a dedicated Gold Medal basketball fan. He also enjoyed watching the Seattle Mariners and Seattle Seahawks." He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jimmy (Weha) and Sally Fox; parents; and his wife. He is survived by his sister, Stephanie H. Stutler of Juneau; brothers, Gordon Guanzon Sr. and Leroy Williams, both of Juneau; nieces, Semona, Angelina, Agnes and Tillie Lundy of Juneau, Andrea Cesar (Yumol), also of Juneau, Esther Johnson and Theresa Guanzon of Juneau, Pauline and Geraldine Guanzon of Anchorage, and Martha Guanzon of Auburn, Wash.; nephews, Richard E. Lundy Jr. and Gordon Guanzon Jr. of Juneau; stepdaughter, Becky (Jerry) Fulkerson of Juneau; stepson, Rick Johnson of Juneau; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, stepchildren and step- grandchildren, as well as many other relatives and clan relatives from Canada. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers include: Allan Engstrom, Richard Stitt, Thomas Westvang, Jerry Fulkerson, James Payne and Gordon Gaunzon Jr. A rosary and memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at Alaska Memorial Park, 3839 Riverside Drive. A funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at Cathedral of the Nativity, 416 Fifth Street, Juneau. October 27, 2003 Sylvia Doris Montero Sylvia Doris Montero, 59, died October 23, 2003, in Juneau. She was born July 31, 1944, in Juneau and spent a lifetime working and traveling throughout Alaska. She held a variety of positions in numerous professions in the fields of health, EMS, and public safety and volunteered her time to many organizations. After she was diagnosed with cancer, she devoted herself to being an advocate, patient educator and role model for Alaska Natives and Native Americans living with cancer. She is survived by her son, Ken Montero (Vicky Campo) of Ketchikan; daughter, Karen (Dave) Lane; sisters, Nieves Miljure of Anchorage and Linda (Clint) McLaughlin of Anchorage, brothers, George Montero Sr. of Seattle, Michael (Darlene) See of Hoonah, Donald (Lee Ann) See of Juneau, and Louis Donald Hartman See of Haines; grandchildren, Christeen, Craig, Kassi and Karri of Ketchikan and Kori of Juneau. A viewing will be held from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 at Alaska Memorial Park. A recitation of the rosary will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Cathedral of the Nativity. The funeral and mass will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the Cathedral of the Nativity. Copyright c. 1997-2003 Juneau Empire/Morris Communications Corporation. -=-=-=- October 24, 2003 Bruce Isaac Kavanaugh Jr. Affectionately Known as "Booshie" March 6, 1983 - October 19, 2003 Born to Bruce Isaac Kavanaugh and Irene Julia Skead It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Booshie who is survived by his devoted father, Bruce, mother, Irene, sisters, Felicia (Rodney), Autumn and brothers, Sheldon, Myles and Isaac. He will be sadly missed by wife and best friend, Janelle Crow and daughter, Jace. Maternal aunts, Rosemarie (Fraser), Linda (Ed), Karen (Allan), Debbie (Dennis). Uncles, Oscar (Dorothy, Kenny (Nadine). Cousins, Kyler, David, Dawn, Nathan, Jeremiah, Howie, Rachel, Ally, Teruo, Billy, Roxanne, Derek, Emma, Linda, Patricia, Aileen, Royden, Destiny, Cherokee, Astanti. Paternal aunts, Clara (Gary), Cecilia, Vivian (James), Lorna (Gilbert), Luanne (Mylan), Rosanne (Kendal), Donna, Yvonne (James). Uncles, Thomas (Jane), Francis (Betty), Donald, Terry (Debbie), Norman (Ann), Amos (Barbara). Cousins, Roman, Tam, Fred, Aaron, Glenda, Dwayne, Lester, Tracy, Cody, Mahengun, Bemus, Rudger, Lavern, Bonita, Dayton, Renata, Nastashia, Brian, Kirby, Ronalda, Beverly, Michelle, Nicole, Rochelle, Kelly, Elijah, Crystal, Nazareth, Nadya, Mason, Jason, Harley, Chelsea, Jenna, Jessie, Shane, Megwun, Montana, Bryce, Corbin. He is predeceased by maternal grandparents, Joe Guy and Emma Skead, Paternal grandparents, Isaac and Agnes and sister Rianna. Besides his immediate family, Booshie leaves behind his best friend, John (Meenace) White and many, many friends and relatives from Whitefish Bay and Wauzhushk Onigum who will mourn his loss. The best of sons, the greatest of friends and teammate he has been. Always remembered for his brilliant smile and affectionate nature. Booshie was an excellent athlete who excelled in sports. His love of sports and recreational activities led him to play volleyball, hockey and basketball and was very involved in competitive sports. A well-renowned grass dancer and an acknowledged champion, he has travelled to many Pow- Wows and visited many Nations with his father and family members to share and rejoice on his many accomplishments. His greatest joy was the birth of his baby daughter, Jace, to whom he leaves a legacy of love, caring and affection. Wake at Bruce Kavanaugh Sr. Residence, Whitefish Bay Reserve, on Friday P.M. Burial and Service on Saturday A.M. at Whitefish Bay Reserve. Copyright c. 2003 Kenora Daily Miner and News. -=-=-=- October 22, 2003 Betty Cheekinew CHEEKINEW - On Tuesday October 21, 2003, Betty Cheekinew of Yellowquill First Nation passed away in Regina at the age of 74 years. She is predeceased by her husband Tom in 1995 and numerous other relatives. Betty will be remembered by her sister, Clara Cheekinew of Saskatoon; daughters, Gwen Hugli and Lori Cheekinew; sons, Lawrence, STan, and Clarence Cheekinew; 12 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Wake will be held at 4:00 P.M., Thursday, October 23, 2003 at Piapot Band Hall, Piapot First Nation, SK. Traditional Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, October 24, 2003 at Piapot Band Hall with Elder Joe Crowe officiating. Interment will follow in Piapot Cemetery. Arrangements in care of PARAGON FUNERAL SERVICES (359-7776). Lucibelle Prettyshield PRETTYSHIELD - On Monday, October 20, 2003, Lucibelle Prettyshield, widow of George Sornsen died in her residence, Carry The Kettle First Nation Sask., at the age of 68 years. The funeral service will be held in the Carry The Kettle Band Hall, Carry the Kettle First Nation, on Friday, October 24, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. Officiants: Rev. Bernice Saulteaux, Louie Movescamp and Keith Ryder. Interment will take place in the South Cemetery. The wake will be held in the Band Hall Thursday evening. Predeceased by son David and one daughter Crystal, both in infancy, her parents Duncan Prettyshield, and Isabelle Prettyshield (nee Kennedy), two brothers: Edgar and Thomas Prettyshield and one sister in infancy. Lucibelle is survived by her children: Gordon Prettyshield (Clara, Pine Ridge, S.D.) , C.T.K.; Daniel (Sheryl) Sornsen, C.T.K.; Darrell McRae, Yorkton, Sask.; and Bradley Gibbons, Ladysmith, B.C.; her brothers and sisters: Leslie (Pat) Prettyshield, C.T.K.; Fred Gordon, Vancouver, B.C.; Rita (Romain) Coupal, Montmartre, Sask.; Linda (Jim Ryder) Prettyshield and Donna (Robert) Thompson, all of C.T.K. She is also survived by her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Tubman Cremation & Funeral Services, 1-800-667-8962. October 24, 2003 Ferne Goforth GOFORTH - On Wednesday, October 22, 2003, Ferne Mildred Goforth of Peepeekisis First Nation, passed away at the age of 75 years. The Funeral service will be held at Okanese Education Centre, Okanese First Nation, on Monday, October 27, 2003, at 10:00 am with Rev. Wayne Goforth, and Rev. Clark Stevenson, and Elders officiating. At the family's request, the funeral services will be directed by Wendell A. Starr. Interment in the Peepeekisis West End Cemetery with traditional Feast to follow. The Wake will be held at the Okanese Education Centre on Sunday evening. Ferne was predeceased by her parents: Ernest and Margaret Goforth; one son in infancy; three brothers: Maxwell. Clarence, and James (Jimmy) Goforth. Three sisters: Rena Stevenson, Maude Goforth, and Winnie Goforth. Ferne is survived by three sisters: Norma Riddel, Calgary, AB., Joyce McNab if Regina, and Pauline (Fred Sr.) Starblanket, Peepeekisis First Nation. Two brothers: Aubrey (Cecile) Goforth and Glen (Joyce) Goforth, all of Peepeekisis First Nation. One daughter, Valerie (Devon) Aird of Golden Lake, ON. Five grand-children: Lee-Anne, Chrissy, William, Corrina, and Raven. One great-grand-daughter. RhyaLee, all of Ontario, two special nieces Cheryl and Starlene Starblanket, both of Regina, SK. Numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Regina General hospital-Ward 6A, for their compassion, understanding, and tremendous support, in regards to the family's wishes. Tubman Cremation & Funeral Services, 1-800-667-8962 Copyright c. 2000-2003 Regina Leader Post Group Inc. -=-=-=- October 22, 2003 Martin Across the Mountain MARTIN ACROSS THE MOUNTAIN JR. "Kak'Koo", born on October 3rd, 1969 in Fort Macleod, passed away on October 12th, 2003 in Stand Off at the age of 34 years. Martin Jr. is survived by his wife Cheryl Big Sorrel Horse; daughters - Tracey, Tamara, and Charmaine Big Sorrel Horse; adopted son Brandon Eagle Plume; his parents - Martin Hairy Bull Sr. & Theresa Across The Mountain; siblings - Ronnie (Rose) Across The Mountain, Evelyn (Patrick) Mills, Terrance Across The Mountain, Christine (Melvin) White Man, Lisa (Todd) Many Fingers; special niece and nephew Cammy & Luke Across The Mountain; special cousin Terrill Crying Head. Junior had 10 nieces, 7 nephews, 3 great nieces, and 1 great-nephew; uncles - Reggie (Bella) Black Plume, Alfred and Michael Across The Mountain, Ricky White Man, and Ronald MacDonald; aunts - Mary Ann Shouting, Margaret MacDonald, and Ramona White Man; great aunts - Eva Hind Bull, Rita Calf Robe, Dora First Charger, Maggie Curly Rider, Cecilia, Mary Rose, Mabel, and Francis Gros Ventre Boy; great uncles - Donald Big Swallow, Henry Standing Alone, Pete (Rita) Many Fingers, Beatty and Donald Gros Ventre Boy; his father-in-law Herman Eagle Plume; in-laws Brent & Shirley, Louise Big Sorrel Horse. Junior was educated at Glenwood Elementary, Lavern Elementary, and St. Mary's School. While attending St. Mary's High School, he played second base for the St. Mary's Warriors, who became the 1989 Southern Alberta Tier II Provincial Champions in baseball. Junior also attended Red Crow Community College and PICS College in Calgary. He was recently accepted to attend the Lethbridge Community College in the Carpentry Program. At the age of three, Junior resided with Uncle Dwayne and Aunt Maryanne, where he rode calves with cousin Malcolm Eagle Speaker. Junior played rodeo with cousins at the back of Grandma's house. This grew to be a passion for the sport of Rodeo. He was an avid steer rider in the Indian Rodeo Cowboy Association and Chinook Rodeo Association. He broke horses with the late Paul Bare Shin Bone and branded cattle with neighbor Donald Shot Both Sides. Junior was employed with Blood Tribe Housing (1992), Treaty Seven Housing (1998), and New Housing in Stand Off. He was also a role model; as a teacher, he taught his cousins to play hockey and as a leader, he began his own Drum Group - White Whistle. Junior was strongly influenced by his culture and traditions. He practiced his traditional way of life through his singing, drumming, and listening to old stories from Dad. Junior travelled and participated with his drum group at numerous Pow-Wows both in Canada and the United States. He was instrumental in establishing a recording session with Stony Records to record live at a Pow-Wow during the Calgary Stampede. His daughter Charmaine was his "Pride & Joy". He had a special bond with step-granddaughter Jaden - whose name for Junior was "Papa Bear". Junior would acknowledge his nieces and nephews for their accomplishments. Junior always inquired about who was at his parent's house, hence, he was given the nick name "Thousand Questions" or "Five W's" Junior will be deeply missed by his Mom and Dad, his wife Cheryl, his "Pride and Joy" Charmaine, siblings, friends, and relatives. Martin Jr. was predeceased by one sister Loreena Across The Mountain; grandparents - Sam & Lucy Hairy Bull, Joe & Lizzie Across The Mountain; aunts - Celina Hairy Bull, Cecilia Across The Mountain, and Aileen Crane Chief; uncles - Robert Hairy Bull, Lawrence Black Plume, Clarence, Morris, Arthur, Dominick, and Joe Jr. Across The Mountain; other numerous relatives. The Wake Service will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Tuesday, October 21st from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Wednesday, October 22nd at 2:00 p.m. with Father Leszek Kwiatkowski Celebrant. Interment in the Pioneer Cemetery. Salmon Funeral Home, Cardston, AB, 653-3844. October 24, 2003 Jennifer Across the Mountain JENNIFER ANN ACROSS THE MOUNTAIN (EAGLE CHILD), born October 15, 1957, passed away at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital on October 17, 2003 at the age of 46 years. She is survived by her children - Nicole (Doug McKay), Heather, Vanessa, Melanie, twins Cee Cee & Crystal; grandchildren: Robert & Ja-Lynn; sisters: Carla (Tyrone), Kathy (Dominic), Sheila (Randy), Jillian (Frances), Gilbert (Kathleen), Vernie, & Verna; numerous nieces and nephews; step-daughters: Heather, Sandra, and Jennifer Johnson, Cindy & Cheryl; aunts and uncles - Eva Hindbull and Mary Stella Bare Shin Bone, Mr & Mrs Martin Hairy Bull, Mr & Mrs Dale Low Horn, Mr & Mrs Martin Eagle Child, Mr & Mrs Martin Vielle, Mr & Mrs Dan Eagle Child, Thomas Eagle Child; great uncle Sam Red Crow, Charlie Bull Shields, Jeanette, Alberta, Marliss Vielle; cousins: Mr & Mrs Frank Eagle Plume, Mr & Mrs Phil Wolf Child, Mr & Mrs Hugh Scout, Mr & Mrs Aaron Tallow, Pearl Hind Bull, Sara Black, Pauline White Grass, Lillian Bull Shields, Muriel Bull Shields; great aunties & uncles: Annie Crazy Bull, Mollie Small Eyes, George Small Eyes, Mr & Mrs Frank Small Eyes Jennifer was predeceased by her mother Elizabeth Across The Mountain; father Willie Eagle Child; brother William Across The Mountain; infant sister Verna; grandparents - Jenny Eagle Child, Francis Eagle Child, Tony Crane Chief, Paula Vielle; aunts & uncles - Florine Eagle Child, Bertha, Justin Eagle Child, Mr & Mrs Dan Crane Chief, Nellie Black Face, Morris & Herman Vielle; numerous other aunts and uncles - the family apologizes for names missed. Jennifer was a fun-loving person to be around. Even though she couldn't speak loud, she was always smiling and friendly. Jenny was a good home maker and would lend a helping hand to most anyone. She loved to be around children. She loved to do her puzzles, play cards, listen to country and western music. She attended St. Mary's Day School. Because of medical problems, she was unable to work. She loved to laugh and joke around. She will always be fondly remembered and sadly missed by those who loved her. She passed away two days after her birthday. Love you Sis!! The Wake Service will be held at St. Catherine's Catholic Church on Thursday, October 23rd from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. and continue at the residence of Carla Across The Mountain, House #752, Stand Off, AB. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Catherine's Catholic Church on Friday, October 24th at 11:00 a.m. with Father Les Kwiatkowski Celebrant. Interment in St. Catherine's Cemetery. Salmon Funeral Home, Cardston, AB, 653-3844. Rose Narie Knowlton "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" -- Psalm 116:15 ROSE MARIE KNOWLTON "Holy Flying Woman", passed away peacefully at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital on October 18, 2003 at the age of 62 years. Rose is the beloved wife of Hugh Knowlton and loving mother of Terry (Karen) North Peigan, Colleen (Chris) Strangling Wolf, Brenda (Herman Many Guns), Annette (Ranier Provost), Moses "Sonny" (Daphne Davis) Knowlton, Levi (Tina) North Peigan and Traci Lee Marie North Peigan and loving grandmother of nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She is also survived by many adopted children and grandchildren.Rose is survived by her sisters: Ruth Goodrider, Dorothy (Edward) Yellowhorn and Edith Van Loon; her brothers: Dan North Peigan, Ernest North Peigan, James North Peigan and Merle (Eunice) Good Eye. She was predeceased by her beloved parents: Nora (One Owl) and Victor Charles; her sisters: Mary Jane Crowshoe, Agnes Wolf Tail, May English and Nancy Big Swan; and by her brothers: Fred North Peigan, Mark North Peigan, John North Peigan, Robert North Peigan and an infant brother. Rose was born on May 15, 1941 to Victor and Nora (One Owl). She was the youngest of 16 children born to Victor and Nora and was raised on a ranch east of Piikani. Her early school days were spent at St. Cyprian's Residential School and she later attended Peigan Day School. Rose also attended Olds College. Our mother worked at different jobs: as a cook at St. Cyprian's School, NAPI Friendship Centre, Kermaria Convent in Pincher Creek, Piikani Group Home and in her latter years as a homemaker within Piikani In Home Support Program. Rose married Hugh Knowlton in February of 1960 and spent most of her married life in Piikani. Her greatest joys were her husband, children and grandchildren, her brothers and sisters and their families, and her friends. She was a strong believer in her faith and to this we have entrusted our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend into the loving care of our Lord and Saviour. A Wake Service will be held at the residence of Hugh and Rose Knowlton on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 beginning at 6:00 p.m. and continuing on Thursday. A Memorial Celebration of her life will be held at the Brocket Community Hall on Friday, October 24, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Hiram Upham and Rev. James Knowlton officiating. Interment in the Brocket Cemetery. Edens Funeral Home, Fort Macleod, 553-3772. Copyright c. 2000 Alberta Newspaper Group, Inc./Lethbridge Herald.