_ __ _____ __ _ __ ___ ____ _ __ ___ ' ) / / ') / / ) ' ) ) / ) / ' ) ) / ) / / / / / / /--/ / / / ___ / / / / ___ (_(_/ (__/ ( / (_ / (_ (___/ '__/_ / (_ (___/ ' ____ _ , ___ _ , ___ / ' ) / / ) ' ) / / ' VOLUME 13, ISSUE 013 / /-< / /--/ /-- __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, WOTANGING IKCHE - Lakota - Common News Wotanging Ikche and Native American News Copyright c. 1996-2005 nanews.org Aboriginal/AmerIndian Perspective about the First Nations of Turtle Island March 26, 2005 Abenaki mozokas/moose hunter moon Mohawk ennisko:wa/much lateness moon Mvskokee tasahcucee/little spring moon Lakota Istawicanyazan Wi/moon of Snow blindness +-------------------------------------------------------+ | 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 s ch mA mL tL squee Lux -- Okanogan -- News from the People Native American News -- Language of the Occupation Forces ++>If you speak a Native American language not listed above, please send us your words for "News of the People." We'd rather take up this whole page saving these few words of our hundreds of nations than present a nice clean banner in the language of the occupation forces who came here determined to replace our words with their own. 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; News and Information, First Nations Skyvillage and Indigenous Peoples Literature Mailing Lists; UUCP email IMPORTANT!! ----------- In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, all material appearing in this newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for educational purposes. <================<<<< >>>>================> This newsletter is a way of keeping the brothers and sisters who share our Spirit informed about current events within the lives of those who walk the Red Road. ++ It may be subscribed to via email by sending a request from your own internet addressable account to gars@speakeasy.org ++ It is archived at http://www.nanews.org <================<<<< >>>>================> +-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --+ + -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- + | As historian Patricia Nelson | | Once a language is lost, it is | | Limerick summarized in "The | | gone forever | | Legacy of Conquest: The Unbroken | | * Of the 300 original Native | | Past of the American West... | | languages in North America, | | "Set the blood quantum at | | only 175 exist today. | | one-quarter, hold to it as a | | * 125 of these are no longer | | rigid definition of Indians, | | learned by children. | | let intermarriage proceed as | | * 55 are spoken by 1 to 6 elders;| | it had for centuries, and | | when they die, their language | | eventually Indians will be | | will disappear. | | defined out of existence." | | * Without action, only 20 | | "When that happens, the federal | | languages will survive the next| | government will be freed of | | 50 years. | | its persistent 'Indian problem.'"| | Source: Indigenous Language | +-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --+ | Institute | |http://www.indigenous-language.org| This issue's Elder Quote: + -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- + ======================== "Just take a look at what has been done to this land here. Has anyone from the Arapahoe ever been consulted?" __ Alonzo Moss Sr., Arapahoe +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | 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! From the time the first European set foot on this continent, through the settlement of invading Europeans, and the formation and expansion of the US, the answer to the "Indian Question" has always been "No Indians." The BIA's tribal recognition process is by any measure unrealistic, and is deliberately loaded against a legitimate petitioning tribe. Of course, there are tribes that prevail: tribes located in commercially viable areas who can attract investors to fund high-powered attorneys, experts and lobbyists, or bribe officials. But those who are simply real tribes, who have managed to survive without treaties in the kinds of land nobody wants that Indians would have been allowed to keep? Tough luck for them. Inappropriate empowerment of lower-echelon staff over both investigations and decisions works to the detriment of applicant tribes. They can and do cause undue delays in the process (we are talking decades for what should be a simple decision as to whether or not a legitimate indigenous community exists). Consider the absolute absurdity of the Chinook, the tribe that is on record as having welcomed Lewis and Clark to the Pacific Northwest, being denied recognition after twenty-three years of expensive effort by the nation. Already-recognized tribes can hold back recognition through the review process, as the Eastern Band of Cherokee did to the Lumbee and the Quinalt did to the Cowless and Chinook. After recent budget cutbacks in Indian Housing and other necessities, you can hardly blame existing federal tribes for not wanting to see the pies cut into even smaller pieces. In the case of the Quinalt, the concern was even more personal and direct. Treaties executed in the 1850's but never ratified might give petitioning tribes claims on their reservation. The age old dominant society trick of pitting one nation against another could not be more devious and divisive than to threaten the existence of existing homeland by allowing sovereignty and recognition of another nation. The whole process is insidious and intended to reduce the number of Indian Nations, and by proxy, the numbers of Indians. The BIA is not our friend. It is the fox guarding the henhouse and their real task is to oversee the final assimilation and dissolution of Indian Peoples. The real threat is not sharing land or resources with other tribes, it is a plan to gradually make sure there is no homeland at all for Indians. Once Indians, their languages and traditions are reduced to displays in museums, the manipulators can show their own clean hands, saying the Indians did it to themselves. Divisiveness and disunity have been their most successful tools. Learn from the Huron. Make friends with your traditional enemy, or the new enemy will devour both of you. Dohiyi Ani Oginalii , , Gary Smith (*,*) wotanging@bellsouth.net P. O. Box 672168 (`-') gars@nanews.org Marietta, GA 30006, U.S.A. ===w=w=== http://www.nanews.org ----------- News of the people featured in this issue ----------- - Delawares will soon - Stranger presents Gift lose Federal Recognition to Tribes-leaves as Friend - Dole introduces - Lakota Woman looks Lumbee Recognition Bill to promote Breast-Feeding - Indian Trust Plaintiffs - YELLOW BIRD: hail "Victory" Tribe copes with, combats Suicide - Bush Administration - Editorial: Indian Disunity won't give up fight on Cobell is Indian Dysfunction - Group tied to Norton - Alaskans wary of Vote says it is Tax Exempt on Oil Drilling - Indian Murals at EPA Building - Native Americans decry to undergo review Alaska Exploration Ruling - Suit: Church exploited Cheyenne - Akaka Bill - CRST Residents violates International Law could be without Water - Ecuador Tribes vow - Tribe, College Officials to fight Oil Threat keep Fingers crossed - Tribe negotiating with County - Tribe may appeal Snowbowl OK to Cross-Deputize - Arapahoe Elders want City - Native Lawyers file lawsuit to protect Sacred Site against Illiniwek - Mascots: Non-Natives - Noted Peltier foe expected don't recognize Discrimation to announce Retirement - Mascot display takes aim - Native Prisoner at Stereotypes -- Federal sentencing Guidelines - 'Lost Kickapoos' - Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days could become Az's 23rd Tribe - Rustywire: The Spring - Governorr reaching out - Spiritdove Poem: to 'the first Montanans' City Streets/Country Roads - Charette welcomes Indians - Willamina to offer to Montana Capitol Chinook Language Immersion - Shendo to head New Mexico's - UKB Chief launches Indian Affairs Dept. Language offensive - School' Portraits of Blackfeet - 12th Annual Tribal Secretaries were Gift Conference in April - Base sending Homes - Upcoming Events --------- "RE: Delawares will soon lose Federal Recognition" --------- Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 08:50:13 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="DELAWARES TO BE DE-RECOGNIZED" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://www.kotv.com/main/home/stories.asp?whichpage=1&id=80046 Delawares Will Soon Be Taken Off The List Of Federally Recognized Tribes March 22, 2005 An Oklahoma Indian tribe is just days away from losing millions of dollars in federal funding. The US Bureau of Indian Affairs took Bartlesville's Delaware tribe off its list of federally-recognized tribes. News on 6 anchor Tami Marler explains how the loss will have an effect on almost everyone in Washington County. Even after being moved to nine different states. The Delaware Tribe fought to hold on to its identity. When they settled in Oklahoma Indian territory. Chief Joe Brooks says they worked out an agreement with the Cherokees. "According to the treaties of 1866, we were entitled to a distinct area within the jurisdiction of the Cherokee Nation, which gave us the right to retain our own tribal organization." The Delaware won back its sovereignty in 1996; seventeen years after the Bureau of Indian Affairs folded the Delaware into the Cherokee Nation. The federal recognition opened up a whole new world for the nearly 11,000 member tribe. Delaware Ceremonial Chief Leonard Thompson: "I'm glad we're Delaware's again and not Cherokees, we've been hindered with Cherokees, we've been hindered with that. We can carry on our own dances and own religion, we've got different languages, different culture. Chief Brooks: "immediately in 1996 when we were restored to the list of federally recognized tribes, the Cherokee Nation filed suit. They contested the provision of federal grants and services from the US Department of Interior. They've continually challenged our funding since 1996." Chief Brooks and his tribal council have fought a relentless battle to keep the Delaware tribe a sovereign nation. Recently, a federal court sided with the Cherokees. "It's been a battle, up and down between the Delaware's and the Cherokees. There's room in Northeast Oklahoma for all Indians. Not just one tribe. We're Delaware's, not Cherokees. We've always been Delaware's; from this point forward we'll remain Delaware's." In just a matter of days, the federal government will no longer recognize the Delaware tribe as a tribe. It all stems from a struggle that started before Oklahoma became a state and it just recently came to a head. Delaware Tribe member Pat Johnson: "That they're closing the 31st, that we're no longer a tribe. It's sad. All my life." The health center is just one of the benefits Pat Johnson enjoys as a Delaware. "You get glasses, dental, doctors. And then, since I'm an elder, I go up to the big building and have lunch, real often." The tribe will lose nearly $6-million a year in federal funding. More than 50 employees will lose their jobs; medical services for 500 patients will terminate, along with meal programs for seniors like Evelyn Thomas, a full-blood Delaware. "Made me feel down. I mean I didn't think this was ever going to happen." Chief Brooks says the Delaware tribe is preparing to file for a stay with the US Supreme Court; although they realize, chances are slim the court will even hear their case. Brooks says, what hurts the most, is the millions of dollars that have gone toward legal fees, could have been spent on services for both tribes. Copyright c. 2005 KOTV 6, Tulsa, OK. --------- "RE: Dole introduces Lumbee Recognition Bill" --------- Date: Sat, 19 Mar 2005 12:22:36 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="LUMBEE RECOGNITION BILL" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.the-dispatch.com//20050318/APN/503180932&cachetime=5 Dole introduces Lumbee recognition bill The Associated Press March 18, 2005 U.S. Sen. Elizabeth, R-N.C., has introduced a measure that would grant full federal recognition to the Lumbee Indian Tribe. A similar bill stalled in the Senate and remained in the House Resources Committee during the past Congress. North Carolina has recognized the tribe since 1885, but in 1956 it was only partially recognized by the federal government. Recognition could bring an estimated $77 million a year to Indians in Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland and Scotland counties for education, health care and economic development. "Full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe is the fair and right thing to do," said Dole, who filed the bill late Thursday night. "The Lumbees have been unfairly denied this recognition for more than 100 years, and as a result, the tribe has been denied the education, health care and economic development opportunities that would significantly benefit not just the tribe but also the regional economy." The Eastern Band of Cherokee is the only federally recognized Indian tribe in North Carolina and has opposed federal recognition of the Lumbees for decades. The United South and Eastern Tribes, an organization of 24 federally recognized tribes, also opposes Lumbee recognition because it would allow Lumbees to circumvent the normal recognition process. Copyright c. 2005 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Copyright c. Lexington, NC Dispatch. --------- "RE: Indian Trust Plaintiffs hail "Victory"" --------- Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2005 08:16:08 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="COURT REFUSE BUSH ADMIN STAY REQUEST" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=6139 Indian trust plaintiffs hail "victory" in trust fund case Appeals court upholds judge's order WASHINGTON DC Native American Times March 14, 2005 Lawyers fighting the federal government over the long-running Indian Trust lawsuit say they have scored an "enormous victory" when U.S. Court of Appeals today refused the government's request for an emergency stay of a Feb. 23 court order requiring the Department of the Interior render a complete and accurate accounting of the Individual Indian Money Trust. In a statement Eloise Cobell, the Blackfeet elder widely credited with bring the case to light, said that the government must now begin its long- awaited accounting, even as an expedited review of the district court's injunction is pending. Judge Royce C. Lamberth, in his February 23rd ruling, wrote: "I request that the Court of Appeals expedite this case while there is still a chance to provide meaningful relief to these Indians who have been so grievously wronged by the government's misconduct." Eloise Cobell, lead plaintiff in the case, said: "It appears the Court of Appeals is getting the message: justice delayed is justice denied. We welcome the opportunity to make our case before the appeals court, and believe that the accounting ordered by the district court will proceed." In 2003, the appeals court had granted a similar motion for emergency stay filed by the government. In the most recent ruling, the justices instead requested that the plaintiffs file their own response to the government's motion for a stay by March 17th, with a government reply by March 24th. The appeals court will then rule on whether to grant a stay pending expedited appeal of the order. The court decision comes around the same time that U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) encouraged Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton to find a speedy solution to the trust reform issue through continued communication with Indian Country leaders "I was encouraged to hear that Secretary Norton was reaching out to members of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee to address trust reform. I assured her that all sides need to be brought to the table to meet the needs of tribes at the local level. Our tribes need flexibility and funding assurances," Johnson said. He sits on the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. Johnson said that the Great Plains Region is uniquely affected by trust reform, as vast amounts of trust land are located in the region. Native American Times. Copyright c. 2005 All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Bush Administration won't give up fight on Cobell" --------- Date: Sat, 19 Mar 2005 12:22:36 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="BUSH WHACK TAKES WAY OF SNAKE" http://www.indianz.com/News/2005/007113.asp Bush administration won't give up fight on Cobell March 18, 2005 The Bush administration continued its lobbying effort against the Indian trust fund lawsuit on Thursday with the testimony of a senior official who said the Interior Department would approach Congress if the court case doesn't go its way. Jim Cason, the associate deputy secretary at Interior, told a House subcommittee that the administration is seeking an emergency stay of a court decision requiring a broad historical accounting. U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth issued the injunction last month, blasting the federal government's failure to live up to its promises. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has so far declined to grant the stay, instead setting an expedited briefing schedule for a hearing on the matter. The plaintiffs, led by Elouise Cobell of the Blackfeet Nation, welcomed the move last week as a step towards swift justice. But Cason said the department wasn't looking at the issue as positively. He said Lamberth's order imposes a substantial "risk" on the government because Interior hasn't planned for, or asked for the resources, to conduct the broad accounting. "The risk that we have is if we do not get a stay and we do not get a successful appeal that we may be back [before Congress] to discuss the resources needed to comply with the order or other alternatives," Cason told the House Interior Appropriations panel. The leaders of the subcommittee were receptive to Cason's call for action. Last year, Rep. Charles Taylor (R-North Carolina), the chairman, and Rep. Norm Dicks (D-Washington), the ranking Democrat, inserted a rider into Interior's appropriations bill that delayed Lamberth's first order on the accounting. "This can't happen," Taylor said of $6-12 billion estimate made by Interior, but unverified by outside parties, of the larger accounting. "We don't have those kinds of funds." Taylor did indicate some restraint because other lawmakers -- most notably Rep. Richard Pombo (R-California), chairman of the House Resources Committee -- objected to the intervention. But Dicks said Pombo and others who criticized the rider need to act. "This is just not right," Dicks said. "If they do not do something, we may have to step in and do something again." Cason's lobbying followed the testimony of Interior Secretary Gale Norton last week to a Senate subcommittee and to a House subcommittee earlier in the month. She also sounded the alarm on Lamberth's accounting injunction. The plaintiffs in the Cobell v. Norton case consider such efforts an affront to the trust responsibility owed to hundreds of thousands of individual Indians. They fought last year's rider and are challenging the administration's appeal to the D.C. Circuit. "There is no stronger or more disgusting record in history," attorney Dennis Gingold said at a court hearing earlier this month. He said Norton's complaints about the injunction were essentially a repudiation of the trust. "They believe Indians in this country should be treated differently than anyone else," he said of the government's attitude. Indian trust management took up the majority of the hearing yesterday although Taylor and Dicks said they had serious concerns about the nearly $110 million in cuts to the Bureau of Indian Affairs budget. Yet "funding or the trust related programs continues to increase," Taylor observed. "This budget," said Dicks, "moves us in the wrong direction." Copyright c. 2000-2005 Indianz.Com. --------- "RE: Group tied to Norton says it is Tax Exempt" --------- Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2005 08:16:08 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="IRS HAS NO RECORD" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/0314crea14.html Group tied to Norton says it is tax exempt IRS status, lobbying at issue in probes Jon Kamman and Billy House The Arizona Republic March 14, 2005 A Republican environmental group with links to Interior Secretary Gale Norton and former powerhouse lobbyist Jack Abramoff claims it is a tax- exempt corporation and does not have to account publicly for at least $250,000 that Indian tribes report contributing to it at his urging. But the IRS says it has no record that the Council of Republicans for Environmental Advocacy has been granted tax-free status as a corporation. The absence of IRS approval raises questions about the extent of the council's political activities. advertisement A news report Sunday drew connections between the group and the casino gaming interests of an Abramoff client. Also, another tribe disclosed late last week that it had been steered by the lobbyist to make $75,000 in contributions to the conservative-leaning council. The council, known as CREA, is organized two ways under the same name. As a political advocacy group, it is required to publicly disclose its contributors and expenditures. As a corporation, it can obtain tax-exempt status and keep its donors confidential, but is limited in the extent of its lobbying activities. CREA would not provide documentation of any application to become what the Internal Revenue Service designates a "social welfare organization." In other developments, Norton acknowledged to The Arizona Republic last week that she has had "brief discussions" with the group since becoming Interior secretary in 2001, and the Washington Post reported that CREA's leader had communicated with Norton's aides in 2001 and 2002 about issues related to Abramoff's Indian gaming interests. The Interior Department holds final administrative authority over Indian gaming. "I've had very few contacts" with the group, Norton said Thursday when approached after a news conference in Washington, D.C., on another topic. What those conversations entailed and whether they might represent improper lobbying by CREA could not be determined. In general, a tax-exempt organization of the type CREA claims to be is allowed to lobby only on the issues for which it was formed. Another unanswered question is why CREA's political advocacy arm has filed many of its IRS documents under an entirely different name, Renew Our Urban Centers Fund. The fund was a D.C. corporation for three years until its charter was revoked in 2002 for failure to renew its standing and pay fees. No role in group Norton founded CREA's predecessor in 1998 but said Thursday that she has had no role in the organization since being named to the Cabinet. CREA President Italia Federici is a former campaign worker for Norton in Colorado. Federici's contacts with top Interior officials are under federal investigation. Norton acknowledged that one probe of several is being conducted by her department's Inspector General's Office, an independent unit. According to the Post, Federici was sufficiently connected with Norton's top deputy, J. Steven Griles, for Abramoff to ask her in an e-mail to "let Steve know" about what the lobbyist called a looming "PR (public relations) disaster." The issue involved attempts to keep a small Louisiana tribe, the Jena Band of Choctaws, from opening a casino that would compete with one operated by Abramoff's client, the Coushatta tribe. CREA was issued $250,000 in contributions by three tribes represented by Abramoff, part of more than $1.5 million in political contributions the tribes say he instructed them to make. Federici has refused to say whether CREA received the money or how it was spent. Steven Schlein, a Washington, D.C., communications consultant who said he is advising CREA, said that as a corporation operating under section 501(c)(4) of the federal tax code, the group can keep its financial affairs private. CREA's twin organization, a political advocacy group called a 527, also named for a section of the tax code, has reported zero contributions and expenditures since September 2000An investigation by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, chaired by Arizona GOP Sen. John McCain, has found that Abramoff and a once-secret partner, Michael Scanlon, were paid about $30 million by the Coushatta Tribe for services over three years. One of the services was to fight for the closure of a casino operated by the Tigua Indians of El Paso. When that effort was successful, Abramoff and Scanlon reversed course and won a $4.2 million contract from the Tiguas to try, unsuccessfully, to have Congress pass a bill authorizing its reopening. Abramoff and Scanlon collected a total of $82 million from six tribes. What they did and where the money went is the topic not only of Senate hearings, but also of a criminal investigation in which a grand jury is hearing testimony. Abramoff's use of funds from charities with which he was involved also is being examined. Funds were used to take members of Congress, notably House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, on golfing trips to Scotland. Schlein acknowledged last week that CREA has been subpoenaed in the criminal investigation. Interviews declined Federici repeatedly has declined to be interviewed on the record by The Republic. The Post reported that she said all of her group's activities involved environmental issues. Norton sidestepped a question Thursday about whether her own contacts with CREA would be part of the investigation in her department. "You'd have to talk to the Inspector General's Office about what they're looking at," she said. Roy Kime, a spokesman for the office, said he did not know whether Norton's contacts are under review, "but we certainly are looking at CREA." He said there is no time frame for findings to be made public, but it won't be for at least a couple of months. Unanswered questions about CREA's operations leave the public with little insight into the sources of the organization's support, where its money is spent and whether it is complying with restrictions on lobbying and politicking. Depending on a group's legal structure, requirements vary on whether such information must be made public. According to documents reviewed by The Republic, the Coushattas reported sending CREA $150,000, the Tiguas reported sending $25,000 and, in the most recent disclosure, the Saginaw Chippewa tribe of Michigan reported sending $25,000 in 2002 and $50,000 the next year. Bernard Sprague, tribal subchief of the Chippewas, provided a list of nearly $1 million in political contributions made by the tribe, including those to CREA. "These donations were all made. And all the checks were cashed," he said. CREA adviser Schlein cited the group's incorporation papers in the District of Columbia as evidence of its tax exemption, but the IRS is the only agency that confers federal tax exemptions. IRS spokesman Bill Brunson said, "We have no record of an approved (tax)-exemption status" for CREA. Status is in doubt The incorporation papers say CREA "shall be a non-profit organization." The papers make no reference to whether the group ever applied. Schlein would not provide a date for such an application or show whether it was approved. A tax-exempt organization is required to allow public inspection of its application and informational tax returns it files annually. Schlein provided copies of 2000 and 2002 informational returns he said were filed by CREA. The forms are the public portions of otherwise private returns filed by tax-exempt organizations. But tax experts and IRS publications say those filings are not confirmation of government approval of a tax exemption. Approval can be granted retroactively, but only if an organization can show it has complied with all regulations on uses of its funds and limitations on political activities. Tiguas Lt. Gov. Carols Hisa said his tribe sent its checks to Abramoff for distributions to political committees of members of Congress. Although the tribe says the checks were cashed, more than $70,000, including $25,000 to CREA, is unaccounted for in public records, The Republic has found. Many intended recipients said they never received the money. Different rules If CREA operates as a 527 organization, it can engage in almost unlimited politicking but must disclose details of its contributors and expenditures. As a 501(c)(4), it could keep contributions and expenditures private, but is much more limited in its political activity. CREA has issued statements strongly backing President Bush and denouncing opposition to his environmental policies. It has criticized Sen. John Kerry, Bush's presidential opponent, since 2002. In nearly identical news releases in 2002 and 2004, CREA slammed Kerry and other officials for arriving at an energy-conservation rally in SUVs and chauffeured limousines. The news releases did not disclose that the rally had occurred in 2000, a fact CREA acknowledged in a third release. If CREA applies for retroactive tax-exempt status, or has done so, the IRS would review its political activities dating to 2000 to see whether they conform to restrictions against supporting candidates or lobbying government officials. CREA made its national debut in 1998 with Norton and conservative activist Grover Norquist as co-chairs and immediately drew accusations from other environmental organizations that it is a front for anti- conservation interests. It casts itself as trying to find solutions to environmental problems through a balanced, non-confrontational approach accommodating both industry and conservation. Copyright c. 2005, azcentral.com. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Indian Murals at EPA Building to undergo review" --------- Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2005 08:41:43 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="DEMEANING MURALS STILL AT EPA" http://www.indianz.com/News/2005/007089.asp Indian murals at EPA building to undergo review March 17, 2005 A handful of government murals that depict Indian people in an unfavorable light will undergo a review to determine whether they are appropriate to display, a federal agency announced on Wednesday. After years of complaints by Indian employees and their advocates, the General Services Administration initiated the review of six murals at the Environmental Protection Agency headquarters in Washington, D.C. The GSA plans to take input from the public under the National Historic Preservation Act because the artwork is more than 70 years old. "By utilizing this historic preservation review process, we will provide all interested parties an opportunity to inform GSA how they view this issue," Donald C. Williams, the GSA administrator for the Washington area. Indian employees at EPA have already made their views known about the public display of the murals at the Ariol Rios Building. They say that depiction of Indian men scalping nude white women and murdering white men are offensive. The paintings also show nude Indian men and women in submissive positions. "The subliminal message of these is discouraging," Bob Smith, a member of the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin who works at the building, said in an interview. "What they reinforce is stereotypes and I think that's wrong in a government building. It creates a hostile work environment for American Indians." Elizabeth Kronk, a member of the Ste. Sainte Marie Tribe of Michigan, is a Washington attorney who has been advocating for the removal of the murals. She said they are an affront to Indian employees and to tribal leaders who visit the EPA building to meet with federal officials. "These murals perpetuate stereotypes of Native Americans as murderers, rapists and in positions of inferiority," she said. "To have to be faced with these depictions every day," she added, "is horrible." The murals, located on two different floors, were installed in the 1930s when the building was the headquarters for the U.S. Postal Service. One in particular, "Dangers of the Mail," by Frank A. Mechau, has been controversial from the start because it displays nude women being attacked by Indians. The issue attracted the attention of former EPA administrator Carol Browner, who served during the Clinton administration. In 2000, she ordered the murals to be covered, saying they were offensive to American Indians and women. But the covering was removed at the start of the Bush administration and some of the murals were sent out for restoration by the GSA. "By restoring the paintings, it made the brighter and more vivid to portray their negative stereotypes," asserted Smith. Bush officials later put up an Indian-related display in front of two of the murals, including the "Dangers of the Mail" one. However, it is still possible to view the murals by walking behind the display. To help gain more attention, Kronk submitted a resolution to the National Congress of American Indians to call for action on the murals. The resolution was passed at the NCAI annual session last October. Kronk acknowledged there is some difficulty in resolving the matter because two of the murals are attached to the wall. The other four, however, are canvas paintings that have been easily removed in the past. "We would encourage [GSA] to do that again," said Kronk. Physical removal of the two attached murals is an option, Kronk said, but covering them up completely could also be considered. "In essence they need to be removed from public display," she said. "Whether that's physical removal, we leave that to the agencies." Whatever the solution, Smith wants it resolved quickly. "This has been really dragging on," he said yesterday. "Nobody's really taking a firm stand." Smith pointed out that former U.S. attorney general John Ashcroft covered up a semi-nude statue at the Department of Justice headquarters. The government spent $8,000 on curtains to hide the statue from public display. "He was high level," Smith said of Ashcroft. "If the little man complained, they would have been ignored." Smith has worked at the EPA for 15 years and has to pass the murals every day. He said it affects more than just himself and the 30 to 40 Indian employees at the headquarters. "I wouldn't even bring my daughter here for Bring Your Daughter to Work Day," he said. "How would I explain to my own kids the depiction of their own people as savages and sexual predators and murderers?" The EPA did not return a request for comment yesterday. Nationwide, the agency has about 700 Indian employees. Copyright c. 2000-2005 Indianz.Com. --------- "RE: Suit: Church exploited Cheyenne" --------- Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2005 08:16:08 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ST. LABRE USED CHEYENNE TO SOLICIT DONATIONS" http://www.billingsgazette.com//2005/03/15//45-church-suit.inc Suit: Church exploited Cheyenne By MIKE STARK Of The Gazette Staff March 15, 2005 Catholic Church and St. Labre Indian School officials on Monday said they were dismayed by a lawsuit claiming that the Northern Cheyenne tribe had been exploited to raise money. The lawsuit, filed Friday by the Northern Cheyenne tribe in Yellowstone County District Court, said the church and the school marketed the "plight" and "financial need" of the tribe in "one of the most successful fund-raising enterprises in American history." Curtis Yarlott, executive director of St. Labre Indian School, read the 12-page suit on Monday. "My immediate reaction is a great deal of disappointment," Yarlott said. "It's unfortunate and it doesn't serve the people well. It diverts resources and time from the students and the needs of the school." The lawsuit, filed by Billings attorney Cliff Edwards on behalf of the tribe, names as defendants the Roman Catholic Church, the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings and St. Labre. A church official on Monday questioned the merits of the lawsuit. "I don't think the bishop felt that he or his predecessors have exploited anybody," said Max Davis, attorney for the diocese. "It's disappointing that someone would make these kinds of allegations." Davis said a similar suit was filed in 2002, but tribal officials asked a judge to dismiss it. The suit filed Friday said the church and the school have refused to redistribute "even small portions of the tens and hundreds of millions of dollars gathered" based on a marketing campaign focusing on poverty of the Northern Cheyenne people. For more than 50 years, the church and the school have promised to share some of that money with the tribe, the lawsuit said. "These repeated promises have been broken," the lawsuit said. Among the claims in the lawsuit are breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation, fraud and "cultural genocide and violation of constitutional rights." The tribe wants a judge to force St. Labre to open its financial books from the last 50 years and pay the tribe compensatory and punitive damages. "We're trying to make sure there is a more equitable distribution of the funds raised on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation," Northern Cheyenne President Eugene Little Coyote said Friday. Yarlott and Davis said they knew of no agreement requiring that a portion of the money raised for St. Labre be passed along to the tribe. St. Labre and Northern Cheyenne officials had been in negotiations about the dispute but never reached a resolution. The lawsuit also claimed that some members of the tribe have experienced physical and sexual abuse at St. Labre and had their culture and heritage derided. Yarlott said he didn't know of any "substantiated allegations of abuse taking place at St. Labre" and dismissed claims about devaluing Indian culture at the school. "I just don't believe that's happening today," he said. Yarlott also countered a claim in the suit that only a "small percentage" of students at St. Labre Mission are Northern Cheyenne. The latest figures, he said, showed that 62 percent of the students are Northern Cheyenne and 92 percent are American Indian. Yarlott said St. Labre is taking the lawsuit seriously but also is continuing to do its work to educate local students. "We're committed to serving the Northern Cheyenne people and we will continue to serve the students that come here and the elders," he said. Copyright c. 2005 The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. --------- "RE: CRST Residents could be without Water" --------- Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2005 08:41:11 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CHEYENNE RIVER FACES CATASTROPHE" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/aberdeennews/news/11162882.htm Some 14,000 residents of the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation could... DORIS HAUGEN Associated Press March 17, 2005 SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Some 14,000 residents of the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation could run out of water this summer because of a continued drought along the Missouri River basin, according to tribal and other officials. Based on water level predictions for the Missouri River, Wayne Ducheneaux and other tribal officials think the reservation could be out of water by August. And they fear the worst. "It will be more than just running out of water for a couple of days. There will be 14,000 people that have no water whatsoever," Ducheneaux, member of a task force working to come up with a water plan, said Thursday. Storage in the river's six reservoirs has reached a record low of 35 million acre-feet of water, Gov. Mike Rounds said this week. As levels continue to fall, concerns are starting to shift from fishing and boating to communities that depend on the Missouri for drinking water, the governor said. "It's so far down it's not even a matter of business and recreational opportunities," Rounds said during a South Dakota Public Radio program Wednesday. "This has now become a matter of do we have enough water for the intakes for domestic water supplies." The intake for the system that provides water to the reservation is within a few feet of being out of the water, said Rounds. With continued low levels along the river, drinking water supplies could be threatened for at least 14,000 people and maybe as many as 22,000, the governor said. Heavy mountain snow is the only sure way to recharge the upper river basin, and that's not likely to happen, Ducheneaux said. The tribe's list of potential problems stretches from health concerns to fire fighting: _ The reservation's only hospital and clinic in Eagle Butte would have to close. _ People might get sick by tapping into unsafe water sources such as old wells and artesian springs. _ Schools would be forced to close. _ No water would be available to fight fires. "There are immediate concerns for all the residents," said Rebecca Kidder, a lawyer for the tribe. But complicating the concerns is poverty on the reservation, she said. Dewey and Ziebach counties, both served by the Tri-County Water Association, are among the poorest in the state. Ziebach is one of the poorest in the nation. "Any time you're dealing with that kind of poverty, there aren't as many options for moving, or even buying bottled water," said Kidder. "People don't have the funds, they don't have the resources to travel to (water) distribution points." Tribal, state and other officials hope they can keep drinking water flowing to the reservation at least temporarily by extending the intake farther into the river. One plan requires four miles of pipe to lengthen the system's intake into a deeper part of the river and another 18 miles of new power lines to pump the water, said Kidder. That project could cost $6 million. But extending the pipe is not a permanent fix, Kidder and Ducheneaux said. A long-term solution could cost as much as $76 million and take at least five years to build, Kidder said. "The biggest fear right now? We're looking at ways to prevent us from running out of water, and the solution is not simple," she said. The tribe has asked the Army Corps of Engineers for help, and officials are expected to come to the reservation soon for an evaluation, Kidder said. If the corps determines a threat exists, it can provide funding and other kinds of help, she said. Copyright c. 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. Copyright c. 2005 Aberdeen American News. --------- "RE: Tribe, College Officials keep Fingers crossed" --------- Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2005 08:41:11 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="HOPE REMAINS FOR SI TANKA" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=6167 Tribe, college officials keep fingers crossed Hope funding will keep doors open EAGLE BUTTE SD March 17, 2005 The Bureau of Indian Affairs has yet to make a decision on the future of a troubled tribal college in South Dakota. Si Tanka University officials are hoping that they will receive $850,000 in Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act funds, a federally-administered program. Si Tanka missed a payroll earlier this month after the BIA did not release the money. In a statement e-mailed to the Native American Times shortly after that happened, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Chairman Harold Frazier said that a "series of false promises and reneged agreements" by BIA Office of Indian Education Programs director Ed Parisian is the reason that Si Tanka's Eagle Butte and Huron campuses are in jeopardy. Parisian has not commented on the charges. Closure would mean 191 lost jobs and educational opportunities for 775 students, the statement by the school and the tribe said. A lawyer working with the tribe and the school, David Nadolski of Sioux Falls, said that the tribal council is committed to helping Si Tanka stay open through this spring. The council has agreed to either guarantee a loan or lend money to Si Tanka for continued operations, he said. The tribe chartered what is now Si Tanka University 32 years ago. In 2001, the school bought Huron University - which led to the university's current financial problems. The school took on too much debt when it took out a $3.3 million U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development loan and another $3.3 million bank loan to buy Huron University, Nadolski said. That led to loan defaults and the foreclosure litigation, he said. When Huron University was bought, that made the percentage of American Indian students at Si Tanka fall below 50 percent. So last summer, the BIA said the school no longer qualified for federal tribal college funding, which equals $4,390 per Indian student at tribal colleges. Si Tanka was expecting $1.4 million for all of the Indian students at Eagle Butte and Huron - a big part of the university's operating revenue. School leaders believed that they had a deal for $850,000 of the money after a January meeting with Parisian. But Nadolski said that the Parisian abruptly changed his position. Native American Times. Copyright c. 2005 All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Tribe may appeal Snowbowl OK" --------- Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2005 08:16:08 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="DINE' COW TO FIGHT 'CRAP'BOWL" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic//0315snowbowl15.html Tribe may appeal Snowbowl OK Navajo leader vows fight on snowmaking decision John Stearns The Arizona Republic March 15, 2005 The U.S. Forest Service's recent decision to allow the use of treated wastewater to make snow at Arizona Snowbowl amounts to a form of "genocide," the president of the Navajo Nation says, vowing to fight the decision. Joe Shirley Jr. will consult other tribal leaders about the decision before they issue a formal tribal response to the March 8 ruling. As of Friday, the tribe had 45 days to appeal. Shirley said he is willing to study how Snowbowl could be stopped from operating. "That's our cathedral, that's our church, that's who we are," Shirley said of the San Francisco Peaks, which the tribe considers sacred. The U.S. government stepped on native people's dignity with the ruling, he said, suggesting it was another form of government efforts in the 1800s to exterminate tribes and cultures. advertisement "(When someone) puts (poop) on you, how can you talk to your children about pride?" an angry Shirley said of the tribe's struggles to maintain its identity, culture and language. "That takes away from pride. When pride is taken away, why talk Navajo?" Environmental groups also are expected to appeal. Snowbowl wants to be able to make snow to ensure reliable ski and snowboard seasons and consistent business. The March 8 ruling also granted approval for new lifts and new runs within Snowbowl's existing boundary. The small Flagstaff ski area has ridden a financial roller coaster: up with snow, down without it. Because of the prolonged drought, the ski area has lost money five of the past 12 seasons, adding up to cumulative red ink of at least $1.8 million. Ski area proponents say Flagstaff's wintertime economy depends heavily on the 68-year-old resort. Responding to Shirley's comments, Snowbowl General Manager J.R. Murray said the Forest Service Environmental Impact Statement on Snowbowl's proposal "did a very comprehensive job documenting the issues and it acknowledges the tribal concerns. "But we also have a state of Arizona that, as a state, is putting a lot of energy and effort into promoting the use of reclaimed water as a means of conserving potable water," Murray said. "Our project assists the state in putting that policy into practice." Murray called skiing a part of Flagstaff's fabric and a community asset enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people. He hopes to have snowmaking by the 2006-07 season. "We're just trying to make it the best ski area it can be and make sure that we continue to provide quality recreation on public land," he said, noting the resort would now be allowed to reach the buildout approved by courts in 1981. "We need to make improvements to get our ski area up to par with the rest of the ski industry," he said. "The owners are not interested in continuing the operation without snowmaking. The future of the ski area is very much at stake." Snowbowl occupies 1 percent of the peaks and snowmaking would occur on less than one-third of that 1 percent, he said. But Shirley said the resort area is still part of the tribe's essence and likened it to his eyes being a small percentage of his body. "It's like gouging my eyes out." It's still causing irreparable harm, he said. The Hopi Tribe also considers the peaks central to its culture, religion and survival, Hopi Cultural Preservation Office Director Leigh Kuwanwisiwma wrote in a statement. "The peaks are the home of the Katsinam (spirit messengers) and the focus of our prayers for rain and snow," he said. "The use of reclaimed water on such a sacred site can only be described as sacrilegious." Copyright c. 2005, azcentral.com. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Arapahoe Elders want City to protect Sacred Site" --------- Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2005 08:16:08 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="BOULDER FD WANTS TO EXPLOIT SACRED BUTTE" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://www.rockymountainnews.com/~15_3622319_ARTICLE%2C00.html Indians urge planners to respect Boulder butte By Berny Morson, Rocky Mountain News March 15, 2005 BOULDER - Elders of the Northern Arapahoe tribe pleaded Monday with city officials to respect a majestic butte east of town that is sacred to plains tribes. Valmont Butte towers 200 feet above the surrounding area. It has been the site of Indian religious ceremonies for centuries. The butte itself is being preserved as part of the city's open space. But the fire department wants to locate a training facility on adjoining land, and the public works department is eyeing the neighboring parcel for a plant to turn sewage sludge into compost. Those uses have raised concerns about the tranquility of the area among Indians and the descendents of white settlers, who maintain a cemetery at the foot of the butte. "As you plan further, think about these things," said Eugene Ridgely, a member of the coordinating council of elders. "Think about respecting us. Think about the pioneers' descendents who are around that area." Ridgely was among about a dozen Arapahoes who came from the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming to attend the final session of a community group that has been discussing plans for the area around the butte for a year. City planning director Peter Pollock told the group that the latest version of the plan is scaled back from previous versions. For example, a concrete slab to practice driving fire trucks will be reduced in size by one-third. The buildings where practice fires will be set will be on the part of the parcel that is farthest from the butte. The sewage sludge project includes fewer buildings. The Arapahoe elders stopped short of rejecting the proposal. Discussions are scheduled with representatives of about a dozen tribes next month. But they made clear that urban growth in general is defiling land they deem sacred. "Just take a look at what has been done to this land here. Has anyone from the Arapahoe ever been consulted?" asked Alonzo Moss Sr. Moss said the whole Earth is sacred to Indians, while Europeans profit from land. "And that's what's going to destroy the white man," Moss said. Pollock listened intently as the elders spoke. He said later the session was "sort of a preview of what we'll get into in April" when city officials meet with all the tribes. "We'll work out what's significant, what's not, is this location appropriate or not," Pollock said. He's not ruling out the possibility the city will heed the Indians' wishes and move the fire and sewage projects elsewhere. The scaled down version did not go over any better with the descendents of the pioneers than with the Indians. Carol Affleck, who works with a historic preservation group, noted that the training center is scheduled to operate from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. That would be disruptive for relatives who maintain gravesites, she said. The City Council is scheduled to consider the plan after comment by five review boards. morsonb@RockyMountainNews.com or 303 442-8729 Copyright c. 2005 Rocky Mountain News. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Mascots: Non-Natives don't recognize Discrimation" --------- Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2005 08:16:08 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="WISCONSIN LEADER SPEAKS OUT" http://www.themilwaukeechannel.com/education/4268625/detail.html Tribes: Non-Native Americans Don't Recognize Discrimation In Mascots Tribal Leaders Ask Legislators To Take Stand Against Names, Such As 'Warriors,' 'Indians' March 9, 2005 MADISON, Wis. - Native American leaders used the first-ever State of the Tribes address Tuesday to call on the state Legislature for action to ban school nicknames, such as the Waunakee Warriors, the Osseo-Fairchild Chieftains, the Poynette Indians, the Belmont Braves and the Potosi Chieftains. Eleven nations walked into the state Assembly chambers on what will be a historic day. Ray Deperry, chairman of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewas, spoke almost the entire 30 minutes about cooperation from nation to nation, and in the last few minutes he asked state legislators to end discrimination. "To enact legislation from our public school systems that will eliminate once and for all the use of Indian logos, mascots and any other stereotypical images of American Indians," Deperry said. His speech was met with cheers from Native Americans filling the spectator area of the chamber. Two people from the Osseo-Fairchild District went to the capital to listen to the tribal leaders' address, saying they have been waiting for the issue to resurface. "We were so happy to hear him address that," said Carol Gunderson, a member of the Oneida Nation and of the Osseo-Fairchild School District. "They don't seem to have a clue that they're making fun and using our religious symbols for frivolous athletic games." Gunderson and her husband, Harvey, are about to file a federal civil rights lawsuit to force a change, reported WISC-TV in Madison. "The Legislature needs to step up to the plate and say this discrimination has to end," Harvey said. Assembly Speaker John Gard, R-Peshtigo, said, "We need to have a greater level of sensitivity to it," and if a majority of legislators supports it he won't stand in the way. However, that could be a big cut into local control. "What all of us must never lose sight of ... whether we are black, white, brown or yellow is that we all belong to the state of humanity, and that is what this day is truly about," Deperry said. Deperry said the discrimination goes beyond school nicknames. He also pointed out the Monona debate over changing the name of Squaw Bay. The Monona City Council put off a decision on that Monday night. Deperry said he applauds the effort to change the name. Copyright c. 2005 WISN-12, Milwaukee, WI. Copyright c. 2005 Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. --------- "RE: Mascot display takes aim at Stereotypes" --------- Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2005 08:16:08 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="NORTH CAROLINA DISPLAY" http://www.main.nc.us/wncceib/esqEXHIBITsmnews.htm Mascot display takes aim at stereotypes By Michael Beadle At first, it seems like a petty argument. Why should a sports team's mascot or logo have to change because some people think it's offensive? Teams with nicknames like the "chiefs" or "warriors" have been around for years. And besides, using these names is a sign of respect toward Native Americans. A school or professional team with a name like the "warriors" takes pride in the fighting spirit of Native Americans. If people think Native American terms are offensive and have to change team mascots and logos - a very expensive ordeal, considering all the uniforms, murals and other sports memorabilia associated with a logo - then where will it end? Will the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame have to change its name because it's offensive to Irish people? Likewise for Nordic people finding the Minnesota Vikings football team offensive. The case for keeping sports mascots and logos the way they are seems to have its entrenched supporters, but the opponents of using Native American images and names with sports teams is growing behind a huge grassroots effort of civil rights organizations and multicultural groups. As a way of examining this issue a little closer, an exhibit titled "It's Only a Game?" is now on display in the lobby of Hunter Library at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. The display, which will be up until March 1, is sponsored by the Western Carolina University Cherokee Center and the Native American Student Association at WCU. It offers a mix of facts, photos, documents and probing questions about the ongoing controversy concerning the use of Native American symbols as sports mascots. The issue is put into a historical context so the viewer can see how Indian sports mascots and certain words can present demeaning stereotypes of Native Americans. To many Native Americans, a sports team with an Indian logo or mascot mocks their culture, their history, their religion and their self-worth, and exacerbates a tragic American legacy of government-sanctioned genocide, bigotry, racism, and economic and political deprivation against Native American tribes. For Roseanna Belt, director of the Western Carolina University Cherokee Center, using Indian mascots is primarily offensive to Native Americans because it gives the general public a limited perspective and a generally false portrayal of who Native Americans are. "It perpetuates the image that Native Americans aren't around anymore," Belt said. The way Belt sees it, if people only see stereotyped Indian images of a warrior with war paint and feathers who go around beating a drum and scalping people with tomahawks, that may be the only knowledge people have of who Native Americans are. "And that's where the danger is," she said. In some tribes, eagle feathers and war paint were used only in religious ceremonies, and to mock these symbols is considered by many Native Americans an irreverant act comparible to tossing rosary beads around like Mardi Gras necklaces or watching a bishop or rabbi run around a football field in full ceremonial dress. Nicknames like "redskins" or "squaws" are linguistically considered derogatory terms equated with racial epithets like "nigger" or "slant-eye" or "cracker." Nevertheless, college and professional sports teams continue to use names like "Braves" and "Indians" with some mascots acting out sports rituals in full ceremonial dress. In some instances, the Indian male is reduced to a silly caricature as is the case with Chief Wahoo, the grinning, one-feathered mascot of the Cleveland Indians baseball team. While some may see this as a harmless diversion, a closer look at sports pages and fan posters reveals subtle and sometimes glaring cases of racism. In the exhibit at Hunter Library, a photo of a sports poster depicting high school rivals reads, "Massacre those Warriors," which includes a blue pitchfork with blood on it. Another photo of a high school poster reads, "Devils Relocate Warriors." One high school in eastern Tennessee went so far as to hang mock scalps in its gym to symbolize each team it had defeated. The exhibit goes on to explain that scalping Native Americans was actually supported by the governments of the American colonies and territories. Bounties were issued for the scalps of children. Among the most provocative pieces in the exhibit are historical photos and journal entries of U.S. soldiers who witnessed atrocities committed against Native American tribes. In 1864, for example, 200 Cheyenne Indians were massacred near Sand Creek, Colo., by approximately 700 U.S. troops. Those who died included men, women and children. One statement reads, "Fact: Most modern scholars estimate the population of the indigenous people of North America to have been between 10-20 million. In 1840, the population was estimated to be around two million. By 1880, native numbers had dropped to 250,000." In an article condemning the use of Indian mascots, award-winning Native American musician and education professor Cornel Pewewardy eloquently argues that stereotypes of Native Americans have a profound, harmful effect on the public psyche. "Making fun of Indigenous Peoples in athletic events has become `as American as apple pie and baseball,'" Pewewardy writes. "So-called Indian mascots reduce hundreds of indigenous tribes to generic cartoons." The classic images of Indians screaming war cries in old Western movies are often perpetuated on sports fields and gyms when Indian mascots are portrayed as relics of a heroic age, Pewewardy contends. "Schools should be places where students come to unlearn the stereotypes that such mascots represent," he explains. "Teachers have a responsibility to take this issue seriously." Some schools and universities have changed their nicknames after pressure from Native American groups. Among the bigger name colleges have been the Stanford University Indians changing to their nickname to the Cardinal, Dartmouth College's Indians switching to The Big Green and St. John's University's Redmen to the Red Storm. Opponents of the use of Indian mascots are still pushing to change some of the professional nicknames including the Atlanta Braves, Washington Redskins, Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Indians and Chicago Blackhawks. In recent years, more than 75 local, state and national organizations have joined the fight by issuing resolutions denouncing or calling for an end to the use of Native American mascots used in association with sports teams. These organizations have included dozens of Native American groups but also a diverse number of multi-ethnic groups with various social, political and religious affiliations such as the American Jewish Committee, the Asian American Journalists Association, the United Methodist Church, the Southern Christian Leadership Council, the NAACP, the National Education Association, the United States Commission on Civil Rights, and the American Counseling Association. For those who would like to explore this issue further, there will be a meeting Thurs., Feb. 21, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Hunter Library Conference Room (245) on the campus of Western Carolina University. A panel led by the Mascot Education and Action Group, the Native American Student Association of Western Carolina University and others will share thoughts and opinions, show a video and welcome discussion on the subject. "The issue of using Native American caricatures as mascots for sports teams is coming to the fore in many regions of the country and is certainly relevant to Western North Carolina," said Bill Stahl, librarian at Hunter Library, in an email statement. "It is the hope of the library in mounting such an exhibit that it will promote reasoned consideration and discussion of this important issue." Copyright c. 2005 Smoky Mountain News (Waynesville, NC). --------- "RE: 'Lost Kickapoos' could become Az's 23rd Tribe" --------- Date: Wednesday, March 16, 2005 1:24 AM From: "Chris Milda (_Akimel O`odham_)" AkimelOodham@EarthLink.net Subj: 'Lost Kickapoos' could become Az's 23rd tribe (Fwd) Mailing List: News and Information http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/index.php?page=local&story_id=030805_kickapoo 'Lost Kickapoos' could become Az's 23rd tribe The Arizona Republic March 8, 2005 They were wanderers who crossed state and national borders looking for a safe homeland. Along the way, they disappeared. The "Lost Kickapoos," a small band of 150 Indians that has lived on Arizona's border with Mexico for more than 100 years, are finally reconnecting with their roots and could become Arizona's 23rd tribe. Until recently, the group had almost no contact with its parent tribe in Oklahoma, and its presence went largely unnoticed by other tribal leaders in Arizona. But last year, with help from the Oklahoma tribe, the Arizona group purchased a building in Douglas, just north of the border, to serve as a tribal field office. The tribe plans to seek trust status for the building, a process that could take several years. If successful, the tribal land holding would make the Kickapoos an official tribe in Arizona. That in turn could make them eligible to participate in state gambling compacts, although officials said they have no plans for a casino. The Kickapoos originated near the Great Lakes and retreated south and west to avoid encroaching white settlers. Eventually, they were forced to relocate to Oklahoma. A splinter group left and settled on lands in Texas and Mexico. Another group moved to the Arizona-Sonora border. About half of them in Arizona live in Douglas and Willcox on the U.S. side. Many of the rest live in a tiny Mexican village, Tamichopa. Liliana Barbachan, 18, lives on the Mexican side of the border. She can point to her great-great-great-grandfather Pehkotah in a book about Mexican Kickapoos, but that's about all she knows of her heritage. Jack Jackson Jr., a Navajo who heads the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs, said he had never heard of Kickapoos in Arizona. "The interesting thing in this is the (statewide) gaming compact," Jackson said. "It's already signed, sealed and delivered. I don't know how it would play out if we have a 23rd tribe." John Lewis, executive director of the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, said he first heard of the Kickapoos a few years ago but didn't know what their state or national status was. "I know they've been around for quite some time in Texas and Mexico," Lewis said. "One of the interesting things about them is they go back and forth across the border." Licelda Mahtapene, 30, head of the Douglas field office, said the Arizona group descended from three men. "There were two brothers named Mahtapene and a man named Okema, which was later changed to Oscar," she said. Licelda is married to Jose Mahtapene, who is half-Kickapoo. "He can remember some of the things his dad used to believe in and speak about," she said. In 1983, Congress passed a special law granting citizenship to Kickapoos on both sides of the border near Eagle Pass, Texas. The law did not cover members in Arizona, and for many years, they had trouble crossing the border. Now, many of the group on the Arizona-Sonora border have U.S. citizenship. Border officials honor Kickapoo identification cards as proof of U.S. descent, allowing them to cross back and forth freely. Those who come over from Mexico to work have proper documentation. "They're passing hard times over in Mexico," Licelda said. For that reason, many look for jobs, working at nurseries and other businesses on the Arizona side. "A lot of them live in Willcox across from each other," Licelda said. "It's not like a reservation, but there's about 10 families or so." One of them, Manuela Peralta Oscar, lives in a mobile home on a dusty lot in Willcox. The family moved there eight years ago from Tamichopa so Manuela's husband, a member of the Mahtapene family, could work at Bonita Nurseries, growing tomatoes. Inside her mobile home, Manuela keeps an album with pictures of Tamichopa. Jesus Oscar Chanez, 63, proudly pulls out his Kickapoo identification card. He remembers his father's Kickapoo name, Apekaan, and said there's an "h" in it somewhere, but he can't remember where. He said he was never given a Kickapoo name, and although his parents spoke Kickapoo, he remembers one word, Ho, a friendly greeting. Two months ago, Jesus and his daughter traveled back to Oklahoma with a group of Arizona Kickapoos. It was the first time any of them had seen the reservation. They saw traditional bark houses and met cousins. "I thought it was beautiful," Jesus said in Spanish. "I would like to live there someday." Copyright c. 2005 Tuscon Citizen. --------- "RE: Governorr reaching out to 'the first Montanans'" --------- Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2005 08:16:08 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="PROMISE TO REACH OUT BEING KEPT" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.havredailynews.com/articles/2005/03/14//4schweitzerreaching.txt Schweitzer reaching out to 'the first Montanans' By SARAH R. CRAIG Associated Press Writer March 14, 2005 HELENA - The smell of burning sweetgrass often wafts through the second floor of the Capitol, from the governor's office to his family policy adviser's office down the hall. Gov. Brian Schweitzer burns the grass in an American Indian ceremonial cleansing act called smudging, creating a smoky symbol of the space the Whitefish Democrat says he's opened to Indians in state government. "I don't know that I am more enlightened than the previous 22 governors, but I think it's the time," Schweitzer said. "I think the time has come, that Montanans finally will accept that we are one, both Indian and non- Indian." Schweitzer's campaign for governor included promises to reach out to Indian country. He often states that the concerns of "the first Montanans" are close to his heart and he's trying to open more doors to Indians in the state. "I hold things of the earth in reverence, and maybe I share that with native people," Schweitzer said. Schweitzer has appointed Reno Charette, an enrolled Crow tribal member, as coordinator of Indian Affairs. He has also appointed Rhonda Whiting as a Montana representative on the Northwest Power Planning Council and hired her sister, Anna Whiting Sorrell as his family policy adviser. Six enrolled tribal members - Sioux, Crow, Northern Cheyenne, and Salish Kootenai - serve in Schweitzer's administration, and he's made six Indian appointments to different state boards and councils. Whiting Sorrell said she knows that while she and her sister are members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, that's not the sole reason they were hired. "They made it clear that they wanted to have the Schweitzer team look like Montana, old, young, male, female, cowboys and Indians, but we were all there because of our belief in a common vision and the ability to do that," she said. William "Allen" Talks About, chairman of the Blackfeet Tribal Council, recently questioned whether Schweitzer's campaign promises would come to fruition in the form of financial and other support for tribes. In response, Schweitzer met with the council and other Blackfeet representatives. The leaders gathered to smudge and pray before the meeting. "To me, that's to bring us together and to call on the Creator to take all the bad from us so that we can come together," Talks About said. After the meeting, Talks About said he was encouraged, and that perhaps Schweitzer's leadership could help guide the Legislature. "We're hoping that something happens, a change in our thinking, our understanding, that the first Montanans are in need too," Talks About said. Talks About fears the Legislature may not follow through with support for programs like Indian education, as the House has rejected one piece of legislation critical to his tribe: a proposal to restore millions of dollars to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, a welfare program that provides cash assistance to the poor. Helping the administration implement TANF and other welfare programs is part of Whiting Sorrell's job as family policy adviser. Whiting Sorrell worked as National Native American Outreach Coordinator for the John Kerry 2004 presidential campaign. She said now it's refreshing to have other Indian people to work with, as she was the lone representative on Kerry's campaign. After Kerry lost, she looked forward to going home to Ronan, but felt she couldn't turn down the chance to work for Schweitzer. "I know that I'm not here for my own person but I'm here for what I can do for other people," she said. "I know that I'm here because of the generations that came before me and really opened the doors for me to be here, and it's my responsibility to now protect that so that future generations can come forward." For Rhonda Whiting, it's a chance to include Indian voices in power planning, which involves resources that tribes have a major interest in like water and fish. "With many of the tribes the salmon were very much a part of the culture of those tribes, and each one looks at, culturally, some of the wildlife or all living things the Creator brought to us, we all have a different perspective on how we look at those," Whiting said. Major Robinson, an enrolled Northern Cheyenne, works as a senior economic development adviser for Schweitzer, focusing on Indian country. He said Schweitzer has extended a welcome that can be heard even on his remote reservation. "People knew while he was running that he wanted to create better relationships with the Montana tribes," Robinson said. "Many times the tribes are very skeptical about that, but then once he got into office almost immediately he started putting the word out to all the tribes that he was looking for qualified Native Americans to work in his administration. Once we started seeing him hire a number of tribal members it began to show all of us in Indian country that he was serious about it." Copyright c. 2005 Havre Daily News. --------- "RE: Charette welcomes Indians to Montana Capitol" --------- Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2005 08:16:08 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="MONTANA INDIAN AFFAIRS" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.havredailynews.com/articles/2005/03/14//3welcomesindians.txt Charette welcomes American Indians to Capitol By SARAH R. CRAIG Associated Press Writer March 14, 2005 HELENA - Any conversation with Reno Charette can quickly turn into a history lesson, and she's not talking about Christopher Columbus. Though Gov. Brian Schweitzer's newly appointed coordinator of American Indian Affairs holds a master's degree in history, she wants to tell history the way she sees it - as a woman and a Crow Indian. "The retelling, whether it's oral or written, is important and particularly important for native people because so much of our perspective is not in the mainstream," Charette said. "If you're looking at key historical events, it's actually without a lot of voices, the female voice and any minority voice, the disabled voice, and I think I always wanted to have a skill to tell those stories that aren't dominant." Drums, blankets and headdresses decorate Charette's office, where she's creating a second home for Indians who visit the Capitol. It wasn't too long ago that the office was vacant, left open by former Republican Gov. Judy Martz. Charette is still finding her way in the Cabinet-level post, defining her role, and seeking places to find Indian beadwork in Helena. Among her first projects is preparing reports on each of Montana's tribes to familiarize Schweitzer and his employees with each culture. "If you had never been to France before, and you were going to go there, how would you prepare yourself to function in that community as a tourist, let alone going there to negotiate business, nation-to-nation business?" Charette said. Eventually those profiles will be posted on the state Web site, she said, along with a master calendar of events like powwows and rodeos across the state. Before Schweitzer appointed her, Charette worked on the Big Horn Teacher Projects at Montana State University-Billings since 1999. There she worked in a system called the "making relatives approach." She created an office space that felt like a home-away-from-home for Indian students, and provided academic advising that took into account elders and children that students might be caring for. The program has placed 24 new Indian teachers in eight communities where there is a large enrollment of Indian children, and 35 teachers from the project are expected to graduate in 2005 - 30 of them Crow tribal members. Charette said that kind of program could have helped her when she was struggling through graduate school as a single mother, though she feels that process was character building. "I think it challenged me to do what I had to do with very little resources," Charette said. Charette's mother is Crow, her father Turtle-Mountain Chippewa, and she grew up on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. She lived with her grandparents during high school, when her parents moved away to work on an adult job training program led by former Rep. Pat Williams, D-Mont. In her grandparents' home, she learned the art of storytelling. Her grandparents' friendships involved many gatherings to tell stories and have coffee, and she said that's probably what led her to seek a history degree. From those stories, Charette learned the importance of helping others, "that there was honor in being of service to your community." She graduated from St. Labre Indian School in Ashland and earned a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from UM, where she also received a master's degree in history. Friend Constance James said Charette is held in high regard by many people. "She's called upon from lots of different people to participate in ceremonies because she represents goodness," James said. "She's a very kind and loving person. She's very thoughtful." "She has always and consistently been a person that I took counsel from, that I trust personally and professionally her opinions about things: life, the weather, men," James added. "She epitomizes class from a Native American perspective." Charette said most Indian people who visit the Capitol eventually find their way to her office, saying they're glad to see the position filled. Schweitzer said his brother, Walt, interviewed Charette, and gave her a rave review. "After he met her he said, 'Brian, you've got to meet this woman, she rises to the top.' When somebody I know and trust tells me that ... I was watching for her. I knew that this was someone that was uniquely qualified to be an adviser to all of Montana on our relationships in Indian country." Indian perspectives have not been communicated effectively over the years, Charette said. For example, in the 1970s when the state was looking to develop mining in Colstrip, about 20 miles north of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, most people didn't understand the tribe's fears, Charette said. "The common Montanan across the state probably didn't understand the hits the culture was going to take in terms of a large number of non- Indians moving into that area," she said. "That increases the likelihood that you're going to have more mixed marriages, so rather than have enrollable children you're now going to have children who have native heritage but they're not enrollable, which can mean a loss of language, a loss of the culture." Copyright c. 2005 Havre Daily News. --------- "RE: Shendo to head New Mexico's Indian Affairs Dept." --------- Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2005 08:16:08 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="NEW MEXICO INDIAN AFFAIRS" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=6137 Shendo confirmed to head state's Indian Affairs Dept. Jemez Pueblo man has long history in public, private sectors SANTA FE NM Native American Times March 14, 2005 The New Mexico legislature has confirmed the appointment of Benny Shendo, Jr. as secretary of the state's newly-formed Indian Affairs Department. The vote count of 31-0 in the State Senate upholds New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson's choice of Shendo, a Native of the Pueblo of Jemez, for the post. Richardson originally tapped Shendo back in on May 3, 2004. "Secretary Shendo is uniquely qualified to lead the Indian Affairs Department," said Richardson in a statement. "He has an intimate knowledge of New Mexico's twenty-two tribes and a true commitment to bettering the lives of the Native American citizens of our state. His background in higher education, tribal leadership and business management, and his vision for the Indian Affairs Department signals a new chapter for State- Tribal relations." Shendo is New Mexico's first Secretary of Indian Affairs confirmed by the New Mexico Legislature since Richardson elevated the department to cabinet level status in 2004. New Mexico is the only state in the country that has a cabinet secretary and a department of Indian Affairs. Shendo has served in various capacities of management and leadership, including Senior Manager of Native American Programs for the University of New Mexico and the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the American Indian and Alaskan Native program at Stanford University. Secretary Shendo, 40, is the father of two children, Eileen and Benjamin. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B. S. in Organizational Management. In 1998 and 2002, Shendo served as the 2nd and 1st Lieutenant Governor, respectively, for the Pueblo of Jemez. He is a Fellow of the W. K. Kellogg National Leadership Program, Group XVI, and 1997-2000. Shendo also was co-founder of the San Diego Riverside School, Inc. in Jemez Pueblo, which became the first Charter School on an Indian Reservation in the State of New Mexico. In September of 2004, Shendo received the Mary G. Ross award from Council of Energy Resources Tribes (CERT) for his professional achievements. Native American Times. Copyright c. 2005 All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: School' Portraits of Blackfeet were Gift" --------- Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2005 08:52:21 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="REISS PORTRAITS" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.helenair.com/articles/2005/03/15/montana/a11031505_03.txt School' portraits of Blackfeet were gift from former student By The Associated Press March 15, 2005 WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) - Fifth-grader Alfred Real never noticed the four framed paintings of Blackfeet Indians in the hallways at Lowell Elementary School. "No. They were, like, invisible to me," he said, shaking his head. That was the case with most students at Lowell until January, when teacher Nancy Grimes began leading a group of 10 fifth-graders in researching the artwork. The 18-by-14-inch portraits of Angry Bull, Chief Lazy Boy, Wades-in-the- Water and Bird-Sings-Different, with intricate detail of their clothing and ornate headdresses, were painted by Winold Reiss, a German native who came to the United States in 1913. Reiss established himself in New York as a muralist and designer, but eventually was hired by the Great Northern Railway to paint members of the Blackfeet Confederacy. "He wanted to do his life's dream of painting Indians," said Lowell fifth-grader Joshua Billings, who learned about the artist with the help of Waterloo Center for the Arts curator Kent Shankle. The railroad used Reiss' paintings as posters, on calendars and in ads to promote the West. Reiss died in 1953, his ashes scattered on the Blackfeet reservation near Browning, Mont. Grimes latched on to the idea of using the portraits to teach a more diverse history to students. In December, she was awarded $620 McElroy Excellence in Education grant to make connections between the fifth-grade curriculum and the paintings through an art project, book purchases and field trips. The grant also will pay for restoring the paintings, which first appeared in a Great Northern Railway calendar. But Grimes also wanted students to unravel the mystery of the paintings' donor. Name plates say each portrait was donated by Kay Marilyn Kruser. The students found a reference to Kruser on a 1950 orchestra program in a crumbling PTA scrapbook. "She played violin," said fifth-grader Kayla Dues. She graduated from West High School in 1958. "The mystery was why did the family decide to present pictures? Why these? Did they have a connection with the Great Northern Railroad? We just don't know," Grimes said. Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier archives reveal that Kruser married Donald C. Hunt in 1961 and was a secretary at Rath Packing Co., where her father also worked. She eventually moved to Tulsa, Okla., and was still living there three years ago when her mother died. Attempts to track her down in Tulsa were unsuccessful. The students' research prompted interest in the American Indian tribes that lived in the Waterloo area. It also inspired Shankle, who discovered a Reiss exhibit planned this summer in Montana. He contacted the museum to see if it is available for travel. "We're exploring the idea because of this," he said. Copyright c. 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. Copyright c. Helena Independent Record; a division of Lee Enterprises. --------- "RE: Base sending Homes" --------- Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2005 08:28:09 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="NEW HOMES VIA OPERATION WALKING SHIELD" http://www.greatfallstribune.com//20050321/NEWS01/503210302/1002 Base sending homes By PETER JOHNSON Tribune Staff Writer March 21, 2005 ROCKY BOY - Ursula Russette and her husband, Maynard, have been waiting several years to get a larger home of their own on the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation. They live in a small, one-bedroom house where several days a week their three grandchildren spend the night. "The girls stay on an air mattress in the living room, and we have to pump up the mattress every night and let the air out and roll it up every morning," said Russette, a counselor with the Chippewa Cree Housing Authority. So the Russettes are thrilled to be getting a large, fairly new three- bedroom home from the latest batch of 20 surplus Malmstrom Air Force Base houses. They will be trucked to the reservation just south of Havre today through the end of April. Susie Hay, longtime executive director of the Chippewa Cree Housing Authority, said the tribes really appreciate the homes, which come courtesy of the nonprofit program, Operation Walking Shield. When all of this batch arrives, Rocky Boy will have received about 185 Malmstrom houses over the last seven years. "The program has been a godsend, especially for families waiting to buy homes," Hay said. "They're inexpensive, affordable and good homes." Each house costs the tribes $1; tribal members then purchase the homes for about $35,000 apiece. That covers the expense of moving the house, building a foundation, installing utilities and fixing the small cracks that develop as the homes are moved. "Even with all those great base houses, plus the 42 the tribe has built in recent years, we still have a real need for more housing," said John "Chance" Houle, chairman of the Chippewa Cree Tribal Business Council. "The number of families on a waiting list hoping to buy or rent houses has grown to 580, with many living in crowded conditions with their families and some even living out of vehicles." Malmstrom and other defense installations have hundreds of houses that are in pretty good shape but no longer considered large enough or modern enough to meet new standards the military has set to help retain its all- volunteer force. Indian reservations in several Western states, including the Rocky Boy's Reservation, have a dire need for more housing. So it seemed a natural fit when, in 1996, the military began transferring its excess housing to reservations, with the help of Operation Walking Shield, a California-based nonprofit group. "We've helped transfer nearly 1,000 surplus military houses to 14 reservations in four states: Montana, North and South Dakota and Minnesota," Walking Shield Executive Director Dennis Wynott said during a tour Wednesday at Rocky Boy. "It's very rewarding to see houses the military no longer can use go to the reservations where there is such a need for good housing." Counting this latest delivery, Malmstrom will have provided 234 houses - 185 to Rocky Boy, 22 to the Fort Belknap Reservation and 27 to the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. There could be hundreds more Malmstrom houses freed up for transfer in 2007 and beyond, base officials said. Col. Everett Thomas, Malmstrom space wing commander, clearly was tickled as he visited a couple of houses that already have been moved. He admired the way one family had decorated the house, and including their large family room, where they obviously spent a lot of time. "This program really makes me feel good," Thomas said. "It's just wonderful for us to be able to help out our Montana community at large, and our fellow Americans." Several years ago, the military began phasing out its older homes improve living conditions for service members and their families. Newer Malmstrom housing has modern kitchen fixtures, air conditioning and oak trim. New rules even require that Air Force bases in northern climates such as Great Falls have a large recreation room to prevent families from getting cabin fever in the winter. "With the all-volunteer Air Force, providing larger, more modern houses became a quality-of-life issue," said Maj. Laurie Arellano, a base spokesman. "Good housing helps with both morale and troop retention." But there's nothing wrong with the old base homes. "These are good, relatively new houses, with Air Force families living in them until the last few weeks. We wouldn't transfer them to the reservations if they weren't in good shape," she stressed. All the homes were built after 1960, when asbestos and lead-based paint restrictions were in place. And the tribe has contractors encapsulate asbestos when it's found in floor tiles, and put new flooring on top, Hay said. If the Air Force could not transfer them, it would have to demolish the surplus housing, wasting a lot of landfill space, Arellano said. "This program makes a lot of sense for both humanitarian and environmental reasons." Tribal Vice Chairman Bruce Sun Child praised Montana's congressional delegation, particularly U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, for helping get money for new Malmstrom housing. Burns also helped get the transfer of surplus houses approved, he said. "Moving the houses and building foundations has helped provide work for people living on or near the reservation," Sun Child said. Sam Boushie, a Chippewa Cree member from Rocky Boy, was working with the construction company, PLK Moving of Harlem, to prepare the houses for the trip. "There's quite a need for housing at Rocky Boy, so it feels great to help move them," he said. Tribal Chairman Houle said many of the new homeowners have made a special effort to fix up their yards and improve the houses. "They've really made them into homes," he said. Reach Tribune Staff Writer Peter Johnson at (406) 791-1476, (800) 438-6600 or pejohnso@greatfal.gannett.com. Copyright c. 2004 Great Falls Tribune. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Stranger presents Gift to Tribes-leaves as Friend" --------- Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2005 08:52:21 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="GIFT CANOE" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/canoe15m.html?syndication=rss Stranger presents gift to tribes, leaves as friend By The Associated Press March 15, 2005 PORT ANGELES - When Gerald "Woody" Woodside brought a handmade canoe to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Center, he might have expected a word of thanks. But tribal members who had assembled for a meeting there celebrated his surprise gift in traditional ways: singing and dancing for an hour and presenting him with gifts in return. Woodside was a stranger from Port Gamble, Kitsap County, when he showed up at the center Saturday with a 21-foot cedar-and-fiberglass canoe atop his truck. The interior is built of cedar strips, and the outside is shiny black fiberglass with bright orange trim. He wanted to donate the canoe to youth of the Lower Elwha Klallam, calling the gift simply "a good thing to do." "I kind of surprised them with it," he told the Peninsula Daily News. On hand were 80 people who were planning this summer's Tribal Journey, in which people from coastal tribes will travel by canoe from parts of Canada and Washington to a gathering in Port Angeles. Fourteen men lifted the canoe from the truck and took it into the center's gym, where they circled the basketball court, then set the craft down on tumbling mats at midcourt. There it was blessed by elder Johnson Charles, the Lower Elwha Klallam's spiritual adviser. Singers from several tribes took turns chanting songs of celebration and thanks. When they finished, the whole group joined in the "Journey Song." "This is a vessel that takes us to different places," said Ray Fryberg, a member of the Tulalip Tribes, "different places in the land, different places in our lives." "How many people can the canoe hold?" asked Michael Evans, skipper of the Snohomish Tribe's canoe, the Blue Heron. "An infinite number, but only four or five at a time. So fill it full of people again and again. Fill it full of young people." Woodside, who said he has built kayaks and canoes since 1970, said he spent 50 hours making the craft. His day job is with the Navy submarine base in Bangor, Kitsap County. Woodside said he'd been dismayed by Port Angeles leaders' criticism of the Lower Elwha, blaming them for a state decision to halt construction on a graving yard where Hood Canal Bridge replacement pontoons and anchors were to be built. The state halted work in December after human remains and artifacts were found at the site, where a 1,700-year-old tribal village once stood. "There's been some really ugly stuff around here," he said, frowning. "It's really surprised me." Tribal members gave him a 16-inch hand-carved canoe and an artist's drawing. He seemed a bit embarrassed by the length of the ceremony. "If we'd had 50 more tribes here, we'd be here a lot longer," Frances Charles, Lower Elwha tribal chairwoman, told him. "These songs are their traditions - traditions they uphold so they endure." Coastal tribes recognize a gift "by song or beads or crafts or money for what has been provided ... it can be an array of different appreciations," Charles told The Associated Press yesterday. "It's in the old traditions of gift exchanges; it's something that we teach our youth today." Four hours after his arrival, Woodside departed as an honored friend. "You're going to be in our hearts for the rest of your life and our lives," Charles told him, "for what you have done here today." She said the canoe will be used for training young people. Copyright c. Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Copyright c. 2005 The Seattle Times Company. --------- "RE: Lakota Woman looks to promote Breast-Feeding" --------- Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2005 08:16:08 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="HEALTHIER BABIES" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2005/03/14/news/local/news05.txt Woman looks to promote breast-feeding By Jomay Steen, Journal Staff Writer March 14, 2005 RAPID CITY - For Candice Brings Plenty, affirmation that she had made the right choice for her daughter Breana's feeding care came from a sign. Driving to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, she saw one of Healthy Start Program's road signs that read "Breastfeeding Saves Lives." "I love that sign," she said. Brings Plenty, 24, and B.J. Brave Heart, 25, both of Rapid City, are the parents of two daughters, Helina, 17 months, and Breana, three months. While pregnant with Breana, Brings Plenty wanted to learn more about breast-feeding, a traditional method of child-rearing that she grew up with in her family. In her first pregnancy, Brings Plenty had wanted to breast-feed. But an epidural for pain after more than 24 hours of labor forced Brings Plenty to reconsider her options. The pain medication had coursed through her body, her daughter and her milk. Three lactation consultants were available at Rapid City Regional Hospital, but after she left the hospital, Brings Plenty was on her own. "I ended up switching Helina to the bottle," Brings Plenty said. In her second pregnancy, she joined her friends Amy Loud Hawk, Jolene Buckman and Jessie Chretien once a month for dinner to talk about their children and to share information about breast-feeding. Rapid City's Le Leche League disbanded in 2003. The Lakota mother looked for another support group to help her start breast-feeding her next baby. Brings Plenty said she didn't know how to properly attach her baby to her breast. But by watching her friends feed their babies, she soon discovered what she hadn't been able to understand described in brochures or pamphlets. "It's not automatic. If I had never seen it done, I would have never known how to do it," she said. This lack of information prompted Jacqueline Left Hand Bull, Northern Plains Healthy Start Program project director, to bring in her staff for training and support. "We want to promote healthy breast-feeding," Left Hand Bull said. Staff from Indian Health Services and Women, Infants and Children programs attended the workshop to advocate for breast-feeding, sponsored by Healthy Start. "They all will have the same kind of training to help mothers initiating or starting to initiate breast-feeding," Left Hand Bull said. Only 15 percent of American Indian women breast-feed their children, but about 50 percent of the general population breast-feeds. Some reasons why young Indian mothers don't breast-feed include fear of not producing enough milk, lack of information, lack of support and bottle-feeding promotion by formula companies, she said. Left Hand Bull hopes to combat those misunderstadings. She said that a newborn baby's stomach is about the size of a marble and at one week, the baby's stomach grows to the size of a ping-pong ball. Also, most women produce more milk than the baby will need, she said. Plus, there are many advantages to breast-feeding, she said. "A clinical study shows babies who were breast-fed scored an average of nine to 11 points higher on IQ tests than formula-fed babies," she said. But other benefits for the baby include fewer incidences of earaches, ear infections, stomach upset, diarrhea and indigestion. The mothers also benefit by not relying on expensive formulas. The benefits also include fewer incidences of tightening of the uterus, reduced risk of urinary tract infections, breast cancer and cervical cancers. Like her baby, Brings Plenty, an intern at Northern Plains Healthy Start Program and an Oglala Lakota College student, was a breast-fed baby. When her mother worked away from home, a relative breast-fed Brings Plenty during the day. Brings Plenty said that sharing breast-feeding duties was also practiced by her stepmother and aunt when raising their children. "It was how it was done traditionally," Brings Plenty said. Gerry Goes In Center was a strong advocate for Brings Plenty to breast- feed, giving her books and pamphlets to read. But it was her friends doing what came naturally that made the biggest impact. "I thought I had one advocate. I didn't open my eyes wide enough to see that I had an entire support group," she said. For information on breast-feeding, call Jacqueline Left Hand Bull at 721-1922. Contact Jomay Steen at 394-8418 or jomay.steen@rapidcityjournal.com Copyright c. 2005 The Rapid City Journal. --------- "RE: YELLOW BIRD: Tribe copes with, combats Suicide" --------- Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2005 08:52:21 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="YELLOW BIRD: SUICIDE PART II" http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/news/opinion/11146233.htm COLUMNIST DORREEN YELLOW BIRD : Tribe copes with, combats suicide March 16, 2005 This is second in a series of three columns about a recent series of suicides and suicide attempts among young people on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Five of the reservation's young people took their own lives from December through January. Any publicity about suicide can be risky because copycat incidents could result. Yet, as a mother of one victim says, it also is important to understand suicide so that other people can be helped. The Standing Rock community is working hard at finding solutions. Today's column focuses how the Lakota people, including tribal and health-care leaders and suicide-prevention officials, have rallied to address the problem. The Feast of the Rocks restaurant in the Prairie Knights casino on the Standing Rock reservation, Fort Yates, N.D., is a little hazy with smoke and has a rustic, country atmosphere. The sound of chiming slot machines was background music for a meeting with three Lakota health-care providers, one of whom was John Eagle Shield, director of Community Health Programs. We finished breakfast and sipped big cups of hot coffee as we talked about the awful tragedy of suicide. Many people believe that Native culture and understanding who they are is a strength and a force against problems such as suicide, alcohol and drug abuse. There is a commitment on the part of many Lakota people to provide stronger culture teaching. And while that is good, Eagle Shield said, there's also a disconnect between spiritual leaders and young people. For example, when elders speak Lakota when teaching, some young people don't understand, he told me. Cultural abuse among Indian tribes and especially the Lakota people isn't new, Eagle Shield noted. The defeat of Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer at the hands of the Lakota at the Little Big Horn River resulted in more restrictions for their reservation. Medicine man Sitting Bull was killed when soldiers made an effort to jail him. Many Lakota young people don't remember these incidents, but elders of the tribe remember. The trauma of those years affects them today. A woman whom I'll call Jane, the mother of a suicide victim, may remember Lakota history. But she doesn't attribute the death of her 18- year-old daughter to that history. In an hourlong, heartfelt conversation, I heard a sad and devastating story from this strong Lakota mother who is reeling from the suicide of her daughter. Jane told me that without her faith in Jesus Christ and prayer, she wouldn't have made it. "It's the only way, and I can tell you it's hard," she said. It took a while to stop calling her daughter from work, she told me with her soft, halting voice. Her daughter's death left a big void: "There is an empty space there," she said, "and I cry a lot." Were there signs that her daughter was considering suicide? She didn't see them at the time, Jane said. But like other family members of suicide victims, she looks back now and sees that the signs were there. Things changed for her daughter in the course of only a year and a half. Before that, the young woman had prayed, listened to Christian music and tried to stay away from kids who were in trouble. But in the few months before her death, she had started using drugs, particularly methamphetamine. She craved it and it changed her life. Then, things went from bad to catastrophically worse in the space of about 48 hours. First, a number of the young woman's friends left the area. Then, two of her close relatives committed suicide. And then, the young woman started both pushing friends and relatives away, while at the same time rekindling some old friendships. Today, with the benefit of hindsight, Jane now feels her daughter was making peace with those old friends in anticipation of her death. It has been hard for the girl's brother and sister, but they have a large family of relatives and friends who are helping and supporting them. The tribal council has implemented several programs to help young people. They have a suicide prevention program, regional suicide services and the Community Health Program, among others. They are making an tremendous effort to turn the tide. One project is the Youth Peer Mentoring Program, which calls for trained young people to help, counsel and listen to their peers. Fifteen-year-old Alayna Eagle Shield, John's daughter, finds herself involved in this program that may become bigger than she expected. She wrote an essay this winter about peer mentoring, in which she said that young people her age are afraid and uncomfortable talking with adults. Eighty percent of teens who commit suicide give out signals, she learned in the training she received as a peer mentor. Alayna says she wants to be there to listen to her young friends and relatives. "As a tribe - together - we are strong," she said. She wants to share her traditional knowledge and culture with her peers. Alayna participates in the cultural ceremonies such as inipi (sweats) and Sundances. While I was there, Alayna got a call from a high school student who said she was going to commit suicide. Alayna set out through slushy snow to intervene and to listen. She brought the young teen home with her and began the process of intervention. Young people, Alayna said, need to know how important they are and that they are loved. There have been no new suicide deaths in several weeks on the reservation, and the number of attempts is dwindling. Dorreen Yellow Bird's column appears Tuesday and Saturday. Reach her at (701) 780-1228 or dyellowbird@gfherald.com Copyright c. 2005 Grand Forks Herald/Grand Forks, ND. --------- "RE: Editorial: Indian Disunity is Indian Dysfunction" --------- Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2005 08:41:43 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="EDITORIAL: INDIAN DISUNITY" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096410523 Indian disunity is Indian dysfunction March 10, 2005 by: Editors Report / Indian Country Today States seize on the lowest common denominator Just what is the New York state Indian leadership waiting for to come together in the common front that is the only way not to lose the present opportunity, as well as the only way to successfully defend inherent rights? Is it waiting for the state to slowly boil it to death or to finally kill it, as per the grand old plan, with "a thousand small cuts?" Is the disunity among the leadership of the various nations so completely dysfunctional that substantial danger is irresponsibly allowed to threaten future generations? And, especially this round, where, oh where are the Mohawk? Usually the most stalwart among those of the fabled Iroquois Confederacy, the Mohawk this round are dancing second-fiddle to the governor's jig. While not alone, they are the most surprising because they are an established "in-state" tribe not protesting the knife to the throat on taxation issues. Answers to these questions remain to be settled, but the Pied Piper of internecine competition when it comes to the egos of too many Indian leaders certainly makes it nearly impossible to achieve the point of common self-interest. Unity becomes a myth as elusive as the wind. This is a principle that applies to tribes within every state where there resides more than one tribe. Within New York, as within South Dakota, California and many other jurisdictions, the governor's office, municipalities and various non-Indian associations are moving fast to bring together a movement that could end up so resoundingly slamming the political doors shut that tribes won't know what hit them. The anti-Indian argument works to ju-jitsu the positions of tribes as true historical victims relative to the mammoth powers of the state and of federal impositions; this is presented in a new image that pictures the tribes as unruly behemoths and paints as victims the townships and municipalities adjacent to the tribes. Talk about rewriting history. With those smaller jurisdictions doing the out-front challenging, the state and national politicians can simply follow the trend, which is gaining momentum, to besmirch Indian communities and to make Indians look like "super-citizens." The negative image of the tribes as "super-citizens" always emerges the moment the tribes begin to win their just historical and legal causes and achieve a fuller measure of justice in their own self-determined hands and most often within their own lands. Other sovereignties and cultures surrounding Indian reservation communities often produce substantial hateful overtones in their dealings with Indians. As we have seen, from Bishop, Calif. to central New York, white supremacist thinking blends into and is prone to capitalize on such conflicts. It could not be more plain to the eye that as Native nation leadership concentrates on scrambling each other's national missions, the big bullies of the block - the states that want to tear up the Indian economies and tribal powers - cut and paste together all manner of scurrilous agreements meant to primarily pillage and overturn the sovereign rights of their in- state tribes. It used to be that Indian leadership worked hard to maintain its focus on principles, but increasingly, the focus has simply turned to casino profits. Within New York, the governor's office dangles carrots in front of Indian eyes, and the sovereign-mindedness required to confidently and competently negotiate with the state begins to erode: the Indian leadership sways and wavers. Every Indian leader operates always with some sense of dread that another tribe will get out in front by accepting degrading terms from the state negotiators without care for the impact of their decision on the collective welfare of their related people. The state plays this game to the hilt, although in New York Gov. George Pataki seems to have overstepped his strategy. When negotiations with savvy Native leaders turned sluggish, the impatient New York governor rammed through very objectionable deals over the heads of the tribes within his own state. While some tribes scrambled to settle land claims and waver on taxation issues in less than advantageous terms, the U.S. Congress is moving ahead to monkey-wrench the whole basis of most of the state's offerings, with legislation coming to prohibit the kind of reservation-shopping required in the Pataki formula. The point of this missive, for New York and elsewhere, is that there must always be a way for the main offices of tribal leaders to sustain an open conversation and dialogue. Even in those cases where leadership does not like each other - even where they are bitter enemies - they must recognize their many important common objectives relative to the powers of their respective states, and they must develop intertribal protocols for building and sustaining intertribal relations. In New York, even very conservative politicians such as Alfonse D'Amato have admonished the Indian leadership for its disunity. If Indians would only come together first, the message goes, the tribes could dictate their own formula to the state. Instead, as Indian leadership markedly avoids common strategies on many important issues, the state cuts and pounces, with a scary ability to refine its age-old techniques of divide and conquer. And is it not a sign of colonized immaturity that American Indians would rather trust and cut deals with non-Indian governments rather than themselves? Believe it that these currents are lining up. Believe it that the Indian position in support of a separate and sovereign tax base for Indian governments is hardly ever represented in the regular media. Within New York, for example, the Buffalo News and other papers routinely directly advocate the position of New York state in its conflicts with any and all Indian tribal governments. Yet the tribal governments, all of them, from the Seneca Nation of Indians (a republic) to the Onondaga Longhouse (a clan-based government) to the Oneida traditionalist council, to the elected St. Regis Mohawk Tribal government - a wide array of governmental structures, to be sure - all are charged with meeting the needs and demands of their member-citizens, and all are charged with sustaining their communities' self-governments and expected to support these through successful economic strategies. New York, as with all states that host Native tribal enterprises within their borders if not within their own jurisdictions, must be taught proper conduct and procedure with Native governments. This could be done respectfully but firmly, but only after a fluid and consistent conversation among Indian governmental offices is established throughout the state. Intellectual debate must be encouraged that will draw out ideas and discussions from the broadest range of advocates in our communities, from the best research to the most practical analyses. The leadership can sit in, listen in, participate at will or simply incorporate the range of the discussion, but it would agree to consider the currents and to consider common draw-the-line points in negotiations with the state. No doubt, there are honorable people in the offices of the state of New York, and many among them who oppose tribal gaming development areas are sincere in their beliefs; however, they have objectives that challenge and intend to diminish or even destroy tribal sovereignty as the inherent right of American Indian people in sustaining their nations. The state would rather not destroy gooses that lay golden eggs, but it clearly would pretend to own them. It is the nature of the state sovereignty to increasingly control Indian jurisdictions. Tribal leaders cannot and must not lose sight of this important line of demarcation. All the tribal entities within any state stand to win substantially from squaring off with the state in as much unity of purpose and position as possible. No one would suggest this can happen easily anywhere, but let us not abdicate the responsibility for facilitating all such dialogue anywhere and any time it can happen. This point has already been confirmed within New York, where concessions on taxes by out-of-state tribes and the once powerful Mohawk have sparked a full frontal assault by the governor on the sovereignty of all Native nations within the state. Copyright c. 1998-2005 Indian Country Today. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Alaskans wary of Vote on Oil Drilling" --------- Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2005 08:41:11 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ANWR BUSH WHACK" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.winktv.com/x466.xml?URL=http://localhost/APWIREFEED/d88t1m800.xml Alaskans Wary of Vote on Oil Drilling By MATT VOLZ Associated Press Writer The Associated Press March 18, 2005 JUNEAU, Alaska The tiny north coast town of Kaktovik officially supports responsible development of oil and gas. But many reacted warily to the Senate vote to allow drilling in their back yard. Even with just 284 residents, Kaktovik is the largest town on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge's coastal plain. Mayor Lon Sonsalla said just about everyone has concerns about changes that could accompany any work in the 1.5 million-acre stretch, where billions of barrels of crude oil are believed to rest beneath the tundra. "We are now given notice that we have to be on our toes," said the mayor said. A scant majority of the Senate agreed Wednesday to allow oil and gas development on the state's northern coast. Sonsalla said his town, 850 miles from Juneau and more than 3,000 from Washington, must have a say in developing the rules for oil and gas work in the refuge, and residents' access to traditional hunting and fishing areas must be preserved. Fenton Rexford, tribal administrator of the Native village of Kaktovik, agreed. The Inupiat village's traditional lands are governed separately from the city of Kaktovik. Rexford said the tribal government's responsibility is to protect traditional hunting and camping areas and cemeteries. "There's monetary value and then there is value as far as subsistence sites, camping sites, fishing sites," he said. Reaction to the Senate vote by the state's political leaders was enthusiastic. For decades, Alaskan politicians have urged Congress to open the refuge to drilling. Those calls grew louder with the decline of oil moving through the trans-Alaska pipeline in recent years. Democratic state Sen. Donald Olson, whose district and includes Kaktovik, is a longtime supporter of opening the refuge. "I'm glad that it passed," he said. "I just want to make sure that the concerns and issues of the local people and Mayor Lon Sonsalla are on the front of our radar screen so they are not overrun by industry." Gov. Frank Murkowski said he has no doubts that oil drilling will take place and he expects the state will benefit from the revenues it will share with the federal government. Opening the refuge to drilling would give oil companies access to an estimated 10.4 billion barrels of crude oil, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The Senate still must pass the budget package in which the proposal was included. The House must take up the issue in an energy package. "It's like winning one skirmish in a bigger battle," said Republican state House Majority Leader John Coghill. Copyright c. 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. Copyright c. 2005 WINK-TV Ft. Meyers, FL. --------- "RE: Native Americans decry Alaska Exploration Ruling" --------- Date: Sat, 19 Mar 2005 12:22:36 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ANWR DRILLING WILL END WILDERNESS" http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200503/s1327010.htm Native Americans decry Alaska exploration ruling March 18, 2005 There has been an angry reaction from native Americans in Alaska to the decision by the United States Senate to open up a remote wildlife refuge to oil drilling. The Senators voted narrowly to allow exploration in the Alaska Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This has long been a key part of President Bush's energy plan as a means to reduce US reliance on imports. Luci Beach, of the local American Indian tribe, says the area is home to caribou, migratory birds and other wildlife. "Sixty to 70 per cent of our diet comes from the land and caribou is one of the primary animals that we depend on for sustenance," he said. "For us this is a human rights issue and it's a basic Aboriginal human rights issue." Copyright c. 2005 ABC. --------- "RE: Akaka Bill violates International Law" --------- Date: Saturday, March 19, 2005 11:25 PM From: karaka@medscape.com [jankaraka@yahoo.co.nz] Subj: FW: Akaka bill violates international law Mailing List: First_Nations_Skyvillage@smartgroups.com Hawaii Reporter Freedom to Report Real News http://www.hawaiireporter.com/687283f5-2884-465c-a1c6-ffadc6bdd90d Honolulu Star-Bulletin Poll Shows Opposite Results of 2003 OHA Poll on Public Support for Akaka Bill Hawaii's Top Government Officials Should Not Be Citing 2003 Poll, Which is Inherently Biased By Earl Arakaki March 18, 2005 A poll just comleted by the Honolulu Star Bulletin asked readers to vote on whether they support the Akaka Bill, or Native Hawaiian Recognition Bill, which is now being pushed forward in the U.S. Senate. See the poll at http://starbulletin.com/poll/index.html The Honolulu Star-Bulletin specifically asks: "The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has approved the Akaka bill for a vote by the full Senate. Would you like to see the Akaka bill become law?" The final vote tally reflects the only real opinion of Hawaii's people and, so far, stands as the only true vote ever taken on this controversial subject. Of the 1,751 votes received, 436 or 24.9 percent, said "Yes" they support the Akaka Bill, while 1,301 people or 74.30 percent said "No" they don't support it (14 votes were not counted). These results are completely the opposite of the survey taken by OHA in 2003 on the same subject -- a poll inherently flawed because it was funded by the state through the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), an agency lobbying Congress for the bill. The 2003 survey conducted by a local firm, Ward Research, often is cited as the prevailing vote of the people. The Ward/OHA poll also is used by Hawaii's Gov. Linda Lingle and other Akaka bill supporters in testimony before the U.S. Congress -- tesimony given as recently as two weeks ago. The poll also is cited by Lt. Gov. Aiona in recent opinion pieces published in Hawaii Reporter and other local publications in support of the bill. Besides being potentially biased because of its funding source, the OHA poll was flawed and should not have been used officially to report Hawaii's citizens concerning the Akaka bill. For instance, the survey asks "Have you heard of the Hawaiian Federal Recognition Bill, also known as the "Akaka-Stevens bill". Among Hawaiians, 72 percent had, while 27 percent had not. Among non- Hawaiians 58 percent knew of the Akaka Bill, while 41 percent had not. And yet the survey continued to ask questions about the Akaka Bill without regard to whether or not the person being polled had even heard of the proposal. In addition, the questions in the OHA poll were leading and misleading. For instance, there is the question: "Do you believe that Hawaiians should have the ceded lands returned to them?" This question leads the respondent to believe ceded lands were "stolen," and who wouldn't return something that was "stolen." The fact is the lands were not stolen and in fact could never be returned to anyone because they belong to all of us in Hawaii regardless of race. That aside, obviously, the OHA survey is biased toward the results desired and not a true survey of Hawaii's people. Top government officials, like our governor and congressmen, should not be using the information from the OHA survey, saying "the people of Hawaii of all ethnicity support the Akaka bill." It is just not true. The same OHA poll by Ward Research cites; "There appears to be broad support in both camps for federal recognition. In the non-Hawaiian population however, no consensus exist relative to Hawaiians only programs, entitlements and a future Hawaiian government. Clearly non-Hawaiians are not prepared to accept the creation of a Hawaiian nation in the near future." This part of the poll is never mentioned. The Akaka bill is likely to be the most social changing action taken in Hawaii since the Great Mehele of 1848. The bill will divide United States citizens in Hawaii into two groups Hawaiians, those with at least one drop of Hawaiian blood and non-Hawaiians, those without the favored blood quantum established by the bill. In the future it will permit "Hawaiians" to establish land bases similar to American Indians and to build businesses that do not pay federal or state taxes that will drive all other small business into bankruptcy. With the proper "campaign contributions" to federal and state politicians, they will be able to open up casinos, taking away money from the tourist industry resorts and shops. If, as our elected officials lead us to believe that a majority of Hawaii's citizens of all races support the Akaka Bill, why isn't there a bill to hold a referendum on this subject rather than taking the word of flawed survey paid for an directed by the same organization that sees it's very existence dependant on the passage of this bill? What is the state so afraid of ... the truth? Earl Arakaki is a resident of Ewa Beach in Hawaii. He can be reached via email at mailto:arakakie003@hawaii.rr.com Copyright c. 2005 Hawaii Reporter, Inc. The Honolulu Advertiser March 19, 2005 Letters to the Editor http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2005/Mar/19/op/op10pletters.html Akaka bill violates international law We ku'e (reject) the Akaka bill pending in the U.S. Senate. Whereas, the United Nations in U.N. General Assembly Resolution 66(1) on Dec. 14, 1946, placed our homeland, Ka Pae 'aina (Hawai'i), on the U.N. List of Non-Self-Governing Territories eligible for decolonization; Whereas, we, descendants of the nationals of the Hawaiian Kingdom independent state founded in 1810, who thrived in Ka Pae 'aina prior to the unlawful United States military invasion of 1893, and U.S. military occupation and purported annexation in 1898, in violation of treaties and international law, have not been afforded the opportunity, unlike the peoples of other territories named on the said U.N. List, to exercise our full right of self-determination under international law, including the option of full independence; Whereas, the United States itself formally recognized, in U.S. Congress Joint Apology Resolution (PL 103-150) signed by U.S. President William J. Clinton on Nov. 23, 1993, that we kanaka maoli people, who constituted the overwhelming majority of the nationals of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893- 1898, have never directly relinquished our inherent sovereignty nor our national lands to the United States; Therefore, we, the undersigned kanaka maoli and other Hawaiian kingdom national descendants, hereby respectfully request his excellency the secretary-general of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan, and call upon her excellency the secretary of state of the United States, Ms. Condoleezza Rice, to inform U.S. Senate President Richard Cheney that the U.S. Senate's consideration of the Akaka bill (the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2005), which purports to determine our political status, which we alone may determine, is a serious breach of international law, such that the U.S. Senate must immediately cease and desist from considering said bill any further. Kekuni Blaisdell, Kihei Soli Niheu, Terrilee Napua Keko'olani, Puanani Rogers, Foster Kekahuna Ampong and Baron K.F. Ching Copyright c. 2005 Hawaii Reporter, Inc. --------- "RE: Ecuador Tribes vow to fight Oil Threat" --------- Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2005 08:16:08 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ECUADORAN TRIBES VOW TO DEFEND LAND" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4308537.stm Ecuador tribes vow to fight oil threat By Michael Voss BBC News, Amazon basin, Ecuador One of South America's poorest countries, Ecuador, is believed to be sitting on huge untapped reserves of oil and gas. Much of it, though, lies beneath remote areas of the Amazon rainforest. Now the indigenous people of the region are starting to organise themselves politically in a bid to keep the oilmen out of their ancestral homes. In global oil terms, Ecuador is a relatively small player. But revenues from its existing Amazon oil reserves are critical in keeping the country's economy afloat. Now, with the country sitting on huge potential new reserves, there is enormous pressure to expand production. Ancestral land The difficulty is that much of it lies beneath pristine virgin rainforests which are legally designated indigenous tribal territories. In 1999 the government sold exploration rights in two areas, known as Blocks 23 and 24, which are at the heart of Indian reserves - without consulting the tribes involved. Six years later and exploration has yet to get under way. There are three indigenous peoples living within these Blocks: the Achuar, Shuar and Kichwa peoples. Each has set up political organisations to help keep the oilmen out of their territories. Milton Carrera is president of the Achuar, a tribe of about 5,000 people living in one of the remotest areas of the rainforest, near the border with Peru. Last year he travelled to the US to picket shareholder meetings. His is a life that straddles two worlds. When we met he was dressed in neatly pressed trousers and shirt with a colourful traditional headband made of toucan feathers, his face painted with intricate designs. "The indigenous territories are our ancestral lands," he told me. "We were here thousands of years before Christopher Columbus arrived. The land can't be touched, it's our inalienable right." History of destruction One reason that there is such bitter opposition to the plans is that Ecuador's original Amazon oilfields have left a legacy of deforestation and environmental damage. The American company Texaco first discovered oil in Ecuador 40 years ago. Now, almost 15 years since it pulled out of the country, the company - which has become ChevronTexaco - is facing a multi-billion-dollar lawsuit there. The company is on trial, accused of using outdated technology which contaminated the soil and water systems, causing widespread health problems. ChevronTexaco denies the charges, claiming that it carried out an effective clean-up programme before leaving the country. But whatever the outcome of the case, those in the southern Amazon basin are understandably reluctant to let the oil companies in. "We know that here in Ecuador the industry has had a significant environmental impact," said an Achuar leader, Santiago Kawarin. "It's had a cultural impact too, creating all sorts of social problems for indigenous communities. That is why from the very beginning we have said No, we won't work with the oilmen." Debt burden The Achuar have legal title to the land but under Ecuador's constitution the state has sole right to anything beneath the soil - in other words all mineral rights. Bill Twist is the founder of the Pachamama Alliance, which works with indigenous Amazonian groups on issues such as land rights and sustainable development, and believes the country is under enormous international pressure to maximise oil production. "The main external pressure comes from Ecuador's foreign debt," Mr Twist said. "It is completely indebted, has no chance of paying it off and is under tremendous pressure from the International Monetary Fund to continue to expand the oil frontier into the Amazon region." Oil sales account for about a quarter of GDP and according to the former Minister of Energy Rene Ortiz, who is now president of the country's Petroleum Industry Association, the oil revenues go towards paying for both state sector salaries and a significant amount of the national debt. He fears that with Ecuador's oil sector has been gridlocked by the Texaco trial and the Indian opposition. "The oil sector is paralysed because the government has been unable to put together a bidding round for the last 10 years or sign any new contracts for exploration and production for the past five years," Mr Ortiz said. Violence looms Now there are fears that the conflict could become militarised. Already there have been clashes with the army in Kichwa territory, while in a separate incident, a group of oil exploration workers were kidnapped and held for several days by the Achuar. Today there is talk of sending in seismic testing teams in under military escort. The indigenous groups say they will challenge this through legal channels, and have already taken their case to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the United Nations. However, if that fails, the groups say they are prepared to fight to protect their land. Copyright c. 2005 BBC. --------- "RE: Tribe negotiating with County to Cross-Deputize" --------- Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2005 08:41:43 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="BLACKFEET CROSS-DEPUTIZATION EFFORT" http://www.goldentrianglenews.com/glacier_reporter/news/news4.txt Tribe negotiating with county to cross-deputize officers By John McGill, Glacier Reporter Editor March 16, 2005 Blackfeet Tribal Chairman William "Allen" Talks About announced Tuesday, "We're in the process of bringing in the parties to negotiate an agreement, and we'll do that because we don't have the funding here." The Tribal Chairman said a tribal resolution is in the works to permit officers working for the Glacier County Sheriff's Department to be cross-deputized on the Blackfeet Reservation. He said he plans to hold a series of public meetings "to inform the public, the tribal members, that we want to implement this plan." Talks About said Blackfeet country is currently being patrolled by 10 police officers, all of whom work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. "When you think about the shifts, that means there's only three, four guys out there, 24/7, and that's the reason we're doing this. The people in the outlying communities are concerned and we're concerned for them." Funding is the major roadblock to the Tribe's reassuming control of law enforcement in Blackfeet country immediately, said Talks About. He added, "The Tribe is in the process of getting funding for our own police officers, too. But now this is a state of emergency without enough officers to do the job. Later on, maybe we can bring it back and revisit it, but now we don't have the funds to do it." Asked about concerns over outsiders enforcing the law on the Reservation, Talks About said tribal members will be tried in Tribal Court for any arrests. He also noted the presence, already, of law enforcement officers living on the Reservation, but currently being prevented from doing their jobs. "The sheriff says, 'I live in East Glacier, and when I see a crime, we have to do something as a law enforcement person.' That's his job, and that's what we like to hear, somebody enforcing criminal laws," Talks About concluded. A schedule of community meetings is set to be advertised in the near future. Copyright c. 2005 Golden Triangle Newspapers. --------- "RE: Native Lawyers file lawsuit against Illiniwek" --------- Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2005 08:52:21 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="LEGAL ATTACK ON DEGRADING MASCOT" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://www.pantagraph.com/stories/031605/new_20050316017.shtml Group sues university over Indian mascot Associated Press March 16, 2005 CHICAGO - Opponents of University of Illinois mascot Chief Illiniwek filed a lawsuit against the school's trustees Tuesday, claiming the figure perpetuates a racial stereotype. In its suit, filed in Cook County Circuit Court, the Illinois Native American Bar Association and two individuals seek to force the school to stop using the Chief as its sports mascot. "The use of this mascot is outrageous, it's been going on way too long and it should come to an end," said Kim Edward Cook, association president. "We've tried for a long time to work with the Board of Trustees with the University of Illinois and we haven't been able to get them to recognize that the use of the Chief Illiniwek is a racial stereotype and is damaging to all Native Americans." The Chief is a 78-year-old tradition in which a student dresses in buckskins and headdress and dances at sports events. The suit alleges the mascot violates Indians' rights under state law and violates the board's own policies against discrimination. In a statement issued Tuesday, the university said it is not violating any discrimination laws or its own anti-discrimination policies. "University counsel will thoroughly review the plaintiffs' suit and respond appropriately," the statement said. "Meantime, the Board of Trustees continues to move forward with its process aimed at reaching a consensus conclusion to the Chief Illiniwek issue." The Chief has been a divisive issue at the school for years. Supporters say the mascot is a symbol of reverence for the contribution of American Indians to Illinois history while opponents say it is racially offensive and demeaning. Last year, the board approved a resolution celebrating American Indian culture at its flagship Champaign-Urbana campus in hopes of breaking the contentious stalemate. Critics said the move did nothing to resolve the debate. Stephen Naranjo, a University of Illinois at Chicago student, and Roger Fontana, a Champaign resident, also are listed as plaintiffs in the suit. "(Naranjo) feels embarrassed about his heritage being reduced to a halftime sporting event entertainment," the suit said. Copyright c. 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. Copyright c. 2005, Pantagraph Publishing Co. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Noted Peltier foe expected to announce Retirement" --------- Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2005 08:52:21 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="HENRY HYDE EXPECTED TO LEAVE HOUSE" http://www.indianz.com/News/2005/007042.asp Noted Peltier foe expected to announce retirement March 16, 2005 Rep. Henry Hyde (R-Illinois), one of imprisoned American Indian Movement activist Leonard Peltier's biggest foes in Congress, is expected to announce his retirement in a matter of weeks, The Washington Post reports. As former chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Hyde worked with former FBI director Louis J. Freeh to oppose Peltier's bid for executive clemency. They wrote letters urging President Clinton and former U.S. attorney general Janet Reno not to release Peltier from prison. Freeh also organized an FBI protest to the White House. Peltier is serving two life sentences for the murders of two FBI agents on the Pine Ridge Reservation in June 1975. Copyright c. 2000-2005 Indianz.Com. --------- "RE: Native Prisoner" --------- Date: Sat, 19 Mar 2005 16:11:06 -0700 From: Janet Smith [owlstar@bellsouth.net] Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - The story that follows illustrates one basic unfairness that has been experienced by Indian defendants because of adherence to federal sentencing guidelines. Indians sentenced under these guidelines may receive much longer prison sentences than comparable convictions in state courts for no other reason than that the crime occurred on a federal reservation and thus was prosecuted in the federal courts. http://www.billingsgazette.com/03/19/build/state/25-sentencing-gdlines.inc Federal justice system adjusts to advisory sentencing guidelines By CLAIR JOHNSON Of The Gazette Staff March 19, 2005 When a Lame Deer man appeared recently in federal court for sentencing on a sex offense, his attorney argued that he should get about the same sentence he would get in state court - four to five years in prison. The defendant was facing seven to 10 years under the federal sentencing guidelines because federal court has jurisdiction for felonies committed in Indian Country. Attorney Robert Kelleher Jr. argued for a shorter sentence, citing U.S. Supreme Court rulings in January that made the guidelines advisory and gave federal judges more discretion. Before the rulings, judges had to follow the guidelines, which also limited arguments that attorneys could make for shorter sentences. The high court rulings left "a wide open field," Kelleher argued. But the judge didn't agree. Senior U.S. District Judge Jack Shanstrom sentenced the man to 7-1/2 years in prison. How much latitude judges will use in sentencing in the wake of the Supreme Court's rulings remains to be seen. Some fear that Congress may take away the newfound discretion through legislation; some worry that more judicial discretion will lead to unequal sentences for similar crimes. In Billings, the rulings got a mixed reception from those in the justice system. "This is a sea change," Kelleher said. "On a national scope, it's seismic, it's major." But on the local scene, he said, sentencing has remained business as usual. "I like what they did," said U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull. But while he may have more discretion, Cebull said judges should give "great weight" to the guidelines. U.S. Attorney Bill Mercer was more cautious. "I think the whole question of disparity is one we need to worry about," he said. Congress enacted the Sentencing Reform Act in 1984 to reduce the disparity in sentences given defendants who committed similar crimes and had similar criminal records. The act established a guideline system of calculations that consider a defendant's crime and criminal history to come up with a sentencing range. Judges usually issue sentences within those ranges, but can go outside the range to order more or less prison time. The legality of the federal guidelines came into question last year in a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on a Washington state case, Blakely v. Washington. There, the high court ruled that Washington state's sentencing guidelines were unconstitutional because a judge, not a jury, determined facts in the case that increased the defendant's sentence. In the federal system, too, juries determine guilt or innocence, but judges make factual findings that affect prison time, such as the quantity of drugs involved in a crime, the number of victims in a fraud or whether the defendant was a leader or minor player. Although the high court said its Blakely ruling did not affect the federal guidelines, the ruling created confusion throughout the federal system as judges and appellate courts took conflicting positions on whether the ruling did apply. After Blakely, Cebull adopted the defensive practice of routinely imposing two sentences for criminal defendants: one using the mandatory guidelines and an alternative, but identical, sentence using the guidelines as advisory. The U.S. Supreme Court sought to end the confusion caused by Blakely. In a pair of rulings issued Jan. 12, the court said the mandatory federal guideline system violated a defendant's constitutional right to a jury trial under the Sixth Amendment and ruled the guidelines advisory. The high court also said the new standard for appeal is whether a sentence was "reasonable." The effect of the decisions was to give judges more sentencing discretion. Prosecutor Mercer, who is chairman of the U.S. Attorney General's advisory committee on sentencing guidelines, said Congress, in passing the Sentencing Reform Act in 1984, wanted those who make decisions on punishment to consider the same factors. "The opinion takes that principle and eliminates it," Mercer said of the court's January rulings. "One would assume we will see different outcomes." In 2001, Mercer said, judges departed downward from the guidelines in about one-third of all cases involving possession of child pornography. The departures suggest what may happen with advisory guidelines, he said. Mercer added that facts about a defendant that were prohibited or discounted by the guidelines in calculating a sentence now can be considered under advisory guidelines. "Every defense lawyer is going to have some reason why their guy or woman really should not go to prison," he said. Factors like a bad childhood, drug or alcohol addiction or age were not to be considered with the mandatory system. "Those are exactly the things that will lead to disparity," Mercer said. The Justice Department credits the mandatory guideline system with driving the national crime rate to a 30-year low and creating a system where people are held accountable, Mercer said. "It's our position the guidelines had a lot to do with that," he said. Defense attorney Kelleher, an attorney in private practice who usually has 10 or more active federal criminal cases at any time, looks at the "big picture" effect of the Supreme Court rulings. With the guidelines, Congress limited judges' ability to exercise discretion, Kelleher said. And the Justice Department directed prosecutors to report judges who depart, creating a chilling effect on leniency. The latest ruling on the guidelines is the judicial branch reasserting its authority, Kelleher said, so "the judges can be judges." Disparity in sentencing is not a good thing, Kelleher said, but the latitude to tailor a sentence to a defendant's situation is. "I think it's healthy for the judicial branch to have more latitude and discretion. Our federal judges are experienced and competent and that's what they're getting paid to do," he said. "We have to trust judges to be more judicial." While Kelleher lauds the rulings' significance on a national level, they are a mixed blessing from his perspective as a defense attorney. Kelleher advises clients that there is more latitude to argue for less time. But there also is a chance that a judge will go the other direction. In a recent sentencing of an illegal alien represented by Kelleher, Cebull departed upward from the advisory range. The judge sentenced the man, who had 14 prior deportations, at the top of the new range, which was four years and three months in prison. Kelleher is appealing the sentence. He knew an upward departure was possible, but it went higher than he expected. "But it occurred to me the judge had the power to sentence him to 20 years," the statutory maximum, he said. The guidelines, Kelleher said, continue to recognize a fundamental aspect of punishment, which is that defendants get less time if they plead guilty and take responsibility. "That is an ancient common law concept," Kelleher said. Plea agreements will still offer that incentive, he said, and "in a lot of cases, that's the best you can do." On the bench Judge Cebull said he doesn't believe the court's rulings allow judges unlimited discretion, although some judges might like that. "In the perfect world, so would I," Cebull said. "I would much rather have some discretion in a meaningful way in the rare, but appropriate, cases than not have any discretion at all." Cebull said he is concerned about returning to the "old days" when, in society's view, sentences were "grossly unsatisfactory." "The only way to avoid gross disparity in sentencing is for judges to apply some uniform measure," he said. The guidelines, he said, are "the only measure we have" and reflect what society considers is reasonable punishment. Cebull also is concerned that Congress may become so fearful of judicial discretion that it will enact minimum mandatory sentences for every crime on the books. "If that happens, you could almost put monkeys on the bench," the judge said. Congress should "sit back and relax and give judges a chance," Cebull said. Congress will find that judges will do their jobs, exercise discretion appropriately and impose sentences that most members of society agree are reasonable, he said. Cebull predicted that departures will be rare. When they do occur, judges will have to specify their reasons. A sentence runs a greater risk of being found unreasonable on appeal if there is no explanation for it, he said. Asked if he thought defense attorneys will seek shorter sentences using reasons once prohibited under the mandatory guidelines, Cebull said: "Only if they have some reason to think they will work." Copyright c. The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. --------- "RE: Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days" --------- Date: Monday, 21 March, 2005 02:11 am From: Debbie Sanders Subj: Book of Days A HAWAI`I BOOK OF DAYS, week of March 21-27 MALAKI March Nana 21 Let me be like the dolphin -- joyous in the knowledge of my freedom! 22 The sun's light brings new life -- the moon's glow, renewal. 23 In each of us dwells the fountainhead of greatness. 24 The creative source is also the source of life. 25 Each of us must aspire to the heights of our own abilities. 26 Our spirits are reborn in the land. 27 What benefits the Earth, ka honua, benefits all life. (c) Copyright 1991 by D. F. Sanders Me ke aloha i ka nani, ... Moe'uhanekeanuenue (With love and beauty, ... Rainbow Dream) --------- "RE: Rustywire: The Spring" --------- Date: Mon, 18 Oct 2004 08:27:29 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="RUSTYWIRE: THE SPRING" http://www.geocities.com/rustywire/starship/thespring.html 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. Copyright c. 1999, Johnny Rustywire, all rights reserved. --------- "RE: Spiritdove Poem: City Streets/Country Roads" --------- Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2004 16:18:45 -0700 From: Spiritdove Subj: Poem: City Streets/Country Roads City Streets/Country Roads by Lynda "Spiritdove" Imburgia City streets hard, lifeless Air polluted Noise deafening Fast paced Materialistic Tiny little flower Breaks free of cement Grows despite location Brave individual Strong spirit Country Roads soft, full of life Clean, fresh air Peaceful, quiet Slow paced Genuine Flowers everywhere Singing, dancing freedom Growing in harmony Family of individuals Joyous spirits Find the right path! Reunite! Come Home! Let us walk together in Beauty! Copyright c. 2000, Spiritdove, all rights reserved. --------- "RE: Willamina to offer Chinook Language Immersion" --------- Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2005 08:41:11 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SAVING CHINUK-WAWA" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.newsregister.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=191433 Willamina to offer Chinook immersion By PAUL DAQUILANTE Of the News-Register March 17, 2005 GRAND RONDE - The Willamina School District and the Grand Ronde Tribe are close to agreement on the launching of a Chinook language immersion program for first- and second-graders, Superintendent Gus Forster said. Forster said the curriculum would be offered to between 15 and 20 district students. He said enrollment will be open to tribal and nontribal members. The Chinooks were once a strong tribe with related bands near the mouth of the Columbia River and extending from the Pacific Ocean to the Cascade Mountains. Until recently, however, Chinook jargon, also known as Chinuk-wawa, was almost extinct. Interest has rebounded in recent years. The tribe is now trying to make it the language of the future. Tony Johnson, who teaches in the tribe's education center, is working with the district to create the program, Forster told the school board at its Monday night meeting at the middle school. Johnson has worked with Portland linguist Henry Zenk to create a written Chinuk-wawa alphabet. He has also designed a computer program so Chinuk- wawa characters can be typed. Meanwhile, Johnson has developed a teaching program that has become a model for Pacific Northwest tribes. Both he and Zenk are licensed by the state to teach the language. "We're committed to this," Forster said. "We're getting very close. It's going to be very interesting." Copyright c. 1999-2005 News-Register Publishing Co. McMinnville, OR. --------- "RE: UKB Chief launches Language offensive" --------- Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2005 08:41:11 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SAVING KEEYOOWAH" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=6166 UKB Chief launches language offensive Wickliffe aims to start with the tiniest tribal members TAHLEQUAH OK Naive American Times March 17, 2005 The new leader of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians wants to make sure the tribe's language is not relegated to the dustbin of history. It is not surprising that this is a priority for George Wickliffe-he is a certified Cherokee language instructor. "It is clear that the Keetoowah Cherokee language is being lost and it is important to save it," said Wickliffe. The tribe reports that they are currently outlining plans for teaching their language-classes that will incorporate traditional sounds. Wickliffe said he wants to teach babies how to speak Cherokee as their first language and he has some ideas on how to make this happen. "One way to achieve this is by providing bi-lingual babysitting services to mothers who are serious about their babies learning Cherokee as their first language. The elders who speak Cherokee could be used to teach the babies. These elders would receive hourly wages, plus, other Cherokee speakers regardless of age could be employed to teach the babies. By doing this, there would not be a need for fancy daycare centers, just a good place for Cherokee babies to be cared for and taught the Cherokee language by fluent Cherokee speakers. In order to fix the problem of losing our language, we must start by teaching our language where it will be most effective," said Wickliffe. The UKB are planning a Cherokee language program for adults that will be taught by fluent Cherokee speakers. The Keetoowah Cherokee language curriculum will be made available at public schools where those interested will have the opportunity to learn to see, say, and write Cherokee. The tribe says class schedules will be released soon. For more information contact (918) 431-1808. Native American Times. Copyright c. 2005 All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: 12th Annual Tribal Secretaries Conference in April" --------- Date: Wednesday, March 16, 2005 11:31 AM From: Dawn McKeever [Dawn.McKeever@falmouthinstitute.com] Subj: Tribal Secretaries Conference in April FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Cara Curtin March 16, 2005 1-800-992-4489, ext. 115 Dynamic Presenters to Speak at Falmouth Institute's Tribal Secretaries Conference Fairfax, VA - TriSec12, Falmouth Institute's Twelfth Annual Tribal Secretaries Conference, the country's largest conference of its kind, welcomes several remarkable Native American women to present at this year's event. Keynote Speaker, Joni Ramos, first woman president of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, will kick off the conference. Ms. Ramos will engage participants with a presentation that will help them realize their dreams and goals, discover how to achieve them, and get the tools needed to reach them. Juana Majel-Dixon and Suzanne Randall will join Falmouth for Day Two's General Session. Ms. Majel-Dixon, a member of the Pauma-Yuima Band of Luiseno Indians, is the Secretary of the Executive Council of NCAI and is a recognized leader and activist for the rights of indigenous people. Ms. Randall, an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, is a Global Senior Marketing Manager for Accenture, formerly Andersen Consulting, and is an active participant in Accenture's Diversity Initiative. Held in Anaheim, California, home of Disneyland, TriSec 12 includes 16 new and updated cutting-edge workshops, a high tech Cyber Cafe', Wellness Walk, Tribal Secretaries Day Luncheon, and Welcome Reception. Falmouth Institute's Twelfth Annual Tribal Secretaries Conference will be held April 24-27, 2005 at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, California. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Falmouth Institute is Indian Country's oldest and largest training organization and is the publisher of American Indian Report and Native American Law Digest. For more information about the conference, speakers, registration, sponsors, and exhibits, call Falmouth Institute at 1-800-992-4489 or visit www.falmouthinstitute.com. --------- "RE: Upcoming Events" --------- Date: Mon 21 Mar 2005 15:39:14 -0700 From: Gary Smith (gars@speakeasy.org) Subj: Upcoming Events =+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+= EVENTS ARE FEATURED IN ODD NUMBERED ISSUES ONLY =+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+= Events are too numerous to list for the entire year and are updated periodically. =================================== April 01- 02- 03, 2005 Moulton, AL Cherokee River Indian Community Moulton, AL. Kent Ware, Sr. Memorial Indian Festival & Homecoming April 1st through 3rd , 2005 Admission.... $3.00 per day or $5.00 per weekend. All dancers with or in regalia ...Free Children under 12 years of age ..Free Seniors 65 and older .. Free Handicapped ....Free All dancers, Drums, Singers, Veterans, and Youth groups, and the general public is invited. All mental health consumers and their families are especially invited to visit our "HCWC" booth For more information contact: Klieta Bagwell 256-292-3584 email: kbagwell@cric.org Number of vendors -----20 Number of food booths...2 All vendors please call, write, or e-mail for applications e-mail Klieta Bagwell at kbagwell@cric.org Fax 256-292-3470 phone 256-292-3584 address; CRIC, 1050 County Road 67 : Moulton, AL 35650 =================================== Native Solutions Presents the 7th Annual Intertribal Pow Wow April 23 - 24, 2005 Oxford Lake Park Oxford, AL Native American Warrior Society and Honor Guard Saturday 10 am to 7 pm - Grand Entry 11 am. Sunday 10 am to 6 pm - Grand Entry 12 pm Admission: Adults $5.00 Elders 65 and up and Children 12 and under Free Host Drum: Aracoma Lightning Headman: Tony Walkingstick Headlady: Jackie Dean M.C.: Gary Smith A.D.: Buck Tucker Head Veteran: Jerry 'Smitty' Smith All Dancers Welcome All Drums Welcome NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL ALLOWED For more information: Tony 256-835-0120 Mark or Ruth 256-820-6315 ravenspiritwalker@yahoo.com or thunderhawk2062@yahoo.com Directions: I-20 Exit 185 going westbound, turn right at the end of the exit; take a right at Shoney's. Powwow will be on the right just past Days Inn. Vendors By Invitation Only =================================== 2nd Annual Native American Festival Old Mill Pond Aragon, GA. April 30 - May 1, 2005 Head Man: Gene Futch Head Lady: Wihuna 'Fire' Joyner MC: Gary Smith Host Drum: Aracoma Lightning Singers Guest Drum: Webequie Redstone Singers All Drums and Dancers Welcome Gates Open at 10 am Gate fee is $2 per person. Under 10 Free Grand Entry at Noon on Saturday and 1 pm on Sunday Primitive Camping Only - Generators off by 11 pm Pets must be on a leash. ALCOHOL, DRUGS, AND POLITICS STRICKLY FORBIDDEN =================================== Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2005 6:06 PM From: Glenn Welker [ghwelker3@comcast.net] Subj: National Powwow Mailing List: Indigenous Peoples Lit. National Museum of the American Indian National Powwow Actual Location MCI Center, 601 F Street NW, Washington D.C. 20004 Event Dates August 12, 13, 14, 2005 Event Hours Fri - 10am to10pm; Sat - 10am to 10pm; Sun - 10am to 8pm Admission Fee(s) Adult: $12 Senior 65 yrs & older /Child - 4 to 11 years: $10 Special Members Price: $10 Group Rate (25 or more):$10/person Three day pass: $30 Educational Comp. "Origins and Evolutions of the Powwow" (more information to follow as this is currently being developed) Type of Event Contest Powwow Prize Purse $100,000 Head Staff MC(s) Wallace Coffey (Comanche) OK, Dale Old Horn (Crow) MT Jason Goodstriker (Blood) AB Head Man: Spike Draper (Navajo) NM Head Lady: Karen Pheasant (Ojibway) ONT, CANADA Arena Director Randy Frazier (Shawnee & Pottowatamie) OK Randy Medicine Bear (Rosebud Sioux) Dance Judge(s) Jim Red Eagle (Lakota & Dakota Sioux) CA Ralph Haymond (Pawnee & Otoe) OK Drum Judge(s) Jonathan Windyboy (Plains Cree) MT Host North. Drum Midnight Express (Chippewa & Sioux) MN Host South. Drum Yellow Hammer (Ponca) OK Host Contemp.Drum Bear Creek (Sault St. Marie Chippewa) ONT, CANADA Invited Drums "All Drums Invited" Vendors Fees $600 (10'x10' space) $800 food vendors - TBD (not sure if we will be able to accommodate food vendors because of MCI Center restrictions) *Vendor applications will be ready for distribution within the next couple of weeks. We will allow ample time, approx. 2 months for vendors to apply. Justin Giles will be the point of contact for vendors and he is currently taking names and info and will send application forms when ready. General Contact Number 877-830-3224 or 301-238-3023 Email Address nmainationalpowwow@si.edu Website www.americanindian.si.edu (webpage in development-email announcement to staff when complete) =================================== Andersons-web.com http://andersons-web.com/native_events.htm Updated March 5, 2005 July 6 - 9, 2005: National Powwow 13 Vermillion County Fairgrounds Danville, Illinois. See the web site at: http://www.nationalpowwow.com A word of advice, no matter how hard we try, mistakes happen! Please try to get in contact with the event staff and verify the important information before leaving for it. ========================================================================= Crazy Crow Trading Post Updated March 5, 2005 http://www.crazycrow.com/events_nativeamerican/ NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN POWWOW CALENDAR This Native American Indian powwow calendar and related events listing is brought to you as a courtesy of Crazy Crow Trading Post to help keep you up-to-date on the latest powwows & events. We will do our best to validate the accuracy of the information provided, including checking links to web sites, but cannot be responsible for inaccuracies. Check with the contact names and website links of powwow event sponsors for the latest info. MARCH 2005 March 25-27, 2005: 40th annual Florida Indian Hobbyist Association (FIHA) Powwow Location: Savannas Recreation Area, 1400 Midway Road, Fort Pierce, FL Contact: 772-337-3368, email flg8r@aol.com March 2005: 31st Annual Denver March Pow Wow Location: Denver Coliseum, Denver, CO Event Detail: Hundreds of Native American dancers and musicians from 70 or more tribes gather at this annual event to compete and demonstrate their talents for delighted spectators, Indian and non-Indian alike. Besides the dancing and drumming, there is plenty of authentic Native American food to sample, and numerous arts and crafts stalls to browse. Contact: 303-934-8045 APRIL 2005 April 1-2, 2005: 5th Annual Contest Scholarship Pow-Wow Location: Jay High School (old gym), Monroe Street, Jay OK 74346 Event Detail: Special Guest of Honor: Jake Chanate, Head Man: Sonny Hawk, Head Lady: Nahyesah Wagnon, Head Gourd Dancer: Joey Bread, Master of Ceremonies: Rob Daugherty, Arena Director: Dude Blalock, Color Guard: Talking Leaves Job Corp, Host Northern Drum: Little Thunders, Host Southern Drum: Riverside Boyz; Friday - Gourd Dancing 6pm, Grand Entry 7pm, Contests 7-11pm, Saturday - Scholarship Interviews 9am-Noon, Gourd Dancing 2-5pm, Supper Break 5pm, Gourd Dancing 6pm, Grand Entry 7pm, Contests 7-11pm; Two $750 Scholarships Will Be Awarded (guidelines and application available on request); Booth Space Available (call for application); FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Contact: Wade Blevins or Shari Kamp, phone: Wade (918) 231-6378 Shari (918) 253-6357, email: jayjellybean@yahoo.com April 1-3, 2005: 4th Annual First Nations Pow Wow Location: Indiana University Field House, 17th Street & Fee Lane, Bloomington, IN 47408 Event Detail: MC- Leonard Malatare (Salish) of Chicago, AD- TBA, HMD- TBA, HLD- Kelly Pawnee Dukepoo (Hopi) of London, KY, Flag Bearers: Indiana University ROTC Color Guards of Bloomington, IN. All Native Drums and Native Dancers Welcome. Contact: Wesley Thomas, PhD (Navajo), phone: 812-855-3862, email: fniu@indiana.edu April 1-3, 2005: 23rd Annual Chambers Farm Spring Pow Wow Locatioin: Fort McCoy, FL Event Detail: Southeast U.S. largest free pow wow. Contact: Michael, phone: 513-423-8866/ext103 April 2, 2005: 14th Annual Light the Lodge Powwow Location: Directions on website. Follow signs to powwow. University of Connecticut at Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, CT Event Detail: 11:00am-5:00pm, Grand Entry at Noon Adults: $4, Students: $3, Seniors/Children under 10: $2 Vendors welcome, please call first. Come take part in the Native American culture. There will be drumming, dancing, and singing. Taste authentic native food and purchase native crafts! Contact: Erica Berg, phone: 203-530-0940, email: erica.berg@uconn.edu April 2, 2005: 1st Annual Skykomish Valley Indian Education, Coastal/Plains Gathering of Nations Location: Monroe Junior High School, 1408 West Main St, Monroe, WA 98272 Event Detail: Any and All Pow Wow goers welcome! Traditional Pow Wow! First Annual Skykomish Valley Indian Education, Coastal/Plains Gathering of Nations, Celebrating Tomorrow's Leaders Today. Saturday, April 2, 2005. 4:00 PM Opening Coastal Ceremony, 5:00 PM Plains Grand Entry, 11:00 PM retire the colors. Contact: Contact Craig Young or Mars Miller, Skykomish Valley Indian Education, Family Liaison/coordinator at 360-793-0279, or email millerm@monroe.wednet.edu April 2, 2005: 4th Annual UCI Pow Wow Location: Irvine, CA Event Detail: MC- Earl R. Neconie, KIOWA, Host Drums- Red House Contact: Nikishna Myron, phone: 949-679-2989, email: aisa@uci.edu April 2, 2005: Westwood High School 2nd Annual Social Pow Wow Location: Mesa, AZ Event Detail: Headman- Gary Tahmahkera- Comanche, Headlady- Sue Sixkiller - Cherokee, Pima, Tohono O'odham, MC- Gabriel Ayala - Yaqui, Host Drums- Atsa' Bitte Singers - Host Northern Drum. ALL DRUMS WELCOME! Pow Wow is on the Westwood Football Field or in the gym in case of inclement weather. Specials: Drum Contest, Grass Dance, Chicken Dance, Traditional Dance, Golden Age, Tiny Tots, and more TBA. Vendors: $25 for Crafts and $75 for Food Contact: Priscilla, phone: 480-472-4643, email: pabarehand@mpsaz.org April 2, 2005: Circle of Nations Indian Association 21st Annual Powwow Location: University of Minnesota P.E. Center, East 2nd Street, Morris, MN 56267 Event Detail: Free Admission. Vendors are welcome. No alcohol or drugs allowed. Meal will be provided for all dancers and drums. Contact: Lisa Rainbow or Mike Miller, phone: 320-589-6094, email: millermr@mrs.umn.edu April 2, 2005: Wunk Sheek Annual Traditional Spring Powwow Location: Kohl Center- Nicholas Johnson Pavilion, Dayton St, Madison, WI 53703 Event Detail: Grand Entries at 1pm and 7pm, Feast at 5pm. Giveaway and Massage Therapy for dancers. THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Contact: Nicole Soulier, phone: 608-262-5169, email: wunksheek0203@yahoo.com April 2, 2005: 26th Annual Apple Blossom Contest Pow Wow Location: McGee Park Memorial Coliseum, San Juan County Fairgrounds H WY 64, Farmington, NM 87401 Event Detail: MC: Darwin St. Clair, AD: Lee Williams, Southern Host Drum: Youngbird, Head Gourd Dancer: Bill Manus, Color Guards: Southern Ute Veterans Association. Gourd Dancing at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Grand Entries at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Art & Crafts Booths Available. All Dancers, Drums, Royalties and General Public Welcome. Contact: Claudia Garcia, phone: 505-566-3321/3572, email:garciac@sanjuancollege.edu April 2-3, 2005: 4th Annual Spirit of Lee Kic Kee Cherokee & Intertribal Pow Wow Location: Minden Fairgrounds, Constable St, Minden, LA 71055 Event Detail: Competition Dance, Native vendors & food, outdoor event bring lawn chairs. Indoors for inclimate weather. Hotels available. Contact: Charles Turner, phone: 318-377-4806, email: turn107@bellsouth.net April 8-10, 2005: 2nd Annual Firewalker's Legacy Hart Springs Pow Wow Location: Hart Springs Campground, CR 344 N of SR 26, Trenton, FL 32693 Event Detail: Host Drum Family Drum, Head Man - Rick Wilson, Head Lady - Pam Wilson, Jr Head Man - TBA, Jr Head Lady - Kristin Berry, Head Veteran - Grandpa Doc, AD - TBA. Native food by Grill on Wheels. Stories and Music by Crystal Woman. Friday is Childrens Day and Paint the Pony day. Admission and parking are free to public. All dancers in regalia and their families camp free Thursday through Sunday Contact: Helen Three Does Blair, phone: 352-463-7321, email: blairbulls@aol.com April 8-10, 2005: Annual Powwow on the Plaza and Flint Knapping Location: Moundville Archeological Park, Mound Parkway, Moundville, AL 35474 Event Detail: Headman Bill Jolly, Headlady Valerie Cooper, Host Drum Bad Water. All drums and dancers welcome. Vendor spaces available. Contact:Ronnie Headley, 205-426-4995, email: CherokeeTrader@aol.com April 9-10, 2005: The New Faces of an Ancient People Tradtional Pow Wow location: Mount Nittany Middle School, Near Hwy 322 and Hwy 45, State College, Near Penn State University, PA 16802 Event Detail: Host Drum- Maza Napin, Co-Host Drum: Many Voice, Co-Host WhiteHwak. Head Man Dancer-Jasper Mithlo,Comanche. Head Lady Dancer-Amber Powless,Oneida/Lakota. Head Veteran Dancer-Roger Campbell, Dacotah. Emcee- Bill Crouse, Seneca. Arena Director-Kenny Irwin, Arikara/Dacotah. Vendors limited to 25 this year and must make application. Invited drums only. Free Admission again- but Donations will be accepted at the door. Day money for dancers paid end of second day. Contact: John Sanchez, Pow Wow Coordinator, phone: 814-863-7884, email: apache@psu.edu April 15, 2005: Rice University Native American Student Association Annual Powwow Location: Rice University, 6320 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005 Event Detail: See web site for details. Contact: Elyse Walker, phone: 713-348-1209, email: ewalk@rice.edu April 15-17, 2005: United Cherokee 7th Annual Festival Location: National Guard Armory, Guntersville, Alabama, Creek Path Road, Guntersville, AL 35976 Event Detail:From US Hwy 431 in Guntersville (at the Holiday Inn) take AL Hwy 79 South .7/10ths mile to Cherokee Elem. School, Turn right on Willow Beach Rd., Turn Left on Creek Path Road to Pow Wow. All mailed documentation should be sent to Pow Wow Committee, PO Box 754, Guntersville, AL 35976. Contact: Gina Williamson, phone: 256-582-2333, email: ucanonline@bellsouth.net APRIL 16, 2005: Honor Powwow for Autumn Moses Location: Ponca Tribal Cultural Ctr., White Eagle, OK 74601, Ponca City Event Detail: Autum Moses is the current Ponca Nation Princess and will be a contestant in the Miss Indian World competition at the Gathering of Nations Powwow in April. There will be contest. All drums & royalty welcome! Contact: Dmoses, phone: 918-762-3429, email:hawatay61@yahoo.com April 16, 2005: University of Wisconsin-Superior American Indian Student Organization 16th Annual Powwow Location: Wessman Arena, UW-S, Caitlin Ave. & 28th St, Superior, WI 54880 Event Detail: Wessman Arena in Superior, Wi. Grand Entries at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feast at 5 p.m. Contact: Angie, phone: 715-394-8007, email: niimimemengwaa@mail.com April 15-17, 2005: 39th Annual LIHA Spring Powwow Location: Hidden Oaks Campground, 21544 Highway 190 E, Robert, LA 70455 Event Detail: Dance, Drum and LIHA Princess contests. Intertribal and Gourd Dancing. Stomp Dance Exhibition. All Dancers, Drums, Lodges and Princesses welcome. Host Drum: Otter Trail; MC: Herbert "Chick Dog" Johnson, Jr.; AD: Delbert Johnson; Head Gourd: Will Tonemah; Head Man: Matthew Rasonak'ohe Montour; Head Lady: Meredith Printup; Head Boy: Bud Bell; Head Girl: Jo Jo Printup; 2004 LIHA Princess: Taywanee Edmonds; LEH Scholors: Edmore Green and Dee White Eye. Drug and Alcohol Free. Bring lawn chairs. Sorry, no ice chests.Traders by invitation only. Admission: $4.00 adults, children 12 and under $2.00. For camping reservations contact Nita (985) 345-9244. Contact: Andi Randazzo, phone: 504-367-1375, email: andi4769@aol.com April 16-17, 2005: 30th Annual Pah-Loots-Pu Celebration Location: Washington State University campus, Pullman, WA Event Detail: This Pow Wow was started by the Native American Students of Washington State University 30 years ago. See website for detail. Contact: phone: 509-335-8676, email: naschome@wsunix.wsu.edu April 16-17, 2005: 7th Annual Inter-Tribal Powwow, Journey Home Location: Frisco Native American Museum, Hatteras Island, Frisco, NC 27936 Event Detail: On ancient ancestral grounds. Dance under a canopy of trees with the sound of shore birds blending with the drums. Gates open at 10 am; grand entry at noon both days. Evening dancing Saturday night. Day money, dinner on Saturday night. Contact: Carl Bornfriend, phone: 252-995-4440, email: bfriend1@mindspring.com April 16, 2005: 16th Annual American Indian Student Association Traditional Powwow Location: Minnesota State University, Blakeslee Stadium, Mankato, MN 56001 Event Detail: 16th Annual AISA Traditional Powwow Honoring Graduating Students. Grand Entries at 1pm and 7pm. Evening meal provided. MC: Chris Mato, Nunpa Host Drum: Midnite Express. Vendor space limited. NO Drugs, Alcohol, or firearms. Contact: Erin, phone: 507.382.1961, email: aisa@mnsu.edu April 17, 2005: Modesto Junior College Annual Pow-Wow Location: Modesto Junior College East Campus, 435 College Ave, Modesto, CA 95355 Event Detail: 10:00 am -7:00 pm. Host Southern Drum Black Eagle Singers, Host Northern Drum TBA, Gourd Singers Kenneth and Howard Cozad, MC Tom Phillips, AD Earl Neconie, Head Elders TBA, Head Man Eddie Roubedeaux, Head Woman Phenocia Bauerle, Head Boy TBA, Head Girl Cheyenne Pico. ALL DRUMS AND DANCERS WELCOME- ALCOHOL AND DRUG FREE. Contact: Eric Anthony Ivory, phone: 209-575-6770, email: ivorye@yosemite.cc.ca.us April 22, 2005: Bacone College Pow-Wow Location: Bacone College, 2299 Old Bacone Road, Muskogee, OK, 74403 Event Detail: Celebrate the honoring of the Bacone Alumni with the Dedication Of the New Pow-Wow Grounds. Head Drums: Cozad (southern), Redland (northern). Booth space avalible. NO FOOD! 30$ and giveaway item. 1st Annual Fry Bread Eating Contest. Contact: Cedric Sunray, phone: 918-781-7312, email: sunrayc@bacone.edu April 22-24, 2005: 5th Annual Mantle Rock Powwow Location: Crittenden County Fairgrounds, 110 Maim St, Marion, KY 42064 Event Detail: Host Drum- Mother Earth Beat Co-host Drum- Black Eagle Spirit MC- Frank Brent Head Man- John Spirit Wolf Head Lady- Princess Beth Houtari Head Veteran- Barry Redbird Brown. Contact: Kamama Sutton, phone: 270-965-9432, email: kamamasutton@aol.com April 22-24, 2005: ASU's 19th Annual Spring Competition POW WOW 2005 Location: ASU Band Practice Field, East 6th St & South Rural Rd - Tempe, AZ Event Detail: See website for complete detail. Contact: Pow Wow Office: 480-965-5224, email: letspowwow@asu.edu April 23, 2005: Thunderbird Indian Dancers Powwow Location: Winston Prep School, New York, NY Contact: (201) 587-9633 April 23, 2005: 5th Annual Celebration of Life for All People Pow Wow Location: Red Wing Park, 1398 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Event Detail: 11am - 7pm (One day only). MC - Clark Stewart, HM - Dan Garneaux, HF - Blain Kelsey, AD - Thomas "Feathers" Lewis, Host Drum - Falling Water, Guest Drum - Edisto River Singers, Traditional Pow Wow. Over 5,000 in attendance at last year's event!! Dancing, arts and crafts, foods, educational displays and exhibits. FREE ADMISSION AND PARKING!!! Vendor spaces limited. Contact: Debra Vick, phone: 757 427-2990, email: dvick@vbgov.com April 23-24, 2005: 1st Annual Wacipi - Gathering of the People Location: Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY Event Detail: Grand Entry: Sat. 12:00pm & 7:00pm; Sunday 1:00 to 5:00pm / Day money for dancers. Contact: Sonya Begay, phone: 859-226-5081, email: tachinni@zeus.chapel1.com April 23-24, 2005: Native Solutions 7th Annual Intertribal Pow Wow Location: Oxford Lake Park, 401 McCullars Ln, Oxford, AL 36203 Event Detail: Native American Warrior Soceity and Honor Guard Times Sat-10-7, grand entry 11:00; Sun 10-6, grand entry 12:00. Admission $5-adults, elders 65 and up & children 12 and under-free. Host Drum-Aracoma Lighting, Headman-Tony Walkingstick, Headlady-Jackie Dean, M/C-Gary Smith, A/D-BUck Tucker, Head Veteran-Jerry "Smitty" Smith. All Dancers and Drums Welcome. Vendors by invitation. Contact: Mark or Ruth, phone: 256-820-6315, email: ravenspiritwalker@yahoo.com April 23-24 2005: Big Spring Powwow Location: Dorothy Garret Coliseum, Horward College, Big Spring, TX 79720 Contact: Robert Downing, phone: 432-263-3255, email: rodond@nts-online.net April 23-24, 2005: American Indian Council 14th Annual Spring Powwow Location: Boone County 4-H Fair Grounds, Lebanon, IN 46038 Event Detail: Just north of Indianapolis on I-65. Head Veteran Dancer: George Martin, Head Man and Lady: Bob and Sheila Moody, MC: LeRoy Malaterre. Host Northern Drum: Kingfishers. Special hotel rate is available at the Lebanon Ramada Inn. Trading by invitation only. Contact: Noadiah Malott, phone: 317-201-2776, email: aicindiana@yahoo.com April 23-24, 2005: Chucalissa Spring Pow Wow Location: Chucalissa Museum Grounds, 1987 Indian Village Drive, Memphis, TN 38109 Event Detail: School Day is Friday, April 22, 9am-2pm. Grand Entries: Saturday at 1 pm & 6 pm, Sunday at 1 pm. MC: Clint Greene (Oneida); AD: Cliny Cayou (Omaha); HMD: Jeremy Printup (Tuscarora); HLD: April Cantrell (Cherokee); Host Drum: Shoti Ikbi (Choctaw). All Drums Welcome! All Dancers Welcome! Bring your own lawn chair. No alcohol or drugs allowed. Contact: Cubert Bell, phone: 901-785-3160, email: cbell1@memphis.edu April 23, 2005: Native American Heritage Day Location: Graeme Park, 859 County Line Rd., Horsham, PA 19044 Event Detail: 10am-6pm - FEATURING: Grand Entry at Noon. MC -Vaughnda Hilton, Drum: BLACK HORSE BUTTE, Head Man- Andrew Lyn Jr., Head Lady- Brittaney Burnett, Miss Native Nations 2004, Namorah Byrd- Storytelling, Appearance by Lakota Son, Flute playing, Singing & Music, Champion Native Dancers, Intertribal Dancing, Round Dances, Hoop Dancing Demonstrations, Kid's Crafts & Activities 11am-5pm. Vendors fee $75 before March 31, Food Vendors $200. All Welcome!!! Bring Lawn Chairs. Admission Charged Call (215) 343-0965 for ticket info. Contact: Vaughnda Hilton, phone: 215-472-9996, email: vaughnda@nativeweb.net April 28-30, 2005: 22nd Annual Gathering of Nations Powwow, Miss Indian World, and Indian Trader's Market Location: In the belly of Mother Earth, at the University of New Mexico Arena ("the Pit"), Albuquerque, New Mexico Event Detail: Competition Powwow. Over $140,000 will be awarded. Plan to join us for the 22nd Anniversary World Celebration! More details coming soon! Contact: 505-836-2810 April 30, 2005: Elder Services Benefit Powwow Location: Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds, Tahlequah, OK 74465 Event Detail: 4 miles south of Tahlequah,OK on Hwy 62 behind Sequoyah High School. Elder Services Benefit Powwow "Honoring Our Elders" all proceeds will benefit the Elder Conference and events. HMD Robert Soontay,HLD Gloria Matthews, HS Sidney Moore, MC Bryce Washington,AD Ira Kauley, HGD John Scruggins, Color Guard Seminole Nation Color Guard.Gourd Dancing 2:00pm Supper Break 5:00-6:00pm, Gourd Dance 6:00-7:00pm Grand Entry 7:00pm. For vendor information contact 918-456-0671 ext. 2627 toll free 1-800-256-0671 ext. 2627 Contact: Gwen Goingsnake, phone: 1-800-256-0671 ext. 2627, email: ggoingsnake@cherokee.org April 30-May 1, 2005: 20th Annual UCLA Pow Wow Location: Los Angeles, CA Contact: Theresa Stewart, phone: 310-206-7513, email: powwow@ucla.edu Event Website April 30-May 1, 2005: 2nd Annual Native American Festival Location: Aragon, GA Event Detail: PRIMATIVE CAMPING ONLY- GENERATORS OFF BY 11PM- PETS MUST BE LEASHED- GATE FEE:$2.00 PER PERSON, UNDER 10 FREE--- GATES OPEN 10 AM BOTH DAYS--GRAND ENTRY:NOON SATURDAY --1 PM SUNDAY--- VENDORS BY INVATATION ONLY---ALL DRUMS AND DANCERS WELCOME Contact: JERRY STROUP, phone: 770-748-8816, email: jhawk2s@netscape.net April 30-May 1 2005: NAIC TN Annual Spring Pow Wow Location: Lick Creek Park, Dover, TN 37058 Event Detail: From Clarksville or Paris Follow Hwy 79 to the red light in front of Dover Court House. Turn onto Hwy 49 east. Follow 49 to Colson Rd- Turn Left. Follow Colson Rd to the Park Entrance. Turn Left. Follow Park Rd to the Pow Wow entrance on Left. Head Man- Doug "Red" Kirby, Head Lady- Cynde Cross, Head Veteran- Shawn LongFeather, Arena Director- Barry RedBird Brown. See web site for detail. Contact: Wayne Pressler, phone: 931-551-9514, email: NAIC TN@AOL.COM April 30-May 1, 2005: Keepers of the Circle Location: 1180 Main St, Rotterdam Junction, NY 12150 Event Detail: Off of 890, Exit 26 RT 5's. Contact: Ada Johnson, phone: 518-393-1434, email: ckeepers2000@yahoo.com Event Website ========================================================================== Aboriginal Multi-Media Society Updated March 5, 2005 Aboriginal Community Events Listing http://www.ammsa.com/ammsaevents.html MARCH 2005 March 22 & 23, 2005 Troisieme edition FORUM AUTOCHTONE: Les plus re'cents de'veloppements legaux et les strategies de planification fiscale et financiere. Loews Le Concorde, Quebec 1-866-777-1292 www.insightinfo.com APRIL 2005 April 4 - 5, 2005 2nd Annual Aboriginal Housing Forum Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 866-777-1292 April 2, 2005 Tsuu T'ina Nation jr/sr Princess Aborigional Fashion Show & Dinner Fundraiser Tsuu Tina High School Tsuu Tina, Alberta Saturday - 5:30 $10.00 admission April 12 & 13, 2005 Aboriginal & Minority Supplier Procurement Fair Toronto, ON 819-827-1237 April 16, 2005 7th Annual Cornell Powwow and Smokedance Barton Hall (Garden Avenue and Campus Road) Cornell University Ithaca, New York Doors Open at 10:00am Grand Entry at 12:00pm & 7:00pm *FREE AND OPEN TO ALL* April 22 - 24, 2005 Mantle Rock 5th Annual intertribal Powwow Crittenden County Fairgrounds, Marion Kentucky. Craft Traders, Food Venders , Flintnapping, Finger Weaving, Beading ,Basket Making, Dance Demonstrations, Story Telling , Native American History. Open to Public Contact : Kamamasutton@aol.com Phone: (270) 965-9432 http://www.kyshores.com/marion/ April 22 - 24, 2005 Nineteenth Annual Arizona State University Spring Competition Pow Wow Tempe, Arizona Phone; 480-965-5224 Email: letspowwow@asu.edu URL: http://powwow.asu.edu April 23, 2005 5th Annual Celebration of Life for All People Pow wow Red Wing Park Virginia Beach, Virginia Free Parking and Admission! Contact Debra Vick at (757) 427-2990 April 27 - 29, 2005 Walking In Both Worlds/Creating Sacred Spaces: A Gathering on Aboriginal Education Winnipeg, Manitoba 204-947-9766 April 30, 2005 "Honoring our Elders" Benefit Powwow Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds 4 miles south of Tahlequah, OK Hwy 62 behind Sequoyah High School Color Guard Seminole Nation Color Guard. All drums and singers are welcomed. Gourd Dancing 2:00pm. Supper Break 5:00pm. Grand Entry 7:00pm. Arts & Crafts space available. Contact: (918) 456-0671 ext. 2627 ========================================================================== Whispering Winds Updated March 5, 2005 A Magazine of American Indian Crafts*Material Culture*Powwow http://www.whisperingwind.com/ MARCH 2005 * 25-27 40th annual Florida Indian Hobbyist Association Powwow. Savannas Recreation Area, 1400 Midway Road, Fort Pierce, FL. Info: (772) 337-3368 or email flg8r@aol.com or (813) 625-3287. APRIL 2005 * 1-3 23rd Annual Chambers Farm Spring Pow Wow. Fort McCoy, Florida. Southeast U.S. largest free pow wow. Info: (352) 546-3237 www.chambersfarm.org. * 1-3 Kent Ware, Sr, Memorial Indian Festival and Homecoming. Cherokee River Indian Community, Moulton, AL. Info: Klieta Bagwell 256-292-3584 email: kbagwell@cric.org * 1 & 2 5th Annual Contest Scholarship Pow-wow sponsored by the Delaware County Inter-tribal Youth Council. Jay High School, Old Gym, Jay, OK. Info: (918)253-6357 or (918)231-6378. www.dciyc.com * 2 Westwood HS Social Powwow. Football Field or Gym, Mesa, AZ. Info: Priscilla (480) 472-4643 or Barbara 472-4510. * 2 Texas Indian Hobbyist Association Powwow. Galloway Hammond Recreation Center, Burnet, TX. Info: David 936-653-3116 * 2-3 4th Annual Spirit of Lee Kic Kee Cherokee & Intertribal Society Powwow. Minden , La. Competition Dance. Info: (318) 932-4733 or (318) 377-4806 * 8-10 2nd Annaul Firewalker's Legacy Hart Springs Powwow. Hart Springs Campground.Trenton, Fl. Info: Helen Three Does Blair @ 352-463-7321 or blairbulls@aol.com * 8-10 16th Annual University of Iowa Powwow. Carver Hawkeye Arena. $30,000 cash prize. (no contace info provided). * 14-15 First Annual Toomsboro Intertribal Powwow. Toomsboro, Georgia Baseball Field, Macon, GA. Info: Jerry Lang 229=377-8621 or E-mail jerryjan@rose,net * 15-17 39TH Annual LIHA (La Indian Heritage Assn) Spring Powwow. Info: (504) 367-1375 andi4769@aol.com * 15-17 First Nations @ the University of Washington 34th Annual Spring Powwow. University of Washington - Hec Ed Pavillion, Seattle, WA. Info: fnuw@u.washington.edu or http://students.washington.edu. Vendors: sap3@u.washington.edu. * 15-17 United Cherokee 7th Annual Festival & Native American Powwow. National Guard Armory, Guntersville, AL. Info: (256)582-2333 or ucanonline@bellsouth.net * 16-17 WCCT Native American Healing Festival. Hwy 32/59 Old Powwow Grounds in Summerdale, AL. Info: Littlewolf or Mitzi at 251-989-2714 Tribal Office or Home:251-986-5433 cherokeeoffice@wolfcreekcherokeetribe.com * 22-24 Mantle Rock 5th Annual intertribal Powwow. Crittenden County Fairgrounds, Marion KY. Info: Kamamasutton@aol.com or 270/965-9432 or http://www.kyshores.com/marion/ * 22-24 ASU Powwow. Sixth & Rural Rd-Band Practice Field, Tempe, Az. Info: (480) 965-5224, letspowwow@asu.edu, http://powwow.asu.edu * 23 Thunderbird Indian Dancers Powwow. Winston Prep School, New York, NY. Info: (201) 587-9633. * 23 5th Annual Celebration of Life for All People Pow Wow. Red Wing Park, Virginia Beach, VA. Info: (757) 427-2990. * 23-24 1st Annual Wacipi - Gathering for the People Pow Wow sponsored by the Wesley Foundation. Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY. Info: Sonya Begay (859) 226-5081 or tachinni@zeus.chapel1.com Vendors: Amanda Fox-Winstead (502) 955-7082 * 23-24 Pow Wow in historical BIG SPRING,TX. Coliseum on the campus of Howard College. Info: 432-263 3255 Or email rodond@nts-online.net * 23-24 Native Solutions 7th Annual Intertribal Pow Wow. Oxford Lake Park, Oxford, AL. Info: Tony (256) 835-0120 or email ravenspiritwalker@yahoo.com or thunderhawk2062@yahoo.com. * 28-30 Gathering of Nations Powwow. Albuquerque, NM Info: 505 836 2810 WHISPERING WIND Toll Free: 1-800-301-8009 PO BOX 1390 (Dept. 3) Voice: 985-796-5433 FOLSOM, LA 70437-1390 Fax: 985-796-9236 ========================================================================== Char-Koosta News Updated March 5, 2005 The official news publication of the Flathead Indian Nation http://www.charkoosta.com/ APRIL 16 and 17, 2005 30th Annual Pah-Loots-Pu Celebration Washington State University Beasley Coliseum Pullman, WA 509/335-8676 naschome@wsunix.wsu.edu APRIL 23 and 24, 2005 Native Solutions 7th Annual Intertribal Powwow Oxford Lake Park Oxford, AL 256/835-0120, 256/820-6315 ravenspiritwalker@yahoo.com thunderhawk2062@yahoo.com JUNE 30 through JULY 5 Annual 4th of July Celebration Arlee Powwow Grounds Arlee, MT 406/745-0023 JULY 15, 16 and 17 10th Big Bear All-Nations Powwow Los Vaqueros Rodeo Arena Off Hwy 38 and Zaca Rd. Big Bear City, CA 909/797-1593 gfuentes@craftonhills.edu JULY 22, 23 and 24, 2005 Midnight Sun Traditional Powwow Fairbanks, AK 907/456-2245 info@ midnightsunpowwow.org www.midnightsunpowwow.org OCT. 22 and 23 3rd Annual Veterans Powwow Osborne Park, Euharlee, GA 404/377-4950 770/546-7191 amndn@mindspring.com www.euharlee.com/html/events.html Let us announce your Powwow. Please include a phone number or functioning e-mail address for confirmation purposes. Copyright c. 2004, Char-Koosta News. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//- 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: Gary Smith, Janet Smith, Chris Milda, Jan Karaka, Dawn McKeever, Johnnie Rustywire, Spiritdove, Debbie Sanders, Glenn Welker --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//- _ __ __ _ / | / /___ _/ /_(_) __ __ / |/ / __ \ __/ / | / / _ \ / /| / /_/ / /_/ /| |/ / __/ /_/ |_/\__,_/\__/_/ |___/\___/ ______ _ / ____/____ ___ __________(_)___ ____ _____ / / / ___/ __ \/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ \/ ___/ / /___/ / / /_/ /__ /__ / / / / / /_/ /__ / \____/_/ \____/____/____/_/_/ /_/\__, /____/ Volume 13, Issue 013 /____/ March 26, 2005 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: David Risling" --------- Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2005 08:52:21 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="DAVID RISLING" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=6160 Father of Indian education dies at 83 Risling also served as advisor, organizer, mentor and family man CHICO CA Native American Times March 15, 2005 An elder dubbed the "father of Indian education" has passed away. David Risling, a member of Northern California's Hoopa Tribe, died Sunday, March 13. He was 83. Risling began his illustrious career in education at the UC Davis campus in 1970, and he was one of the original thinkers behind the school's Native American studies program. He taught there for over two decades before retiring in 1991. The school reports that he remained active on campus and at DQ University until shortly before his death. In addition to his academic prowess, Risling was also appointed by three U.S. presidents to serve on the National Advisory Council on Indian Education and later was instrumental in the creation of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. He also co-founded California Indian Legal Services and the Native American Rights Fund, whose lawyers fought for long-ignored treaty rights to the U.S. Supreme Court. Risling was also integrally involved in passage of the federal Indian Education and Indian Tribal Community College acts. That legislation led to the founding of 31 Indian community colleges and dozens of K-12 reservation education programs across the nation. "One of the things I admired most about him was his honesty and his sense of humor," his daughter, Peg Murray, told the Native American Times. "He taught his students how to think for themselves." She said her father died "peacefully and surrounded by loved ones." "He was a person of absolute personal integrity, honesty and courage," said Jack Forbes, UC Davis professor emeritus of Native American studies and anthropology, and a friend of nearly 40 years. "He embodied in his life all of the attributes of a Native American leader: warrior, compassionate father, host, pathfinder, caretaker, facilitator, friend and counselor." Born on April 10, 1921, near Weitchpec in Northern California on the Klamath River near its junction with the Trinity, Risling was one of eight children of David Risling Sr. (Chief Su-Wohrom) and Mary Geneva Orcutt. In addition to being Hoopa, Risling was also of Yurok and Karuk ancestry. "He is carried on through his family," Murray said. "He was such a good example in so many ways." Native American Times. Copyright c. 2005 All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Ernest Childers" --------- Date: Sat, 19 Mar 2005 12:22:36 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ERNEST CHILDERS" http://nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=6172 Mourning the loss of Ernest Childers One of five American Indians to receive Medal of Honor passes away TULSA OK Sam Lewin March 18, 2005 It has been a difficult time for Indian County as yet another venerable leader has passed away. Ernest Childers, a Creek Indian from Broken Arrow, died Thursday in Muskogee at the age of 87. His death comes on the heels of the passing of Paulette Tall Chief and David Risling (see related stories). Childer was one of five American Indians to receive the Medal of Honor- an honor he garnered for a spectacular act of bravery during World War II. It happened in Italy in 1943, as Childers, a second lieutenant in the 45th Infantry Division, charged along with eight other men toward a German machinegun position. According to eyewitnesses, the group advanced to a rock wall overlooking a cornfield and Childers, already suffering from a broken foot, ordered a base of fire laid across the field so that he could proceed alone. He immediately came under fire from two enemy snipers. "I felt the heat from the bullets, so I came to the conclusion that they were after me," Childers recalled several years before his death. Childers returned fire and killed both snipers before advancing to the machinegun positions. He single-handedly took out everyone in the first position, and opened fire along with the others in his unit on the second one, neutralizing that as well. Childers wasn't done yet. He continued on to a house further up the hill and alone captured an enemy mortar observer. "The exceptional leadership, initiative, calmness under fire, and conspicuous gallantry displayed by 2d Lt. Childers were an inspiration to his men," states the official proclamation awarding him the Medal of Honor. Childers' first brush with military service came when he joined the National Guard while still at Chilocco Indian Agriculture School in 1937. His service ended when he retired in 1965 at Fort Sill. Childers was proud of his Indian heritage and the contribution Native Americans make the armed forces. "The American Indian has only one country to defend, and when you're picked on, the American Indian never turns his back," he said in 2001. He also spoke out against racism, saying, "I am also witnessing disturbing situations involving certain people who call themselves Americans. Even though as a Native American I have darker skin than some Americans, that doesn't mean that I'm any less patriotic than any other American. Even during those times in our history when Native Americans were persecuted and discriminated against, we still volunteered for military service. Remember, Native Americans didn't even receive the vote until after WWI, yet we served in military actions because, when all is said and done, we are loyal, patriotic Americans. I am appalled that people who call themselves `Americans' are attacking and killing other Americans simply because of their hair and skin color. We all need to realize that we must join together, not become divisive. Being an American means that you are of many diverse heritages." Childers was reported as being in failing health in recent years. News of his death led administrators at Ernest Childers Middle School in Broken Arrow to observe a moment of silence. "Oklahoma has lost a genuine hero with the passing of Lt. Col. Ernest Childers," said Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry. "His life was and is a true inspiration." Native American Times. Copyright c. 2005 All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Virgil Masayesva" --------- Date: Sat, 19 Mar 2005 12:22:36 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="VIRGIL MASAYESVA" http://www.azdailysun.com/non_sec/nav_includes/story.cfm?storyID=105318 Hopi education leader remembered for contributions By NAU OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS March 19, 2005 Virgil Masayesva, co-founder and director of Northern Arizona University's Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals since 1993, died Wednesday, March 16, 2005. "NAU, the Hopi Tribe and all of Arizona have lost a true leader," said NAU President John Haeger. "Virgil Masayesva's contributions to his tribe, to NAU, to higher education and to the environment will live on. The bridges he helped build between Native people and the higher education community are something all of NAU can be proud of." William Auberle, interim director of engineering, worked closely with Mr. Masayesva for many years. "Virgil was the face and voice of Native communities on environmental threats to tribal lands and people," Auberle said. "As co-founder of ITEP, he often was invited to Washington and Ottawa and Mexico City and other world capitals. Yet Virgil was far more comfortable, and spent much more time, with indigenous people from Alaskan villages to the Miccosukee and Seminole lands of the Everglades. "He listened and understood the concerns of federal politicians, bureaucrats and tribal leaders; and he demonstrated an unusual ability to translate these often disparate views into plans and programs to protect environments on and off tribal lands. The dedicated staff of ITEP and hundreds of environmental professionals working on behalf of reservation environments are a powerful legacy to Virgil's work." A graduate of the University of Arizona and Arizona State University, Mr. Masayesva devoted his professional career to working with Indian tribes in policy and development issues related to economic development, education, health and the environment. He received national and international recognition for his leadership and outstanding contributions to Native people and the protection of indigenous cultures. Leigh Kuwanwisiwma, director of cultural preservation for the Hopi Tribe, said his tribe was "honored" to have Mr. Masayesva represent the Hopi people to NAU and the higher education community. "He was among the first cohort of Hopi professionals in higher educationand he competed well," Kuwanwisiwma said, adding that Mr. Masayesva's upbringing as the son of a shepherd makes his achievements in higher education even more admirable. "The Hopi Tribe recognizes the value Hopi children have for education," Kuwanwisiwma said. "Virgil exemplified that and is an inspiration for all Hopi students." Born in 1948 in Hotevilla, Mr. Masayesva also was a decorated Vietnam veteran. A trust fund has been established to assist Mr. Masayesva's family to pay for expenses not covered by medical insurance over the past three months of medical care. Contributions may be sent to: Virgil Masayesva Trust Fund #415411, Arizona Central Credit Union, 2521 N West St., Flagstaff, AZ 86004. Copyright c. 2000-2005 Arizona Daily Sun --------- "RE: Crossings" --------- Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2005 08:10:52 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CROSSINGS" March 18, 2005 Cheyanne Nichole Locklear Pembroke Cheyanne Nichole Locklear, 17, of 42 Chad Road, died March 16, 2005, at Southeastern Regional Medical Center. The funeral will be 2:30 p.m. Friday at Revels Funeral Home Chapel in Pembroke. Burial will follow at New Point Cemetery in Lumberton. Surviving are her mother, Bonnie Scott of Pembroke; her biological mother, Tammy Hunt of Pembroke; her biological father, Tommy Hunt of Pembroke; a daughter, Summer Oxendine of Pembroke; and a sister, Heather Hunt of Pembroke; five adopted sisters; six adopted brothers. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 tonight at Revels Funeral Home in Pembroke. Copyright c. 2005 The Robesonian, Lumberton, NC. -=-=-=- March 17, 2005 William T. Barefoot CANDLER - William Thomas Barefoot, 56, of Candler, formerly of Clinton, died Monday, March 14, 2005. Mr. Barefoot was an Air Force veteran. Services: Funeral, was held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Patton Avenue Chapel, Groce Funeral Home, Asheville. Funeral, 1 p.m. Saturday, White Oak Baptist Church, Clinton. Burial, Sunrise Memorial Gardens, Clinton. Visitation, 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Royal-Hall Funeral Home, Clinton, and at other times at the home of Betty Barefoot, 1680 Fleet Cooper Road, Roseboro. Survived by: Wife, Stephanie; daughters, Amie Clement and Carrie Greig; son, Christopher; mother, Betty; sisters, Peggy Worcester and Betty Jo Taylor; and a grandchild. March 19, 2005 Cora L. Oxendine PEMBROKE - Mrs. Cora Lee Oxendine, 90, of 1181 Oxendine Road, died Sunday, March 13, 2005, in her home. Services: Funeral, 2 p.m. Sunday in Berea Baptist Church. Burial in Sandcutt Cemetery. Viewing: 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday at the church. Visitation: 7 to 9 tonight at Locklear & Son Funeral Home in Pembroke. Survived by: Son, Jerry; daughter, Betty Mangum; brother, Hearl Wilkins; sister, Maude Eichorn; two grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. March 21, 2005 Jimmy Chavis LAUREL HILL - Jimmy Chavis, 59, of Laurel Hill, died Saturday, March 19, 2005, in his home. Mr. Chavis was a farmer with T.G. Gibson Farms. Services: Funeral, 2 p.m. Tuesday in Pee Dee Baptist Church in Dillon, S. C. Burial in church cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 8 tonight at Richard Boles Funeral Service in Laurinburg. Survived by: Brothers, Wesley German and Junior Hunt; and sisters, Elaine German and Mary. Copyright c. 2005 The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer. -=-=-=- March 16, 2005 Sally Johnson Allison Cherokee - Sally Johnson Allison, 77, of the Birdtown community, died Monday, March 17, 2005, in U.T. Medical Center. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Lloyd and Rachel Bradley Johnson. She was preceded in death by one brother and one sister. She is survived by one daughter, Donna Crowe and her husband, Denny, of Cherokee; four sons, Jim Allison and his wife, Tad, of Cherokee, Terry Allison and his wife, Judy, of Cherokee, Jack Allison and his wife, Edna, of Billings, Mont. and John Allison and his wife, Victoria, of Cherokee; one brother, Harold Bradley of Cherokee; two sisters, Jean Arch of Cherokee and Bert Chiltoskie of Cherokee; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Acquoni Baptist Chapel. The Revs. Denny Crowe and James (Bo) Parris will officiate with burial in Johnson Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Crisp Funeral Home, where the body will remain until placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service. Copyright c. 2005 Asheville Citizen-Times. -=-=-=- March 17, 2005 Lillian S. Summers Lillian S. Summers, 71, Oneida. Visitation 6-8 p.m. today at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth St., De Pere, and after 9 a.m. Friday at Oneida United Methodist Church, 6048 County Road E, Oneida. Oneida hymn singing 6:30 p.m. today at the funeral home, followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m. Funeral service 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Copyright c. 2005 Green Bay News-Chronicle. -=-=-=- March 16, 2005 James Daniel Davis Sr. James Daniel Davis Sr., 71, of Cloquet passed away on March 14, 2005. He was born on May 19, 1933 in Cloquet to James and Jesse (Houle) Davis. James was a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwa. He first worked for the railroad and then worked for Conwed for 29 years. He completed his working career, retiring from Potlatch. James enjoyed fishing, wild ricing and logging. He also enjoyed deer hunting and later in life, deer watching. He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; parents; son, Bobby; granddaughter, Michelle; brothers, Wesley, Ronnie and Jerry; sisters, Shirley and Esther. James is survived by his children, James D. Jr. of Cloquet, Deborah Kersting of Albany, Minn., Dean (Sheryl) of Carlton and Karen Davis of Cloquet; eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren; brothers, Tony, Eugene 'Beaver', Russell and Jerry Star 'Roger'; sisters, Darlene and Donna; and also several nieces, nephews and other relatives. VISITATION:5- 8 p.m. Thursday, March 17, 2005 in Handevidt Funeral Home, 900 Washington Ave, Cloquet and will continue on Friday, March 18, 2005 from 9 a.m. until the 10 a.m. Funeral Service also in the funeral home. A time for lunch and fellowship will follow the service in the Cloquet VFW. Private spring interment at Sawyer Cemetery, Sawyer. Arrangements by Handevidt Funeral & Cremation Service, Cloquet 218-879-4636. Copyright c. 2005 Duluth News Tribune. -=-=-=- March 19, 2005 Baby Taken Alive Eagle Butte - Baby Taken Alive, child of Toni Taken Alive of Cherry Creek, was stillborn on March 16, 2005, in Eagle Butte. Arrangements are pending with Oster Funeral Home of Mobridge. March 20, 2005 Luci Makes Him First Timber Lake - Luci Makes Him First, 33, of Timber Lake, died Saturday, March 19, 2005, due to injuries received from an auto accident near Timber Lake. Arrangements are pending with Oster Funeral Home of Mobridge. Copyright c. 2005 Aberdeen American News. -=-=-=- Welcome to the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe/Dakota Nation Sota Iya Ye Yapi On-Line, News from the Lake Traverse Reservation Volume 36, Issue 12 Wednesday, March 23, 2005 Funeral services held for Thomas DeMarrias Funeral services for Thomas W. DeMarrias, 55, of Fergus Falls, MN, formerly of Sisseton, were held on Tuesday afternoon, March 15, 2005, at the Tribal community center in Agency Village, with Spiritual Leader Jonas Grey officiating. Active pallbearers were Richard Hill, Lincoln DeMarrias, Morris Spider, Norwood St. John, Austin Smith, Ron Goodsell, Dean Renville, and Mitch Walking Elk. Honorary Pallbearers were Orville Little Owl, Randy Bernard, Nathan Smith, Jr., Mogan White Tail, Emmett Eastman, Eugene and Sylvia Hale, Bobby Blackthunder, Victor Lewis, Nicolas Puno, the Lake Region Hospital Staff and Dialysis Staff, and all of Thomas's many friends. There was an all-night wake on Monday, at the community center. Interment is at St. John's Cemetery near Browns Valley, MN. The Cahill Funeral Chapel of Sisseton, SD, was in charge of the arrangements. Thomas was born on March 24, 1949, to Walter and Margaret (Pahn) DeMarrias in Sisseton, SD. Thomas grew up and attended Wahpeton Boarding School and the United Tribes College in Bismarck, ND. After his education, Thomas worked for various farms and meat plants in South Dakota. He also worked for the Boarding School in Flandreau, SD. Thomas was united in marriage to Rita Lewis on November 24, 2004, in Wahpeton, ND. Thomas enjoyed playing guitar. He received a guitar in the third grade and taught himself how to play. He played guitar his whole life. Thomas also liked to make dream catchers and work with pipestone. Thomas loved horses and he enjoyed riding them. Thomas also loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Thomas passed away on March 11, 2005, at a hospital in Fergus Falls. Thomas is survived by his wife, Rita DeMarrias of Fergus Falls, MN; six children - Vanessa DeMarrias of Fargo, ND, Starlyte DeMarrias of Flandreau, Summer DeMarrias of Sioux Falls, Raina DeMarrias of Flandreau, Shaina DeMarrias of Fergus Falls, MN, and Thomas Malnourie/DeMarrias of Mandan, ND; three step children - Victor Lewis of Canada, Vanessa Lewis-Hobbs of Arkansas, and Nicolas Puno of Colorado; one sister, Ramona Left Bear of Devils Lake, ND; two brothers - Walter DeMarrias of Portland, OR, and Miles Left Bear of Washington; and many grandchildren. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Margaret, and three brothers, Dwight DeMarrias, Pete DeMarrias, and Jonas Left Bear. Copyright c. 1999-2003 by C. D. Floro/Earth and Sky Enterprises. -=-=-=- March 17, 2005 Nathan Blaine, Lower Brule Nathan Edward Blaine, infant son of Alvina Blaine and Martin Charger, Lower Brule, was stillborn on Tuesday, March 15, 2005. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Hilltop Baptist Church, Lower Brule. Burial will be in Messiah Episcopal Cemetery, Iron Nation. Wake services will be at 8 p.m. today at the church. Wevik Funeral Home, Chamberlain, is handling the arrangements. Copyright c. 2005 The Daily Republic/Mitchell, South Dakota. -=-=-=- March 15, 2005 Baby Arapahoe PORCUPINE - Baby Arapahoe, infant, Porcupine, was stillborn Friday, March 4, 2005, at Pine Ridge Hospital. Survivors include parents, Joe and Clevia Arapahoe, Porcupine; one sister, Olowen Last Horse, Porcupine; paternal grandmother, Marie Last Horse, Kyle; and maternal grandmother, Wilma Kills In Water, Porcupine. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. today at St. John of the Cross Catholic Cemetery in Allen, with the Rev. Frank Schmitt officiating and traditional Lakota services by Francis White Lance. Burial will be at Plenty Bears Cemetery in Allen. Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. Virgil Surrounded Sr. RAPID CITY - Virgil Surrounded Sr., 71, Rapid City, died Friday, March 11, 2005, at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Survivors include four children, Madeline Surrounded and Skylore Surrounded, both of Rapid City, and Virginia Surrounded and Virgil Surrounded Jr., both of Sioux Falls; 31 grandchildren; and three great- grandchildren. Wake services will begin at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, at Mother Butler Center in Rapid City, with a prayer service at 6 p.m. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 17, at Mother Butler Center, with the Rev. David Matzko officiating. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Rapid City. Kirk Funeral Home of Rapid City is in charge of arrangements. March 16, 2005 Zion Isaiah Charging Crow WANBLEE - Zion Isaiah Charging Crow, 9 months, Wanblee, died Sunday, March 13, 2005, in Wanblee. Survivors include his parents, Donovan and Eva Uses Arrow, Wanblee; two sisters, Larissa Charging Crow and Taylor Charging Crow, both of Albuquerque, N.M.; his maternal grandparents, Ollie Brings Plenty, Sioux Falls; his paternal grandparents, Delbert and Linda Charging Crow, Albuquerque; and his paternal great-grandparents, Jim and Eleanor Charging Crow, Wanblee. Wake services will begin at 1 p.m. Friday, March 18, at Crazy Horse School in Wanblee. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at the school, with the Rev. Cordelia Red Owl and the Rev. Joe Brown Thunder officiating. Burial will be at Gethsemane Episcopal Cemetery in Wanblee. Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. Helen T. Vocu KYLE - Helen T. Vocu, 70, Kyle, died Sunday, March 13, 2005, at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Helen was born January 14, 1935, in Manderson, SD, to Louis & Marie (Swallow) Twiss. She grew up in Cuny Table on her family's ranch. On April 21, 1956, she married the love of her life, Melvin Vocu. As well as being a wonderful wife and mother, Helen touched the lives of many through her 26 years involvement in early childhood education. She is survived by husband: Melvin Vocu, Kyle; sons: Ed Vocu, Murdo, SD; Don Vocu, Crook, CO; Dale Vocu and William "Chili" Under Baggage, both of Kyle; daughters: Carol Ferguson, Marie Grube, Theresa Vocu and Lori Hunter, all of Kyle; mother: Marie Twiss, Cuny Table, SD; brothers: Lloyd Twiss, Pine Ridge; Maurice Twiss and Louis Twiss, both of Cuny Table; 27 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by her father Louis Twiss; daughter Kauny Vocu; granddaughter Dawn Rose; great-grandson Wade Lee. Wake Services will begin at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, March 17, at the Little Wound School Gym, Kyle. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 18, at Little Wound School, with Rev. Frank Schmitt, SJ officiating. Interment will be at Vocu Family Cemetery, Three Mile Creek, Kyle, SD. Arrangements have placed in the care of Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge. March 17, 2005 Joseph White Eyes FOX LAKE, Ill. - Joseph White Eyes, 80, Fox Lake, died Monday, March 14, 2005, in Chicago. Survivors include his wife, Charlotte White Eyes, Fox Lake; one daughter, Sharon White Eyes, Fox Lake; two brothers, Ted White Eyes, Las Vegas, and Carl White Eyes, Los Angeles; three sisters, Juanita White Eyes, Allen, S. D., Phyllis White Eyes-DeCory, St. Francis, S.D., and Barbara White Eyes, Houston; and two grandchildren. Wake services will be at 3 p.m. Friday, March 18, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Hall in Kyle, S.D. Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 19, at the church, with the Rev. Frank Schmitt and Deacon LeRoy DeCory officiating. Burial will be at St. Barnabas Episcopal Cemetery in Kyle. Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. March 18, 2005 Baby Black Feather WOLF CREEK - Baby Black Feather, infant, Wolf Creek, died Monday, March 7, 2005, at Pine Ridge Hospital. Survivors include parents, Willie Black Feather and Marella Little Brave, Wolf Creek; one sister, Celeste Black Feather, Pine Ridge; and maternal grandmother, Darrell New Sr. and Evelyn New, Rapid City. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 19, at the Willie Black Feather residence in Wolf Creek, with the Rev. Darrell New Center officiating. Burial will be at Wolf Creek Community Cemetery. Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. Sophia One Horn KYLE - Sophia One Horn, 3, Kyle, died Monday, March 14, 2005, at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. Survivors include her parents, Samuel and Elizabeth One Horn, Kyle; two sisters, Samantha One Horn and Savannah One Horn, both of Kyle; and her maternal grandmother: Ethel Rodriguez, Pine Ridge. A two-night wake will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at Little Wound School in Kyle. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, March 21, at the school, with the Rev. Cordelia Red Owl officiating. Burial will be at One Horn-Kills In Water Family Cemetery, No Flesh Area, Kyle. Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. Baby Morning Star Sheehan RAPID CITY - Baby Morning Star Sheehan, infant, Rapid City, died Thursday, March 10, 2005, at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Survivors include parents, Matthew Sheehan and Sandra Stands-Sheehan, Rapid City; one brother, Kita Sheehan, Rapid City; and one sister, Kaliyah Sheehan, Rapid City. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at Christ Episcopal Church Cemetery in Red Shirt, with the Rev. Robert Two Bulls officiating. Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. Gertrude Traversie-Tail PORCUPINE - Gertrude Traversie-Tail, 55, Porcupine, died Wednesday, March 9, 2005, in Bremerton, Wash. Survivors include four brothers, Sonny Richards, Portland, Ore., and Curtis Bald Eagle, Delbert Tail Jr. and Elvis Tail, all of Porcupine, and five sisters, Pricilla Buckman, Etta Lays Bad, Lula Tail, Mary Tail and Crystal Tail, all of Porcupine. Wake services will be at 6:30 p.m. today at Porcupine CAP Office. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at Porcupine CAP Office, with the Rev. Abraham Tobacco officiating. Burial will be at St. Alban's Episcopal Cemetery in Porcupine. Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. March 19, 2005 Black Feather Two names were incorrect in information submitted by the funeral home for the Baby Black Feather obituary that was printed Friday, March 18. Baby Black Feather's father is William Black Feather of Wolf Creek. The Rev. Darrell New will officiate at services today. Darrell Dupris EAGLE BUTTE - Darrell Dupris, 54, Eagle Butte, died Tuesday, March 15, 2005, at IHS Hospital in Eagle Butte. An all-night wake service will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, March 21, at H.V. Johnston Cultural Center in Eagle Butte. Family, friends and horseback riders will meet at the four-mile junction at 1 p.m. Monday to escort him to the cultural center. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 22, at the cultural center, with the Rev. Norman Blue Coat, Deacon Dora Brugier and Sr. Catchiest Earlwin Red Bird officiating. Burial will be at Episcopal Cemetery in Iron Lighting, with military graveside rites by Cheyenne River Akicita. Oster Funeral Home of Mobridge is in charge of arrangements. Delma Good Voice Elk OGLALA - Delma Good Voice Elk, 42, Oglala, died Thursday, March 17, 2005, at Pine Ridge Hospital. Survivors include two sons, Wayne Dreaming Bear and Philip Dreaming Bear, both of Oglala; one daughter, Dakota Dreaming Bear, Oglala; three brothers, Stanley Good Voice Elk and Charles Good Voice Elk, both of Oglala, and William Good Voice Elk, Rapid City; and three sisters, Wilma Adams and Grace Good Voice Elk, both of Oglala, and Antoinette Hunter, Grand Island, Neb. A two-night wake will begin at 1 p.m. Monday, March 21, at Brother Rene Catholic Hall in Oglala. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, at Brother Rene Catholic Hall, with the Rev. Pedro Sharpfish officiating. Burial will be at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Cemetery in Oglala. Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. Taken Alive CHERRY CREEK - Baby Taken Alive, infant child of Toni Taken Alive of Cherry Creek, was stillborn Wednesday, March 16, 2005, in Eagle Butte. Arrangements are pending with Oster Funeral Home of Mobridge. March 20, 2005 Patrick Yankton Patrick Yankton PINE RIDGE - Patrick Yankton, 39, Pine Ridge, died Saturday, March 19, 2005, at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Arrangements are pending with Sioux Funeral Home in Pine Ridge. March 21, 2005 Luci Makes Him First TIMBER LAKE - Luci Makes Him First, 33, Timber Lake, died Saturday, March 19, 2005, as a result of a car accident near Timber Lake. Arrangements are pending with Oster Funeral Home in Mobridge. Copyright c. 2005 The Rapid City Journal. -=-=-=- March 15, 2005 Elsie Mae Hood TAHLEQUAH - Elsie Mae Hood, 99, of Tahlequah, formerly of Tulsa, went to her heavenly home March 10, 2005. She was born Dec. 21, 1905, in Nuyaka, to Quimby and Almeda Wheeler. She was married to Lon B. Hood until his death in 1954. They raised two daughters, Bernice Stratton of San Diego, Calif., and Virginia Reed of Tulsa. Elsie left Tulsa to accept the position of dorm "house mother" at both Cherokee Hall and Leoser Dormitory at NSU in Tahlequah. She retired in 1971. She was known and loved as "Mom Hood" by hundreds of students. She was honored with the Citation of Merit award for having a profound effect on the lives of those students. She exemplified what a true dorm mother was, by always being a surrogate mother for the students living away from home. After retiring from NSU, Elsie was a member of the foster grandparent program at Sequoyah Indian School and the NSU Alumni Association. She was a member of the First Christian Church for 46 years, and a member of Eastern Star. Survivors include her two daughters; a stepson, Harry Hood; son-in-law, Jack Reed; grandchildren, Jim Weillis, Brenda Armstrong, Steven Stratton, Suzanne Wadsworth, Randy Stratton and Jacki Reed; also Emma, Donna, Bonnie, Robert, Suzie, Sammy and Annette. Services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, March 14, at the First Christian Church of Tahlequah. Arrangements are under the direction of Hart Funeral Home of Tahlequah. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Christian Church or Trinity Hospice, both of Tahlequah. Copyright c. 2005 Tahlequah Daily Press. -=-=-=- March 17, 2005 Paulette Louise Tall Chief Coffey Shawnee resident Paulette Louise Tall Chief Coffey, 57, died Tuesday, March 15, in Lawton. Prayer service will be 7 p.m. today at Deyo Mission Church in Lawton. Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at First Indian Baptist Church in Shawnee. Burial will be in Holdenville under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home of Lawton. Copyright c. 1997-2005 The Shawnee News-Star. -=-=-=- March 19, 2005 Richard Bemo Funeral services for Konawa resident Richard Allen Bemo are scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday at Spring Baptist Church in Sasakwa. Interment is to follow services at the Burgess-Bemo Family Cemetery in Wewoka under the direction of StoutPhillips Funeral Home. Wake services are scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday at Stout-Phillips Funeral Chapel. Bemo, 87, died Thursday, March 17, 2005 at Carl Albert Indian Hospital in Ada. He was born Jan. 5, 1918 in Wewoka to George and Lena (Fish) Bemo. He attended New Model Schools for nine years and married Irene Burgess Oct. 2, 1937 in Wewoka. Bemo was an employee at Tinker Air Force Base for 30 years. In addition, he was a member of the Seminole County Sheriff Auxiliary, Ocese Band of the Seminole Nation member, who served as Chairman in the 1970's, and served on the General Council of the Seminole Nation. He was the adopted son of May Tobi of the Konawa Tribe and was a Spring Baptist Church Deacon who received a 35 year plaque from the Seminole City Indian Credit Association. His parents; wife Irene Bemo; two daughters, Bernita Whitekiller and Roxie Morris; two brothers, Simeon and George Bemo and sister Madeline Burgess. Surviving him are sons Rickey Bemo of Tulsa and Charley Bemo of Twentynine Palms, Calif.; son-in-law John Michael Morris of Stafford, Va.; brother Glenn Sharpe of Wewoka; sister Norma Sharpe of Wewoka; six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Pallbearers for the services will be Mitch Buck, Ricky Burgess, Roy Sisco, Michael Burgess, Russell Bemo, Tommy Gibson and Bobby Bemo. Listed as honorary bearers are his grandsons, Bo, Kip, Eric, Michael Phillip, David Haney, Jerry Haney (former Principal Chief of Seminole Nation) and the Seminole County Indian Credit Associate Members. The body will lie in state at the home from Sunday at 4 p.m. until 1 p.m. Tuesday. The Seminole Producer/Copyright c. 1999-2005 Arizona Newspapers Assn. -=-=-=- March 15, 2005 Leslie N. Yazzie Carson Aug. 30, 1952 - Mar. 11, 2005 Surrounded by his loving sons and family, our beloved father, grandfather, son, and brother, Leslie N. Yazzie, 52, of Carson, N.M., peacefully passed through the golden gates of heaven into the waiting arms of his wife, Bernice, on Friday, Mar. 11, 2005, in Bloomfield. Leslie was born Aug. 30, 1952, to Cato N. and Mary G. Yazzie in Carson . Leslie is survived by his two sons, Gabriel N. Yazzie (Ida) of Farmington and Forrest S. (Kristen) Yazzie of Bloomfield; his loving granddaughter, Lataeya S. Yazzie of Bloomfield; his mother, Mary G. Yazzie of Carson; his sisters, Bertha Becenti, Rebecca (Nelson) Piaso, Ida (Freddy) Sam, and Marylyn (Lorenzo) Mescale, all of Carson and Janice (Richard) Yazzie-Montoya of Bloomfield; his brother, Phillip N. (Ruthie) Yazzie of Carson; numerous nieces and nephews and his special friend, whom loved and cared for him with all her heart, Lillian Frank. In addition to his wife, Leslie was preceded in death by his father, Cato N. Yazzie, and his brother, Howard Yazzie. Leslie was a mason worker his entire life and was employed with various mason companies throughout the area. He loved the challenges of the trade, and being a mason gave him many friends and happy memories to share with his family. Leslie also loved to hunt, fish, and camp with his family. Many memories were made during these wonderful times. Additionally, he loved to watch the sun rise every morning and watch the stars at night. Leslie will clearly be missed by all his family and friends who cared for him so dearly. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m.,today, Tuesday at The Oasis Ministries, 1601 N. Dustin Ave., in Farmington, with evangelist Mike Lee officiating. In respect to Leslie's wish, interment, next to his wife, will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers are Benjamin Henry, Phillip N. Yazzie, Fabian Yazzie, Lorenzo Mescale, Travis Becenti, and Myron Cayetineto. Honorary pallbearers are Gabriel N. Yazzie, Ida Austin, Forrest S. Yazzie, Kristen Johnson-Yazzie, Lataeya S. Yazzie, and his mother, sisters, and brother. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the Medical and ICU staff at San Juan Regional Medical Center and to Northwest NM Hospice, especially Mindy ("Jill"), for their compassionate care and support. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St., Farmington, (505) 325-8688. March 18, 2005 Leonard Redhorse Sr. Fruitland Aug. 20, 1924 - March 15, 2005 Leonard Redhorse Sr., 80, of Fruitland, passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2005, in Farmington. He was born Aug. 20, 1924, in Burnham. Funeral services for Leonard will be at 1 p.m., today, March 18, at Cope Memorial Chapel of Farmington. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens in Farmington. Leonard is in the care of Cope Memorial Chapel of Farmington at 404 W. Arrington St. in, Farmington, (505) 327-5142. Copyright c. 2005 Farmington Daily Times, a Gannett Co., Inc. newspaper. -=-=-=- March 15, 2005 Henry Bitloy IYANBITO - Funeral services for Henry Bitloy, 49, will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16 at Cope Memorial Chapel. Pastor Mark Thomas, Sr. will officiate. Burial will be in the City Cemetery. Bitloy died March 9 in Churchrock. He was born Nov. 15, 1955 in Gallup into the Mountain Cove People Clan for the Hairy Ones People Clan. Bitloy attended Gallup High School. He worked a silversmith and mechanic. Bitloy enjoyed hearding sheep, cooking, bike riding, running, hiking and helping others. Survivors include his son, Daniel Saunders of Iyanbito; stepsons, Davey Chee of Haystack, Renalden Saunders of Iyanbito; daughter, Miranda Saunders of Iyanbito; stepdaughter, Andrea Saunders of Gallup; brothers, Roy Bitloy of Gallup, Jimmy Bitloy Rock Springs; sisters, Lucille Jean Saunders and Lucille Ann Saunders, both of Iyanbito. Bitloy was preceded in death by his mother, Annie Saunders; father, Dominic Bitloy; brothers, Willie Smith, Francis Bitloy; sisters, Grace Ann Bitloy; grandparents, Fred and Mary Peterson. Pallbearers will be Daniel Saunders, Renalden Saunders, Roger Lee, Sr., Richard Thomas, Mark Thomas, Jr. and Anderson Lee. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Iyanbito Gospel Lighthouse Church. Cope Memorial is in charge of arrangements. Anna Mae Williams SPRINGSTEAD - Funeral services for Anna Mae Williams, 76, will be at 1 p. m. on Wednesday, March 16 at Cope Memorial Chapel. Pastor Tom White will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park. Williams died March 11 in Gallup. She was born July 23, 1928 in Springstead into the Waters Edge People Clan for the Red Running into Water People Clan. Williams was a homemaker and rugweaver. She enjoyed country music, traveling, collecting rocks and minatures. Survivors include her sons, Roger Williams, Jones Williams, Jimmy Williams, Harvey Williams, Paul Williams; daughters, Donna M. Williams, Julia N. Holland; parents, Joe and Kinnbah Holland; 30 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Williams was preceded in death by Tom Williams, brother, Woody Holland and sister, Marie Arviso. Pallbearers will be Harold Williams, Josh Williams, Lionel Williams, Sylvester Williams, Ryan Williams and Eric Yazzie. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Churchrock Chapter House after services. Cope Memorial is in charge of arrangements. Dolly Shorty STANDING ROCK - Funeral services for Dolly J. Shorty, 84, will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16 at the Crownpoint Christian Reformed Church. Burial will follow at the Crownpoint Community Cemetery. Rev. Jimmy Etsitty will officiate. Shorty died March 13 in Crownpoint. She was born July 15, 1920 in Standing Rock into the Towering House People Clan for the Red Streak People Clan. Survivors include her children, Darlene Greyhat, Timmy Shorty both of Crownpoint, Dianna Shorty of Standing Rock, Timothy Shorty of Gallup; sisters, Nancy Tso, Ella Harry both of Standing Rock, Mary Johnson of Crownpoint; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Shorty was preceded in death by her husband, Tom C. Shorty; parents, Billie and Lillie James; sons, Archie Shorty, Eugene Shorty, Tommy Shorty; daughter, Doris Mae Shorty; brothers, Marty James and Thomas James. Pallbearers will be Jim Houston, Jasper Morgan, Fredrick Smith and Tim Shorty. Compassion Mortuary of Grants, is in charge of arrangements. March 16, 2005 Morris E. Dyer ANADARKO, Okla. - Funeral services for Morris E. Dyer, 73, were this morning, March 16 at 11 a.m. at Smith Funeral Home in Anadarko. Burial will be on Thursday, March 17 at 1 p.m. at Little Sand BoisCemetery, Stigler, Okla. Dyer died March 13 in Anadarko, Okla. He was born Aug. 31, 1931 in Stigler. Dyer married his wife Oct. 9, 1969 in Gallup. He graduated from Chilocco Indian School in 1950, Northeastern State University in 1955, with a BA in Education. He did graduate studies at Northern Arizona University, UNM, University of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State University. Dyer served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Lions Club, Window Rock; Amercian Legion, Zuni; organizer and past chairman of Zuni Council on Alcoholism; member of the Gallup City Council and Advisory Board of Indian Health. Dyer was also a member of the North American Tennis Association and Choctaw Color Guard. He enjoyed home gardening and wood working, music, photography and home remodeling. Survivors include his wife, Lucille; children, Patricia Torres, Dennis Dyer, Denise Dyer, Dixon Dyer, Debra Dyer, all of Albuquerque, Marcelin R. Pate of Tulsa; Anderson Dyer of Anadarko; brothers, David Dyer, Dixon Dyer, Robert Gilstrap, John Gilstrap, all of Okla.; sisters, Stella Long, Eloise Wibben both of Okla.; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Dyer was preceded in death by his parents, Levisa Dyer Gilstrap and Dixon Dyer; brother, Herman Dyer. Shirley R. Lee TOHATCHI - Funeral services for Shirley Rose Lee, 64, will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 17 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Burial will be in the Tohatchi Community Cemetery. Lee died March 11 in Gallup. She was born May 5, 1940 in Tohatchi into the Folded Arms People Clan of the Bitter Water People Clan for the Red Bottom People Clan. Lee attended Toadlena Boarding, Naschitti School, Mexican Springs School, Tohatchi Boarding School, Intermountain Indian School and Riverside Indian School. She worked for Elite Laundry, was a cafeteria cook assistant at Chuska school. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, wool spinning, rug weaving, sewing, sheep herding and her grandchildren. Survivors include her husband, Robert R. Lee, Sr. of Mexican Springs; sons, Lloyd R. Lee, Robert R. Lee, Jr. of Tohatchi; ; daughters, Victoria Lee, Andrea R. Johnson, Gloria R. Lee all of Tohatchi, Roberta R. Lee of San Diego; brothers, Simon Tony, Tom Tony, Amos Tony all of Tohatchi, Sherman Tony of Gallup; sisters, Mary Wood of Tohatchi, Martha Manuelito of Yahtahey; 18 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Lee was preceded in death by her mother, Flora Tony; grandparents, Dodezbah Meyers, Norman Captian and Grant Meyers. Pallbearers will be Brandon Tsosie, Eric Johnson, Delvin Johnson, Marland Lee, Myron Lee and Lloyd Lee. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Tohatchi Chapter House. Cope Memorial is in charge of arrangements. March 19, 2005 Nello Guadagnoli GALLUP - Services for Nello T. Guadagnoli, 75, were at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 22, at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Fr. Walter Opalewski and the Very Rev. Lawrence J. O'Keefe officiated. A rosary was at 7 p.m., Monday, March 21, at Rollie Mortuary Palm Chapel. Guadagnoli died March 17. He was born Dec. 16, 1929 in Walsenburg, Colo. Guadagnoli graduated from Cathedral School in 1948. He was owner/operator of Mullarky Camera Shop and Kiva Gallery in Gallup for over 40 years. He was on the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial board of directors, the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, the Twenty-Thirty Club and the Sierra Club. He was also a member of the St. John Vianney Catholic Church and a member of the choir. His hobbies included golfing, art and photography. Survivors include his wife Shan Guadagnoli of Gallup; daughter, Beverly Davis of Gallup; sister, Celia Ray of Gallup; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Maria Guadagnoli and one brother, Felix Guadagnoli. Pallbearers were Frank Gonzales, Richard Guerra, Cay Sanchez, Billy Silva, Herb Taylor and Chrys Uhlig. Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements. Harry Matt CEDAR POINT, Ariz. - Services for Harry Matt, 53, were at 9 a.m., Monday, March 21 at the Houck Catholic Church. Father Cormac, OFM, officiated. Burial followed on family land in Cedar Point. Matt died March 12 in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was born Oct. 15, 1941 in Lupton, Ariz into the Towering House Clan for the Black Sheep People Clan. Matt attended Houck Catholic School and Intermountain School. He worked several years in Ogden, Utah and returned to Houck in 1963. His hobbies included sheepherding, restoring old vehicles and he was an animal lover. Survivors include his wife Mary Matt of Houck; son, Harold Matt of Cedar Point; mother, Julia Matt of Cedar Point; brothers, Roger Matt of Cedar Point and Johnny Matt Sr. of Querino Canyon; sisters Tillie Matt of San Jose, Calif., Marcella Barker of Sanders; and four grandchildren. Matt was preceded in death by his father, Charlie Matt, Sr. and his brother, Raymond Smith. Pallbearers were Harold Matt Sr., Harold Matt, Jr., Roger Matt, Tobie Matt, Derrick Matt and Marcella Barker. The family received relatives and friends at the Houck Chapter House following services. James Balkow SANDERS - Services for James David Balkow, 19, were at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 19 at the Sanders Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church. Burial followed at the Houck Cemetery in Houck. Balkow died March 12 in Tucson. He was born June 13, 1985 in Tucson into the One Who Walks Around People Clan for the White People Clan. Balkow liked cooking and watching TV. Survivors include his parents Sadie Slim Pinto of Tucson and Carol Jones of Albuquerque; brother Michael J. Balkow of Lupton, grandparents Mary Slim of Cedar Point, Ariz., and Harold and Phyllis Balkow, of Tucson, Ariz. , and Kathleen Balkow of Calif. Balkow was preceded in death by his father, James Steven Balkow and his grandfather Tom Slim. Pallbearers were Ben Shirley, David Yellowhorse, William Slim, Harold Matt, Thomas James Jr., and Irvin Nez. The family received friends and relatives at the Houck Chapter House after services. Tse Bonito Mortuary was in charge of arrangements. Matilda Damon CROSS CANYON, Ariz. - Services for Matilda Ann Damon, 42, were at 10 a.m. Monday, March 21 at Silver Creek Mortuary Chapel in Tse Bonito. Burial took place in the Kinlichee Community Cemetery. Damon died March 15 in Las Vegas, NM. She was born Aug. 20, 1962 in Ganado into the One Who Walks Around People Clan for the Bitter Water People Clan. Damon attended San Juan College and UNM. She was an artist and rug weaver and wove round, pictorial rugs. She enjoyed the outdoors and taking long walks. Survivors include her sons Kyle Nelson and Karl Nelson, both of Cross Canyon; daughters, Shaundina Watson, Shannon Watson and Sondra Watson, all of Cross Canyon; brothers Leonard McCabe of Kinlichee; Rick Damon and Floyd Damon, both of Cross Canyon; sisters, Donna Damon and Marion Damon, both of Cross Canyon; and two grandchildren. Damon was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Mary Damon. Pallbearers were family members. March 21, 2005 Joe Mitchell Sr. ROCK SPRINGS - Funeral services for Joe Mitchell Sr., 78, were 10 a.m. today at Cope Memorial Chapel. Brother Bowling, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Gallup City Cemetery. Visitation was held after services. Mitchell died March 16 in Gallup. He was born May 14, 1926, in Littlewater, N.M., into the Towering House Clan for the Mascalero Apache Clan. Mitchell retired from the railroad after 32 years. He was a silversmith and carved fetishes. He enjoyed traveling and watching TV. Survivors include his wife, Florita Rose Mitchell; sons, Larry and Joe Mitchell Jr.; daughters Alice Claw, Lorena Lee and Rosita Benally; brother, Jones Mitchell; sister Zonnie Herbert; 20 grandchildren and 26 great- grandchildren. Mitchell was preceded in death by his father, Antonio Mitchell; and mother, Mary Mitchell. Pallbearers were Harry John, Tony Enrico, Elroy Lee, Philip Begay, Joe Mitchell Jr. and Harlen Claw. The family received visitors after the service at Rock Springs Chapter House. Cope Memorial was in charge of arrangements. Copyright c. 2005 the Gallup Independent. -=-=-=- March 15, 2005 Rita Mae Lee Funeral services for Rita Mae Lee, 85, of Lower Greasewood, Arizona were held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at the Full Gospel Church in Greasewood. Interment was at the family plot in Greasewood Springs. Rita Mae Lee died March 5, 2005 in Flagstaff. She was born on January 26, 1920 in Lower Greasewood to parents Mike Logg and Mary Begay Logg. She was a homemaker and rug weaver. Our mother enjoyed reading her Bible, traveling and spending quality time with her children and grandchildren. She is survived by five daughters, Fannie George of Tuba City, Euenca Amy Lee of Oak Springs, Marie Humeyumptewa of Winslow, and Irene Lee Benally of Navajo, N.M.; two sons, Arviso Lee of Lower Greasewood and Benson Lee of Oak Springs, Ariz.; brothers, Ben K. Logg of Barstow, Calif., David Logg of Tuba City, Murphy Logg of Window Rock and Kee Logg of Lower Greasewood; sisters, Barbara Yazzie, Eva L. Yazzie and Betty Logg all of Lower Greasewood; her 23 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Lee; parents, Mike and Mary Logg; brothers, Dana Logg and Arkie Logg; granddaughters, Sheena O'Shane Lee and Dominique Angel Lee. Arrangements are under the care of Greer's Mortuary of Winslow Copyright c. 2005 The Winslow Mail. -=-=-=- March 18, 2005 Mary Keams Mary Yazzie Keams died Thursday, March 17, 2005, in Winslow. She was 83. She was born on Dec. 15, 1921, in Lower Greasewood, to parents Nataani Yazzie and Louise Bitsilley Yazzie. She was a homemaker, master rug weaver and rancher. She grew up in the Greasewood area. She is survived by her daughters, Alice Keams and Helen Cadman, both of Greasewood, Clara Decker of Anadarko, Okla., Betty Jackson of Window Rock, Phyllis Nakai of Pinion, Kara Keams of Flagstaff and Margaret Keams of Joseph City; sons Johnney Keams of Holbrook, Nelson Keams of Greasewood, Earl Keams of Holbrook, Jack Keams of Phoenix and Gary Robert Keams of Greasewood; and numerous grandchildren. Funeral services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Holbrook. Viewing will begin an hour prior to the service at the church at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Holbrook City Cemetery. Arrangements are by Greer's Mortuary of Winslow. Copyright c. 2000-2005 Arizona Daily Sun. -=-=-=- March 20, 2005 Luanna "Mia" Washington. Luanna "Mia" Washington. Wake Services for Luanna "Mia" Washington, 31, of the Salt River Indian Community will be held on Tuesday March 22, 2005 at 6:00 PM in the Lehi Community Building, 1225 E. Oak St. in Mesa, AZ. Ms. Washington, a homemaker, was born in Phoenix, AZ. She is survived by her son, Geoffrey Washington; daughter: Alina Vest and Angeline Washington; 3 brothers, and one sister. A private graveside service will be held in the community. Meldrum Mortuary handled the arrangements. Copyright c. 2005 Arizona Silver Belt/Apache Moccasin. -=-=-=- March 18, 2005 Michael Gene Lacapa Michael Gene Lacapa, 49, died Tuesday, March 15, 2005 in Taylor. Michael was born in Phoenix and moved to Whiteriver as an infant. He graduated from Alchesay High School, lettering in football. He then attended ASU where he graduated with a degree in Art Education and then attended NAU for graduate courses in Fine Arts. Michael met Kathy Sullivan in Canyon Day and they were married in 1977 and had three beautiful children. Michael's life passion was people. He was an artist and author of children's literature and was an internationally recognized storyteller and author/illustrator. He was a very determined person, family oriented with a good sense of humor. In his free time, Michael loved carpentry. He desired to inherit the hands of his father who was a master carpenter. People will always remember him as a national treasure. Michael is survived by his wife, Kathy of Taylor; two sons, Daniel Lacapa and Anthony Lacapa, both of Flagstaff; one daughter, Rochelle Lacapa of Whiteriver; five brothers, Robert (Lela) Lacapa of Canyon Day, Andrew (Olivia) Lacapa of Whiteriver, Duane Lacapa and Janet Pavatea of Phoenix, Nathan Lacapa and Regina Pailzote of Whiteriver, and Bennett (Cathy) Lacapa of Show Low; two sisters, Andrea (Roman) Benevente of Saipan and Stephanie (Albert) Burnette of Phoenix; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 23 at Grace Church in Show Low with a viewing at the church from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 22. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. To send private condolences or to sign the online guest book, visit web site: www.owensmortuary.com. Copyright c. 2005 White Mountain Independent. -=-=-=- March 16, 2005 Maria Minthorn Warm Springs resident Maria Richele Minthorn died March 7, 2005, at St. Charles Medical Center at the age of 38. Mrs. Minthorn was born Jan. 19, 1967, in Redmond to parents Roger and Marcia (Thompson) Minthorn. She was a lifetime resident of Warm Springs and an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. She was employed with the Warm Springs Correction Department. Survivors include her children, Jeremy Herkshan, Brandy Herkshan and Denise Herkshan, all of Warm Springs; brothers, Mark Johnson, Dion Minthorn, Andy Leonard and Forest "Fox" Leonard, all of Warm Springs; sisters, Charlie Minthorn and Stevie Queampts, both of Pendleton, Reva Johnson, Deanie Johnson and Joie Johnson, all of Warm Springs. The dressing ceremony was held March 9, at the Agency Longhouse, followed by overnight services and burial March 10 at the Agency Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Bel-Air Colonial Funeral Home of Madras. Copyright c. 2001-2005 Madras Pioneer, Eagle Newspapers Inc./Madras, OR. -=-=-=- March 17, 2005 Rita Rose Duran ETHETE - Funeral services for Ethete resident Rita Rose Duran, 17, will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, March 18, in Blue Sky Hall in Ethete. Evening services will begin at 7 p.m. today, March 17. She died March 14, 2005, at Riverton Memorial Hospital. Born March 27, 1987, in Riverton, she was the daughter of Randy Duran and Rene Revere; and was raised in the Fremont County area by her mother and stepfather, Steve SittingEagle. The family moved to Eugene, Ore., in 1994; and Sacramento, Calif., in 1999. After returning to Oregon, she moved back to Wyoming in 2000. She was a homemaker and was completing her general education degree at the time of her death. A "typical teen-ager," she enjoyed cruising around and jamming to music; being outdoors, camping, fishing, attending powwows, and swimming; and working on crafts. Her greatest joy was spending time with her companion, daughter, family and friends. Survivors include her companion, Leroy SittingEagle; beloved daughter, April Lilly Rose Duran; mother and stepfather, Rene and Steve SittingEagle; her father; 22 brothers, Randolph Duran Jr., Nathan and Redhawk Arthur, Mitchell and Sheldon Whiteman, Jonathan and Joseph Arthur, Lamont Arthur Jr., Travis and Thomas Lester Arthur, Darrel J. Arthur Jr., George M. Arthur, Paul Revere Jr., Reuben J. and Thomas A. Revere, Lawrence Saunders, Little Leroy Revere, Steven S. Eagle Jr., Phillip James S. Eagle, Garrett Revere Jr., Mike James Gould and Jaymes Whiteplume; 19 sisters, Kristina Bethel, Melissa Arthur, Antoinette Pedro, Randi Jo Duran, Stephanie and Wanda Eagle, Marie White, Kelly Arthur, Chanda Whiteman, Brandi Revere, Elsie Arthur, ShayLynn, Shandall, Alisha, Samantha and Tina Revere, Lena Gould, Delia Dodge and Chrissy BigEagle; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Henry D. Arthur Jr. and Michael T. Revere; a sister, April L. Arthur; her grandparents, Victor Revere Sr. and Laura Revere; two uncles; and an aunt. Copyright c. 2005 Casper Star-Tribune published by Lee Publications, Inc., a subsidiary of Lee Enterprises, Incorporated. -=-=-=- March 15, 2005 Norine 'Bea' Martin BROWNING - Norine "Bea" (Paul) Martin, 89, of Browning, a homemaker who enjoyed reading, crocheting and doing crossword puzzles, died of natural causes Friday at a Browning hospital. Her rosary is 7 this evening at the Old Eagle Shields center in Browning. Her funeral is 7 p.m. Wednesday at Little Flower Parish. Day Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Survivors include daughters Wanda Nee of Salenas, Calif., and Sharleen McBroom of Eureka, Calif.; sons Curtis Whitright of Lancaster, Calif., Roger Whitright of Longview, Wash., Tim Whitright of Yuba City, Colo., Robert Whitright of Sacramento, Calif., and Terrance Whitright of Heart Butte; a sister, Velma Smith of Browning; 22 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husbands Tommy Martin and Al Whitright; and a son, Cy Howard. Maureen M. Standing Rock ROCKY BOY - Havre native Maureen M. Standing Rock, 40, who enjoyed beading, cooking, drawing and painting, died of natural causes Sunday at St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula. Her funeral is 10 a.m. today at Rocky Boy Catholic Church, with burial in Rocky Boy Cemetery. Holland and Bonine Funeral Home in Havre is handling arrangements. Survivors include her husband, Joseph Ignari; daughters Kimberly Standing Rock, Rhonda Hiner, and Tessla Standing Rock; sons Darrel Dubois and Joe Standing Rock, all of Missoula; her father, Duncan Standing Rock of Rocky Boy; sisters Norma Oats, Elsie Standing Rock, Valerie Standing Rock and Vickie Standing Rock, all of Missoula, Barbara Standing Rock, Nicole Standing Rock and Annie Loranda, all of Rocky Boy; brothers Trent Standing Rock of Albuquerque, N.M., Brent Standing Rock of Missoula, Keith Standing Rock of Rocky Boy and Duncan "Gordon" Standing Rock Jr. of Florence, Colo.; and one grandson. March 16, 2005 Rena Eagle POPLAR - Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and niece crossed over to be with the Lord on March 14, 2005, in Poplar. She was born May 13, 1951, to Kenneth and Hazel (Dupree) Eagle in Poplar. Rena attended school at Poplar schools and attended Vo-Tech in Billings and also attended Fort Peck Community College. She worked for the CETA program and for the BIA in Billings for two years, as CSP account assistant for Fort Peck Tribes for 20 years. She retired due to health problems in 2000. Rena was also past secretary of the Poplar Indian Days Pow Wow. Rena was always there to lend a helping hand for anyone who needed it, with her beautiful star quilts she made. Her enjoyment was watching boys and girls basketball, and especially watching Marshelle play basketball. She is survived by her companion, Edwin Chaser of Poplar; one son, Donald (Waynette) Weinberger III; one daughter, Marshelle Weinberger; and grandchildren Donald Weinberger IV, Hannah and Gabriella Boyd, all of Poplar. Rena is also survived by brothers Paul (Beverly) St. Germaine of Hardin, Kenneth (Judy) Eagle of Cottondale, Ala., Harold (Nancy) Eagle, Ronald (Carrie) Eagle and Pete Dupree, all of Poplar; adopted brother Pastor Roger Hunt of Poplar; sisters Iris Page of Dunseith, N.D., Sally (Bill) Uherka, Crocker, Mo., Marian Plentyhawk, Vanessa, Vanetta, Martha, Katie and Loretta Eagle, all of Poplar; uncles George Dupree and George (Helen) Ricker; aunts Rose (John) Morsette and Mayme Dupree, all of Poplar; and many relatives. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 18, beginning at 3 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 19, at 10 a.m., all at the Poplar Assembly of God Church. Interment will be in Poplar City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at csmc@nemontel.net or www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Marvin Dean Taylor POPLAR - Marvin Dean Taylor, 49, of Poplar, died Tuesday, March 8, 2005, in a motor vehicle accident near Pine Ridge, S.D. Visitation will be begin at 4 p.m. with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 17, at the Poplar Culture Center. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 18, at the Poplar Culture Center. Interment will be in St. Ann's Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel is in charge. March 17, 2005 Delphine Littlewhirlwind Delphine Littlewhirlwind, 36, of Billings, died Sunday, March 13, 2005, in the Billings Deaconess Clinic. She was born July 11, 1968, in Crow Agency, a daughter of Howard and Viola Sweet Medicine Littlwhirlwind. She grew up in the Lame Deer area and attended schools in Montana, California, Oregon and Utah. Following her education, she married Wayne Shorthair in 1990 in Billings, where they made their home. She was a member of the Catholic Church. She loved to cook, fish and go for car rides. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. A sister, Sophie Wooden Legs, and a brother, Justin Littlewhirlwind, preceded Delphine in death. Survivors include her husband, Wayne Shorthair of Billings; her daughter, Jacinda Shorthair of Billings; her son, Leegabe Littlewhirlwind of Oregon; two stepsons, Dwayne and Darrol Shorthair of New Mexico; her parents, Howard and Viola Littlewhirlwind of Lame Deer; brothers, Mervin Littlewhirlwind of Missoula, Avery and Duke Littlewhirlwind of Lame Deer; her sister, Barbara Jean of Louisiana; adopted sisters, Tammy White Hawk, Kim Whiteman, Charlene and Tina Littleoldman; an adopted brother, Joe Morrison, Jr.; a special uncle, James Red Cloud; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. A special thank you to all the good people who sat with Delphine during her hospital confinement. Wake services will be held 7 p.m. Friday, March 18, in the Lame Deer Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Social Room. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, March 19, in the Church. Interment will follow in the Littlewhirlwind Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements. Copyright c. 2005 The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. -=-=-=- March 17, 2005 Joseph F. Broken Rope Sr. Joseph Fredel Broken Rope Sr., 61, an artist and welder, died March 9, 2005, at his home in Billings. He was born Jan. 30, 1944, in Pine Ridge, S.D., the son of Godfrey and Lucy (Brown Thunder) Broken Rope. He received his GED and attended Eastern Montana College in Billings. Later he received a welding certificate and an art degree. He had worked in landscaping, welding and in shipping and receiving. He had lived in Pine Ridge and Kyle, S.D., Phoenix, Ariz., and Crow Agency and Billings. Mr. Broken Rope painted traditional dancers in watercolor. Survivors include children, Loretta Ennis, Rose Maria Ennis, Dorinda Broken Rope, Joe Broken Rope Jr., Roberta Broken Rope, Thomas Broken Rope, Lorraine Four Colors, Beverly Lone Elk and Thomas Fry; a sister, Mercy Makes Good; brothers, Alvin, Frank and Raymond Broken Rope; three grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Visitation was on March 12 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Wake was from 5 p.m. March 12 until 9 a.m. March 14 at Hope Center, 3212 First Ave. S. A prayer service was held March 13, and funeral services were on March 14, both at Hope Center. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery. Copyright c. 2005 The Billings Outpost. -=-=-=- Golden Triangle On-Line Obituaries The following obituaries appeared in the Cut Bank Pioneer Press, Shelby Promoter, Valierian or Glacier Reporter this week. March 16, 2005 Norine (Bea) Martin Norine (Bea) Martin, 89, of Browning passed away Friday, March 11, 2005 of natural causes. Norine was born March 6, 1916, in Browning and was raised in Babb. Bea attended schools at the Blackfeet Boarding Dormitory and at Chemawa Indian School. In 1934 she married Albert Whitright, who died in 1970; then she married Tommy Martin in Great Falls, who died in 1995. Bea enjoyed reading, crocheting, doing crossword puzzles and spending time with her family. She is survived by her daughters, Wanda Nee of Salinas, Calif., and Sharleen McBroom of Eureka, Calif.; her sons, Curtis Whitright of Lancaster, Calif., Tim Whitright of Yuba City, Calif., Roger Whitright of Longview, Wash., Robert Whitright of Sacramento, Calif., and Terrance Whitright of Heart Butte; her sister, Velma Smith of Browning; 22 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. Bea was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy; her second husband, Albert; and her son, Cy Harwood. Rosary was held March 15 at the Eagle Shields Center. The funeral was held March 16 at the Little Flower Parish. Norine (Bea) will be sadly missed by all who knew her as she was dearly loved. Victoria Mad Plume Skunk Cap Victoria Mad Plume Skunk Cap, 92, a former homemaker, passed away Thursday, March 10, at the Blackfeet Community Hospital in Browning of natural causes. Funeral services were held on Monday, March 14, at the Starr Full Gospel Church in Browning. Burial followed in Willow Creek Cemetery. Pondera Funeral Home handled the arrangements. Victoria was born Oct. 9, 1912 in Browning to Elmer Mad Plume Rattler and Minnie Kaluse. She married James Skunk Cap in 1927. Survivors include sons, Leroy Skunk Cap, Everett Skunk Cap, and Gayle Skunk Cap Sr. all of Browning; daughters, Darlene Skunk Cap Wall of Seattle, Wash., and Barbie After Buffalo of Browning; a sister, Annie Wall of Browning; a brother, Roy Bennett Sr. of Browning; 23 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren; and three great great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Skunk Cap; a son, Dewey Skunk Cap Sr.; sisters, Ella Yellow Wolf, Dolly Russel, Jeanette Schildts and Irene Rattler; brothers, Melvin Rattler, Joseph Rattler, Leo Rattler, Raymond Rattler, Karl Rattler and Alysious Evans. Violet C. Cobell Violet C. Guardipee Cobell, 97, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2005, at the Blackfeet Community Hospital of natural causes. Rosary Services will be Thursday, March 10, at 7 p.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, March 11, at 2 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow in Holy Family Mission Cemetery in Two Medicine. Pondera Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Violet was born Jan. 20, 1908 at White Tail to Thomas and Cecile (Pepion) Guardipee. She came from a large family having five brothers; Manny, Jack, Coleman, Wayne, and George, and two sisters, Gladys Kimball and Eva Billedeaux. They are all deceased. She was educated at the Holy Family Mission in Two Medicine and Genoa Indian School in Nebraska. Violet had many occupations in her lifetime. She worked on many ranches as a cook when she was younger. During the depression she worked for the W.P.A. She later worked at the Cushman Hospital in Tacoma, Wash. and Libbey's Cannery in Yakima, Wash. When the Green Thumb program started, she worked at the local jail as a secretary. During this time she enjoyed making quilts and other sewing projects. Her favorite hobbies were making quilts, sewing, crocheting, and embroidering. Violet loved bingo and was very well known and liked at the bingo hall. She was very ambitious and independent. Violet was very generous and kind hearted and always willing to help someone in their time of need. She was very well known and liked and will be greatly missed. Survivors include her sons, Jerome T. Marble, Gary "Chub" Cobell, and Donald W. Cobell all of Browning; her daughters, Faye Ann (Robert) Grant, Carole (Merlin) Hale Kipling, and Karen (James) Bond all of Browning; two grandchildren that she raised, Galela R. Cobell and Duane D. Kemmer Jr.; 33 grandchildren, 56 great grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Cobell; her children, Joann Marble Buchanan, Galela Lynn Cobell, and Baby Hale. Copyright c. 2005 Golden Triangle Newspapers. -=-=-=- March 16, 2005 Rena Eagle POPLAR - Rena Eagle, 53, an accounts assistant for the Fort Peck Tribes for 20 years, was dead on arrival Monday at a Poplar hospital. She had had health problems for several years. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. Friday at the Assembly of God Church in Poplar, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Her funeral is 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, with burial in Poplar City Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Survivors include her companion, Edwin Chaser of Poplar; a son, Donald Weinberger III of Poplar; a daughter, Marshelle Weinberger of Poplar; brothers Paul St. Germaine of Hardin, Kenneth Eagle of Cottondale, Alberta, and Harold Eagle and Ronald Eagle of Poplar; adopted brothers Roger Hunt and Pete Dupree of Poplar; sisters Iris Page of Dunseith, N.D., Sally Uherka of Crocker, Mo., and Marian Plentyhawk, Vanessa Eagle, Vanetta Eagle, Martha Eagle, Katie Eagle and Loretta Eagle, all of Poplar; and three grandchildren. Marvin Dean Taylor POPLAR - Marvin Dean Taylor, 49, of Poplar, died March 8 in a motor vehicle accident near Pine Ridge, S.D. Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. Thursday, with a vigil service at 7 p.m., at the Poplar Cultural Center. His funeral is 11 a.m. Friday at the center, with burial in St. Ann's Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Survivors of Poplar include a nephew, Calvin Lester Sr., and a niece, Crystal Lester. March 19, 2005 Cheryl Lee Stump ROCKY BOY - Cheryl Lee Stump, 43, whose Indian name was "Yellow Rock Woman," and who enjoyed sewing, spending time with her grandchildren and collecting Round Dance songs, died Thursday at a Havre care center. The cause of death was not available. Her funeral is 10 a.m. today at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Rocky Boy, with burial at the Stump family cemetery. A journey feast is 10 a.m. Monday at the church. Holland and Bonine Funeral Home of Havre is in charge of arrangements. Survivors include her longtime companion, Marcus Long Knife of Rocky Boy; a daughter, Sunny Raye Ramirez of Rocky Boy; sons Tyler Stump, Tray Eagleman, Delany Eagleman, Hunter Eagleman and Charles Long Knife, all of Rocky Boy; her parents Videl and Ruby Stump of Rocky Boy; sisters Vidella Corcoran, Marlo Stump, Dawn Stump, Dixie Stump and Marva Stump, all of Rocky Boy; adopted sisters Pam Pische of Saddle Lake, Alberta, and Jackie Turtle of Oklahoma; brothers Calvin Jess Stump and Videl Stump Jr. of Fort Hall, Idaho, Rueben Stump and Anthony Standing Rock of Rocky Boy and Victor Nomee of Lodge Grass; and seven grandchildren. March 21, 2005 Gary Gene Youpee BROCKTON - Decorated Vietnam War veteran Gary Gene Youpee, 55, of Brockton, who had worked as a BIA officer, for A & S Tribal Industries, as police dispatcher and Brockton Youth Coordinator and with the Vocational- Rehab program, died of health complications March 14 at his home. His funeral is 10 a.m. today at the Brockton Cultural Center, with burial in Riverview Cemetery in Brockton. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point is handling arrangements. Survivors include his father, Jim Youpee of Brockton; a special nephew, Ira Track Jr. of Brockton, whom he raised as a son; brothers Russel, Joe and Sheldon of Poplar, Robert Sr. of Brockton and Ernie of Minot N.D.; sisters Dolly Boyd, Sharon Red Thunder and Millie Runs Through, all of Poplar, Linda RedBoy, Kate Youpee and Jamie Youpee, all of Brockton; and one grandson. Copyright c. 2005 Great Falls Tribune, a division of Lee Enterprises. -=-=-=- Char-Koosta News - The official publication of the Flathead Indian Nation March 2005 Obituaries Madeline Barnaby RONAN - Madeline Barnaby, 77, died on March 3, 2005, in Missoula at St. Patrick's Hospital. Born to Andrew and Ann (Joseph) Barnaby at Post Creek in 1927, Madeline was raised on the family farm and attended the Ursuline Academy in St. Ignatius. She met Joseph Weaselhead and they started their family in 1947 and lived in the Mission Valley and in Heart Butte. Madeline believed in the traditional values and was a firm Catholic. She loved making flowers and beading hats. She loved all her children and grandchildren and raised "Moose" Joshua. Madeline was the last surviving Barnaby of her generation. Preceding her in death were three brothers, Pete, Dave, Tom; and most recently Margaret Finley; two sons, Marven Weaselhead and Allan Weaselhead; one daughter, Stella; one grandson; a granddaughter; and a great-granddaughter. Surviving are Francis and Nightwind Weaselhead (Sumpter, OR), and Joseph and Linda Weaselhead, John Arnold, Gerald Weaselhead, JoAnn Hammer (all of Ronan); Betty Van Haverbeke and Madeline Weaselhead (Pablo), David Weaselhead (Bonners Ferry, ID), Dalon and Susan Weaselhead (St. Ignatius), Violet Weaselhead (Charlo), and Anthony Weaselhead (Missoula) and "Quai" her faithful companion; 23 grandchildren; as well as numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a very large extended family. A traditional wake began Friday at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius with the rosary being recited on Sunday at the Longhouse. Wake closing began Monday in the Longhouse and was followed by Mass in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission. Interment followed in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery. Addie Burns USK - Adeline Loretta "Addie" Burns died here on March 3, 2005, of respiratory arrest. Burns, 75, was a tribal elder and served on the Tribal Council several times during her life. Burns had a nickname for everyone, and continued to call people by their childhood name well past their childhood years. Burns worked as a community health representative for the Kalispels. Burns was born on Dec. 1, 1929, the daughter of Willie Tom and Mary Bigsmoke in Usk. Her first husband, John Baptiste Nomee, died in 1969 and she later remarried Michael Burns. Michael also preceded her in death. Some of her favorite hobbies were spending time at the casino and crocheting. Survivors include her three sons, Eugene Nomee, Rodney "RJ" (and Susie) Nomee, and James Bigsmoke (all of Usk); four daughters, Lynne Walks-On-Top (Wellpinit), Joanna (and Mike Treetop) Nomee (Usk), Patricia (and Gordon) Songers (Arlee), Lillian (and Tony Surface) Nomee (Pendleton, OR); two sisters, Alice Blackbear Ignace and Sue Finley; 26 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Besides her two husbands, Burns was preceded in death by her son Andy. Funeral Mass was celebrated on March at the Kalispel Community Center. Burial followed at the Kalispel Cemetery in Usk. Marilyn Walker Marilyn Louise (Larson) Walker died of cancer on March 8, 2005, after a valiant battle with cancer. On Feb. 26, 1935, Marilyn was born in St. Ignatius, to Lee and Elizabeth Larson. Marilyn, a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, grew up on a farm near Polson, and graduated from Polson High School in 1953. Marilyn was recruited for employment with General Electric and moved to Richland, WA. In 1973, she made a career change and moved to Las Vegas, NV, where she worked for the Dept. of Energy in their accounting office. Eventually, she returned to the Tri-Cities and worked for the DOE in Richland until her retirement in 1994. Marilyn married Robert (Bob) Walker in 1972. He preceded her in death in 2001. Marilyn is survived by her son, David A. Walker (Spokane); a granddaughter, Brianna Walker (Trego, MT); two step-daughters, Sally Smith (Sedona, AZ) and Linda (Jon) Drake (Monmouth, OR). Also surviving are her three sisters and brothers-in-law: Judith and Donald Willard (Kennewick, WA), Loretta and Larry Juhnke (Steilacoom, WA), and Imelda and Jim Burton (Anchorage, AK); and a sister-in-law, Cleo and Charles Jensen (Richland, WA); plus numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of life was held for Marilyn on March 18 at the Einans Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice, 2108 West Entiat, Kennewick, WA 99336, or a charity of the donor's choice. Express your thoughts and memories in the Guest Book. Copyright c. 2005 Char-Koosta News. -=-=-=- March 15, 2005 Maureen Standing Rock ROCKY BOY - Maureen M. Standing Rock, 40, died Sunday, March 13, 2005, at St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula. Her wake service began with the rosary at 7 p.m. Monday at the Rocky Boy Catholic Church. Her funeral was scheduled for 10 a.m. today at the Rocky Boy Catholic Church with the Rev. Pete Guthneck officiating. Burial was to follow at the Rocky Boy Cemetery. Maureen was born Sept. 22, 1964, in Havre to Duncan and Victoria (DeLorme) Standing Rock. She was raised in Havre and attended Chemawa Indian School in Oregon and then Box Elder schools. She graduated from Box Elder High School. Maureen had five children. She met her husband, Joseph Ignari, five years ago in Missoula. Maureen liked to make dream catchers and watch TV. She enjoyed beading, cooking, drawing, painting and to tease and joke. She loved to travel, sing and attend powwows. Her children and family were an integral part of her life. Maureen was preceded in death by her mother, Victoria Standing Rock; brother, Roger Standing Rock; an infant sister; three grandmothers; two grandfathers; and aunts, Caroline Grey, Margaret Weaving and Mary Jane Eagleman. Survivors include her husband, Joseph Ignari of Missoula; daughters, Kimberly Standing Rock, Rhonda Hiner and Tessla Standing Rock all of Missoula; sons, Darrel Dubois and Joe Standing Rock, both of Missoula; father, Duncan (Francine) Standing Rock of Rocky Boy; grandson, Damien Batista of Missoula; sisters, Norma Oats, Elsie Standing Rock, Valerie Standing Rock, Vickie Standing Rock, all of Missoula, Barbara Standing Rock of Rocky Boy, Nicole Standing Rock of Rocky Boy and Annie Loranda of Rocky Boy; brothers, Trent (Violet) Standing Rock of Albuquerque, N.M., Brent Standing Rock of Missoula, Keith (Tammy) Standing Rock of Rocky Boy and Duncan "Gordon" Standing Rock Jr. of Florence, Colo.; and numerous aunts, uncles, nephews and cousins. Arrangements are under the direction of Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. March 21, 2005 Cheryl Lee Stump ROCKY BOY - Cheryl Lee Stump "Yellow Rock Woman," 43, died Thursday, March 17, 2005, at the Northern Montana Care Center of natural causes. Her wake began Friday and her funeral service was scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, with Native American elders officiating. Burial was to follow at the Stump family cemetery. A Journey Feast was scheduled for 10 a.m. today at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church at Rocky Boy. Cheryl was born to Videl and Ruby (Writing Bird) Stump Sr. on May 9, 1961, in Fort Belknap. Cheryl attended Havre public schools and graduated from Box Elder High School. She enjoyed sewing, visiting friends, and spending time with her grandchildren. She collected round dance songs. Cheryl was a traditional powwow dancer and singer. She loved to play basketball and baseball. Cheryl was preceded in death by her brother, Tyson Stump, and nephew, John W. Corcoran. Survivors include her long-time companion, Marcus Long Knife of Rocky Boy; parents, Videl and Ruby Stump of Rocky Boy; daughter, Sunny Raye Ramirez of Rocky Boy; sons, Tyler Stump of Rocky Boy, Tray Eagleman of Rocky Boy, Delany Eagleman of Rocky Boy, Hunter Eagleman of Rocky Boy and Charles Long Knife of Rocky Boy; sisters, Vidella Corcoran, Marlo Stump, Dawn Stump, Dixie Stump and Marva Stump, all of Rocky Boy; adopted sisters, Pam Pische of Saddle Lake, Alberta, and Jackie Turtle of Oklahoma; brothers, Calvin Jess Stump of Fort Hall, Idaho, Videl Stump Jr. of Fort Hall, Idaho, Rueben Stump of Rocky Boy, Videl Stump Jr. of Fort Hall, Idaho, Victor Nomee of Lodge Grass and Anthony Standing Rock of Rocky Boy; and seven grandchildren. Arrangements are under the direction of Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. Copyright c. 2005 Havre Daily News. -=-=-=- March 17, 2005 Rosemary Oscar, 32 Anchorage Anchorage resident Rosemary Oscar, 32, died March 12, 2005, at Alaska Native Medical Center. Visitation will be at 10 a.m., with a funeral at 11 a.m. Friday at Hope Cottages, 570 W. International Airport Road. The Rev. Steven Sanders will officiate. Burial will be at Anchorage Memorial Park. Ms. Oscar was born Oct. 22, 1972, in Bethel. She worked for Hope Community Resources in the records department. She was a member of the Orutsararmiut Native Council in Bethel, Hope Community Resources, ARCA and the Eastside United Pentecostal Church, where she assisted in the children's Sunday school classes. She also received awards in the Special Olympics. Ms. Oscar enjoyed crocheting, beading, bowling and bingo and loved nature. "She was my big sister and I was her little brother, and she would let me know," her brother wrote. "When I felt sad, she would show a piece of her heart and that made me feel a lot better." Her family wrote: "Rosemary touched us with love every day in every way. Her smile and laugh and just being herself will be missed. We all have cherished memories and will always love her." Survivors include her parents, Isabel and Thomas Oscar Sr. of Bethel; brothers and sisters-in-law, Thomas Jr. and Angela Oscar, Xavier and Emma Oscar, and Harry and Hilda Oscar, all of Bethel; foster parents, Patricia and Mark Fuller of Anchorage; daughter, Selena Commacho of Texas; nieces, Ayisha and Cherilyn Oscar, Chelsea Oscar, Brittney Oscar and Brianna Oscar; nephews, Damon and Marcus Oscar and Tristen Manchuak; grandmother, Jane Oscar of Bethel; uncles, David Oscar of Kasigluk, John Oscar of Mekoryuk, Jimmy Oscar of Bethel, Joseph Jr. Oscar of Tununak, Dick Lincoln of Tununak, Alois Lincoln of Toksook Bay and David Bill of Toksook Bay; aunts, Lucy Egan, Julia Nevak of Toksook Bay and Julia Bill of Toksook Bay; and biological mother, Maggie Karl of Toksook Bay. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Joseph Oscar Sr. and Stephanie Naiagnik. Arrangements are with Evergreen Memorial Chapel. Copyright c. 2005 The Anchorage Daily News. -=-=-=- March 17, 2005 E. Irene Reed Irene "Iltaruaq" Reed, 74, died March 5, 2005, at home in Automba, Minn., surrounded by family. Irene was born in February 1931 and raised in Automba, the daughter of the Rev. Matt and Edna Reed. She graduated from Barnum High School in 1949. She received her bachelor of arts degree in anthropology from the University of Washington-Seattle in 1961 and her master of arts degree in anthropology and linguistics from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1972. In May 1998 she received an honorary doctor of laws degree for her contribution to the field of Alaska Native language education. She authored the Yup'ik Eskimo Grammar book, which is considered a landmark in the development of Native language textbooks and compiled the original card file for the Central Yup'ik Lexicon, which led to the first full dictionary of any Native language in Alaska. She was recognized for her foresight in documenting Alaska's Native cultures and Native languages. Irene helped create the bilingual Native language program in Alaska schools and was instrumental in establishing the Eskimo language workshop in Fairbanks and moving it to Bethel where it became the Yup'ik Language Center. Irene was the former director of UAF's Alaska Native Language Center. During her career she authored or co-authored several published works. She was professor of Yup'ik at UAF. She taught the Yup'ik language and culture to Vista students at the University of Oregon, at the East West Center in Honolulu and at Monmouth College in Oregon for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Irene and her Yup'ik colleague, Marie Meade, traveled to Japan as guests of the government during the United Nations celebration of the Decade of the Indigenous People. From the late 1960s through the '80s, Irene taught written Eskimo language and grammar to Native Alaskans in Bristol Bay, St. Marys and Bethel. Irene donated the body of her work to the Alaska Native Language Center, UAF, archives in 2003. Irene co-founded the Fairbanks Finns organization with Niilo Koponen. She helped found Nordic House and arranged exchange programs with Scandinavian scholars at UAF. In Minnesota she was a patron of the Kalevala Theatre Society. She returned to Minnesota in 1997. ltaruaq is Irene's Yup'ik name, an honor bestowed by her Yup'ik colleagues and friends. In 2000, she was the first recipient of the Barnum High School Hall of Fame honoring distinguished graduates. She will be missed by her family, friends and academic colleagues from around the world. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, John, Edwin, Raymond, Emil and William, who died in infancy; and sisters, Emily and Helen. She is survived by sisters and brother-in-law, Gladys and Charles Dart of Manley Hot Springs and LaVerne and Betty Jane, who moved from New York City to be her caregivers; brothers and sister-in-law, Ernest and Bernice of Renton, Wash., and Arnold and Helmi of Automba; and a large extended family. A funeral was held Saturday, March 12, at Eagle Lake Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church in Cromwell, Minn. Arrangements were by Cremation Society of Minnesota. Copyright c. 1999-2005 Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Inc. -=-=-=- March 20, 2005 Johanna Dandoy Former Juneau resident Johanna (Marvin) Dandoy died Jan. 18, 2005, at her home in Las Vegas. She was born April 13, 1955, to Lillian and Harvey Marvin at Mount Edgecumbe Hospital in Sitka. She moved to Juneau with her family in the summer of 1973 and graduated from Juneau-Douglas High School in 1975. She married U.S. Coast Guard Aramis "Ray" Dandoy Jr. in 1975. The couple moved to Alameda, Calif., and lived there until June, 1977. Following his discharge, they moved back to Juneau. She worked as a clerk typist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Her hobbies included crocheting, sewing and cooking. She collected books and donated recipes to organizations that compiled cookbooks. She was preceded in death by her husband of 29 years. She is survived by her two sons, Jason and Jeremy Dandoy of Las Vegas; parents, Lillian and Harvey Marvin of Juneau; brothers, Peter Marvin and his wife, Audrey of Juneau; LeRoy Marvin of Juneau; and Charlie Marvin and his wife, Rita of Spokane, Wash.; sister, Janice Garner of Las Vegas; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. Friends and family are invited to a memorial dinner at 4:30 p.m., March 21 at the Alaska Native Brotherhood in Juneau. Copyright c. 1997-2005 Juneau Empire/Morris Communications Corporation. -=-=-=- March 16, 2005 Theresa Elizabeth Flamond FLAMOND - on Monday, March 14, 2005 Theresa Elizabeth (Small Kokum) Flamond, late of Regina and formerly of Dubuc, Sask. age 88 years, passed away peacefully to be with her husband Edmund and her family in the spirit world. The funeral mass will be celebrated in Sacred Heart of Mary R.C. Church, Marieval, Sask. on Friday, March 18, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. by Rev. Sicking Heinrich. Lunch will be served immediately following the funeral mass in the Cowessess First Nation Hall. Interment to follow in Dubuc Cemetery. A wake will be held in the Cowessess First Nation Hall Thursday evening with prayers at 8:00 p.m. Predeceased by her parents Jospeh and Adele Pelletier, her husband Edmund in 1986, two brothers Napoleon and Robert; three sisters Marie Sarah Agecoutay, Marie Louise McKay and Marie Josephine Laferte; a daughter in law Edith Laframboise and special niece MaryAnn Lavallee. Theresa Flamond is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren she will be especially missed by Shelley M. Lavallee, Stephanie Lavallee, Carole D. Lavallee, Gaylord Pelletier, Terry Lavallee and their families. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the South Wing, Parkside Extendicare, 4540 Rae Street for their wonderful care given to Theresa. Arrangements entrusted to Tubman Cremation & Funeral Services, 1-800-667-8962. March 17, 2005 Cora Gray GRAY - On Monday, March 14, 2005 Cora Gray widow of Bill Gray, Sintaluta, Sask., and late of Lakeside Nursing Home, Wolseley, Sask. In loving memory of Cora Gray her family: Alvin, Edith, Wayne, Maurice, Bob (Wimpy), Sheila, Sandee, Connie, Clarence (Sparrow), Barry, Doug, Laini, Debbie, Judy (husband Melvin), also her many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. The funeral service will be held in St. James United Church, Wolseley, Sask. on Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Tricia Gerhard and Rev. Wojciech Wojtkowiak, OMI officiating. Interment in the South Cemetery, Carry the Kettle First Nation. Arrangements entrusted to Tubman Cremation & Funeral Services, 1-800-667-8962. March 18, 2005 Theresa Elizabeth Flamond FLAMOND - on Monday, March 14, 2005 Theresa Elizabeth (Small Kokum) Flamond, late of Regina and formerly of Dubuc, Sask. age 88 years, passed away peacefully to be with her husband Edmund and her family in the spirit world. The funeral mass will be celebrated in Sacred Heart of Mary R.C. Church, Marieval, Sask. on Friday, March 18, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. by Rev. Sicking Heinrich. Lunch will be served immediately following the funeral mass in the Cowessess First Nation Hall. Interment to follow in Dubuc Cemetery. A wake was held in the Cowessess First Nation Hall Thursday evening with prayers at 8:00 p.m. Predeceased by her parents Jospeh and Adele Pelletier, her husband Edmund in 1986, two brothers Napoleon and Robert; three sisters Marie Sarah Agecoutay, Marie Louise McKay and Marie Josephine Laferte; a daughter in law Edith Laframboise and special niece MaryAnn Lavallee. Theresa Flamond is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren she will be especially missed by Shelley M. Lavallee, Stephanie C. Lavallee, Carole D. Lavallee, Gaylord Pelletier, Terry W. Lavallee and their families. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the South Wing, Parkside Extendicare, 4540 Rae Street for their wonderful care given to Theresa. Arrangements entrusted to Tubman Cremation & Funeral Services, 1-800-667-8962. March 21, 2005 Lauren Nicole Moosemay MOOSEMAY - On Thursday, March 17, 2005 Lauren Nicole Moosemay, age 17 and Bonnie Lee Moosemay, age 36, passed away at the Gordon First Nations, SK. Complete funeral service details will be available in Tuesday's edition of the Leader Post. Arrangements are in the care of LEE FUNERAL HOME 757-8645. Copyright c. 2000-2005 Regina Leader Post Group Inc.