_ __ _____ __ _ __ ___ ____ _ __ ___ ' ) / / ') / / ) ' ) ) / ) / ' ) ) / ) / / / / / / /--/ / / / ___ / / / / ___ (_(_/ (__/ ( / (_ / (_ (___/ '__/_ / (_ (___/ ' ____ _ , ___ _ , ___ / ' ) / / ) ' ) / / ' VOLUME 14, ISSUE 037 / /-< / /--/ /-- __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, WOTANGING IKCHE - Lakota - Common News Wotanging Ikche and Native American News Copyright c. 1996-2006 nanews.org Aboriginal/AmerIndian Perspective about the First Nations of Turtle Island September 16, 2006 Blackfeet awakaasiiki'somm/deer moon Yuchi Tsogalinetsee/hay cutting moon Lakota Canwahpegi Wi/moon when leaves turn brown +-------------------------------------------------------+ | 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; Chiapas95-En and NetRez-L Mailing Lists; UUCP Mail 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 Quote: + -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- + =================== "If a Native American is buried in a national cemetery, a lot of the rituals cannot be performed because of coding restrictions and regulations." "So it's important to us to have a place on tribal land to bury our veterans." __ Thomas Berry, Choctaw Founder of National Native American Veterans Association +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | 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! A Kiowa elder remarked to me that if we kept hearing the words "homeland" and "security" used together he was afraid it wouldn't be long before we had neither. A look at the increased militarization of U. S. borders north and south demonstrates violations of Sacred places on or near those borders, and infringement of human and civil rights to the indigenous citizens residing there. Whether Quecha, Tohono O'odham, Blackfoot/Blackfeet or Mohawk, guaranteed rights are being violated as a matter of course, all in the name of "homeland security". Further, homes are being invaded and searches conducted by agents with little or no pretext, leaving home repair to the hapless resident. Since very limited income is often a factor, those repairs are often piecemeal, at best. Make no mistake, there is also the NAFTA factor. NAFTA is the underlying reason for harassment and murder of Maya who refuse to give up their centuries-old communal living. International law guarantees the right for indigenous to maintain their cultural and religious ceremonies across the borders, but those rights are largely ignored by government policymakers and enforcement agencies. When the NASCO Super-Corridor from the southern tip of Mexico to Canada as a key part of the transformation United States of America into the North American Union is even partially completed along the Texas portion of I-35, don't look for these violations to become less. The Mohawk and other Six Nation tribes are fighting to maintain their lands against predatory development. It is imperative we each do what we can to support our brothers and sisters in this stand. You can rest assured if the Ontario Provincial Police come out of this with the blood of conquest on their lips it will only embolden other hostile interventions. Ask your grandparents what they learned from the "divide and conquer" and "one nation - one conquest" schemes of the invaders. 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 ----------- - The Theft of Native Lands - GIAGO: in Ketchikan Lawsuit challenges Church on abuse - The Aboriginal - HARJO: Recess is over, Occupiers of the Soil but the games continue - A Brief History - YELLOW BIRD: Work just begins of the U.S.-Indian Relationship to stem Suicides - McCain won't budge - JODI RAVE: Need exists from $8B Cobell settlement for Native Marrow Donors - Campbell warns of consequences - Peguis Treaty Land on Rights of Way entitlement process flawed - Lawsuit draws in Shakopee, - Feds agree on Fishing Rights Prairie Island with BC First Nation - Cherokee told new Constitution - Sit-in staged in protest lacks U.S. approval over Chief's actions - BIA asserts stance - Another Grenade Attack on Cherokee Constitution against Por Esto - Judge defers Oneida decision - Profound Political crisis - Interior dumps N-waste plan shaping Mexico - Bill Would Aid Cemeteries - Blackfeet ruling for Indian Veterans clears way for Housing Lawsuits - Device helps track - Quechan Woman missing Children a judicial voice for Tribe - EPA presents excellence award - Pueblo Artists sue to Chippewa Cree over removal from Committee - UNC to establish - Clint John Family Native American Research Center plans to sue City - ICT EDITORIAL: - Native Prisoner The need for Native formulations -- Clement Brown at San Quention - SHORTMAN: - Rustywire: Shaa AlChin e' Breaking the culture of Silence - Del "Abe" Jones Poem: Running Wolf - JODI RAVE: - Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days Correcting the story of Sacagawea - Upcoming Events --------- "RE: The Theft of Native Lands in Ketchikan" --------- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 11:02:16 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="STOLEN TAAN TA KWAAN LANDS" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.alaskareport.com/opinion10011.htm The Theft of Native Lands In Ketchikan By Aan Kadax Tseen Reprinted by permission from Insurgent49 September 9, 2006 The low tidelands around Ketchikan, Alaska belong to the Taan ta Kwaan (Sea lion People), also known as the Tongass Tribe. Encroachment or theft of Native lands in Ketchikan actually started during the Alaska gold rush late 1880's with so-called mining claims like Venetia Lode and Schoenbar Lode. It was during this time that Alaska Natives were unable to make mining claims on their own lands, because were not citizens of the United States. I will not forget the Saanya Kwaan (Cape Fox People). Cape Fox is our sister tribe and we are inter-married and have lived around each other since time immemorial. Ketchikan Creek was a Saanya Kwaan subsistence creek, or summer fish camp, until a marriage between a Tongass and Cape Fox. Cape Fox gave Ketchikan Creek as a wedding gift to the Gaanax adi Clan of the Taan ta Kwaan. This story was told to me by Ester Shea, Emma Williams and Mickey Denny. "Ketchikan was initially settled because of its proximity to the great Ketchikan Creek salmon run, by the time it was incorporated as a city, nearly half of the 95 individuals who signed an incorporation petition in 1900 were miners or employed by the mining industry", according to a story by Dave Kiffer titled," Mining, Once Ketchikan's Principal Industry". And so the dark days began. Metlakatla was the winter village of the Taan ta Kwaan before it came a Tsimshian Reservation. There were fish canneries built around Ketchikan that lured tribal members in search of new jobs and new way of life. Tongass Tribe owned the low tide lands and lands around the mouth of Ketchikan Creek and was left alone until the newly incorporated City Council Father's wanted more lands to grow. Did you know that "Indian Town" had Reservation status in the early 1900's? Yes, and it could only can be created or extinguished by U.S. Congress. It never was. Illegal taxation and theft of Taan ta Kwaan properties by the City Council Fathers in the early 1900 are in the downtown area of Ketchikan. The City Fathers even went so far as sending a prominent Tongass Native leader to prison because his refused to sell his properties; they had no trials or charges to imprison him in an Oregon prison, but he later died in an insane asylum in Salem, Oregon. There were four other Taan ta Kwaan leaders that would not sell their properties and were imprisoned with no trials or charges. They also died in an insane asylum in Salem. This is how the Tongass Tribe lost their lands in Ketchikan. This is the reason Tongass Tribe People kept quiet all these years, so that we wouldn't get killed in the early to mid-1900s. To protect my mother's generation and my generation, we were not taught our language, history and culture or told these stories. Taan ta Kwaan has land claims to Ketchikan Creek and surrounding lands including: Gravina Island, Pennock Island, Annette Island, Village Island, Cat Island, Duke Island, Percy Islands, Southeast side of Prince of Wales Island to Cape Chacon, Long Island and far south to Tongass Island. Taan ta Kwaan claims two origins the Nass River and Unuk River. Any land claims to Ketchikan belong to the Taan ta Kwaan. Taan ta Kwaan was left out of the initial Alaska Native Land Claims Act and should, at the very least, have Village Corporation status, like Cape Fox Village Corporation of Saxman, Alaska. The Gaanax adi Clan is one of the oldest Clans in the Tlingit Nation, and deserves to get back our inheritance rights to our land claims from the City of Ketchikan and United States of America. In closing, we truly live in a brain-washed society, lead to believe we are created equal in the United States. This history is not taught in our public schools. We will see what happens in the near future. This is my opinion only. Copyright c. 2006 Alaska Report. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: The Aboriginal Occupiers of the Soil" --------- Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2006 08:25:04 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ABA LOOKS AT ABORIGINAL NATIONS" http://www.abanet.org/irr/hr/spring06/dean.html [Editorial Comment: The American Bar Association "Human Rights" Magazine, Volume 33, No. 2, Spring 2006 features articles about Native Americans and leagal aspects. Their Copyright Manager, Nicole M Maggio, Esq. has kindly granted reprint of a few of these in Wotanging Ikche. I strongly urge a visit to their sight and reading the other articles in this Spring 2006 issue] Introduction: The Aboriginal Occupiers of the Soil Spring 2006 Human Rights Magazine By S. Bobo Dean In l832, Chief Justice John Marshall wrote, "It is difficult to comprehend the Proposition that the inhabitants of either quarter of the globe could have rightful claims of dominion over the inhabitants of the other, or over the lands they occupied." It remains just as difficult to comprehend today as it was then. Yet, based on cases decided by the courts of the United States, the "courts of the conqueror" as Marshall and others called them, the Indian tribes that were the aboriginal occupiers of U.S. soil remain uniquely "domestic nations," not foreign to the United States. Generally, they are distinct communities, occupying their own territory, with boundaries accurately described, and within those boundaries, they may govern themselves by their own laws except as limited by the plenary power of Congress in Indian affairs. In choosing the title of this issue, "Aboriginal Occupiers of the Soil," which is shorthand for the legal principles developed by Justice Marshall for application to the hundreds of Native communities that occupied the territory that became the United States, the editors did not necessarily intend to indicate agreement with the doctrines of federal Indian law. Indeed, Marshall himself suggested that neither "reason" nor "nature's God" supported these principles. Rather, we want to draw our readers' attention to the continuing anomalies that result from these doctrines. This country, dedicated to the proposition that all are created equal, nevertheless is based, perhaps necessarily so, on the concept that the European discoverers (and the United States) could dispossess those they found here. At the same time, to the extent that the United States has accorded rights to the aboriginal occupiers, these rights can be successfully asserted in our courts. For example, taking of lands reserved by treaty or statute for an Indian tribe violates the Fifth Amendment and requires that the Indians be compensated. This issue of Human Rights provides an opportunity to review the development of the principles of federal Indian law that govern the United States in its relations with the tribes and to review a variety of issues that need to be understood to address the application of those principles in present circumstances. Subjects covered include a review of the development of federal Indian law and policy, the fiduciary obligations of the United States to the tribes and their members as presented in current litigation asserting a breach of those obligations, the effect of the legal status of Indian tribes on their economic development and environmental hazards, the specific status of Alaska Native villages that are recognized by the United States as tribes but often not accorded the same rights as other tribes, an overview of the legal status of Native Hawaiians, the Native effort in the Americas to preserve their culture and sacred sites, and the extent to which the United States has currently fulfilled its legal obligation to raise the health status of Indian and Alaska Native peoples. The ABA has long supported the rights of Indian tribes under the laws of the United States. Most recently, in 2004 and 2005, the ABA urged Congress to reauthorize the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, making improvements in existing legislation as requested by tribes to assure more comprehensive and efficient health care to Indian and Alaska Native people. It has also endorsed S. 147, which would initiate a process to assure a government- to-government relationship between the United States and the native people of Hawaii. Under the sponsorship of the Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities, a panel presentation on the Legal Status of Native Hawaiians will be a plenary session program at the 2006 Annual Meeting in Honolulu on August 3. This issue also singles out the outstanding accomplishments of Native American attorney John Echohawk, executive director of the Native American Rights Fund. The editors hope that this installment of Human Rights will contribute to a just and realistic effort to assure that the future relationship of the United States to the indigenous peoples within its borders will exemplify its best values rather than, as so often in the past, its worst. --- S. Bobo Dean, a partner in the Washington, D.C., law firm of Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP, has represented Indian tribes and tribal organizations for forty years. He is cochair of the Committee on Native American Concerns of the ABA's Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities and an editor of this special issue. As published in Human Rights, Spring 2006, Vol. 33, No. 2, p.2. --- "Introduction: The Aboriginal Occupiers of the Soil" by S. Bobo Dean, published in Human Rights, Volume 33, No.2, Spring 2006. c. 2006 by the American Bar Association. Reproduced with permission. All rights reserved. This information or any portion thereof may not be copied or disseminated in any form or by any means or stored in an electronic database or retrieval system without the express written consent of the American Bar Association. --------- "RE: A Brief History of the U.S.-Indian Relationship" --------- Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2006 08:25:04 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="US/INDIAN RELATIONS" http://www.abanet.org/irr/hr/spring06/collins.html A Brief History of the U.S.-American Indian Nations Relationship Spring 2006 Human Rights Magazine By Ricahrd B. Collins The European nations that colonized the Americas sought to achieve empire as well as acquire mineral wealth and land for their settlers. Each nation aimed to wrest land from the Indian nations, fend off European competitors, and in time control its own settlers. Indian land was obtained by the British government for its American colonies under the policies of purchase, coercion, and conquest. Another policy was to treat the Indian nations as separate but subject societies. The Crown made treaties with the tribes that ceded part of a tribe's domain and set aside retained lands for the Indians' exclusive use. American Rule After winning independence from British rule, the United States and its state governments followed the same dominant policy, acquiring Indian land for settlers and miners, from the founding until the 1920s. In pursuit of this aim, they adopted most of the British rules and policies, notably dealing with tribes by treaty. At first, the respective powers of federal and state governments were ambiguous. The Articles of Confederation gave Congress "sole and exclusive" power over tribes but also guaranteed states' legislative powers within their borders. In 1787 the Constitution instead gave Congress, in the Commerce Clause, power to regulate commerce "with the Indian tribes." This was understood and has been interpreted to give Congress paramount power over tribes. Congress then passed the 1790 Trade and Intercourse Act, which forbade acquisition of Indian land without federal authority. For purchases from tribes, an amended version of this statute continues in force. The statute also defined Indian Country as a place apart, where citizens needed a federal license to trade. A less strict version of this provision continues in force; retailers to Indians in Indian Country still need a federal license. The Cherokee Decisions Eastern state governments, however, continued to exercise authority over Indians within their borders, purchasing land in violation of the federal statute and regulating Indian affairs generally. Georgia passed laws claiming power to govern Cherokee lands, and a Cherokee was convicted of murder by a Georgia court and hanged. The Cherokee Nation resisted. Represented by former Attorney General William Wirt, the Cherokees challenged Georgia in the federal courts. However, the only path to federal court at that time was diversity jurisdiction, available only to American citizens and foreign citizens and nations. The Cherokees were not American citizens, so Wirt decided to file an original bill in the U.S. Supreme Court claiming to be a foreign nation and seeking judicial enforcement of the Cherokees' treaties with the United States. In Cherokee Nation v. Georgia, 30 U.S. 1 (1831), the Supreme Court famously held that the Cherokee Nation was not a "foreign state" as defined in the Constitution. Chief Justice Marshall's opinion said that the Cherokees constituted a distinct political body, which he characterized as a "domestic dependent nation," but the federal courts had no jurisdiction to hear cases brought by tribes. (In 1875, Congress gave litigants access to federal courts based on federal issues; a tribe today can readily sue to enforce its treaty rights.) The Cherokee challenge to Georgia reached the Supreme Court the very next year by a different route. Georgia required whites to obtain a state license in order to live among the Cherokees. Failure to comply was a felony. Two Christian missionaries who did not comply were prosecuted and convicted in a state court, which rejected their defense based on the Cherokee treaties. Upon review, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned their convictions. Chief Justice Marshall's opinion in Worcester v. Georgia, 31 U.S. 515 (1832), interpreted the Constitution to confer paramount authority over Indian affairs on the federal government and held that its treaties gave the Cherokee Nation an enforceable right to self-government within tribal territory, "in which the laws of Georgia can have no force." For the Cherokees, this was a paper victory. Georgia refused to obey the Court's mandate, and President Jackson declined to enforce it. Three years later, he made a removal treaty with selected Cherokee leaders, and most of the Cherokees suffered the infamous Trail of Tears to Oklahoma, then called Indian Territory. But Worcester v. Georgia was not overturned and continues to be a defining precedent on tribal sovereignty. Allotment and Assimilation During the 1850s, the Cherokees and other major tribes in Indian Territory enjoyed relative prosperity. Elsewhere, settlers filled in the nation, and tribes that resisted were defeated in war. Greatly reduced Indian lands came to be known as reservations, where government authority was imposed by agents of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The government adopted new policies toward tribes based on assimilation. It promised schools and instruction in farming, but the central feature was allotment. This referred to division of tribal common land into separate parcels deeded to Indian families as homesteads. From 1854, most Indian treaties included a provision in nearly identical terms in which the tribes purportedly consented to patent allotments to tribal members who requested them. The Civil War accelerated the changes. Factions in the major Indian Territory tribes sided with the South. After the South was defeated, the government imposed new treaties in which these tribes also consented to allotment. However, few Indians sought allotments voluntarily, and in time Congress decided that reservations must be allotted compulsorily and comprehensively. The General Allotment Act of 1887 adopted this policy, and over the next forty years, allotment was imposed on more than half of the reservations, including all Indian Territory tribes. Tribal governments became moribund. Indian agents ran the reservations, establishing police and courts set up by the government. Congress subjected Indians to federal prosecution for reservation felonies. Land sold under the allotment act reduced tribal holdings by a whopping two- thirds. The Kiowa and Comanche Tribes in Oklahoma Territory challenged compulsory allotment in the courts. By statute Congress imposed allotment on these tribes and overrode contrary provisions of their 1867 treaty with the United States. Tribal leaders sued to overturn the statutes, but in Lone Wolf v. Hitchcock (1903), the Supreme Court rejected their claim. It applied precedents holding that Congress could override treaties. More questionably, it held that Congress had plenary power over tribes and could compel allotment of tribal common land. In a number of decisions since Lone Wolf, the Court has continued to recite the ruling that Congress has plenary power over tribes and can abolish tribal governments or restrict their powers at will. Another aspect of the allotment era was making Indians American citizens. For many years, federal officials deemed status as a tribal Indian to be incompatible with American citizenship. But in 1890, Congress broke with that policy and allowed residents of Indian and Oklahoma Territories to become citizens without renouncing tribal ties. A 1924 statute made citizens of all other Native Americans, again without relinquishing tribal relations. The New Deal and After By the 1920s, many tribal communities were places of demoralized pov erty, and tribal governments had few means to serve their people. A proposal by President Harding to abolish tribes and reservations might have succeeded but for his scandals and death. More responsible officials then began to reexamine Indian policy, publishing in 1928 recommendations in what became known as the Meriam Report. The Roosevelt Administration broke with the past. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 renounced allotment, sought to strengthen tribal governments, and restored some common land to tribes. Interior Solicitor Felix Cohen and his staff compiled the 1941 Handbook of Federal Indian Law , the first systematic organization of the subject, which articulated tribal treaty and sovereignty rights. The policy pendulum then swung back. Congressional committees published reports and studies favoring rapid assimilation of Native Americans and an end to the reservation system. Policy officially changed in 1953 with adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 108, calling for termination of tribal governments and removal of the federal restriction on sale of tribal land. The same Congress passed a statute known as Public Law 280, subjecting reservation Indians in many states to jurisdiction of state courts. Numerous tribal reservations were terminated, notably those of the Menominees in Wisconsin and the Klamath and Modoc Tribes in Oregon. Indian Renaissance The threat of termination, coupled with the civil rights movement, galvanized Native Americans into activism in the 1950s and 1960s. National Indian organizations began to lobby Congress. Both major political parties endorsed tribal self-determination in their 1960 platforms, as they have in every presidential year since. President Nixon formally renounced termination in 1970. Nixon also proposed that tribes be authorized to operate federal programs serving reservations. Congress responded by passing the Indian Self-Determination Act. Under it, many tribal governments now administer programs funded through the BIA and the Indian Health Service. Tribal police and courts enforce minor crimes, and tribal governments have departments that address many problems of modern resource and environmental law. The other major development of the modern era is involvement of the courts. Except for claims cases against the government for damages, tribal rights were rarely litigated before 1959. The right of tribal sovereignty recognized in Worcester v. Georgia had lain dormant for a century. During that time, there was one judicial development of note. Worcester v. Georgia opined that treaties between the United States and Indian nations must be interpreted as the Indians would have understood them. This was a rule of obvious fairness for treaties written only in English and explained to tribal parties by interpreters, and between parties of grossly unequal powers. The rule was extended to other agreements with tribes in Winters v. United States (1908). Later, the Court held that ambiguities in statutes imposed on Native Americans should be resolved in their favor. Alaska Pacific Fisheries v. United States (1918). In Lone Wolf, the Court held that Congress, not beholden to Indian votes, had p lenary power to impose its will on them. This most undemocratic relation was ameliorated by giving Indians the benefit of doubts in interpretation. The Supreme Court's modern decisions began with its 1959 decision holding that Navajo Indians could not be sued by a white creditor in state court to collect a reservation debt. Williams v. Lee (1959). The Court expressly revived Worcester v. Georgia. Decisions since Williams confirmed the Indian Nations' reservation sovereignty over their members free of state jurisdiction, except when Congress clearly provides otherwise. In California v. Cabazon Band of Mission Indians (1987), the Court held that states lack regulatory authority over tribal gaming enterprises. Congress reacted by passing the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, the federal statute that is the basis for tribal gaming businesses that have enabled some tribes to improve their economies significantly. However, in 1978 the Supreme Court held that tribes have no authority to punish non-Indians who offend against tribal law, Oliphant v. Suquamish Tribe (1978), and several decisions since have denied tribal civil authority over non-Indians unless based on consent or federal statute. Tribal authority to tax lessees of tribal land was upheld, Merrion v. Jicarilla Apache Tribe (1982), but power to tax non-Indians lacking any contractual dealings with tribes was denied. Atkinson Trading Co. v. Shirley (2001). Indian nations in 2006 are distinct sovereigns within our complex constitutional system. Within tribal territory, their authority over tribal members is comparable to that of state governments, which it displaces. They lack jurisdiction over non-Indians in tribal territory, a source of dissatisfaction that tribes seek to change. Whether or not they succeed, they have survived numerous attempts to force them to disband. Tribes have become sophisticated players on the national political scene. Their struggles of the last 500 years are simply a prologue to the next. --- Richard B. Collins is professor of law and director of the Byron White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law at the University of Colorado School of Law in Boulder. --- As published in Human Rights, Spring 2006, Vol. 33, No. 2, pp.3-4, 24. "A Brief History of the U.S.-American Indian Nations Relationship" by Richard Collins, published in Human Rights, Volume 33, No.2, Spring 2006. c. 2006 by the American Bar Association. Reproduced with permission. All rights reserved. This information or any portion thereof may not be copied or disseminated in any form or by any means or stored in an electronic database or retrieval system without the express written consent of the American Bar Association. --------- "RE: McCain won't budge from $8B Cobell settlement" --------- Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2006 08:29:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="MCCAIN REJECTS CALLS FOR $27.8B CITED BY NCAI" http://www.indianz.com/News/2006/015753.asp McCain won't budge from $8B Cobell settlement September 5, 2006 Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) won't budge from an $8 billion settlement for the Cobell trust fund lawsuit, a top aide said on Friday amid complaints about the figure. At a meeting in Tulsa, Oklahoma, tribal leaders and individual Indians took turns criticizing McCain's settlement to the case. Several cited a $27.5 billion figure proposed by the Cobell plaintiffs and tribal organizations back in June 2005. But David Mullon, the general counsel for the Republicans on the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, rejected calls for a larger settlement. He said McCain, the chairman of the committee, is sticking with $8 billion. "We have three weeks and we aren't going to get $27.5 billion," Mullon told the crowd. "It ain't going to happen." Mullon distributed copies of the latest draft of the settlement legislation. He said it hadn't been approved by McCain or the committee yet but it details some of the provisions that may be included in the bill that will be unveiled in the coming weeks. Several tribal leaders, including Jim Gray, the chief of the Osage Nation, and John Berrey, the chairman of the Quapaw Tribe, indicated displeasure with the bill. They said it should include provisions to opt out of the proposed settlement in order to continue pursuing mismanagement claims against the federal government. The Osage and Quapaw are among two dozen tribes with lawsuits that accuse the United States of mismanaging money on behalf of their tribal governments and individual tribal members. The Cobell lawsuit is limited to individual Indian trust funds. McCain wants a broad settlement package that will resolve future trust claims. John Tahsuda, another Republican attorney for the committee, reiterated the desire to end litigation, citing millions of dollars being paid to accountants and lawyers rather than individual Indians. Allison Binney, an attorney for the committee Democrats, was due to attend the meeting but had to cancel due to personal issues, Mullon said. The Tulsa meeting was the last held by the committee to discuss the legislation. Several times, Mullon appeared to lose control of the discussion and had to excuse himself at one point amid criticism from attendees. McCain said he wanted to get input from Indian Country before proceeding with a bill. But time is running out this year to get a settlement passed and signed into law. McCain is stepping down as chairman of the committee in December. Congress returns to work this week after a month-long break. The schedule for the bill has slipped considerably. The most recent delay occurred after a last-minute meeting with Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. McCain said the Bush administration pledged its commitment to resolve the case but officials waited nearly a year to present their views on the proposed legislation. When news reports of the delay surfaced, the Interior Department contacted reporters to deny it had asked McCain to hold off on the settlement. The Cobell case was filed in June 1996. The federal appeals court has affirmed the duty of the government to conduct an historical accounting of "all funds" in the Individual Indian Money (IIM) trust. The plaintiffs and the government agree that $13 billion has passed through the system since the early 1900s. But they disagree on the amount that has been paid to IIM beneficiaries. The $27.5 billion figure is based on the assumption that most of the payments made it to account holders. For the payments that weren't disbursed, the plaintiffs added interest to arrive at their settlement amount, which was endorsed by the National Congress of American Indians and the Inter-Tribal Trust Fund Monitoring Association. Copyright c. 2000-2006 Indianz.Com. --------- "RE: Campbell warns of consequences on Rights of Way" --------- Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2006 08:29:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ENERGY RIGHTS OF WAY PROPOSAL HAS HIDDEN PERILS" http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?feature=yes&id=1096413597 Campbell warns of unintended consequences on energy rights of way by: Jerry Reynolds / Indian Country Today September 1, 2006 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Addressing several dozen Indian leaders and representatives at an Aug. 30 meeting on tribal energy rights of way, former U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell called for greater political engagement among tribes against legislative processes that can end in sneak attacks on self-governance. The occasion at hand was a draft report on tribal energy rights of way that threatens to undermine tribal authority over the use of land reserved for tribes in trust by the federal government. Most of the rights of way in question involve oil and gas pipelines over tribal lands. The law as it stands now requires tribal consent to rights of way authority over tribal lands; the report has raised the prospect that Congress might modify or remove the tribal consent provision. Campbell retired from the Senate in the first days of 2005, at the outset of the current 109th Congress. In previous years, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Campbell and his staff had contributed an Indian title to what became the Energy Policy Act of 2005. But on its way into law, once Campbell's watch had ended, the Energy Policy Act came to include Section 1813, calling for a report to Congress on tribal energy rights of way by the departments of Energy and the Interior. The report is now in draft form, with a final draft scheduled for submission to Congress at the end of September. (The draft report is available through the Internet at http://1813.anl.gov.) Campbell provided the lead-off public comments in Albuquerque Aug. 30, at the last in a series of meetings Energy and Interior have held to gather comments on the draft report. The comments will help to guide the final version of the report. (The last day for comments was Sept. 4, a holiday, though an Interior official on hand in Albuquerque hinted that flexibility may be possible in some instances.) "Many of you know that I was very active in writing the - I should say, too, our terrific staff - the Indian section of this energy bill, which is now the law of the land. But unfortunately it got bogged down in conference two times while I was still the chairman of the Indian affairs committee. [The official mission of a "conference committee" is to reconcile differences between the versions of a bill passed in both the Senate and the House of Representatives - though as noted below, wholly new provisions can be introduced "in conference" and these new grounds for new differences often ground a bill altogether.] "It did get passed and to our benefit. Senator [Pete] Domenici, our great senator from New Mexico, [who] has always in the past been so good on Indian issues, picked up that Indian section and included it in the energy bill, and it did pass. "But as you know, this section, 1813, was not part of the Indian section. It was put in there, kind of at the last minute, in conference as I understand it, and here we are living with it. But it points out, from a general standpoint, why Indian people have got to be more involved. Because even this day and age, after all the bad things that have happened to our people in the history of this nation, we've still got things being snuck through the United States Congress that land on us without us knowing it's coming. Just blindsiding us once again. And I get very upset with that, as you do, too." Campbell added that some features of the draft report justify a sigh of relief. "I don't want to sound too negative, but unfortunately I have focused on some of the things ... that could have been improved." With that he leveled a series of critiques that almost 20 other speakers echoed and re-echoed throughout the morning. They all amounted to two messages for preparers of the final report - Indian country is all but unanimously opposed to changes in present law on rights of way, and the data compiled in the report do not justify any changes to the status quo. But only a former senator could touch as Campbell did on the report's unintended consequences. Congress is always wary of unintended consequences in lawmaking, he said, because the understanding on Capitol Hill is that Washington simply doesn't possess perfect information or knowledge. The draft report has already had unintended consequences, according to Campbell; and according to him, more will follow if Congress modifies the requirement in law that tribes must consent in rights of way decisions on tribal lands. "Number one is going to be, inflame the anger of tribes. I mean they are one voice on this right of way issue ... And I think number two what it has done is jeopardize the ongoing dialogue between tribes and friendly pipeline companies, if I can use that word, who are now in the middle of negotiations that it's kind of brought to a standstill. Neither side is sure what they ought to do in their negotiations because they don't know what this is going to lead to ... Certainly, it's kind of poisoned the waters." Last but not least of the "unintended consequences," he added, is the prospect of a class action lawsuit against the government, modeled on the litigation over the Individual Indian Money trust that has been mismanaged by Interior and its delegate agency, the BIA. (This is the lawsuit informally known as Cobell, after lead plaintiff Elouise Cobell.) No one wants another lawsuit like that, he said. "But when you drive people into a corner, I tell you they'll fight back. And Indian people are no different than anybody else in that respect. They're gonna fight back. They're not going to let this lie. They'll fight back. And if they don't get satisfaction ... as it [the report] proceeds to legislation, I think the next logical stop is going to be the courts. I'd hate to see that happen." Copyright c. 1998 - 2006 Indian Country Today. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Lawsuit draws in Shakopee, Prairie Island" --------- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2006 08:32:58 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="MDEWAKANTON DAKOTA WOLFCHILD v. UNITED STATES" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096413600 Lawsuit draws in Shakopee, Prairie Island by: David Melmer / Indian Country Today September 4, 2006 MINNEAPOLIS - Thousands of people want to be counted as Mdewakanton Dakota and to hold the federal government accountable for a breach of trust. A lawsuit, Wolfchild v. United States, is intended to bring justice and a sense of belonging to thousands of potential Mdewakanton Dakota who want to be counted part of a community. In 1862, many Dakota people pledged loyalty to the federal government during a conflict that erupted into a near-war with other Dakotas, settlers and the military. In return, the Mdewakanton who remained loyal received land as a reward in 1886 under a contract. Wolfchild alleges that the federal government breached the trust responsibility of that 1886 contract when Congress acted in 1980 to turn over control of land to three Mdewakanton communities in Minnesota. That move breached the trust responsibility inherent in the 1886 contract, the suit further alleges. A recent ruling from Judge Charles Lettow of the Federal Court of Claims brought the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and the Prairie Island Sioux Community into the lawsuit because they acted as agents of the federal government in the management of the land. Lettow ruled that the government violated the trust with the 1980 act that transferred control of the property to the communities. That land was, according to the plaintiffs, to be held in trust for the Loyalist Mdewakanton. "The communities thus have acted as agents of the Department of the Interior. Because the Prairie Island and Shakopee Communities were acting as arms of the federal government and not as independent sovereigns, tribal immunity does not apply," Lettow wrote. Limited sovereign immunity does not prevent the communities from lawsuit in this case, Lettow ruled. The government argued in court that the communities do enjoy sovereign immunity, and insisted in its arguments that tribal sovereignty comes from the federal common law and is set into law as found within the commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution. The government also asserted that because the tribe had control over its members before incorporation of their territories into the United States, it possessed sovereign immunity against litigation. "Here the United States Court is taking steps to fix a problem the Department of Interior created because it was lazy, and the communities made the matter worse by taking advantage of the lazy sovereign," said Erik Kaardal, of Mohrman and Kaardal of Minneapolis, attorney for the plaintiffs. Shakopee and Prairie Island were not considered tribes before the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act. In 1938 the solicitor of the United States stated that neither were tribes but were being organized based on their residence upon reserved land. Because Shakopee and Prairie Island were not historical tribes they may have powers that relate to ownership of land and the carrying out of business, the court documents state. Shakopee and Prairie Island were permitted to refer to themselves as communities and not tribes based on the Powers of Indian Tribes as allowed by the Indian Reorganization Act of Oct. 25, 1934. In a previous court ruling, Lettow stated that because income, profits and proceeds arising from the 1886 lands to individuals who are not lineal descendants, "the United States has allegedly breached its contractual duty to the plaintiffs." Approximately 7,000 trust beneficiaries are represented by Kaardal, and another 10,000 represented by attorneys in North and South Dakota and Nebraska. Criticism has arisen about the number of alleged beneficiaries and their possible lineal connection to the 1886 roles. Kaardal said his clients have passed all the criteria for lineal descent. Anthropologist Barbara Feezor Buttes, Mdewakanton, is compiling a base role which, should the lawsuit ultimately favor the plaintiffs, even considering the appeal process, would be used to determine tribal membership. The most important outcome would be to return the rightful members to the Mdewakanton Tribe and to identify with the land, Buttes said, earlier. The original contract written in 1886 was signed by John Bluestone, Butte's great-grandfather. It included 258 acres of land now used by the Shakopee, 600 acres now used by the Lower Sioux Community and 120 acres now occupied by Prairie Island. The Lower Sioux Community filed a complaint to intervene as a plaintiff. "It's the same old story; we keeping losing our home, the land is confiscated. The Mdewakanton have never had a home, no land, never the right procedures in place to ensure everyone can come home. "Shakopee was founded with the wrong group of Indians," Kaardal said. The Shakopee Sioux Community has donated or loaned more than $70 million to other or sister tribes throughout the Great Lakes and Plains regions. Tribal Vice Chairman Glynn Crooks said they give because it is the Dakota way, and they want to help as many people as possible through their philanthropy. A 2004 federal income tax form 1099 filed in the Minnesota Court of Appeals indicated that members of the Shakopee community received approximately $84,000 in per capita payments. The Shakopee community would not confirm that figure. That amount, according to Kaardal, would provide $10,000 per year for each member of the Loyalist descendants. "So many people are not allowed in, they are losing something as Native Americans. What's bound us together is the notion that it is our land, not their land. I have never come across a case where so few have benefited so much at the expense of so many," Kaardal said. "The tribe is studying the decision, and the tribe is considering its options. It will likely file a motion opposing the summons," said William Hardacker, attorney for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. A statement issued by the Prairie Island Indian Community reads as follows: "The Prairie Island Indian Community is a federally recognized Indian tribe. Our ancestors have resided along the banks of the Mississippi near Red Wing, Minnesota for centuries, and remained there following the Dakota Conflict of 1862. "We strongly believe that our Community has no interest or interests that are subject to the proceedings before the Court in the Wolfchild lawsuit. The Court's decision to summons our Community to participate in the lawsuit is contrary to well-settled federal Indian law and long- established legal principles regarding our Community's sovereignty and immunity from suit. "The Court of Federal Claims only has limited jurisdiction to consider claims for monetary damages against the United States of America. The Court of Federal Claims does not have jurisdiction to award money damages against the Community or to determine membership issues of federally recognized Indian tribes." Copyright c. 1998 - 2006 Indian Country Today. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Cherokee told new Constitution lacks U.S. approval" --------- Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2006 08:29:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CHEROKEE MAINTAIN CONSTITUTION DOES NOT REQUIRE US APPROVAL" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.tulsaworld.com/NewsStory.asp?ID=060907_Ne_A1_Offic11342 Official tells Cherokees their new constitution lacks U.S. approval But the chief says the tribal court ruled that such approval is not necessary. By S.E. RUCKMAN World Staff Writer September 7, 2006 TAHLEQUAH -- A top U.S. Department of Interior official has notified Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith that his tribe still needs approval of a constitution that it began implementing in June. In a copy of the letter sent to Smith and dated Aug. 30, James Cason, associate deputy secretary of the interior, said he received correspondence from Smith in June that the Cherokees withdrew their request for federal approval. The tribe began enacting a 1999 version of its revised constitution in June. That version was submitted for approval in 2003 by tribal voters but was not approved by the Interior Department. Cherokee requirements, before the 2003 vote, specified federal approval to their constitution. Cherokee voters approved a measure in 2003 to remove federal approval. Cason said that Smith indicated in June that the approval was "moot" after the tribe's highest court, the Judicial Appeals Tribunal, now the tribe's Supreme Court, ruled that federal approval was not necessary because the tribe voted to bypass federal approval in the 2003 election. In the tribal high court's decision, Justices Darell Matlock and Darrell Dowty based their decision on a letter from former Bureau of Indian Affairs Director Neil McCaleb that he approved of the document in 2002. "I read the Tribunal's decision with interest," Cason wrote. "As an elected official, I am sure that you can appreciate the difficulties created when a former official attempts to bind his successor by stating what he had intended to so when he was in office." In the letter, Cason maintains that the Cherokee Nation's constitution requires approval and "neither the secre tary nor any authorized representative of the secretary has approved the amendment." Cason suggests that the tribe resubmit its approval request to the department if it wants the interior secretary's approval. Smith said he received the letter Wednesday and viewed it as a request and not a demand from Cason. The Cherokee Nation will not resubmit an approval request to federal officials, he said. "It is not necessary and is not requested by the BIA in this letter," he said. "We interpret this as a courtesy letter from BIA, which merely asks 'if (emphasis added) the Cherokee Nation would like the secretary's approval. . . .' We appreciate the courtesy and thank Mr. Cason for his kindness." Smith said the tribe was operating under a valid constitution. "They (the Cherokee people) should keep in mind that Cherokee Nation has the sovereign right to decide our constitution," Smith said. "Our highest court and a vote of the Cherokee people made that decision, and it is no one else's decision to make." Cason's letter signals that the Interior Department views the tribe as subject to some degree of federal authority. Cherokee lawmakers said they were reviewing Cason's letter. They expressed concern at the letter's intent but opted to wait for the issue to be resolved between their leader and Interior officials. "The Cherokee people have spoken (in 2003)," said Councilor Bill John Baker. "I have read this three times and it is a serious, important document. But I don't want to throw caution to the wind." Baker said he was concerned that if federal approval were needed, the Cherokee Nation would have its federal funds cut until the tribe complies with Cason's request. Tribal officials estimate that federal money makes up about 80 percent of the 250,000-member tribe's budget. Since the 1999 constitution went into effect, the tribal council has expanded by two seats. A new secretary of state, treasurer, attorney general, police marshal, two justices and speaker of the house were also appointed since June. In the Aug. 30 letter, Cason asks Smith to consider the implications of its high court's March 2006 decision that its membership requirements were unconstitutional. The March decision allowed the descendants of freedmen slaves to become Cherokee citizens as per a treaty agreement. Cason implied another impact of the Judicial Appeals Tribunal's March decision. At present more than 800 freedmen descendants have enrolled in the tribe. "The . . . decision suggests that not all persons who were entitled to membership in the Nation were considered eligible to vote in the 2003 elections, which purported to adopt the constitutional amendments," Cason said in the letter to Smith. But Smith said Wednesday that the results of the 2003 election were certified by the tribe's election commission. Smith said it was business as usual under the new constitution for the Cherokee Nation. "There is no remedy needed, as there is no change to the status quo," he said. Copyright c. 2006 , World Publishing Co. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: BIA asserts stance on Cherokee Constitution" --------- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 11:02:16 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="BIA STANCE ON CNO CONSTITUTION" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.tulsaworld.com/NewsStory.asp?ID=060909_Ne_A1_BIAas16789 Cherokees: Chief Disagrees: BIA asserts stance on constitution By S.E. RUCKMAN World Staff Writer September 9, 2006 Bureau of Indian Affairs officials said their letter specifying the need for federal approval of the Cherokee Nation's constitution was not a request, not a demand, but "a statement of fact, determined within the parameters of our processes," a spokeswoman said Thursday. Nedra Darling of the BIA offices in Washington, D.C., said an Aug. 30 letter from Jim Cason, associate deputy secretary of the Department of the Interior, to Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith fell within the agency's legal authority to request that the Cherokees seek federal approval of their constitution. Smith maintains that Cason's letter was a request and not a demand, according to an e-mail he sent to Cherokee Nation employees on Thursday. "Nowhere in his letter does Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary James Cason cite any federal authority for the BIA to approve the Constitution," Smith said in the e-mail, sent to more than 1,000 tribal employees. "I can assure you that we will continue to carry out the mission of the Cherokee Nation to work together to support our Cherokee citizens, our sovereignty in full force and effect, regardless of the speculation of a few news articles." Darling said the federal agency was willing to base its assertion that the tribe required federal approval for its present governing document on the Principal Chiefs Act of 1970 and the Cherokee constitution. Bureau representatives specifically pointed to Section 1 of Public Law 91-495, which authorizes each of the Five Civilized Tribes of Oklahoma to select their principal officer by tribal popular vote. The act also reads, "Such established procedures shall be subject to approval by the Secretary of the Interior." Smith said the 1975 federal Self Determination Act ended what he called "bureaucratic imperialism." That statute allowed Indian tribes to govern as independent governments. "With regard to Cason's letter, and the BIA's quote per the Tulsa World, we regard the letter as an official courtesy without any authority over our constitution," Smith said. Cherokee voters chose a 1999 amended version of their constitution in a 2003 election. The tribe submitted the document to the bureau for approval but never received that approval. The tribe's high court issued a decision in June that certified the constitutional approval by the Cherokee people, although it lacked a federal OK. Tribal justices asserted in the decision that federal approval was a self-imposed guideline and removed by voters in 2003. Darling said the federal agency deals with tribal constitutional questions at the rate of up to 10 a year, for both big and small tribes. The Cherokee question involves issues that the agency has experience with, she said. "The same standards that apply to the Cherokees apply across the board to other tribes," she said. The tribe's 1999 implemented version of a constitution allows for term limits, new judges and cabinet seats within the chief's administration. Smith is in the third year of his second four-year term. S.E. Ruckman 581-8462 se.ruckman@tulsaworld.com Copyright c. 2006 , World Publishing Co. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Judge defers Oneida decision" --------- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 11:02:16 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ONEIDA DECESION DEFERED PENDING FEDERAL RULING" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.syracuse.com/news/poststandard/index.ssf?/ base/news-4/1157706955267980.xml&coll=1 Judge defers Oneida decision State Supreme Court Justice John Grow is waiting for federal ruling. By Glenn Coin Staff writer September 8, 2006 A judge on Thursday once again delayed a decision on whether the Oneida Indian Nation could drop lawsuits challenging assessments on its property in Oneida County. After hearing arguments from lawyers, state Supreme Court Justice John Grow decided to postpone a decision until a federal appeals court ruling. He did the same thing in April. At issue is whether municipalities can assess and tax nation land. The nation says no; the municipalities say yes. Arguments on Thursday centered on whether the nation could drop the lawsuits it filed in July 2005. The nation wants to end the suits, saying a federal court ruling in a related case renders the assessment cases in state court moot. "The federal courts ruled that these parcels are tax-exempt," said nation lawyer Peter Carmen. "Now Oneida County wants to litigate the same issues again because they lost. We don't need to litigate those issues again here." Earlier this year, U.S. District Court Judge David Hurd ruled that nation land is still part of a 1794 reservation and that Madison and Oneida counties can't foreclose on nation land. Lawyers for the municipalities disagreed. They argued that the assessment case hinges on state not federal law, and should be decided in state court. "It's absurd to say that Judge Hurd is the last word on what a state statute says," Vincent Rossi, attorney for the towns of Vernon and Verona, told Grow. "The last time I checked, the New York State Court of Appeals was the last word on that." Hurd made similar rulings in two separate cases, one involving Oneida County and the other involving Madison County. Oneida County plans to do the same thing, and the appeals court will rule on the two cases together, said attorney David Schraver, who represents both counties. Grow decided Thursday to wait until an appeals court ruling comes down. Schraver said that decision could take a year. Glenn Coin can be reached at gcoin@syracuse.com or 470-3251. Copyright c. 2006 The Post-Standard. Used with permission. --------- "RE: Interior dumps N-waste plan" --------- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 11:02:16 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="DoI REJECTS GOSHUTE NUKE DUMP" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://www.sltrib.com/ci_4304740 Interior dumps N-waste plan Hatch says Utah site is dead; will PFS fight? By Robert Gehrke, Judy Fahys and Thomas Burr The Salt Lake Tribune In a move that may mean the death of a plan to store thousands of tons of nuclear waste about an hour's drive from Salt Lake City, the U.S. Interior Department on Thursday rejected the lease to build the facility. "We just wanted to put a spike right through the heart of this project and this does it," Sen. Orrin Hatch said Thursday after being notified of the department's action. In a pair of decisions, spanning 47 pages, two agencies in the department rejected a lease Private Fuel Storage signed with the Skull Valley Band of Goshutes to store 44,000 tons of spent nuclear rods on 100 acres of reservation land. PFS is a group of companies that operate nuclear reactors where waste has been piling up for a half-century. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) found it could not approve a rail line to the reservation because it would have to cross a newly created wilderness area. A plan to transfer the waste onto tractor-trailers and truck the waste to the reservation was also rejected because it would significantly increase traffic along the two-lane road and because workers transferring the casks would be exposed to radiation. Those considerations and others - including unanswered questions about the vulnerability of the site to a terrorist attack - prompted the Bureau of Indian Affairs to reject the tribe's plan. The BIA cited inadequate police protection on the reservation, with Tooele County sheriff deputies lacking jurisdiction on the reservation and the nearest BIA officers stationed 4 1/2 hours away. Furthermore, with a planned permanent repository at Yucca Mountain, Nev., still up in the air, it is unclear when the waste would leave the reservation, and the department lacks the technical knowledge to monitor the waste. The rulings make it clear that the ultimate decision belonged to Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, the former Idaho governor confirmed in May to his Cabinet post. The decisions describe him as a "trustee- delegate" charged with "the complex task of weighing the long-term viability of the Skull Valley Goshute reservation as a homeland for the Band (and the implications for preservation of tribal culture and life) against the benefits and risks from economic development activities. . ." After conducting this balancing test, "we conclude that it is not consistent with the conduct expected of a prudent trustee to approve a proposed lease that promotes storing [spent nuclear fuel] on the reservation," wrote Associate Deputy Interior Secretary James Cason. But nowhere in the 47 pages is there any indication the Skull Valley Band was involved in the decision making. And, in fact, tribal Chairman Leon Bear apparently did not learn about Kempthorne's decision until after Hatch issued a press release, according to PFS spokeswoman Sue Martin. Martin indicated it is premature to declare the project dead. "We do need to see the record of decision and look at it in some detail before we get a good feel for what our options are. I believe Senator Hatch would lead you to believe we have no options and I'm not sure that's true," Martin said. "We'll have to see. Stay tuned." Mary Allen, one of three Goshute leaders who began negotiating the deal 10 years ago, said the tribe would fight the ruling because members want the financial benefit of the project. The exact sum the 125 members could expect from the deal has never been disclosed, although it is rumored to be in the tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars. Allen called Thursday's ruling "just another roadblock." "The lease was recognized" by the Interior Department, Allen said. "The BIA is scared because of the politics and Senator Hatch." Hatch, though, wasn't the only politician fighting the project. Sen. Bob Bennett noted that all five Utah congressional members have lobbied the Interior Department to kill the plan. Their pleas in recent months have been directed at Kempthorne. "I raised this issue with Secretary Kempthorne prior to his confirmation last spring and stressed the importance of it to our state. I am delighted with his prompt response," Bennett said in a statement Thursday. "This ends any possibility that the Goshute facility will ever be used for the storage of high-level nuclear waste." Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. declared Thursday's action "the best news I think our state has seen in recent years . . . And it's one that people have fought very hard for and we're there. We can finally put a period at the end of the sentence." Despite what PFS says, Huntsman added, "This makes it a done deal. It's over." PFS received its Nuclear Regulatory Commission license last year, nine years after applying for it. The license was conditioned on the BLM's approval of a plan to transport the waste to the site and BIA's final OK of the Goshutes' lease with PFS. The Interior Department decision could be challenged in court. "We need to sort through the ashes and put out a few embers maybe, but other than that it's stone cold dead," Hatch said. "It couldn't happen to nicer people." Since the NRC voted to approve the PFS license a year ago, Utah's congressional delegation pushed through legislation creating the Cedar Mountain Wilderness Area adjacent to the Skull Valley reservation, blocking rail access to the site. All but two of the project's original 11 backers have said they will not help fund construction of the project. And efforts are underway in Congress to create at least one and possibly several government-run interim storage facilities, potentially making private storage unnecessary. In May, Hatch and Bennett wrote to the BLM, arguing the wilderness designation made it impossible for PFS to build the rail line to the reservation, and that an alternate plan - to build a station to move the nuclear material from trains to trucks and drive it to the reservation - was full of holes. There was no security plan for the proposed transfer facility, it would violate the land management plan for the area, would hurt Air Force training on the nearby Utah Test and Training Range and would be a terrorist target, the senators argued. The BLM received more than 4,500 letters, mostly from Utahns opposed to the nuclear waste site. "These are the largest nails in the coffin, but we know the nuclear industry is desperate to transfer the risks and liabilities away from their own users and to other states," said Vanessa Pierce, director of the Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah. "It just goes to show that when citizens speak up loud and clear, they have more power than they imagine." Margene Bullcreek said she was ecstatic about the ruling because the waste project has torn the tribe apart. "It's been a long, long trial and at this point it's a big, big triumph," Bullcreek said. "We still need to deal with economic development, but I'm glad we will not have this poisonous waste." Rep. Chris Cannon said he expected the Interior Department to reject the PFS plan. "PFS has never made sense," Cannon said. "We should be very pleased that Interior has done what we asked them to do." Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, said the decision was a huge win for Utah and especially for the military and its test and training range, which is three miles from the proposed nuclear waste storage site. "They were looking for good reasons and I think we gave them good reasons and I applaud the Interior for their decision," Bishop said. "I wish it would have been resolved sooner," said Rep. Jim Matheson, D- Utah. "I don't know anyone in America who wants nuclear waste thrown in their backyard." --- Tribune reporter Thomas Burr contributed to this report. * The U.S. Interior Department denied a lease and a transportation plan that were crucial to proposed nuclear waste storage in Utah's Skull Valley, about 45 miles southwest of Salt Lake City. * Critics pronounced the project dead. But the decision could still be appealed in court. * The Skull Valley Goshutes and their commercial partner in the project have yet to say if, or how, they will fight the rulings. Copyright c. 2006, The Salt Lake Tribune. --------- "RE: Bill Would Aid Cemeteries for Indian Veterans" --------- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2006 08:32:58 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="TRIBAL BURIAL ASSISTANCE FOR VETS" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/03/ washington/03cemetery.html?_r=1&oref=slogin Bill Would Aid Cemeteries for Indian Veterans By HOLLI CHMELA September 3, 2006 WASHINGTON, Aug. 26 - Traditionally, when American Indians are killed in battle, their remains are returned to their tribal lands for burial. But for the families of the many Indians who join the United States military, death brings a difficult choice: The veterans can be buried in a national veterans' cemetery with fellow comrades in arms. Or they can be buried close to home on tribal land. There is no way to do both. The Native American Veterans Cemetery Act would change that. Representative Tom Udall, the New Mexico Democrat who wrote the bill, said it would authorize states to provide grants financed by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the development or improvement of veterans' cemeteries on tribal land. At present, tribal governments are not eligible for department money. In June, Mr. Udall's measure was unanimously approved by the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Both the House and the Senate included it in comprehensive veterans' bills approved last month. The next step is for those bills to be reconciled by a conference committee after Congress returns in September. Nearly 20,000 people classified as Native American/Alaskan Native are serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force, according to the Defense Department's most recent tally, from December 2005. By the end of 2006, there will be an estimated 181,361 Native American veterans, according to the V.A. The National Native American Veterans Association estimates that 22 percent of Native Americans 18 years or older are veterans. "This is about recognizing that it's not just states that have rights - tribes, too, should have rights," Mr. Udall said in a recent interview. There are 562 federally recognized tribes in the United States. New Mexico alone has 22 tribal reservations, and the population of Mr. Udall's district is 19 percent Indian. Explaining the importance of being buried close to home, Thomas Berry, a Navy veteran and a founder of the two-year-old National Native American Veterans Association, said tribes have sacred ceremonies and rituals to honor the dead and ease passage into the next life. "If a Native American is buried in a national cemetery, a lot of the rituals cannot be performed because of coding restrictions and regulations," Mr. Berry said. "So it's important to us to have a place on tribal land to bury our veterans." Leo Chischilly, 57, the department manager for the Department of Navajo Veterans Affairs in the Navajo capital, Window Rock, Ariz., said having veterans' cemeteries on tribal land was a matter of practicality as well as tradition. "The Navajo Nation would like to bury their loved ones within the four sacred mountains on Navajo land," Mr. Chischilly said. "But the closest veterans' cemetery is in Santa Fe, N.M., four hours' drive from Window Rock. Some families visit the grave sites on Veterans Day or Memorial Day, but most people would prefer something closer to home." Some reservations have cemeteries dedicated to veterans, but they are maintained and paid for by the tribal organization or volunteers, not by the V.A. Fort Defiance Veterans Cemetery in Arizona is one such example. It is full with more than 300 graves of Navajo veterans. Ten acres have been set aside in Chinle, Ariz., for a new veterans' cemetery, Mr. Chischilly said, but money is needed. "Hopefully if President Bush signs the legislation we can submit a proposal to get a veterans' cemetery on the Navajo Nation," Mr. Chischilly said. "We'll be able to provide the land, but we will have to get other sources of funding for the operational costs." Copyright c. 2006 The New York Times Company. --------- "RE: Device helps track missing Children" --------- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2006 08:32:58 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="MENOMINEE CHILDREN SAFEASSURED ID ENROLLED" http://nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=8145 Device helps track missing children Enterprising tribal employee gets grant for state-of-the-art equipment MENOMINEE INDIAN RESERVATION WI Native American Times September 1, 2006 The initiative of a tribal employee has led to that tribe receiving a device that will make children in the area safer, officials report. Penny Escalante, a worker in the Wisconsin-based Menominee Indian Tribe's childcare services office, applied for a grant, leading to children in the area receiving the SafeAssured ID kit. The identification features an encrypted mini compact disc containing: up to ten digital fingerprints, digital photograph, streaming video showing mannerisms and gait, voice track providing the youth's voice inflection and accent, general physical description, vital personal information-including street address, date of birth, life-threatening medical conditions, identifying scars or marks, and tattoos- and a family code word. Escalante said the system is proving to be popular with parents and law enforcement alike. "We've received many positive comments from parents who have brought their children to the events" she said. "Our tribal police chief has been so excited... that he's spreading the word and telling other tribal chiefs how great it really is. Workers used to dealing with missing children say that when a vanishes, minutes matter. "Time is the enemy when it comes to recovering a missing child. A critical element to the first few hours of an investigation is for law enforcement to have a good quality, current photograph of the missing child," said Ernie Allen, president of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, a non-profit agency that works with the federal U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. "[Our organization] urges parents and guardians to maintain easily accessible, good-quality photographs of their children." Native American Times. Copyright c. 2005 All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: EPA presents excellence award to Chippewa Cree" --------- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 11:02:16 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ROCKY BOY WINS EPA AWARD" http://www.havredailynews.com/ EPA presents excellence award to Chippewa Cree Angela Brandt Havre Daily News abrandt@havredailynews.com September 8, 2006 ROCKY BOY'S INDIAN RESERVATION - Two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency workers traveled to Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation Thursday to present four tribal employees with awards for excellence in solid waste management. Rocky Boy tribal council member Rick Morsette was given a certificate and a paperweight at the monthly council meeting. Tribe workers Joan Mitchell, a grant manager, engineer Ken Fitzgerald and roads supervisor Harvey Friede were later awarded for their efforts. The tribe built a new solid waste facility in 2005. The state EPA duo of environmental scientist Jennifer Wintersteen and deputy office director Julie DalSoglio said they wanted to recognize the tribal leaders for their past and continuing success. The four tribal employees received the Frank Decouteau Award for outstanding work in not only solid waste management but also in the protection of Rocky Boy land from open dumping and environmental pollution. The tribe previously used a Bonneau area site, which was an open dump closed in favor of off-reservation disposal of solid waste. The dump was later cleaned and now is a construction and demolition debris landfill, which saves costs of hauling and disposing. Morsette said the need for a landfill was seen in the late '90s but no funding was available at that time. Through grants, the tribe was able to clean the old dump and begin an new disposal system. "We got a lot accomplished," he said. Tribal council vice-chair Bruce Sun Child commended the crew for their work. Sun Child said he has received comments that Rocky Boy is one of the cleanest reservations. Copyright c. 2006 Havre Daily News, Inc. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: UNC to establish Native American Research Center" --------- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 11:02:16 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="UNC NA RESEARCH CENTER" http://www.heraldsun.com/orange/10-768110.html Local Briefs: UNC to establish Native American research center From Staff Reports : The Herald-Sun September 8, 2006 CHAPEL HILL - UNC will create one of the only centers on the East Coast to focus solely on American Indian issues and research. The Center for American Indian Research and Community Engagement will be a leader in native scholarship and service, said Bernadette Gray-Little, the university's executive vice chancellor and provost. "Establishing this center will enable Carolina to develop the rich cultural and historical legacy of the state's first people into an important area of scholarship and intellectual leadership," she said. The university will conduct a nationwide search for a center director, Gray-Little said. The director will collaborate with faculty, students and staff to initiate new programs, continue outreach to American Indian communities and raise funds for the center, she said. No date has been set for the center's opening; officials hope to locate space on campus for the center soon. "The goal of the center is to make native issues a permanent part of the intellectual life of this university," said Sandra Hoeflich, assistant dean of the UNC Graduate School. "Establishing the center will make Carolina a leading public university for American Indian scholarship." North Carolina is home to the largest American Indian population east of the Mississippi River. Last year, the U.S. Census estimated the state's total population at just under 8.7 million, with 1.3 percent, or about 113,100, listed as American Indians and Alaskan natives. Copyright c. 2006 Herald-Sun, Durham, NC. --------- "RE: ICT EDITORIAL: The need for Native formulations" --------- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 11:02:16 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ICT EDITORIAL: BEYOND SOVEREIGNTY" http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096413631 Beyond sovereignty by: Editors Report / Indian Country Today The need for Native formulations September 7, 2006 James Sappier, chairman of the Penobscot Indian Tribe in Maine, often lets loose a provocative statement; and he did not disappoint some time back at a conference on tribal sovereignty. Sappier marveled at the spelling of the term that seems almost indispensable for discussing Indian rights. "It has an 'e' and an 'i' - and look, there's a 'g' in it too. It's a scary word." As Sappier was indicating, the term "sovereignty" has origins far removed from Indian country. It's ironic that so much of the discussion of Native rights in our contemporary society uses terms derived from 16th century French political theory. The fact is that the 16th century French principle only approximates the rights of tribal survival and self- determination that Indian country upholds with near unanimity. As Beverly Wright, former chairman of the Aquinnah Wampanoag, said at the same conference, "We knew this in our hearts before we knew there was a word for it." The question that some are asking, starting with the late Vine Deloria Jr. and continuing with Indian lawyers confronted by a hostile Supreme Court, is whether "sovereignty" is exactly the right word. Is there another formulation that will resonate more persuasively with the mainstream society and explain more clearly what American Indians are struggling to defend? Deloria warned that by relying too heavily on the word "sovereignty," Indian country left itself vulnerable to the snares and hidden meanings that European history has embedded in the term. As many tribes discovered in their dealings with Europeans, the terms of negotiations often turned out to have unexpected meanings. What lawyers now call "terms of art" had implications not obvious on their surface which resulted in depriving the tribes of far more than they meant to give up. "Sovereignty" is one of those words. It has gone through significant changes in European and American usage. It's important just for self-defense to have some sense of the way the term has evolved. Historians trace the theory of sovereignty to the French jurist Jean Bodin (1530? - 1596). This writer was himself a bundle of contradictions. In his youth he narrowly escaped condemnation as a heretic, but he ended his life as a stalwart member of the Catholic League. He wrote one of the first tracts on religious toleration, but he also compiled a study of demonology that became a manual for witchcraft trials. He is known as an advocate of absolute monarchy, but his doctrine imposed significant limits on the French king. Sovereignty, as Bodin described it in his "Six books of the Commonwealth," was actually a reaction against earlier constitutional theory derived from Aristotle, which held that the most effective form of government was a mixture of the three basic regimes: democracy, aristocracy and monarchy. Bodin objected that having three different principles of government in one state was a recipe for civil war. The state had to acknowledge one source of authority. The ultimate source was God, the ruler of the universe. The French king could claim to rule as an agent of divine authority, but he had to acknowledge that he was subordinate to divine right and limited by the rights that the Almighty had implanted in humanity (including the individual's right to property). In other matters, however, the state was the sole sovereign. (This doctrine transformed the earlier understanding of the three basic regimes. Instead of contending principles of government, they shrank to the status of functions of the single sovereign. The civics textbook description of the executive, legislative and judicial functions of the American Constitution traces back to this transmutation.) But too many different interests were burgeoning in European society to sit content with a divine right of kings, the doctrine into which Bodin's theory degenerated. Religious and social struggles in England erupted in the epic conflict of Parliament and King Charles I and the search for a new basis of sovereignty. It was supplied by John Locke (1632 - 1704). His "Two Treatises of Government" appeared in 1689 after England's Glorious Revolution and the final ascendancy of Parliament. He located sovereignty not in God, but in the consent of the governed. There is a fascinating interplay between European contact with American Indians and the doctrine of the state of nature that Locke used as the basis for his social compact. It generally worked to the disadvantage of the Indians. But the doctrine of the social compact has possibilities for the tribes that we will return to. It is certainly preferable to what comes after. Even though Locke's theory of sovereignty still holds sway in the United States, European thinkers began to reject it in the early 20th century. A major change took place with a German theorist named Carl Schmitt (1888 - 1985), who according to some still has surprising influence. Schmitt and his school of political realists dismissed parliamentary government as a facade for the real sources of power. Constitutional law was a deception. The real source of sovereignty was the state power that remained when the illusions of representative institutions were swept aside. His doctrine, a sort of "last man standing" theory of sovereignty, is said to inspire the realpolitik school of international relations. Some legal critics even see his influence in the Bush administration's assertions of sweeping executive authority in fighting terrorism. The trouble is that Schmitt was an unrepentant apologist for the destruction of the Weimar regime in Germany and the rise of Hitler. He was one of a handful of serious political theorists and philosophers who lent their prestige to a thoroughly evil political movement. All minorities have common cause in fighting movements that deny basic human rights and scapegoat entire groups of people because of their identities. But it's important to identify the sources of evil long before the "miner's canary" gives its ultimate warning. The phenomenon that concerns us here is that basic terms begin to change their meanings. The foundation of "sovereignty" changes from divine right to consent of the governed to seizure of power by a tyrant claiming to represent a mystical popular will. The fact that the European mind can put its foundational principles through such radical mutations should make us very wary about relying on its political vocabulary. "Sovereignty" as a means of harmonizing Native survival with the dominant society means, first of all, the right of tribes to self- preservation - cultural, linguistic, religious, territorial and political continuity. Native peoples have this right because they were here first and they haven't gone away, and none of the old European arguments for dispossession make any sense, even to Europeans. It's become inescapably clear that the denial of this right to the tribes has caused massive social misery and that the exercise of this right has become the path to healing and recovery. The task is to explain this right to the dominant society in a vocabulary free of irrelevant historical baggage and unintended meanings, and to show the whole country that it too will benefit. Copyright c. 1998 - 2006 Indian Country Today. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: SHORTMAN: Breaking the culture of Silence" --------- Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 08:51:40 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SHORTMAN: VETERAN SPEAKS" Shortman - 'Breaking the culture of silence' by: Phillip Shortman September 7, 2006 Yellow Bird article welcomed I would like to begin by thanking Michael Yellow Bird for his courage in publishing his article regarding America Indians' lack of moral questioning on our role in America's wars. This is the result of the culture of silence that is predominant in Native America. We are afraid to speak out due to our failure to recognize silence as being one of the symptoms of colonization and oppression. Since our forced settlements onto reservation lands and the adoption of a Western model of governance, we have failed to recognize that we have adopted the behaviors and attitudes of our oppressors. In the current war in the Middle East, Israel invaded Lebanon at the encouragement of the United States. It was believed that this would be a fast and easy operation to crush Hezbollah, which is deemed to be a terrorist movement. Hezbollah proved everyone wrong. Our similarities with Hamas and Hezbollah are more than skin color. We have both been forced into situations that are not conducive to our well-being, be it starvation (i.e. withholding funds to the Palestinian Authority), the duly elected branch of government (democracy) and the forced adoption of a foreign governmental model. This similar to the past practices of the United States in its historical dealings with Indian nations. They withheld rations, encouraged tribal nations to adopt a foreign government (IRA) and forced placement on lands that are unable to support a large mass of people. These types of environments will continue to breed hostility within future generations of people occupied by an oppressive government. In a recent article printed in the Great Falls Tribune, a reporter interviewed an Israeli paratrooper who described his face-to-face combat with Hezbollah warriors. He stated that Hezbollah was determined and that many Israelis were killed and wounded. In fact, they were chased back south. I believe that the warriors of both sides deserved to be awarded their respective honors, similar to American Indians and our eagle feathers. Face-to-face combat is the warrior way. The families of both sides will be in mourning for a long time. My family and ancestors have mourned for at least a year and many times longer. This particular article interested me because my great-great-grandfather was shot off of his horse near the U.S./Canada border in hostile engagements with the enemy. My ancestors went back at night to find his body, only to find that it was gone. As a combat veteran I know that many Middle Eastern warriors and their families are unaccounted for. For the past month I have been to our local pow wows and have made an effort to observe the grand entries. I have never seen so many eagle feathers adorned by both local and visiting dancers, both male and female. My initial reaction is that our tribal nations have produced many warriors or enemy killers. I questioned my aunt, an elder, how youthful dancers of both genders have earned the right to adorn themselves with precious eagle feathers? An argument will be made that they have earned them in one way or another. That is for each individual tribal nation to determine. There have always historically been wars and there always will be. For purely economic reasons, the enemies of the potential colonizers have always been people of color who prefer to maintain their lifestyle and lands. It should be noted that forced democracy is not for everybody. Our announcers continually say that our warriors are protecting our land and traditional way of life. They fail to realize that historically in most tribal nations, we were socialists and not capitalists. In most tribal nations of the greater northern Plains, the only capitalists are those with money - which are few in number. The socialists are the majority of the poor people who share with each other. What traditional lifestyle are our young warriors protecting? To me, it is Haliburton and the millions that have been embezzled, not excluding other contractors of whom are unable to account for those tens of million of dollars that have been displaced. The continued wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are costly to Native America. We continue to exist on the meager remains of an illegal war while the rich get richer and the poor more poor. Many Native schools are in need of replacement or repair, the health care costs have increased with funds based on past year's needs, and the budget for Native America has been decreased. Yet, we obviously continue to support the tenets of the Bush administration. There appears to be something wrong here. Many young people go to war because of their desire to earn eagle feathers. Oral tradition remains strong in many communities. Others go because of a lack of economic opportunities on America Indian lands. We should remind ourselves that every defeated nation has been financially rebuilt with the exception of Native nations in spite of our participation in the illegal wars of the past 40 years. Clearly, Yellow Bird will be an individual of controversy and attack from individuals who are colonized and support the war in the Middle East. To me, he has allowed an avenue for individuals who were afraid to speak out to express our feelings. His research of this topic provides an admirable, albeit personal, perspective. His forthcoming should allow for tribal leaders to address these issues. More importantly, I believe that his critical essay allows for tribal members at large to develop a discourse to explore. But as tribal nations, we must become more involved in the international political arena and use this opportunity as a springboard to support our brothers and sisters in war-torn areas in the Middle East and Afghanistan. Phillip Shortman is a Vietnam veteran and Legion of Valor member from Hays, Mont. Copyright c. 1998 - 2006 Indian Country Today. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: JODI RAVE: Correcting the story of Sacagawea" --------- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2006 08:32:58 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="JODI RAVE: TRUTH ABOUT SACAGAWEA" http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2006/09/05/jodirave/rave82.txt Correcting the story of Sacagawea By JODI RAVE of the Missoulian September 3, 2006 MANDAREE, N.D - Wanda Fox Sheppard sat beneath a tree-covered arbor with community members for a two-day tribute to a woman many Hidatsa call their relative. Sheppard counts herself among the hundreds of Sacagawea descendants on the Fort Berthold Reservation, homeland of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation. Sacagawea's Hidatsa descendants' voices, however, have mostly been unheard, unpublished. Many of her relatives have never been vocal, boastful or pushy about their relationship because she was simply another relative. But others outside the community are hearing their story. Thousands of Native and non-Natives heard the Hidatsa stories of Sacagawea during the Lewis and Clark bicentennial signature event, "Reunion at the Home of Sakakawea," in August on Fort Berthold. The reunion was the second-to-last national commemoration to recognize the 1804-1806 expedition. Several tribal citizens of Fort Berthold recounted stories about Sacagawea's life among the Hidatsa and Mandan. The one many are becoming familiar with is told by Bulls Eye, which was published in the Van Hook Reporter in April 1925. "They say she was a Shoshoni among us," said Bulls Eye, a grandson of Sacagawea. "She was not a Shoshoni. Everybody knew them. They knew her father and mother, too. The interpreter got it wrong and it has been wrong ever since." A lot has been wrong, and never corrected. Bulls Eye's interpreter was Stanley Dean, not Stanley Bean as reported by the Van Hook Reporter, Sheppard said at last month's commemoration. Her family has documentation to support the claim. Many generations of Americans believe Sacagawea was a Shoshone captured by the Hidatsa as a child. But it is the Hidatsa who have full accounts of the woman and her life. Sheppard recently paged through a hardcover book published by the North Dakota State Historical Society in 2005. She pointed to a picture of Hannah Levings Grant, who was used as a Sacagawea model for sculptor Leonard Crunelle, who completed a life-size statue in 1910. The book's photo caption reads that Levings Grant is a "direct descendant" of Sacagawea. "From the very beginning, they got that wrong," said Sheppard. Yet the people who have the platform to correct the story resist. "She is not a descendant of Sacagawea," said Sheppard. "We all know that." Sheppard's connection came from another side of her family. Levings Grant is Sheppard's grandmother - the mother of Sheppard's father, Anthony Guy Fox, who married Grace Parshall, the daughter of George and Ruby White Bear Parshall. And that is where one line of Sacagawea's descendants arise among the Hidatsa. The Hidatsa who claim Sacagawea as a relative say she had four children - Baptiste, Otter Woman, Cedar Woman and Different Breast. Most people know only of Baptiste, the infant carried by Sacagawea as she traveled with the Corps of Discovery to the Pacific. Bulls Eye was the son of Otter Woman. And Cedar Woman had a daughter named Medicine Arm, who married a white man named William Parshall. The couple had three children, including George Parshall, a great-grandson of Sacagawea. Sheppard knows all her relatives going back at least eight generations. Sacagawea's real name was Eagle Woman, or Ma-ishuwea. But interpreters started calling her Bird Woman, or Sacagawea, and that has been wrong all these years, too. The story of being related to a national icon isn't a new one, said Sheppard. Her grandmother Ruby White Bear Parshall and her aunt Pansy Parshall used to talk about how Sacagawea and her daughter Otter Woman were killed while traveling to Fort Buford with 5-year-old Bulls Eye. "My grandmother Ruby would tell me these things even after I was married and had children. I was young and didn't listen I guess. She kept telling me she was buried at Fort Buford." Ruby and her husband George Parshall used to travel to Poplar, in Montana, frequently. Ruby told Sheppard: "Your grandpa stopped at her gravesite, prayed and made offerings to her and then we'd go on." They usually left food offerings of liver and kidney, said Sheppard. One day, her grandmother told Sheppard to prepare for a road trip. She wanted to take her to Sacagawea's gravesite. "I got my babies ready," said Sheppard. She drove Ruby to Fort Buford, between Sydney, Mont., and Williston, N.D. "When we got to this place where she said she was buried, there were no fences. But you could tell where the buildings were a long time ago. And there were burial mounds." It's always been a mystery among historians as to where Sacagawea lies buried. Some claim she is buried in South Dakota. And she has a headstone on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. Sheppard returned to Fort Buford a few years ago. "But now they have scouts' monuments and headstones. It's all built up to look like the old fort." Reporter Jodi Rave can be reached at (406) 523-5299 or at jodi.rave@lee.net Copyright c. 2006 Missoulian, a division of Lee Enterprises. --------- "RE: GIAGO: Lawsuit challenges Church on abuse" --------- Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2006 08:29:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="GIAGO: CHURCH ABUSE" http://www.indianz.com/News/2006/015755.asp Tim Giago: Lawsuit challenges church on abuse Posted by request of Tim Giago, Nanwica Kciji. Copyright c. 2006 Native American Journalists Foundation, Inc. September 6, 2006 There is a lawsuit just filed that hopes to take up the slack from an earlier lawsuit that failed. The lawsuit filed on August 7, 2006, in the Seventh Judicial Circuit in the County of Pennington in South Dakota by Attorney Gregory A. Yates of Encino, California is against St. Francis Indian Mission and Rosebud Educational Society, Wisconsin Province of the Society of Jesus, Diocese of Rapid City and Sisters of St. Francis in Denver, CO. The plaintiffs are Lloyd One Star, Kerwin Eagleman, Ralph Eagleman, Lawrence Ford, Marian Sorace, Noah One Star and Antoinette (One Star) Miller, all former students at St. Francis Indian Mission located on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. Mr. Yates intends to bring closure to a suit filed several years ago by Jeffrey Herman and Gary Fischer that attempted to sue the Catholic Church for alleged abuses of Indian children. A judge in this case ruled that this suit had exceeded the Statute of Limitations as set down by law. Yates intends to circumvent this ruling with his suit. When Herman and Fischer filed their lawsuit, I wrote that I was apprehensive because as a longtime observer of Indian law I understand its complexities and I didn't believe either Herman or Fischer had the background or the knowledge to bring a lawsuit that so many other attorneys had shied away from over the years. Jennifer Ring, director of the American Civil Liberties Union of the Dakotas, said that Indian law is highly specialized. "It involves a lot of areas of the law that are not commonly taught in law schools in the United States. If you look at the Constitution, one of the powers that the federal government has is, very specifically, the right to regulate affairs dealing with Indian tribes and that is not something that applies to any other minority group. Then you go on to the treaties, interpretation of the treaties, and jurisdictional issues and you will find that there are a lot of rules that apply to Indian country that do not apply anywhere else," she said. The plaintiffs charge St. Francis with attempting to strip them of their Native American family values, religious beliefs and culture in an effort to Americanize them. The also charged "Defendants' agents affiliated with the St. Francis School directed, allowed and/or executed customs, patterns, policies and practices of sexual and physical abuse by failing to supervise, monitor, discipline and otherwise protect Plaintiffs, ultimately leading to the abuse alleged herein." The litany of alleged abuses reads like a horror story in the pages of the lawsuit. The abuses range from inappropriate touching to outright acts of sodomy. Charges were even leveled at some of the mission nuns for forcing sexual acts upon the children, both boys and girls. The lawsuit further states, "At all times, Defendants maintained inadequate policies and procedures to protect the children it was entrusted to care for and protect. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants' negligence, Plaintiffs suffered severe and permanent psychological, emotional and physical injuries, shame, humiliation and/or the inability to lead a normal life." Twelve former Catholic priests and nuns were named as defendants in the lawsuit. All of them were educators at St. Francis Indian Mission. The case is in the court of public records and is listed as Civil C - 04 -594. I considered printing the names of the defendants, but decided not to, at least not for now. If any of the heinous acts charged against them by the defendants are true, they will be judged in a court of law, but the lawsuit is not against them as individuals, but as agents of the St. Francis Indian Mission. I know some of the defendants from St. Francis and I was literally shocked to read some of the allegations against them. I wrote many years ago that the Catholic Church had to issue an apology to all of the boys and girls mistreated at the Indian mission boarding schools since the late 1800s. Not only did the Church need to apologize, it had to find a way to begin healing the wounds of those survivors of the boarding school system. The Catholic Church needs to begin that process of healing. When I visited the Holy Rosary Mission School on the Pine Ridge Reservation recently, a school where I spent 10 years of my life, I discovered that the leadership of HRM, or Red Cloud, as it is now called, is still in denial. They refuse to admit to or face the charges of abuse made by me and by many other former students. Will it take a similar lawsuit to wake them up? In the meantime, I will follow the case as it proceeds and keep you up to date on its progress. If you want to know a little bit more about the history of the Indian mission boarding schools you can get my new book on the subject. It is titled, "Children Left Behind" and it can be ordered at Clear Light Publishing, 823 Don Diego, Santa Fe, NM, or by emailing harmon@clearlightbooks.com. --- McClatchy News Service in Washington, DC distributes Tim Giago's weekly column. He can be reached at P.O. Box 9244, Rapid City, SD 57709 or at najournalists@rushmore.com. Giago was also the founder and former editor and publisher of the Lakota Times and Indian Country Today newspapers and the founder and first president of the Native American Journalists Association. Clear Light Books of Santa Fe, NM (harmon@clearlightbooks..com) published his latest book, "Children Left Behind" --------- "RE: HARJO: Recess is over, but the games continue" --------- Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 08:51:40 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CONGRESS RETURNS FROM RECESS BUT INDIAN HEALTH GAME STILL ON" http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096413615 Harjo - Recess is over, but the games continue by: Suzan Shown Harjo / Indian Country Today September 7, 2006 A case example of the urban Indian health program The congressional August recess was over as soon as the Labor Day picnics ended. Congress returned for five hard weeks of legislating and appropriating before it adjourns for four intensive weeks of campaigning. What laws will emerge is anyone's guess. All House members and one-third of the senators are running for their jobs, and voters will decide if they get to keep them on Nov. 7. Control of the House and Senate is at stake, so it's not just the candidates who are campaigning in earnest. Everyone is anxious to hit the campaign trail on a full-time basis. The target adjournment date for both the Senate and House is Oct. 6. With the end of the fiscal year fast approaching on Sept. 30, and not one of the 13 appropriations bills completed, it's crunch time in Congress. This is an annual beat-the-clock exercise, with a predictable outcome. In most years in recent decades, Congress has failed to enact most of the money bills before the fiscal year tolls. Instead, the House and Senate break out the short-term continuing resolution template at the 11th hour and carry over the current fiscal year's funding levels to the new fiscal year. Congress almost always returns to Washington in November and December to enact the separate appropriations bills or a further continuing resolution for the ones they can't agree to pass. A particularly bruising election - as this one promises to be - usually assures limited agreement on anything, a very small number of finished money bills and very large continuing resolutions. If the election results in a leadership change from Republican to Democrat in the House or Senate, or both, the outgoing majority will want to conduct as much business as they can, while the incoming majority will want to conclude this 109th Congress as quickly as possible. Here's how these dynamics could affect a single program: the urban Indian health program. When President Bush sent Congress his proposed budget for fiscal year 2007 at the beginning of this calendar year, the urban Indian health program was targeted for elimination. The administration began taking steps to close the 34 health centers all over the country. In response to a unified Indian lobby effort to save the program, the House restored $32.7 million for the health centers in May. The final vote on the umbrella bill, the Interior Appropriation Act, was 293 to 128. In case anyone missed the point, the House report which accompanied the bill stated that "the proposal to eliminate this program is rejected." The Senate Appropriations Committee concurred in June, adding report language that leaves nothing to the imagination: "The Committee is dismayed by reports from tribes that the Department of Health and Human Services has instructed the [Indian Health] Service to proceed with plans to close down 34 urban centers, despite the fact that the House Committee on Appropriations is already on record as disagreeing with the proposal for elimination. "The Committee stresses that no funds were provided in fiscal year 2006 to effect the closure of these facilities and it expects the Department to refrain from any further action until House and Senate Committees on Appropriations have concluded negotiations on the 2007 budget." There is enough time this month for the Senate to pass the Interior money bill, for the House and Senate to hold a conference to reconcile differences, for each chamber to pass the agreed upon bill and for the president to sign it into law. Or not. If there's a logjam or a veto threat or a game of chicken - or if a senator doesn't like an opponent's campaign ad and puts a hold on the bill to stop further action on it - Interior appropriations could stall and be folded into a continuing resolution on Sept. 30. Where would this leave the urban Indian health program? In limbo. The 2006 fiscal year's appropriations level would be continued. But Congress didn't specify a level for 2006. The administration has the House and Senate bills and reports, and there can be no mistaking what Congress intended to this point. But that intention is not yet law. Administrators intent on mischief could make some for the program, but few would be so foolish as to poke a stick at appropriators who control their budget. While waiting for definitive action, the people who staff the urban Indian health centers, as well as the Indian patients who depend on them, would become increasingly apprehensive about the program's future. Many a program has faltered in its mission because program managers have been turned into crisis managers in this kind of situation. If Congress cannot pass the 2007 Interior appropriation, a handful of representatives and senators could reiterate the appropriations report language on the urban Indian health program in connection with passage of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. The IHCIA is poised for a Senate floor vote, as well as action in the House committees on Energy and commerce and on Ways and Means. Restating the intent of the House and Senate on the urban Indian health program for the record of the IHCIA would be a clear and simple way to formally convey the directives. It also would be an act of kindness for all the people who are totally stressed out about the fate of the urban Indian health centers. --- Suzan Shown Harjo, Cheyenne and Hodulgee Muscogee, is president of the Morning Star Institute in Washington, D.C., and a columnist for Indian Country Today. Copyright c. 1998 - 2006 Indian Country Today. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: YELLOW BIRD: Work just begins to stem Suicides" --------- Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 18:19:32 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="YELLOW BIRD: SUICIDE PREVENTION" http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=9535 DORREEN YELLOW BIRD COLUMN: Work just begins to stem Indian suicides Grand Forks Herald September 9, 2006 In the past few months, there have been more than a few suicide attempts among young people on the Standing Rock Sioux reservation, Fort Yates, N.D. The attempts follow a number of completed suicides just a few years ago. I followed the story on this Lakota nation in 2004, when there were 10 suicides within a few months. I did so partly because it affected me personally -- two of my nephews left this world that way -- and partly because it is so tragic and seemed out of context with American Indian culture. So, I was extremely pleased when I read the Sept. 7 press release from the office of Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., announcing a $400,000 grant for Lakota people to address suicide on the reservation. I realize there were other legislators involved in getting this funding for Standing Rock, but I also remember that it was Dorgan who set up hearings in Bismarck and Washington. He also went to Fort Yates and personally met with students at Standing Rock about the suicides. I attended and testified at the Bismarck hearings. The meeting room in the Capitol that day was filled with people. The suicides have affected the entire tribe and community. And the "life is so awful, I choose to die" sentiment that seems to motivate the attempts is as unfathomable to the community as it is to me. I talked with Dorgan on Friday about the suicide grant. I wanted to thank him for his concern for our children. Dorgan talked about his role in getting assistance to this reservation. He said an eye-opener was not on Standing Rock but at Spirit Lake, N.D. It was a gut-wrenching incident, and it helped him understand that for the young woman who committed suicide, everything had gone wrong. Some of these young people live in Third World conditions, he added. I agreed. I'm afraid she lived in a world that Dorgan probably never realized existed on reservations. John Eagle Shield, who is the community health representative at Standing Rock, works with suicide attempts and young people on the reservation. They have begun a program they named "Oniyape," or "To live," he said. It's for high-risk individuals or those who have attempted suicide. The program is just beginning, he said, and repeated that they are currently in a middle of a rash of attempts, mostly by young women. This Sundance leader and elder said suicides can start with any crisis - some are short-term and would seem easily solved and or at least solvable, but many of these young people lack skills in problem-solving. For example, he said, a young girl didn't want to go to school. Rather than seeking help for her or probing for a problem, the school staff told her she had to attend classes. What was her problem? She is a young teen who is at an age of change. She didn't have any school clothes or a chance to get school clothes, and that problem seemed insurmountable to her. Eagle Shield grimaces at some of the service providers who are insensitive to the Lakota culture. Young people, he said, who are sent Bismarck for treatment, don't respond to the providers. It is the attitude they hear and feel: "All Indians are alike. All Indians think it's a good day to die." It isn't just the outside institutions, either, Eagle Shield said. Households need to develop resolution skills. They need to find ways to take care of these problems both locally and on the outside without harming ourselves. They haven't had funding for professionals on the reservations. The $400,000 may provide the needed funding for those services. As I listened to both Dorgan and Eagle Shield, I kept thinking of my yearly stay on the reservation. I keep thinking about the Lakota people who participate in the Sundance ceremony. They are strong, spiritual people who provide guidance to their children and work to help others. Yet, Standing Rock won't be known for their spiritual leaders and the tenacious people who survived the uprooting and devastation of late 1800s and early 1900s. They risk being stereotyped with terms such as suicide, self-destructive and mentally ill because of the public exposure of the issue. So, I understand why some of the tribal leaders hesitated to expose the suicides and suicide attempts to the public eye. It is another stereotype that we will have to counter, Eagle Shield said; Indian people have suicide as an option to life, the public will say. Yet, it is the children who are at risk that are most important. It's these children who will grow into men and women who can teach about life and the culture to their children. Little by little, year after year, the Lakota nation will grow stronger -- in spite of the setbacks such as they are experiencing today, they will become a healthier nation. ---- Dorreen Yellow Bird's column appears Tuesday and Saturday. Reach her at (701) 780-1228 or dyellowbird@gfherald.com Copyright c. 2006 Grand Forks Herald/Grand Forks, ND. --------- "RE: JODI RAVE: Need exists for Native Marrow Donors" --------- Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2006 08:25:04 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="JODI RAVE: MARROW DONORS NEEDED" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2006/09/06/jodirave/rave81.txt Great need exists for Native marrow donors By JODI RAVE of the Missoulian September 6, 2006 Eileen Damone spent years searching on reservations across Montana for a marrow and blood cell donor for an ailing 37-year-old Northern Cheyenne woman, the mother of six children. Leukemia claimed the Native woman's life in July before a marrow donor could help save it. "She fought this disease for four years," said Damone of the Montana Marrow Program. "She had 10 brothers and sisters and no match. It illustrates how difficult this is. You can talk about successes, but the failures are the ones that haunt you." More than 6 million people are listed on the National Marrow Donor registry. Of that number, 75,000 people identify as Native, or about 1 percent of all potential donors. The percentage of Native marrow donors mirrors Native people's percentage of the U.S. population. Still, a great need exists to increase the number of donors because it can be difficult to find a marrow or blood cell donor match. Only about 30 percent of people suffering from a blood disease, such as leukemia, find a marrow match within their own family. That's why the national office of the American Indian Business Leadership organization is working with the National Marrow Donor Program by hosting donor registry drives at six state and tribal college campuses in Wisconsin, Montana, South Dakota and New Mexico. The kickoff is in Missoula at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Bonner Park, which coincides with the annual University of Montana welcome-back picnic for new and returning Native students. Members of the UM AIBL chapter will be at the picnic to sign up potential donors. National Marrow Donor Program representatives will also be present to take mouth swab samples and answer questions. "People get a little nervous," said Angelique Albert, AIBL's development officer. "But it's pretty non-invasive. It's a pretty small thing to do to be able to save someone's life later." Ideally, Albert said, the group would like to sign up at least 30 people. "It would be great to double that." Of the 35,000 men, women and children in the United States who need a marrow or blood cell transplant, only 2,800 found an actual donor in 2005, including 15 Native people. Transplanted bone marrow or blood cells from a donor can be used to treat patients with life-threatening blood, immune system or genetic disorders. The transplanted cells move into spaces inside the bones where they create new marrow. They grow and make healthy new red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. If a person can't find a marrow or blood cell match within their family, they typically have the best luck finding a donor within the same race or ethnicity. "There are so many blood diseases that require transplants," said Pat Thompson, a spokesperson for the National Marrow Donor Program. "The more people we get to join the registry, the chances are more people will find a cure for their blood diseases." "Donors of all races are needed," he said. "Blood diseases are color blind." You can help The University of Montana's American Indian Business Leadership group, working with the National Marrow Donor Program, will host a bone marrow donor registry drive in Missoula at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Bonner Park. --- Reporter Jodi Rave can be reached at 406-523-5299 or at jodi.rave@lee.net Copyright c. 2006 Missoulian, a division of Lee Enterprises. --------- "RE: Peguis Treaty Land entitlement process flawed" --------- Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2006 08:25:04 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="FLAWED TREATY PROCESS" Peguis treaty land entitlement process flawed by Joseph Quesnel September 2, 2006 In a letter released today by a member of Manitoba's Peguis First Nation, Chief Louis Stevenson was accused of failing to "show up at any of the informational meetings for the last four years." Robert N. Sutherland released the letter to the media in response to questions about the low turnout in the recent land entitlement vote. The low turnout caused the results of the vote to be negated. While Sutherland conceded Peguis members may have voted for the land entitlement deal, he cited several reasons why people chose not to vote. Amongst these Sutherland cites a lack of time and information needed to understand a complex agreement, a drastic reduction in people on the voting list which has occurred in the past year. The complete text of Robert Sutherland's letter follows: Winnipeg, Manitoba Sept. 5, 2006 Re: The Peguis Treaty Land Entitlement Process As a member of Peguis First Nation and active member of the majority who care about the historic agreement, I feel that comments made by some members of the media recently were made through ignorance of the facts, in regard to the decision of our people to not vote in the Treaty Land Entitlement Process. There were such comments as irresponsible, disrespect, ridicule, Pathetic, what a joke, deprived, don't care, disappointed, too lazy to vote, and the comment about "the majority don't give a rat's rear end". These comments should be directed at Chief Louis Stevenson who did not show up at any of the information meetings for the last four years. He then spends thousands of dollars on yes signs promoting the Trust agreement and the TLE. In 1907 the people of the St Peters lost the most valuable land in Manitoba through an illegal surrender of their reserve land. It only took one day to explain to the people about the vote, and the vote was held and we ended up in the swamps in Peguis. The corrupt council of the day got what was promised through bribes. This opened the door for the land speculators, the Indian Agents, and Provincial Officials, to gain access to our land and divide it as they pleased. History has a nasty way of repeating itself. One hundred years later the membership of Peguis is given a little over a month to read, understand and accept a 2O0 page document that only a lawyer could understand. Our only alternative was not to vote, allowing membership more time to absorb the information and therefore not killing the agreement altogether. If one were to combine the no vote of 106 and the spoiled ballots of 13 with the members that did not vote (the majority of which would have voted no) the outcome would have been a majority no vote, and the deal would be dead on the table. By not getting a majority 51%, there will be another vote. Therefore giving the Peguis First Nation members more time to understand this historic agreement. Below are some reasons why people chose not to vote: Need more time to understand agreement and possibly recommend some changes in the community approval process? Since the last election which was held in 2005, 2200 members were taken off the list, reducing the membership from 5400 to 3200. This illegal action made it easier to achieve the 51% majority required by the approval process. As a result these 2200 members and their families would not benefit from this agreement. We could not answer yes or no on a multiple question ballot: Question A) Approve the treaty land entitlement agreement. And question B) Approve the trust agreement and give chief and council authority to act as initial trustees and be able to control how the 64 million is used. Indian affairs shrugs it's responsibility for accountable management of our trust funds by inserting it in the ballot that Canada will not be responsible for how the trust funds are spent. The majority of Peguis First Nation people would likely have voted "yes" to part A of the ballot, even though they didn't have all the information before them to make an informed decision, (having been denied this by the so-called consultation process.) Our people are desperate for the opportunities and benefits the settlement promises to the community as a whole. But they would not have voted in favour of part B which deals with the appointment of the initial panel of trustees who would manage our trust fund. Under this section of the agreement the Chief and Council have appointed themselves as the initial trustees for an indefinite period of time. Who in their right mind would vote yes to an offer in which total control is given to a Council that has such a blatant record of mismanagement and irresponsibility in governance? Who would grant such authority to a Council that has accumulated a deficit of $40 million - 43% of our total annual budget -, has called only one general meetin g in the last 8 years, and still has not developed an "accountability system" as required by the First Nation's main funding agreement with the Dept. Of Indian Affairs? Why does the Department of Indian Affairs continue to disregard its own rules for First Nations deficits when it comes to Peguis? The Department of Indian Affairs has established a limit of 23% in First Nation deficits before it will impose third party management. Why is our First Nation continually allowed to surpass this limit with no consequences? Peguis is given special treatment by Indian Affairs officials and no other First Nation receives this treatment. Chief Stevenson, the Royal Bank and Indian Affairs let Peguis debt slip so far in the hole that their only way out is through the signing of the Treaty Land Entitlement and the surrender agreements. If the media and the rest of Manitoba are so upset, why don't you ask Indian Affairs about the state of the Peguis debt That would be a 64 million dollar question. Sincerely, Robert N. Sutherland 1882 Peguis First Nation Tel. 204-645-4727 --------- "RE: Feds agree on Fishing Rights with BC First Nation" --------- Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2006 08:29:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="TSAWWASSEN FN HAS FRASER RIVER FISHING RIGHTS" http://www.firstperspective.ca/fp_combo_template.php?path=20060906feds Feds agree on fishing rights with BC First Nation by Joseph Quesnel September 6, 2006 The federal Conservative government has reached an agreement with a British Columbia First Nation community providing specific Aboriginal fishing rights, prompting some to accuse Prime Minister Stephen Harper of changing his mind about "race-based fisheries programs." According to Anita Neville, a Liberal MP and Indian Affairs critic from Manitoba, the federal government reached a treaty agreement with the Tsawwassen First Nation in British Columbia that clearly gives the First Nation a right to fish on the Fraser River. This past July, the prime minister penned a letter to the editor in the Calgary Herald in which he stated his opposition to "race-based fisheries programs" and called for a review of the salmon fishery on the Fraser River. "This is clearly a reversal of the Prime Minister's stated goal of eliminating native-only fishing rights," said Neville, in a press release. Drew Mindell, a parliamentary assistant with Neville, suggested that the apparent policy reversal came about after outcry from Aboriginal groups over the comments, although negotations with Tsawwassen First Nation have been ongoing for some time. Mindell also said that the discovery of the agreement was made affter reading a recent issue of a British Columbia newspaper. He did not receive the information through the government. First Perspective was not able to reach comment or clarification from Indian Affairs Canada in time for posting. Copyright c. 2006 First Perspective/Manitoba Drum. --------- "RE: Sit-in staged in protest over Chief's actions" --------- Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2006 08:29:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SWAN FN PROTESTS COMMERCIAL VENTURE" http://www.firstperspective.ca/fp_combo_template.php?path=20060906swan "Sit-in" staged in protest over Chief's actions by Joseph Quesnel September 6, 2006 Members of a Manitoba First Nation community have taken over a property in protest over plans by their chief and council to develop the land commercially over their objections. The members from Swan Lake First Nation said they disagree with the plans of Chief Robert Daniels to develop the property at Swan Lake Indian Reserve 8A (known as the Headingly property) into a business called Painted Sky Bar. The business will function as a gas bar and smoke shop. Band members are opposed to the deal mainly on the grounds that the property, once it gained treaty status, should be used for commercial band business. They are concerned that the decision to start a private commercial business violates that agreeement. Currently, members opposed to the agreement have organized a referendum vote over the development and have held votes among band members in surrounding communities, including Brandon and Winnipeg. As of posting, the results had not been tabulated. At a July 25 community meeting, Chief Daniels announced that he had put in a business proposal for the site and that development was in the early stages. Members opposed to the project said, in a press release, that Chief Daniels did not inform the community that he had been working on the business since 2003 and that chief and council had passed a resolution approving the project in August of 2003. The releases went on to state that members have openly voiced their opposition to the plan and feel that a "band-owned business" should benefit all band members and not be to the benefit of "one individual." The decision to hold the vote comes after a possible investor in the Painted Sky project indicated at a privately held meeting on August 29 that he was unaware of community opposition to the project and he mentioned his desire to have community members consulted before development proceeds on the land. "There would be no further development until the members have voted on whether or not they want to continue with Chief Daniels' proposal for a gas bar," said Silvano Paletto, the investor in question. The band members occupying the site have indicated they will not move until Chief Daniels provides the community with a signed agreement stating that will not proceed with his plans until he has consulted with band members through a referendum. Copyright c. 2006 First Perspective/Manitoba Drum. --------- "RE: Another Grenade Attack against Por Esto" --------- Date: Tuesday, September 05, 2006 03:53 pm From: Chiapas95-english Subj: En;NN,Another Grenade Attack Ag Por Esto,Sep 05 Mailing List: Chiapas95-En This message is forwarded to you by the editors of the Chiapas95 newslists. To contact the editors or to submit material for posting send to: . -- Forwarded message from "Daniel A. Feder" -- From: "Daniel A. Feder" Date: Mon, 4 Sep 2006 08:50:22 -0500 Subject: [narconews] Giordano: Another Grenade Attack Against Por Esto! Brings Out Civil Society to Defend the Newspaper To: narconews@yahoogroups.com September 4, 2006 Please Distribute Widely Dear Colleague, Once again, the authentic journalists of Por Esto!, daily newspaper of the YucatA~ !n peninsula, have been attacked, and this time even more violently. Early Friday morning, two fragmentation grenades were thrown into the newspaper's MA~CRrida offices, one of them exploding and injuring several staff members and security guards. Now, another poor Mexican state - this time, Yucatan - is on the verge of social conflict. Al Giordano reports: "It was the third violent attack against Por Esto! reporters in eight days, the second in the city of MA~CRrida, and the latest in a long string of attempts to silence the press on Mexico's YucatA~ !n Peninsula. However, this time, the guilty parties overplayed their hand. In lieu of pursuing the perpetrators, who escaped in a black van, the state attorney general (handpicked by the governor) went and rounded up an anthropology professor and collaborator with the newspaper, Ricardo DelfA~-n Quezada DomA~-nguez of the Autonomous University of YucatA~ !n, and in a mockery of justice detained him for the crime. 'He's my brother!' don Mario told Narco News as the professor was being interrogated in jail. 'This is the man who has denounced all the environmental crimes by the government and its oil company!' "The reaction by Civil Society was swift and on a scale not seen since the 1990s when Banamex-Citibank director Roberto HernA~ !ndez RamA~-rez - exposed for cocaine trafficking on his lands by Por Esto! - unsuccessfully sued the newspaper 17 times in Mexico and once in the New York Supreme Court. In some ways it has been larger, particularly in the media, where large dailies from Mexico City to New York, and international press freedom organizations, that remained silent in the face of the powerful narco-banker attacks on the paper, quickly reported the story this time (perhaps an encouraging sign of a new era of journalistic solidarity in Mexico and AmA~CRrica during an hour of moral crisis). But it was on the ground in YucatA~ !n and in the streets of MA~CRrida where public outrage over the attack has boiled over into direct action." Read the full story in The Narco News Bulletin: http://www.narconews.com From somewhere in a country called AmA~CRrica, Dan Feder Managing Editor The Narco News Bulletin http://www.narconews.com dan@narconews.com Narco News is supported by: The Fund for Authentic Journalism P.O. Box 241 Natick, MA 01760 http://www.authenticjournalism.org The Fund receives online donations at this web page: http://www.authenticjournalism.org Apply for your co-publisher's account, here: http://www.narconews.com/copublisher/application.php Subscribe for free alerts of new reports: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/narconews SuscrA~-bete gratis para alertas de nuevos reportajes en espaA~+-ol: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/narconewsandes Inscreva-se para alertas gratuitos de reportagens do A~ltimo minuto em portuguAs brasileiro: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/narconewsbrasil -- To subscribe to this list send a message containing the words subscribe chiapas95 (or chiapas95-lite, or chiapas95-english, or chiapas95-espanol) to majordomo@eco.utexas.edu. Previous messages are available from http://www.eco.utexas.edu/faculty/Cleaver/chiapas95.html or gopher to Texas, University of Texas at Austin, Department of Economics, Mailing Lists. --------- "RE: Profound Political crisis shaping Mexico" --------- Date: Friday, September 08, 2006 12:21 am From: Chiapas95-english Subj: En;Jornada,L.Hernandez Navarro:The Blockades,Sep 07 Mailing List: Chiapas95-En This message is forwarded to you by the editors of the Chiapas95 newslists. To contact the editors or to submit material for posting send to: . Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2006 19:17:43 -0500 (CDT) From: Chiapas 95 Moderators Blockades "Those that underestimate the popular opposition don't know what they are talking about" By Luis Herna'ndez Navarro La Jornada September 7, 2006 This report appears on the internet at http://www.narconews.com/Issue42/article2042.html A profound political crisis is shaking up the country. The rules that regulate the balance of power between elites have been violated. From above, there is no agreement or any possibility for one in the short term. The occupation of the lectern of the Palace of San La'zaro (the Chamber of Deputies, lower house of the Mexican Congress) by legislators from the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD in its Spanish initials) and the Labor Party (PT) in order to prevent President Fox from giving his speech this September 1 is one example. A severe crisis in the model of control pierces the relationships of domination in large regions of the Mexican national territory. People accustomed to obeying have refused to do so. People that think they are destined to rule have been unable to impose their command. Those from below have become disobedient. When those on the top want to impose their opinion from above, in the name of the law, they are ignored from below. This can be seen with Oaxaca, Chiapas, the miners of La'zaro Ca'rdenas, and the peasants of Atenco. The political crisis and the crisis in the model of control have joined hands. Taking advantage of this fight on the top, millions of people from below have shown their insubordination. They are not ready to accept any more impositions. So they slip through the gaps that are left open by the dispute up above. The country does not fit into the political regime. All the organizations that regulate the struggle for power, its exercise, and its values have been kidnapped by the powers that be. They have taken these organizations hostage. People that demand that the PRD choose between the rule of law and social mobilization are behaving like a thief who, upon being discovered, yells, "stop, thief!" They have been the first to impose extrajudicial force upon these institutions. What else could this be if not the famous Chapultepec Pact of Carlos Slim? Upon becoming the President of the Republic in 2000, Vicente Fox had the opportunity to undertake a profound reform of the state that would transform the old regime that society had clearly grown tired of by that time. He decided not to do so, instead taking advantage of the tools that allowed him discretionary use of presidential power. These were the tools that were used to intervene in the electoral process in favor of Felipe Caldero'n Hinojosa, the candidate of the National Action Party (PAN). These tools were the instruments that the businessmen organized in the Corporate Coordinating Council (CCE), that the oligarchy of the electronic media, corrupt union leaders like Elba Esther Gordillo, sectors of the Catholic Church hierarchy, and front groups of the Mexican far right used to participate illegally and illegitimately in the July 2 election on behalf of Caldero'n. People that try to make a scandal of the planto'n [encampment of Lopez Obrador supporters] on Reforma Avenue and of the occupation of the lectern at the Chamber of Deputies are the same people blocking the political representation of more than 15 million Mexicans who voted in the ballot boxes and of many millions more who did not vote because they have seen that any participation that is not subordinated to institutional politics has always been blocked off. It is they who obstruct the access of millions of Mexicans to the world of political affairs. It is they who have kidnapped the federal government, using its programs for partisan purposes. It is they who have prevented voices against the imposition [of Caldero'n as president] from being heard in the electronic media. In order to recover the institutions of political representation, there is no viable option besides confronting and corralling these powers with social mobilization. There is no other course of action than to drain the powerful of their authority by putting up blockades against its exercise. There is no other way forward than to prove, step by step, the illegitimacy of those that have assumed for themselves the power of governing. In this way, the actions such as the blockades of the streets or of the legislative stage that have been carried out by mobilized citizens are a response to the blockades of information and of political representation carried out from above. They are a response to a previous obstruction. Blockades have been an effective weapon of struggle in a wide range of Latin American countries. Confronted by the limitations of traditional forms of protest, such as the general strike, in countries where the informal economy has grown so large that formal employment is the exception, blockades permit the multitude to create political pressure. Their implementation impedes the movement of products and of the labor force. This causes loses for the business world. The Argentine piqueteros have successfully put blockades into practice. The Bolivian gas and water revolutions made them a central part of the strategy against the privatization of natural resources. Why should Mexico be an exception? The political crisis shaking this country will have an unfavorable resolution for the people if they withdraw to their homes or to the institutions. Now more than ever it is necessary to take to the streets in order to confront and corral the powers that be. Those that underestimate the popular opposition don't know what they are talking about. And if they don't know, let them take a walk through Oaxaca so they can have an idea of what awaits us. -- To subscribe to this list send a message containing the words subscribe chiapas95 (or chiapas95-lite, or chiapas95-english, or chiapas95-espanol) to majordomo@eco.utexas.edu. Previous messages are available from http://www.eco.utexas.edu/faculty/Cleaver/chiapas95.html or gopher to Texas, University of Texas at Austin, Department of Economics, Mailing Lists. --------- "RE: Blackfeet ruling clears way for Housing Lawsuits" --------- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2006 08:32:58 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="HUD HAS OBLIGATIONS" http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096413591 Blackfeet ruling clears way for lawsuits over tribal housing by: The Associated Press September 4, 2006 By Jennifer Byrd - Associated Press BROWNING, Mont. (AP) - Candice LaMott calls her house "poison." There's black mold under the sink, holes in the walls and a foundation made of chemically treated wood, conditions she believes are responsible for illness in her family and even her mother's death. "When she got this house, she just thought it was a mansion," LaMott said of her mother, from whom LaMott inherited the house. "She didn't care that the wood was going to kill her." LaMott is one of a number of low-income Blackfeet tribal members who sued the tribe's housing authority and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2002 to have their houses, which were built in the late 1970s, replaced. U.S. District Judge Sam Haddon dismissed both lawsuits in 2004. But a recent ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit of Appeals is giving the homeowners some hope. That panel reinstated the lawsuit against the tribal housing authority. The ruling is drawing attention throughout Indian country because of its reasoning. The 9th Circuit said the Blackfeet tribe waived any claim to sovereign immunity in the ordinance that created the tribal housing authority. Lawyers say identical language is present in the founding documents of most tribal housing authorities around the nation. "I think with this lawsuit, a lot of doors will open to Native Americans, " LaMott said. "No longer should we stay in this type of home. We do live in America, but it's just a whole different world right here." About 150 houses on the reservation were built in the 1970s with wooden foundations that were treated with arsenic and other toxic chemicals as preservatives. The plaintiffs allege that the use of the wood foundations caused their homes to deteriorate, and that the conditions of the homes have caused severe health problems, including asthma, kidney failure and respiratory problems. LaMott's mother, Dorothy, died of kidney failure about five years ago. The families purchased or leased the homes through the HUD Mutual Help Homeown-ership Opportunity Program, which was designed to address housing needs of low-income American Indian families. To be eligible for federal grants, the tribe had to form a housing authority charged with alleviating the shortage of "decent, safe and sanitary" housing. The plaintiffs claimed that HUD required the use of wood foundations over the objection of tribal members and that both HUD and the housing authority failed to live up to the program's obligations. Haddon dismissed the lawsuit against HUD, ruling he lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter. He dismissed the case against the tribal authority, ruling that it had sovereign immunity. A three-member panel of the appeals court, however, disagreed, saying the Blackfeet tribe waived its immunity in this case when it signed an ordinance creating the housing authority in the '70s. While LaMott and her neighbors are pleased with the court's decision, it is causing a buzz among American Indian legal experts who say it conflicts with decisions by other courts and could have unintentional consequences for all tribes. "It's a case that is decided in the right way, but for the wrong reasons, " said University of Montana law professor Raymond Cross. "There certainly is a sense on the court that they need to provide some remedy for these Indian homeowners, and that's certainly understandable. Yet the legal means by which they do it, I think, are going to create more problems than solutions in the long run." Cross said the ruling opens federal courts up to hearing cases that typically would be heard by tribal or state courts. And, he said, it opens tribal housing authorities to lawsuits from both tribal and non-tribal members. "I think the lower federal district courts are not going to thank the 9th Circuit for doing that," Cross said. Steve Doherty, the housing authority's attorney, is asking the full appeals court to rehear the matter. If the court refuses, an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court is likely, Cross said. The appeals court pointed to a clause in the ordinance, saying it was "a clear and unambiguous waiver of tribal immunity." Many Indian law attorneys who represent tribal housing authorities are concerned by that finding, said Richard Guest, a staff attorney with the Native American Rights Fund in Washington. "I would say the vast majority of housing authorities have that law on their books," Guest said. "It's that ordinance and that language that is the concern because that was boilerplate, it was standard. HUD required tribes to adopt that specific language or they wouldn't get federal funding." Jason Adams, executive director of the Salish and Kootenai Housing Authority on the Flathead Indian reservation, said he was disappointed the court essentially let HUD "off the hook" for any responsibility for the poor condition of the homes. "HUD had an obligation to assure that those families were getting decent safe and sanitary homes," Adams said. "Them being released of any liability, I think, is a travesty; that's just terrible." Susan Hammer, executive director of Ute Indian Tribal Housing Authority in Utah and a board member of the National American Indian Housing Council, also said HUD should be held responsible in the case. "HUD has a huge responsibility here and should have stood up with and for the tribe," Hammer said in a written statement. "During the times that these homes were built, every single decision had to be submitted and approved by HUD. The locations, the clients, the house plans, the environmental issues, all of that was controlled by HUD." Jane Goin, a HUD spokesman in Denver, declined comment because the case is pending. Attempts to reach Ray Wilson, executive director of Blackfeet Housing, for comment were unsuccessful. While the appeals court ruling was a small victory, LaMott and her neighbors know it is far from the end of the battle. Even if they get a jury or judge to agree the tribal authority needs to repair or replace their homes, there's the bigger question of who would pay for it - since most of the housing authority's funding comes from HUD. "It would be robbing Peter to help Paul because that money is marked for other housing needs," said Mary Ann Sutton, a Missoula attorney representing the plaintiffs. The real problem, Guest said, is that Congress simply is not putting enough money toward Indian housing needs. "In this day of huge deficits, one of many programs being cut is money to Indian housing," Guest said. "Money isn't being provided to remedy this kind of problem." But the appeals court ruling may be a small step toward rectifying the problems, Sutton said. "It gives the tribal members a measure of accountability which, in our position, should have always been that way," she said. As winter approaches, LaMott wishes the lawsuit would move along quicker so she could get a new home that doesn't have cracks in the walls and holes around the doors that let cold air in. She understands the legal process takes time, but frustration is setting in for her and her neighbors. They see new housing projects go up around the reservation for other residents and wonder why that money can't go to fixing or replacing their homes. But, LaMott said, she has no choice but to stay in the house she considers dangerous because she has no other options. "This is the way we live," LaMott said. "People need to know about this. We're just like foreigners in the United States. There's no way this type of housing would be allowed on the outside [of the reservation]." Copyright c. 2006 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Copyright c. 1998 - 2006 Indian Country Today. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Quechan Woman a judicial voice for Tribe" --------- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 11:02:16 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CHIEF JUDGE CLAUDETTE WHITE" http://sun.yumasun.com/artman/publish/articles/story_26500.php Quechan woman a judicial voice for tribe BY DARIN FENGER, SUN STAFF WRITER September 9, 2006 As a teen blessed with a quick mind and sharp tongue Claudette White loved to attend tribal council meetings, even if elders too often told her to "sit down" and called her "just a kid." White's faithful service to her people began back then, and it's certainly good for her and the Quechan Tribe that she held onto that passion to help. That's because White serves as a major leader these days, and people are now told to "please rise" when she comes into the room and the proper thing to call her is no longer kid, but "your honor." The 35-year-old Quechan woman says she always knew that she'd one day end up helping to make life better for the tribe in some way. She just never imagined that it would be as a chief judge, the Quechan Tribe's most powerful judicial official. "This is an awesome responsibility and at the same time, it's an awesome experience ... When you look at the issues you're dealing with and the weight of your decisions on people's everyday lives, it's pretty overwhelming. You're changing lives." As chief judge, White oversees everything from the tribe's Trial Court to the Supreme Court itself. The tribe's entire judicial system somewhat reflects the federal government's, as the tribe governs itself as a sovereign nation, and works and communicates with the U.S. as an equal, government to government. The professional pressures are great, but as White explains, the challenges don't stop at the last bang of the gavel. The sometimes- turbulent politics of the tribe can be worrisome, too, she said. "In our tribal politics, there is a lot of animosity toward particular people and a lot of attempts at recalls, plus there are smut letters in our community. That might be the opinion of a faction of people, but in the big picture you get good support." Then she smiles with satisfaction and just a bit of that trademark determination. "When I was sworn in, I knew I was going to put my money where my mouth is. If I really care about the people the way I say I do, then I'm going to subject myself to that, go through this and suffer that," White said. "I knew then that this is what I had to mentally and physically prepare myself for." But for as much as White might say her calling came as a surprise, hearing her life story almost makes a person think she was raised for the job. It turns out that service has always been a tradition within her family. White always joined her mom, Delores Brown, on making home health care visits, which let White get to know many of the tribe's elders. White said her commitment to social issues was also shaped by her father, Durman White, who died of a drug-induced heart attack caused by heroin and cocaine. Several uncles who served on the tribal council also helped pave her path toward tribal service. One uncle, Fritz Brown, even served as tribal president. But it was attending those tribal meetings way back when that really got her blood going. "I started looking deep into the issues and I took a stand on what I thought should happen and I would be vocal at meetings," White said. "I would tell people 'I'm a member just like you and I'm entitled to have my say.' " It turned out that telling her to stop only drove White to push even harder. "I don't listen very well." That fact opens up a huge aspect of White's personality, too. On top of all the seriousness, all the brains and the heart involved, White also possesses a warm personality and mischievous sense of humor, both traits that express themselves freely and openly, and certainly often, when talking to White. "I have a T-shirt that says 'Well-behaved women rarely make history.' I thought that was really cute! I've been accused of being a radical, an activist and stuff." In fact, one of her proudest moments in life came when she was kicked out of the U.S. Senate, where she was attending a hearing and felt that the American Indian opinion was being squelched. So she stood up and just started talking. "I felt good about what I had done. I gave a voice to people when they weren't provided one." White graduated from San Pasqual High School in 1989 and earned a degree in criminal science from Northern Arizona University. At age 27, she began getting involved with the tribal council again, but this time as a member. White served for two terms on the council. "I was supposedly the youngest member ever elected." That experience proved to be great training for her eventual role as judge. "I think the reception was good. Our tribe is matriarchal, too," White said, stressing her thanks to her own matriarchs for creating a good familial reputation from which she benefits. "There were times, though when people would treat me like I'm young. I had people who worked for the tribe call me mija and sweetie, which are kind of demeaning and minimize your role." White went on to work as a compliance officer for the tribal gaming office, then went to work for Paradise Casinos. She left there as the acting general manager. She attended law school at Arizona State University and graduated in 2005. In her limited spare time, White enjoys spending it with her son and other loved ones and making beaded jewelry, a traditional art that she learned from women in her family. On a more amusing note, White also likes reading true crime books. Her last one, a Mother's Day gift from a sister, was "Psycho Killers A to Z." The tribal council appointed her to a three-year term as chief judge in March. White says a major goal has been to increase court access to social programs for addiction and prevention. She also envisions creating a wellness court that would focus on treatment versus punishment, including the power to sentence an entire family to the program's services. White boasts many achievements for anyone, but especially for someone her age. "I'm hitting my golden years, according to the statistics! For our people, I'm considered middle-aged because the life expectancy for Native Americans is generally 55. "So how does it feel to know the majority of your life has already been lived? It's pretty scary. I'm doing things, thinking in the long term because I have a lot of goals for myself, and I'm wondering: 'When is all of that going to occur?' " White said she may serve another term as chief judge, if invited to do so. She's also interested in completing her master's degree in business, which she said will help her regardless of her future path. "My ultimate goal, though, is to serve in the U.S. Senate," she said, smiling some more. "I've actually already had people offer to run my campaign for me, based on activism I've done for other causes." The prospects for her reaching that goal seem pretty good, too, based on the fact that her track record points to White getting her goals. "I've pretty much set my goals and done what I've wanted to do, so far - other than to lose weight! There's just always something out there bigger than me that needs me - and I just want to help." Darin Fenger can be reached at dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860. Copyright c. 2006 Yuma Sun, Freedom Newspapers of Southwestern Arizona. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Pueblo Artists sue over removal from Committee" --------- Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2006 08:29:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="EXPULSION FROM PORTAL" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/48779.html Artists sue over vendor program By THE NEW MEXICAN September 6, 2006 Three American Indian artists are suing the state and three Museum of New Mexico officers for booting them off the Portal Vendors Association earlier this year.The association's former chairman, Glenn Paquin, a Laguna Pueblo jeweler; his son, Allen Bruce Paquin, a jeweler who lives at Jemez Pueblo; and Merton Sisneros, a Santa Clara Pueblo potter who was vice chairman of the association seek unspecified damages in the complaint filed last week in state District Court. Named as plaintiffs are state Cultural Affairs Secretary Stuart Ashman; Frances Levine, Palace of the Governors History Museum director; and Carlotta Boettcher, Native American Artisans Program coordinator. The complaint says although Indians are responsible for regulation of the portal, Levine suspended Glenn Paquin for 30 days in 2004, causing him to lose $6,000 in sales, on charges that were "unjustified, false and inaccurate." It says Ashman expelled the three men from the association Jan. 12. Copyright c. 2006, Santa Fe New Mexican, all rights reserved. --------- "RE: Clint John Family plans to sue City" --------- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 11:02:16 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="FAMILY OF NAVAJO KILLED BY COP PLAN SUIT " http://www.daily-times.com/news/ci_4304144 Clint John family plans to sue city By Nathan Gonzalez The Daily Times September 9, 2006 FARMINGTON - An attorney for a Kirtland man killed on June 10 by a Farmington police officer has taken steps to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Clint John, 21, died after being shot four times in the parking lot of the East Main Street Wal-Mart after he reportedly charged officer Shawn Scott with the officer's baton, according to a San Juan County Sheriff's Office report. But, Robert Duthie, an attorney representing John's family, said an independent investigation of the incident contradicts the report released by the sheriff's office. "Our private investigator interviewed other witnesses, as well as carefully looked at the Wal-Mart video and our investigation reveals a much different story," Duthie said. The private investigation determined that John did not have possession of the baton nor did he attack Scott with deadly force at the time of the shooting, Duthie said. Duthie gave notice of the family's intent to sue on Sept. 2, the day before hundreds of Native Americans held a memorial walk to commemorate victims of race-motivated violence. City Manager Bob Hudson and City Attorney Jay Burnham confirmed they had received the notice, referred to as a tort claim. "We were expecting it," Burnham said Thursday. Burnham declined to comment on specifics surrounding the John shooting but said the city stands by the sheriff's office investigation into the incident. Based on that investigation, the District Attorney's Office cleared Scott of any wrongdoing. "The city's stand is that the sheriff's office found no criminal violations against officer Scott," Burnham said, adding that the officer also did not violate any internal policies. "We are standing on that point," Burnham said. The tort claim names the sheriff's office, County Clerk Fran Hanhardt, Farmington Mayor Bill Standley, City Clerk Gina Morris, the Farmington Police Department and Scott, individually. Duthie filed the document on behalf of John's estate, his mother Della John, his girlfriend and their two young daughters, whose names are being withheld. According to the tort claim, city and county officials "were negligent in their investigation and evaluation by determining that said wrongful killing was justified." Scott responded to a 911 call June 10, stating that John was beating his girlfriend in the parking lot of the East Main Street Wal-Mart. According to deputies, one of their daughters was present during the beating. The tort claim alleges that Scott "assaulted Clint John and wrongfully killed" him. It continues to state that Scott committed assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest and misuse of process. "Officer Scott may have been acting with intentional malice when he caused the personal injury and wrongfully killed Clint John," the tort claim states. John's family also accuses the Farmington Police Department and sheriff's office of an "intentional cover-up of the actions/facts" surrounding the shooting. Duthie said he was unaware whether the pending lawsuit would be filed in state or federal District Court. "I think it's pretty likely a lawsuit will be filed," he said. "We are still evaluating and doing a private investigation of everything that has been done in the shooting." Under state law, a tort claim must be filed no later than 90 days following an incident. The deadline following the shooting is Sunday, Sept. 10. Burnham said the city will review the claim and determine whether any wrongdoing was committed on behalf of the city. If wrongdoing is found, the city could settle, he said. If a settlement is not proposed or is rejected, Burnham said a lawsuit would likely follow. The John family intends to seek an undisclosed amount for punitive and exemplary damages. Nathan Gonzalez: ngonzalez@daily-times.com Copyright c. 2006 Farmington Daily-Times. --------- "RE: Native Prisoner" --------- Date: Monday, September 11, 2006 08:11:51 From: Janet Smith [owlstar@bellsouth.net] Subj: NA News Item -- Clement Brown at San Quention http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/09/10/18307487.php Clement Brown at San Quention - the USOS by Francisco Da Costa Sunday Sep 10th, 2006 11:50 AM There are some great changes going on behind the wall. One of them is the model set up by Clement Brown a man well respected at San Quention. Uso means brother and learning to address one another "Uso" and respecting one another has brought about many changes that the Prison System could not attain all these years. Clement Brown has done it - bringing changes - one person at a time behind the wall at San Quentin. It is a shame that 1% of our general population in the Nation is incarcerated. This fact alone speaks about the sad state of affairs prevailing in our Nation. We have our priorities all screwed up. When we learn to define "Justice" and when we learn to be play fair - then perhaps we can say we are a Nation that is Free. Incarcerating people and mostly people of color is a trillion dollar business in this Nation. Go visit any SPCA where animals are cared for. Now, go visit the prison system where humans are incarcerated - many of them innocent. Others there because they cannot hire a lying lawyer or do not have the money to defend themselves. Many set up and others trapped in this so called " free " country. They did it to the Native Americans. Imagine folks that once owned the land living on Reservations. We have blood on our hands as long as one Native American is harmed and injustice meted out to them - today but more yesterday. It is fine for some to steal the land, destroy the culture - all that they may do as they please. It is fine to kill the Buffalo and polute the land. It is fine they think to destroy in the name of Greed and pay NOT the consequences. We have the living dead - because many that steal and destroy are spiritually bankrupt. the Hopis and others have spoken about the race that would bring harm more to themselves then those they harmed. Today, we see it in the White House. There are millions lingering in prisons - not all of them have committed major crimes. It is now becomming fashionable to send folks to prison and think that they will become better human beings. The truth is that once folks go to prision they come out worse. You cannot harm the mind, the soul, and the body - day in and day out and think all will be well. You cannot hate your fellow man and women in the prisons and exploit and think all will be well - no way? In a climate such as we have in prison there is one MAN making a difference and his name is Clement Brown known to those at San Quentin as Meke. He started by requesting folks to call one another brother. Call one another USO. He gathered the Polynesians and set up a model system where each one respects every one. There is a discipline in the model that the crowded and dysfunctional prison system could not bring about. Clement Brown has done what the prison system could not do in ages: http://www.franciscodacosta.com/articles/blossoms057.html For those of you that would like to see some more photographs from San Quention. Please visit Robert Greenleaf's site: http://www.robgreenleaf.com and scroll to San Quentin. Rudy Corpuz has been leading groups of youth to San Quentin so that the youth can see for themselves and make choices. The prison system today is caught up in the worst politics. Correction Officers making millions have a Treasure Chest to propagate corrupt. They bought Governor Davis and now want to corrupt the present candidates running for Governor. Billions of dollars are spent all over the Nation to incarcerate. The same could be spent on Health and Safety. On Education and caring for our Senior Citizens. On Technology and Energy and on many other projects to improve Quality of Life Issues. Francisco Da Costa Director Environmental Justice Advocacy --------- "RE: Rustywire: Shaa AlChin e'" --------- Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2006 08:10:07 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="RUSTYWIRE: SHAA ALCHIN E'" http://www.rustywire.com/grow/chine.html Shaa AlChin e' by Johnny Rustywire Shaa alchin e- means my children. It was a night unlike this one when I sat up after feeling the movement of something tiny and small moving against the wall of my wife's stomach it seemed like. We were young, and had no money, just two rez kids starting out in life, but the fleet soft flicker of life made me sit up in bed. My young wife, this Indian girl who took my hand sat against the headboard with her long hair streaming down. Her eyes twinkled at the feel of this child, my child moving around inside her. I reached out and touched her, she is a shy person and felt awkward that I was trying to feel the movement and we laughed a little at one another. It was a cold winter night, and we were alone together, no one but us. I felt like I had never been before, to know that this small tiny person growing was reaching out and letting us know he was there and making his presence known. I remember it well, this was not like any other night, this was our life growing. What will the future hold, where will we be, how will things be as he gets older. How can such a thing be, a miracle, this young life growing. I find myself this evening waiting to hear the sound of a baby's cry, a small voice sounding out that a new century, a new life has taken root. My children have grown, the eldest has a new daughter in the past few days and my only daughter is just now waiting to hear the sound of her own child making his way into the world. Where will they go and what will they be, I am not sure, but looking back I stand with my father, and his father and his father all the way to the time we began just like a small voice, a new born held by a woman, our mothers who took great pains to care for us from then to now. It begins again and though I have not seen him yet, I know a little about him. I live a little through him, though he has no name yet, but then he is one of my children, a part of myself. My daughter spoke with me a little while yesterday and said she needed some leather, some buckskin to make the cradleboard fit him. When he is placed in it, he will be surrounded by zig zag lightning from his feet to his head, which will be protected by a rainbow and shaded from the sun. The long boards come from a tree, not too far from where we have always lived. This young woman, my daughter now grown sat at the feet of her grandfather, I remember them talking and he told her the story of how the cradle board is made and how the child is wrapped, that from pain comes life, that in this a red sash belt is needed to hold on to, and that when all was done, that the child would be protected and blessed by the Twin Heros, that such is the way it has been and will always be. I can see him, my father as he took her small hands and showed her how it was done when she was just a child. Now she came to me and said tell me again how it is with such things. We talked a little bit and it was r epreated word for word just like she knew, but these are the things you do in times like this. My daughter is no longer a child, but will be mother on the morrow, and she will sing, and dance in the places of her mother, and know the places of her father. He does not have a name yet, but he carries the stories of his people, my wife's people and those of my own. The song of his cry will carry to the valley and to mountain top, it will not be loud but it will be voice of ages and lives lived in these places, we call it Dinetah, and her people say Nooravoop, it is about life, land, air, and all that goes with it, the past and future tied together. Tonight I can find no rest, I feel the earth and see the stars haven't changed their place, but yet I know I will go on from this day and so will continue on. How strange it is to know that for all the struggles, cares and woes that have come to us, we continue to survive, to go on and to hope for long summer days, cool water and to hear the laughter of children playing not too far off. So it goes with such things.... Copyright c. 1999, Johnny Rustywire, all rights reserved. --------- "RE: Del "Abe" Jones Poem: Running Wolf" --------- Date: Wednesday, May 11, 2005 9:15 PM From: Del "Abe" Jones [abeabe@att.net] Subj: Running Wolf The following poem is one of Abe's pieces published in the "KEEPERS OF THE FIRE" book by photographer Dominic Alessandra? -- Posted here with permission of the author. RUNNING WOLF (KEEPER OF THE MEDICINE FIRE) Restored in the eyes of the World Finally, as a Sovereign Nation With the Government of the U.S. They now have, a relation. The Son and Grandson of Chiefs Running Wolf says they fanned the Fire From old coals that died a little bit They rekindled, The Medicine Fire. He says, as Keeper of that Spirit Flame He preserves some of the Ceremony A Shadow of what was, in days long past Of their Ancient History. An Identity and a Heritage From hundreds of years ago Trying to Teach the Younger Ones The things they need to know. The hardest is the Spirituality Buried `neath the malls and the blacktop As the Spirit, Mother Earth, and Four Winds Ask when, it will ever stop? He says, "It is in the Heart And in the Dream and Mind." "Two canoes in the stream" of Life. Each one being, a different kind. One is Modern and of History One identifies the Heritage Each one tells a different story And each one shows a different page. From quiet Brook into the Stream And the plunge into the raging River The cycle stopped, as human greed Replaced forever, that Natural Giver. He says, the "modern" in him sees What was really happening With wonder, of the sense of Loss To each and every Human Being. "That's why we wear buckskin and feathers" "Why we have our Ceremonies" "So at certain times we remember Dreams That were at one time our Realities." --------- "RE: Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days" --------- Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 11:17:26 -1000 From: Debbie Sanders Subj: Hawaiian Book of Days A HAWAI`I BOOK OF DAYS, week of September 11-17 September was the time when the plume of the sugar-cane began to open. KEPAKEMAPA September Mahoe Hope 11 You can see your true self reflected in a still pond. 12 Solitude feeds the spirit. 13 Look to the lessons of the past to solve the challenges of the present. 14 It is in the secluded valleys that the rarest of treasures are found. 15 See the dance of the rain upon the leaves; hear the laughter of the waves upon the shore. 16 Be like the mountain stream -- if something blocks your path, flow around it. 17 In this world, there is time enough for all things. (c) Copyright 1991 by D. F. Sander Me ke aloha i ka nani, ... Moe'uhanekeanuenue (With love and beauty, ... Rainbow Dream) --------- "RE: Upcoming Events" --------- Date: Mon August 28, 2006 14:29:44 -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. =================================== Euharlee Fourth Annual Veteran's Pow Wow Downtown Euharlee, West of Cartersville, GA October 21st & 22nd, 2006 - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Grand Entry - Noon both days Free Admission - Public Invited Bring your family, come spend the day with us No Drugs - No Alcohol - No Bad Attitudes Host Drum - Arakoma Lightning Guest Drum - Redemption Head Man - Jerry "Smitty" Smith Head Lady - Ellen Rasco MC - Gary Smith AD - Keith Smith Intertribal Dancing Drums - Storytellers Flute players Arts & Crafts Native Foods Demonstrations All Dancers Welcome! All Drums Welcome! All Veterans Invited A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO ALL VETERANS - POLICE - FIRE - EMS Vendors by Invitation Only =================================== Date: 2006/04/17 Mon PM 05:41:21 EDT From: "John D. Berry" Subj: FW: Symposium 2007 - Preserving Aboriginal Heritage: Technical Mailing List: NetRez-L FYI Hello: I am pleased to send you the Announcement and Call for Contributions for this upcoming conference organized by the Canadian Conservation Institute Symposium 2007 - Preserving Aboriginal Heritage: Technical and Traditional Approaches. ANNOUNCEMENT The Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) is pleased to announce that Symposium 2007 Preserving Aboriginal Heritage: Technical and Traditional Approaches will take place in Ottawa on September 24-28, 2007. This international conference will provide an opportunity for Aboriginal people (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) and conservation specialists to learn from one another - in an atmosphere of mutual respect - about traditional, technical, ethical, and intangible aspects of the conservation of Aboriginal material culture. An Advisory Committee comprising members of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities across Canada is providing input and guidance to the CCI organizing committee. Symposium 2007 will be a unique venue for sharing concerns and approaches and for discussing state-of-the-art preservation practices. People from a variety of backgrounds and experiences will present their knowledge and expertise. With an eye to the future, exchanges will also focus on best practices for collaboration and on ways to enhance the capacity of both the Aboriginal and the museum communities to care for Aboriginal cultural objects. OUTLINE OF PROGRAM The diverse program will include ceremonies respectful of Aboriginal traditions; oral presentations and papers (including case studies and reports on best practices); panel discussions; small discussion groups; tours of museums and conservation laboratories; hands-on demonstrations; a poster presentation session; and a trade fair. An optional fifth day will offer concurrent workshops on the care and preservation of different types of objects, preventive conservation, and traditional crafts and technologies. A day trip to an Aboriginal cultural centre is also being planned. The main sessions will take place at Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and will be presented in English or French with simultaneous translation. CONTRIBUTORS AND PARTICIPANTS Symposium 2007 incorporates and welcomes multiple perspectives, including international viewpoints. Potential contributors and participants include Aboriginal individuals involved with heritage objects, staff and volunteers working in Aboriginal community cultural centres, Elders and Aboriginal community leaders, community- based and institutional researchers, academics and students, museum and archival conservation specialists, private practitioners in conservation, museum collection managers, and museum directors. CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS We invite contributions such as oral presentations, technical papers (oral presentations accompanied by an article to be published in the Symposium Postprints), posters, hands-on demonstrations, short practical workshops or courses on the following themes: * Mutual Learning, Respect, and Ethics * Working Together * Technical and Traditional Approaches * Long-term Impact Submissions should include a title, 500-word summary, and the type of contribution being proposed, along with the author's name, address, and a 1-paragraph biography. Deadline for submissions is January 15, 2007. We look forward to a rich and exciting Symposium, and in sharing these five days with you! Registration will begin in March 2007. For more information on the Symposium, including details on its major themes, and for Guidelines on preparing a submission, visit the CCI Web site at: http://www.cci-icc.gc.ca/symposium/callforcontributors_e.aspx . Information on the Symposium is also available by contacting: symposium_2007@pch.gc.ca . Further details on the Program or Call for Contributions can be obtained from: Carole Dignard, Program Chair, Canadian Conservation Institute, 1030 Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0M5, Canada; Tel.: (613) 998-3721 ext. 151; e-mail: carole_dignard@pch.gc.ca . "Worried about our future? Do not fear. Look into the eyes of our children." John D. Berry, NAS Librarian, UC Berkeley American Indian Library Association - Listserv Manager American Library Association - Councilor at Large, 2001-2004 =================================== Anderson's Web Updated August 14, 2006 http://andersons-web.com/native_events.htm This page has been designed to help you find Native American Events. We post information on Pow-Wows, Festivals, Rodeos, Art & Craft Shows, Seminars and any other type of gathering that represents the Native American Culture. September 16 - 17, 2006: Dragging Canoe, Doublehead Memorial Pow Wow Columbia, Tennessee (Just south of Nashville) For more information contact Linda at: 31-380-1982 or Soco at 865-717-3796. You can e-mail: sococody@aol.com October 7, 2006: 1st Annual Keetoowah Cherokee Pow Wow at the Keetoowah Celebration Ground in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. For more information call 918-458-4714 or fax 918-458-1097. Vendor registration is 918-456-6533. October 7 - 8, 2006: 32nd Annual Intertribal Pow Wow by American Indian Pow Wow Association. Thomas Square Park South Beretania Street & Ward Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. For more information contact Daniel at: 808-734-5171 or send an e-mail to: Nativewinds1152@aol.com Check this one out on the web at: http://geocities.com/oahupowwow/ This one has lots of special people coming and with special rates between the islands right now would make a wonder vacation for any of us. October 9, 2006: 7th Annual Native Flute and Storytelling Concert by the American Indian Pow Wow Association, Center for Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawaii, and Native Winds Gift Gallery & Craft Supply. This concert will be held at the Center for Hawaiian Studies, University of Hawaii - Manoa Campus 2645 Dole Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. What a way to follow a weekend pow wow while waiting for the powwow wow the next weekend all in such a wonderful part of the world. Plan your vacation now! October 13 - 15, 2006: Kauai Intertribal Pow Wow by the Kauai Pow Wow Council at Kapa's Beach Park Kapa'a, Kauai, Hawaii. For more information contact Dale at: 808-828-1294 or send e-mail to: kauaipowwow@yahoo.com Check this web site out at: http://www.kauaipowwow.com Wow! Two great dances and a concert in a week all in a great paradise. Check this out and see if you can make it for a wonderful Native Vacation. October 21 - 22, 2006: Euharlee 4th Annual Pow Wow in downtown Euharlee, Georgia. This is West of Cartersville. For more information e-mail: piercejp@mindspring.com June 1 - 3, 2007: Nawihla Native American Festival and Pow Wow. Community Field Woodsville New Hampshire. For more information contact Nancy Lyons 802-234-4095 e-mail at: chieflyons@adelphia.net See this on the web at: http://www.cowasuckabenaki.org 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 home. =================================== Crazy Crow Trading Post Updated August 14, 2006 NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN POWWOW CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2006 September 15-17, 2006: Gathering of the People Location: Big Bend (Near Foster Bar) Agness, Oregon 97406 Event Detail: Thirteenth annual Agness-Illahe "Gathering of the People" This year's Gathering will be held at Big Bend, near Agness, Ore. September 15th thru the 17th. Native canoe races will be held Sunday morning. Free to public, no alcohol or drugs. Free camping and potluck on Saturday. All is welcome. Contact: Belva Bell 541-439-4285, email: belvabell@hotmail.com September 15-17, 2006: Gathering of Veteran's Friendship Pow Wow Location: Seven Circles Heritage Center 8817 W. Southport Rd. Edwards, IL 61528 Event Detail: This event is a contest pow wow and rendezvous. Special honored guest is WW II Navajo code talker, Thomas Begay. Contact: Butch McCamy 309-637-1046, email: walkhawk2@ntslink.net, webaddress: 7circlesheritage.org September 15-17 2006: Lenape coming home native gathering Powwow Location: Blair field East Penn Street Huntingdon, Pa 16652 Contact: Many Weasels 814-506-1217, email: manyweasels@xtechmail.com, webaddress: Lenapecominghome.com September 15-17, 2006: 3rd annual "Celebration of the Future" Pow Wow Location: 4-H Fairgrounds, End of East Washington Street Sullivan, Indiana 47882 Event Detail: The Sullivan County American Indian Council proudly presents its 3rd "Celebration of the Future" Pow Wow. Active in community activities and area schools, the inter-tribal Council works all year to promote a true understanding of Native American culture. Fri., Sept. 15th is "Education Day" for area schools. Host Drum - Twigh Twee Singers, Co-host Drum - Buffalo Thunder, Arena Director - Dave Shananaquet, Head Man Dancer - "Tank" Johnson, Head Lady Dancer - Punkin Shananaquet, Head Veteran Dancer - George Martin. Performing both Sat. & Sun., nationally-known Native American singer, Michael Jacobs. All dancers & drums welcome. Come visit the fastest-growing Pow Wow in the "Illiana" (west central Indiana) area!! Contact: Reg Petoskey 812-268-0158, email: S_C_A_I_C@yahoo.com September 16, 2006: Texas Indian Hobbyist Association Fall Powwow Location: Galloway Hammond Recreation Center, 1601 S Water St. Burnet, Texas 78611 Event Detail: Traders contact: 956-682-5775 RV's contact: 512-756-6180 Tent sites available. Contact: David Eckerman 936-653-3116, tihasmokesignals@yahoo.com, email: davideckerman@eastex.net September 16-17, 2006: Dragging Canoe, Doublehead Memorial Pow Wow Location: Columbia, TN Event Detail: Featured Musical Artist and Speaker - John Trudell Host Drum: Iron Necklace Guest Drum: Redemption Featured Artists: General Grant (Cherokee/Lakota) Andrew Hunter (Meherrin)Mama Nix (Wolf Clan Cherokee)Soco Cody (Wolf Clan Cherokee) Wild Horse Trading Company (owner - Linda West) MC - Dennis Banks (relief MC - Gary Smith) AD - Bryan Halfday Head Man - Harry Dakota Head Lady - Shea Keck Head Vet Luther Nix Spiritual Director delivering eulogy - Dave Tetoste (Cherokee) Gates open at 9 a.m. Grand Entry at noon each day. Daily pay for dancers. All drums and dancers welcome. Nightly feeds for drums, dancers & vendors. Primitive camping with water, porta-a-johns and electricity, Vendor Contact: Linda at (931) 380-1982 or Soco at (865) 717-3796, or e-mail sococody@aol.com. Call for directions or vendor information. Contact: Soco Cody 865-717-3796, email: sococody@aol.com September 16-17, 2006: Bluff City Pow Wow Location: Rockport City Park Main St. Rockport, IN 47635 Event Detail: Gates open at 11am, Grand entry 12pm both days Free camping. All drums and dancers welcome.NO guns, alcohol, or drugs, and no pets. This is a family event. $5.00 12 and older. Contact: Jeanne Bruce (812)897-1897, e-mail: kay_b10@yahoo.com September 16-17, 2006: Paw Paw Moon Festival Powwow Location: 930 South Tecumseh Rd. George Rogers Clark Park Springfield, OH 45505 Event Detail: Traditional powwow. Gates open at 11:00 both Sat and Sun. Admission $4.00 Adults: $3.00 over 12 and over 65. Primitive camping for participants. ALL DRUMS, DANCERS AND PUBLIC WLECOME. Rain or shine. Contact: Phyllis Davis 419-238-0197, e-mail padavis39@earthlink.net September 22-24, 2006: Spirit People of America, Inc. Presents Pow wow on the Beautiful J.B. Starkey Ranch. Location: SR 54 Odessa, Florida 33785 Event Detail: Friday kids day, free hot dog and chips for all kids from 10AM to 4PM. Mc: Chante Ishta of WMNF 88.5FM. Educational village with tee pees plus much more. Vender Info 813-546-4958. all other info Waterbird at: 727-773-2161. All drums welcome. Dancers and drums primitive camping and 2 meals a day. Parking fee of $3.00. Easy access from I-75 and US 19. Contact: Sue 813-546-4958, email: spirit_wonders@yahoo.com, September 22-24, 2006: 16th Annual Morongo Band of Mission Indians Pow Wow Location: Morongo Casino Resort & Spa 49500 Seminole Drive Cabazon, California 92230 Event Detail: Competition pow wow with more than $260,000 in prize money. Admission is free. 48 DANCE CATEGORIES including Senior Golden Age: 70 & up Golden Age: 55 - 69; Senior Adult: 35 - 54; Junior Adult: 18 - 34. $1,200 - $1,000 - $800 - $600 - $400 - $200. Teen: 13 - 17. $500 - $400 - $300 - $200 - $100. Junior Teen: 6 - 12. $250 - $200 - $150 - $100 - $50; Tiny Tots: 5 & younger. Northern Traditional, Grass Dance, Northern & Southern Fancy, Chicken Dance, and Southern Straight. Jingle Dress, Fancy Shawl, Northern Stationary Style, Southern Buckskin and Cloth and Northern Walk Around Style. SPECIALS: $500 - $400 - $300 - $200 - $100. DRUM SINGING CONTEST includes Northern, Southern and Northern Straight categories. 1st Place - $10,000; 2nd Place - $7,000; 3rd Place - $5,000; 4th Place - $4,000; 5th Place - $3,000; 6th Place - $2,000. Drum Split - $3,000. HEAD STAFF - Northern Host Drum: Native Thunder; Southern Host Drum: Thunder Hill; Emcee: Russell Standing Rock; Northern Drum Coordinator: Jim Red Eagle; Southern Drum Coordinator: Spud Brown; Head Gourd Dancer: Larry Brown. Head Man Dancer: Norman Largo; Head Woman Dancer: Charlene Cozad. Head Young Man: Joe Allen; Head Young Woman: Alyssa Woody; Northern Dance Judges: JR LaPlante and Tawny Hales. Southern Dance Judges: Vernon Harragarra and Rebecca Brady. Gates open: Friday @ 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday @ 10:00 a.m., Grand Entry: Friday @ 8:00 p.m.; Saturday @ 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; Sunday @ 1:00 p.m. Gourd Dancing: Friday @ 5:30 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday @ 11:00 p.m., Bird Singing: Friday & Saturday @ 5:00 p.m. Peon Games: Saturday @ dusk.Vendor space is limited. Not responsible for theft, loss, accident, injury or personal expenses. Absolutely no alcohol or drugs allowed. The pow wow grounds are next to Morongo Casino Resort & Spa located at 49500 Seminole Drive in Cabazon California. For directions or more information visit us online at http://www.morongocasinoresort. Contact: Kimberly White 800-252-4499, email: powwow@morongo.com, September 23-24, 2006: Intertribal Pow Wow Location: Indian Plaza 1475 Mohawk Trail Charlemont, MA 01339 Event Detail: Free camping for dancers, musicians, and vendors. Vendors please call for booth fee information. Contact: Harold 413-339-4096, email: alikandra@yahoo.com, webaddress: www.indianplazagifts.com September 23-24, 2006: Chak Hah Chee Contest Pow Wow Location: n.a. Winneshiek Lane Nekoosa, WI 54457 Event Detail: Saturday grand entries at 1pm & 7pm, Sunday grand entry at noon. Registration opens at 10am and closes at 3pm. Native vendors welcome, email chakhahchee@hotmail.com for a vendor application. Additional contact: Jeff Harrison (715-421-4728 after 5pm. Golden Age (55+), Adult (18-54), Teens (13-17), Juniors (6-12), Tiny Tots- day monies, Singing contest. Over $25,000.00 in cash prizes! Contact: Darren Brinegar 715-423-1059, email: chakhahchee@hotmail.com September 23-24 2006: Crying Eagle Village Location: 3000 McCartney RD. (Rt. 422) Youngstown, Ohio 44505 Event Detail: This is Crying Eagle Village second annual intertribal gathering. Grand Entry is 12:00 noon both days. Host Drum..Thunder Nation, Guest Drum..Wolf Creek Singers, All drums and dancers welcome, Emcee...Danny Two Eagle, Head Male Dancer...Seeker Roberts, Head Female Dancer...One Eagle Women, Head Veteran...Paul Hawkwind, Arena Director...Logan Steel, Sound and recordings produced by TKMJ Productions. There are still vendor spaces available, Contact twospirit for more information. This is a drug and alcohol free event. Absolutely no politics, or sales of pipes permitted. Contact: Twospirit 330-782-8289, email: twospirit00@yahoo.com, webaddress: cryingeaglevillage1@yahoo.com September 23-24, 2006: Circle of Wisdom/Metis Gathering Powwow Location: Chase Farm, Breakneck Hill Road Lincoln, Rhode Island 02865 Event Detail: Drums and Dancers Welcome Vendors send me an email and I will send you a contract. Contact: Joyce Gauvin 401-480-9854 email: jgauvin122@aol.com www.circleofwisdom.orgEvent Website September 23-24, 2006: 7th Annual Trasns-Pecos American Indian Inter-Tribal Powwow Location: Odessa College Sports Center, 201 w. University Odessa, Texas 79761 Event Detail: Admission is Only $1.00 to the Public! Asking for Canned Food Donations: 2 Cans Adults - 1 Can Children & Elders All Food Donations to benefit the West Texas Food Bank! Contact: James Silvester 432-770-2610, e-mail: silvesjw@aol. webaddress: http://transpecosamericanindianassn.com/powwow.html September 23-24, 2006: C.O.T.R.A.I.C. INC. 28TH Annual Powwow Location: Dorseyville, 120 Charles Street Dorseyville, PA 15238 Event Detail: powwow goes on rain or shine. $5.00 adults, $3.00 elders and children under 12. There will be singing & drumming,dancing, arts & crafts and native foods. Contact: lisa Morales 412-782-4458, e-mail: powwowies@hotmail.com September 23-24, 2006: 3rd Annual Okehocking Preserve PowWwow Location: Route 926 and Route 3 5316 West Chester Pike Newtown Square, PA 19355 Contact: Mary McLoughlin 610-640-1669, email: mhm@willistown.pa.us, webaddress: www.willistown.pa.us September 23-25, 2006: 4th Annual White Buffalo Pow Wow Location: Tupelo Buffalo Park 2272 N. Coley Rd. Tupelo, MS 38803-2530 Event Detail: $5000.00 to be given away in Luck of the Draw Prize money. Tupelo Buffalo has lots of buffalo to see. There is also a white Buffalo. Friday will be school day. Lots of kids. All dancers, gourd dancers, drums, princess welcome. Public welcome . All tee pees welcome. Contact: Rita Colston 901-876-5344, email: Redwolfr@aol.com September 29-30, & October 1, 2006: Annual Fall Intertribal Fellowship Pow Wow Location: Paris Landing State Park 16055 Hwy 79 N Buchanan, TN 38222 Event Detail: Please Check the Web page for more information. Contact: Way Pressler 931-624-8392, email: Naic@Charter.net, webaddress: http://n.a.i.c.tripod.com/Event Website September 30, 2006: West Valley College 18th Annual Powwow Location: West Valley College, Saratoga, California 1400 Fruitivale Ave. Saratoga, California 95070 Event Detail: Head Staff: Headman:J. McCloud, Wintu, Headlady:Lucha Diaz, Turtle Mountain Chippewa MC:Tom Phillips, Kiowa, Host Drum:Red Sky (Northern)& Southern Express (Southern) [Contest Powwow] Contest Info. This is a Contest Powwow-All ages! Others:Powwow Org. Name: West Valley College, Ca. Arena Dir. Denny Stanley, Dine Additional Info. The West Valley College 19th Annual Powwow is Sat., Sept. 30th, 2006 from Noon to Midnight. This is a friendly, family-style powwow in beautiful Saratoga (near San Jose & Los Gatos). All Drums & dancers are welcome! Admission is Free Grand Entry benefit the Donald M. Johnson Native American Schalarship for West Valley-Mission District students. Vendors are encouraged to contact; George Mageles @ (408)941-2612 or by email:george_mageles@westvalley.edu Contact: Michelle Reed at Social Sciences Building (408)741-4029, email: michelle_reed@westvalley.edu, webaddress: http://www.westvalleypowwow.org September 30, 2006: 3rd Annual Memorial Gourd Dance Powwow Location: Blue Spring Heritage Center Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72631 Event Detail: The Ancestors Memorial Gourd Dance will be held at the Cherokee Blue Spring in Eureka Springs Arkansas on September 30th, 2006. It will be a one day Memorial Gourd Dance, with a traditional meal served at noon for all the Gourd Dancers, Staff, Singers and Drum. The dance will be held at the Blue Spring Heritage Center. The Cherokee Red Star Intertribal Gourd Dance Society of Blue Spring will be the Host Gourd. Arrangements have been made for a 10 percent room discount if you call the Comfort Inn in Eureka Springs directly and ask for the Red Star Ancestor's Dance discount when you book your room. The Comfort Inn is located at 196 E. Van Buren Eureka Springs, Arkansas Contact: Blue Spring Heritage Center 479-253-9244, email: info@bluespringheritage.com, webaddress: www.redstargourd.com September 30-October 1, 2006: THEY WALKED HERE BEFORE US: A Woodland Indian Celebration Location: Buttonwood Park River Road/State Route 65 - 1 mile(s) West of Fort Meigs State Memorial Park. Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 Event Detail: 4TH Annual Gathering. TIMES: Gates Open both days at 9:00 a.m. Concerts both days as early as 10:00 a.m. (schedule may change). Grand Entry both days at 12:00 noon. Closes Saturday at Dusk & Sunday at 5:30 p.m. NEW: Arvel Bird (Shivwit Paiute) of Nashville, TN Multiple Award Winning Native American Violinist/Fiddler. Buffalo Dance Demonstration. TomaHawk Throwing. OTHER: Douglas Blue Feather (Cherokee) Multiple Award Wining Native American Flutist. Childrens' Tent with Native American Arts & Crafts. Wildlife Tent with American Birds of Prey (schedule depends on the Birds). Living History Traditional Woodland Indian Village with Lacrosse-Double Ball Field, Flintknapping, Bow & Atl Atl Demos VENDORS:Invitation Only - contact The Foundation. DRUMS:Invitation Only - contact The Foundation. ADMISSION:Adults = $5.00, Seniors 60 and over = $2.00, Children 6-11 = $2.00, Children 5 and under = Free NO PETS, NO ALCOHOL, NO DRUGS, NO FIREARMS, NO INDIAN POLITICS & NO INDIAN POLICING. Contact: Jamie Oxendine & Brian Dreier 419-381-7042 & 419-698-6875 perrysburgpowwow@hotmail.com, Black Swamp InterTribal Foundation @ 419-381-7042, Wood County Park District @ 419-383-1897, SouthEastern WaterSpider Drum @ 419-698-9575 Honey Baked Foods, Inc. 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. ========================================================================== Aboriginal Multi-Media Society Updated August 14, 2006 Aboriginal Community Events Listing http://www.ammsa.com/ammsaevents.html AUGUST 2006 August 31 - Sept 4, 2006 Spokane Tribe 93rd Annual Labour Day Pow Wow Wellpinit, Washington Info : (509) 458 - 6500 September 2006 September 15 - 17, 2006 22nd Great Mohican Indian Pow Wow Mohican Reservation Camp & Festival Grounds Loudonville, Ohio Info: Chris Snively (800) 766 - 2267 Sept 15 - 17, 2006 11th Annual Autumn Gathering Traditional Pow Wow Veteran's Memorial Park, County Hwy, Genoa City, Wisconsin Info : (815) 675 - 2380 Sept 16 - 17, 2006 Curve Lake Traditional Pow Wow Pow Wow Grounds, Lancewood Park Curve Lake First Nations, Ontario Info : (705) 657 - 8045 Sept 22 - 24, 2006 4th Annual White Buffalo Pow Wow Tupelo, Mississippi Info (901) 876 - 5344 Sept 22 - 24, 2006 34th Annual National Indian Days Celebration & Pow Wow White Swan, Washington Info : (509) 949 - 5647 Sept 23 - 24, 2006 "All Together - Tous Ensemble" Urban Aboriginal Cultural Festival Traditional Pow Wow Cabot Square, Montreal Quebec Info : (514) 934 - 2280 Sept 23 - 24, 2006 28th Annual Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center Pow Wow Dorseyville, Pennsylvania Info : (412) 782 - 4458 Sept 23 - 24, 2006 Tamakwa Aboriginal Gathering Field n Forest Recreation Area, Rt. 137 Hancock, New Hampshire Info : (603) 525 - 3568 Sept 23 - 24, 2006 25th Annual Mt. Juliet Pow Wow / Don Yahola Memorial 15 minutes East of Nashville. Mt. Juliet, Tennesee Info : (615) 443 - 1537 September 25 - 27, 2006 The 7th World Indigenous Women & Wellness Conference Vancouver, British Columbia Info: Heather Grant - (604) 822 - 7524 Sept 25 - 29, 2006 West Coast Pow Wow Cruise 231 Winsor Way, Long Beach, California Info : (877) 369 - 2232 Sept 26, Nov 28,2006 Nehiyawewin (Cree) Conversational Weekly Language Circles (10 sessions) Room 104, First Nations University of Canada Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Info: (306) 966 - 5539 This is a non-competition pow wow. Info., (808) 885-5569 or (808) 938-5080 or E-mail: puniwai@verizon.net September 28-30, 2006 7th World Indigenous Women & Wellness Conference Vancouver, BC Phone: 604-822-7524 Email: ipad@interchange.ubc.ca Website: www.interprofessional.ubc.ca ========================================================================== Whispering Winds Updated August 14, 2006 http://www.whisperingwind.com/ A Magazine of American Indian Crafts*Material Culture*Powwow SEPTEMBER 2006 * 15-17 Falling Leaves Friendship Powwow. Noxen Fire Company grounds, Noxen, PA. Info: (570) 417-6028 or windhawks_daughter@hotmail.com * 15-16 Eagle Mountain Intertribal Annual Powwow. Four Winds park, Springtown, TX. Info: (817) 444-2770; toamqt@aol.com * 15-17 11th Annual Autumn Gathering Traditional Powwow. Veteran Park, Genoa City, WI. Info: (815)-675-2380 or E-mail Harms05@netzero.com or Vickibos@ameritech.net * 15-17 Spirit of the Wolf Inter-tribal Celebration. Appalchian Fair grounds, Gray,TN. Info: (423) 384-9909. * 15-17 3rd Annual "Celebration of the Future" Pow Wow, 4-H Fairgrounds, Sullivan, IN, sponsored by Sullivan County American Indian Council. Information, call (812) 268-0158 or s_c_a_i_c@yahoo.com * 16 15th Annual Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow. Metropolitan Community College, Fort Omaha Campus, Omaha, NE. Info: 800-228-9553 ext 2253 or 402.457.2253 bvelazquez@mccneb.edu * 16 Texas Indian Hobbyist Association Fall Powwow . Galloway Hammond Recreation Center, Burnet, TX. Info: (936) 653-3116, Traders (956) 682-5775 or tihasmokesignals@yahoo.com * 16-17 The Old Stone House Powwow. Old Stone House, Butler County, PA. Info: (724) 738-2408. * 16-17 Dragging Canoe, Doublehead Memorial Powwow. Columbia, TN. Info: (931) 380-1982 or sococody@aol.com * 22-24 Spirit People of America presents Pow Wow on the Beautiful J.B.Starkey Ranch State Road 54 Odessa, Florida. Vender info 813-546-4958. All other questions Waterbird 727-773-2161. * 23-24 13th Annual Hart of the West Intertribal Powwow. William S. Hart Park & Museum, Newhall, CA Info: (661) 255-9295 rayandlina@sbcglobal.net * 23-24 7th Annual Trans-Pecos American Indian Intertribal Powwow. Odessa College Sports Center, Odessa, TX. Info: (432) 770-2610 or silvesjw@aol.com * 23-24 28th annual Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center Inc. Powwow. Dorseyville,PA. Info: 412-782-4458 or E-mail: powwowies@hotmail.com * 30 The Ancestors Memorial Gourd Dance. Cherokee Blue Spring, Eureka Springs, Ark. Info: www.redstargourd.com * 30 - Oct 1 The Council Oak Powwow. Dighton Town Hall, Rte 138, Dighton, MA. Info: Don Silva 508-880-6887 or manidoogekek@comcast.net 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 =================================== First Perspective Updated August 14, 2006 Canada's #1 Source for Aboriginal Information, News and Analysis http://www.firstperspective.ca/fp_combo_template.php?path=powwows September 19-17, 2006 Dragging Canoe, Doublehead Memorial Pow Wow Columbia, TN Call Linda (931) 380-1982 or Scott (865) 717-3796 Email sococody@aol.com September 21-24, 2006 5th Annual Bear Clan Gathering St. Norbert, Manitoba Call Mike Calder (204) 269-3430 Email briankoshul@shaw.ca September 22, 2006 First Nations University of Canada Saskatoon Campus 2006 Pow-Wow Saskatoon, SK Call (306) 931-1800 September 2006 Curve Lake Pow Wow Whetung Ojibwa IR, Ontario October 6-8, 2006 Thanksgiving Indoor Powwow Prince Alberta, SK October 27-29, 2006 FSIN Pow Wow 2006 Saskatoon, SK Call Karen Morin: (306) 665-1215 November 3 - 5, 2006 Hunting Moon Pow Wow Milwaukee, Wisconsin Call (414) 847-7320 or 1-800-PAYSBIG ext 7320 Email lknaack@paysbig.com Website www.paysbig.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------- --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//- 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, Chiapas95, Daniel A. Feder, Debbie Sanders, John D. Berry, Del "Abe" Jones, Lee Goins --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//- _ __ __ _ / | / /___ _/ /_(_) __ __ / |/ / __ \ __/ / | / / _ \ / /| / /_/ / /_/ /| |/ / __/ /_/ |_/\__,_/\__/_/ |___/\___/ ______ _ / ____/____ ___ __________(_)___ ____ _____ / / / ___/ __ \/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ \/ ___/ / /___/ / / /_/ /__ /__ / / / / / /_/ /__ / \____/_/ \____/____/____/_/_/ /_/\__, /____/ Volume 14, Issue 037 /____/ September 16, 2006 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: Crossings" --------- Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 08:51:20 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CROSSINGS" September 5, 2006 Christine Locklear Lumberton Christine Locklear, 68, of 1221 Lowery St., died Sept. 1, 2006, at Southeastern Regional Medical Center. The funeral will be 2 p.m. today at Liberty Holiness Church in Lumberton, the Revs. Eugene Scott, Kenneth Locklear and Tim Holden officiating. Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dixon and Ruth McNeill; a son, Terry L. Locklear; and a sister, Patricia Ann Oxendine. Surviving are her husband, Leon Locklear of the home; a son, Anthony Locklear and his wife, Lora, of Lumberton; two daughters, Treva Waddell and her husband, Ronnie, and Gwendolyn Byrd, both of Lumberton; a sister, Mozelle Britt and her husband, Ray, of Lumberton; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Floyd Mortuary and Crematory in Lumberton Vicky Sue Locklear Fayetteville Vicky Sue Locklear, 45, of 171 Snowhill Church Road, died Sept. 1, 2006, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. The funeral will be 3 p.m. Tuesday at Burnt Swamp Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Surviving are her husband, James Avery Locklear of the home; a son, Joshua James Locklear of the home; a daughter, Tonya Christine Bullard of Raeford; her mother, Gladys Bray Locklear of Parkton; two sisters, Micky V. Locklear of Lumberton and Buffy Cox of Parkton; two brothers, Ricky Locklear of Fayetteville and Nicky Locklear of Raeford; and a grandson, Jeremy Bullard. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 tonight at Revels Funeral Home in Lumberton. Carlee Jones Pembroke Carlee Jones, 84, of 336 Eddie Road, died Sept. 2, 2006, at Southeastern Regional Medical Center. The funeral will be 3 p.m. Tuesday at Thompson's Funeral Home Chapel, the Rev. Bobby Earl Locklear and David Oxendine officiating. Burial will follow at Harpers Ferry Baptist Church. Surviving are three sons, Griffin Jones Jr., Ricky Jones and Richard W. Jones, all of Pembroke; three daughters, Glenda Baugham of Alexandria, Va., Peggy Jacobs of Lumberton and Mary Locklear of Maxton; nine stepchildren, Illa Mae Clark of Maxton, Eva M. Bullard, Clifton Jones, Howard Jones, Elma Lee Locklear and Starlin Jones, all of Pembroke, Leon Jones of Maxton, Brenda Locklear of Pembroke and Catherine Smith of Rennert; two sisters, Phonda J. Godwin of Pembroke and Mary Bell Jacobs of Clinton; a brother, John W. Jacobs Jr. of Pembroke; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 tonight at Thompson's Funeral Home. September 8, 2006 Bobby D. Freeman Lumberton Bobby D. Freeman, 57, of 3124 N.C. 711, Lot 20, died Sept. 4, 2006, at Southeastern Regional Medical Center. There will be a private burial. He was preceded in death by his parents, James A. "Buddy" and Reva Hunt Freeman; a sister, Annie D. Hunt; a brother, Eric "Glenn" Freeman; and a grandson, Channing O'Ryan Oxendine. Surviving are a son, Joshua Locklear of Lumberton; two daughters, Myra Michelle Oxendine of the home and Nikki Carpenter of Spruce Pines; 10 brothers, James "Bill" Freeman of Kaiser, Mo., W. Frank Freeman of Charleston, S.C., Gerald Freeman and Larry Dwight Freeman, both of Fairmont, Ken Freeman of Pembroke, Ronnie D. Freeman of Kingsland, Ga., Steve Freeman of Alexandria, Va., David Freeman of Jefferson City, Mo., Greg Freeman of Fairmont and Terry Freeman of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and a sister, Myra F. Hunt of Charlotte. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 tonight at Floyd Funeral Services in Fairmont. Deola Oxendine Pembroke Deola Oxendine, 75, of 83 Chesley Farm Road, died Sept. 4, 2006, at Southeastern Regional Medical Center. The funeral was this morning at Revels Funeral Home Chapel in Pembroke. Burial followed in Harpers Ferry Cemetery in Pembroke. Surviving are a son, Forace Oxendine Jr. of the home; two daughters, Audrey Oxendine Barton of Maxton and India Kay Locklear Jones of Pembroke; two brothers, Dexter Dial of South Carolina and Abram Dial of Pembroke; seven sisters, Ava Smith of Florida, Carolyn Gee of Idaho, Fran Berkeley of Maryland, Dorothy Hornburger of Virginia, Carolyn Richards of Charlotte, Brenda Rozier of Fayetteville and Sharon Taylor of South Carolina; and eight grandchildren. Clyde Roe Locklear Lumberton Clyde Roe "Dugman" Locklear, 82, of 15 Quevero Drive, died Sept. 4, 2006, at Southeastern Regional Medical Center. A graveside service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Lumbee Memorial Gardens, the Rev. Billy James Hunt officiating. Locklear was born in Robeson County on May 1, 1924, the son of the late Lather and Mattie Locklear Locklear. Surviving are his wife of 49 years, Alice Locklear of the home; two sons, Jeffery Locklear and his friend, Rhonda Locklear, of Maxton, and Benny Jacobs of the home; two daughters, Lola Smith and her husband, Gary, of Virginia Beach, Va., and Zenobia Fisher and her husband, Edward, of Norfolk, Va.; three brothers, Lacy Locklear and Medlin Locklear, both of Maxton, and Steve Locklear of Pembroke; three sisters, Bridie Bell Locklear and Martha Jane Jacobs, both of Pembroke, and Pauline Jones of Lumberton; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a great-great- grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 tonight at Biggs Funeral Home and at other times at his home. For information visit www.biggsfuneralslumberton.com. Copyright c. 2006 The Robesonian, Lumberton, NC. -=-=-=- September 6, 2006 Clyde R. Locklear LUMBERTON - Clyde Roe "Dugman" Locklear, 82, of 15 Quevero Drive, died Monday, Sept. 4, 2006, in Southeastern Regional Medical Center. Services: Graveside, 2 p.m. Thursday in Lumbee Memorial Gardens. Visitation: 7 to 9 tonight at Biggs Funeral Home in Lumberton and at other times at the home. Survived by: Wife, Alice; sons, Benny Jacobs and Jeffery; daughters, Lola Smith and Zenobia Fisher; sisters, Martha Jacobs, Pauline Jones and Bridie; brothers, Lacy, Medlin and Steve; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. Deola Oxendine PEMBROKE - Mrs. Deola Oxendine, 75, of 83 Chesley Farm Road, died Monday, Sept. 4, 2006, in Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton. Services: Funeral, 11 a.m. Wednesday in Revels Funeral Home chapel in Pembroke. Burial in Harpers Ferry Cemetery. Survived by: Son, Forace; daughters, Audrey Barton and India Jones; sisters, Ava Smith, Carolyn Gee, Fran Berkeley, Dorothy Hornburger, Carolyn Richards, Brenda Rozier and Sharon Taylor; brothers, Dexter Dial and Abram Dial; and eight grandchildren. Copyright c. 2006 The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer. -=-=-=- September 8, 2006 Roshawn Fairbanks Roshawn Fairbanks, of Minneapolis, Minn., infant son of Jaime Hanson and Robert Fairbanks, died on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006, at Fairview University Hospital in Minneapolis. Arrangements are pending with the Cease Family Funeral Home of Cass Lake. Copyright c. 2006 Red Lake Net News. -=-=-=- September 6, 2006 Louella YoungBird NEW TOWN - Louella (Painte) YoungBird, 60, New Town, died Sept. 4, 2006, at New Town. Services will be held at 10 am. Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Four Bears Community Center. Burial will be in the Parshall Cemetery. She is survived by one son, Peter, New Town; two daughters, Marion YoungBird and Leslie Youngbird, both of New Town; two sisters, Mary Painte, Bismarck, and Lola Rice, Los Angeles; six grandchildren; one great- grandchild. Langhan Funeral Home, New Town. Copyright c. 2006 Bismark Tribune. -=-=-=- September 6, 2006 Dallas 'Tex' Thompson grew up to be a cowboy By Jo Hall The nickname "Tex" fit Dallas Thompson so well. He had a compassion for animals, especially horses, and loved to ride and to own his own horses. When he was only 4 years old, one of his horses ran away with him, but he was a tough little cowboy. He clung to the horse until it finally stopped and he carefully slid off. The horse did not have a bridle. The short ordeal was quite a scare for the family but little Dallas took it all in stride. He also had three dogs, a stray cat, and a goat named Nanny. Dallas enjoyed the challenge of riding bulls, an event in which he often participated in at local rodeos. He enjoyed attending the Sitting Bull Stampede every Fourth of July in Mobridge. He lived as a cowboy and was an accomplished rider and trainer of young horses. Dallas taught the Weninger children (his nieces and nephews) all how to ride when they were growing up. Dallas had been in failing health, becoming seriously ill several months ago. He entered Beverly Healthcare Center in Mobridge and it was where he died on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2006, at the age of 45, almost 46. He was born Sept. 10, 1960, in Cheyenne Eagle Butte to Max and Irene Phoebe (Handboy) Thompson. The youngest of the family, he grew up in the Moreau River area near Promise. He attended school through the sixth grade in Promise, then went on to do what he did best. Dallas had a big heart. When he lived on his own, his door was always open for anyone who needed a place and he always had a kind word to say about everyone. "He will be remembered for his unique laugh," his family said. They could always find Dallas in a large crowd just by hearing his laugh. He was a self-taught man and did many jobs throughout his life. He worked for the railroad setting ties, roofing, ranch work, and he loved to do fencing, Most recently he worked for the Gordie Ulmer Buffalo Ranch near McLaughlin doing fencing. He leaves his mother, Irene Thompson of Mobridge; son Rio and daughter Dixie; brothers, Vincent (Butchie) Thompson of Timber Lake, David "Butch" (Judy) Thompson of Mobridge; sisters, Julie Weninger, Grace Looking Back and Tess (Mel) Schatz, all of Mobridge. His father, Max Sr.; two sisters, Louise and Andrea; and four brothers, Dale, Jackie, Casey and Max Jr., preceded him in death Funeral services for Dallas were Monday, Sept. 4, at St. James Episcopal Church in Mobridge. The Very Rev. Les Campbell officiated. Lloyd Thompson sang two songs, accompanying himself on his guitar. Jo Hall was organist for the hymns by the congregation, "Amazing Grace" and "Just As I Am." Casketbearers were Taylor Weninger, Joey Weninger, Troy Thompson, Kenny Hendricks, Marvin Strong Heart and Curtis Marshall Jr. Honorary bearers were the staff of the Mobridge Regional Hospital, the staff of Beverly Healthcare Center and the staff of Kesling Funeral Home. Burial was in St. Mary's Episcopal Cemetery at Promise following a reception dinner at St. James Church. Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge was in charge of arrangements. A prayer service was held Sunday evening at Kesling Funeral Home. Ed Summers was shuffleboard whiz By Jo Hall Failing health slowed Edward Summers a bit and he became a resident at Beverly Healthcare Center in Mobridge. But it didn't diminish his enthusiasm. If there was any game going on, Ed was there and in the midst of it. He was especially skilled at shuffleboard and he was so proud of his recent ribbon he won at the game. He showed it to everyone who came near. Many, including his competitors in games, will miss the smiling Ed. He died Thursday, Aug. 31, 2006, at the Beverly Healthcare Center at the age of 82. He was born Nov. 8, 1923, in LaPlant to Milton and Ada Summers. He grew up in LaPlant and was educated at the Old Cheyenne Agency. Ed was a farm and ranch foreman for many years of his life. He remained a bachelor and lived with his brother in Cannonball, N.D., before coming to the Beverly Healthcare center in Mobridge. Survivors are his sister, Belva Frank of Isabel; nephews, Leonard Charger, Alton Summers, Richard Summers, Maynard Summers Jr., and Jody Tapio; nieces, Cheryl Charger, Twila and Sam Rough Surface, Charlene and Wayne Iron Hawk, Cecile and Cora American Horse, Minnie Summers, Mabel Tapio, and Cleo and Ruthie Summers; and one grandson, Raymond Blue Arm. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Milton Sr. and Ada Summers; and brothers, Raymond Summers, Maynard Summers Sr. and Milton Summers Jr. Funeral services for Ed were this morning, Wednesday, Aug. 6, at the UCC Church in LaPlant. The Rev. Norman Blue Coat officiated. Casketbearers were Skip Summers, Raymond Blue Arm, Leonard Charger, Ricky DeHorse, Arland Lee and Mike Bowker. Honorary bearers were Clarence Charger family, Larry "Chops" Charger, Grover Scott, Jake White Eagle, Emery Different Horse, Tin Cup family, Bowker family, the doctors, staff and residents of Beverly Healthcare Center, and all Ed's other friends and family. Burial was in the UCC Congregational Cemetery in LaPlant under the direction of Oster Funeral Home of Mobridge. A prayer service was held the preceding evening at the funeral home in Mobridge. Copyright c. 2006 Mobridge Tribune. -=-=-=- September 9, 2006 Debbie Sue Roach Eagle Butte - Funeral for Debbie Sue Roach, 44, of Eagle Butte will be 11 a.m. CDT Thursday, Sept. 14, at Little Eagle Blue Gym in Little Eagle. A prayer service will be Wednesday, starting at 6 p.m. until midnight. Rev. Norman Blue Coat will officiate. Burial will be at the Messiah Lutheran Cemetery in Little Eagle under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home, Mobridge. Debbie passed away Sept. 5, 2006, at her home in Eagle Butte. Copyright c. 2006 Aberdeen American News. -=-=-=- September 6, 2006 Robert L. Watters Sr. PINE RIDGE - Robert L. Watters Sr., 51, Pine Ridge, died Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, at Pine Ridge Hospital as a result of an automobile accident. Survivors include his wife, Eileen Janis, Pine Ridge; four sons, Darrell Watters and John Watters, both of Rapid City, and Robert Watters Jr. and Adam Watters, both of Pine Ridge; one daughter, Rebecca Watters, Rapid City; three brothers, Jim Watters, Pine Ridge, Tom Watters, No. 4 Community, and Larry Watters, Cheyenne, Wyo.; one sister, Patty Eagle Bull, Pine Ridge; and four grandchildren. A one-night wake will begin at 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at Billy Mills Hall in Pine Ridge. Services will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at Billy Mills Hall, with the Rev. Steve Sanford officiating and traditional Lakota services by Patrick Janis. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. September 7, 2006 Frank Jacob High Crane RAPID CITY - Frank Jacob High Crane, 77, Rapid City, died Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006, at Sturgis Regional Hospital. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Survivors include one sister, Mary Ann High Crane, Rapid City. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at Serenity Springs Funeral Chapel in Rapid City. Inurnment will follow at Pine Lawn Memorial Park in Rapid City. LaCroix Thomas Whitecalf June 20, 1952 - August 14, 2006 PINE RIDGE - Lacroix Thomas Whitecalf passed away on August 14, 2006, in Salem, OR. He was born in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, to Lindy and Florence Whitecalf. He is survived by siblings Sandra, ReaLynn, Royce, Irvin, Ruby, Quintan, Renee May, and adopted mother Shirley Stauber, all of Pine Ridge, and family. He had been involved in counseling ministries in Arizona and Madras, Ore. He was a gifted artist and created drawings of his native heritage and illustrations for children's stories. He loved the Lord, was caring, compassionate and lived a simple life. For those whose life he touched he will be greatly missed. A prayer service will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2006, at 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Hall in Pine Ridge. September 8, 2006 Casper Lee Kettle PUKWANA - Casper Lee Kettle, 1 month, Pukwana, died Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2006, at Mid Dakota Medical Center in Chamberlain. Survivors include his parents, Amy One Feather and Vincent Kettle, Pukwana; three sisters, Alecia Meyer, Pukwana, and Lara Kettle and Jerrin Kettle, both of Lower Brule; one brother, Alexander Kettle, White Earth, Minn.; his maternal grandparents, Sharon White, Pukwana, and Frank One Feather, Little 'Eagle, N.D.; and his paternal grandmother, Valerie Kettle, White Earth. Wake services will begin at 7 p.m. CDT today, Friday, Sept. 8, at Hilltop Baptist Church in Lower Brule. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Hilltop Baptist Church in Lower Brule. Burial will be at 'St. Alban's Cemetery at Fort Hale Bottom. Hickey-Wevik Funeral Home of Chamberlain is in charge of arrangements. Copyright c. 2006 The Rapid City Journal. -=-=-=- September 8, 2006 Linda Avon Thompson Linda Avon Thompson, 57, of Oklahoma City, was the daughter of Carl W. and Geneieve Mahee Appleman. She was born June 3, 1949 in Red Rock, Okla., and died Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006 at her home. Linda was a member of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe. She and Darrell Thompson were married on April 22, 2004 in Oklahoma City. She worked as a waitress. Graveside services were to be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, in the Otoe-Missouria Cemetery at Red Rock, Okla. Services were under the direction of Brown-Dugger Funeral Home of Perry, Okla. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of Brown- Dugger Funeral Home, 1010 N. 7th Street, Perry, OK 73077. In addition to her husband, Linda is survived by two sons, Darin T. Rheam and Troy E. Rheam, both of Oklahoma City; one daughter, Joy Henson, of Siloam Springs, Ark.; her step-father, Kenneth Hughes, of Oklahoma City; two brothers, Otis Franklin Stickney of Perry, and Bob G. Appleman of Tulsa; four sisters, Madge Stickney Kendricks of Cushing, Rose M. Boyd of Oklahoma City, Peggy K. Swaim of Clayton, Calif.; and Brenda Olquin of Seattle, Wash.; and four grandchildren. Linda was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Lawrence Pipestem Jr.; and two nephews. Condolences may be sent to the family using our online guest book at www.brown-duggerfuneralhome.com. September 10, 2006 Eugene Howe Eugene Howe, longtime resident of rural Ponca City, died Friday, Sept. 8, 2006, at Ponca City Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. He was 75. Prayer Services will be held Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Ponca Indian Baptist Church. The traditional funeral feast will be held Monday, Sept. 11, at noon followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. at Ponca Indian Baptist Church with the Rev. Louis Headman presiding. Burial will follow at the Ponca Tribal Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Buffalo Post 38. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Eugene was born Dec. 9, 1930, in Pawnee, the son of Oliver Howe Sr. and Mattie Headman Howe. He grew up in rural Ponca City, south of town, and graduated from Chilocco Indian School in 1950. While in high school, he was a Golden Glove Boxer and won many tournaments. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Armed Forces and served as an Airborne Paratrooper. He received an honorable discharge and returned to Oklahoma where he worked as a roofer with Central State Roofing in Ponca City. In 1969, Eugene moved to Omaha, Neb., and continued in the roofing business until retiring around 1980 and coming back to Ponca City. He was a faithful member of the Ponca Indian Baptist Church as well as a member of the American Legion Buffalo Post 38. Eugene enjoyed fishing and noodling and when he was younger, he enjoyed playing Bingo. He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. He is survived by five children, Deborah Ann Ross of Albuquerque, N.M., Sheila Jean Ross of Omaha, Neb., Randy Bruce Howe of South Dakota, Dwight Howe of South Dakota and Terry White of Texas; one sister, Blanche Ribbs of Ponca City; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, one sister, Amelia, and three brothers, Wiley, Earl and Oliver Jr. Casket bearers will be Maurice Howe, Earl Howe Jr., Earl Howe III, Wiley Whitehorn, Ed Charles LeClair Jr., Nelson Roughface and Roy Hinman. Copyright c. 1998-2006 The Ponca City News. -=-=-=- September 5, 2006 Tammy Sue Tsotaddle Tammy Sue Tsotaddle, a caring, loving and beautiful child of Our Creator, joined Him on Saturday, Sept. 2. She will be missed by all, and all know she is in the good hands of Our Creator. A Shawnee resident, Tammy had great plans of becoming a chef for the new Citizen Potawatomi Nation Casino, located on Interstate 40. She recently graduated from Culinary Arts School at Okmulgee State Tech. Survivors include her mother, Mary Jim of Shawnee; father, Joseph Tsotaddle Jr. of Carnegie; sisters, Debbie Tsotaddle of Prague and Stephanie Pheasant Lewis of Alabama; grandparents, Mavis and Joseph Tsotaddle Sr. of Carnegie and Viola Jim of Shawnee; uncle and aunt, Micheal and Lea Tsotaddle of Shawnee, aunts, Darla Castillo of Oklahoma City and Angela Tsotaddle of Shawnee; cousins Christa Tsotaddle of Tulsa, Meskee Tsotaddle of Rehoboth, N.M., Micheal Tsotaddle Jr. of Marlow, Adriann Tsotaddle, Francisco Ponce of Oklahoma City, Adreanna Ponce, Ellen Meely and Christopher and Brandon Kaseca, all of Shawnee. Services will be in Carnegie. September 7, 2006 Ronald Lewis Gibson Sr. Ronald Lewis Gibson Sr. of North Carolina died Monday, Sept. 5, at his sister's residence in Meeker. He was 56. He was born May 7, 1950, in Pawnee, Okla., to George Gibson Sr. and Cordelia Murray-Green. He attended Red Rock and Chilocco schools. He was married to Hattie Goodeagle. He served in the 101st Airborne division with two tours of Vietnam. Ronald was an auto mechanic and a member of the Native American Church. He was a well-know Native American singer. Ronald attended Native American services and enjoyed helping others. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, George Gibson Jr.; and sister, Tona Gibson. Survivors include his wife, Hattie "Judy" Gibson, of the home; children, Rhonda Gibson of Moore, Loretta Gibson of Okahoma City, Ronald Gibson Jr. of Stillwater, and Tony Gibson of Lawton; numerous grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Loretta Walker, Ruby Logan, Lawrence Gibson, Timothy Gibson, Jimmy Gibson, Mary Gibson, and Wosey Butler. Wake service will be 7 p.m. today at Loretta Walker Place. Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday at Walker Cemetery. Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee is directing arrangements. Copyright c. 1997-2006 The Shawnee News-Star. -=-=-=- September 6, 2006 Larry Wayne Mahsetky Sr. OKLAHOMA CITY Funeral for Larry Wayne Mahsetky Sr., 52, Oklahoma City, will be at noon Thursday at Comanche Nation Funeral Home Chapel in Lawton with the Rev. David Wilson officiating. Mr. Mahsetky Sr. died Monday, Sept. 4, 2006, in Oklahoma City. Burial will be in Deyo Indian Mission Cemetery. He was born Dec. 30, 1953, in Lawton, to Mack and Annetta RedElk Mahsetky. He was raised by Marsey and Annetta Mahsetky. He grew up in Lawton and attended schools in Lawton, and Western Heights and Classen High School in Oklahoma City. He played basketball, football and baseball. He was also a boxer and was an Oklahoma City Boxing Champion. He hunted snakes all over Southwest Oklahoma and was known as the "Snake Man". He was a great-great grandson of Comanche Chief Quanah Parker, and a member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma and Deyo Baptist Indian Mission. September 8, 2006 Marcella Nashdelte Juarez APACHE - Graveside service for Marcella Nashdelte Juarez, 66, Apache, will be at 11 a.m. Monday at West Cache Creek Cemetery, Apache. Mrs. Juarez died Monday, Sept. 4, 2006, in Lawton. Arrangements are under direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. She was born Oct. 2, 1939, at Lawton Indian Hospital, to Walter and Isabelle Archilta Nashdelte. She grew up and attended school at Boone. She married Tony Juarez at the Caddo County Courthouse. She was a member of the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma and the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses in Anadarko. Survivors include a granddaughter, Maranda Lynn Ridnour, Marlow; two sons: Marvin Ridnour, of the home, and Ordane Ridnour, Oklahoma City; two sisters: Marjorie Haury, Anadarko, and June Wyatt, Ashville, N.C.; special nieces and nephew: Cindy, Peggy, Patricia, Ivy Jo, Beeney, Gale and Kenneth Lee; close friend, Donna Ahtone; and many other grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; a sister, Lorene Nashdelte Wilkins; and a nephew, Walter Lee Robertson. Copyright c. 2006 The Lawton Constitution. -=-=-=- September 5, 2006 Wynema Jackson Funeral services for Wewoka resident Wynema Jackson are scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Stout-Phillips Chapel. Rev. Amanda Lockwood and Rev. Meredith Robinson will officiate. Wake services will begin a 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Stout-Phillips Chapel with Rev. Sam Jones officiating. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Wewoka under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home. Wynema Jackson passed away on Monday, Sept. 4, 2006 in Shawnee. She was born to James and Maggie Paukei in Lawton on Nov. 19, 1932. She graduated from Gotebo High School where she was a member of Oklahoma's first State Championship Softball Team. She received her bachelor's degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State College and master's degree from East Central State University. Wynema taught school in Oklahoma City, on the Indian Reservations in New Mexico and Arizona, Pagosa Springs, Colorado before moving to Wewoka in 1965. In December 1955 Wynema married Bill Jackson. They shared a love of education, sports and travel. They recently traveled to Europe for their 50th wedding anniversary. Wynema retired from Wewoka Public Schools with 37 years of experience. She was a member of the American Association of University Women, Oklahoma Education Association of University Women, Oklahoma Education Association, National Education Association, First United Methodist Church, Wewoka Quarterback Club, Women's Golf Association, Group leader for Campfire Girls and Girls Softball Coach. Wynema is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Jimmy Paukei, George Paukei and Donald Paukei. She is survived by her husband, Bill; son and daughter in law, Wayne and Brenda Jackson of Wewoka; daughter and son in law, Kelly and Rod Porter of Amarillo, Texas and daughter and son in law, Wyma and John Gural of The Colony, Texas; three granddaughters, Lora Stieman of Jacksonville Fla., Kimberly Porter of Hereford, Texas and Sarah Porter Lubbock Texas. She is also survived by sisters, Ann Hudson of Anadarko, Jane Terrell of Almonte Springs, Fla. and Gloria Shea of Purcell and brothers, Adolph Paukei of Cyril, Lewis Paukei of Norman and Orville Paukei of Albuquerque, N.M.; one great-grandson Caden and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Copyright c. 1999-2006 The Seminole Producer. -=-=-=- September 8, 2006 Marc Edward Dunn DUNN - Marc Edward Dunn, 43, was born in Santa Fe, grew up and attended school in Pojoaque. He recently passed away, in Dallas. He is survived by his mother, Jane Bradley of Albuquerque; father; Harvey Dunn of Boynton Beach, FL; brother, Paul Dunn of Farmington; daughter, Tabitha Dunn and grandson, Zachary Dunn of Lansingburg, NY; son, Charles Quintana of Pojoaque Pueblo; and nieces, April Gonzales, of Albuquerque, Katie and Nikki Dunn, of Farmington. He was preceded in death by his sisters, April and Robin. Marc led an unconventional life and was not always understood by family and friends. He left behind many friends who loved him and will miss him. It would be important to Marc to mention those who loved and supported him. They are Melinda, Angel, Candice, Mike, Vernon, Francis, and Brothers Bill and Charles of the Good Shepard Center. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Marc's memory to the Good Shephard Center, 218 Iron St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 September 10, 2006 Rosemary Abeita ABEITA - Rosemary Abeita, 75, of Isleta Pueblo, passed away on August 13, 2006. Rosemary was an independent and outgoing person who made many, many friends throughout her lifetime. She will be remembered for her quick wit and practical jokes, as well as her compassionate, caring, and generous ways. Everyone has a warm, loving, or funny story about Rosemary. She loved to travel and had the opportunity to do so as part of her work as public relations specialist for the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) before she retired. She continued to travel during her retirement and her suitcase was always packed and ready to go. In addition to her employment at SIPI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Rosemary served as Tribal Court Judge at Isleta Pueblo Tribal Court and served on the Tribal Council for Pueblo of Isleta. She was an avid Lobo basketball fan and long-time season ticket holder. She enjoyed cooking and took great pleasure in feeding everyone. The most important thing in her life was her family, especially her children and granddaughters. She loved spending time with them and was very proud of them and their accomplishments. Funeral Mass was held at St. Augustine Church at Isleta Pueblo on August 14, 2006. The family would like to express their sincere and heartfelt thanks to the many people who called, came by, or prayed for Rosemary during this difficult time. Although Rosemary has left a great void in our lives and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends, there is comfort in knowing that she is no longer suffering or is in pain. The family requests that any memorials for Rosemary Abeita be made to the American Cancer Society. Copyright c. 1997 - 2006 Albuquerque Journal: Albuquerque, New Mexico. -=-=-=- September 8, 2006 Jimmy Begay Oakland, CA March 6, 1946 - Sept. 2, 2006 Jimmy Begay, 60, of Oakland, Calif., died Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, in Oakland. He was born March 6, 1946, in Shiprock. Funeral services are pending with Desert View Funeral Home of Shiprock, U.S. Hwy. 491, (505) 368-4607. Hoskie Charley Sheepsprings Aug. 12, 1915 - Sept. 6, 2006 Hoskie Charley, 91, of Sheepsprings died on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2006, at Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock. He was born Aug. 12, 1915, in Chinle, Ariz. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sheepsprings. Interment will be at Sheepsprings Community Cemetery. Mr. Charley is in the care of Desert View Funeral Home of Shiprock, Hwy. 491, (505) 368-4607. Eddie Has Ka Shon' Josea Jr. Toadlena Sept. 5, 1953 - Sept. 6, 2006 Eddie "Has Ka Shon" Josea Jr., 53, of Toadlena, passed from this life, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2006, in Shiprock. Eddie was born Sept. 5, 1953, in Farmington. Eddie is survived by his loving mother, Martha "Bumba" Josea; his wife, Pauline M. Josea; daughters, Rolanda Lee, Angie Nelson, Dawn Josea, and Quintana Josea; brothers, Edwin "Tinker" Josea and wife, Roselyn, and Edgar "Lucky" Josea and wife, Laphine; sister, Wendy Josea; nephews, Shawn Romero, Eric Josea, Elton Josea, and Jonathan Josea; nieces, Syia Romero and Janelle Josea; and seven grandchildren. Viewing will be from 9 to 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Toadlena, with services beginning at 10 a.m. Eddie will be laid to rest at the family cemetery at Toadlena. Eddie is in the care of Desert View Funeral Home of Shiprock, U.S. Hwy. 491, (505) 368-4607. September 9, 2006 Eddie 'Has Ka Shon' Josea Jr. Toadlena Sept. 5, 1953 - Sept. 6, 2006 Eddie "Has Ka Shon" Josea Jr., 53, of Toadlena, died Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2006, in Shiprock. He was born Sept. 5, 1953, in Farmington, and his mother is Martha "Bumba" Josea. Viewing will be from 9 to 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Toadlena, with services beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be at the family cemetery at Toadlena. Arrrangements are with Desert View Funeral Home of Shiprock, U.S. Hwy. 491, (505) 368-4607. Copyright c. 2006 Farmington Daily Times, a MediaNews Group Newspaper. -=-=-=- September 5, 2006 Peter Begay REHOBOTH - Services for Peter Michael Begay Jr., 42, will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6 at Rollie Mortuary. Pastor Gladstone Simmons will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Gallup. Begay died Thursday, Aug. 31 in Rehoboth. He was born Sept. 17, 1963 in Gallup into the Bitterwater People Clan for the Meadow People Clan. Survivors include son, Jayr Begay of Churchrock; daughters, Shelby Begay and Valanesia Begay both of Churchrock; mother, Christine Begay of Sundance; brothers, Clinton Begay and Vincent Begay both of Sundance, Patrick Begay of Farmington; sisters, Sherly Billy and Jennifer Hood both of Sundance. Begay was preceded in death by father, Peter Michael Begay Sr., brother, Clarence Paul Begay and sister, Vivian Ann Begay. Rollie Mortuary will be in charge of arrangements. September 6, 2006 Lorenzo Laughing KINLICHEE, Ariz - Services for Lorenzo B. "You'Ne" Laughing, 35, will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at St. Michaels Catholic Church. Father Gilbert Schnedier, OFM, will officiate. Burial will follow at the family plot in Kinlichee. Laughing died Sept. 2, in Oak Springs, Ariz. He was born April 11, 1971 in Fort Defiance into the Salt People Clan for the Bitterwater People Clan. He attended Kinlichee Boarding School and Ganado High School. His hobbies include summer camping with livestock, being in the outdoors, being with family and singing traditional songs. Survivors include mother, Marie Laughing of Kinlichee; brother Benjamin Laughing of Kinlichee; sisters, Laura Ration of Smith Lake, Betty Bigman of Coppermine, Ariz., Eleanor Bigman of Page, Ariz., Nellie Laughing and Virginia Laughing, both of Kinlichee. Laughing was preceded in death by his grandfather, Tsinnijinnie Begay and sister, Rosita Charley. Pallbearers will be family members and friends. Norma Etsitty TWIN LAKES - Services for Norma J. Etsitty, 60, will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Rollie Mortuary. Jake Yazzie, Jr., will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Etsitty died Sept. 1 in Twin Lakes. She was born Dec. 27, 1945 in Twin Lakes into the Meadow People Clan for the Red Running Into the Water People Clan. Survivors include husband, Edison Etsitty of Twin Lakes; son, Allison Etsitty; daughters, Brenda Etsitty and Regina George; brothers, Elton Cadman and Herman Cadman. Etsitty was preceded in death by her father, Frank Cadman; mother, Clarina Cadman; brothers, Benett Cadman and Raymond Cadman; sisters, Laverna George and Lorraine Tahe. Pallbearers will be Stu Barton, Elvert Cadman, Alvin Cadman, Elmerton Cadman, Calvin Cadman and Darryl Holtsoi. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. September 7, 2006 Louise Begay CHINLE - Services for Louise Guy Begay, 77, will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Chinle. Father Blane Grein, OFM, will officiate. Burial will follow at Chinle Community Cemetery. Begay died Sept. 5, in Shiprock. She was born Jan. 1, 1928 in Chinle into the Coyote Pass People Clan for the Water Flows Together People Clan. Begay's hobbies included weaving, spending time with grandchildren, cooking and cleaning at the restaurant and helping during traditional ceremonies. Survivors include sons, Tony Begay, Sr., Stanley Begay, Dennison Begay, Kee D. Begay, Jr., Jerry Begay and Nathaniel Begay, all of Chinle; daughters, Sarah James of Many Farms, Alta Zenonian of Farmington, Marlene Tsosie, Charlene Begay, Elvira Martin, Irma Tsosie and Susie Yazzie, all of Chinle; brothers Paul Guy, Sr. and Charles Guy, Sr., both of Chinle; sisters, Mary Ann Claw and Jean Begay, both of Chinle, 63 great- -grandchildren and 45great-great grandchildren. Begay was preceded in death by daughter, Julie Irving and Rita Allen; parents, Notah and Elouise Draper; sister, Janet Descheny and brother George Guy, Sr. Pallbearers will be Darwin Begay, Keith Tsosie, III, Keith Tsosie IV, Roland James, Fernando Begay and Troy Begay. The family will receive relatives and friends following the services at Chinle Catholic Hall. Cope Meomorial is in charge of arrangements. Helen Charley THOREAU - Services for Helen L. Charley, 75, will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at Cope Memorial Chapel. Evangelist Arlis Secody will officiate. Burial will follow at Rehoboth Cemetery. Charley died Sept. 5, in Gallup. She was born Feb. 15, 1930 in Rehoboth. Charley was employed with ONEO and had many other jobs. She was a lifelong silversmith, harvester and rug weaver. Survivors include husband, Henry Charley; sons, Bennie Shelly of Thoreau and Curtis Bitsui of Prewitt; daughters, Ella Shelly of Thoreau and Linda Charley of Thoreau; brother, Harry Larry, Sr. of Thoreau, 19 grandchildren and 25great-grandchildren. Charley was preceded in death by parents, John Lewis and At-tes-nas-bah Lewis, and four great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Kyle Becenti, Curtis Bitsui, Edward Jones, Matthew Ramone, Jonathan Shelly and Wilbert Shelly. The family will receive relatives and friends following the service at Thoreau Chapter House. Cope Memorial is in charge of arrangements. Lathan Chavez GALLUP - Services for Lathan Larry Chavez, 20, will be 10 a.m. today, Sept. 7, at Cope Memorial Chapel. Pastor Arlis Secody will officiate. Chavez died Sept. 1, in Gallup. He was born March 21, 1986 in Grants into the Bitterwater People Clan for the Sagebrush People Clan. Chavez attended Thoreau High and Wingate High Schools. He was employed at Fallas Pardes. His hobbies included drawing, horseback riding and basketball. Survivors include wife, Chantel Amber Chavez of Kayenta; step-daughter Tinaya Clark; parents Larry Chavez and Zola Sandoval of Gallup; brothers, Jason Sandoval of Fort Irwin, Calif, Landry Chavez of Albuquerque and Lionel Chavez of Gallup; sisters, Lorinda S. Thomas of Holbrook, Melissa Chavez of Farmington, Vanessa Chavez of Talquah, Okla., Chantel Chavez of Gallup, Nora Francis of Gallup and Vera Tsosie of Tohatchi; grandmother, Rena Leyba of Grants. Chavez was preceded in death by grandparents, George and Thelda Sandoval of Twin Lakes. Pallbearers will be Jason Sandoval, Landry Chavez, Arvitt Tsosie, Alvin Sandoval, Philando Sandoval and Jimmy Chavez, Jr. Cope Memorial is in charge of arrangements. September 8, 2006 Jennie Begay JEDDITO, Ariz. - Services for Jennie Begay, 87, will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at the United Methodist Chruch. Pastor William John will officiate. Burial will follow at Jeddito Community Cemetery. Begay died Sept. 2, in Gallup. She was born Dec. 24, 1918 in Rural Jeddito into the Edgewater People Clan for the Big Water People Clan. Begay finished 10th grade. She taught the community to weave, and taught arts and crafts at the Jeddito Chapter. Her hobbies included weaving, sewing, making pottery and cooking. Survivors include sons, Melvin Betoni of Peoria, Ariz., and Virgil Begay of Window Rock; daughters, Gloria McCabe of Scottsdale, Daisy Keoni of Farmington, Carol Begay of Phoenix and Patty Begay of Jeddito; brothers, Bahe Hoskie of Whitecone, Ariz. and Frank Hoskie of Jeddito; sister, Helen Geneeha of Jeddito, 19 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. Begay was preceded in death by husband, Betoni Begay; sons, Samuel Begay and Freeman Begay; daughter, Alma Pete; grandsons, Brandon Begay and Burton Keoni. Pallbearers will be Jerrick Yazzie, Michale Pete, Melvin Betoni, Virgil Begay, Kendrick G. Begay and Jerry Pete. The family will receive relatives and friends at 1/2 mile SW of Holbrook, Jct. 264 and NR 6. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Eddie Josea, Jr. TOADLENA - Services for Eddie "Has ka Shon" Josea, Jr., 53, will be 10 a. m. Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Toadlena. Counselor R. B. Foutz will officiate. Burial will follow at the family cemetery in Toadlena. Josea died Sept. 6 in Shiprock. He was born Sept. 5, 1953 in Farmington. Survivors include his wife, Pauline M. Josea; daughters, Rolanda Lee, Angie Nelson, Dawn Josea and Quintana Josea; mother, Martha "Bumba" Josea; brothers, Edwin "Tinker" Josea and Edgar "Lucky" Josea; sister, Wendy Josea and seven grandchildren. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. September 9, 2006 Arthur Bia FORT DEFIANCE - Funeral Mass for Arthur Francis Bia, 81, will be 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 11 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Fort Defiance. Father Ronald Walters, OFM, will officiate. Burial will follow at Fort Defiance Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 a.m. at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament. Bia died Sept. 7 in Gallup. He was born Nov. 6, 1924 in Chinle into the Under His Cover People Clan for the Waters Edge People Clan. Bia attended Fort Defiance Boarding School. He worked as a welder for Kaiser shipyard during WW II in Vancouver, Wash., as an alcohol counselor with ONEO, interpreter for Fort Defiance Indian Health Services Public Health Nurses and Indian Development District. Survivors include wife, Maria Tebe Bia; son, Vern Bia; daughter, Miranda Blatchford; sisters, Bertha Smith and Ilene King and ten grandchildren. Bia was preceded in death by parents, Danny and Katherine Bia. The family will receive relatives and friends at 23 Mae in Gamerco. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Michelle Kinsel TOHATCHI - Services for Michelle Lynn Kinsel, 36, will be announced at a later date. Kinsel died Sept 8 in Gallup. She was born March 5, 1970 in Gallup into the Towering House People Clan for the Bitterwater People Clan. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Copyright c. 2006 the Gallup Independent. -=-=-=- September 6, 2006 Manuel G. Alvarez Manuel G. Alvarez July 1, 1950 - September 1, 2006 Survived by close and loving family members. An all night vigil will be held at 730 W. Calle Matus/Old Pascua Community on Friday, September 8, 2006. Burial will follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. Copyright c. 2006 Tucson Citizen. -=-=-=- September 8, 2006 Diane Elaine Grijalva Diane Elaine Grijalva, 56, of the Salt River Indian Reservation passed away August 31, 2006. She was born on April 30, 1950 in Scottsdale, AZ. She is survived by her children: Glenford Lewis, Jr., Avery Miguel, and Doreen Grijalva-Williams; step-son, Eric Grijalva; mother, Bernice Phillips; sisters: Dorgene Lewis, Donna Leonard, and Barbara Wood; and brothers: Leander and Andrew Miguel, and Bill Phillips. A visitation will be held on Friday September 8, 2006 at 7:00 PM at the Salt River Memorial Hall, 9849 E. Earll Dr. in Scottsdale. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday September 9, 2006 at 7:00 AM at the Salt River Memorial Hall. Interment at the Salt River Indian Cemetery. Meldrum Mortuary handled the arrangements. September 10, 2006 Larry H. Burns Larry H. Burns, 69, of the Salt River Indian Community passed away Wednesday September 6, 2006. He is survived by his wife, Glenda M. Burns; daughters: Stephanie E. Burns-Soliz and Christin E. Burns; son, Lansford "Grady" Burns; and brothers: Valentino "Buddy" Burns and Londo Burns. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday September 12, 2006 at 6:00 AM at the Salt River Indian Cemetery on McDowell in Extension Rd in Scottsdale. Meldrum Mortuary handled the arrangements. Copyright c. 2006 The Arizona Republic. -=-=-=- September 7, 2006 Ora Riggs Ora Riggs (Bennett), 89, of Round Cedar, died Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006, surrounded by her family. Mrs. Riggs was born on April 20, 1917, in Sand Springs, near Leupp, to Asdzaan Taylor Riggs and Hasteen Son of Red Woman. She was To'di ch'iini clan and born for the Maideshgeezhnii clan. She is survived by one son, Melvin Baldwin Sr.; daughters Marie Reyhner and Theresa Benale; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 11 brothers; two sisters; her daughters Pauline and Mildred; and her sons Larry and Fred Riggs Jr. Services will be Saturday, Sept. 9, at 10 a.m. (M.S.T.) at Round Cedar Church of the Nazarene. Arrangements are by Norvel Owens Mortuary. Copyright c. 2000-2006 Arizona Daily Sun. -=-=-=- September 8, 2006 Xavier Armondo Joe Xavier Armondo Joe of Whiteriver went to be with the Lord Aug. 29, 2006 in Whiteriver. He was born April 12, 2004. Xavier is survived by his parents, Erma Cromwell and Christopher Joe; sister, Ashley Joe; god-parents, Romanio and Stephanie Lupe; grandma, Vernadell Joe; aunts, Katherine Joe, Kathleen Joe, Delphine Kessay, Anna Secakuku, Savannah Zaghotah, Lorencita James; uncles, Vernon Josay, Dallas Cosay; many relatives and friends. His body will be brought home for a two-night wake at his parent's residence in Chinatown No. 228 in Whiteriver Friday, Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. A funeral service will be conducted Sunday, Sept. 10 beginning at 1 p.m. at the House of God Church with Pastor Laura Mae James officiating. Interment will be at the Whiteriver Cemetery. Silver Creek Mortuary of Whiteriver handled the arrangements. Copyright c. 2006 White Mountain Independent. -=-=-=- September 8, 2006 Norma Johnny Norma Johnny passed away Sunday morning, Sept. 3, 2006, at Banner Churchill Community Hospital at the age of 100. She was born on and was a member of the Ft. McDermitt Nevada Paiute- Shoshone Indian reservation on March 4, 1906 to John Wasson and Ida Horse. She spent her school days at Ft. Bidwell Indian School in Modoc County, Calif. She then went to Sherman Indian School in Carson City, followed by Sherman Institute in Riverside, Calif. She was a self-reliant person, loved to cook, create things, make dresses and costumes. She worked for Great Western Costume across from Paramount Studios in Hollywood. She was very active in the senior center of the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe. Norma married George E. Johnny, Jr. in 1948. They were married for 51 years until he passed away in 1999. She was a wonderful homemaker, raising her four children. Her daughter, Evelyn Smith, also preceded her in death. She is survived by her sons, Ernest Maguire, Sr. of Sparks and Robert Ramirez of California; daughter, Barbara Renick of Washington; sister, Ivy Garfield of Ft. McDermitt, brother, Perry Wasson of Elko, and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Graveside funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006, at 10 a. m. at the Stillwater Indian Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home, Fallon. Copyright c. 2006 Lahontan Valley News and Fallon Eagle Standard. -=-=-=- September 6, 2006 Nancy Dee Whiteman Hitchcock WHITE SWAN - Nancy Dee Whiteman Hitchcock lost her bout with cancer on August 27, 2006. Nancy was born December 14, 1938 to Arthur J. and Eunice W. Whiteman in Yakima WA. She graduated from Yakima High School in 1957. While attending Yakima Valley College, she simultaneously served the City as Miss Yakima. She was a gracious and beautiful hostess for Yakima. Nancy then went on to attend the University of Washington. Nancy was an accomplished athlete and scholar. She played the piano, violin and sang in special groups. Nancy was a trail blazer for the downhill ski racing program at White Pass, WA. Representing the Yakima Valley Ski Club, she won numerous ski events throughout the Northwest. Nancy was married to Samuel Hitchcock of White Swan in 1958. Their union produced two children. She was later employed as a supervisor for the Yakima Telephone Co. In her later years, Nancy moved to White Swan and was a long time member of the Yakama Indian Rodeo Association. She was awarded the "Hard Worker" buckle for her hard work and dedication. Nancy found great joy in family camping trips and picking huckleberries in the closed area of the Yakama Nation. She was an excellent softball player, playing competitively with her daughter Lisa, and just for fun at the Sanchey family gatherings. She enjoyed the family get togethers, always bringing her warm smile and a readiness to help in anyway. Nancy had so many interests and hobbies. Beating the guys at pool and working in her beautiful yard was always a joy for her. Her door was continually open to friends and family and she would always welcome them in with a smile. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and daughter Lisa Kathleen Hitchcock. Nancy is survived by her long time companion, John Sanchey of White Swan; her son Gregory Glenn/Kiyomi Hitchcock; grandsons Ken and T. J. of Las Vegas NV; brothers Brent/Jeanette Whiteman of Mercer Island WA, Frank/Barbara Whiteman of Gresham Or; sister Karen/Jim Gilbert of Yakima, plus numerous nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by family and friends. Nancy will always be remembered for her energy and generous giving nature. A celebration of Nancy's life will be held on September 9, 2006 at the United Methodist Church of White Swan at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Memorial Home Care Services, Hospice and Home Health. Copyright c. 2006 Yakima Herald-Republic/Yakima, WA. -=-=-=- September 7, 2006 Emmett Edsel Antell Emmett Edsel Antell died September 4, 2006 in Battle Ground, WA. He was born on November 26, 1934 on the family farm in Naytahwaush, Minnesota, and was a member of the Chippewa Nation on White Earth Indian Reservation. Emmett lived and worked in every state on his way to finding the love of his life out here 40 years ago. He quit school after the eighth grade to work his family's farm. After that, life on the reservation was extremely hard, so he left and held various jobs, such as Merchant Marine, railroad worker, highway worker, and fighting wildfires, until he got hurt building fence for San Jose Fence in the early '70s. Being a strong willed man, Emmett was able to ignore the pain of crushed vertebrae and do the things he loved. He loved to hunt, and was an avid fisherman. Kokanee in Lake Merwin are breathing a little easier now. He loved going down to Long Beach and getting Razor Clams, Steamers and to surf-fish. He also loved to play Cribbage. Emmett would do anything for anyone, even if he couldn't walk for three days afterwards. In his later years he could be seen mowing the family's lawn next to 219th. He was most at peace when he was on his mower; there was no pain and not a care in the world. No one was safe with his practical jokes and his infectious grin. Emmett leaves behind his wife, Sharon of 38 years; daughter, Patricia Denny of Libby, MT; son-in-law, Jeff Denny of Libby, MT; son, John Antell of Battle Ground; mother-in-law, Betty Dollar of Battle Ground; granddaughters, Jennifer and Felisha Denny of Libby, MT, and Megan and Madison Antell of Battle Ground; great-grandson, Quinton Denny of Libby, MT; brother, Dale Antell of Lapwai, ID; sister, Girlie Barnick of Naytahwaush, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews across the country. A gathering will be held at the family's home on Saturday, September 9, 2006 between 2pm and 4pm. Friends and family are invited to celebrate his life. Copyright c. 2006 Columbian. All Rights Reserved. -=-=-=- September 9, 2006 Wilford 'Wolf' Wagon FORT WASHAKIE - Traditional funeral services for Wilford "Wolf" Wagon, 70, will be held Monday, Sept. 11, 2006 at 2 p.m. at Rocky Mountain Hall in Fort Washakie with interment to follow in Sacajawea Cemetery. There will be traditional services Sunday evening at 7 p.m. at Rocky Mountain Hall and he will lie in state there until services Monday afternoon. Mr. Harrison Shoyo Jr., will officiate both services. He died at the Lander Valley Medical Center on Sept. 7, 2006, after a lengthy illness. He was born Oct. 20, 1935 to Roger and Matilda (Pingree) Wagon in Fort Washakie. He attended Fort Washakie Government Day School and BIA Boarding School at Pierre, S.D. He was known as "Wolf" or "Woodsy" to many of his friends and relatives and to those who knew him. He worked as a laborer and had the opportunity of working on the Rocky Mountain Hall. Because of illness, he had been a resident of Morning Star Manor for several years. He enjoyed riding horses, hunting , fishing, pow-wows, sun dances, listening to music and watching TV. He is survived by his sisters, Lena Aaron and Rosa L. Niedo of Fort Washakie and Rose Braman of Pocatello, Idaho; brothers, David Wagon, Sr. and Chester Pingree, Sr.; nieces and nephews and numerous relative and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Alvena Wagon Teton and Anna M. Shoyo; brothers, Roger William Wagon, James Wagon and a nephew. Copyright c. 2006 Casper Star-Tribune published by Lee Publications, Inc., a subsidiary of Lee Enterprises, Incorporated. -=-=-=- September 5, 2006 Ta'Shon Rain Little Light CROW AGENCY - Our precious angel, Ta'Shon Rain Little Light, 5-year-old daughter of Theodore and Stephanie White Little Light, departed this world Sept. 1, 2006, in Kissimmee, Fla. Bia Waa Kuumdedeesh, "Woman who provides well for herself," is a member of the Big Lodge Clan and a child of the Whistling Water. Her grandmother Delma Yarlott gave her Indian name to her. She was born Nov. 7, 2000, in Crow Agency. At the time of her death, she was a guest of the Make-a-wish Foundation and traveled to Orlando, Fla. Her two older sisters placed a star imprinted with her name in the Castle of Miracles. A very bright, precocious child, she learned to count in Crow, Spanish and English. She mastered math counting and adding at any early age. She completed the two- year Head Start Program, graduating in June of 2006. She was eagerly anticipating kindergarten, "going to the big school." Of quick wit and keen observation, she referred to Harold Brien, BIA police officer, as Mr. Cop and Carl Venne, Crow Tribal Chairman, as "the man with the plan." A couple of years ago, she asked her grandmother, "Who was made first, God or Carl Venne?" She affectionately provided nicknames for many of her family members. Since infancy, Ta'Shon entered and won the following beauty pageants: 2001 New Star Discovery, '02 Regional Miss American Starlet, Prettiest Hair, First Runner Up, National Charming Miss, Best Sportswear, '03, Sunburst USA Princess, Prettiest Smile, Prettiest Hair, Best Attire and '04, she was a champion in the Crow Style Tiny Tot special at Crow Fair. Survivors include her parents; sisters, Thea and Tia Little Light, Jacelyn and Allie Gondora; brothers Davin Little Light, Aaron Condora, Landin and Keyan Fitzpatrick; adopted parents, Jude (Mary) Hogan and Briana Fitzpatrick; godparents, Donovan (Lisa) Ramirez Oleyte; grandparents, Marvin and Luanna Stewart, Barry (Ursula) Russell, Rueben (Christine) DeCrane, Ada, Vicki and Peggy White, Curtis (Alberta), Henry (Laura) and Harold Rides the Horse, Elmer (Theresa) Gun Shows, Delma Yarlott, Regina Goes Ahead, Mary (Hartford) Black Eagle, Billy (Shirley) Stewart, Victor (Janice) Singer, Greeley (Stella) Not Afraid, Donna Dawes, Lorena Mae Walks Over Ice, Bobby Ramirez, Marietta and Merle (Phyllis) Big Medicine, Dana and Larry (Pearl) Tobacco Paulette Not Afraid, Georgine (Ronald ) Falls Down, Annie (Cyrus) Leider, Maria (Preston) Onion, Carmen (Troy) Whiteman, Jackie Robinson, George (Georgia) Bement, Barbara Stewart, Marla Fritzler, Linda Little Owl, Karen Old Elk, Ava Bell Rock, Roberta Steinmetz, Avis Little Light, Dorothy Gray, Carlene Gondora and Mary Ann Demray; great-grandparents, Clara Nomee, Jerome (Lois) and Vincent White Hip, Juanita Ramirez, Beatrice Small, Ed and Kathryn Little Light; adopted sisters, Marissa Hogan, Stormy Bad Bear, Brittany Iron, Jennifer Sandoval, Miranda Rowland, Stephanie Jefferson, Susie White Hip, Cecelia Gardner, Wendy Little Light, Breille White, Antonia and Arlene Bird in Ground; adopted brothers, Aubrey and Isaiah Good Luck, Quindell White Hip, Thomas Bull Tail, Zane Pretty on Top, Darin, Devin and DJ Oleyte; aunts and uncles, Lori and Galen Gondora, Latonna (Lloyd) Long Soldier, Pauline (Robert) Doyle, Vanessa, Shobe (Janet), Myron (Kaylene), Orland and Teddy (Juliette) Little Light, Pete (Andrea), Lawrence, Bemus (Marjean) and Lara Big Hair, Flora (Lawrence) Pretty Weasel, Robin Stewart, Todd Wilson, Stephen and Joen White, Carrie (Kevin) Old Coyote, Clinton (Margaret) Stops, Rhonda (Kolan) Good Luck, Melanie DeCrane, Eddie (Laurie), Morton and Willemia Big Medicine, Victoria Snell, Lisa DeCauteau, Shannon Black Eagle, Rogene (Barry) Howe, Becky Gros Ventre, Val Falls Down, Barb (Willie) Gardner, Angela Williams, Dennis Bastine, Jr., Sharon Bear Don't Walk, Carrie Braine, Mandy (Leo) Stewart, Austin (Lasha) and Myron Little Light Jr., Sid (Carla) DeCrane, Tamara (Delon) Rock Above, Frazier (Gayle), Neil (Michelle), Gary and Laloni White Hip, Henry (Garnett) Bright Wings, Lonnie and Lloyd Little Bird, Carmielita (Scott) Williams, Theda, Leola, Charlotte, Ardena and Jason (Dolly) Whiteman; her special friends, Carl (Edwina) Venne, Harold (Danette) Brien, Brenda and Sasha Bad Bear, Taylor and Tyson Fitzpatrick; her extended family including the Little Light, White, White Hip, Conteraz, Rides Horse, Ramirez, Big Medicine, Walks Over Ice, Jefferson, Grey Bull, Sees the Ground and Whiteman families; special cousins, Avella and Aleigha Stewart, Skye Doyle, Tyler and Ashley Whiteman, Amina, Turina, Evalina, Elizabeth, Francesica and Tyrell Little Light, Tristan and Jerell Big Hair, Nina and Thomas Russell, Owen Pretty Weasel, CJ,. Whitney, Shylee, Nisha, LJ, Martin, Beth and Frank Rides Horse. The family gratefully acknowledges and extends heartfelt appreciation to Drs. Mark, Albano, Silliman, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Give Kids the World, Crow Tribal Administration and its employees, Gerlinda Whiteman and Christina Turns Plenty. Ta'Shonii Baby, we love you so much. We will continue to see your beauty in every sunset, each rainbow, when the stars shine at night and when the drums beat. God be with you, you'll make a beautiful angel, until we meet again baby, all our love, Mom, Dad, Thea and Tia. Rosary will be recited 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, in the Bullis Funeral Chapel. Mass of the Angels will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8, in the Crow Agency Multi-purpose Building. Interment will follow in the Crow Agency Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements. Mark Shotgunn YAKIMA, Wash. - Mark Shotgunn, 45, of Yakima, Wash., died Aug. 31, 2006. Traditional wake services will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, at the Lame Deer LDS Chapel. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, in the LDS Chapel. Interment will follow in the Birney Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin is in charge. September 11, 2006 Shylon Joseph Alden LODGE GRASS - Shylon Joseph Alden, 23, of Lodge Grass, died tragically of injuries sustained in a car-pedestrian accident in Billings. Iipchiiichiwakiish, "Prays with the Sacred Pipe," a name given to him by Jerome White Hip, was born on Father's Day, June 19, 1983, in Crow Agency, a son of Alvin Alden and Kim LeBeaux. He grew up and received his education in Lodge Grass. While in school, he participated in basketball, football and played the trombone in the school band. He was an accomplished artist and leather craft person, who also enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing pool, card tricks and playing jokes on his family and friends. Shylon was a member of the Big Lodge Clan, a child of the Big Lodge Clan and attended the Lodge Grass Baptist Church. His many nieces, nephews and cousins looked up to him and had several namesakes. He never seemed to have an enemy. His grandfather, Joe Alden, Sr., grandmother, Rosalie LeBeaux; uncles, John Belo Alden and Rocky Tolman and special cousin Indian Three Irons preceded Shylon in death. Survivors include his mother, Kim LeBeaux of Wyola; his father Alvin (Theresa) Alden of Wyola; sisters, Brandi (Quincy) Lewis of Oklahoma, Darci (William) Springfield and Joetta (Jon) Foote of Billings; his brothers, Nathaniel Krakel of Arkansas, Jacob, Elijah and Marvin Wes Stops, Jr. of Wyola; his grandparents, Colleen (Richard) Sherwood of Laurel, Ruth Backbone Alden, Frances Bends and Glen Fritzler of Lodge Grass, Everett (Jan) Thornton of Bozeman and H. Gregg LeBeaux of Wyoming; best friend, Jyton Bird Faraway, who will always be in his heart; adopted mothers, Carole Rule, Micki Falghren and Roberta Walks Over the Ice; adopted sister, Butterfly Rule; nieces Zavier and Zechaya Lewis, Tayzha and Emma; Paternal aunts and uncles, Clara Buck Elk, Lavonne (Moses) Tall Bear, Joselyn (Clarence) Three Irons, Daphne Alden, Anita (Dana) Old Coyote, Ronald (Georgine) Falls Down, Frances, Laurie and Joe (Charlene) Alden, Jr.; Maternal aunts and uncles, Shawna Pretty Bear, Michelle Tucker, Randy Tolman, Alanita White, Crystal C'Bearing, Cheri, Elizabeth and Emery'l LeBeaux, Andi Clifford; nephews, Garious and Adrian and his extended family including the Bird, LaForge, Goes Ahead, Bright Wings, Holds the Enemy, Door, Beamount, Backbone, Bloodman, Lefthand, Not Afraid, Morrison, Old Horn, Little Nest, Pretty on Top, Red Wolf, Old Dwarf, Plenty Hoops, Jefferson, Bear Below, Bravo, Driftwood, Knows The Gun, Plenty Hawk, Sees The Ground, Walks, Little Bear, Dillon, Buffalo, Hungry Wolf, Humphrey, Birdinground and Parshal families. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12, in the Lodge Grass First Crow Indian Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Lodge Grass Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements. Copyright c. 2006 The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. -=-=-=- September 7, 2006 Franklin Troy Houle Frank Houle, 62, who had been a security guard, died Sunday, Sept. 3, 2006, at Billings Health and Rehabilitation Community, where he had been a resident since December 2005. He was born the son of Phillip and Stella (DeLong) Houle on Nov. 7, 1944, in Cando, N.D. A member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Tribe, he attended Wahpeton Indian School in Wahpeton, N.D., graduating in 1956. Stationed in Alaska and France, he served in the Army during the Vietnam War until 1966. He had worked for Uniband Data Processing Co. as a security guard until 2001. He spent the majority of his life in Denver and Billings. Survivors include his wife, Joanne; daughters, Jackie Moraga of Gilbert, Ariz., Dawn Houle of Seattle and Robyn Houle of Billings; sisters, Phyllis Houle of Belcourt, N.D., Pat Morin and June Cabrera, both of Billings, and Thelma Rose of Eugene, Ore.; brothers, Lagores Houle of Belcourt and Joe Lindsey of Aurora, Colo.; and four grandchildren. Services were planned later with interment of ashes in Mountview Cemetery. Arrangements were in the care of Dahl Funeral & Cremation Service. Copyright c. 2006 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. September 6, 2006 Louis Alan Gobert, Jr. Louis Alan Gobert, Jr., 31, passed away at his home in Browning on Saturday, Sept 2, 2006. The Coroner has not given the cause of death. Louis Alan Gobert, Jr. A wake will begin Wednesday at the Glacier Homes Center with rosary services Thursday at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Friday at 2 p.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church with burial following in Willow Creek Cemetery. Pondera Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Louis was born June 12, 1975 in Browning to Louis Gobert and Toni Gervais. He graduated from Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Ore. in 1995. Louis served in the U.S. Marine Corp. He was a proficient artist. Louis was a loving father of Reo, Seth, and Ty whom he cared for at his home. He was a gregarious person and has many friends. Survivors include parents, Toni Gervais and Louis A Gobert Sr. of Browning; grandmother, Connie Bremner of Browning; sons, Reo, Seth, and Ty; sisters, Corrina of Browning, Christa of New Mexico, and Lea of Washington; and brothers, Greg of Great Falls, Ramon of Browning, and Josh of Washington. Margaret Last Star Margaret (Spotted Bear) Last Star, 85, passed away Sunday, Aug. 27, 2006 at the Blackfeet Community Hospital of natural causes. Margaret Last Star Funeral Mass was held Friday at Little Flower Catholic Church with burial following in Willow Creek Cemetery. Pondera Funeral Home handled the arrangements. Survivors include her daughters, Mary Jane (Gary) Grant, Mildred (Melford, Sr.) Pepion, Judy (Ed Spotted Eagle) Last Star, and Edna (Gayle) Old Chief all of Browning and Gwen Hope of Missoula; sons, Melvin Joseph Last Star of Kansas, Michael Hope of Browning, and Leroy Schmidt of Kalispell; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Mike Last Star; her parents, Pete and Annie Spotted Bear; and all of her siblings. Copyright c. 2006 Golden Triangle Newspapers. -=-=-=- September 5, 2006 Douglas R. Snell Sr. FORT BELKNAP AGENCY - Douglas R. Snell Sr., 56, a firefighter and U.S. Army veteran, died of natural causes Friday at a Havre hospital. A wake will begin at 5 p.m. today, with rosary at 7 p.m., at the Red Whip Center. Funeral Mass is 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Red Whip Center, with burial in Hi-way Cemetery. Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook is in charge of arrangements. Survivors include daughters Debbie Snell and Randi Snell of Fort Belknap, Barbara Lodge of Hays and Laura Manriquez of Great Falls; sons Loren Bell of Arlee and Kendal Matt, Caden Clark and Richard Nicholson, all of Great Falls; his mother, Ruby Grant of Fort Belknap; adopted parents Bobbi Lee and Ola Cochran of Hays; sisters Virginia Cochran, Donna First Raised and Margaret Strike, all of Fort Belknap, Mary Ellen Snell of Bemidji, Minn., and Arleata Iron Shield of Fort Yates, N.D.; brothers Jim Firemoon and George "Chub" Snell Jr. of Fort Belknap and Ted Snell of Fort Totten, N.D. ; adopted sisters Charlene Forman, Lila Snell, Reva Sears, Kathy Turntoes, Dawn Cochran, Etta Cochran, Kelly Cochran, Avis King, Tracy R. King and Sandy Latray, all of Fort Belknap; adopted brothers Ivan Wing, Edwin Doney, Alvin Doney, Dean Doney, David Doney, Franklin Doney, Phillip "Knobby" Stiffarm, Amos First Raised, Leon Speak Thunder, Larry Jackson Sr., Robert "Babe" Cochran and Joe Cochran, all of Fort Belknap, and Clinton Doney of Great Falls; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Clark, in 1994. September 6, 2006 Gobert Jr., Louis Alan BROWNING - Louis Alan Gobert, Jr., 31, a Marine Corps veteran, died Saturday at his home in Browning. The coroner has not determined the cause of death. A wake will begin today at Glacier Homes Center in Browning, with rosary there at 7 p.m. Thursday. Funeral Mass is 2 p.m. Friday at Little Flower Catholic Church, with burial in Willow Creek Cemetery. Pondera Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Survivors include his sons, Reo, Seth and Ty Gobert, all of Browning; his parents, Toni Gervais and Louis A Gobert Sr. of Browning; sisters Corrina of Browning, Christa of New Mexico and Lea of Washington; brothers Greg of Great Falls, Ramon of Browning and Josh of Washington; and his grandmother, Connie Bremner of Browning. Louis was born June 12, 1975, in Browning, to Louis Gobert and Toni Gervais. He graduated in 1995 from Chemowa Indian School in Salem, Ore., and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Louis was a proficient artist and a loving father to his sons, whom he cared for at his home. He was a gregarious person and had many friends. Condolences may be sent online to greatfallstribune.com/obituaries. September 8, 2006 Marline M. Heavy Runner BROWNING - Marline M. (Juneau) Heavy Runner, 74, a homemaker, died of natural causes Tuesday at a Browning hospital. Rosary is 7 this evening at the Eagle Shield Center in Browning. Her funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday at Browning United Methodist Church. Pondera Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Survivors include her husband, Jesse Heavy Runner of Browning; daughters Marsha Juneau of Washington and Denise Heavy Runner and Lisa Heavy Runner of Browning; sons Jesse Heavy Runner Jr. of Eureka and Steven Heavy Runner, William Heavy Runner, Keith Heavy Runner and Earl Heavy Runner, all of Browning; a sister, Martha Vaile of Havre, brothers Kenneth Juneau and Benton Juneau of Browning; 20 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by an infant child. Patricia Rutherford HEART BUTTE - Former Browning and Heart Butte area resident Patricia Rutherford, 40, of Portland, a motel housekeeper, died Saturday at a Portland hospital. The cause of death was not available. Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. today at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Heart Butte, with burial in Heart Butte Cemetery. Pondera Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Survivors include a daughter, Crystal Still Smoking of Browning; sons Martin St. Goddard of Browning and Christopher Eagle Tail Feathers and Jessy Eagle Tail Feathers of Alberta; brothers Ron Rutherford of Browning, Mark Aldridge and Sam Fast Buffalo Horse of Oregon, and Milton Rutherford, Ross Arnoux and Jess Rutherford Jr., all of Heart Butte; a sister, Deanne Rutherford of Heart Butte; and a grandson. Copyright c. 2006 Great Falls Tribune, a division of Lee Enterprises. -=-=-=- September 5, 2006 Donald Bill Buck RONAN - Donald Bill Buck, 35, of Ronan, died in a single-vehicle accident early Sunday, Sept. 3, 2006, near Ravalli. He was born Nov. 8, 1970, in Fort Belknap to Carol (Paul) and Lesllie W. Buck Sr. Donald Bill grew up and attended schools in Boulder, Spokane, Blackfoot, Idaho, and Pocatello, Idaho. In 1983 he moved back with his parents and brothers to the Flathead Indian Reservation, where he attended school in Ronan and grduated from Two Eagle River School. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Persian Gulf. After his honorable discharge, he returned home and worked in Butte, Billings and most recently at Flathead Stickers in Pablo. He met Mamie Bohay in Butte and they were married July 6, 2005, in Pablo. He is survived by his wife and parents of Ronan; brothers and their families, Dee and Les of Spokane, JoAnn and Mike of St. Ignatius, and Richard and Albert, both of Ronan; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in Montana, Idaho and Washington. A wake began Monday evening at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius with traditional prayers to be recited Tuesday evening. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Longhouse followed by burial at the Paul Cemetery near Post Creek. The Veterans Warrior Society and Mission Valley Honor Guard will present military honors. Pallbearers will be Steve Rodriguez, Moses Molton, Joe Parizeau, Woody BigCrane, Antoine Paul and Brian Loberg. Copyright c. 2006 Missoulian, a division of Lee Enterprises. -=-=-=- Char-Koosta News - The official publication of the Flathead Indian Nation August 2006 Obituaries Fredrick Ernest Roullier RONAN-Fred Roullier passed away August 28, 2006 from injuries sustained in a multi-vehicle accident while riding his Harley-Davidson home from work. Fred was born December 30, 1951 to Helen (Sell) and Alfred Roullier. Fred is survived by his beloved daughter, Lindsey, sons Jeremy and James Fredrick Roullier, mother Helen, sisters Gail (Larry) Emery, Kathy Roullier, Rosemary (Dick) Abromeit, Roberta (TJ) Haynes, brothers Steve Roullier and Dan (Marlene) Roullier. Fred was proud to be a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. In March of this year, he had completed 21 years of service with the Tribes. He began his employment at Flathead Post and Pole in May of 1975 and worked there until 1979. Fred then left the reservation to work primarily as a sawyer in Alaska and Oregon. Fred returned to the reservation and began employment as a Greenhouse Worker and Forestry Technician (Fire). In May of 1991, Fred was the only certified sawyer who could teach and certify other sawyers. He traveled to other tribes all over the northwest and even to Florida to teach other to become certified. Fred was proceeded in death by his father, Alfred and brother-friends Anthony Paul, Rick Lozeau and Kelly Salois. Fred was a diversely talented individual. In his youth, he boxed. Due to his quick fancy steps, his opponents rarely, if ever, made contact. Like his father, daughter and siblings, he was a very talented artist. When he was eighteen years old, he was hired by the Indian Arts and Crafts Board of the U.S. Department of Interior to illustrate the book "Coyote Tales of the Montana Salish", published in 1974. Fred continued with his artwork throughout his life. However, after the birth of his daughter, Lindsey, he dedicated his life to raising and providing for her. In fact, one of his friends, Butch Burland, also a single parent, fondly recounted discussing parenting issues with Fred while shopping for groceries. The two men even traded recipies during these visits. Clearly, Lindsey was the light of his life. He spent his free time teaching and sharing his live of the outdoors with her. Fred and Lindsey made frequent trips into the Missions to fish, hike, camp and hunt. Fred was also a devoted family member and friend. Countless stories abound about his warm kindness and willingness to always help without being asked. He would simply show up and in his quiet, humorous way, would pitch in and "Get 'er done," regardless of the task. In fact, all remember Fred never complained, or said a bad word about anyone, and that he had a wonderful sense of humor and regardless of how he felt, he always lifted others up with his warm smile. Friend, Vic Morigeau noted "Fred was a man of his word." Fred will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Traditional wake services began Wednesday, August 30. The rosary will be tonight (Thursday) August 31 at 7:00 pm. Closing services will be Friday, September 1, at 10:00 am. Pallbearers will be Vic Morigeau, T.J. Haynes, Joe Piedalue, Bob McCrea, Leonard Grenier, Jack Currie, Terry Tanner, and Basil Tanner. Benjamin Asencio Pablo - Benjamin Asencio, 63, passed away from cancer at his home in Pablo, August 23rd while surrounded by his loving family. A dedicated family man who lived for his children and grandchildren, he was born at Dirty Corner near Arlee on February 1, 1943. Raised and educated on the Flathead Reservation eventually receiving his AA degree from Kalispell Comm. College. Ben went to work for the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe as a counselor in 1978. Retiring in January 2004 from the Narcotics Drug Team Specialist he had worked for as a manager for FRACAP, Outreach Counselor for Tribal Health; Drug & Alcohol Counselor; Director of Blue Bay Healing Center and IHS. While skilled at his work Ben had other loves he loved the outdoors whether it was hunting, cutting his own firewood or taking pride in have a beautiful yard he kept busy. With declining health he took up gambling while at home but nothing came before his family their accomplishments were the things that made him proud. He was preceded in death by his parents Cecelia Cullooyah & Pete Asencio and a son Geno. He leaves behind his wife JoAnne "Dode" (Antoine) Asencio; his chidren Bonnie Asencio, Ben (Brenda) Asencio, Gena Asencio, Berta Asencio (Lee Grant), Bobby (Becca) Asencio, Norita Mathias, Nikki Antoine, Carrie Antoine and Misty Whitworth (Dave McClure); his aunt Oshanee Kenmille; his sisters Virg Charlo, Josephine Gonzalez, Madeline Finley & Madeline Pierre and a brother Max Asencio; 24 grandchildren and 3 greatgrandchildren as well as numerous foster children, cousins, nieces, nephews and all of his wife's Day Care kids to whom he was known as "Papa". Rosary was held Thursday, August 24th at the Longhouse with Wake Closing being held at 10 Friday, August 25th in the Longhouse. In accordance with Ben's wishes cremation will take place after the Closing Service. Dorothy Frances Lester Arends Bell RONAN- Dorothy Frances Lester was born on Sept. 22, 1918, in Watford City, N.D.; she attended school in Watford City. In 1936, she married Luppo Arends, Living both in North Dakota and Missoula before moving to the Ronan area. In 1949, Luppo died leaving her with their four children. In 1950, she married Julian Bell, who also brought four children into the union. Dorothy and J.B. had three more children while living on their farm in the Round Butte area. They lived on the farm until they bought their house in Pablo. J.B. died that December of 1975. Our sweet mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, died peacefully on Aug. 23, 2006, surrounded by her family. She had been residing in the St. Luke Hospital Extended Care since 2003. She was preceded in death by her two spouses Luppo and J.B.; her parents Donald and Bessie Lester; siblings Leva, Alva, Opal, Claire, Velma and Loyal; grandchildren Doug Bell, Sherrie Tichenor, Eddie DuBois; and great grandchildren Roman Bell and Lester Couture. Surviving siblings are Faye, Glen, Lester, Otis, Phyllis and Eunice. Her children are Danny (Barb) Arends of the Dalles, Ore., Carol (Wayne) Tichenor of Whitehall, Dorothy Ann (Mark) McDonald of Charlo, Slim (Ingrid) Arends of Ronan, Bev (Ron) Roundy of Eagle River, Alaska, and twins Don (Val) Bell of Pablo and Donna (Brian) Corum of Ronan; and stepchildren Gene Bell of Ronan, Connie (Ed) Kinsey of Helena, Bob (Linda) Bell of Ronan, Betty Jo (Ed) DuBois of St. Ignatius. She has over 36 grandchildren and over 50 great-grandchildren. Her funeral was held at Saturday, Aug. 26, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ronan with a viewing before the funeral. Burial followed at the Ronan Cemetery. Shrider-Thompson Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting with arrangements. Jadace Tomacio Duran POLSON - Our baby boy, nephew, grandson, great-grandson and cousin, Jadace Tomacio Duran, born to Amanda Watt and Clayton Duran on March 16, 2006, at 11:41 a.m., was given to the lord on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2006. As every day began Jadace was full of smiles and joy. As we looked at him the sparkle in those big blue eyes brought love and happiness to everyone's lives. Jadace enjoyed stockcar racing, water, hiccupping, eating, playing, making others laugh and smile. As Jadace went to be with the lord, he became an angel to other young children and his family.Jadace was survived by grandparents Bud and Darla Watt, Susan Pierre and Tom and Wendy Duran; great grandparents Janice and Clifford Kelley, William F. Watt, Clifford Duran, Marian Andrew, Patricia Cousins and Rawhide; aunts and uncles J.C. and Jennifer Watt, Michelle Nault-Duran, Desi Nault-Duran, T.J. and Lacey Duran, Patrick and Carrie Sorrell, Michael Grant, C. Gail Grant, Jodessa Senecal and Josiah Senecal; cousins Gavin Watt, Winter Watt, Cyela Nault Duran, Sharyn-Marie Duran, Jo-Jo Sorrell, Harley Sorrell and Bo Jai Grant- Schmidt. Traditional wake services will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius. Funeral services will be Monday, Aug. 21, with wake closing beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will be at the Ronan Cemetery. Donald Sydney Pitts HOT SPRINGS - Donald Sydney Pitts, 81, passed away August 2nd in Sacramento, California. A member of the Salish & Kootenai Tribe, Don was the son of Virgil and Geneva (Houle) Pitts, he was born in St. Ignatius on December 12, 1923. He lived in Valley Creek, MT and later moved to Hot Springs where he attended school and graduated from High School in 1941. He then went to the U of M for a year and was affiliated with S.A.E. Fraternity. Don then moved to Portland and became an orderly in the main hospital there before returning to Hot Springs where he enlisted in the Merchant Marines in 1942. Don served two years in the South Pacific. In 1944, he was honorably discharged. Returning to Hot Springs, he was engaged in many occupations: a truck driver on the new Alaska Highway and when the weather became bad he returned to Hot Springs and started a dairy company. Upon selling the dairy he went to Lewistown, MT and worked on the railroad; returning to Hot Springs to start an Excavation Business. Selling that business, he went to Sacramento, CA and worked for a dairy for 23 years plus working with the City Ambulance when called. He then retired and went into the rare coin business until he permantly retired. He was preceded in death by his parents; a stepmother Serena (Marquardt) Pitts and a sister Donna. Survivors include one brother Eugene (Faye) Pitts of Dixon; sister Nena (Bud) Heitmiller of Hawaii; nieces Letti (John) Neuman of Polson, Kolynn (Paul) Sinclair of Yakima, WA and Teresa (Derk) Olea of Sacramento, CA; nephews Dr. Garry (Christine) Pitts of Polson, Terry (Crystal) Pitts of Dixon, Larry (Ginger) Pitts of Pablo, Robert Veitch of Helena and Stephen Heitmiller of CA and numerous grand nephews and grand nieces. At his request, cremation has taken place and private family services will held Labor Day Weekend at the Lone Pine Cemetery where he will be laid to rest by his father. Foster & Durgeloh Funeral Home of St. Ignatius is assisting the family. Yvonne Marie LaPrairie FORT HALL, ID - Yvonne "Maria" LaPrairie, 35, passed away on August 6, 2006, surrounded by her family, after a lingering illness. She was born September 30, 1970 in Chicago, Illinois, to Evelyn Felix (Alvarez) Evans of Fort Hall, Idaho and Lyman LaPrairie of Illinois. Her family moved several times between Idaho, Montana, Illinois and Oregon where she grew up. As the family grew she happily adjusted. She attended school in Illinois, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Kicking Horse Job Corps. Maria cherished her nieces and nephew, loved nurturing the plants as well as the pets she had, also loved powwowing, singing, cooking, writing letters, and doing hair and nails. Maria worked as a housekeeper and loved helping others. She always had something to give to every person who entered her life. She was a great friend to listen and talk to; perhaps her unconditional love was her greatest gift. Most of all she loved being with family and friends. She traveled to just be with them and will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her father. Survivors include her mom, who is so inspiring and stood beside her daughter the whole time. Her brother whom she was so proud of, Winfield P. LaPrairie Sr. of Fort Hall, Idaho, her nephew and niece Winfield P. LaPrairie Jr. of Kamiah, Idaho and Haley Farmer of Fort Hall, Idaho; her sister Karen E. Johnson and fiance' Charles Apple and new nephew on the way, of Fort Hall, Idaho; her sister Irene F. Johnson and husband Myles Buchanan, nieces Mya, Chanelle, Alicyn and Alexis of Missoula; her brother Joel R. Evans and wife Christina of Missoula; her sister Lyma A. Evans and her niece LaVea of Missoula and her brother Daniel LaPrairie of Illinois. Burial services were held on August 8, 2006 in Fort Hall, Idaho. She was buried at Cedars Cemetery in Fort Hall, Idaho. September 2006 Obituaries Patrick John "PJ" Finley PABLO - Patrick John "PJ" Finley passed away from injuries sustained in an auto accident. He was born June 16, 1981 in Ronan, Montana to Alex "Rick" Finley and Sarah Gardipe. A member of the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes, he raised with his Granny in Pablo. He enjoyed fishin', huntin', cruisin', hikin', swimmin', volleyball and watchin' the UFC. He also enjoyed just hangin' with his family and liked to wrestle with his Bruths. He also enjoyed hangin' out at the dry meat rack with Vinnie. PJ was preceded in death by his mother Sarah Gardipe Finley, a brother Eli Finley and Ta'a McKee, a cousin DJ Finley, grandmother Rose Gardipe and grandfather Pete Finley. He leaves behind his son Dominique Finley and Dominique's mother Marsha Northrup. His brothers Alex Finley Jr., Jacob and Steven Finley, his father Alex "Rick" Finley Sr., his Granny Margaret Gardipe, grandpa Scotty Gardipe, gramps Robert Littleboy, his aunts Cheryl, Selena, Geraldine and Terry Gardipe, Trena and Tanya Finley; uncles Charlie, Dan, Mike, and Jon Gardipe, and Arnold Littleboy and Pete Finley and all his little sisters and bruths. Wake began at the family home on Wednesday, with the rosary being recited at 8pm Thursday in St. Ignatius Community Center, followed by mass at noon Friday in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission. Interment followed in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetary. Donald Bill Buck RONAN - Donald Bill Buck, 35, of Ronan died in a single automobile wreck early Sunday morning in Ravalli, Montana. He was born at Fort Belknap, Montana on November 8, 1970 to Carol (Paul) and Leslie W. Buck. Sr. He grew up and attended schools in Boulder, MT; Spokane, WA; Blackfoot & Pocatello, ID. He moved back with his parents and brothers to the Flathead Indian Reservation in 1983 where he attended school in Ronan and Two Eagle River School where he graduated. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Persian Gulf. After his honorable discharge, he returned home and worked in Butte, Billings and most recently at Flathead Stickers in Pablo. He is survived by his wife and his parents of Ronan; brothers and families Dee & Les of Spokane, WA, JoAnn & Mike of St. Ignatius, Richard of Ronan and Albert also of Ronan as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins from Montana, Idaho & Washington. A wake was held at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius on Monday evening with traditional prayers being recited on Tuesday evening. Funeral services were held Wednesday morning. Longhouse and burial followed in the Paul Cemetary near Post Creek. Military Honors were presented by the Veterans Warrior Society & the Mission Valley Honor Guard. Pallbearers were Steve Rodriguez, Moses Molton, Joe Parizeau, Woody Bigcrane, Antoine Paul and Brian Loberg. Death Notice Rodrigo Salina-Diaz RAVALLI - Rodrigo Salina-Diaz, 19, passed away Sunday morning from injuries sustained in an auto wreck in Ravalli. Rodrigo was a college student from West Yellowstone who was attending his second year at the U of M. He services will be handled by Dahl Funeral Home in Bozeman Copyright c. 2006 Char-Koosta News. -=-=-=- September 5, 2006 Douglas Snell Sr. FORT BELKNAP - Douglas R. Snell Sr., 56, died Friday, Sept. 1, 2006, at Northern Montana Hospital from natural causes. Snell's four-day feed was held on Monday and the wake will begin at 5 p. m. today with rosary later at the Fort Belknap Red Whip Center. His funeral Mass will be Wednesday at 11 a. m. at Red Whip Center with burial following at the Hi-way Cemetery with military honors. Douglas was born at Old Hays on Feb. 28, 1950, to George (Bush) Snell Sr. And Ruby Talks Different. He attended school at Hays and graduated from Flandreau Indian School at Flandreau, S.D. He attended college at Fort Belknap College, graduating in 1988 with a degree in building trades. He married Karen Clark in 1980. She died in 1994. There are nine grandchildren. Doug spent most of his life on Fort Belknap working for BIA Roads Department and as camp crew boss for Forestry when he could no longer fight fire. He served in the U.S. Army with the 101st Airborne in Germany and Vietnam. He was very proud of service to his country and having served from 1970 to 1971 in Vietnam. He was preceded in death by his father, George (Bush) Snell Sr.; paternal grandparents, Jim and Virginia Snell; maternal grandparents, Ira and Mary Talks Different; sisters, Bernadette Firemoon and Debbie Snell; brothers, Ronald "Super" Doney, Orville Doney and Quintin Fox Jr.; uncle, Bobby Talks Different; and son, Douglas Snell Jr. Survivors include his mother, Ruby Grant of Fort Belknap; daughters, Debbie Snell and Randi Snell both of Fort Belknap, Barbara Lodge of Hays and Laura Manriquez of Great Falls; sons, Loren Bell of Arlee and Kendal Matt, Caden Clark and Richard Nicholson, all of Great Falls; brothers, Jim (Brenda) Firemoon and George "Chub" (Lana) Snell Jr. Both of Fort Belknap and Ted (Berta) Snell of Fort Totten, N.D.; sisters, Virginia "Ginny" (Grant) Cochran, Donna (Dean) First Raised and Margaret (John R.) Strike, all of Fort Belknap, Mary Ellen Snell of Bemidji, Minn., and Arleata (Gerald) Iron Shield of Fort Yates, N.D.; uncles, Mike (Mary) Talks Different, Sherman (Kathy) Talks Different and Alvin (Peggy) Talks Different all of Fort Belknap; aunt, Irene Doney of Hays; adopted parents, Bobbie Lee and Ola Cochran of Hays; adopted brothers, Ivan Wing, Edwin, Alvin, Dean David, Franklin Doney, Phillip "Knobby" Stiffarm, Amos First Raised, Leon Speak Thunder, Larry Jackson Sr., Robert "Babe" and Joe Cochran of Fort Belknap and Clinton Doney of Great Falls; adopted sisters, Charlene Forman, Lila Snell, Reva Sears, Kathy Turntoes, Dawn, Etta, Kelly Cochran, Avis and Tracy R. King, and Sandy Latray, all of Ft. Belknap; numerous nieces, nephews and special nephew Thomas R. Ball. Arrangements are by Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook. Copyright c. 2006 Havre Daily News. -=-=-=- September 5, 2006 Carol Dolan, 66 Kenai Lifelong Alaskan and Kenai resident Carol Dolan, 66, died Sept. 2, 2006, at Central Peninsula General Hospital in Soldotna. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, with a viewing from 1 to 2 p. m., at Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai. The Rev. Thomas Andrew will officiate. Burial will be afterward at the Kenai City Cemetery. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be Darrel Tepp, Raymond Tepp, Gordon Baktuit, George Hunter, Gary Starbard, Mike Juliussen, R.C. Rifredi, Mike Boulette and Dale Baktuit. Mrs. Dolan was born Dec. 24, 1939, in Kenai, and was a homemaker. She was a member of the Kenai Native Association and Kenaitze Indian Tribe Board for several years. She was also involved with the K.I.T. Interpretive Site. Mrs. Dolan enjoyed bingo, cooking, working fish and tracking the latest news. Her family said: "Carol was a wife, mother, grandmother and guardian to many. She lived to the fullest extent for family, friends, grandchildren and anyone in between. Her doors were always open to anyone who needed a helping hand. She was known widely for her great wit and sense of humor. She was also known for her great cooking and recipes. Her favorite pastimes were working fish and making the best smoked salmon. She also enjoyed being surrounded by friends and playing bingo. She will be greatly missed and always loved." Mrs. Dolan was preceded in death by her sister, Marlene Supko, and brother, Albert Baktuit. She is survived by her husband, Robert "Bob" Dolan; daughter and son-in- law, Demaris and Tyler Lahnum; son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Karen Rifredi; grandchildren, Cheyanna, Cherrel, R.C., Dobe, Christina and Nicolya; great-grandchildren, Kyley, Mason, Taylor, Tyson, Kaydence and Chelsea; sister, Evelyn Boulette; and brother, Gordon Baktuit. Arrangements are with Peninsula Memorial Chapel. September 7, 2006 Elizabeth Lewis-Weber, 78 Anchorage Anchorage resident Elizabeth "Tiny" Lewis-Weber, 78, died Sept. 4, 2006, at home "with grace and dignity," her family said. A funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Christ Church Episcopal, 5101 O'Malley Road. The Rev. Gayle Nauska will officiate. Ms. Lewis-Weber was born Dec. 14, 1927, in Wrangell, to Lillian and Jack Stokes. She lived in Wrangell until 1964, when she moved to Anchorage. She worked many years for Alaska Native Medical Center before retiring in 1989 to spend more time with her family. Family wrote: "Elizabeth lived life to the fullest and enjoyed many activities including dancing, smoking fish, clam digging, camping, traveling and spending time with family and friends. She cherished all of her family. "She was proud of her Alaska Native heritage and was a member of the Alaska Native Sisterhood and Sealaska Corp. "Her generosity and kind heart were an inspiration to her family and all who knew her. She always welcomed family and friends to her home and would offer a lending hand whenever needed. Her warm smile will always be remembered and her kindness never forgotten." She is survived by her husband, Harold Weber; daughters and sons-in-law, Lil and Tom Lackey, Bobbe and Paul Lethenstrom and Terri Landers; sons, Ken Lewis and companion Sigrid Vanek, and Henry Lewis; brothers, Dick, Bob and Gil Stokes; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Arrangements are with Kehl's Forest Lawn Mortuary. Copyright c. 2006 The Anchorage Daily News. -=-=-=- September 6, 2006 James H. Thibedeau James Howard Thibedeau, 47, died Sunday, Sept. 3, 2006, at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. Born at St. Joseph's Hospital on Oct. 25, 1958, to Richard H. and Ruth L. (Mayo) Thibedeau, James was number 12 in a family of 13 children and was raised at their 22nd Avenue home. Attending local schools, James made lifelong friends at Hunter, Main, Ryan and Lathrop schools. James enjoyed working in the family's water well drilling business and learning the welding trade. He worked for VECO, at various shops and on independent jobs. As his brother-in-law John said, "Jim would do anything for anybody." He was sought after by employers to return to work on various projects. James took pride in his Koyukon Alaska Native heritage and was a member of Doyon Ltd. and was tribally enrolled in the village of Rampart, where his mother was born. He enjoyed dip-netting on the Copper River with his brother Rick and practiced the tradition of sharing what he had and making his dwelling welcome to all who visited. James was proudest of the fact that he was a dad and grandpa and often spoke happily about "my granddaughter" or "my grandson." He enjoyed traveling and a favorite memory was taking his kids and nephews and nieces on a trip to Disneyland in California. He especially liked the times he was able to visit with his dad on the Big Island of Hawaii. He enjoyed playing the harmonica and spending time with his many friends. Childhood friend Michael Moe remembered how James helped him to achieve sobriety. Another friend since youth, Mark Gilbert, recalled how "Jim was like Superman-he could do anything!" James was preceded in death by his mother; sisters, Gail, Maxine and Marie; brother, Marvin; nephew, Benjamin; niece, Shawneen; and special cousins, Juel and Robert. He is fondly remembered by daughters, Kristin and Jodi Rocheleau and Jessica Thibedeau; grandchildren, Naudia Shaw and Lee Cressel III; father, Richard Thibedeau Sr.; brothers and sister-in-law, Richard and Faye, Fred, Rick, John and Don; sisters and brothers-in-law, Charlotte and Jay Broussard, Audrey and John Totaro, Jane and Bruce Cosgrove and Beverly Sourapas; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and many close friends. Tea will be served 5 to 7 p.m. tonight at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church parish hall. Visitation will be at noon on Thursday, Sept. 6, with the funeral beginning at 1 p.m. at the church. Following burial at Birch Hill Cemetery there will be a potlatch at the David Salmon Tribal Hall. Arrangements were by Fairbanks Funeral Home. Copyright c. 1999-2006 Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Inc. -=-=-=- September 11, 2006 Lawrence Williams WILLIAMS - On Monday, September 4, 2006, Lawrence Joseph (Larry) Williams, Sakimay First Nation, Grenfell, Sask., died at the age of 55 years. The funeral service will be held in the Sakimay Complex, Sakimay First Nation, on Friday, September 15, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. Interment in the Sakimay Cemetery. A wake will be held in the Sakimay Complex on Thursday evening. Predeceased by his parents, Noel and Emma Williams, and two sisters, Shirley and Alyce. Larry is survived by one sister, Loretta Bonnefoy, his nephews, Dennis, Terry and Michael as well as his niece Cheryl and their families. Arrangements in care of Tubman Cremation and Funeral Services. (1-800-667-8962). Copyright c. 2000-2006 Regina Leader Post Group Inc. -=-=-=- September 5, 2006 Ruth Good Rider May 17,1927 - August 30, 2006 "Went to be with the Lord" RUTH GOOD RIDER passed away peacefully at the Pincher Creek Hospital after a lengthy illness, August 30, 2006 at the age of 79. Ruth is survived by her daughters, Darlene Provost, Virgina (Isaac Jr.) Yellow Wings, Gayle (Curt) McDougall, Berylann (Alfred) Small Legs, Delena (Wesley) Big Bull, Gloria Good Rider. Sons Aarron (Florence) Good Rider and James (Mary) Plain Eagle. She is also survived by two bother Ernest and James North Peigan. Son-in-law Gilbert Provost and daughter-in-law Mary Many Grey Horses. Ruth was predeceased by her loving husband Sam Good Rider in December 13, 1990; Three sons, Wallace (1953), Clayton (1959) and Douglas (1996); Two daughters Viola Provost (1990) and Nora Good Rider (1997). She was also predeceased by her parents; Victor and Nora North Peigan. Ruth was a part of a family of 15 children. She was the last surviving daughter of 7 deceased sisters and 5 deceased brothers. Within the last few years she lost four family members, Rose Knowlton, Dorthy Yellow Horn, Edith Van Loon, and Dan North Peigan. Losing family members was always very hard for her to bear. (Ruth's family members will be acknowledged at her funeral service). Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Hence forth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness with the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day and to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." Family Service will be held at Eden's Funeral Home, Fort Macleod on Sunday, September 3, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. Wake service will begin at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday September 3, 2006 at the Late Ruth Good Rider residence on the Peigan Reserve. Funeral service will be held at the Church on the Rock on Tuesday September 5, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. with Brother Hiram Upham and Buddy Myers officiating. Interment at the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Brocket, AB. September 7, 2006 Anthony (Tony - Sikimi) Eagle Bear On Sunday September 3, 2006, Anthony Eagle Bear (SIKIMIYOHKITOPI - Black Horse Rider) peacefully passed away at the Cardston Municipal Hospital surrounded by his children and family. He is survived by his children Brian (Peggy) Healy, Maria (Vern Sr.) Wagner, William Jack (Nidel) Eagle Bear, Deanette (Russell) Little Leaf, and Velma Little Leaf; his siblings Cecilia (Norbert) Black Water, Theresa (Ron) Healy, Florine (Charles English) White Man Left, Veronica (Gary Tailfeathers), Patrick (Edna), Joseph Stanley (Rhonda), Natalie (Gordon Morning Bird), Frankie (Wilbur) Yellow Old Woman, Joyce (Gary) Bird, Barbara Scout, and the Cottons - Roland, Carol, Edwardine, and Margaret; his grandchildren Brian Jr., Candace, Vern Jr., Michael, Connie, Josh, Brennan and Misty; and great grandchildren Shenayah, Coby, Parker, Raivyn, Ashlyn, Chyme, Dante and Jocelyn; long time companion Myrna Little Leaf; his aunts Margaret (Andrew) Weasel Fat; Angeline, Madeline, and Hazel Eagle Bear; adopted father Duane (Wilma) Crow Chief; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins whom affectionately know him as SIKIMI. Born on September 9, 1950 at the Blood Indian Hospital, Sikimi received his formal education at the Standoff Elementary School and St. Mary's Roman Catholic School. At the age of 18, he left to join the United States Marine Corps. When Sikimi returned home, he resided in Edmonton and Lethbridge to work in the field of addictions. At the time of his passing, he resided in Standoff. Sikimi's hobbies include leatherwork and mechanical work with cars and trucks. Together with his father, they repaired vehicles and changed motors for family and friends. His knowledge of mechanics was passed down to his nieces, nephews, and cousins whom now know how to maintain their vehicles. Besides his hobbies, Sikimi enjoyed spending time with them. He had nicknames for most of them. Simiki will forever remain in our hearts. He is predeceased by his parents Billy and Margaret Eagle Bear, his sisters Mary and Lavern, his brother Billy James; his paternal grandparents Jack and Agnes Eagle Bear, his maternal grandparents Charles and Muka Calling First, his uncles Louis Knife Sr., Mike Eagle Bear, Stanley Eagle Bear, Eddie Eagle Bear and Frank Cotton; and his aunts Eva Sweet Grass, Louise (Susie) Bull Shields, Ruth Bottle, Mrs. Emil Wings, Lucy Twigg, Marion McDonald, Annie Cotton, Esther Cotton and Jane Day Chief. The Wake Service will be held at the Old Saipoyi School Gym, Blood Reserve on Thursday, September 7th commencing at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at the HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2618, 3RD AVENUE, FORT MACLEOD, AB on Friday, September 8th at 11:00 a.m. with Fr.Ben Marino officiating. Interment in the St Catherine's Cemetery. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Cal Salmon & Berry Gorham of Legacy. September 10, 2006 Smokey (Edwin) Wells SMOKEY (EDWIN) WELLS "STAMIKSOOPI" (SITTING BULL), born July 23, 1942 passed away peacefully on September 4th, 2006 at the age of 64 years. Smokey was an avid sportsman and a hard worker. He received his education from St. Mary's residential school. Smokey completed various training programs. He attended and completed cadet camp in Vernon, BC in 1957. He was awarded certificates in silk screening, draftsman, and addiction counseling from the Nechi Institute (1993). Smokey worked for many organizations, such as Senior Boys Supervisor/ St Mary's Residential School, Sports Coordinator/Blood Tribe Recreation, Handicap Case Worker/Family Community Support Services, Draftsman/Kainai Industries. Smokey had many other interests that included his favorite past time of beading in later years. In his younger years he participated in many sports such as basketball, football, hockey, baseball, and track & field, earning the Tom Long Boat Award in 1962, and Track & Field relay race at the Common Wealth Games. His teammates included Richard Wells, Lawrence Panther Bone, and Lawrence Plain Woman. He played basketball with the St. Mary's Farmers, Eagles, and Warriors. He was a bull rider in the rodeo circuit. Smokey also enjoyed playing hand games. He was a devout Catholic. He made his Cursillo in 1985. His theme song "My God is Real" was his belief. His participation in the Cursillo movement never ended even though he was wheelchair bound; he remained part of a prayer team. His devotion led him to pledge five years to attend the Lac St. Anne Pilgrimage. This pledge ended in 2004. Smokey always felt so lucky that he never had to worry about his care. Cookie was always there to provide this care, as well as making arrangements for his many appointments in Calgary. Smokey had respect for our Creator and appreciated the many prayers offered by the Horn Society, Motokiiks and other Religious Denominations. He was a devoted World Vision sponsor for many years, sponsoring Natalie Bustos Arias, from 10 years old to 18 years old. He started a new sponsorship in 2005, Mitchie G'Villanvers, nine years old. He is survived by his loving wife, Jessie "Cookie" Creighton, his precious baby Taryn Creighton, Darilyn (Tommy), Dolly (Clayton), Kori-Jo Creighton, Natasha (Rae) Bennett, Shane (Stephanie), Sheldon, Vincent (Kelli), Casey, Rudy (Tammy), Brent Provost, Mitch Creighton. Adopted children: Lance (Twyla) Little Shields, Raymond Eagle Bear, Phoebe Bird, Paula (Roland) Healy, Anita (Gary) Creighton, Dennis Mountain Horse III, 40 grand children and three great grand children. Sisters: Teresa Mistaken Chief, Florence (John) Brave Rock, Nina (Eric) Buckskin, Anna Wells, Carla (Bruce) Wells, Shirley Mountain Horse, Yvonne (Calvin) Morning Bird, Bernadine Healy. Brothers: Jerry (Gloria) Wells, Jimmy (Barbara) Wells, Jordan Wells, Gordon (Natalie) Morning Bird, Bernard (Agnes) Shouting. Aunts: Beauty Wells, Harriette Wells, Rosaline (Clifford) Many Guns, Edith (George) Medicine Shield, Mary Ann Wells and Katie Wells. He was predeceased by his parents Molly and Jimmy Wells Sr., Grandparents Jessie and James Wells Sr., Step Grandmother Annie Wells, Missaamikiassi Long Time Squirrel, Christine Long Time Squirrel. Grandchildren: Cara Rose Wells, Cari Rose Wells, Dalton and Dustin Saddle Back. Siblings: Shirley (Hugh) Calf Robe, Joan Little Shields, Jessie Wells, Ester First Rider, Nap Black Rabbit and Dominic Jasper Wells. Aunts and Uncles: Eva (Mark) Old Shoes, Amy (Jim) White Man, Mr. & Mrs. George Long Time Squirrel, Alphonse (Ruth) Many Grey Horses Sr., Mr. & Mrs. Alphonse Many Grey Horses Sr., Mrs. Peter Many Bears, Mary Williams, Art Wells, Bob Wells, Dick Wells, Albert Wells, Louisa Big Wolf, Mary Chief Moon, Jessie Bamber and Frank Eli. The Wake Service will be held on Sunday September 10th, 2006 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Blood Reserve from 6:00 - 11:00 p.m. The FUNERAL MASS will be held on Monday, September 11th, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Blood Reserve at 11:00 a.m. with Father Pawel Andrasz Celebrant. Interment in the Blood Band Cemetery, Blood Reserve. Copyright c. 2006 Alberta Newspaper Group, Inc./Lethbridge Herald.