_ __ _____ __ _ __ ___ ____ _ __ ___ ' ) / / ') / / ) ' ) ) / ) / ' ) ) / ) / / / / / / /--/ / / / ___ / / / / ___ (_(_/ (__/ ( / (_ / (_ (___/ '__/_ / (_ (___/ ' ____ _ , ___ _ , ___ / ' ) / / ) ' ) / / ' VOLUME 13, ISSUE 039 / /-< / /--/ /-- __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, WOTANGING IKCHE - Lakota - Common News Wotanging Ikche and Native American News Copyright c. 1996-2005 nanews.org Aboriginal/AmerIndian Perspective about the First Nations of Turtle Island September 24, 2005 Yuchi Tsogalinetsee/hay cutting moon Assiniboine Wahpegiwi/yellow leaf moon Cree Weweopizun/wavy or snow goose 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; Native American Poetry Mailing List; UUCP email IMPORTANT!! ----------- In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, all material appearing in this newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for educational purposes. <================<<<< >>>>================> This newsletter is a way of keeping the brothers and sisters who share our Spirit informed about current events within the lives of those who walk the Red Road. ++ It may be subscribed to via email by sending a request from your own internet addressable account to gars@speakeasy.org ++ It is archived at http://www.nanews.org <================<<<< >>>>================> +-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --+ + -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- + | As historian Patricia Nelson | | Once a language is lost, it is | | Limerick summarized in "The | | gone forever | | Legacy of Conquest: The Unbroken | | * Of the 300 original Native | | Past of the American West... | | languages in North America, | | "Set the blood quantum at | | only 175 exist today. | | one-quarter, hold to it as a | | * 125 of these are no longer | | rigid definition of Indians, | | learned by children. | | let intermarriage proceed as | | * 55 are spoken by 1 to 6 elders;| | it had for centuries, and | | when they die, their language | | eventually Indians will be | | will disappear. | | defined out of existence." | | * Without action, only 20 | | "When that happens, the federal | | languages will survive the next| | government will be freed of | | 50 years. | | its persistent 'Indian problem.'"| | Source: Indigenous Language | +-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --+ | Institute | |http://www.indigenous-language.org| This issue's Elder Quote: + -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- + ======================== "This is our money; they collected the money from 1887 forward. We know they used the money for other purposes." "They owe that money. They owe a hell of a lot more than $27 billion. It's a pretty good gosh darn bargain for this country." "They are certainly finding the billions of dollars to fight the war in Iraq." __ Elloise Cobell, Blackfeet +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | 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 Sister! The fiasco we call the Indian Trust Fund mismanagement began in 1887, when the federal goverment sought a way to legalize the exploitation of tribal lands. Tribal lands were appropriated for cattle grazing, logging, mining, and other purposes via leases undertaken on behalf of Indians, that were at best bargains for the non-Indian lessors, but were more often only paper trails short of theft. The responsibility for management of these leases fell to the Interior Deptartment, BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs). The responsiblity was a relatively simple one... generate leasing contracts, collect useage fees, hold them in a trust fund for Native people, and periodically distribute proceeds. In other words, the Department of Interior was to serve as the lease manager. Lease the land, collect the funds, make the deposit. Throughout the world apartment managers do this without problem, year after year. However, every single audit since 1928 has found billions missing from the trust fund. Secretary of Interior Gail Norton already faces contempt charges - not because all the billions were "misplaced" on her watch; but because she lied under oath about the fund. Further, her staff was caught destroying Indian Trust Fund records (and why destroy evidence that proves innocence?). Anybody else in the country caught destroying records germaine to an ongoing investigation and trial would already be in jail. Now, the Bush administration is trying to remove the judge overseeing the Cobell class action suit. Ask yourself why? It won't change the facts. The money will still have been stolen, misappropriated... whatever you want to call it. The only real purposes can be (1) hopefully a judge more sympathetic to the administration will oversee the trial and help the government whitewash the thefts, or (2) the trial will be sufficiently delayed that the next (or next after that) presidential administration will have to pony up for all those missing billions of dollars (and thousands of Indians who could have lived on rightful proceeds will have died before collecting them). While (1) is possible, it's unlikely. Too much evidence has piled up to simply sweep under a rug - even one as big and ugly as Washington politics. That leaves (2) which points straight to a trait this administration has already demonstrated over and over when it comes to the lives of disenfranchised citizens - evasion of responsibility. As primary plantiff Ellouise Cobell points out - Bush keeps finding the billions for his war and reconstruction in Iraq. 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 ----------- - Roberts' 'dishonesty' - Native Group prepares concerns Indian Country to celebrate Milestone - Swimmer: Cobell Suit - Developer alleviating not about mismanagement Pine Ridge Housing disaster - Indian Woman leads Multibillion - ARS profiles Nutrients fight against U.S in Native American Diet - Lamberth has many fans - Kids Cafe set to feed Lunch but Interior not one to Indian Kids - Lawyers urge contempt proceedings - GIAGO: The Spine of the NCAA against DoI turns to Jelly - Appeals Court upholds legality of - YELLOW BIRD: Clearing the air Land-into-Trust on the 'Sioux' Name - Cut Bank will file lawsuit - JODI RAVE: against Blackfeet Indian Guide is quite a Handful - Tribes move to contain Anthrax - Books of Wisdom and Knowledge - Cheyenne Leader for Qallunaat calls for reawakening - Ipperwash inquiry - Cheyenne CBM study proposed slated to continue into March - Iowas receive funding - Missing Women: to help care for Eagles No Body, no Investigation - Editorial: - Mohawk Parents challenging Save Nez Perce burial Site banning of Recitation - Tribal Recognition - Mother sues BIA delayed till Oct. 12 over Teen's Suicide attempt - Louisiana Tribe surveys the damage - Native Prisoner - Tribes develop plan -- Religious Rights Upheld for handling disasters - Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days - American Indian Women fight back - Rustywire: Shiprock & Tse Halyehe - Bringing Tribes, Cities, & Twin Heros Business together - Lee Goins Poem: Rivers of Rain - Bake is a 10,000-year Tradition - Upcoming Events --------- "RE: Roberts' 'dishonesty' concerns Indian Country" --------- Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2005 08:49:05 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="DISTORTED PAPERS NEED CLOSE SCRUITNY" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?feature=yes&id=1096411562 Roberts' 'dishonesty' concerns Indian country by: Jim Adams / Indian Country Today September 13, 2005 Supreme Court nominee John Roberts Jr. might be admirable in many respects, but as a private attorney he committed an act of intellectual dishonesty that is drawing attention from one group - the American Indian - that already fears the worst from the current court. In a brief submitted to the Supreme Court in 1997, Roberts distorted the language of a well-known precedent in a way that can only be called a blatant misrepresentation. Writing for the state of Alaska in its suit against the Native village of Venetie's tribal government, he twisted a quote from the court's 1886 United States v. Kagama decision to say "reservation Indians ... were often 'dead[ly] enemies' of the States." The inserted brackets created a statement evoking a deep-seated stereotype of marauding savages, scalping and murdering innocent pioneers. But it is exactly the opposite of the meaning of the famous opinion by Justice Samuel Freeman Miller, a Lincoln appointee. The original passage, which is often cited in Indian country, is worth quoting in full, because a lot hangs on it. Miller wrote: "These Indian tribes are the wards of the nation. They are communities dependent on the United States - dependent largely for their daily food; dependent for their political rights. They owe no allegiance to the states, and receive from them no protection. Because of the local ill feeling, the people of the states where they are found are often their deadliest enemies. From their very weakness and helplessness, so largely due to the course of the dealing of the federal government with them, and the treaties in which it has been promised, there arises the duty of protection, and with it the power." [Emphasis added] Instead of the lethal enemies of the states and their citizens, the Indians of that day were more often their victims. The issue involved the trial jurisdiction for a murder on the Hoopa Valley reservation within Humboldt County, Calif. Although the crime involved only Indians, the settlers of northern California had made massacres of local tribes into something of a weekend sport. Recognizing that background, Miller ruled that "major crimes" prosecutions of reservation Indians belonged in federal court, not state courts. States simply couldn't be trusted with power over the tribes. In spite of changed circumstances, similar issues arose in the case that Roberts argued. The Gwich'in Indian village of Venetie in north-central Alaska had gained control of land allotted to Native corporations under the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and proceeded to exercise the sovereign power of taxation. Alaska hired Roberts to argue that the ANCSA lands were not "Indian country" like the tribal lands of the lower 48. Instead of constituting a separate sovereignty, the state argued, Native corporation lands had been integrated into the state and were subject to state and local tax and regulation. Along the way, Roberts praised the Native corporate scheme, which gave tribal members shares in state-chartered for-profit businesses. (It also allowed the free sale of Native land, a great help to development of North Slope oil.) He called it a "dramatic break" from the "paternalism" of reservations in the lower 48. Previous Indian policy, he wrote, "has left in its wake a decidedly mixed legal legacy." He properly attacked some of the undeniably racist and condescending assumptions behind the federal treatment of Indians as its wards. But in disparaging the "paternalism" of the reservation, Roberts offered the alternative of assimilation. The last two versions of this policy, the Allotment Act of 1887 and the termination and relocation program of the Eisenhower years, were unmitigated social disasters. Roberts deliberately ignored the third choice, self-determination. Yet self-determination, the exercise of tribal sovereignty, has impeccably conservative credentials. It was formally announced as federal policy by Richard Nixon just two years after ANCSA. Every president since, including the present incumbent, has endorsed the principle that Washington has a "government-to-government" relationship with the tribes. Although deep social problems remain in Indian country, the past decades have also seen dramatic successes. As Harvard Professor Joseph Kalt once put it, self-determination is not only the most successful federal policy for alleviating Indian poverty; it is the only federal policy that has ever had any success at all. This policy requires recognition of the deeply ingrained Indian insistence on tribal sovereignty, the stubborn reminder that Indian nations were governing themselves on this continent long before the arrival of the European and that their rights as constituents of the United States are co-equal with "states' rights." One of the most puzzling inconsistencies of some present-day conservatives is their hostility to this principle. It appears that self-rule, self-reliance and tax cuts for economic development are fundamental tenets of the Right, unless Indians are involved. For better or worse, Roberts would be one of the few Supreme Court justices with any background in Indian law. (He would replace the other one, Arizona's Sandra Day O'Connor.) Indian law practitioners understand that he gave tribal sovereignty short shrift in his brief because he was an advocate for a state government. Lawyers tend to be forgiving of the arguments that their colleagues make on behalf of clients. But Indian country is deeply concerned to know if he will respect the tradition of tribal rights, or at least quote the precedents properly. ---- Jim Adams, Ph.D., is a research fellow of the American Indian Policy and Media Initiative at Buffalo State College and is the associate editor of Indian Country Today. Copyright c. 1998-2005 Indian Country Today. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Swimmer: Cobell Suit not about mismanagement" --------- Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2005 08:49:05 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SWIMMER CONTINUES TO PROVE HE REALLY HAS NO CLUE" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=6986 Special Trustee responds to Cobell spokesman Native American Times guest editorial WASHINGTON DC Ross Swimmer September 13, 2005 In a recent editorial in your newspaper, Cobell v. Norton litigation spokesman Bill McAllister says that reporters are not asking the Department of the Interior enough questions. I agree. There are many misconceptions about the litigation, the current state of the Indian Trust, our accounting activities, and our record keeping that need clarification, and I welcome questions. Any good reporter will find that history has not been kind to the American Indian, and that there have been historical problems with the management of the Indian Trust. However, there is a widespread belief that the long running Cobell v. Norton litigation is about mismanagement and theft of Indian trust funds. This is not so. The case was filed to compel Interior to do an accounting of the funds that have been deposited to, and disbursed from, the trust, and to provide that accounting to each trust beneficiary. We take the subject of trust management very seriously at Interior. In the past, department officials have stipulated to a number of trust management problems. For some years Interior officials and tribal leaders have been hard at work improving and modernizing the trust for the benefit of all trust account holders. Today business is different in Indian Country. It is detrimental to all Indian Trust account holders to propagate the notion, as plaintiffs and others do, that nothing has changed in ten years. Newspapers have been printing emotional stories about people in Indian Country who, plaintiffs say, have been wronged by Interior. It is not difficult to find people to profile American Indians who are in need, and who deserve attention from the press. But it is manipulative to use these human interest stories to demonize Interior. Good reporters asking knowledgeable questions will find that those situations can have roots in other social, economic, or congressionally required management policies. Take, for example, the people who see oil pumps working on their land, but who receive checks for very small amounts. There are a number of questions that should be asked: Does the beneficiary own the subsurface mineral rights or did an heir sell them at some point? Is the ownership of the land highly divided among many beneficiaries? Because of early inheritance laws and probate codes passed by Congress, trust land is often divided among many heirs as it is passed down from generation to g eneration. It is common to have hundreds - even thousands - of Indian owners for one parcel of land. (If you divide a lease payment of $1,000 a month between 300 heirs, each beneficiary will receive a check for $3.33.) What's more, many businesses are not interested in leasing Indian land simply because of the enormous amount of congressionally mandated regulations and red tape that lessees have to navigate. This, sadly, drives away competition, and results in higher market prices. Many news articles include stories that are not factual but due to the Privacy Act we are unable to respond to these articles. We encourage all beneficiaries with concerns about their trust account to contact our Trust Beneficiary Call Center, a nationwide toll-free information center, at (888) 678-6838 ext. 0 so we can answer their questions. Staff members at Interior continue to work on improvements to the management of the trust. I encourage trust beneficiaries, tribes, and members of the press to ask us questions about both the historical accounting and our progress on reform efforts. That way, perhaps the people of Indian Country would have a better understanding of the services available to them, and the true state of the Indian Trust. ---- Ross Swimmer is the Special Trustee for American Indians for the U.S. Department of the Interior. Swimmer served three terms as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, and one term as Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs. Native American Times. Copyright c. 2005 All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Indian Woman leads Multibillion fight against U.S" --------- Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2005 08:49:05 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ELOISE COBELL" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://news.yahoo.com//nm/20050914/lf_nm/life_indians_cobell_dc_1 Indian woman leads multibillion fight against U.S By Adam Tanner September 14, 2005 BROWNING, Montana (Reuters) - When Elouise Cobell became treasurer of the Blackfeet Tribe in 1976, she began to investigate U.S. government payments to Native Americans for the rights to mine, farm and graze on Indian land. Three decades later the banker is in her ninth year of a $27.5 billion lawsuit against the U.S. government, alleging that officials have cheated Indians for more than a century. The complex dispute dates back to 1887, when the United States allotted lands to Indians but held them in trust for them. Under the arrangement, the government collects fees from ranchers, timber and oil companies or others using the land and distributes the money back tax free to individual Indians. "This is our money; they collected the money from 1887 forward. We know they used the money for other purposes," said Cobell, 59, who is the executive director of the Native American Community Development Bank in Browning, Montana. Cobell says the class-action lawsuit, being heard in U.S. District Court in Washington, would benefit 500,000 Indians and originally sought $170 billion. This summer, Cobell announced she would settle for $27.5 billion. "They owe that money. They owe a hell of a lot more than $27 billion. It's a pretty good gosh darn bargain for this country," she said. "They are certainly finding the billions of dollars to fight the war in Iraq." WELLS PUMPING, CATTLE GRAZING To demonstrate the confusion around the issue, she drove a visitor to several small oil wells, as well as along farm and grazing land across the Blackfeet Nation near the Canadian border. Typically the Indian owners of that land know little of the deals the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) have arranged there, she said. Cobell pulled out a photocopy of a May check for $69.35 she received from the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians. The stub offers no explanation. Cobell said she did not know whether the amount is for oil or other rights on her family land. "This is an outrage," said Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer. "If you had a private company that managed a trust like the BIA managed the trust for these Indian families, you'd put them in jail -- for a long time." Ross Swimmer, special trustee for American Indians at the U.S. Department of the Interior, says Indians have suffered past injustices but said his agency does an honest job of administering about 300,000 trusts. "I guess that's my response to Elouise: That it's not black and white," said Swimmer, who administers the trusts from Washington, D.C. "In many instances fraud was committed upon the Indians," he said. But "no, they were not systematically cheated." "In the transactions we have looked at and different cases we have investigated -- including those that have been raised by the plaintiffs in terms of mismanagement -- we haven't found that there is any systematic rip-off, if you will, of the Indian allottees." Complicating the accounting, he said, is the dilution of land ownership over the years to many relatives through inheritance. Court documents show that the bureau has 14,289 accounts where Indians are due between one cent and $1 for use of land in which they have often a tiny stake. Cobell, a granddaughter of the last Blackfoot hereditary leader Mountain Chief, has already won may legal battles in the suit and is confident that she will ultimately prevail. "We're not going to roll over and play dead any more," said Cobell, who has become a celebrity in Indian country and raised $11 million for the court fight. "I made the decision a long time ago when I was a lot younger than 59 years old to fight it for the long haul." "I really thought the litigation would not take as long as it has." Sen. John McCain (news, bio, voting record), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, has sought a comprehensive settlement to be approved by Congress to avoid decades of litigation. "They are going to cause us as much misery as they can to try to get us and Congress to give them a pot of money," said Swimmer, a former principal chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Cobell says a settlement could include a time-payment plan or the allocation of assets rather than cash. "We would be willing to consider other avenues such as a longer period of time to pay it," she said. "If you don't have the cash, let's talk about some of this land we can take back." McCain and others expect numbers far below $27 billion, but say some agreement will one day settle the Cobell case. "Ultimately there will be a deal," Montana Gov. Schweitzer said. "She has won, she will continue to win until Interior starts paying and ponying up and correcting the wrongs that they have done with their trust management over the years." Copyright c. 2005 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Copyright c. 2005 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Lamberth has many fans but Interior not one" --------- Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2005 08:34:46 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="JUDGE ROYCE LAMBERTH" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://www.washingtonpost.com//2005/09/14/AR2005091402616.html Straight Shooter to Some, Loose Cannon to Others By Carol D. Leonnig Washington Post Staff Writer September 15, 2005 The fans of U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth praise his straight- talking ways, his defense of the wronged, and his stinging rebukes of lawyers and officials who try to fudge the facts. So many decades after he left his beloved Texas and cowboy roots for a legal career in government service, fellow judges and former colleagues say, old Royce still gets riled up when he smells a bunch of bull. When Lamberth theorized in a July ruling that the Interior Department's failure, over many decades, to account for potentially billions of dollars owed to Native Americans could only be explained by outright evil, apathy, cowardice or - more likely - crushing bureaucratic incompetence, the Justice Department decided to go after the judge. In one of the rarest legal moves Justice has ever taken, the government asked that a higher court remove Lamberth from a case he has overseen for the past nine years. In the escalating and unparalleled war between the judge and Interior, Justice lawyers said privately they saw no other option. They argued to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that Lamberth has gone overboard in a string of verbal harangues in recent years, accused agency officials of racism and lost the appearance of impartiality in the case. Already, he has found two secretaries of Interior in contempt of court and ordered sanctions against numerous government lawyers for improper conduct in the case. When they stand before a different bench tomorrow, government lawyers are expected to try to shift the discussion from the acknowledged failure of Interior to properly account for money held in trust and due 50,000 Indians, to the often assaulting words and actions of a powerful Reagan appointee who has made no secret of his disgust. Only three times before has this appeals court disqualified a trial judge from a case. Lamberth and Justice Department officials declined to comment for this article. But their most recent writings in the case of Cobell v. Norton capture the tenor of what the appellate court's chief judge called the "peculiar dialogue going on" in Courtroom 21. "On numerous occasions over the last nine years, the Court has wanted to simply wash its hands of Interior and its iniquities once and for all," Lamberth wrote. The plaintiffs have urged him to appoint a receiver to take over, he wrote, "but doing so . . . would constitute an announcement that negligence and incompetence in government are beyond judicial remedy." In their Aug. 15 request for a new judge, Justice lawyers said that besides using intemperate language, Lamberth has ignored appellate rulings and accused the government of "falsification, spite and obstinate litigiousness" with "no legal or factual basis." Lamberth has many defenders, from conservative Supreme Court justices to left-wing civil liberties lawyers, and is repeatedly ranked by lawyers as among the most skilled judges on the court. Many of his fans applaud his stamina and even his outrage, but a few say privately that they think Lamberth has been pushed too far in the Interior case and has made himself a target with his sharp tongue. Said one fellow judge who requested anonymity: "He's been driven beyond the limit of his patience by these people. In his heart, he may know he's no longer dispassionate." Since a Blackfeet tribe leader named Eloise Cobell filed this lawsuit in 1996, several independent investigations found much evidence for Lamberth's concerns. Although, the government initially said its existing Indian trust fund records were in good shape, Lamberth hired a hacker who found they could easily be accessed and altered from outside. Other reviews found that the Interior Departmenthad never kept complete records, used unknown amounts of money to help balance the federal budget, and let the oil and gas industry use Indian lands at bargain rates. They also concluded that the Clinton and Bush administrations have repeatedly sidestepped initiating the required accounting because of the likely cost. Colleagues say Lamberth's strong prose is motivated by his government service and belief that it is a high calling. "He believes every person - whether it's the president of the United States or an administrative clerk - has a duty to serve the American people and do their duty as required under the law," said Mark Nagle, who worked under Lamberth when he ran the civil division of the U.S. attorney's office. "I remember him calling up some senior-level presidential appointees and telling them: 'We can't defend this one. And we're not going to,' " Nagle said. Lamberth's directness continued when he joined the bench. In presiding over several controversial cases involving the Clinton administration, Lamberth repeatedly accused government officials of trying to dupe the court. In the November trial of Murder Inc. gang members, Lamberth spotted one defendant mouthing words to an ex-girlfriend as she reluctantly testified. Lamberth excused the jury, then let loose. "You sit down and shut up," the judge growled. "If you want to be bound and gagged for the rest of this trial, you just keep it up." Lamberth has never spared the government in Cobell , and government lawyers say they cringe at his sometimes mocking tone. "You know any banker would be in jail for handling funds like this, don't you?" he told one Interior witness. U.S. District Judge Stanley Sporkin, now retired, who was removed from a criminal case by the appeals court after not following sentencing guidelines, said Lamberth's motives are undoubtedly pure in Cobell , and the appeals court needs to acknowledge this litigation is "no tea party." "Here you have a judge who is terribly frustrated," Sporkin said. "Every time he tells the government to get something done, they don't. It seems to me you have a bunch of crybabies that aren't willing to do what has to be done." Copyright c. 2005 The Washington Post Company. --------- "RE: Lawyers urge contempt proceedings against DoI" --------- Date: Thursday, September 15, 2005 2:44 PM From: Bill McAllister [bmcallister@cox.net] Subj: LAWYERS URGE CONTEMPT PROCEEDINGS AGAINST INTERIOR OVER E-MAILS LAWYERS URGE CONTEMPT PROCEEDINGS AGAINST INTERIOR OVER E-MAILS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 - Lawyers for a group of Indians who are challenging the government's management of their trust accounts today urged a federal judge to order the Interior Department to face a contempt trial over its failure to produce E-mail messages needed in a recently-concluded hearing. Dennis M. Gingold, lead attorney for the Indians, told U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth that the government violated a total of eight court orders he had issued since 1998 by failing to produce the messages. "Your honor, this has to stop," Gingold told the judge. "A message has to be sent." Gingold stated that the government's failure to produce the E-mail messages came despite frequent assurances from Interior officials that all of the department's messages were being preserved and would be produced in a timely manner. Yet a government lawyer told Lamberth today that it may be November before many of the messages can be recovered. The judge did not indicate when he would rule on the request, noting that he also faced several other pressing issues in the nine-year-old Indian Trust lawsuit, including the question of whether the Interior Department retaliated against one of its officials who testified about lax computer security during a 59-day hearing that concluded this summer. That hearing explored whether the department's weak computer security had placed trust records for 500,000 Native Americans at risk. Led by Elouise Cobell, a member of Montana's Blackfeet Tribe, the Indians have secured orders for an full accounting of funds the government holds for them in individual trust accounts. The accounts were created by Congress in 1887 at a time when lawmakers did not believe Native Americans could handle their own financial affairs. Since their inception, the accounts have been mismanaged by the government. It has been unable to certify the correct balance for any one of the accounts. "It's difficult to change something that has been wrong for 118 years," Gingold told Lamberth. But he said the government's mishandling of E-mail messages about trust management issues mirrors the way the government has handled the Indian Trust. "These people have to be stopped," Gingold added, saying that the judge should initiate a contempt trial over the missing documents immediately to correct problems that continue to plague management of the trust. For additional information: Bill McAllister for the Cobell Litigation Team --------- "RE: Appeals Court upholds legality of Land-into-Trust" --------- Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2005 08:49:05 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="NARRAGANSETT CASE" http://www.indianz.com/News/2005/010299.asp Appeals court upholds legality of land-into-trust process September 14, 2005 For the second time in a year, a federal appeals court on Tuesday soundly rejected a state's challenge to the legality of the land-into-trust process. In a closely-watched case, the state of Rhode Island tried to invalidate the Interior Department's ability to acquire land for tribes and individual Indians. The state claimed the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, the law that created the land-into-trust process, was unconstitutional because it places no standards and no limits on the federal government. The state brought the case in its attempt to block the Narragansett Tribe from placing 31 acres in trust for a housing project. The state said the tribe couldn't follow the land-into-trust process because it wasn't federally recognized at the time of the IRA's passage in 1934. The state also said the tribe's land claims settlement act barred the acquisition of new lands. But the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals rejected every one of the state's arguments. In a unanimous decision, a three-judge panel said the IRA doesn't violate the U.S. Constitution because it provides standards for acquiring trust lands under the "discretion" of the Interior Department. The judges also held the Narragansett Tribe can follow the IRA "regardless of the status of its acknowledgment in 1934." The court said the Interior Department's interpretation of the IRA "should be accorded particular deference." "Thus, to change this reading of the statute here would impact scores of trusts created for the benefit of Indians over the last 70 years," Judge Juan R. Torruella wrote for the majority. The court further concluded that the Rhode Island Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1978 doesn't bar the Interior Department from taking land into trust for the Narragansett Tribe. The law extinguished all aboriginal title in the state but doesn't preclude the tribe from expanding the 1,800-acre reservation created by the settlement, the court said. By a 2-1 vote, however, the judges disagreed on whether newly acquired lands should be subject to the criminal and civil jurisdiction of the state. Judge Jeffrey R. Howard, in a short dissent, said Rhode Island is entitled to exercise some sovereignty over all land in the state regardless of its trust status. "In the circumstances of this case, holding that Rhode Island is divested of jurisdiction by the [Interior] Secretary taking into trust the adjacent parcel that was part of the original disputed lands upsets the fairly expressed expectations of the parties," he wrote. Otherwise, he agreed with the court's opinion. With the decision, the 1st Circuit joins the 2nd Circuit in rejecting state attempts to limit the rights of New England tribes. In a dispute involving the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, officials in Connecticut unsuccessfully raised many of the same arguments presented in the Narragansett case. The U.S. Supreme Court later refused to hear the case. The 1st Circuit also joins the 10th Circuit in rejecting constitutional challenges to the IRA. The Native American Rights Fund and the National Congress of American Indians participated in the Narragansett case in hopes of preserving tribal rights under the land-into-trust process and out of concern it might go before the Supreme Court. The constitutional issue has been up in the air ever since the state of South Dakota raised it over 10 years ago in a case involving the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. The 8th Circuit, in an infamous opinion, held that the IRA was illegal because "it would permit the [Interior] Secretary to purchase the Empire State Building in trust for a tribal chieftain as a wedding present." The Clinton administration appealed to the Supreme Court but the justices, in an unusual move, accepted the case, vacated the 8th Circuit opinion and returned it for further consideration. But since no decision was published by the high court, the state was free to raise the constitutional questions again. Just one week ago, on September 6, the 8th Circuit answered the doubts and upheld the legality of the IRA. "We conclude that the purposes evident in the whole of the IRA and its legislative history sufficiently narrow the delegation and guide the [Interior] Secretary's discretion in deciding when to take land into trust," Judge Roger Leland Wollman wrote for the majority. George Skibine, the acting deputy assistant secretary for policy and economic development at the Bureau of Indian Affairs, addressed the debate during a gaming conference in Las Vegas yesterday. He noted that court rulings on the constitutional issue were finally coming in after years of litigation. As a result of the new decisions, "we hope these sort of challenges will be put to rest," Skibine said during a land-into-trust panel at the Global Gaming Expo. The opinion issued yesterday by the 1st Circuit was based on a rehearing of the case. In February 2005, the same panel of three judges had reached the same conclusion regarding the IRA and the Narragansett Tribe's ability to follow the land-into-trust process but didn't answer the civil and criminal jurisdiction question. Both times, the panel refused to force the Interior Department to consider that the Narragansett Tribe might use the 31 acres for a casino. "There is no evidence that the Tribe intended to use the parcel for anything other than tribal housing, as determined by the BIA," the court wrote yesterday. The state of Rhode Island could ask the full panel of judges on the 1st Circuit to rehear the case. Or it could seek Supreme Court review, a step that is likely in the 8th Circuit case involving the state of South Dakota and the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Copyright c. 2000-2005 Indianz.Com. --------- "RE: Cut Bank will file lawsuit against Blackfeet" --------- Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2005 08:34:46 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CUT BANK OPPOSES TERO" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.goldentrianglenews.com//glacier_reporter/news/news3.txt Cut Bank will file lawsuit against Blackfeet Tribe. By LeAnne Kavanagh for the Glacier Reporter September 14, 2005 Must the City of Cut Bank and its contractors comply with the Blackfeet Tribe's TERO laws on the latest phase of its water project? City officials say no and are willing to file a lawsuit in Federal District Court against the Blackfeet Tribe to prove their point. The Blackfeet Tribe last week issued a shut down order on the city's off-site water storage project, which is being built on fee patent land on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The shut down is costing city officials approximately $10,000 per day, estimated City Superintendent Jim Suta. The Blackfeet Tribe's TERO (Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance) was adopted in 1977 to insure when there is economic activity on the Reservation, Indians would be afforded the opportunity to share in that activity. The City Council voted unanimously on Monday night to hire a Great Falls law firm "well versed" in the federal district court system. City Attorney Bob Olson said he was in contact with Maxon Davis, and although Davis could not personally handle the case he was confident one of the firm's five attorneys could. "He understands the urgency of the matter," said Olson, adding to hire a "high power" attorney may cost up to $25,000. "We'll be asking the court to declare the City of Cut Bank is not subject to TERO laws so we can get this project back up...Money is a gigantic issue. It's very costly being shut down," reported Olson. Deputy City Attorney Robert Smith concurred, noting that the city's contractor on the project said the cost of the equipment sitting idle at the work site amounted to $1,015 per hour. Smith said Dick Anderson Construction had reassigned workers on the project to other sites for the time being to "mitigate damages" and there will be additional expenses to bring other equipment back to the site once work resumes. Funds from the city attorney's budget and the city's water enterprise account will be used to cover the cost of hiring outside legal counsel. "It won't necessarily be cheap," continued Olson, predicting the complaint could be filed as early as Wednesday. They would ask the court for a temporary restraining order to stop the Blackfeet Tribe's shut down order at the same time. When asked if the City would be able to recover the expense of the lawsuit and shut down order if they win, Smith explained that the Blackfeet Tribe has "sovereign immunity" and it would be "virtually impossible" for them to be held responsible for damages. "You better assume no," replied Olson. Blackfeet Tribe TERO laws provide for the assessment of a two percent project cost fee and a two percent contractor fee on projects constructed on the Blackfeet Reservation. If the court finds the City of Cut Bank is subject to the TERO laws, it would add another $72,000 to the project's $1. 8 million price tag, said Smith. We don't believe they have the regulatory authority," voiced Smith. Olson agreed, saying tribal officials from various departments have been aware of the City's water project since the first public hearings were held back in 1998. The city's engineers did their "due diligence and research" and at that time determined the TERO's law didn't apply to the city. "They didn't deal with us on Phase I at all," reminded Olson. "I don't know why they didn't make an issue of it during Phase I." As for the Phase II project, city officials were first notified by TERO representatives the day bids closed on the project. At that time, the city did not agree they were subject to the Tribe's TERO regulations and Olson and tribal attorney Terryl Matt corresponded on the matter. Two to three weeks later, Olson said Matt told him the Tribe was not going to pursue the matter. Shortly thereafter, he was notified the Tribe was indeed going to "push" the issue. Mayor Marion Culleton and Olson met with members of the Blackfeet Tribal Council on Sept. 7 at Discovery Lodge Casino. After discussing the matter, the council asked Olson and Culleton to leave while they reviewed the information. TERO officials then arrived and Olson said they convinced the Tribal Council to shut down the project. "We had already received the shut down order but in our meeting the Tribal Council had agreed to rescind it, " said Olson. He left town after the meeting only to learn later that Matt had informed city officials the Blackfeet Tribe was carrying through with the Sept. 7 shut down order. Olson said the law cited by Matt deals with state agencies and hiring preferences. "We are not a state agency...Our only real option is to try and file an action in federal district court for an injunction to stop them..." concluded Olson. Copyright c. 2005 Golden Triangle Newspapers. --------- "RE: Tribes move to contain Anthrax" --------- Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2005 08:25:39 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ANTHRAX" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.greatfallstribune.com//20050916/NEWS01/509160316/1002 Tribes move to contain anthrax By RICHARD PETERSON For the Tribune September 16, 2005 POPLAR - The state Department of Livestock confirmed Thursday that anthrax killed 37 cows from a single herd northwest of Culbertson on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. The dead animals were discovered over the weekend. The ranch and its surrounding pastures have been quarantined for 40 days and officials said the anthrax appears to be the naturally occurring type. It's limited to only one ranch, located in the southeastern corner of the reservation, said State Veterinarian Dr. Tom Linfield. The state Department of Public Health and Human Services said the disease poses "little threat" to humans. The Fort Peck Tribes declared a state of emergency Thursday and began notifying other ranchers in the area, as well as hunters who have been shooting deer, elk and moose in the popular hunting area. The Tribal Emergency Response Commission also met Thursday to set a plan in motion to search for more dead or sick animals in the area and consider stopping the movement of livestock on the reservation. They met with local vets and officials from Roosevelt County and the state. The dead cows have been placed in two deep burial pits on the reservation and covered with lye, said Tribal Fish and Game Director Robbie Magnan. The remaining 210 cows from the herd have been removed from the affected pasture; those susceptible and potentially exposed were being treated with antibiotics and vaccine. "It's extremely unlikely for humans to get it but there still is that possibility and precautions need to be taken," Tribal Sanitarian Ken Hull said. "The biggest concern is how to handle the other livestock and bury the dead ones." Anthrax is not usually spread from animal to animal. Dead animals, however, if not properly disposed of, can infect other animals. Hull said anthrax spores lie underground and if conditions and climate are just right, they can emerge above ground and pose a threat to animals. The Tribes' Fish and Game Department received emergency funding from the tribal council to conduct airplane flyovers on the east end of the reservation and to handle the burial. The family that owns the ranch discovered the dead cows over the weekend. The state livestock department and local veterinarians were on the scene by Tuesday. The last case of confirmed anthrax in Montana was diagnosed in 1999; one in Yellowstone County and a separate incident in McCone County, according to Linfield. Prior to those cases, anthrax was last reported in Montana in 1985. North Dakota and South Dakota have had multiple cases of anthrax this season, he said. Grazing animals are typically infected when they ingest or inhale spores in contaminated soil. Cattle, sheep bison, goats and horses are primarily affected, as well as wild animals such as deer, elk, moose, antelope and coyotes. Untreated animals die within 24 to 48 hours after exposure. The tribes were also warning hunters to wear latex gloves when field dressing animals and take precautions in the field. They are being asked to not collect antlers, bones or teeth from animals hunted in the affected areas. Hunters must also cook the meat thoroughly. "Anthrax can remain in the bones even if they are bleached," Magnan said. Dozens of deer, five elk and a moose were hunted on the east side of the reservation over the weekend, he said. TERC members are meeting today to asses the situation before the weekend. For more information about anthrax, check out the Department of Livestock web site at www.mt.gov/liv/. Copyright c. 2005 Great Falls Tribune. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Cheyenne Leader calls for reawakening" --------- Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2005 08:49:05 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CALLS NORTHERN CHEYENNE TO RETURN TO GREATNESS" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.montanaforum.com/~article&sid=3628&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0 Cheyenne leader calls for reawakening By MIKE STARK The Billings Gazette September 14, 2005 LAME DEER - The president of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe on Tuesday urged its people to shake off self-defeating notions of despair and embrace an aggressive path toward independence, prosperity and pride. In a two-part speech that opened an economic development summit, Eugene Little Coyote laid out a detailed agenda that included financial goals, such as building a casino and resort, and less tangible ones, including a shift in attitudes among tribal members. He called for the Northern Cheyenne to "return to greatness." "We're going to reinvent ourselves," he told the crowd of about 500 people. "We're going to re-emerge as dignified Cheyennes." Little Coyote, elected as president last November, opened his speech with a slide show of images of dilapidated and boarded-up houses, poverty and alcohol abuse. He also pointed out unemployment rates that can reach 90 percent in the winter, hunger, illiteracy and violence. All of those factors provoke anger, pain, embarrassment and shame, he said. "There's a lot wrong with our reservation and our communities, and we have to face up to that," he said. He hoped the speech would jump-start tribal members - including the 400 or so tribal employees required to attend the economic summit - to begin changing the tribe's future. It's time, he said, for tribal members to stop depending on the federal government and the tribal government, and instead look for ways to build up the Northern Cheyenne people. The tribe will still look after its own, he said, but members need to address "a misguided sense of entitlement." One of the most important tasks will be building a sustainable economy on the reservation that helps the tribe cut its reliance on federal programs, Little Coyote said. The economy on the Northern Cheyenne reservation has been in a "state of perpetual post-war recovery" for 120 years, he said. For too long, the tribe has focused on simply taking in federal money and distributing it through the tribal system. The Northern Cheyenne need to create for-profit businesses that drive a local economy, he said. Tribal leaders are taking a serious look at building a casino and resort - and have an investor willing to pay $8 million to build it - but first need cooperation from Gov. Brian Schweitzer and approval from the federal Department of Interior. Little Coyote said he'd also like to see a hotel built in Lame Deer, a truck stop possibly in Busby, a "dollar store" and, perhaps much farther down the line, the revival of the now-defunct sawmill in Ashland. Tribal leaders are also investigating the possibility of starting a bottled-water plant on the reservation. A diversified economy is the key to tribal independence, he said. The tribe shouldn't be complacent when it comes to unemployment, a lack of housing and other symptoms of being poor, he said. "We've kind of become comfortable living in this poverty. That's unacceptable," he said. Aside from the economy, there are fundamental changes needed among the Northern Cheyenne people, Little Coyote added, ones that renew "the dignified image" of their ancestors. That can happen through more constructive criticism instead of negativism, support for new ideas and pride in how Northern Cheyennes represent themselves to the rest of the world, he said. The president has also proposed changing the names of several communities on the reservation. Lame Deer and Busby derive their names from another tribe and a former business owner. "We're going by a name that doesn't fit us," he said. Little Coyote is proposing that each community rename itself, a proposal that could be up for a referendum in the next year or so. There will be critics to many of the proposals. But the future of the tribe is better served when everyone contributes constructive ideas and embraces a "sprit of optimism," Little Coyote said. Copyright c. 2005 The Billings Gazette. Montana Forum is a service of the Lee Enterprises Montana Newspapers. --------- "RE: Cheyenne CBM study proposed" --------- Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2005 08:49:05 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="COAL BED METHANE PRODUCTION" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.montanaforum.com/~article&sid=3629&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0 Cheyenne CBM study proposed By MIKE STARK The Billings Gazette September 14, 2005 Coalbed methane development should be considered on the Northern Cheyenne reservation, according to a new citizens group. The Association for the Advancement of Indigenous Resources formed in June in an effort to educate tribal members about coalbed methane, according to Terry Beartusk, the group's director. Some people on the reservation have been reluctant to look into the possibility of developing coalbed methane without having all the facts, according to the group's organizers. "There are so many myths, misconceptions and fears out there," Beartusk said. Coalbed methane development has taken off in the Wyoming portion of the Powder River Basin and has been the focus of intense scrutiny in southeastern Montana in recent years. There is money to be made with development that is responsible, reasonable and sensitive to the concerns of tribal members, Beartusk said. "Now is the time to seriously look at coalbed methane development," he said. The group is surveying locals about their concerns with coalbed methane and plans on hosting feasts in each district on the reservation to provide "objective, nonindustry-based information" about energy development. In particular, the group hopes to address concerns about air quality, water quality, royalties and possible damage to surface lands. "There are negatives, but we believe they can be minimized," said John Youngbear, the group's chairman. The group, which hosted a booth at an economic summit in Lame Deer Tuesday, is not funded by the energy industry, organizers said. No one knows what the potential is on the Northern Cheyenne reservation for coalbed methane, a natural gas that's held in coal seams. It could be nothing or it could be trillions of cubic feet, Beartusk said. At the very least, the group said, it's worth exploring. The Southern Ute Tribe in southwest Colorado has taken over methane development on its reservation, according to the group, and so far has built up more than $2 billion in investment and development. Copyright c. 2005 The Billings Gazette. Montana Forum is a service of the Lee Enterprises Montana Newspapers. --------- "RE: Iowas receive funding to help care for Eagles" --------- Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2005 08:25:39 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="2nd TRIBAL EAGLE AVIARY" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://newsok.com/article/1615797 Iowa Tribe receives funding to help care for injured birds By Anthony Thornton The Oklahoman September 15, 2005 PERKINS - Eagle feathers, a rare commodity used throughout Oklahoma in tribal ceremonies, soon will become abundant for the Iowa Tribe. The tribe was approved last month for a $250,000 federal grant to build an eagle aviary and rehabilitation center. It was the first such grant awarded to a tribe by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Aside from caring for sick and injured birds, the center will provide a constant source of feathers from golden and bald eagles, tribal Chairman Bernadette Huber said. "The eagle is one of the two most important icons for our people. It flies highest to the great spirit, so there are many cultural blessings that come with the feathers. "When we pray to the big spirit, we use the feather as a tool to get the smoke to reach the heavens," Huber said. The center is scheduled for a December completion. It will be built near the tribe's headquarters along U.S. 177 south of Perkins. Nearby is a herd of bison, the tribe's other cultural icon. The tribe's wildlife director, Victor Roubidoux, said feathers will be taken only when eagles molt or die. The center will accommodate 15 birds, he said. Its residents will be eagles that have been shot or hurt in an accident. The tribe pitched in $70,000 for construction and operations, and agreed to fully fund the center after three years, Roubidoux said. The idea is based on the country's only other tribal-owned aviary, built on the Zuni Pueblo in northwest New Mexico. For two reasons, the need for such centers is great, said John Antonio, the Fish and Wildlife Service's regional tribal liaison in Albuquerque, N.M. "If these birds can't be released back to the wild or placed in a zoo, they're euthanized. So the aviaries provide a place for these birds to live out the rest of their lives," Antonio said. Secondly, he said, the demand for eagle feathers "far exceeds the supply." Eagles and their feathers are protected under federal law. Possession of feathers is permitted only for religious and ceremonial purposes, Antonio said, and they can be obtained only through a national repository in Colorado. Tribes can wait three or four years for a mature eagle's feathers to become available through death. At a ground-breaking ceremony Sept. 1, tribe officials released three small Mississippi kites as a symbolic gesture. Huber said the aviary will be used to educate tribal members, and perhaps school groups, about the eagle's importance to the Iowa and other tribes. "I'm really glad for the tribe," Antonio said. "All I can see is success for this center." Copyright c. 2005 The Oklahoman, News 9 - Produced by NewsOK.com. --------- "RE: Editorial: Save Nez Perce burial Site" --------- Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2005 08:49:05 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="OLD CHIEF JOSEPH" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://www.oregonlive.com//editorial/112669589256010.xml Save Wallowa Lake site It's imperative to compensate the property owners fairly - and to save this unique place from desecration September 14, 2005 Long before Old Chief Joseph died in 1871, he extracted a promise from his sons that they would never sell the Wallowa Valley. "You must stop your ears whenever you are asked to sign a treaty selling your home," the old chief said. The young Chief Joseph never forgot. Both Josephs would be aghast to learn that recreational vehicles could someday dot ancestral hills near the old chief's burial site. If property owners get their wish, their 60 acres near the foot of Wallowa Lake might sport "an upscale RV community," as The Oregonian's Laura Oppenheimer reported Sunday. Whether upscale, downscale or in between, this development should not go forward. It would be a travesty. These hills are sacred to the Nez Perce tribe. Many people who live in Joseph (population: 1,080) and throughout northeast Oregon also have a fierce attachment to this landscape, which many have known since childhood. Sadly, they took for granted that it would never be developed. With hindsight, it's clear it should have been purchased and protected years ago. "We all get emotional about things," property owner Steve Krieger told Oppenheimer. "But this is land use. Do (people's) emotions take precedence over my property values?" Well, yes. The Nez Perce tribe's reverence for their historic homeland may be an emotion, but it is deserving of respect. As we have all seen with the devastation in New Orleans, Americans can find it hard to talk about the personality of places, and the spirit or soul or unquantifiable something lost when places vanish. Native Americans, traditionally, were steeped in a different understanding in which land was not a commodity. The value of places was inextricable from the people who lived and died there. As the elder Chief Joseph put it, in his warning to his sons, "Never sell the bones of your mother and father." For business people in Joseph, though, it's not just an emotional attachment that drives their wish to preserve this site, known as the Marr Ranch. They also know that it won't be good for tourism or the economy if the site is scarred by development. A land swap is the best solution now, if the property owners are amenable. The federal government has a role to play, but so does Gov. Ted Kulongoski. With a deft and diplomatic intervention, the governor should work out a fair deal. It's easy to understand why the property owners might feel mistreated; they bought the property expecting it could be developed. Last year's approval of property-rights Measure 37 has strengthened their hand, but they deserved fair compensation even before that. And, frankly, a fair price isn't easy to set for this place. It's irreplaceable. As the younger Joseph put it in 1879, "I buried (my father) in that beautiful valley of the winding waters. I love that land more than all the rest of the world." Many would agree. This place must be preserved forever, not just in memory of two revered chiefs, not just in honor of the Nez Perce, and not just for residents of Joseph and northeast Oregon. For all of us. Copyright c. 2005 The Oregonian. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Tribal Recognition delayed till Oct. 12" --------- Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2005 08:41:22 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="EASTERN PEQUOT PUT ON HOLD" http://www.norwichbulletin.com/~AID=/20050913/NEWS01/509130332/1002 Tribal recognition delayed till Oct. 12 By BRIAN WALLHEIMER Norwich Bulletin September 12, 2005 NORTH STONINGTON - The Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation has been waiting four months to see if it will regain its federal recognition. Monday the tribe learned it will have to wait another month. James E. Cason, associate deputy secretary for the secretary of the Interior, said Monday he needed until Oct. 12 to review the case before handing down a decision. The tribe expected to get the decision Monday. Cason, in a letter to Marcia Jones Flowers, Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation chairwoman, said he wanted to thoroughly consider all issues and accurately interpret relevant laws applying to the case. The Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation - composed of the Eastern Pequot and Paucatuck Eastern Pequot tribes, which had applied separately for recognition - received federal recognition in 2002 as one tribe. But the Interior Board of Indian Appeals vacated that decision in May and remanded it to Cason for reconsideration after State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and the towns of Preston, Ledyard and North Stonington claimed the tribe failed to meet federal recognition standards and merging the tribes was illegal. Flowers said, in a statement, she realizes the delay is a disappointment to tribal members but understands the magnitude of the decision and is positive the tribe will prevail. "In a decision of this magnitude, integrity matters, not timing, and we have confidence in the (Office of Federal Acknowledgment's) process and that they will affirm that we meet the criteria for recognition," Flowers said. Blumenthal, in a statement Monday, said he hopes the delay is an indication the recognition will get "the deliberation - and denial - it deserves." Cason said the decision on recognition for the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation from Kent will also be delayed until Oct. 12. bwallhei@norwich.gannett.com Copyright c. 2005 Norwich Bulletin. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Louisiana Tribe surveys the damage" --------- Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2005 08:34:46 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="KATRINA LEAVES HOUMA HOMELESS" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=6987 Louisiana tribe surveys the damage "This tribal community...in the midst of the largest natural disaster" Sam Lewin September 14, 2005 Members of a Louisiana tribe have finally been able to examine the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Katrina and the situation is not good, the National Congress of American Indians reports. In a statement the NCAI said United Houma Nation members met at the home of Principal Chief Brenda Dardar Robichaux. Over a meal of crawfish etouffe, United Houma officials and rank-and- file tribal members assessed damages to homes and businesses and discussed a plan to alleviate the situation. "It's time for us to focus on attacking challenges ahead," Robichaux said. Hope Larios, part of the tribe's election committee, said her St. Bernard Parish residence is still in a wretched state, but she is trying to remain optimistic. "My home is under 9 feet of water," said Larios. "I haven't been able to return but I am fortunate enough to have been given a place to stay." Larios is one of about 600 United Houmas that were living in St. Bernard Parish. It could be as long as four months until the area she is from is accessible to survey the damage. Some parts of the parish will probably have to be completely razed and rebuilt. Robichaux has provided shelter for Larios and other United Houma members displaced by the killer storm. The NCAI reports that there are 3,400 tribal members in southern Louisiana who have been affected by Katrina. The damage varies from the most destruction in St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Orleans, and Jefferson Parishes, to less severe and minor damage south and west of New Orleans. The issue of race has been again been raised, with one member openly wondering about the slow state and federal response. "New Orleans seems to be ground zero where the most damage was. Sorry to say, but because we are Native, we are getting overlooked down here - people seem to forget us," said tribal member Thomas Dardar of Terrebonne Parish. "Our crime, I guess, is being Native." In addition to damages to homes, some of the United Houma use fishing as a livelihood. Hurricane Katrina wiped out, at least for now, much of the fishing industry in Lafourche and St. Bernard Parishes. Robichaux said although it is tough, the first step is to accurately ascertain the extent of the damage. The NCAI says that process began with a fly-over of Plaquemines Parish, where Houma Nation Vice-Principal Chief Michael Dardar has lived in Venice, La. most of his life. 1,000 feet above the community he calls home, Dardar started down at the catastrophic damage cause by Katrina. "There's my home," he says. It has been moved by the floodwaters from its original location and is still underwater. "This is kind of hard to put into words," he said. "I'm 43-years-old and have been in this community for the majority of my life. I saw Hurricane Camille come through in 1969 when I was a kid and to see it now with the eyes of an adult - it is heartbreaking. It is like losing your balance - you lose your sense of direction because you have lost contact with the ground." Dardar says now he can only look ahead to the cleanup and recovery. "I've lived in Venice for forty years and I can't see living any place else," he said. NCAI is currently visiting Indian tribes in the Gulf Region to assess damage in an effort to be able to distribute relief funds to the tribal communities that need it most. "The people of this tribal community are in the midst of the largest natural disaster in the country, but I don't think they will let the impact destroy their sense of community as they are reaching out to each other to share homes, food, and inner strength," said NCAI Emergency Management Director Robert Holden. "To see the aftermath of Katrina is really sad, but several tribal members seemed to have lifted spirits knowing that Indian Country as a whole is inquiring on their well being and is now reaching into their hearts and their pockets to assist in the relief effort." Donations can be sent to: NCAI 1301 Connecticut, Ave, NW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20036 * Put Hurricane Relief in subject line of check. Native American Times. Copyright c. 2005 All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Tribes develop plan for handling disasters" --------- Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2005 08:49:05 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="NORTHWEST TRIBES LEARN FROM KATRINA" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/~=rss&source=seattletimes.xml&items=151 Tribes develop plan for handling disasters Tulalip By Lynn Thompson Times Snohomish County Bureau September 14, 2005 The lessons of Hurricane Katrina aren't lost on the region's Indian tribes. Like the Gulf Coast states, many tribal lands in Snohomish, Whatcom and Skagit counties are low-lying coastal areas vulnerable to floods. The few roads that connect them to food and emergency aid could easily become impassable in a disaster. Recognition of their own vulnerability, as well as the post-Sept. 11 disaster planning going on without them, has prompted the Tulalips, Lummis, Stillaguamish and five other tribes in the three-county area to jointly develop emergency-response plans. The Northwest Tribal Emergency Management Council, formed this summer with a $175,000 grant from state Homeland Security Council, is writing disaster plans for participating tribes. The council is also working with other local and regional governments to coordinate responses to a range of crises, from a tsunami to an oil spill to a flu epidemic. "Emergency management is on everyone's mind today, especially when we see in New Orleans what the lack of planning and execution can cause," Tulalip Police Chief Jay Goss said. "We wanted to ensure that, when an emergency does take place, whether it's a homeland-security event or an earthquake, that the tribes have good plans in place." The efforts are attracting national attention. The new emergency- management council's members were recently invited to Washington, D.C. They've fielded calls from tribes across the country. "It's a real success story for this region," said John Pennington, the regional director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. "They have the ability to plan, prepare and assist other agencies in a way that other tribes haven't been able to do." The tribes weren't included in the federal legislation that in 2002 created the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and directed local and regional governments to streamline disaster-response plans. Lynda Harvey, a community-service officer for the Tulalip police, said she began attending regional emergency-management meetings in 2003 and realized that no other tribes were participating. The reasons, she said, were a lack of staff members dedicated to emergency response and a lack of money to develop plans and provide training. Though the Tulalips and Lummis have their own police departments, many smaller tribes do not. None of the tribes in the region has its own fire department to respond to disasters. Harvey, who has also organized crime-prevention block watches for the approximately 10,000 people who live on the Tulalip Reservation, said the Hurricane Katrina response efforts has convinced her that training tribal members to be first responders in emergencies would be a key to protecting the community. "On the news, it's the doctors, the nurses, the local police who are doing the most," Harvey said. "I think the community's ability to respond to an emergency is going to be crucial. It could be days before we see any outside help." The tribal council plans to purchase two-way radios for participating tribes and teach local medical personnel, police and other community leaders how to use them. Under the grant, the council is also training high-school students in first aid, search and rescue, and the national system that details the chain of command and decision making in a major disaster, said Curt Russell, a Lummi who is the council's director of homeland security. "If an earthquake happens tomorrow, we're not ready. But if it happens a year from now, we'll have everything put in place," Russell said. Lynn Thompson: 425-745-7807 or lthompson@seattletimes.com Copyright c. 2005 The Seattle Times Company. --------- "RE: American Indian Women fight back" --------- Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2005 08:25:39 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="WOMEN" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.clarionledger.com//20050916/FEAT05/509160307/1023 American Indian women fight back By Diana Marrero Gannett News Service September 16, 2005 WASHINGTON - When Lisa M. Iyotte was raped in 1994, she became part of a staggering statistic: One out of every three American Indian women will be raped in their lifetimes. That means they are nearly twice as likely as the average American woman to be sexually assaulted, according to estimates from the National Congress of American Indians' task force to end violence against women. And like Iyotte, a 37-year-old member of the Rosebud Sioux tribe in South Dakota, American Indian women are more likely to live in poor, remote communities where victim services are scarce or nonexistent. Compounding the problem, American Indian leaders say, are complicated jurisdictional issues between the federal and tribal governments that often wind up leaving assailants on the streets. "It's not acceptable," Iyotte says. "But no one wants to talk about it, so it still goes on." Yet advocates note Congress is poised to pass a strengthened version of the Violence Against Women Act that would boost protections for American Indian women. The 1994 law is expected to expire at the end of this month unless lawmakers reauthorize it. A new version of the bill would enhance the ability of tribes to prosecute perpetrators, increase the amount of research on violence against Indian women, increase federal spending for tribal services and ensure better cooperation between the nation's tribes and the federal government. One provision would establish a national tribal sex offender and protection order registry so tribes could track offenders who move to other reservations. The additional federal support could not come at a better time, advocates say. "If it wasn't for those federal programs, there would be nothing being done here," says Francis Onstad, a member of the Blackfeet tribe in Montana who is working to start a program for sexual violence victims. Copyright c. 2005 Clarionledger.com. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Bringing Tribes, Cities, Business together" --------- Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2005 08:34:46 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ECONOMIC PROGRESS FOR ALL" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.edmondsun.com/articles/2005/09/14/news/opinions/opinion02.txt Bringing tribes, cities, business together for economic success Phil G. Busey Special to The Sun September 14, 2005 It is the time to build new bridges between tribal governments, communities and businesses and begin a new era in cooperative economic development. Tribes and minority businesses have advantages to develop business. These can be used in cooperation with governments and businesses to add a valuable resource to Oklahoma's economic efforts. In Oklahoma, there are more per capita Native Americans than any other state. We have one of the greatest concentrations of tribal governments nationally. The economic impact of the 38 federally recognized tribes in Oklahoma is established. Tribes in Oklahoma employee over 15,000 and contribute more than $7.8 billion annually to the state's economy. It is now time to take that to a new unprecedented level. For too long, Oklahomans have not recognized the importance of tribal business impact as an untapped resource. Working together we can compete in this global economy and move our state forward. Tribes are viable business engines. Together, tribal leaders and state leaders can change the image of Indian country and in a spirit of cooperation, the image of Oklahoma. Rural communities are struggling to find funds for basic infrastructure needs like roads, water, energy and schools. Tribes can provide vehicles for financing and resources to aid these cities. Tribes have contracting advantages through SBA 8(a), HUBZone and SDB certifications that can spur development in partnership with neighboring businesses. Three of the largest tribes in Oklahoma have successful businesses outside gaming. The Choctaw, Cherokee and the Chickasaw are breaking boundaries in developing non-gaming businesses. Efforts include government contracting, construction, commercial developments and health care facilities that benefit all Oklahomans. Their success is an important model for other tribes in Oklahoma. Our future requires Native Americans and non-Native Americans to reach out to each other. Critically, two federal programs that have spurred Native American business efforts need support. However, many Oklahoma leaders are unaware of the significance of these incentives. In December the sun set's on a Congressional act that provides up to a $4,000 per employee a federal tax credit for businesses employing tribal members in Indian country. It would seem state leaders would be rallying to contact their Congressmen to extend the act. No small incentive for business. The Indian Incentive Program under the Department of Defense is a powerful tool. Any prime contractor subcontracting a Native American business is eligible for a 5 percent cash rebate based on the amount of the subcontract. Congress has allocated only $8 million a year to the incentive but it has generated $176 million annually in subcontracts. With Oklahoma as "Native America," why aren't state and tribal leaders clambering for an increase in the incentive? This could mean many more dollars and jobs for Oklahoma. Partnerships and alliances between Native American tribes, tribal enterprises, businesses and local governments offer a powerful, undeveloped incentive for economic growth. It is time to work together to forge a next generation of mutual economic benefit. (Phil G. Busey is president of The Busey Group in Oklahoma City.) Copyright c. 2005 The Edmond Sun, a subsidiary of Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. --------- "RE: Bake is a 10,000-year Tradition" --------- Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2005 08:41:22 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SALMON" http://www.theworldlink.com/articles/2005/09/12/news/news01.txt Bake is a 10,000-year tradition By Carl Mickelson, Staff Writer September 12, 2005 At first glance it appears the reason that Jason Younker's shorts are sopping wet is to keep them from bursting into flame as he hovers over a bed of coals that, in time, will grow to nearly 700 degrees Fahrenheit. As it turns out, that's not the reason at all. It's tradition. He'd just returned the bones of his cousin to the sea. "I have to go up to my hips in the water," Younker, 38, explained Saturday as he tried to catch his breath between manning the salmon bake pits at The Mill Casino-Hotel for the Coquille tribes annual salmon celebration. As the story goes, since the salmon have offered themselves to feed the people, it's hoped that by returning the salmon remnants to the sea that the salmon spirits will tell the fish families to return again to the people the following year. "It's a privilege - and I don't mind it one bit. Our salmon cousins have sacrificed themselves," he said. Before he lets the bones go, Younker says a little prayer. "This ensures that, annually, they come back to us," he said. "I'm thanking them for their sacrifice. The salmon bake is no doubt one of the main attractions for what has become the Coquille tribe's second largest annual event. It's the unfamiliar cooking style that draws a crowd, forcing shutterbugs to snap a couple of shots and onlookers to gape for more than just a few minutes. However, for those of Native American descent, the salmon-bake is a tradition that stretches back more than 10,000 years. "That is how we survived," said Don Day, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde who came to help with the bake. The pit itself, filled with sand, is about 20-feet long by three-feet high and seven-feet wide. Those working in the pits are constantly throwing cedar and alder logs into the fire to create a bed of coals. Once the coals are formed, they're raked back and salmon, wrapped in foil, are chucked into the pit. The embers are then raked on top of the fish and both are smothered in sand, creating an oven where the fish will cook for about two hours. Manning the earthen ovens is no small task. Burns are not uncommon from the intense heat of the fire, which Younker estimated can reach 700 degrees Fahrenheit - enough to actually burn the sand itself, turning it an orangish color. Over the course of the two hours, the temperature dies down to about 200 degrees, Younker said. "Ow," Younker cries out as he wriggles one of his feet back and forth as he stands atop the sand, pulling back the coals with a rake. A coal drops from his sandal - a somewhat unusual choice of footwear. "It's a lot easier to shake a coal out of these than a boot," Younker explains. The burns are a small price to pay, Younker said the moment a smiling - and satisfied - customer stops by to commend the men on the fine cuisine. Within moments after the salmon is pulled from the pits, it's shuttled over to steam tables where visitors line up to get their share at $16 a plate. Years ago, salmon weren't the only meat that was cooked in this manner, so were pigs, elk, deer, clams and virtually every other edible creature that roamed the wilderness. Day said for thousands of years on the Columbia River there was a cannery of sorts where Native Americans dried and preserved various meats with salt from the Pacific Ocean to help tribal members survive the winters. Chris Foltz, a banquet and sous chef at The Mill, is in charge of making sure everyone is fed. He said, he planned to feed about 300 people over the two-day festival, which meant about 16, 25-pound salmon. "It's my job to taste everything," Foltz said. "That's the hard part," he said with a sly smile. Those who prefer their salmon smoked, partook of skewered salmon, drenched in a secret berry sauce, that dangles on stakes over open pit fires. The recipe for the salmon bake has changed over the years. Thousands of years ago, the Northwest's Native Americans seasoned the meat with seal oil, camas, berries and nuts. And, instead of aluminum foil, mud and seaweed were used to wrap the fish. The contemporary palate has changed. "Now we enjoy modern conveniences," Younker said, noting that the seasonings of old have been replaced with items such as garlic, onions, salt, pepper, bay leaves and lemon. "And butter - lots of butter," he said. Copyright c. 2005 Southwestern Oregon Publishing Company. --------- "RE: Native Group prepares to celebrate Milestone" --------- Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2005 08:49:05 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="FIRST NATIONS DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE" http://nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=6980 Native group prepares to celebrate milestone First Nations Institute's goal is economic achievement Sam Lewin September 13, 2005 The year is 1980. Jimmy Carter is President, the Cold War is in full freeze, American hostages are being held in Tehran and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act is still years away. It is under this backdrop that the First Nations Development Institute is born. Their mission statement: "Assisting Indigenous peoples to control their own assets and, through that control, build the capacity to direct their economic futures in ways that fit their cultures." Now, a quarter-century later, the institute is preparing to celebrate 25 years of service. The celebration will take the form of an evening called "25 years of Indian Giving: Celebrating the Past and Defining the Future." "It has been our belief that given the opportunity and resources to explore development and devise their own answers, Native people will create unique, culturally relevant, and sustainable economic systems for themselves, for their families, communities, tribes, in balance and harmony with the sacred," said institute President Rebecca Adamson, a Cherokee. "Over the last 25 years First Nations has received incredible gifts of grace and generosity from all who have touched and been touched by this organization and recognize that it was the brilliance and ingenuity of our Indigenous communities that designed and shaped First Nations' programs and approaches which is what we will celebrate." Institute chairman B. Thomas Vigil, a member of the Jicarilla Apache Tribe, recalled that the institute's first offices were Adamson's kitchen table, and the first board meeting took place in her living room. "But I knew even then that we at First Nations had found a calling. In all of the federal endeavors in Indian Country, cultural direction had never even been considered; yet here we were in a position to help accomplish it from within Indian Country," Vigil writes on the organization's website. "Our various backgrounds among different tribes and in different funding venues, our shared conviction that cultural values matter in economic development, our rising commitment to real self- determination among tribes - all this had come together, so that we could actually bring Indian cultural direction into play in the process of economic development. We could actually bring funding to ideas and ideals no one else would ever touch. We could take risks on behalf of the people who have those ideas, and hold those ideals." Institute officials say a prime focus of the 25-year anniversary celebration is a tribute to innovative national and grassroots Native American community leaders with special awards to acknowledge achievements in Native American giving towards economic wellness. Some organizations that will be honored at the event include the Ford Foundation for Outstanding and Lasting Support from a Founding Foundation, Peter and Jennifer Buffet of The Spirit Foundation for Outstanding Foundation Support, Gail Small of Native Action for Outstanding Community Leadership, and The Potlatch Fund for Outstanding work as a First Nations grantee. The event will also give recognition to the existing economic development in Indian communities. Officials say they expect the celebration will be attended by 250 Native and non-Native philanthropists that have advocated for and supported Native American organizations nationwide. Other attendees will be economic and political leaders, and tribal representatives. The event takes place Oct. 22 at the National Museum of the American Indian on the mall in Washington, D.C. Anyone interested in more information, or attending, should call 540- 371-5615 ext. 19 or visit www.firstnations.org. The following is Adamson's full statement. Featured on the organization's website, it is called "Here Nature Knows Us": To say it is difficult to describe economic development within a spiritual context is an understatement. However, First Nations' efforts to promote culturally appropriate development places our work within the holistic worldview and belief systems of tribal people. `Culturally appropriate' economic development, led and conducted by Native communities, does not necessarily mean the traditional, historical activities undertaken by a tribe for survival. Rather, it means economic development activities which are driven by a community's cultural values, based on kinship, shared responsibilities and benefits, and respect for the environment. Reasons for reservation poverty are multiple and complex, but one factor is fundamental: tribal people have not been allowed to control their own resources or to craft their own development strategies within the values of their culture. For the most part, Native knowledge systems have been under attack for being `backward,' a `hindrance' to modernization. Western concepts of `objectivity' and `control' have discredited indigenous innovators whose contribution to technology development has traditionally been undervalued and undermined the capacity of tribal knowledge systems to evolve, adapt and contribute in innovative ways to all society. Although an increasing amount of research on tribal or indigenous systems is currently being conducted, literature shows that tribal knowledge is still not recognized as the product of holistic systems of perceptions, relationships, and organizational arrangements. Only First Nations Development Institute is actually executing the practice and application of such systems to solving real-world problems. During the past 20 years, First Nations has gained a great deal of experience in Native American culturally appropriate development. What have we learned? The indigenous understanding has its basis of spirituality in a recognition of the connectedness and interdependence of all living things, a holistic and balanced view of the world. All things are bound together. All things connect. What happens to the Earth happens to the children of the Earth. Man has not woven the web of life. He is but one thread. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. The `environment' is perceived as a sensate, conscious entity suffused with spiritual powers through which human understanding is only realized in perfect humility before the sacred whole. The Hopi express this concept of being in perfect harmony and balance with the laws of the universe as `navoty.' The Tlingit refer to it as `shagoon.' Modern science is just now beginning to catch up with such ancient wisdom. Clearly, Bell's theorem on quantum physics, Einstein's theory of relativity, and the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle indicate that how and when we observe subatomic particles affects their behavior, and our perception of their behavior. All particles of matter - properties, positions and velocities - are affected by the intention or presence of all other particles. Stated in simpler terms, subatomic particles are aware of other subatomic particles. According to this law of nature, a people rooted in the land over time have exchanged their tears, their breath, their bones, all their elements - oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, phosphorous, sulfur, all the rest - with their habitat many times over. In the words of Dine traditionalist Ruth Benally Yinishye, "Our history cannot be told without naming the cliffs and mountains that have witnessed our people. Here, nature knows us." The closest contemporary philosophy comes to understanding earthbound spirituality is the concept of `Gaia.' However, tribal people worship the sacredness of Creation as a way of life, not as a philosophy or religion. In fact, none of the Native languages have words or terms synonymous with religion. The closest expressions of belief literally translate as `the way you live.' In 1986, the World Wildlife Fund convened Buddhists, Hindus, Judaists, Christians and Muslims in Umbria Hills, Italy, to issue their collective ecological wisdom, the Assisi Declarations. The intent was to provide a universal backdrop for adjusting human nature to a greater good and stewardship of Creation. In the end, the Declarations could only document what had already been an intuitive finding. `The way we live' within a consciousness responsible for the sacred whole was not a central practice for any of the great religious teachings. Yet, human consciousness determines what we do and how we do it. Consciousness is given order through a belief system. The reality of any belief system is expressed through ideas. The ideas are realized through values. Values permeate human life. They give us practical guidance. Moreover, values do not work alone. Ideas work together with values in a consistent, mutually affirming system, a value system. Ideas such as love, truth and justice work according to values of caring, honesty and fairness. The wise to be wise must also be just. Every society organizes itself politically, socially, and economically according to its values. In spiritual terms, this is evolution. In human terms, this is development. The issue of development, more than any other issue, is the battle line between two competing world views the EuroAmerican values of individualism, domination, exploitation, and separation poised against the tribal values of kinship, balance, reciprocity, and interconnectedness. Western economists like to think of economics as value-neutral, a system operating separate from its surrounding environment; which in and of itself denies the totality of the whole. Based upon their belief system, economists assume a scarcity of resources and an insatiable supply of individual appetites - in other words, unlimited desires competing for limited resources. Subsequently, the values to be realized are competition, materialism, acquisition, accumulation, ownership, growth, and immediacy. For Native peoples, the whole, not any one part of it, establishes a dynamic system of being, which gives rise to the order of things. Native spirituality assumes the whole manifests an order that unifies physical, conscious ,moral and physical life. The tribal belief system assumes an ecology of life and satiable appetites. In other words, prosperity is achievable within Creation; within the limits of Creation. The affirming value system includes harmony, prudence, reciprocity, distribution, kinship, sustainability, and caring for future generations. Based upon this profound worldview and a complex reciprocal belief system, First Nations has successfully articulated a vision of culturally appropriate development that places emphasis upon the real values behind Native societies and the way they organize themselves economically. Just as the sacred whole manifests an order that unifies physical, conscious, moral and spiritual life, development should organize the assets, human capital, and community in accordance with that belief system. Assets in many ways are the physical property of our world. The conscious becomes the individual, or the personal efficacy of the human capital. The moral becomes ethical conduct as constituted by the community. Central to Native spiritual practice is living in perfect balance and harmony with oneself, others, and the sacred whole - navoty. Because they understand the environment to be a living thing, the Northern Cheyenne have opposed coal strip mining on their reservation because it `kills the wat er beings.' There are no cost measurements of pollution, production, or other factors that can capture this impact. The holistic richness of this relationship to nature cannot be accommodated within any customary Western conceptual scheme. The profound vision within First Nations' culturally appropriate development reaches well beyond Indian Country. Given the opportunity and resources to explore development and develop their own answers, Native people will create unique, culturally relevant, and sustainable economic systems for themselves, for their families, communities, tribes, in balance and harmony with the sacred. Such values-based development will provide lessons in how those outside the tribal community may reorganize our future, making spirituality central to all elements of our lives, both in work and personally. Both Western and indigenous cultures can benefit from accessing and sharing beliefs, customs and technologies. Such interaction of forces and cultures creates a new dynamic, one which fosters creativity and progress. Conversely, witness the stagnation of China and other cultures during periods of self-imposed isolation. We must recognize the value of cultures and values, in order to ensure a successful future for all. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist William Raspberry, in a Washington Post editorial entitled `The Power of Spirituality,'reported on a community leader who came to the realization that successful programs almost always have a spiritual base. "But it doesn't get mentioned in the surveys and evaluations and requests for funding. There are no blanks on the form for spirituality - we don't yet have the scales to weigh the ability some people have to provide the spiritual element." There is an emerging recognition of the need for a spiritual base, not only in our individual lives, but also in our work and in our communities. Perfect harmony and balance with the laws of the universe means we all know that the water of life is found by protecting the `water beings.' Native American Times. Copyright c. 2005 All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Developer alleviating Pine Ridge Housing disaster" --------- Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2005 08:49:05 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="REAL HELP FOR PINE RIDGE" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050914/law066.html?.v=28 Colorado Developer Noel West Lane, III, Looks to Alleviate Housing Disaster at Pine Ridge Reservation Press Release Source: The Lane III Group, Inc. September 14, 2005 ESTES PARK, Colo., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The new 6.5-acre Fall River Village resort is the completion of a life-long family dream for well- known Colorado developer Noel West Lane, III, owner of The Lane III Group, Inc. In July, when Lane began looking for an "inexpensive" way to dispose of two-dozen mobile homes on the property, he was led instead into the lifelong nightmare that people on the Pine Ridge Reservation of South Dakota face. An Estes Park resident suggested he contact reservation leaders. "It's a disaster. People are living in dire third-world conditions in our first-world country," says Lane who has had a hand in building more than 22,000 homes around the world. Pine Ridge has just 1,700 dwelling units for 48,000 residents, an average of 28 residents per household. Lane will drive the last of the mobile homes out of Estes Park on Wednesday, September 21, after an 11 a.m. ceremony involving a group of concerned citizens and organizations, including Prudential Team Realty and WestStar Bank, who are gathering gifts for reservation residents. "The situation on the Pine Ridge Reservation has touched many hearts in Estes Park," said Mayor John Baudek; the town has declared Sept. 21 Pine Ridge Reservation Awareness Day. On hand will be members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, including families living in Lane's recently relocated mobile homes. Lane has formed his own interstate trucking company, bought and refurbished a 1982 Kenworth rig and estimates his contribution to the people of the reservation has topped $100,000. "We have so little here that a hundred dollars is like a thousand," says Juanita Scherich, a tribal member who has dedicated herself to helping improve the housing situation at Pine Ridge. Now, working with partners such as the Colorado School of Mines, a well-respected engineering school located in Golden, CO, Lane is attempting to develop a sustainable program that would result in the refurbishing of hundreds of mobile homes. "If we were to refurbish 250 mobile homes per year, it would only make a small dent in the supply of aging mobile homes around the West," he says. Lane envisions a vocational program on the reservation where homebuilding leaders work side-by-side with native people. Those interested in helping with the initiative may contact Lane at 303.697.0497. CONTACT: Ken Parks, PEAK Public Relations, 303.691.1801 Copyright c. 2005 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved. Copyright c. 2005 PR Newswire. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: ARS profiles Nutrients in Native American Diet" --------- Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2005 08:41:22 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="NATIVE AMERICAN DIET" http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/~native-americans-nutrient-dietary ARS profiles nutrients in native American diet By staff writer September 13, 2005 An Agricultural Research Service initiative to the nutrient content of traditional foods should result in more appropriate nutritional guidance for Native American communities. The ARS, the USDA's research arm, is compiling a database of foods commonly eaten by American Indians and Alaskan Natives, such as caribou rump meat and bearded seal meat, according to an article in Agricultural Research. Funded by the Indian Health Service and the NIH's Office of Research on Minority Health, researchers have been working closely communities in Alaska, Idaho and Arizona who are sending them samples of commonly eaten fare for analysis. In the first instance, their findings will be included in the National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, which include nutrient data on more than 7,000 foods. It is anticipated that a stand-alone American Indian/Alaska Native Foods Database will be launched next year. "The data for these unique foods are important for providing wider representation within nationwide food consumption surveys, since dietary practices among these communities differ from those of the general US population," said the ARS. The data could be used to shed light on the reasons why disease patterns amongst Native Americans differ from those seen in the general US population, and to develop strategies to combat high incidence of certain ailments. In particular, statistics show that Native Americans are 420 percent more likely to die from diabetes than the rest of the United States population. According to a report by the NIH in 2002, around 15 percent of American Indians and Alaska Natives receiving care from the Indian Health Service have been diagnosed with diabetes - that is, 105,000 individuals. In some communities, however, the high incidence of diabetes and other obesity-related health conditions like heart disease are thought to have been caused by a shift away from the traditional diet towards processed and sugar-rich foods, rather than eating the traditional foods themselves. The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara nations, for example, were forced to relocate from river bottomlands to prairie uplands in the 1940s and 50s, which meant that a large number of tribal members who had previously grown their own livestock and food crops had to change their diets. According to the US Census Bureau, there were 2.79 million American Indian and Alaskan Natives living in the Unites States in 2003 - less than one percent of the total population. Earlier this year, the Canadian government recognized that generalized dietary advice may not be appropriate for its multicultural population. It said that its new food guidance system would highlight certain ethnic foods as alternative sources of beneficial nutrients. Copyright c. 2000/2005 Decision News Media. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Kids Cafe set to feed Lunch to Indian Kids" --------- Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2005 08:49:05 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="KIDS CAFE ON NORTHERN CHEYENNE REZ" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.billingsgazette.com//build/state/35-kids-cafe.inc Kids Cafe set to feed lunch to Indian kids By MIKE STARK Of The Gazette Staff September 13, 2005 Starting today, children on the Northern Cheyenne reservation will have a new place to get a free meal after school. The Kids Cafe, sponsored by ConAgra Foods, will initially serve 50 to 70 children Monday through Friday at the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation. The program is the third of its kind in the state. Others are in Missoula and Glendive. Nationwide, there are about 1,300 Kids Cafes, one of the nation's largest programs aimed at feeding low-income children, according to organizers. Typically, ConAgra provides $20,000 the first year, $10,000 to second and $5,000 the third year. Hopefully by then, local officials have seen how effective the program can be and provide funding so it can continue, said Peggy Grimes, executive director of the Montana Food Bank Network. "The whole idea is that the community begins to support this program," she said. Organizers hope to start similar programs at other reservations in Montana. "Poverty is so prevalent," Grimes said. "Getting them started in the reservations seems to be something we'd like to focus on." More than 93 percent of children in Lame Deer are eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school, according to organizers. "We are grateful that we are able to offer nutritious meals to our community's children because we have a demonstrated need for this program," said Rick Robinson, chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation. In recent years, the number of people - including children - living in poverty has risen dramatically in Montana, Grimes said. Food banks across the state have subsequently needed more food. "We felt a program like this would be helpful not only to relieve food stress in a family but to provide nutrition to children," Grimes said. Aside from after-school meals, the program will also periodically host evening meals intended for children and their families. The opening ceremony today will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club, 101 Cheyenne Ave. The program is a collaboration between ConAgra, the Boys & Girls Club, the Montana Food Bank Network and America's Second Harvest. Copyright c. The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. --------- "RE: GIAGO: The Spine of the NCAA turns to Jelly" --------- Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2005 08:41:22 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="GIAGO: NCAA BACKS DOWN ON MASCOT ISSUE" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=6977 The spine of the NCAA turns to jelly Notes from Indian Country Tim Giago (Nanwica Kciji) September 12, 2005 Copyright c. 2005 Native American Journalists Foundation, Inc. Under pressure, the NCAA is folding one college at a time to the fanatics insistent upon retaining their Indian mascots. The key letter in NCAA is the "C" for "Collegiate." When it comes to sporting activities, it is the responsibility of the National Collegiate Athletic Association to work with and respond to the needs and requests of college students everywhere in America. This must also include the 36 colleges based upon the sovereign grounds of the Indian nations. Without exception, every Indian-controlled college in this country opposes the use of Indians as mascots. The National Congress of American Indians, representing more than 400 Indian nations, passed a resolution opposing the use of Indians as mascots. The Seminole Nation of Florida is a member of NCAI. The National Indian Education Association, representing nearly every educator, principal, superintendent and student in the country, also passed a resolution opposing the use of Indians as mascots. Nearly every Indian nation in America has passed or is intending to pass, similar resolutions. Last week the representatives of all the Indian nations in North Dakota approved a resolution supporting the NCAA action against the University of North Dakota by asking that the "Fighting Sioux" nickname be changed. The resolution calls on the NCAA to deny an appeal by UND seeking an exemption from the new policy. Now I ask those who think it is "traditional, cute, or their God-given right" to use human beings as mascots consider the following. The Indian nations of North Dakota included in its resolution that the use of the "Sioux" nickname "promotes an atmosphere of hostility on the campus of UND that has resulted in numerous ugly incidents including beatings, vandalism, death threats and other incidents directed toward the American Indian students on campus and others who advocate for changing the name." Before a football game last year students from the opposing team held up posters that read, "The Sioux Suck." While covering a protest of Native Americans prior to a football game at the University of Illinois, a college infamous in Indian country for its "Chief Illiniwek" mascot, I observed and photographed angry white Illini students and alumni spitting at and flicking lighted cigarettes at the Indian protestors. My question then and now is, "How can educated people honor and praise an imitation of an Indian, a white boy dressed in costume, and be so vile to the real American Indians protesting their use as mascots for a sports event?" Let's consider some of the arguments I received by mail and email after my last column on mascots. What about the Fighting Irish? The University of Notre Dame, in its early days, was composed of many Catholic priests of Irish heritage. The school mascot was chosen from within by the Irish priests. At sporting events the "Irish" mascot does not depict the worst characteristics of the Irish people. The Fighting Irish sports fans are not waving whiskey bottles in the air as weapons or as a demonstration of a supposed Irish trait. Now witness the fans at a Washington Redskin or Florida State University game where fake tomahawks or extended arms are swept up and down doing the infamous "Tomahawk Chop." This horrendous replication of violence honors Indians? Tell me how? What about the Minnesota Vikings? There are no more Vikings. They are figments of a history long gone. Steelers are a profession, Cowboys are not an ethnic minority, and yes folks, Packers is also a profession. To use the color of a people's skin to celebrate a mascot is at most un- American, racist and a horrible example of ignorance. I ask anyone reading this column to look up the word "redskin" in any dictionary and they will find that the word is an insult to American Indians. Many of the Indian organizations I have mentioned in this article consider the word demeaning, racist and equivalent to the "N" word so dreaded by sports announcers everywhere. When I appeared on a national call-in radio talk show on mascots I experienced some of the most pointed hatred I have ever experienced in my lifetime. The one thing I learned is that some of the callers claiming Indian blood who were fully supportive of the use of Indians as mascots were generally from eastern tribes and when I in turn questioned them about their tribal affiliations I soon discovered that nearly all of them had been totally assimilated into the mainstream and spoke as non-Indians rather than as Indians with deep and lasting ties to their culture, traditions and spirituality. Let me add here that most established eastern Indian tribes have also passed resolutions opposing the use of Indians as mascots. And finally I have a question for members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida; why do you allow the student body of FSU to make T-shirts and sweat shirts that bastardize your proud name to "Noles?" Do you think the Navajo would sit still if sweatshirts bearing the name "Ajos" became a fad among college students? And so while the hierarchy of the NCAA is arbitrarily allowing some schools to be exempted from the recent ruling, I suggest that they at least hear the other side of the story before caving in wholesale. The powers-that-be at the NCAA must understand that the vast majority of American Indians rigidly opposed the use of Indians as mascots for America's sporting events. If one or two tribes think it is all right does that mean they then become the majority? Isn't this a Nation where majority rules? I suggest that the NCAA take a poll of the faculty and students at the 36 Indian colleges and then decide whether any college should be exempted from its prior ruling. As I said at the beginning, the "C" in NCAA stands for "Collegiate," not for "collapsing" in the face of controversy. (Tim Giago, an Oglala Lakota, is the president of the Native American Journalists Foundation, Inc. and the publisher of Indian Education Today Magazine. He can be reached at najournalists@rushmore.com or by writing him at 2050 West Main St., Suite 5, Rapid City, SD, 57702) Native American Times. Copyright c. 2005 All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: YELLOW BIRD: Clearing the air on the 'Sioux' Name" --------- Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2005 08:49:05 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="YELLOW BIRD: SIOUX NAME" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/news/opinion/12638511.htm DORREEN YELLOW BIRD COLUMN: Sioux City stays if UND Sioux goes September 14, 2005 I hesitated to wade into the debate about the NCAA's recent ruling regarding UND's logo. I hesitated because so much already has been said so many times over - whew. Yet, there is a need to clarify why the names of cities and rivers are different from the "Fighting Sioux" nickname and logo. My other concern is about the surveys that seem to be treated as real evidence. UND President Charles Kupchella and former UND president Tom Clifford say we have place names such as Sioux Falls, Sioux City, Big Sioux River and Little Sioux River. So why not Fighting Sioux? Well, Mr. Presidents, it's the difference between buildings, cities, rivers and human beings. I see no city or river feeling insulted when a student stands beside it, cupping his hands and yelling, "Big Sioux River, you suck." Rivers hardly babble at the thought, and a city on the receiving end of such a slur might belch only a little pollution. The Big Muddy could care less if you dip your toe into her waters and call her filthy and dirty. Take this a step further. There are buildings on the UND campus that are named for people - O'Kelley Hall, John Odegard Aerospace Center, the Strinden Center. These buildings memorialize these men; that is respect. But naming a team after the indigenous people of this nation is not memorializing the Sioux. Save the team names for wolves, bears or eagles. True, our UND fans don't usually use offensive expressions. They do, however, know the opposing team will. That is part of the game. The nickname also allows Sioux to be used in strange ways, such as Sioux-per Dogs at the concession stand. Think about Strinden Dogs or O'Kelley popcorn: It makes respectful seem cartoonish. Once upon a time, there is a gang that called themselves "The Snakes." They gave themselves this name to inspire fear and trembling in rival gangs. (That was good reasoning, by the way. If you said "Snakes suck" in their presence, you'd better be itching for a fight.) They took this name because snakes, especially poisonous snakes, have a reputation of being dangerous and almost evil. Calling UND's athletes "Fighting Sioux" serves a similar purpose, but it also says this group of people was warlike. We know the history: In this area, for example, 38 Sioux were hung as punishment for raids that killed settlers. It's a bloody history. Using the name seems an attempt to remind the nation that the history of American Indian people and warfare is a history written by non-Indians. About those confounded surveys: Why are people doing them? To prove a "majority rules" point? Here is simple fact. There are more non-Indians than Indians in this nation. American Indians number around 2.5 million and non-Indians, about 300 million. North Dakota has such a skewed ratio, too. Numbers do lie. When you look for an Indian person to agree that they like the name, you'll find one. However, in conversations with Indian people in North Dakota, I found if you tell them or they experience what happens to Indian people around the name of the Fighting Sioux, they say throw it out - unless, of course, they have an ulterior motive. Heck, when I first moved to Grand Forks, I really was proud to wear T- shirts and sweatshirts with Sioux on them because I am Sioux, too. It wasn't until later that I found what was said about Indian people under the guise of the name. Some UND fans separate American Indians into two groups: the mythical warrior of the past (for example, the "Fighting Sioux") and Indian people of today, whom they see as alcoholic and poverty-stricken. Go home, take care of those problems and leave the name alone, we are told. It's as if the honor belongs only to the myth. Unfortunately, the logo issue is polarizing the community. Hurtful remarks escalate into volleying back and forth. Kindness and understanding evolve into stereotyping and pointing out bad traits - and on both sides, I'm afraid. There are non-Indians whom I'd trust with my most precious gift: my children. They are intelligent and good-meaning people. Many stand up for Indians and say, "Stop using the name." But I also know some good people who support the name. We banter back and forth about the pros and cons. They are trying to understand, just as I am trying to understand their point of view. We are in a difficult time. I believe the name will change, but it will take patience and time. ---- Dorreen Yellow Bird's column appears Tuesday and Saturday. Reach her at (701) 780-1228 or dyellowbird@gfherald.com Copyright c. 2005 Grand Forks Herald/Grand Forks, ND. --------- "RE: JODI RAVE: Indian Guide is quite a Handful" --------- Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2005 08:41:22 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="JODI RAVE: NEW TILLER GUIDE" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://www.bismarcktribune.com//2005/09/12/news/local/102049.txt Indian guide is quite a handful September 12, 2005 Leo Tolstoy's epic masterpiece "War and Peace" tops the list of Veronica Velarde Tiller's favorite books. But it wasn't enough that she was able to lift and read it. The Jicarilla Apache woman rivaled Tolstoy by creating a book that easily outweighs the Russian novel. Tiller, president of Tiller Research Inc., led a 20-member research team to create the new, improved and expanded second edition to "Tiller's Guide to Indian Country," a one-stop encyclopedic tool that should grace every library shelf across the country. The guide ought to be considered a must-have by governmental organizations, reporters, lawyers and anyone else who needs to understand the contemporary state of Indian America. Tiller provides necessary answers to important questions about Indian Country. I found the book early in my reporting career. It's been at my desk since, remaining on an A-list of reporting resources. The new, 1,120-page volume has nearly doubled in size since the first edition released nearly a decade ago. It offers more complete profiles of the country's 563 federally recognized tribes. Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, described the book as "a valuable tool that will continue, as it has in the past, to dispel myths and to inform those who desire to work with Native people and their governments to achieve the economic renaissance that is the birth right of this nation's First Americans." The economic renaissance to which Inouye refers helps explain the voluminous nature of the guide book. It requires both hands to lift. Tiller said the tremendous growth of Indian businesses since 1996 - when the book was first introduced - required special attention. So now, hundreds of business summaries fill its pages, highlighting tribes' economic diversity, including information on employment rates, infrastructure, construction, retail services, tourism, gambling and business corporations. On the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, one of the most viable businesses within reservation borders is the Lakota Fund, which operates two lending programs for small business development. Nearly 300 tribal citizens have benefited from $1 million in loans. The book also outlines governmental structures. The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon drafted a constitution after federal recognition was restored in 1977. The government consists of a three- tiered system, including a tribal council, general council and eight- member tribal court. Among the book's new highlights are full-length profiles of the best tribal governance practices to receive awards from Harvard University's Honoring Nations program, administered by the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development. It lists all Honoring Nations winners dating to 1999. The Nez Perce received top recognition for reintroducing gray wolves to their natural habitat in the northern Rocky Mountains. The book profile explains how they did it. The guide includes useful educational information. Which tribe can claim 42 percent of its tribal citizens have bachelor's degrees or higher? The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe of Washington, according to Tiller and the 2000 U.S. Census. Like most must-haves, "Tiller's Guide to Indian Country" comes with a price tag. It costs $199, as does the CD. Both can be had for $250. More information is available at tillerresearch.com. Tiller - who has been in the research business for 25 years - and her team deserve credit for culling strong tribal support for the final product. Tribal representatives agreed it was important to provide information that helps educate the public about Native cultures in the 21st century. Once again, Tiller doesn't disappoint. Each tribal profile also offers a section on culture and history. Anyone interested in Indians should have "Tiller's Guide to Indian Country" as a reference book - anyone who interacts with Indian people needs it. (Jodi Rave covers Indian issues for Lee Enterprises. She can be reached at 406-523-5299 or jodi.rave@;lee.net.) Copyright c. 2005 Bismarck Tribune. --------- "RE: Books of Wisdom and Knowledge for Qallunaat" --------- Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2005 08:41:22 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="COUNTERING PATERNALISM" http://www.ammsa.com/windspeaker/windguest.html Books of wisdom and knowledge for Qallunaat Nasivvik Zebedee Nungak, Windspeaker Columnist September 2005 How on earth does one counter the terminal paternalism articulated in The Eskimo Book of Knowledge, published by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1931, and The Book of Wisdom for Eskimo, published by Canada's Department of Mines and Resources in 1947? What possible antidote can be administered for such an affliction, without stooping to the dense ignorance entwined with a rigid superiority complex, which saturates these writings? Certainly not with toxic bitterness, or an eye for an eye! The best solution seems to be to reflect these writings on distortion mirrors, the kind found in southern amusement parks. I first search for a possible co- author and co-conspirator in this project, whose name rhymes with mine. I find John Ningark of Kuugaaruk, Nunavut, who is a former MLA for Nattilikmeot in the last N.W.T. legislature, which sat prior to Nunavut's formation. Nungak-Ningark feels perfect on the tongue as a made to order counterweight to those Books of wisdom and knowledge. I would set out to write a Book of Wisdom for Qallunaat (white men), while John Ningark would work on The Qallunaat Book of Knowledge. Each of us would "borrow" the writing styles of the authors of those books, and simply apply our knowledge of Qallunaat into the written word. I would write, "You are a White Man. In the Arctic, the Eskimos (now called Inuit) will call you a Qallunaaq, but will accept you saying Kabloona, or even Kodlunarn. Don't be shocked to hear their children calling you a Hello-raaluk, which means A Big Hello. Be thankful it's not a Big Goodbye!" "You will be badged with an Inuktitut nickname, based on a physical characteristic or habit, which identifies you in their sight. Getting assigned a nickname is not at all scientific, so yours will likely come in an odd way. Ones assigned in the past include Qiuniujaq (One Who Is Forever Cold), and Patinnaaki (Small Buttocked One, or, in today's lingo, Weeny Buns)." John Ningark would write, "Your ancestors came to Canada by sailing ship, some from England and some from France. You have been here for only 400 years, a very short time. On a time-line in history, you are recent arrivals. So don't carry on too much like you've always owned the place. The Inuit don't appreciate being treated like tenants in their ancient homelands." "When you talk about distances with Inuit, do so in miles or kilometres, not in "sleeps". Train your tongue to pronounce the now Inuitized place names: The former Broughton Island is now Qikiq-TARQ-juaq, not Kikiktakjuak. Imagine a double H when you say IHHALUIT, thereby avoiding eKAA-lo-WHIT for Nunavut's capital city." As co-authors of antidotes to Terminal Paternalism, John Ningark and I have to be truthfully insightful and reasonably accurate in reflecting and exposing some essences of the Qallunaat. They are the dominant society, and have identified themselves as "founders" of Canada. There is even a collectivity of old settlers in Quebec who proclaim themselves a "Distinct Society"! For Inuit, this is sometimes difficult to reconcile. Against formidable odds, we still speak the language our ancestors spoke in 1534, when Jacques Cartier landed on the shores of the St. Lawrence River. We are the dominant majority in our immense Arctic homelands, but we have had to adjust to living within political structures where others are the bosses of how we live our lives. John Ningark would write, "Inuit knowledge maintenance was based on oral traditions faithfully transmitted throughout the generations. As a Qallunaaq steeped in literary traditions, do not be too dismissive of Inuit contributions to English language dictionaries. In them, you can look up words like igloo, umiak, ulu, kayak, komatik, and muktuk; all Inuktitut words." I would write, "Always eat your food, mostly devoid of all blood and freshness, sitting in a proper upright posture, with a fork and a dull knife known by the Inuit as nuvuittuq (without point). Store your left- over food in secure containers in refrigeration and eat them in following days until they are gone. Never waste your food." "If you are a guest at Uncle Milton's house, draw on your natural encyclopedic sources of small talk, and be animated while discussing the weather, Aunt Myrtle's hairdo, and the latest fads of the young people." John Ningark would write, "Never say None-of-it for Nunavut. Give yourself some lead time to practice saying KINNG-ait for Cape Dorset, Ik- -PIAR-juk for Arctic Bay, and Kangiq-SLI-niq for Rankin Inlet. Don't be shy to engage the help of an Inuk to pronounce such names properly. Take heart from the tribulations of Inuit having to say Medicine Hat, Moose Jaw, and Come By Chance properly." In conclusion, "If you are given a nickname by the Inuit, wear it like the badge of honor it very likely is." Copyright c. 2005 Windspeaker, AMMSA - Aboriginal Multi-Media Society. --------- "RE: Ipperwash inquiry slated to continue into March" --------- Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2005 08:49:05 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="IPPERWASH" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.canoe.ca//LondonFreePress/News/2005/09/13/1214391-sun.html Ipperwash inquiry slated to continue into March September 13, 2005 FOREST - Ipperwash inquiry testimony will go past the expected Dec. 1 completion date and into March. Nine weeks of additional hearings have been scheduled for January, February and March. Justice Sidney Linden's report will deal with all the circumstances surrounding a provincial police officer's killing of First Nations protester Dudley George at Ipperwash Provincial Park on Sept. 6, 1995. Sgt. Ken Deane, the former officer who fired the fatal shot, was convicted of criminal negligence causing death. Linden's report, which may take six months to complete after the hearing concludes, will also recommend ways to prevent similar violence. Former premier Mike Harris is expected to testify in late October or early November on what role, if any, his government may have played when police advanced on the park. Copyright c. 2005 The London Free Press. --------- "RE: Missing Women: No Body, no Investigation" --------- Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2005 08:41:22 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="RCMP NOT MOTIVATED BY MISSING ABORIGINAL WOMEN" http://www.ammsa.com/windspeaker/topnews-Sept-2005.html#anchor10506506 Missing women No body, no investigation Paul Barnsley, Windspeaker Staff Writer, Edmonton September 2005 It only took a couple of days for Danielle Boudreau and Bekkie Fugate to find Teri-lynn House once they started looking in early August. House had been reported missing to the RCMP detachment in Devon, a small community just outside Edmonton, more than a month previously. Her mother, Melanie House, was concerned that her daughter, who has been fighting an addiction, had run away to Edmonton and ended up on the streets. Teri-lynn was eventually found safe in Cranbrook, B.C., but, given the fate of many other missing Native women, her safety was never a sure thing. Boudreau, a 30-year-old Native woman who has beaten a cocaine addiction, became known to Windspeaker in 2001. She had discovered an especially degrading Web site based in Calgary that posted sexually explicit photos of Native women who clearly were living the hard life on the streets. Boudreau recognized some of the women from her days of partying in the seedier bars in downtown Calgary and worried that the Web site operator might be a budding serial killer who would grow bolder as time passed. She went to the media after becoming frustrated by the lack of interest in the matter on the part of the Calgary police. She was still in recovery and was not identified in our December 2002 story about the Web site, but she played a key role in the story that was the first to draw national attention to the fact that a disproportionate number of Native women are missing across the country. Some activists say as many as 500 Native women are presently unaccounted for. We also discovered, while talking to a variety of experts for that story, that there is a class of offender that preys on the marginalized women working the streets in Canada, enabled by the attitudes and biases of mainstream society. The experts told us then that these criminals take advantage of the fact that the public and police have less interest in prosecuting crimes against prostitutes than those crimes that are perpetrated against other citizens. Since the Windspeaker story, several other national media outlets have looked into the problem. Books have been published on the subject. The Pickton case in Vancouver, where Robert Pickton has been charged with the deaths of more than a dozen prostitutes, most of whom are Native, is proceeding to trial. In all cases, evidence has emerged showing the police were slow to act. It was only recently that the RCMP admitted there appears to be one or more serial offenders stalking the strolls of Edmonton. Twelve sex trade workers have been found dead on the outskirts of the Alberta capital over the last 17 years. Most of the victims have been Native women. On Aug. 11, the RCMP added 10 more investigators to Project KARE, a special task force established in 2003 involving the Mounties and the Edmonton Police Service that is looking into the cases of these murdered women (bringing the total number of officers to 35) . Project KARE has acknowledged 70 victims across the Prairies who lived a "high-risk lifestyle." Many other potential victims are listed simply as missing. Boudreau's friend Fugate, 22, is a non-Native woman from the small farming community of High Bluff, Man. Outraged by the fact that authorities and the community at large seem to care less about dead prostitutes than about other dead women, she started up a Web site- http://bekkie.proboards52.com-in early August. On that site, people share information and do what they can to help missing women or their families. Neither Boudreau nor Fugate has ever been involved in prostitution. Fugate joked that her small town childhood was "all butterflies and kittens," but added she can't sit idly by while some lives are deemed less important than others. After the Devon RCMP had the file on Teri-lynn for more than a month and had produced no results in locating her, Boudreau said she spent just three hours networking on the phone before finding her. "Sunday we met up with her mother and Wednesday they spotted her in Cranbrook. All that time the police didn't do anything. After we found her they made it out that they'd worked so hard on finding her when in all actuality they'd basically told [her mother] that unless there's a body they weren't going to investigate," said Boudreau. "No body, no investigation" was also the response the women received from Project KARE investigators when they volunteered to go out scouring the fields on the edge of Edmonton looking for the bodies of other missing women. Both women noted that the media, the general public and the police did not wait for bodies in a couple of recent cases where middle-class Caucasian women were reported missing. In two high profile cases-one in Edmonton and one in Toronto-great effort was put into searches and, once remains were found within a matter of days, even greater effort was put into raising money for trust funds for the victims' families. Fugate said that admirable response should not be reserved for only some victims. "I'd see headlines like: 'Prostitute slain.' And the story was, 'Yeah she was murdered but she was a prostitute so it's OK.' And I thought that wasn't right," she said. "People keep asking, 'Is he going to graduate to killing more respectable people?' Well, who cares? He's killing people. It doesn't matter if he's killing a housewife or a sex trade worker. They're people. They don't deserve to die." So she went on the Project KARE Web site's electronic forum and, when Boudreau posted the mother's complaints that police were not actively searching for Teri-lynn House, she got an idea. "I thought, 'How hard is it for us to take a couple of hours on our day off, go out there, talk to her, get some information and make some phone calls.' From there, we were really high off the fact that we had found her within a couple of days and we wondered, 'What if we can do this again and again and again?' Why not? It just makes us feel really good to help someone who isn't able to get the help they need," Fugate added. It's more personal for Boudreau. She knew several of the Edmonton murder victims, including Rachel Quinney, a 19-year-old whose body was found outside the city in June 2004. Quinney was married to Boudreau's best friend's older brother. She knew the Quinney family when she was growing up. "The day they found the body I was on the phone with [her best friend] and she said 'I've got a call on the other line.' I said I'd wait. She came back on and said, 'You know that body they found? It was Rachel.' I couldn't believe it. I remember her as little Rachel. I was pretty broken up," Boudreau said. The two women have asked the police to let them help them search for other missing women. Their requests have been denied by investigators who worry that untrained amateurs could contaminate a crime scene and destroy important evidence. "What's the difference between us coming across something and someone walking their dog?" Boudreau asked. "Teach us what to do. If you guys don't have the manpower to do it, we'll go out in our spare time and then at least something's being done. Have the police ever found any of the bodies or has it always been someone stumbling across something?" "Give us a day's training or send a police officer with us. Have someone with us so that you know we're not doing anything to mess up the case," Fugate added. "And we'll go out and do whatever needs to be done. I just don't understand why they're not willing to even attempt to help." But the differences in the level of public sympathy for middle-class victims versus desperate, impoverished and frequently drug-addicted victims who are forced into prostitution to survive remains glaring-and hypocritical, the two women said. "The thing about prostitution is it all comes back to religion, basically. Sex is known as a sin," said Boudreau. Boudreau knows well that young girls flee the much-publicized economic and social problems back home on the reserve in search of a job or an education. They come to the cities and-for a number of reasons, not the least of which is racism-frequently find themselves unemployed and struggling. Cheap and highly addictive drugs like crystal meth and crack cocaine are a rapidly spreading scourge in the inner cities where these desperate people almost always end up. Prostitution all too often becomes the only way to survive. And even then, poverty increases the chances of tragic death. "Prostitution isn't illegal. Solicitation is illegal, which just seems silly to me. But if prostitution is legal, then why not get these women into somewhere safe? These women that are on the street, don't make them pay $1,700 a year to register themselves as an escort," Fugate said. That's the approximate cost of a license to run an escort service in Edmonton. The money is payable to the city. Also required is a criminal record check. If you've been convicted of solicitation, you get rejected and you get to stand on a street corner with all the dangers that brings. But if you've got $1,700 a year for a city license you can be a great deal less marginalized and a whole lot safer. Monica Valiquette has operated an escort service in Edmonton for 27 years. She told Windspeaker the city fathers know what goes on in these businesses they regulate and license. For the community to look down on prostitutes while taking their money is pure hypocrisy, she said. And city regulations that allow only those that have the $1,700 a year and have managed to avoid conviction to have the relative safety of escort work makes the city complicit in the harm that befalls those forced to work the streets, she added. "I just feel the communities have blood on their hands," she said. "There was a case a few years back where one of the girls was suing the city for living off the avails of prostitution, but it just turned into a mess in the courts." Copyright c. 2005 Windspeaker, AMMSA - Aboriginal Multi-Media Society. --------- "RE: Mohawk Parents challenging banning of Recitation" --------- Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2005 08:25:39 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="DISCRIMINATION SUIT" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.newsday.com/mohawklawsuit0916sep16,0,6064045.story Mohawk parents challenging banning of recitation September 16, 2005 SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The parents of three Mohawk students have filed a discrimination lawsuit against a northern New York school district for banning the recitation of a traditional Mohawk thanksgiving address at school. The lawsuit challenges the Salmon River School District's designation of the address as a "prayer," arguing that is a "non-religious expression of Mohawk culture." In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court, the parents claimed that banning the address at school functions represents "a discriminatory pattern of behavior which seeks to exclude and eliminate Mohawk and other aboriginal culture and life from the district schools, while promoting the dominant Euro-American culture." The lawsuit was brought by Michael L. Jock and Colleen Farwell, parents of three students at the district's St. Regis Mohawk School, and Charles White, father of a student at its high school located near the U.S.- Canadian border. For about three years, morning announcements included a recitation of the address in Mohawk. It was later limited to a recitation at the beginning and end of each week, and in May, citing a constitutional separation of church and state, the school district banned the address. The parents contend that students in the district, more than two-thirds of whom are Mohawk, are required to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance, sing the National Anthem at hockey games, have a school recess for the "American version" of Thanksgiving and otherwise celebrate the holiday and sing Christmas carols, among other activities that reference religion. The parents' attorney, Stanley L. Cohen, was traveling abroad and unavailable for comment. District Superintendent Glenn R. Bellinger said he could not comment on a pending lawsuit, as did James Ransom, a school board member who is also a chief on the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council. The parents sought a temporary restraining order against the banning of the address, but U.S. District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy denied the request Sept. 8, writing that the parents did not demonstrate they would suffer irreparable harm if they had to wait until a trial to have the issue resolved. Information from: The Watertown Daily Times, www.watertowndailytimes.com Copyright c. 2005 Newsday Inc. --------- "RE: Mother sues BIA over Teen's Suicide attempt" --------- Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2005 08:25:39 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="YAKIMA TRIBAL JAIL - AGAIN" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.yakima-herald.com/page/dis/323245236004262 Mother sues BIA over teen's suicide attempt By PHILIP FEROLITO YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC September 16, 2005 TOPPENISH - While the Yakama tribal jail remains shut down, the mother of a teenage boy who attempted suicide there last year is suing the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs. Seeking unspecified damages, Susan Moses filed the civil lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Spokane last month, claiming the BIA neglected its responsibility to oversee the jail that has been closed since January, said Moses' attorney Jack Fiander, a former attorney for the tribe. Moses' son was left unattended in a cell that was intended for adults, and electrical or phone wires were exposed, according to the complaint. The lawsuit was filed Aug. 16, and the federal government asked for 60 days to resolve the matter in which a settlement could be reached, said Fiander. Just five months prior to the teen's suicide attempt, the BIA ordered tribal jails across the country, including Yakama's, to stop housing juveniles in the same facilities as adults. The tribe stopped housing teens in its jail, and the teen was only there temporarily while paperwork was being filled out to get him into a detox center, said then-tribal police Chief Elliot Lewis. Tribal officers in December found the 17-year-old boy hanging in a room across from the booking area at the adult facility. He'd been taken into custody hours earlier, Lewis said. The teen was rushed to a hospital where he was in critical condition. He stayed at the hospital for nearly a week. The teen now often experiences memory loss as a result of the suicide attempt, Fiander said. "He forgets where he's at and where he's on the way to," said Fiander. Less than a month after the hanging attempt, the BIA ordered the jail shut down for safety reasons that had nothing to do with the suicide attempt, BIA officials said. Tribal offenders are now being housed at the Toppenish city jail. Fiander said the issue is with the BIA because it failed in the past to make routine inspections and hasn't provided the jail with adequate funding. "They've gone a long time without inspecting the facility," Fiander said. It's not the first time the 50-bed facility has come under fire. After an inmate - 39-year-old Ricky Sampson - was found hanging dead in a cell in June 2004 - federal officials labeled the jail a "national disgrace." Sampson's death echoed a similar incident when an inmate committed suicide there in 1997. According to a national report issued by the Interior Department, 53 suicide attempts were reported within three years at the jail, accounting for about one-fifth of the entire number of attempts nationally. Reporter Philip Ferolito can be reached by phone at 837-6111, or by e-mail at pferolito@yakimaherald.com. Copyright c. 2005 Yakima Herald Republic. --------- "RE: Native Prisoner" --------- Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2005 08:16:36 -0700 From: Janet Smith [owlstar@bellsouth.net] Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2005/09/09//fayetteville/04fzwolfe.txt Benton County Murderer Denied Constitutional Right, Judge Says By Ron Wood The Morning News FAYETTEVILLE - Benton County jail officials violated the First Amendment right of convicted murderer Billy Joe Wolfe Jr. to freely practice his religious beliefs by denying him a prayer feather, a federal magistrate judge said Thursday. The report also says jailers violated the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. "We believe Wolfe's use of prayer feathers is a sincerely held religious belief. We credit his testimony that, as a Native American, he believes the use of such feathers is necessary when communicating with the Great Spirit," according to the report and recommendations of Magistrate Judge Beverly Stites Jones. "There can be no doubt the decision made by Capt. (Hunter) Petray and Sheriff (Keith) Ferguson to prohibit the possession of prayer feathers infringed upon Wolfe's belief," the judge wrote. The judge said Wolfe should be given only nominal damages of $1 and denied his claim for punitive damages. Ferguson and Petray testified they made an administrative decision to deny Wolfe's request because they felt a feather could be used as a weapon to injure another inmate or a jailer. Stites Jones said jail officials have legitimate concerns about safety and security but felt their response was exaggerated because inmates have access to pencils, toothbrushes and other items that can serve as weapons. She said no effort was made to look at alternatives to a complete ban on feathers, such as controlled access. "We find defendant's concerns exaggerated and their decision precluded Wolfe from having a reasonable opportunity to practice his religion," Stites wrote. Stites Jones also said accommodating Wolfe would have only a small impact on jail staff and other inmates and would have cost nothing. Stites rejected Wolfe's claims he was beaten by jailers during an incident at the jail and then denied adequate medical care. Wolfe and the Benton County defendants have 10 days to respond to the report and recommendation before U.S. District Judge Jimm Larry Hendren enters a final ruling in the case based on the report and recommendations. Wolf was being held at the jail for trial in the murder of his friend Chetlee Janes. He later pleaded guilty to capital murder and kidnapping and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Copyright c. 2005, The Morning News; a Stephens Media publication. --------- "RE: Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days" --------- Date: Monday, 19 September 2005 04:08 am From: Debbie Sanders Subj: Book of Days A HAWAI`I BOOK OF DAYS, week of September 18-24 KEPAKEMAPA September Mahoe Hope 18 The road I walk is always unfolding before me; what lies around the next bend is a new adventure. 19 The dolphins leap and play upon the waves at morning; they are the eternal children of the sea. 20 The world seen from the eye of `aeko, the eagle, is a vast and wondrous place. 21 Our hopes and dreams inter-weave in the intricate patterns of love, aloha. 22 For every loving soul, life brings beauty and joy. 23 This life is but a brief moment in my existence. 24 Fly with me to the high aerie of dreams. (c) Copyright 1991 by D. F. Sanders Me ke aloha i ka nani, ... Moe'uhanekeanuenue (With love and beauty, ... Rainbow Dream) --------- "RE: Rustywire: Shiprock & Tse Halyehe & Twin Heros" --------- Date: Tue, 6 Sep 2005 08:41:17 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="RUSTYWIRE: THE TWIN HEROS" http://www.rustywire.com/Starmtn/grand.html Shiprock & Tse Halyehe & The Twin Heros by Johnny Rustywire The Navajo Way the life of our people, it is the oral history, legends and how we live through ceremonies, a way of life that includes the land, people and every part of it. It is full of stories about the earth, people and events that happened long before I was born. Some of these involve many places known to the Navajo People and one of these is the place of Spider Woman also called Changing Woman and their home in Canyon De Chelly. She raised two small boys, twins they were and they lived in a country where there were many hazards and dangers. It was a time of monsters that roamed the earth and traveled all over the Southwest in our country eating young children, men and women. Some of these creatures were Big Giant-Yei Tso who lived by Mount Taylor near Grants, New Mexico, another was the Winged Monster Birds who lived on the Shiprock in the Four Corners area and flew around and ate all kinds of men. There was also Big Snake and many others. My father was Navajo, born to the Tsiinabiilnii-the Mountain People Clan on is mother's side. His father was from the Maaiideshgishnii-Coyote Pass People, who came from over by Jemez in Northern, New Mexico a long, long time ago. This was his home. When I was young my father took me to a high place on the Chuska Mountains, we had finished taking some things for my Shimasani-Grandma to the high mountain sheep camp and on the way back down stopped at a cliff's edge on top of the mountain, where the land dropped straight down to the east side of the mountain. We got there over a road that came up from Toadlena, a small community at the base of the mountain. The road came from there. He had helped construct it with other family men during the CCC-ID (Civilian Conservation Corps-Indian Department) camp days of the Depression in the 1930's. He did not know what the meaning of the word Depression was as Navajos had their own way of life and were not seriously affected by the outside world during that time. As I stood there I could see the outline of the Shiprock pinnacle to the North, The colors were blue on the East Side and pink on the West due to the low spot of the sun in the afternoon. It sticks out coming out of the ground. There are flat lands all around it, and it points straight up into the sky. I looked at my father and he pointed to the pinnacle and said that is where the Tse Nalyahe (Winged Monster Birds) stayed on top of that place, what we now call Shiprock. I could see it and it was high off the ground. What did the birds do? They flew all over everything you can see from here. He motioned with his arm sweeping from North to South, below us was the expanse of the land laid out flat giving us a wide view from Shiprock in the North, to Chaco Canyon way to the East and South looking toward Laguna and Zuni beyond the where you can see, what some call the horizon. It means you can't see but it is just over the edge of where the earth meets the sky, just beyond there. He said the Tse Nalyehe-Monster birds, they were like dragons in a way, but not like them in other ways, they would fly around and look for men. They would pick them up and carry them away. He grabbed me from behind and pulled up my shirt and showed how they came from behind, that was how it was done. In those days there were just the Indian people living here, no one else was here then, all of the people were afraid. He told me the tribes wore their own tribal outfits fitted with jewelry, sash belts, silver and turquoise beads. The bird flew to Laguna and took a man from there and brought him back to the rock, and then threw him down on the pinnacle. The bird also flew to Zuni and those Indians were afraid of them. Those birds flew all over Dinetah-Navajoland where Navajos lived looking to eat anyone they found. There was no safe place. The man's body was broken when he hit the rough rocks and all the turquoise bead necklaces broke and the silver and turquoise would fly every which way. The birds would eat the person; there were two of them he said. They would fly out and look for people to eat everyday and so everyone hid. We were lucky our family had the forest and mountain to hide in and so we survived, if we had been caught we would not be here. I looked north at the distant Shiprock, on top of that place and could see the silver and turquoise flying all over. What about the birds, what happened to them? My father pointed to the West and said it started on the other side of the mountain. There is a place called Canyon De Chelly and a Navajo mother hid her two twin boys from the monsters. They were special boys and she found a place there where she could hide them and raise them. There were many different kinds of monsters, some would come to her place and say what are these? They look like kids' footprints. She told them she put them there herself so that she could pretend there were children around. She showed them how she did this. My father got on the ground cupping his hand and pushed it into the soil, then used his fingers to make toe prints. She did this he said. The Twins could see them from their hiding place, and after the monsters looked at them closely they would leave. As the boys got older they wanted to seek out their father which they did and that's him he is with the setting sun. At first he did not know whether they were his children and gave them some hard tests that ordinary men could not do. The boys passed these tests with the help of the Wind and some animal creatures and by this received gifts and weapons as had never been handled by men before. My father said they received these things because you have to run each morning, do all that you are told and you will have a strong body and good spirit to take you anywhere. This is what these two boys had done. They were swift and fast. These two boys came to be called the Twin Heroes, every Navajo knows about them, their names are Monster Slayer and Child Born for Water, and they took up the challenge to fight the monsters. The first ones they fought were the Monster birds, and went to certain places all over our land to get certain things to help them. You will learn this as time goes on. He related the necessity of sweat baths, of flint from Star Mountain to use for shields, the importance of respect for animals and creatures as these grandfather animals gave the twins gifts and powers by their willingness to learn. Can I learn these things? He said, now days we don't have all these things for us anymore because people don't want to do these things. It is hard and people don't believe it and live it as they used to. There is drinking at ceremonies and bad things people do, so us ordinary men have not been able to do these things. That is why we have medicine men. Do you think I could do these things? He looked at me and said you can do anything you want...it is up to you. The Twin Heroes set out for Shiprock and through the power of walking on rainbows they were able to run to the top of the Shiprock pinnacle. How could this be done, I marveled at the thought, to be able to walk and run on rainbows. He told me at one time our people were fast enough to catch a rainbow but now days we don't run like that anymore. If you are fast you can catch it, but he said in his time he had not seen it done, but maybe someone would do it again. Is this why there are two rainbows for each twin, I asked. He did not say. On top of the Shiprock, the Twin Heroes waited for the first bird to come and it brought someone to the rock. They hid in the rocks and shadows waiting with bows, quivers and their shields of flint to protect them. The twins saw a man hanging in the air under the bird and he was thrown against the rocks. He was killed and eaten by the bird that took him to the far side. The Monster bird then flew off and circled the rock gliding around the top of Shiprock, when it saw them. The Twin Heroes putting their shield in front of them and waited and the bird flew at them. It attacked them trying to throw them from their spot. Those quivers; the bags to hold the arrows were made of deerskin, he said. They were not ordinary deerskin but one that had been run down and suffocated leaving no mark on the skin. These kind are still used by medicine men today. How do you catch a deer like that? By running after it, he said. He said our people have done it for centuries; these bags are used to hold sacred things. These quivers held straight lightning, zigzag lightning and spotted lightning, some of the gifts from their father. The Twin Heroes used these to shoot at the bird. When they did the lightning arrows would come back to them by magic as if reaching out and then returning. I looked to the North and the land was flat and peaceful, the rock and everything around us was now red and pink with the setting sun. My father bent on one knee and pulled out an imaginary arrow from his quiver and showed me how it was shot. They must have had great magical power to do this. No, my father said, they had lived right and were doing this for the people. This power, Dine Bidzeel, is the power of the Navajo people and is still there in ceremonies through prayer and their good life seeking Hozhoji, the Beautyway. They were restoring balance to life. This gave them strength to fight for us. I could see this battle, how it would be to have been there and watched it from a hidden spot way up there on Shiprock. The blue twilight was descending on us and the pink had turned to blue as the sun dipped in the west. You see those rocks south of the Shiprock there, I could see them faintly but I knew they were there. Those rocks the way they sit, go in a straight line south from the rock, it is called the Shiprock wall. Some White men-Beliganas say it is lava that went into a crack and the ground around it blew away leaving it. They don't know that was the blood of the monsters, when wounded it bled in a straight line and this blood turned into ugly hard stone making the wall. This blood it is the same all over our land. He pointed to the Southeast and said there is a place called Grants when another Giant, Yei Tso, was killed he was so big he bled all over and that is why there is lava all around that land. I thought he must have been a real giant to leave all that behind because it surrounds the place, all broken up and ugly. My father said the monster was wounded and flew South of Shiprock and crashed into the ground, and it is still laying there. Can you see it? I strained to look into the fading light of dusk way up there by Shiprock now all blue colored. It is called Ugly rock-Tse Bita hee, as it truly is ugly. It is full of holes and all misshaped. I will take you there and show you sometime. The night sky had come upon us and the rock was a distant black form, lonely and quiet. How it must have been to see such a thing, the fight and battle. My father said there is more to this than I can say right now about some other things that happened and the children of the Winged Monster Birds. Children, you mean the birds had small ones too? Yes, he said, that is why the bird went to the other side. What happened to them? I will have to tell you that another time, it is late, but those children are still here. I looked at him. You mean those monsters are still around? The night sky was hiding unknown creatures, I could see them. No, he said, they have changed from that time. I said, where we were standing was on the edge of the mountain in an open area and it would be easy for such a bird to sweep down on us. No my father said, it is time to go home, it is late and so we left. I learned later the rest of the story but that is for another time. I can see them out there those two twins, Monster Slayer and Born for Water. I wondered if they could see me standing there with my father talking about them. Copyright c. 1999, Johnny Rustywire, all rights reserved. --------- "RE: Lee Goins Poem: Rivers of Rain" --------- Date: Sunday, June 12, 2005 8:38 AM From: cherokee2proud [cherokee2proud@yahoo.com] Subj: Rivers of Rain Mailing List: N. A. Poetry Rivers of Rain Flowing endlessly along the brink of time Washing the world free of war and crime Pure and untouched by man's hand and pain Run sparkling clear the river of rain. Rivers of rain that bring back the past And memories of the happiness that did not last Rivers of rain that bring tears to my eyes And makes my heart fill with trembles and sighs Rivers of rain that race with my heartbeat Running rapidly until with tears they both meet Rivers of rain washing back all the pain And all the tears that together cry with the rain Rivers of rain that breaks the endless silence of night And cast a black veil over my sight I see nothing but the past heartbreak and pain Brought to my conscious mind by the rivers of rain. Lee Goins Copyright c. 1995. --------- "RE: Upcoming Events" --------- Date: Mon September 19, 2005 13:22:39 -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. --------- "RE: Gathering of The Good Minds" --------- Date: Saturday, September 03, 2005 4:48 AM From: Dan Smoke [dsmoke@uwo.ca] Subj: The Gathering of the Good Minds Media Release Gathering of The Good Minds The Gathering of the Good Minds Committee in co-operation with : Wiiche Ke Yig, Museum London, London Museum of Archaeology, Nokee Kwe Occupational Skill Development Inc., The University of Western Ontario, Covent Garden Market and numerous community groups and individuals presents.... The Gathering of the Good Minds 2005: A Celebration of Native Arts, Wisdom and Culture September 23 to September 25, 2005 First presented in 2001, The Gathering of Good Minds is a bi- annual festival which features First Nations Elders, traditional teachers, artists, dancers, singers, storytellers, film makers and writers to inform Native and non-Native audiences alike. In traditional Native culture the 'Good Mind' describes the mind that is endowed with the intellect and intuition to survive in today's world along with the creativity to express this world view. The Gathering of the Good Minds 2005 will focus on literary traditions and story telling and contemporary and traditional Aboriginal arts and wisdom. This is a rare opportunity for the entire family to experience Aboriginal Canadian culture and participate in discussions and teaching circles with Elders. On Friday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m., hosts Dan and Mary Lou Smoke will welcome City of London dignitaries and Chiefs of the local First Nations communities to the opening ceremonies at Museum London. The festival continues over weekend with the programs occurring at Museum London and the London Museum of Archaeology. Invited guests this year include : Elders Isaac Day and Lee Maracle; visual artist, Faye Heavyshield; and an Origin of Blues Summit Panel Discussion and others. Vendors featuring Aboriginal crafts will be present in the Market on the Saturday of the festival. The public is invited to Sunrise Ceremonies at both Museum London and the London Museum of Archaeology Saturday and Sunday at 6:00 AM, followed by breakfast and refreshments at approximately 8:00 AM. A Sacred Fire which celebrates Life will be kept burning throughout the weekend on the front lawns of the Museum London and the London Museum of Archaeology. Everyone is welcome and admission to all events is free. For more information on the festival, artists, elders, and performers visit our website at: www.thegatheringofgoodminds.netfirms.com Media Contact people: Dan Smoke - Asayenes #61-1290 Sandford St. LONDON, Ontario N5V 3Y2 5l9 659-4682 dsmoke@uwo.ca All My Relations Dan Smoke-Asayenes & Mary Lou Smoke-Asayenes Kwe Smoke Signals First Nations Radio, CHRW, 94.9 FM Outstanding Multicultural Program for 2004 Sundays 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. EST 519 659-4682 fax: 5l9 453-3676 www.chrwradio.com www.thegatheringofgoodminds.netfirms.com =================================== Andersons Native American Events Updated September 7, 2005 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. October 22 - 23, 2005: 3rd annual Euharlee Native American PowWow Festival. Special invitation to all Veterans at Osbourne Park, Euharlee, GA. For more information contact Sam Hinson 770-546-7191 e-mail: amndn@mindspring.com A word of advice, no matter how hard we try, mistakes happen! Please try to get in contact with the event staff and verify the important information before leaving home. =================================== Crazy Crow Trading Post Updated September 7, 2005 http://www.crazycrow.com/events_nativeamerican/ NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN POWWOW CALENDAR This Native American Indian powwow calendar and related events listing is brought to you as a courtesy of Crazy Crow Trading Post to help keep you up-to-date on the latest powwows & events. We will do our best to validate the accuracy of the information provided, including checking links to web sites, but cannot be responsible for inaccuracies. Check with the contact names and website links of powwow event sponsors for the latest info. SEPTEMBER 2005 September 23-25, 2005 Richmond Powwow - 11th Annual Location: Lake Reba Recreational Complex, Gibson Bay, Richmond, KY 40475 Event Detail: This will be our 11th year for hosting the Richmond Powwow. This will be an inter-tribal event. Check out our web site for more information. Contact: Daniel Quigg, phone: 859-623-6076, email: twowindsbear@yahoo.com Event Website: http://www.homestead.com/richmondpowwowassn September 24-25, 2005: 13th Annual Four Winds Pow Wow Location: Killeen Special Events Center, W.S.Young (1/2 mi south) HWY 190, Killeen/Ft Hood, TX, 76547 Event Detail: PSaturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 11am-6pm. Grand Entries: Saturday at 1:00 & 7:00 Sunday at 1:00 (Point System in Effect). Gourd Dancing: Saturday at 12 & 6 Sunday at 12. Native American Arts and Crafts, Indian Tacos- Over $ 15,000 in Prize Money Contact: Doll Alexander, phone: 254-493-8835, email: dollakanoyaka@yahoo.com Event Website: http://www.fourwindstx.org September 24-25, 2005: Frostville Museum/Olmsted Historical Society Traditional Powwow Location: North Olmsted, OH Event Detail: 24101 Cedar Point Road off Columbia Road in the Rocky River Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. From downtown Cleveland-71S to 480W get off the Great Northern Blvd exit and turn right. Stay in the curb lane and turn right at the first street which is Country Club Blvd. This will dead end into Columbia Rd, turn right. Go to the second traffic light (Cedar Point Rd) and turn left. We are at the bottom of the hill on your right hand side at the corner of Cedar Point and Lewis Rds. AD: Richie Plass, Headman: Blaine Tallchief, Headlady: Sarah Tallchief, Drums: Red Bird singers. The event hours are Saturday, September 24, 2005 from 10 til dusk. Grand entry will be at 12 noon. Sunday, September 25, 2005 from 10 til 5 Grand entry at 1 pm. Vendor space available on a prepaid and preapproved basis. This is a traditional pow wow. A feed will be available for participants and their families. Free primitive camping,primitive camp showers as well, for participants (vendors/dancers). No alcohol, no drugs, and no politics. Contact: Barbara Gifford, phone: 440-884-8844, email: Bagladycreations@aol.com September 24-25, 2005: 1st Annual Uniting of Nations Location: Salem, OH Event Detail: Redbird drum is host drum. We will have 2 hoop dancers and many other specials. This pow wow is being sponsored by Stodgey Olympics for Children. For vendor info email tery at somberwolf2@yahoo.com The pow wow is being held at a campground that is rv equipped and has showers also. Free camping for participants. Directions to the campround from Canton, Ohio get on east 62 follow into Salem from there begin to follow pow wow signs they will be well marked. Contact: Jacky, phone: 330-429-4145 September 24-25, 2005: 11th Annual Hart of The West Powwow Location: Wm. S. Hart Park & Museum., 24151 San Fernando Rd., Newhall, CA, 91321 Event Detail: We are now Los Angeles County largest Powwow. Free admission, All Drums and Dancers welcome. Vendor inquire welcome. Contact: Marylina, phone: 661-255-9293 Event Website: http://www.hart-friends.org/event_pages/powwow.html September 24-26, 2005: 4th Annual Walk Back in Time Location: Audrain Historical Society, 501 Muldrow St., Mexico, MO 65265 Event Detail: Our 4th annual WALK BACK IN TIME is a unique chronological timeline of our history consisting of: NATIVE AMERICAN VILLAGE, Colonial, Mt Men, Civil War, Wild West, Span. Am., WWII. Saturday night Candlelight tours and council fire. The timeline surrounds the 1857 Historical Society mansion and horse museum. Contact: Dana Keller, phone: 573-581-3910, email: info@audrain.org Contact: Marylina, phone: 661-255-9293 Event Website: http://www.audrain.org September 24-25, 2005: 12th Annual Intertribal Pow Wow Location: Waimea Ball Park, Waimea, HI 96796 Event Detail: The Native American Foundation ("NAF") is hosting its 12th Annual Intertribal Pow Wow at the Waimea Ball Park in Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii on Saturday and Sunday, September 24th & 25th, 2005, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, both days. Everyone is invited to attend this free event. This is a non-competition pow wow. All dancers and drums are welcome. Contact: Buttons Lovell, phone: 808-885-5569, email: puniwai@verizon.net September 24-25, 2005: 6th Annual Permian Basin Intertribal Powwow Location: Odessa College Sports Center, 201 W. University Blvd., Odessa, TX 79762 Event Detail: Over 60 vendors, arts, crafts, jewelry, and native foods, fry bread, buffalo burgers, roasted corn, navajo tacos, etc. Largest dance floor in West Texas. Contact: James Silvester, phone: 432-770-2610, email: jsilves602@aol.com Event Web site: http://transpecosamericanindianassn.com September 30-October 2, 2005: Atwood Lake Fall Festival and Traditional Pow-Wow Location: New Cumberland, OH Contact: Mike, phone: 330-364-5733, email: redhawk_@tusco.net September 30 - October 1-2, 2005: Chisholm Trail Pow Wow Location: Altoona, FL 32702 Event Detail: Chisholm Trail camp grounds. camping and RV spots availble call Paul or Cindy for camping at 352-669-5995. This is a Intertribal pow wow. PUBLIC WELCOME. Contact: Tom Lipps, phone: 352-568-0619, email: tlipps@cfl.rr.com OCTOBER 2005 October 1-2, 2005:They Walked Here Before Us:A Woodland Indian Celebration Location: Buttonwood Park, River Road, Route 64, Perrysburg, OH 43551 Event Detail: This is our 3rd event sponsored by the Black Swamp InterTribal Foundation and the Wood County Park District. Both 2003 (just over 5,000 attendees) & 2004 (gate #s were 7,169) were fantastic with great weather, dancers, Drums, vendors and more. Buttonwood Park is located about 2 miles due west of Ft. Meigs Memorial State Park on River Road State Route 64 in Perrysburg, Ohio. Specials for 2005: Douglas Blue Feather - 3 time NAMMY Winner. Children's Tent with Native Arts and Crafts. Wildlife Tent with American Raptors & Other Birds of Prey. 17th & 18th Century Woodland Indian Village with Lacrosse and Double Ball Game Field. Flint Knapping, Long Bow, and Atl Atl demonstrations. Contact: Jamie Oxendine & Brian Dreier, phone: 419-381-7042 & 419-698-9575, email: perrysburgpowwow@hotmail.com October 1-2, 2005: 31st Annual Pow Wow Location: Thomas Square, btn Beretania Ave & S. King St. & btn Victoria St. & Ward Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 Event Detail: The American Indian Pow Wow Association ("AIPA") is hosting its 31st Annual Pow Wow at Thomas Square in Honolulu, Hawai`i on Saturday and Sunday, October 1st and 2nd, 2005, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, both days. Everyone is invited to attend this free event, which will feature competition dancing, drumming, singing, arts and crafts, and food. All drums and dancers are welcome. Contact: Daniel or Native Winds, phone: 808-734-5171 (Daniel) or 808-734-8018 (Native Winds), email: Nativewinds1152@aol.com October 1-2 , 2005: 14th Annual Warrior Society Powwow & Festival Location: Etowah County Fairgrounds, Exit 181 off I-59 next to the Holiday Inn, Attalla, AL Event Detail: Vendor Contacts: Debra (256) 426-4155, Gunny (256) 426-7927 Contact: Jerry Lang, phone: 256-492-5217, email: lady2cubs@yahoo.com OCTOBER 1-2 2005, Poverty Point American Indian Cultural Celebration & Pow Wow Location: Poverty Point Historic Sites, 6859 Hghway 577 Pioneer, La 71266 Event Detail: Saturday & Sunday October 1 & 2 2005, Sponsor; Louisiana Indian Education Assoc [liea] Directions: Located In West Carroll Parish, East Of Monroe On 577, From I-20, Take The Delhi Exit And Travel North On La 17, East On La 134 And North On La 577 local Motels: Best Western, Delhi, LA318-878-5126 DAYS INN, DELHI, LA 318-878-9000, An Alcohol And Drug-free Event Contact: Odis Sanders, 225-775-4368, 318-926-5492 OR 1-888-926-5492, email: odissanders@earthlink.net October 1-2, 2005, Lenapehauken 4th Annual "Honoring our Children" Powwow Location: Fort Whaley Camp Ground, Rt. 50 & 610 Whaleyville, Maryland 21872 Event Detail: MC Bob Ross, Host-Drum Mother Earth Beat, Second Drum the Moore Waka mak suan Drum, Lead-males John and Treajen Moore (pre-teens, Lead-female Brittany Powell (pre-teen). Gates open at 10am on Sat. and 9am on Sunday. Contact: Jim Youngbird, 302-236-1360, email: lenapehauken@earthlink.net, http://lenapehauken.org October 7-8, 2005: 5th Annual Tuhisma (Creative Hands) Art & Crafts Market Location: Bacavi Village on the Hopi Indian Reservation, Hotevilla,AZ 86030 Contact: Phone 928-734-9428 Event Website: hopibiz.com/quiltshow.html October 7-9, 2005: The Sakuwit Lodge #2 Native American Seminar and Powwow Location: Yards Creek Scout Reservation, Blairstown, NJ Event Detail: The 2nd Annual Sakuwit Lodge Indian Seminar and Powwow is all set and ready to go on October 7-9, 2005! Open to OA/Venture/Ceremonial Crews/Teams/Drums. Cost is $30.00 for the whole weekend. Friday and Satarday Night dance Sessions. Training on many topics! Contact: Tom Voorhees, phone: 609-306-1542, email: sakuwit_powwow@hotmail.com Event Website: http://www.nerpowwow.com October 8, 2005: Rappahannock Pow-Wow Location: 623 Indian Neck Rd., Indian Neck , VA 23148 Contact: Judith Fortune, phone: 804 769 4205 evening, Faye Fortune, phone: 804 769-0260 Rappahannock Tribial Center, email: JAFR1234@aol.com October 8, 2005: 6th Annual Honoring the Spirit of All Cowlitz People Location: 107 Spencer Road, Toledo, WA 98591 Event Detail: Grand Entries are at 1 PM and 7 PM. Complimentary Salmon Bake Dinner - 5 PM. Fred Hill, Jr. Umatilla (MC), Honor Drum (One People One Voice) Host Drum (White Wolf), Headman Dancer (Larry Coyle), Headwoman Dancer (Billie Coon) Contact: Patty Kinswa-Gaiser, phone: 206-427-1778, email: cowlitz@aol.com Event Website: http://www.cowlitz.org October 8, 2005: United Warriors Society Pow Wow Location: On Highway 31 East, 1 mile outside Loop 323 on left, Tyler, TX Event Detail: Please contact Wamani for vendor information or any other details. Contact: Wamani - Native American Store, phone: 903-509-8540, email: info@wamani.com October 8-9, 2005: Bacavi Elderly Adult Quilt Show Location: Hopi Veterans Memorial Center, Highway 264 - Kykotsmovi, AZ Event Detail: Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m. Event Website: http://hopibiz.com/Tuhisma.html October 8-9, 2005: 6th. Annual Cultrual Days Festival and Native American Gathering Location: Broken Wheel Bison Ranch, Middle Road, Numida, PA 17820 Event Detail: HD: Iroquois Thunderheart, GD: Mother Earth's Daughters, HMD: Roy Dancing Two Bears, HFD: Teresa Running Deer, MC: Makwa. Admission: Adults (19-64) $3.00, Students (6-18) $1.00, Senior Citizens (65and over) Free, Children (5 and under) Free. Contact: Makwa, phone: 570-374-2165, email: vicbart@localnet.com October 8-9, 2005: 9th Annual AIA Fall Pow Wow Location: USA STADIUM, Millington, TN 38053 Event Detail: Contest Pow Wow featuring first,second and third place cash prizes for Six different categories, three men and three women dance styles Six cash prizes for Youth dancers age 6-12. Fun, Food, and lot of dancing. Bring lawn chairs and make a day out of it. Contact: John Stabley, phone: 901-873-2000, email: americanindianassoc@yahoo.com Event Website: http:www.americanindianassoc.com.html October 8-9, 2005: Silverhawk Native American Flute Gathering Location: Withlacoochee River Park, 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd., Dade City, FL 33525 Event Detail: Free admission, parking, and primitive camping. Fee for electric. A relaxed gathering in a country setting. Entertainment, vendors, and Native American food. See an authentic Creek Indian village in the woods and an 1830s settlement. Contact: Dock Green Silverhawk, 813-754-8990, email: slvhawk@aol.com October 8-9, 2005: 8th Annual Native American Day Gathering Location: Cedar Creek State Park, Rt#51, Belle Vernon, PA 15626 Event Detail: Setup on October 7. Public welcome. Contact: Andrew "Redbear" Majoris, phone: 724-468-6058, email: redbear05@hotmail.com October 8-9 2005, The Native Cultural Circle Present the Eighth Annual Clarksville, TN Area Intertribal Powwow Location: Powwow Grounds outside Port Royal State Park, 1-24 Exit 11, Port Royal State Park, Clarksville, Tennessee 37010 Event Detail: Public Welcomed... Alternate address and contact Debi " WindDancer" McDaris 139 Hidden Trail Dover, TN 37058 doublesD@msn.com Contact: Doug "Red" Kirby, 931-387-4538, email: Nccircle@AOL.com, Http://www.Nccircle.org October 9, 2005: 27th Annual University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Autumn Pow Wow Location: U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Union Ballroom, 2200 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53201 Event Details: Grand Entries at 1:30pm & 7:00pm. Meal will be served at 5:30pm with a cost of $6.50 to the general public, $4.50 for elders (50 +) and children (6 - 12) and free to the singers and dancers. *Special:* Two Step Contest. For vendor information, please contact Celeste Clark at 414-229-5880; To register a drum, please contact Joy Logan at 414-229-5880. Contact: Joy Logan, phone: 414-229-5880, email: oylogan@uwm.edu October 14-15,16 2005, NAIA of Tennessee's 24th Annual Fall Festival and Pow Wow Location: Long Hunter State Park 2910 Hobson Pike Nashville, Tenn. 37210 Event Detail: NAIA Pow Wow Named One Of America's Top 16!!!! July 2004 Issue of Native People's Magazine. ADM: $5.00 for Adults, Children 6-12 $3.00. Children 5yrs. and under are free. Proceeds fund NAIA Emergency Assistance and Scholarship Programs. Over $20,000 + in prize money. Dance in all categories. From Nashville, take 1-40 East to Mt. Juliet Road, Exit 226-A. Go South (right) 6.2 miles to the main park entrance, or ,take I-24 east to Old Hickory Blvd, Exit 62. Go north (left) on SR171 6.4 miles to the main park entrance. Contact: Bill Wells 615-459-3156, email: naia@bellsouth.net, http://www.naiatn.org/powwow.html October 14-15 & 16, 2005 6th Buffalo River Pow Wow Location: Pow Wow Grounds, 1690 Airport Ridge Road Linden, TN 37096 Event Detail: Special guest, Larry Sellers who played "Cloud Dancing" on Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman TV series. Contact: Ray Benge 931-589-9628, email: rbenge@tds.net October 15, 2005: Second Annual Native American People of Verizon Powwow Location: Alfred J Loos Stadium/Fieldhouse, 3815 Spring Valley Rd, Dallas, TX 75240 Event Detail: Host Drum: Bear Claw, Northern Drum: TBA; MC: John Tiddark; Head Gourd Dancer: Cliff Queton; HMD: Dennise Begay; HLD: Lorene Yellowfish All Drums Princess and Dancers Welcome. Coat drive benefitting Zhinga Wee Thay Book Drive benefitting Verizon Reads Please bring Donation. Additional Contact Brook Duran 817-915-0072 Contact: Paul Griffith, phone: 817-231-1818, email: pg6958@sbcglobal.net October 15-16, 2005: The Four Bay Winds Location: The Lockhouse, 817 Conesteo St., Havre de Grace, MD 21078 Event Detail: Celebrate Native American Indian Gathering/ Everyone is invited to enjoy a weekend of traditional drumming, dancing, trading, and foods of Native American Peoples Contact: Rev.Amy Paul (Blessing Bird), phone: 410-942-0542, email: blessingbird@yahoo.com October 21-23, 2005: Meherrin Pow-wow Location: Hwy. 11 North Between Ahoskie and Murfreesboro, Ahoskie, NC 27986 Event Detail: This is a contest pow-wow. Contact: Aaron Winston, phone: (252)398-3321, email: Meherrin@inteliport.com October 21-23, 2005: Harvest Moon Powwow Location: Carson Park, 727 Joe Clifton Dr, Paducah, Ky 42064 Event Detail: Grand Entries- Sat 1 & 7pm & sun 1 pm Contact: Stella Brown, requiredphone: 270/988-2605, email: mantlerockctr@aol.com Event Website: http://www.americanindianassoc.com.html October 22-23, 2005: Eharlee Third Annual Veterans Powwow requiredlocation: Osborne Park - downtown Euharlee, GA 30120 Event Detail: Gates open 10am to 6pm. Grand Entry Sat.: Noon, Sun.: 1pm. HD: Aracoma Lightning, HM: Jerry "Smitty" Smith, HL: Ellen Rasco, MC: Gary Smith Vendors by Invitation Only Contact: Joey Pierce, phone: 404-377-4950, email:amndn@mindspring.com Event Website: http://www.euharlee.com/html/events.html October 29, 2005, 53rd annual Tulsa powwow Crowne Plaza Hotel Tulsa Ballroom, 100 E. 2nd street Tulsa, OK 74103 Event Detail: Co-Host TNN Tulsa Native Network Contact: Robert Anquoe, 918-671-2417 email: tulsapowwow@valornet.com ========================================================================== Aboriginal Multi-Media Society Updated September 7, 2005 Aboriginal Community Events Listing http://www.ammsa.com/ammsaevents.html SEPTEMBER 2005 September 22nd - 25th, 2005 Canadian Aboriginal Science & Technology Society (CASTS) Conference 2005 Membertou, Nova Scotia 1-902-563-1802 Jaime Battiste September 23 - 26, 2005 Gathering of the Good Minds A Celebration of First Nations Arts and Wisdom FREE ADMISSION London, Ontario Contact: Dan & Mary (519) 659-4682 Email: dsmoke@uwo.ca September 24, 2005 2nd Annual University of Waterloo Pow Wow: Honouring our Future Leaders $5.00 -- All Welcome Proceeds to the SUNDANCe Aboriginal Bursary Contact Jean Becker: (519) 885-1465 ext. 209 September 24th & 25th, 2005 The Native American Foundation 2th Annual Intertribal Pow Wow Waimea Ball Park Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii This is a non-competition pow wow. Info., (808) 885-5569 or (808) 938-5080 or E-mail: puniwai@verizon.net September 27th, 2005 CCAB - Circle for 2015 Vancouver Gala Dinner Vancouver, BC (416) 961-8663 OCTOBER 2005 October 1st and 2nd, 2005 The American Indian Pow Wow Association 31st Annual Pow Wow Thomas Square Honolulu, Hawai`i Everyone is invited to attend this free event, which will feature competition dancing, drumming, singing, arts and crafts, and food. Info. : AIPA (808) 734-5171 or NATIVE WINDS (808) 734-8018 E-MAIL: Nativewinds1152@aol.com October 3, 2005 Native American Flute and Storytelling Concert Monday, at 6:30 p.m. Center for Hawaiian Studies, 2645 Dole Street Honolulu, Hawai`i Info. : AIPA (808) 734-5171 or NATIVE WINDS (808) 734-8018 E-MAIL: Nativewinds1152@aol.com October 4 & 5, 2005 AFOA Alberta 3rd Annual Financial Management Conference "Building Strategic Partnerships" Sheraton Cavalier Hotel Calgary, AB Phone: (403) 734-5441/5446 Fax: (403) 734-5342 Web: www.afoaab.com October 5 - 6, 2005 First Nations Forestry: Strategic Directions & Business Structures Vancouver, BC Toll Free 1-800-443-6452 or (416) 925-0866 October 5 - 6, 2005 Aboriginal Forum: First Nations Forestry - Strategic Directions & Business Structures Vancouver, BC 1-800-443-6452 October 7 - 9, 2005 Northern Lights Casino & Prince Albert Grand Council 7th Annual Thanksgiving Indoor Pow Wow Art Hauser Centre Prince Albert, Saskatchewan Info : (306) 764 - 4777 October 8 - 9, 2005 Mnjikaning Traditional Pow Wow Rama, Ontario. (Arena) Info: (705) 325 - 3611 ext 1231 October 14 - 16, 2005 Fanning the Flame Nurturing Knowledge and Wisdom Dreamcatchers Aboriginal Youth Conference Grant MacEwan College Edmonton, Alberta Fax: (780) 497-5170 October 12 - 19, 2005 Shape the Future The Urban Aboriginal Dialogue process is guided by the Edmonton Urban Aboriginal Accord Elders Circle, Attend an Urban Aboriginal Dialogue session. Aboriginal people employed by the City and the Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee. The Edmonton Urban Aboriginal Dialogue process will provide opportunities for the urban Aboriginal community to speak and for the City of Edmonton to listen, hear and understand urban Aboriginal people's perspectives, ideas and priorities. Attend the Urban Aboriginal Dialogue sessions below. For more information contact: Freida Gladue Phone: (780) 496-1036 Email: Aboriginal.Accord@edmonton.ca website: www.edmonton.ca Search word: Aboriginal October 16 - 19, 2005 NAHO Annual training Conference Millennium Hotel Durham Durham, North Carolina Info : Toll Free 1 - (866) - 866 - 8086 Call : (919) - 383 - 8575 www.naho.org October 17 - 21, 2005 12th Annual National Cando Conference and AGM Sault Ste. Marie, Ont Ross: 1-800-463-9300 www.edo.ca October 21 - 23, 2005 Harvest Moon Pow Wow Sponsored by Mantle Rock Centre - Marion Ky Carson Park 727 Joe Clifton Drive, Paducah, Kentucky Contact Stella Brown: (270) 988-2605 ========================================================================== Whispering Winds Updated September 7, 2005 http://www.whisperingwind.com/ A Magazine of American Indian Crafts*Material Culture*Powwow SEPTEMBER 2005 * 23-24 Standing Bear Powwow. Standing Bear Park, Ponca City, OK. Info: 580-762-1514. * 23-24 Porterville Powwow. Porterville, CA. Info: 559-782-8211. * 23-25 2005 Richmond Powwow. Lake Reba Recreational Complex, Richmond, KY Info: http://www.homestead.com/richmondpowwowassn/ or email us at twowindsbear@yahoo.com. or 859-623-6076. * 23-25 Marongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow. Morongo Casino Grounds, CA. Info: 800-252-4499. * 23-25 2nd Annual Avoyel-Taensa Ceremonial Powwow. Yellow Bayou Memorial park, Simmesport, LA. Info: (318) 964-2326. * 23-25 - Historical timeline: Native American Village through 1940s. Contact for further information info@audrain.org. Audrain Historical Society, Mexico, MO 65265, 573-581-3910 * 23-25 3rd Annual White Buffalo Powwow. Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo, Tupelo,MS. Info: (901)876-5344 or (662)844-7776. * 24-25 13th Annual Four Winds Powwow. Killeen Special Events Center, Killeen/Ft. Hood, TX. Info: fourwinds@seacove.net or at www.fourwindstx.org * 24-25 Eagle's Message 11th Annual Pow-wow. Limestone County Sheriff's Arena, Athens, AL. Info: Judy Southard (256) 684-3014. wolfdreamin1965@aol.com * 24-25 Native American Foundation 12th Annual Intertribal Powwow. Waimea Ball Park in Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii. Info: (808) 885-5569 or (808) 938-5080 or send e-mail to puniwai@verizon.net. * 24-25 12th Annual Hart of the West Intertribal Powwow. William S. Hart Park & Museum, 24151 San Fernando Rd., Newhall, CA. Info: (661) 255-9295; Email: rayandlina@sbcglobal.net; http://www.hart-friends.org/Event_Pages/powwow.html * 30th-Oct.1 & 2Chisholm Trail 4th Annual Powwow. Chisholm Trail camp grounds, Hwy 19 North of Altoona FL. Info: (352)568-0619, tlipps@cfl.rr.com OCTOBER 2005 * 1 13th Annual Nemki Friendship Powwow. Rotolo Middle School, Batavia, IL Info: (630)879-0117 or email dking8602@aol.com. * 1st 2nd Annual Dance for the Ancestors Memorial Gourd Dance. Blue Spring Heritage Center, Eureka Springs, AR. Info: www.redstargourd.com * 1-2 31st Annual American Indian Powwow Assn Powwow. Thomas Square in Honolulu, Hawaii. Info: Nativewinds1152@aol.com * 2-4 13th Annual Chuckchansi Powwow. Coarsegold, CA. Info: 559-259-5984. * 8 The Rappahannock Harvest Feast. Indian Neck, VA. Info: 804-769-4205 or rappahannock.trib@aol.com * 7-9 Sakuwit Lodge #2 Indian Seminar and Powwow.Blairstown, NJ - www.nerpowwow.com. Info: Tom Voorhees tom_voorhees@hotmail.com or (609) 306-1542. * 8-9 American Indianist Society Homecoming Powwow. Camp Marshall, Spencer, MA. Info: 508-966-2593 * 8-9 18th Annual American Indian Gathering. Community College of Beaver County, Monaca, PA. Info: (724) 774-9098 * 8-9 9th Annual AIA Fall Powwow. USA Stadium, Millington, TN. Info: (901) 873-2000 or www.americanindianassoc.com * NEW DATE *** 14-16 Harvest Moon Powwow. Carson Park - at 727 Joe Clifton Dr, Paducah, KY. Info.Stella Brown (270) 988-2605 * 14-16 NAIA Powwow at 4 Corners Marina and Recreation Area in Nashville, TN. http://www.naiatn.org/powwow.html * 14-16 NAIA of Tennessee's 24th Annual Fall Festival and Powwow. Long Hunter State Park, 2910 Hobson Pike, Nashville, TN. Info: Bill Wells 615-459-3156 e-mail: naia@bellsouth.net or http://www.naiatn.org/powwow.html * 21-23 3rd Annual Florida Native American Indian Society Powwow. Withlacoochee River Park, Dade City, FL. Info: 352-583-5024 or mbmartin352@earthlink.net * 21-23 National Harvest Powwow & Festibal sponsored by the White Buffalo Society. Silver River State Park, Silver Springs, FL. Info: (352) 625-2279 or 625-1402 or http://home.earthlink.net/~the.wbs.inc/ * 21-23 6th Annual Buffalo River Powwow.Linden, TN. Info: Ray or Sharron Benge (931) 589-9628. email: rbenge@tds.net * 22 Thunderbird American Indian Dancers. Winston Prep School, New York City, NY. Info: (201) 587-9633. * 22-23 Euharlee 3rd Annual Veterans Powwow. Downtown Euharlee, west of Cartersville, GA. Info: (404) 377-4950. * 28-30 2nd Semi-annual Intertribal Native American Powwow. Chattahoochee City Park, Chattahoochee, FL. Info: 850-663-2798 or www.ci.chattahoochee.fl.us WHISPERING WIND Toll Free: 1-800-301-8009 PO BOX 1390 (Dept. 3) Voice: 985-796-5433 FOLSOM, LA 70437-1390 Fax: 985-796-9236 ========================================================================== Char-Koosta News Updated September 7, 2005 The official news publication of the Flathead Indian Nation http://www.charkoosta.com/ OCT. 7, 8 and 9 19th Black Hills Powwow Rapid City, SD www.blackhillspowwow.com OCT. 22 and 23 3rd Annual Veterans Powwow Osborne Park, Euharlee, GA 404/377-4950 770/546-7191 amndn@mindspring.com www.euharlee.com/html/events.html NOV. 5 and 6 Annual Scholarship Powwow Bossier City Civic Center Bossier City, LA 318/219-8500, 318/747-2506 ElaineFairbanks@aol.com www.thundercloudtradingpost.com Let us announce your Powwow. Please include a phone number or functioning e-mail address for confirmation purposes. Copyright c. 2004, Char-Koosta News. =================================== First Perspective Updated September 7, 2005 Canada's #1 Source for Aboriginal Information, News and Analysis http://www.firstperspective.ca/pow_wows.html SEPTEMBER 2005 September 24th & 25th, 2005 The Native American Foundation 2th Annual Intertribal Pow Wow Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii Call (808) 885-5569 September 24, 2005 2nd Annual University of Waterloo Pow Wow: Honouring our Future Leaders Call (519) 885-1465 ext. 209 We are not responsible for cancellations etc., etc. Please call for verification prior to attendance. The First Perspective does its best to obtain accurate information for these events. Ekosi and enjoy! OCTOBER 2005 October 1st and 2nd, 2005 The American Indian Pow Wow Association 31st Annual Pow Wow Honolulu, Hawaii Call: (808) 734-5171 October 7 - 9, 2005 Northern Lights Casino & Prince Albert Grand Council 7th Annual Thanksgiving Indoor Pow Wow Prince Albert, Saskatchewan Call (306) 764 - 4777 October 8 - 9, 2005 Mnjikaning Traditional Pow Wow Rama, Ontario. (Arena) Call (705) 325 - 3611 ext 1231 October 21 - 23, 2005 Harvest Moon Pow Wow Paducah, Kentucky Call (270) 988-2605 NOVEMBER 2005 November 11 - 13, 2005 Lytton Rememberance Traditional Pow Wow Lytton, B.C. Call (205) 455 - 2304 November 25 - 27, 2005 Canadian Aboriginal Fest Contest Pow Wow Rogers Centre (Formerly Sky Dome) Toronto, Ontario Call (519) 751 - 0040 JANUARY 2006 January 1, 2006 New Years Traditional Pow wow Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Center 1607 East Hastings Street Vancouver, BC Call (604) 251-4844 ext. 301. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//- 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, Bill McAllister, Lee Goins, Janet Smith, Johnny Rustywire, Debbie Sanders, Dan Smoke --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//- _ __ __ _ / | / /___ _/ /_(_) __ __ / |/ / __ \ __/ / | / / _ \ / /| / /_/ / /_/ /| |/ / __/ /_/ |_/\__,_/\__/_/ |___/\___/ ______ _ / ____/____ ___ __________(_)___ ____ _____ / / / ___/ __ \/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ \/ ___/ / /___/ / / /_/ /__ /__ / / / / / /_/ /__ / \____/_/ \____/____/____/_/_/ /_/\__, /____/ Volume 13, Issue 039 /____/ September 24, 2005 Native Crossings (c) is a separately emailed suppliment to Wotanging Ikche (c) Native American News (c) dedicated to the memory of those in Indian Country who have begun their spirit journeys It may be subscribed to via email by sending a request from your own internet addressable account to gars@speakeasy.org <================<<<< >>>>================> This newsletter is produced in straight ASCII text for greatest portability across platforms. Read it with a fixed-pitch font, such as Courier, Monaco, FixedSys or CG Times. Proportional fonts will be difficult to read. <================<<<< >>>>================> IMPORTANT!! ----------- In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, all material appearing in this newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for educational purposes. <================<<<< >>>>================> --------- "RE: Bernard Ice Jr." --------- Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2005 08:34:46 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="BERNARD ICE JR." http://www.vaildaily.com//20050913/109130017/0/FRONTPAGE&template=printart Lakota Sioux: 'Still here,' but struggling - Vail Daily Funeral of Lakota healer stirs discussion of the state of Native Americans Millete Birhanemaskel September 13, 2005 For three days, people ate, drank and reminisced alongside the body of Bernard Ice Jr. His spirit was there, no doubt. Sometimes, it was hard to tell this was a solemn event. The dozens of people who passed through for his wake and funeral in South Dakota were celebrating a man who, while clearly imperfect, is irreplaceable. Bernard is the reason at least five of the Red Hail brothers from the Oneida Nation no longer drink. A recovering alcoholic, Bernard helped people out of addictions by leading them to Tunkashila, which means God in the Sioux language. He led people such as Gary Christensen to themselves by bringing them back to sweat lodges and filling their spirits with other forgotten traditions of the Lakota Nation. "People lost a sense of community, identity, tradition. We had to all come back," Christensen said. Christensen and Bernard sobered up together about 18 years ago at Eagle Lodge in Denver, a recovery center for American Indians. Bernard taught Christensen ancient Lakota songs. There was medicine in his music that Christensen and others repeated throughout his wake. Greeley becomes home Bernard moved to Greeley in 1992 for no particular reason. He was like a wandering soul after he left the reservation for alcohol treatment, ending up at the right places and the right time for people who needed him. In Greeley, he met Teresa McNeill, a Spanish-speaking Texan with Aztec roots whose hair nearly reaches her ankles. She was raised Catholic but had been searching for something more to fill her spiritual hunger. She helped start a sweat lodge - which is a garlic bulb-shaped sauna made of tree limbs and covered with blankets - near Eaton. McNeill said the lodge didn't feel authentic until Bernard took over the sacred ceremony, which represents a woman's womb, suffering and the emergence of a purified spirit. Bernard trained three people, including McNeill, to become water pourers, an honor bestowed on few people. It takes great strength because, the Lakota believe, water pourers take in the negative energy released by people crouched around the hot stones. Until his death Aug. 26, Bernard made Greeley his home, but he longed for the reservation and often got in his car and made the seven-hour drive as if he were going around the corner. About 30 people from Weld County attended his funeral. Bernard adopted McNeill as his sister. Eight years ago, in a formal ceremony, she became known as Eagle Star Woman, after one of Bernard's biological sisters died from complications related to diabetes - just as he did at the age of 53. The Lakotas are still here Diabetes has devastated Indian nations, including the Lakotas, who recently got a new dialysis center on the impoverished reservation, which is plagued by suicide, alcoholism and deadly car crashes. "We used to be strong men," said Gerald Ice, Bernard's older brother, who was also recently diagnosed with diabetes. The Indians' health deteriorated as they lost their identity, Bernard used to say. They were corrupted by the reservations, the boarding schools for Indian children where false histories were taught, the loss of Lakota language and the disrespect of elders. A monument to Lakota leader Crazy Horse sits at the foot of the long road to Wounded Knee, where in 1890 a clash of cultures and misunderstanding, according to history books, left hundreds of Indians, mostly women and children, slaughtered by government soldiers. Indians have crossed out words on the monument's corroding metal sign that refer to their leader as "fanatical" and "superstitious." They replaced them with words such as "brilliant" and "visionary." In a sentence describing Indian-led killings, the word "massacres" is replaced with "Homeland Security wars on terror." "A German guy comes to teach Lakota because he has credentials. That is the American way," said Gerald, referring to a new class in the schools to teach children the Lakota language. "How come we can't use our elders? We are losing them." "Bernard is going to tell our elders that the Lakotas are still here," Gerald said. "But we are struggling." He boasts about how his little brother went to college in San Diego. He spoke about Indian affairs at Harvard and helped start the Peace and Dignity Run, a four-five day memorial run for Wounded Knee that takes place in the winter. Greeley has participated since its inception in 1992. Bernard was out of town for weeks at a time, McNeill said, giving presentations or visiting reservations across the country, Canada and Mexico. Through his music and building sweat lodges, he would persuade people to go back to ancient beliefs. "We come from a matriarchal society. ... A culture where women are revered. Now, native women are the No. 1 physically, emotionally abused," said Gene Red Hail. Red Hail, 50, sobered up 16 years ago because of Bernard and now works for an organization to stop domestic violence on the Oneida Reservation in Wisconsin. Passing tradition The Lakotas have traditionally been a secret nation. They have intentionally kept their customs private for fear they would be corrupted by the outside world. People already run sweat lodges for profit, which the Lakota consider blasphemy. But now, they have opened their culture, partially afraid it will be lost and undocumented. The sweats lodges, lighting of the chanupa - a pipe - and a face-painting ceremony performed on Bernard so that the spirits will recognize him - those traditions have to be passed on, they said. Several children and young adults were involved in the ceremonies, training to take over their elders' traditions. Headstones at the cemetery - where a mass grave sits feet away from the site of the 1980 massacre - mark the numerous bodies of people who never reached their 50s. Bernard will be buried here. Bernard's nephew and a boy who claims to be his grandson - In Lakota culture, everyone is considered to be extended family - helped dig Bernard's grave. His body had deteriorated in the last three years of his life. He went blind and couldn't walk. He fought until doctors said they had to amputate one of his legs. Bernard told McNeill to make sure his only child, Duane Ice, receives all of his sacred items when he is released from prison - his chanupa, feather staff and eagle feather wand. Bernard told her everything was going to be OK and to go home and rest. He assured her he would be there when she came back. He died at 8:40 the next morning. His spirit lives on Bernard's death could be a symbol of Lakota traditions dying. But Lakota believe when the body dies, the spirit is released to watch over them. It is up to younger generations to continue their traditions. Duane, who is serving a sentence in the South Dakota State Penitentiary for aggravated assault, was escorted to the funeral in an orange jumper and shackles by a sheriff's deputy. He was brought before his father's open casket and told before about 100 witnesses that all of his father's sacred possessions would be waiting for him. "When you are ready, let me know," a Sun Dance leader told him. "This is what my brother wants. He knows one day you will honor him, but first, you have to honor yourself." Choking on tears while a medicine man fanned sage smoke around him, 29-year-old Duane spoke. First in Lakota and then in English, he pled for the nation to welcome him back when he gets out of prison in two months. He said he wants to stay close to his father. Through the smoky air and the intensity of a man playing a hymn on a flute, it was obvious that Duane, and these people, was serious about keeping their tradition alive. Duane has never lived on the reservation, and he said later he is not sure if he ever will. But he won't disappoint his father or his Lakota family, he said. The people helped shovel dirt over Bernard's casket while others, including the great-grandson of Indian hero Black Elk, beat drums and chanted songs. They mourned four days for the physical loss of their healer. Then, they let his spirit go. Copyright c. 2005 Vail Daily. --------- "RE: Myrtle Poor Bear" --------- From: Wolf Lady Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2005 03:13 am Subj: Passing of Myrtle Poor Bear Mailing List: RezLife Passing this along from the family...... May she rest in peace. Tamra It is with sorrow that I write on behalf of the Poor Bear family Pine Ridge to tell you of the passing of Myrtle Poor Bear. This past Thursday, September 15, in Rapid City, SD, at 4:30am, Grandmother Myrtle crossed over to the Spirit World. She was loved by many people and leaves behind many grieving relatives. You will recall that Myrtle Poor Bear was tormented by FBI agents who had taken her against her will to a Kansas City hotel. Their motive was the obtaining of a signed affidavit concerning the role of Leonard Peltier in the Oglala shootout. The affidavit was eventually used to extradite Leonard from Canada. Peter Matthiessen has described this situation in his book In The Spirit of Crazy Horse: "Among other tactics, the agents had cited the mysterious murder of a young woman on the reservation, showing Poor Bear pictures of the corpse and suggesting that she, too, could be executed with impunity, since everyone would think that AIM had done it." Myrtle often spoke openly of these events, and she spoke intelligently and with insight. In recent years she had taken several classes at Oglala Lakota College, studying to become a paralegal. She was considered helpful and kind by many people, and her death was an unfortunate result of these fine qualities. The day before her death, Myrtle had been at her job - working as a monitor on a school bus. Two male students got into a fight, and when Myrtle attempted to break it up another student kicked Myrtle in the leg. A long time diabetic,Myrtle had a sore on her leg that opened and sent a blood clot to her heart. Although sent by air to Rapid City, she died early the next morning. The student who kicked Myrtle has fled the reservation and is currently being sought. Myrtle's body will be returned to her home town on the Pine Ridge Reservation on Monday afternoon. Following a two day wake, she will be buried in a small family cemetary. The Poor Bear family would greatly appreciate the prayers of all who are inclined to send them. Myrtle's life was obviously more than her unfortunate involvement in the Oglala shootout, and the time I spent with her led me to think she had a relatively happy outlook on things. One cannot help but remember on this occasion,however, those events which still haunt and affect so many good people even today. It is certainly worth noting that amidst the continuing accusations concerning Leonard's alleged role in the death of Anna-Mae Aquash, that what was said to Myrtle Poor Bear - "that she, too, could be executed with impunity, since everyone would think that AIM had done it" - implicates the FBI's agents more than anyone else. Thank you for your prayers on behalf of our departed elder. Mitakuye Oyasin. Chris Kraatz Indianapolis, Indiana --------- "RE: Crossings" ---------- Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2005 08:51:07 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CROSSINGS" September 16, 2005 Clyde Jacobs Red Springs Clyde Jacobs, 78, of 680 Pearsall Road, died Sept. 12, 2005, at home. The funeral will be 3 p.m. Friday at Boles Funeral Home Chapel in Red Springs, the Revs. Weymon Oxendine and Donald Oxendine officiating. Burial will follow in Hoke County Holiness Church Cemetery in Red Springs. Surviving are two sons, Lonal Jacobs and Ricky Jacobs, both of Red Springs; two daughters, Betty Hunt and Norline Jacobs, both of Red Springs; 14 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 tonight at Boles Funeral Home Chapel in Red Springs. Copyright c. 2005 The Robesonian, Lumberton, NC. -=-=-=- September 15, 2005 Hughie Locklear ROWLAND - Hughie Locklear, 77, of 740 Union School Road, died Monday, Sept. 12, 2005, in Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton. Services: Funeral, 2 p.m. Friday in White Hill Free Will Baptist Church in Pembroke. Burial in Locklear family cemetery. Visitation: 7 to 9 tonight at Revels Funeral Home in Pembroke. Survived by: Daughter, Helen; brothers, Earl and James; sisters, Joyce Jacobs, Myrna Deese, Rosa Rivers and Sally Bledsole; former wife, Hazel; a grandchild; and two great-grandchildren. Mahoney Locklear Jr. RED SPRINGS - Mahoney Locklear Jr., 86, of 16-A Hawkeye Sands, died Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2005, in his home. Mr. Locklear was an Army veteran. Services: Funeral, 3 p.m. Friday in Hoke County Holiness Church. Burial in church cemetery. Visitation: 7 to 9 tonight at Heritage Funeral Home in Red Springs. Survived by: Wife, Susie; son, Jensen; daughters, Serena Carter and Linda; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a great-great- grandchild. Copyright c. 2005 The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer. -=-=-=- September 19, 2005 Willard 'Bill' Lambert Cherokee - Willard Howard "Bill" Lambert, 60, of Birdtown community, died Saturday, Sept. 17, 2005, in a Haywood County hospital. A native of Swain County, he was the son of Ethel Murphy Lambert of Cherokee and the late Willard Lambert, who died in 1988. He was a former member of Cherokee Tribal Council and was a Vietnam veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Lambert and sister, Shirlene McCoy. In addition to his mother, he is survived by daughter, Nadine Walsh and husband, Christopher, of Albany, N.Y.; brother, Walter "Bud" Lambert and wife, Sheila, of Cherokee; four sisters, Shirley Stepp of Dawsonville, Ga., Inez Huskey of Cherokee, Caroldene Higgins of Cherokee, Alice Owle and husband, Sammy Wayne, of Cherokee; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Bethabara Baptist Church of which he was a member. The Revs. Mitchell Smiley and Ricky Stepp will officiate with burial in Birdtown Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Crisp Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church one hour prior to the service. Copyright c. 2005 Asheville Citizen-Times. -=-=-=- September 7, 2005 Ann Stevens Ann Stevens, 77, of Bagley, died on Aug. 14, at the North Country Regional Hospital in Bemidji. Ann was born Feb. 28, 1928, near Snyder Lake on the White Earth Indian Reservation to John and Jessi Bush. She attended the White Earth Boarding School. She was a member of the CAP program at Rice Lake for many years. Ann worked for 16 years as a nurses aid at the Clearwater County Memorial Hospital in Bagley. She also worked for four years as a cook at the Bagley school. She enjoyed reading, baking, and attending pow-wows. Ann liked sharing stories of days gone bye. She is survived by her children: Gloria Johnson of Lawton, Okla., Richard (Thunderhawk) Stevens of Duluth, Shirley Bartsch of Washington, Sandy Stevens of Bagley; one sister, Margie Wyman of Salt Lake City, Utah, one brother, Jimmy Bush of White Earth, 11 grandchildren and 17 greatgrandchildren She was preceded in death by her parents; daughters: Betty Anne and Carol Jean; brothers: Chuck, Norman, Ivan, and Johnny Funeral services were held on Aug. 19 at the Sports Complex in Naytahwaush with the Reverend George Ross and Reverend Lisa Smith officiating. Interment: Samuel Memorial Episcopal Cemetery at Naytahwaush. Arrangements: The Cease Family Funeral Home in Bagley. In Memory In Memory of my Beloved Mother, Lorraine (Nellie) Keezer who would have turned 80 on Aug. 26 - she passed away in January 2005 - Happy B-day Mom Mom, I am thinking of you today - thinking of how much I miss you and wish you were here with me. I am thinking of the closeness we shared and all the good times we spent together, of course memories will never be as good as having you here; but they help me feel a little closer to you while we are apart. I can't think of anything more than being with you right now because everything seems more special if you were here. Mom, you are so important to me and that's a feeling that neither time nor distance will ever change. I realize even more how important I appreciated you... and how happy we were whenever we were together. Mom, I care so much for you - even though you are not here but please remember that I miss you and love you so much. Love, Your daughter Wanda (Keezer) Bevins Copyright c. 2005 Anishinaabeg Today, White Earth, MN. -=-=-=- September 17, 2005 Faye Zaske Faye Zaske "Wicahpi Wazin Win" (meaning One Star Woman), 60, of the Lower Sioux Community passed away on Friday, September 9, 2005 after an extended illness. Funeral services were held Tuesday noon from St. Cornelia's Episcopal Church at the Lower Sioux Community with burial in the church cemetery. The Redwood Valley Funeral Home handled the arrangements. Faye Marie Zaske was born January 3, 1945 in Pipestone to David and Emmarica (Wabasha) Larsen. She attended Bishop Whipple Mission school through the sixth grade, and graduated in 1962 from Morton High School where she was a majorette. On June 16, 1962, Faye married Gerald Zaske at St. Cornelia's Episcopal Church. She later attended and graduated with honors from the Minneapolis School of Business. She worked various jobs before working for Northwest Airlines for 15 years. She also served as the Lower Sioux Administrator for a number of years. She was very involved in her family and community. She was a practitioner of the Dakota traditional life ways, and was a member of the Lower Sioux Sundance Committee. Faye enjoyed traveling, playing Bingo and having card parties. She loved spending time with her friends and family, and especially her children and grandsons. Faye is survived by her husband Gerry who is retired from the city of Minneapolis; daughter Melinda "Lin" Galarneau and husband Gregory of Farmington; son Jeff Zaske and companion Anne Zenk of Redwood Falls; grandsons Jesse Zaske and Sean Beckler; siblings David Larsen and wife Valerie of the Lower Sioux, Lana Larsen of the Lower Sioux, Bob Larsen and wife LaVeda of the Lower Sioux, and Curt Larsen and wife Cathy of the Lower Sioux; Hunka family Everett Black Thunder and wife Brenda, Gary Holybull and wife Anne, Joe Circle Bear, Wanda Johnson, Olivia Eastman and Cynthia Starr; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Joe, and nephews Brian Larsen and Danny Larsen. Copyright c. 2005 Redwood Falls MN Gazette. All rights reserved. -=-=-=- September 14, 2005 Patricia Ann Long Patricia Ann Long, 42, of Charlotte, N.C., formerly of Red Lake, died on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005, at Carolina's Medical Center in Charlotte. Traditional Indian services will be held at 2 p.m. today at the Ponemah Community Center in Ponemah with Spiritual Leader Greg Kingbird officiating. A wake began on Monday at the Ponemah Community Center and will continue until the time of service today. Burial will be in Family Burial Grounds in Ponemah. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Blackduck assisted the family with arrangements. Copyright c. 2005 The Pioneer/Bemidji, MN. -=-=-=- September 13, 2005 Mary E. Lakas Mary E. Lakas, 82, of Sioux City died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005, at Matney Colonial Manor in South Sioux City. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Paul's Indian Mission, with the Rev. F. David Titus officiating. Burial will be in Logan Park Cemetery. Visitation will be after 4 p.m. today, with a wake service at 7 p.m. at the Indian Mission. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Mrs. Lakas was born May 7, 1923, in Santee, Neb., the daughter of Jesse and Lucy (Tuttle) Redwing. She moved from Santee to Sioux City in the early 1940s. She married Larry Lakas on January 1971 in Sioux City. Larry preceded her in death in June 1989, in Sioux City. She was a member of St. Paul's Indian Mission. Survivors include a daughter, Dolly Gaymon of Bellevue, Neb.; three sons, Donald Rich of Ukiah, Calif., Anthony Flowers and John Flowers, both of Sioux City; 19 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, William "Sugar" Flowers; a sister, Goldie Wiley in February 2005; and several other brothers and sisters. Pallbearers will be Walter John, Eddie John, Michael John, Lonnie John, Robert Peterson and Terry Wiley. Honorary pallbearers will be Waundi Flowers, Asa Flowers, Jesse Flowers, Louie Flowers, David Halstead, Danny Halstead, Robert Goulette and Ron Thomas. September 17, 2005 Tacanku W. Thomas SANTEE, Neb. - Tacanku Wakan "Canku" (His Holy Road) Thomas, 14, of Santee journeyed to the Spirit World Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2005. Services will be 10 a.m. Sunday at his home, where he resided with his grandparents, Ron and Thelma Thomas, 89363 539th Ave., the Hobu Creek District on the Santee Sioux Nation Reservation. Marvin Helper of Red Shirt, S.D., and Ron and Rick Thomas of Santee will officiate. The drum group will be Mato Pejuta. Traditional Dakota wake and burial services will be at his home beginning today and continuing until service time Sunday. Arrangements are under the direction of Kostel Funeral Home in Yankton, S.D. Canku was born April 3, 1991, in Sioux City, the son of Anthony "Tony" Thomas and Lori Anne DeCora. He was a freshman at Niobrara Public School. He previously had attended the Santee Community School in Santee and Wolf Creek Middle School in Pine Ridge, S.D. He was a member of the Sioux Nation. He loved hunting and fishing with his friends and relatives. He also enjoyed playing basketball. He was an active participant of his traditional Dakota ways. He was a singer, a Grass Dancer and a proud Dakota. He is survived by his paternal grandparents, Ron and Thelma Thomas; maternal grandmother, Patricia Buffalo Chief DeCora of Sioux City; a sister, Kayla DeCora of Florida; an aunt (mom) Veronica Thomas of Winnebago, Neb.; an uncle, Redwing Thomas of South Sioux City; and aunts, Germaine John and Ila DeCora of Sioux City and Kathleen and Ileen DeCora of Santee. He was preceded in death by his parents; and maternal great-grandmother, Goldie Redwing Wiley. Pallbearers will be Redwing Thomas, Carlos Cariaga, Wakinyan Thomas, James Star, Justes Wilson, Robbie Goulette, Orlando Frazier, Lonnie John Jr., Clyde Hoffman and Josh Thomas. Honorary pallbearers will be A.J. Griffin, Vinny Provost, Austin Saunsoci, Carl John, Kenny Provost, Hilton John, Devin Goulette, Cedric Denney, Issac Denney, Anpo Star, Cetan Thomas, Mato Thomas, Dakota YellowCloud and Zeke Halstead. Copyright c. 2005 Sioux City Journal. -=-=-=- September 16, 2005 Myron Yellow Earrings Myron Yellow Earrings, 47, McLaughlin, S.D., died Sept. 15, 2005, in McLaughlin. Arrangements are pending with Oster Funeral Home, Mobridge. Copyright c. 2005 Bismarck Tribune. -=-=-=- September 16, 2005 Donna Andrews Location: Bonesteel, SD Funeral Home: Clausen Funeral Home Bonesteel - Funeral services for Donna Andrews, age 69, of Bonesteel, SD, will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. at the Milks Camp Community Hall. Burial will be in the UCC Cemetery, rural St. Charles, SD. Wake services will begin Thursday at 4:00 p.m. and continue until the time of the services on Saturday at the Hall. Clausen Funeral Home in Burke is handling the arrangements. Copyright c. 2005 Sioux Falls Argus Leader. -=-=-=- September 15, 2005 Death notice - Word has been received of the death of Cecelia Looking Horse. More information will be available next week. Gordon LeCompte Funeral services for Gordon LeCompte, 70 of Eagle Butte will be 10:30 a.m. MDT Thursday, September 15 at the All Saints Catholic Church in Eagle Butte, Fr. Brian Lane will officiate. Burial will be at the Mossman Cemetery in Ridgeview under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Mr. LeCompte passed away on September 10 at the IHS Hospital in Eagle Butte. Gordon LeCompte was born on July 11, 1935 to Cyril and Cathy (Claymore) LeCompte on the Old Cheyenne Agency. Gordon grew up in the Promise area; he attended school at the St. Francis Indian Mission and graduated from the Cheyenne River Boarding School in 1954. Following his graduation he was employed in LaPlant, SD on the railroad. In the fall of 1956 he began his career as an engineer for the BIA Land Operations and retired in 1990 with 34 years of service. In 1957 Gordon married Patricia Lafferty and to this union six children were born. He then went to work for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. He was a civil engineer and worked there for four years. While with the tribe he was instrumental in getting the Prairie Management off to a good start. He was considered one of the "Best" engineers; he still got calls from individuals asking for his expertise. He could calculate figures in his head faster than a calculator. Gordon and Elaine were married on November 13, 1987 and made their home north of Parade. Together they raised registered quarter horses and cattle. He was an excellent rancher and checked on the livestock every day, though he was on oxygen that didn't deter his interest in the livestock. Gordon was pretty handy with a rope, he went to a lot of rodeos and ropings, and he rode a pretty blue roan horse, which was one of his many roping horses. Gordon would rope a steer head with the grand kids; he showed Bradyn and Shanee how to swing the rope. He also was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching the PBR. Gordon was a very private man, he didn't like attention. He was also very direct. He told it like it was, no "beating around the bush." Gordon was very fond of one "special" little girl, nine- month-old Rylin Skye Ward. Gordon called her "Smilin Rylin" she was always smiling. He also had a good bud seven year old Bradyn Ward. He thought a lot of "Papa Gordon." Gordon and Bradyn took a trip to Pierre and Ft. Pierre in May to get a bull. Bradyn came back with a pair of new boots; he could talk his "papa" into anything. Gordon was a good husband and provider. He was a faithful AA person. He was alcohol free for 24 years and helped others who were struggling with alcohol related problems. He is survived by his faithful and loving wife, Elaine, one son, Marty LeCompte (Kira) of Aberdeen, four daughters: Jody (Gary) Garrison, of Washington, D.C. Jackie (Jerry) Black of Billings, MT, Connie (Steve) Wilkie of Billings, MT, and Robyn LeCompte of Aberdeen. Gordon had 13 grandchildren, Yvette, Zachary and Sam Garrison; Shanda (Eric) Rieker, Janessa and Alexandra Black; Mason Young, Ashley and Whitley LeCompte; Stevie Rae, Wyatt, Zane and Sydney Wilkie and two great grandchildren, Cory and Cody; five step children Bill (Jodonna) Ward of Kayenta, AZ, Kelly, Wanda, Brady and Franki Ward, Robin McCoy and family, Bart and Jaimie and family and lots of step grandchildren who loved him very much; one brother, Quenton LeCompte and two sisters, June LeCompte of Eagle Butte and Rita Fields of Westminster, CO. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Jonnie Patrick, his parents, Cyril and Catherine LeCompte, and his siblings, Cyril Jr., Narcisse, Claymore, Marion and Cleone. Casketbearers will be Daris LaPlante, Gilbert Red Dog, Bill Ward, Kelly Ward, Brady Ward, Bart Ward, Kelly Kerstein and Bradyn Ward. Honorary bearers are Terry Traversie, Sonny Boy Traversie, Vern LeBeau, Harry DuBray, Fred Hagel, Faith AA Group, Charles Longdeau, Floyd Hill, Pierre Traversie, Andy Traversie, Melvin Traversie, Delbert Traversie, son-in-laws Jerry Black, Steve Wilkie and Gary Garrison, Marlene and Pete Knight, John and Desiree Gray, Kelly and Burl Elk, Louis and Rita DuBray, Thurman Tin Cup and Tracey Barnes Quiltell and husband, Kenny Traversie, Chip O'Neal, Marty Ward and family, Duane Gray and family. Eulogist: Wanda DuBray Scripture Reader: Dusty La-Plante. Special music: Chug and Kathy Garreau. Lorna Adele Two Bears Cadotte Funeral arrangements for Lorna Adele Two Bears Cadotte age 33 of Wakpala, South Dakota are pending with Oster Funeral Home of Mobridge, SD. Lorna passed away on September 10, 2005 due to injuries from a auto accident near McLaughlin, South Dakota. Copyright c. 2005 Missouri Dakota Publishing, Inc. & The Eagle Butte News. -=-=-=- Teton Times, The LEGAL Newspaper of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Spirit World September 7-14, 2005 Keith Duane Jewett, 63 "Akicita Najin" "Standing Soldier" WHITE HORSE - Mass of Christian Burial for Keith Duane Jewett 63 of White Horse was held Aug. 31, 2005, at St. Therese Catholic Church in White Horse. r. Julian Nix OBS officiating. Burial was in the Church Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. An all night wake service was held at the Jewett residence near White Horse Tuesday evening. A Rosary service will begin at 7 p.m. CDT Tuesday. Keith Duane Jewett, "Akicita Najin" Standing Soldier, 63, entered the spirit world on Aug. 28, 2005 at his home near White Horse. Keith was the youngest of ten children born to George and Catherine (Keva) Rousseau Jewett on Aug. 12, 1942 in Rapid City, S.D. He attended school in Eagle Butte and graduated in 1959. He was nominated by Senator Karl Mundt to attend the U.S. Navel Academy in Annapolis. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1967 and was honorably discharged. Keith attended college at Black Hills State College and the University of South Dakota. Keith had an eclectic work history serving as the Director of Indian Studies in Midland Luther College in Midland, Nebraska to being elected Treasurer of the National Congress of American Indians in 1983 to winning the WC Stone Award for selling insurance from Combined Insurance Company. He also served as the Vice Chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. He became an expert in the field of Indian financing, and helped many area ranchers and business people with securing financing. This new era required him to develop his computer skills and became proficient with the computer with the help and encouragement of his daughters. Despite working off the ranch, he carried on the family's ranching tradition east of White Horse. His son-in-law and his grandkids have been learning the ins and outs of ranching from a fifth generation cattleman. Keith was an avid reader, writer, and eloquent speaker. He wrote hundreds of poems as well as business plans. He had an amazing grasp on history and could not only trace his own lineage many generations, but many local families as well. He was always an advocate of education and could wax eloquently on every-thing from the Winters Doctrine to Shakespeare to the Indian Finance Act. Keith stressed the importance of reading and education to his daughters and their friends who fondly remember many Sunday brunches reading the great works of Shakespeare. In February of 2004 he was diagnosed with AML Leukemia; however that did not stop him from being active. He continued to be active with the family ranch, and even reinforced his self-proclaimed title of being "Fast and Furious" with the rope and even won the "River Championship" at the Lawrence arena. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Candace Wilson Jewett, his daughters, Katherine (Keva), Chastity (Chas), Jennifer Schoelerman, Iyonne, Pelagie, his son-in-law Mitch Schoelerman and his grandchildren Keith II, Loryn Schoelerman, and Dawson. Also surviving him are his eldest brother Louis Jewett, of White Horse, his sisters lyonne Garreau of Eagle Butte, Julie (Gib) Marshall, of Eagle Butte, Corine Mendoza of Rapid City, and Juanita (Jim) Gable of Buford, Georgia. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Keva; sister Ramona Jewett, brothers, Arthur F. Jewett, Albert E. Jewett, and Orlin Jewett. Honorary Casketbearers: Dean and Emma Lou Reeves, Jim and Kathy Nelson, Curly Johnson, Harry and Cynthia Charger, Dixie and Marvin LeCompte, Ann Walker, Frankie and Bunny Sue Thompson, Brooke LeBeau, Marty and Monica Lawrence, Mae LeBeau, Red and Audrey Traversie, Erica Hall-Lind, Bob and Donna Schoelerman, Clarence and Charlotte Lawrence, LeRoy LaPlante, Jim and Donna Rae Petersen, Georgia Licknes, Darren and DeeAnn Ducheneaux, David Goodman, Jane Ducheneaux, David Glass, Clarence Skye, Mike Jandreau, Tom Fredricks, Jane Murphy, Ron McDonald, Dick Shelton, Pepsi and Tootsie Lawrence, Cecelia Looking Horse, Jim and Bridgett Burdick, June Lamb and family, T.O. and Ly Traversie, Jerry Dearly,Mobridge Hospital Staff, Dr. Travis Henderson, Dr. Eckrich, Ft: Snelling 3F Staff, Dr. Vicky Morrison, and all Family and Friends. Casketbearers: Brandy Lee Garreau, Peyton Jewett, and Mike DucheneauxShannon Jewett, Clayton Jewett, Larry Mendoza Jr., Merril Mitchell Sonny Wayne Garreau, Tommy Harper. Special Music: Mendoza Girls, Jewett Sisters, Frankie Thompson, Ezra Black BirdFool Soldier Drum Group. Readers: Betsy Mitchell, Julie Ann Garreau, Brenda Lemmon, Allison Peterson. Eulogy: Jim Nelson and Wendy Luce. Leonard Irvin Little Thunder Sr., 58 RAPID CITY - Leonard Irvin Little Thunder Sr., 58, Rapid City, died Saturday, Aug. 20, 2005 at home. Survivors include five daughters, Julie Rose Little Thunder, Lily Elizabeth Little Thunder, Theresa Laverne Little Thunder, and Leondra Marie Little Thunder, all of Mission, and Lucille Jean Little Thunder, Rapid City; one son, Leonard Irvin Little Thunder Jr., Mission; eight sisters, Rosalie Little Thunder, Rapid City, Marion Halmi and Annau Beauchman, both of Parmalee, Karen Little Thunder, Mission, Shirley Little Thunder, Donna Cordoza and Violet Cordoza, all of Rapid City, and Tara Hatzenbuhler, Germany; three brothers, Harold Little Thunder, Parmalee, and Michael Little Thunder and Scott Jones, both of Rapid City; and 10 grandchildren Wake services will begin at 4 p.m. today at Mother Butler Center in Rapid City,with a rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Rapid City, with the Rev. David Matzko S.J. officiating. Burial will be at Whitehorse Cemetery in Parmelee. Friends may sign the guest book at www.kirkfuneralhome.com. In Memory Of Ambrose R. Antelope June 6, 1921 - July 29, 2003 It has been two years since our father and grandfather has been gone. We think of him every day and wishing he was here. Thanksgiving and Christmas are not the same, we all cried at the table when you did not join us for the past two years. Life has been difficult without you because you have done so much for us. All of our friends say we had a good father and they wish they had a father like Ambrose. Now I feel so lucky because you did the best as a single parent by sending your children to any college of choice. I never knew a stronger and honest per-son as my father. Memories flash of him walking home from the BIA and picking us up high in the air until his strength gave due to health problems. I try to think of all the stories you have told me as we traveled to the VA hospitals in South and North Dakota. So many stories and history are lost now due to not carrying the right equipment to tape or transcribe your stories. Our final trip, I knew it would be our last. Just by looking at you and trying to get you into the car to go home. Two days later, you said you were tired and wanted to take a nap. You never woke up but you left a smile on your face, Jesus must have taken your hand to walk with him. At the eleventh hour, I heard your voice "Keep up the good work, because I am very proud of you." Then the phone rang and it was sister son, telling me that "Dad died." Then I thought to myself that he wanted to say these last few words to me. Now I Sue know now, how proud he was of his children and and grand children. We meant so much to one another, now it's hard to let go. The best memories were during basketball season, he knew all the NBA and college teams and players. This is when we got together and picked our favorites. Now there is a just an empty space where your chair went but we place your photo on a chair because we know you are watching ball with us. We are not the only ones missing you, the veterans miss your voice. The voice that speaks for more and better benefits for the Native Veterans on Standing Rock. I know you would be disappointed with the way veterans are being served now, but you always thought positive by writing letters and making phone calls to the senators and congressmen. You were a very persistent person because I was there to take you any where you wanted even though I knew, we would get the shaft. Submitted by his daughter Valerie. A Birthday Memorial Tribute of Samuel J. Longfeather August 29, 1969 - June 6, 2002 We would of celebrated your birthday today. It's been 3 tears since God took you home. Everyday we talk about you. We miss you so much sometimes it's very hard to accept that you are no longer with us. We look towards the door expecting to see you walk thru the door. Your memory is our keepsake, which we'll never part. God has taken you in his keeping. We have you in our hearts. Love your family, Your son Samuel Charles, Mom, sisters, brother, nephews and nieces. Copyright c. 2005 Teton Times, McLaughlin, SD. -=-=-=- September 13, 2005 Gordon LeCompte Eagle Butte - Funeral services for Gordon LeCompte, 70, of Eagle Butte, S.D., will be 10:30 a.m. MDT Thursday, Sept. 15, at the All Saints Catholic Church in Eagle Butte, Fr. Brian Lane will officiate. Burial will be at the Mossman Cemetery in Ridgeview under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Mr. LeCompte died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005, at the IHS Hospital in Eagle Butte. September 16, 2005 Lorna Adele Two Bears Cadotte Wakpala - Funeral for Lorna Adele Two Bears Cadotte, age 33, of Wakpala will be at 10 a.m., CDT on Saturday at St. Bede's Catholic Church in Wakpala. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Oster Funeral Home. There will be an all-night wake service starting at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Wakpala Community Center. Lorna died Sept. 10, 2005, near McLaughlin, S.D. September 17, 2005 Mary Cecilia Looking Horse Green Grass - Mary Cecilia Looking Horse, 72, of Green Grass, died Tuesday, Sept. 13, in Rochester, Minn. Funeral will be 10 a.m. MDT Tuesday, Sept. 20, at her residence in Green Grass. Wake service will be Monday, Sept. 19, at her residence with friends and family meeting at Highway 63 and Green Grass road junction at 4 p.m. Burial will be in the Looking Horse Cemetery, Green Grass, under the direction of Luce Funeral Home, Eagle Butte. September 18, 2005 Myron Yellow Earrings Little Eagle - Funeral for Myron Yellow Earrings, age 47, of Little Eagle at the Elk Horn Church in Little Eagle, S.D. on Friday at 2 p.m., CDT. Burial in the church Cemetery under the direction of Oster Funeral Home of Mobridge. An all night wake service held on Thursday at the Church in Little Eagle, S.D. starting at 7 p.m. CDT. Myron passed away on Sept. 15, 2005 in McLaughlin, S.D. Copyright c. 2005 Aberdeen American News. -=-=-=- Welcome to the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe/Dakota Nation Sota Iya Ye Yapi On-Line, News from the Lake Traverse Reservation Volume 36, Issue 38 Wednesday, September 21, 2005 Funeral services held for Lydia (Thompson) Renville, 95 Our beloved mother, Lydia J. (Thompson) Renville, 95, of Browns Valley, MN, passed away September 12, 2005, at the Browns Valley Health Center. She was the daughter of the late Jennie and Jacob Thompson. Funeral services for Lydia were held on Thursday morning, September 15, 2005, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Sisseton, SD, with the Rev. Fr. Walter Butor, O.M.I. celebrant. Active pallbearers were Jay Nunez, Chris Franklin, Winfield Thompson, Jr. , Benjamin Thompson, Harold Culbertson, Gordon Despiegler, Thomas "Hammie" Marks, and Mike Myrum. Honorary Pallbearers were Alma Renville, Beatrice Wanna, Marie Crawford, June Renville, Cathy Despiegler, Donna Myrum, Celina Buckanaga, Pearl Wilson, Esther Wilson, Bonnie One Road, and Mary Ann Dailey. There was an all night wake service on Wednesday at St. Catherine's Hall in Sisseton. Interment is at St. Matthew's Catholic Cemetery in Veblen, SD. The Cahill Funeral Chapel of Sisseton, SD, was in charge of the arrangements. Lydia is survived by her three daughters - Peggy (Jim) Soames of Overland, KS, Bobbie (Rudy) Nunez of Kansas City North, MO, and Carole (Jim) Franklin of Leawood, KS; two brothers - Winfield Thompson of Sisseton, and Nick Thompson of Browns Valley, MN; four grandchildren; four great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; many relatives; numerous nieces and nephews; and friends. Lydia was preceded in death by husbands Harold Renville and Joe Negri; one daughter; seven brothers - Angus, Andrew, Peter, Benjamin, Zach, Ed, and Angus; and three sisters - Lucille, Mathilda, and Elizabeth. The family deeply appreciates the loving care given by the staff of the Browns Valley Health Center. Copyright c. 1999-2003 by C. D. Floro/Earth and Sky Enterprises. -=-=-=- September 16, 2005 Donna Andrews, Bonesteel Donna Andrews, 69, Bonesteel, died Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Milks Camp Community Hall, rural Bonesteel. Burial will be in the UCC Cemetery, rural St. Charles. Wake services began Thursday and will continue until time of services Saturday at the hall. Clausen Funeral Home, Burke, is handling arrangements. Copyright c. 2005 The Daily Republic/Mitchell, South Dakota. -=-=-=- September 13, 2005 Gordon LeCompte EAGLE BUTTE - Gordon LeCompte, 70, Eagle Butte, died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005, at IHS Hospital in Eagle Butte. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, at All Saints Catholic Church in Eagle Butte, with the Rev. Brian Lane officiating. Burial will be at Mossman Cemetery in Ridgeview. Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge is in charge of arrangements. September 16, 2005 Lorna Adele Two Bears "Pumpkin" Cadotte WAKPALA - Lorna Adele "Pumpkin" Two Bears Cadotte, 33, Wakpala, died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005, as a result of injuries from an automobile accident near McLaughlin. An all-night wake service will begin at 7 p.m. CDT today at Wakpala Community Center. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. today at Oster Funeral Home in Mobridge, and family and friends will leave in procession from the funeral home to Wakpala at 6 p.m. Services will be at 10 a.m. CDT Saturday, Sept. 17, at St. Bede's Catholic Church in Wakpala with the Rev. Tony Grossenburg and the Rev. Kerry Prendiville officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery. John E. Tail PORCUPINE - John E. Tail, 40, Porcupine, died Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2005, in Porcupine. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Survivors include his father and stepmother, Eli Tail Sr. and Caroline Tail; two brothers, Tony Tail, Manderson, and Daniel Tail, Sioux Falls; and four sisters, Janice Tail and Elizabeth Tail, both of Porcupine, Donna Tail, Manderson, and Angel Bowman, Oglala. A two-night wake will begin at noon Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Porcupine CAP building. Traditional Lakota services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 19, at the Porcupine CAP building, with Eric Cross officiating. Burial will be at St. Albin's Episcopal Cemetery in Porcupine. Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. September 17, 2005 Whisper Dawn Longman WOUNDED KNEE - Whisper Dawn Longman, infant, died Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005, at Wounded Knee. Survivors include her parents, Donald Longman Jr. and Stephanie Jealous of Him, both of Wounded Knee; one brother, Ethan Jealous of Him, Allen; one sister, Candace Jealous of Him, Allen; and her grandmothers, Kathy Elk, Allen, Vina High Horse, Sacramento, Calif. Services will be at 2 p.m. today at the Inestimable Gift Episcopal Church in Allen, with the Rev. Cordelia Red Owl officiating. Burial will be at Inestimable Gift Episcopal Cemetery in Allen. Sioux Funeral Home in Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. Myrtle S. Poor Bear-Salas ALLEN - Myrtle S. Poor Bear-Salas, 53, Allen, died Thursday, Sept. 15, 2005, at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Survivors include one son, Wanbli Poor Bear, Rapid City; two daughters, Marty Hawkins and Julie Poor Bear, both of Allen; five sisters, Clara Rodriguez, Darlene Cross, Elaine Martinez and Angie Reyes, all of Allen; and Rochelle Lone Wolf, Hastings, Neb.; and 16 grandchildren. Two-night wake services begin at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, at American Horse School in Allen. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the school, with the Rev. Paul Bentley officiating. Traditional Lakota services will be provided by John Around Him. Burial will be at Allen Community Cemetery. Sioux Funeral Home in Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. September 19, 2005 Myron Dean Yellow Earrings LITTLE EAGLE - Myron Dean Yellow Earrings, 47, Little Eagle, died Thursday, Sept. 15, 2005, in McLaughlin. Wake services begin at 7 p.m. CDT Thursday, Sept. 22, at Elk Horn Congregational Church in Little Eagle. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at the church, with the Rev. Leslie Bobtail Bear, the Rev. Norman Blue Coat, Beatrice Skinner and Margie Hawk officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Oster Funeral Home in Mobridge is in charge of arrangements. Copyright c. 2005 The Rapid City Journal. -=-=-=- September 15, 2005 Jessie Ann Bitsilly Funeral services for lifelong Aneth, Utah, resident Jessie Ann Bitsilly will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Bitsilly was born Aug. 28, 1922, in Aneth, the daughter of Hosteen Bitsilly and Mary Lansing. She died Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Vista Grande Nursing Home at the age of 83. Bitsilly was known as a generous and kind woman who took in those who were in need. This included adults and children alike; resulting in raising many children who weren't her own. Bitsilly was a Christian woman who accepted all religions. She was a hard worker and an accomplished beadworker, who enjoyed making cedar berry necklaces. Among many other things, Bitsilly was a wonderful storyteller. She was also a linguist, speaking Navajo, Ute and English. She expressed her pride when speaking about her grandson, Randy, who is in the U.S. Navy and is stationed in South Carolina. Surviving Bitsilly are her children, Barbara Y. Whitehorse and husband, Jimmie Y. Sr. of Montezuma Creek, Utah, and Curtis B. White of Phoenix, Ariz.; her grandchildren, Ryan Yazzie Whitehorse, Clarissa Marie Nocki and husband, Amos Sr., Randy Ray Whitehorse, Jamie Marie Whitehorse, and Jimmie Y. Whitehorse Jr.; her great-grandchildren, Rashaun Nelson Nocki and Amos Nocki Jr.; as well as many nieces and nephews. Preceding Bitsilly in death were her parents; her children, Richard Craig Smiley, Darlene, Herman, Irmy and Jerry; and her siblings, Frank Bitsilly, Mary Jay, David Bitsilly, Dorothy Jane Bitsilly Myerson and Esther B. Morse. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section. Copyright c. 2005, the Cortez Journal. -=-=-=- September 18, 2005 David J. Wiehle FAIRFAX - David Joseph Wiehle, longtime resident of the Ralston-Burbank area, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2005, at Via Christi Oklahoma Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. A graveside service was held in the Fairfax Cemetery on Saturday, Sept. 17. Pastor Tom Ramsey of Ponca City's First Lutheran Church conducted the service. David was born on March 5, 1963, the son of Al Wiehle and Jo Celestine Swanson Wiehle. He spent his childhood years growing up in the Big Bend area, graduating from Ralston High School in 1981. After attending Oklahoma State University and the San Antonio Music School he pursued his lifelong dream to become a musician. Music was always an important part of his life and he met many new friends through playing the guitar. Eventually, he also became a union pipefitter, but music was always his first love. Growing up on a farm, David enjoyed everything about nature, fishing and hunting. He especially loved his dogs. He was very proud of his Osage and Kaw heritage, and his generous spirit was obvious to those who knew him. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brothers, Steven Wiehle and wife Cindi of Odessa, Texas, and Scott Wiehle of Ralston; and his nephews and nieces, Scott Ryan Wiehle of Dallas, Texas, Elizabeth Wiehle and Jordan Wiehle of Austin, Texas, and Allan Wiehle and Lauren Wiehle of Norman. His special friends Donna Barrone, Gene Williams and Brian Horton also survive him. Memorial contributions may be sent in David's name to First Lutheran School building fund, c/o First Lutheran Church and School, 1104 North Fourth, Ponca City, Okla. 74601. Arrangements were under the direction of Davidson Funeral Home of Fairfax. Johnny Manygoats NEWKIRK - Johnny Manygoats, Newkirk resident, died Thursday night, Sept. 15, 2005, in the Kingman Community Hospital, Kingman, Kan. He was 78. A graveside service has been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 19 in Newkirk Cemetery with Danny Cornish, minister of the Newkirk Church of Christ, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service of Newkirk. The casket will not be opened for viewing except at the cemetery. Johnny Manygoats, a full-blood Navajo Indian, was born Dec. 29, 1926, on the reservation in Indian Wells, Ariz. He lived on the reservation until he was five when he was taken to the Ganado Indian Boarding School at Ganado, Ariz. He also attended school in Winslow, Ariz., and graduated from high school. In 1941 he was employed in janitorial work and then by the Santa Fe Railroad Co. in Needles, Calif., laying tracks and ties. He also helped install switches. Johnny began active service with the United States Marine Corps on Feb. 23, 1945. He was stationed state side and was honorably discharged Aug. 23, 1946. After his discharge, he attended the Chilocco Indian School to study auto mechanics. He then worked as a mechanic in the area before being employed by Short Motor Company in Arkansas City. Johnny moved to El Paso, Texas, where he met and married Ethel Louise Hurst on Nov. 5, 1975. They made their home in El Paso for 13 months before moving to New Mexico, where he was employed by the state highway department. While in New Mexico, they were volunteer firemen in Mayhill and Cloudcroft. After retirement, the couple moved to Newkirk in September 1971 where they have since resided. Johnny enjoyed his work in mechanics and his horse. He is survived by his wife, Ethel, of the home and a number of cousins. Copyright c. 1998-2005 The Ponca City News. -=-=-=- September 13, 2005 Willie Fixico Seminole resident Willie Fixico, 81, died Saturday, Sept. 10, at his home. Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Bird Creek Baptist Church near Sasakwa with Jeff Factor and Floyd Cooper officiating. Burial will be at Bird Creek Church Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole. Copyright c. 1997-2005 The Shawnee News-Star. -=-=-=- September 14, 2005 Wesley LeGarde A traditional wake service for Wesley LeGarde, 42, of Canton, will be 7 to 10 p.m. today at Barefoot Community Hall, Canton. The funeral will be 1 p.m. Thursday at First Christian Church, Canton. Tim Knowles and Donovan Birdshead will officiate. Burial will be in Canton Indian Cemetery. Arrangements are by Haigler Funeral Home Inc., Canton. He was born Oct. 18, 1962, in Clinton to Thomas and Willima Sankey LeGarde and died Sunday, Sept. 11, 2005, at Dea-coness Hospital, Oklahoma City. He grew up and attended school in Canton through 1978. He continued his education at Wind River schools in Wyoming. He graduated from Sequoyah Indian High School, Talequah, in 1980. He attended Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa, and later Iron Workers School in Seattle, Wash. He married Lee Marie Bell April 11, 2003. Surviving are his wife, Lee, of Canton; his children, Victoria and Alma LeGarde; his adopted mother, Laverne White; 13 sisters, Annette Bober, Danette Sankey, Angie Sankey, Corless Sankey, Vanita Sankey, Alondra Sankey, Mary Sankey, Lorraine Sankey, Dee Sankey, Barbara Sankey, Carol Philips, Hattie White and Dodie White; one adopted sister, Pam Sutton; and 16 brothers, Ford Sankey, Garen Sankey, Byron Sankey, Scottie Sankey, Corbin Sankey, Winslow Sankey Jr., Robert Sankey, Crawford Sankey, Sheldon Sankey, Cornell Sankey, Byrun Sankey, Ira Sankey, Calvin Sankey Jr., Anthony Swimmer, Eltin Yellowfish and Bob Sankey. Stella Tachavanich The funeral for will be 2 p.m. today at First Christian Church, Canton. Burial will be in Canton Indian Cemetery. Arrangements are by Haigler Funeral Home Inc., Canton. Copyright c. 2005 The Enid News & Eagle. -=-=-=- September 18, 2005 Sharon Lee Longhorn Cross OKLAHOMA CITY - Funeral for Sharon Lee Longhorn Cross, 59, Oklahoma City, will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Comanche Nation Funeral Home, Lawton, with Bishop Baclawski officiating. Mrs. Cross died Friday, Sept. 16, 2005, in Oklahoma City. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. today at Comanche Nation Funeral Home. Burial will be at Memory Lane Cemetery, Anadarko, under direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. She was born June 29, 1946, to Melvin and Evelyn Toyebo Longhorn. She graduated from Central State University with a bachelor's degree and master's degree in teacher of education. She married Stephen Cross on Oct. 6, 1968, in Oklahoma City. She taught school for 20 years at Mid-Del Vo- Tech School in fashion production. She received the Teacher of the Year award at Mid-Del Vo-Tech School. She completed a course at New York Fashion Institute in New York. She was a member of the Oklahoma Teachers Association, Family Community Careers Leaders of America, Kiowa Tribe and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Survivors include her husband, of the home; a son, Michael David Cross; two daughters: Leeandra Marie Cross and Amanda Michelle Cross; two sisters: Melva Dee Batson and Wanona Longhorm; and eight grandchildren: Ashley Cross, Michael Dean Cross, Nick Cross, Camri Cross, Cody Cross, Victoria Cross, Gabby Poling and Keragan Boulier. She was preceded in death by her parents. Friends may call from 1 p.m. to 7 p..m. today at the funeral home Copyright c. 2005 The Lawton Constitution. -=-=-=- September 13, 2005 Willie Fixico Funeral services for lifelong Seminole resident Willie Fixico are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at Bird Creek Baptist Church, near Sasakwa. Jeff Factor and Floyd Cooper are to officiate with interment to follow services at Bird Creek Church Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home. Fixico, 81, died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005 at home. He was born Dec. 22, 1923 in Sasakwa to Chebon and Nora (Bean) Fixico. He married Elizabeth Larney and is a former jet mechanic at Tinker Air Force Base. Fixico served his country in the United States Marine Corps and was a member of Bird Creek Church. His parents, wife, one sister, one brother and one great-great grandson preceded him in death. Surviving are four sons, Sam Fixico of Shawnee, Robert Fixico of Oklahoma City, Mike Fixico and Max Fixico and five daughters, Louella Looper of Blackwell, Lahunta Paschal of Wewoka, Lahoma Tiger of Seminole, Norene Fixico and Mandy Fixico, both of Blackwell. In addition, one brother, Webster Fixico of Konawa; 33 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren survive him. Messages of condolences may be sent online at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com. The Seminole Producer/Copyright c. 1999-2005 Arizona Newspapers Assn. -=-=-=- September 13, 2005 Jesse Ann Bitsilly Aneth, Utah Aug. 28, 1922 - Sept. 10, 2005 Jesse Ann Bitsilly, 83, of Aneth, Utah, died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005, in Cortez, Colo. Ms. Bitsilly was born Aug. 28, 1922, in Aneth, Utah. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005, at Ertel Memorial Chapel, 42 N. Market Street, Cortez, Colo. Burial will follow in the Cortez Cemetery. Ms. Bitsilly is in the care of Ertel Funeral Home, Cortez, 970-565-3468. September 16, 2005 Annie Jim Counselor July 26, 1918 - Sept. 19, 2005 Annie Jim passed from this life on Monday, September 12, 2005, at the age of 87. She was born July 26, 1918 in White Mesa. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19 at Cedar Hill Navajo Grace Brethren Church. The Rev. Tully Butler will officiate. Burial will follow at the Counselor Cemetery. Annie is in the care of Cope Memorial Chapel, 404 W. Arrington St. in Farmington, (505) 327-5142. September 18, 2005 Peter Dale Begay Shiprock Oct. 3, 1928 - Sept. 14, 2005 Peter Dale Begay, 76, of Shiprock, passed from this life on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005, in Shiprock. Peter was born Oct. 3, 1928, in Naschitti. He was of the To'ahani (Near The Wter) Clan, born for the Kinyaa'aani (Towering House) Clan. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hosteen and Begebah Dale Begay; brothers, Fred Dale, Sr., Otis Dale and Harry Morris; sister, Ruby Begay, and a grandchild. Peter leaves behind his son, Jesse D. Begay of Albuquerque; daughters, Mary F. Begay of Naschitti and Phyllis Dale of Shiprock; brother, Wilbert Deal of Naschitti; sisters, Mary Harry and Elizabeth Largie, both of Naschitti; 29 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Peter was especially proud of his two grandchildren that are serving in Iraq. Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 19, followed by the Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at Christ The King Catholic Church in Shiprock. The Rev. Tim Cervantes will be the celebrant. Interment will follow at the Shiprock Community Cemetery in the veteran's section. A reception will be held at Christ The King Catholic Center after the graveside services. Pallbearers are Davin Paul, CPL Darvian Paul, Harry Bindues, Johnny Bindues, Delbert Clah Jr. and Calvin Dodge Jr. Honorary pallbearers are Fred Dale Jr., David Dale, Phillip Dale, Delbert Clah Sr., Wilbert Deal, Jesse D. Begay and Howard Nez III. Peter is in the care of Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Chapel, U.S. Highway 491 in Shiprock, (505) 368-4607. Copyright c. 2005 Farmington Daily Times, a Gannett Co., Inc. newspaper. -=-=-=- September 13, 2005 John Begay Sr. NASCHITTI - Funeral services for John Begay Sr., 85, will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tohatchi. Father Joe Redinbo will officiate. Burial will follow in the Naschitti community cemetery. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. this evening, Sept. 13 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Begay Sr. died Sept. 9 in Crownpoint. He was born May 25, 1920 in Naschitti into the Edge of Water People Clan for the Over Hanging Rock People Clan. Begay Sr. was a farmer and retired silversmith. He was a member of the Co. E 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborn Division. He served from 1942 to 1946 in France, Germany, the Aleutians Islands and Central Pacific. Begay Sr. received WWII Victory Medal, American Theater Campaign Medal, EAME Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, 2 Bronze Stars and a Good Conduct Medal. He enjoyed horseback riding. Survivors include his wife, Rosalie C. Begay; sons, Edison Begay Sr. of Naschitti, Alvin Begay of Window Rock, John Begay Jr. of Sundance, Calvin Begay of Gallup; daughters, Jea,n Mowrer of Delores, Colo., Linda Antonio of Church Rock, Beverly Begay, Precilla Begay both of Naschitti; 34 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren. Begay Sr. was preceded in death by his daughter, Madeline Thompson; parents; three brothers and two sisters. Pallbearers will be Phil J. Antonio, Trevor B. Antonio, Edison Begay Jr., Eugene Begay, Thorn Begay and Jacob Begay. The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Anthony Parish Hall following services. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. September 14, 2005 Scott Brown KLAGETOH - Funeral services for Scott Wagner Brown, 25, will be at 11 am on Friday, Sept. 16 at St. Anne's Mission. Brother John will officiate. Burial will follow in the Klagetoh community cemetery. Brown died Sept. 11 in Payson, Ariz. He was born Oct. 14, 1979 in Fort Defiance into the Black Streak Wood People Clan for the Many Hogans People Clan. Brown enjoyed carpentry work, he received his GED and completed an accounting course in college. Survivors include his wife, Adrienne Dann; sons, Tristan Isaiah Schurz, Kobe Schurz, Anthony Scott Brown, Scott Wagner Brown Jr., Jaden Warner Brown; daughters, Alaya D. Brown, Alicia M. Schurz; parents, Zacarias and Bernice Gomez; brother, Octavio Gomez; sister, Alana Brown; maternal grandparents, Kee and Ida Tsosie and paternal grandmother, Marie Brown. Brown was preceded in death by his grandfather, Henry Brown Sr. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. September 15, 2005 Rose Begaye COYOTE CANYON - Funeral services for Rose Jim Begaye, 95, were at 11 a.m. today Thursday, Sept. 15 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Stake Center. President Donald Pine will officiate. Burial will follow in the Tohatchi community cemetery. Visitation was held one hour prior to services at the Stake Center. Begaye died Saturday, Sept. 10 in Coyote Canyon. She was born Oct. 8, 1909 in Tohatchi into the Bitter Water People Clan for the Water Edge People Clan. Begaye was a traditional herbalist, weaver, lumberjack, hunter, carpenter, cook and she enjoyed fishing. Survivors include her daughters, Leona Arviso of Logan, Utah, Jane Curley of Brimhall, Roberta Gruber of Tohatchi, Sarah Tingey of Grace, Idaho, Evelyn Weaver of Mont Piliar, Idaho; sons, Les Arviso of Spanish Fort, Utah, Jim Begaye of Page, Ariz.; stepsons, Peter Begay of Sanders, Tom Begay of Brimhall; sister, Antoinette Marie Begay of Tohatchi; 29 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. Begaye was preceded in death by her husband, Navajo Jim Begaye; father, Kee Dawes; mother, Hasdes bah Dawes; brothers, Chee Dahozy, Harvey Dawes; sisters, Alberta Dawes, Clara Dawes; and three grandchildren. Pallbearers were Virgil Arviso, Thomas Clark, Herbie Curley, Scotty Gruber, Trez Gruber, and Darrell Yazzie. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Deborah Lee PHOENIX - Funeral services for Deborah Lynn Lee, 38, will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 16 at the Indian Holiness Mission in Chambers. Jimmy Bowling will officiate. Burial will follow in Wide Ruins. Lee died Sept. 11 in Phoenix. She was born March 13, 1968 in Ganado into the Towering House People Clan for the Red Running into Water People Clan. Lee graduated from Sanders High School in 1985. She was a member of NHS and sports. Lee was employed with W.D. Manor of Phoenix. She enjoyed cooking, reading and spending time with her children. Survivors include her husband, Anslem Lee; sons, Justin Anslem Lee, Devin Ayan Lee, Stephen Wacy Lee; daughter, Cheyenne Lynn Lee; mother, Gladys Tsosie; foster parents, Carl and Pat Noggle; brothers, Steve Noggle, Duane Noggle, Henry Tsosie Jr.; sisters, Karen Miller, Sarah Curley-Curtis, Genevieve Curley-Jackson, Cindy Tsosie. Lee was preceded in death by her grandparents, Hoskie Lewis and Ruth Lewis. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Wide Ruins Chapter House. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Donovan Silversmith BECENTI - Funeral services for Donovan Silversmith, 16, will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 16 at the Gospel Lighthouse Assembly of God Church. Rev. Jimmie Etcitty will officiate. Burial will follow in the Crownpoint community cemetery. Silversmith died Sept. 12 in Sawmill. He was born Feb. 2, 1989 in Chinle into the Water Flows Together People Clan for the Big Water People Clan. Silversmith was currently attending Crownpoint High School and was in the ninth grade. Survivors include his mother, Melissa L. Silversmith; and brother, Aven Emmett Begay. Silversmith was preceded in death by his father, Frank H. Silversmith and grandmother, Katherine Morgan. Pallbearers will Jason Betone, Kevin Benally, Marcus Chavez, Ralph Morgan, Nathan James and Jerrison Bebo. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Becenti Chapter following services. Helen Woody ROUGH ROCK - Funeral services for Helen Woody, 76, will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 16 at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Chinle. Father Blane Grein, O.F.M. will officiate. Burial will follow on a family plot in Rough Rock. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Woody died Sept. 12 in Chinle. She was born Sept. 15, 1928 in Valley Store into the Charcoal Streak Division of the Red Running into the Water People Clan for the Salt People Clan. Woody was an aide in the 1970's at Rough Rock community school. She made pottery, Navajo baskets and sash belts and was a rug weaver, sheepherder, and farmer. She enjoyed attending social song and dances. Survivors include her sons, Leon Woody, Sr., Michael Woody, Charley Woody all of Rough Rock, Robert Woody of Pocatello, Idaho, Bobby Woody of Many Farms, Keith Woody of Phoenix, Benson Woody of Farmington; daughters, Betty L. Yazzie of Rough Rock, Sally Begay of Many Farms, Mary Lou Begay of Pinon; brothers, Harold Tsosie of Valley Store, William D. Tsosie of Chinle; sisters, Dorothy Secody, Zonnie Tsinijinnie, Sally Tah all of Rough Rock, Pauline Tsosie, Ella T. Begay both of Valley Store. Pallbearers will be family members. September 16, 2005 Martin Segay SAWMILL, Ariz. - Graveside services for Martin Segay, 24, will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17 on family land in Sawmill. Segay died Sept. 11 in Gallup. He was born Feb. 20, 1981 in Fort Defiance into the Bitter Water People Clan for the Near the Water People Clan. Segay was a carpenter in Tucson, he also worked at theGallup Wal-Mart and he was a wildland firefighter for BIA forestry. Survivors include Jennifer Kingbird; daughter, Starvanna Brooklyn Segay; mother, Susie Segay; brothers, Melvin Segay, Mervin Segay; sisters, Evangeline Segay, Laurenda Segay, Belinda Segay, Sophia Segay, Delphina Segay, Valencia Segay, Madeline Segay; grandparents, Hosteen and Stella Tsinnijinnie, Shay and Dahanbah Segay. Segay was preceded in death by his father, Milton Segay Sr.; Milton Segay Jr., Melvin Kory Segay Jr., Duerson Segay, Thomason Thomas, Thompson Thomas, Robin Mann and Lisa Segay. Pallbearers will be Melvin Segay, Mervin Segay, Wilbert Thomas, Jefferson Begay, and Robinson Mann. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. September 17, 2005 Ruth Stewart FORT DEFIANCE - Funeral Mass for Ruth Stewart, 94, will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament, Fort Defiance. Burial will be on a family plot. Stewart died Sept. 14 in Flagstaff. She was born June 18, 1911 in Red Lake, Ariz. into the Red Running into Water People Clan for the Towering House People Clan. Survivors include her sons, Nelson, Phillip, Alfred, Al, Harry, Willis, Franklin Stewart; daughter, Minnie Baldwin; brothers, Jimmy Begay, James Begay, Kenneth Begay, Kee Begay; 61 grandchildren, 125 great-grandchildren and 24 great-great-grandchildren. Stewart was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Stewart; son, Benjamin Stewart Jr., Leonard Stewart, Wilson Stewart; daughter, Mae R. Upshaw and parents, Carl and Nasbah Begay. Pallbearers will be Ty Baldwin, Leon Stewart, Leonard Stewart, Jr., Kevin Stewart, Casey Stewart, William Stewart. The family will receive relatives and friends at the home of Minnie Baldwin. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Peter Dale Begay SHIPROCK - Funeral Mass for Peter Dale Begay, 76, will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 19 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Shiprock. Father Tim Cervantes will officiate. Burial will in the Shiprock community cemetery. A rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. prior to services. Begay died Sept. 14 in Shiprock. He was born Oct. 3, 1928 in Naschitti into the Near the Water People Clan for the Towering House People Clan. Survivors include his son, Jesse D. Begay of Albuquerque; daughter, Mary F. Begay of Naschitti, Phyllis Dale of Shiprock; brother, Wilbert Deal of Naschitti; 29 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Begay was preceded in death by his parents, Hosteen and Begbah Dale Begay; brothers, Fred Dale Sr., Otis Dale, Harry Morris; sister, Ruby Begay and one grandchild. Pallbearers will be Davin Paul, Cpl. Darivian Paul, Harry Bindues, Johnny Bindues, Delbert Clah, Jr. and Calvin Dodge Jr. A reception will follow graveside services at the Christ the King Catholic Center. September 19, 2005 Helen Charley MARIANO LAKE - Funeral services for Helen Delgarito Charley, 70, will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the Mariano Lake Community Bible Church. Pastor Harry Cayatineto will officiate. Burial will follow in Mariano Lake on family land. Charley died Sept. 14 in Gallup. She was born Sept. 16 in Mariano Lake into the Deer Springs People Clan for the Sagebrush People Clan. Charley was a housewife, rug weaver and home maker. She enjoyed attending church, watching western movies, puzzles and crocheting. Survivors include her husband, Sam Y. Charley of Mariano Lake; sons, Raymond Charley, Larry Charley, Ricky Charlie, Liebert Charley all of Mariano Lake; daughters, Pauline Dodge, Irene Delgarito, Louise Mariano all of Mariano Lake; father, Roy Delgarito; 27 grandchildren and 24 great- grandchildren. Charley was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Dakai; son, Leonard Charlie Sr.; maternal grandparents, Mae and Juan Dakai. Pallbearers will be Marvin Charley, Melvin Charley, Barney Mariano, Ronald Charley, Alvin Cleveland, Timothy Delgarito, Jimmy Brown and Phil Freeland Jr. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Copyright c. 2005 the Gallup Independent. -=-=-=- September 14, 2005 Cara Ann James Funeral Services for Cara Ann James, 39 were held Saturday, September 10, 2005 at Greer's Mortuary Chapel, with interment at Desert View Cemetery. Cara was born in Keams Canyon. She was very helpful, generous and always laughing and always helping at any function. She could turn any sad situation into a happy one. Cara was a tomboy since childhood. She enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hiking and camping. A very assertive person, she never backed down and had great confidence in herself. She is survived by her father, Ray Kee James (Kathleen Kozell); mother, Sadie Hosteen; daughter, Vanessa Taylor; son, Andrew Taylor; brothers, Ray James, Norman James (Mae), Chuck James (Libby), Phillip Begay; sisters, Kathy Neztsosie (Willard), Lora Boyd (Michael) and her companion, Ted Taylor. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, maternal grandmother and two sisters. Copyright c. 2005 The Winslow Mail. -=-=-=- September 16, 2005 Augustine Joseph Chico Nov. 30, 1915 - Sept. 13, 2005 Preceded in death by his wife, Edith and son, Joseph. A veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict, he earned several honors while serving his country. At the time of his death he was the oldest Tohono O' Odham veteran from World War II. He worked for 37 years as a civil service employee at Davis Monthan Air Force base. He will be remembered for all of the stories he was able share about his travels. He is survived by his children, Dennis (Linda), Wayne, Austin (Erin), Theresa (Allen) and Rebecca; grandchildren, Augustine, Melissa, Lindsey, Tara, Michael, Joseph and Austin, Jr., and many nieces and nephews. Visitation 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 18, at SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY. Funeral Mass 9:00 a.m., Monday, September 19, San Xavier del Bac. Burial to follow at South Lawn Cemetery. Copyright c. 2005 Tucson Citizen. -=-=-=- September 15, 2005 "Roddy" Roderick Jefferson "Roddy" Roderick Jefferson, 67, of the Salt River Indian Community passed away on September 12, 2005 in Scottsdale, AZ. Mr. Jefferson, a laborer and Navy Veteran, was born in Phoenix, AZ. He is survived by his wife, Pauline; sister-in-law, Carolyn Pilcher; brother-in-law, Floyd Pilcher; niece, Renee Andreas; great great-niece, Sadie Andreas; and many more nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held on Friday September 16, 2005 at 6:00 PM at 2000 N. Alma School Rd. Scottsdale, AZ. Meldrum Mortuary handled the arrangements. September 18, 2005 Selena Dawn Ybarra Graveside Services for Selena Dawn Ybarra of the Salt River Indian Community will be held on Tuesday September 20, 2005 at 8:00 AM at the Salt River Indian Cemetery, McDowell and Extension Rd. She is survived by her mother, Marla Ybarra; brothers: Zachariah Morreo, and Marcelino Ybarra; and grandmother, Sandra Ybarra. Meldrum Mortuary handled the arrangements. Copyright c. 2005 The Arizona Republic. -=-=-=- September 15, 2005 Scotty Attakai Scotty Attakai, 71, died Monday, Sept. 12, 2005, in Flagstaff. He was born Dec. 28, 1933, in Teesto. Mr. Attakai was raised in the Teesto area and worked for the railroad as a trackman for about 10 years before moving to Flagstaff, where he worked as a cook and for Southwest Forest Industries as a planer operator. In 1968 he moved back to Teesto where he took care of his family and worked for the Navajo Nation. He enjoyed remodeling projects and going on hikes. Mr. Attakai is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Tom; stepchildren Roselin Joe, Elaine Joe and Roberta Gardner; brothers, Raymond Attakai, Shorty Attakai, Roy Attakai and Tom Attakai; sisters Pauline Wagner and Hazel Attakai; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lola Attakai. A visitation will be Friday at 10 a.m at the Broken Arrow First Assembly of God Church in Indian Wells. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in the Indian Wells Community Cemetery. Arrangements are by Norvel Owens Mortuary. Copyright c. 2000-2005 Arizona Daily Sun. -=-=-=- September 15, 2005 Herbert Newman Sr., 70 Herbert Newman Sr., 70, of San Carlos died Sept. 5, 2005, in San Carlos. Born in San Carlos, he was a truck driver for Inspiration Consolidated Copper Company and a Navy veteran. He is survived by two daughters, Marilyn Ocasio and Marsha Newman of Casa Grande; two sons, Horace Newman and Orien Newman of Tucson; his companion, Katherine Nolan of San Carlos; five sisters, Sadie Duncan of Peridot Siding, Nellie Gilbert of San Carlos, Roselyn Phillips and Madeline Edwards of Peridot, and Violet Bullshoe of Browning, Mont.; a brother, Albert Polk of Globe; 14 grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. Funeral service was conducted Sept. 10 at American Indian Church. Interment was in San Carlos Veterans Cemetery. Lamont Mortuary of Globe handled arrangements. Copyright c. 2005 Arizona Silver Belt/Apache Moccasin. -=-=-=- September 16, 2005 Russell Maurice Mills Russell Maurice Mills, 45, passed away September 10, 2005 in El Centro, California. He was born May 17, 1960 in Phoenix, Arizona. Russell attended elementary and high school at San Pasqual School. In previous years he was employed by the American Indian Nursing Home in Laveen, Arizona and Clarlen Home in Somerton, Arizona. Russell is survived by his aunt, Angelina Barley, of Coolidge=, Ariz.; sisters, Veronica Mack, Brenda White, Donelle Lazaro, all of Somerton, Ariz., Miranda Mills, of El Centro, Calif. and Victoria Hernandez, of Somerton, Ariz.; brothers, Cyril Mills Jr., and Pete Rose III, of Somerton, Ariz. and Marlan Rose, of Yuma. He is also survived by ten nephews, ten nieces, four great-nephews and six great-nieces. Russell was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Barley; father, Cyril Mills, Sr.; grandmother, Rosalie Huck; grandfather, Miles Barley and uncle, McGee Barley. Funeral services will be at West Cocopah Cry House on Saturday, September 17, 2005 at 5 p.m. Cremation will follow at 6 a.m. Sunday, September 18, 2005. Pallbearers will be Marlow Jose III, Pete Rose III, Gilbert, Dushane and Cyril Mills, Stanley Barley, Jr., Lymon Golding, Willard Golding, Jr. and Theodore Williamson, Jr. Honorary pallbearers are Marlan Rose, Manuel Mills, Dushane Mills, Jr., Jesus Mills, Dwight May III, Michael Rose and Pete Rose IV. Copyright c. 2005 The Yuma Sun, Sun Freedom Newspapers of Southwestern Arizona. -=-=-=- September 13, 2005 Myles Marintez, age 30, passed away Sept. 5, 2005. 1975 ~ 2005 Myles Marintez, age 30, of Tulsa, OK, formerly of Ft. Duchesne died September 5, 2005 in Tulsa, OK. He was born April 14, 1975 to Merlin Martinez and Mary Reed in Roosevelt Utah. Myles enjoyed being with his friends, watching wrestling and listening to country music and was about to start attending Tulsa Welding School in Tulsa, OK. Prior to that, he had been working as a stocker at the HEB grocery store in Katy, TX. Myles is survived by his mother, Mary Reed Homma, step-father, Michael M. Homma Katy, TX; father, Merlin Martinez Randlett; sisters, Merlaine Martinez, Katy, TX; nephew Lawrence Martinez, niece Ellie Martinez, both of Katy, TX; Brother Mark Homma, Houston, TX; sister Miko Homma, Katy, TX; sister, Sky Myore, Randlett; brother Michael Homma Jr., Katy, TX; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Funeral Services held Saturday, September 10, 2005 at the Ute Indian Multipurpose Center in Ft Duchesne at 2:00 pm. Friends may call at the gym after 5:00 p.m. Friday evening. Burial in the Ft. Duchesne Cemetery under direction of the Hullinger Mortuary. Copyright c. 2005 Uintah Basin Standard/Roosevelt, UT. -=-=-=- September 15, 2005 Marjorie Christine Ruell Marjorie Christine (Burson) Ruell, 66, lost her brave battle with cancer on Wednesday, September 8, 2005, at her son's residence in Hartford, Wisconsin. She had opted to be in his care for her last remaining days. Margie Ruell was born July 13, 1939, a surviving twin, in Baird, Callahan County, Texas, daughter of Clifford Ralph and Mary Elisabeth (Gibson) Burson; paternal granddaughter of James Daniel and Maggie (Mitchell) Burson and maternal granddaughter of Coit Edwin and Beulah Graves (Guinn) Gibson. She moved with her family to La Canada, CA in 1940 and in 1948 the family moved to Littlerock, CA. She attended Baldwin Park High School in Baldwin Park, Ca. Margie Ruell retired from the Yerington Paiute Tribe in 2004 after 15 years as a finance officer. She had also worked for the Harris Ranch in Coalinga, CA for many years before moving to Yerington, NV. She is survived by her son, Scott Ruell and his sons, Jonathan and Nickolas; daughters, Andrea Chere and Brytani Nichole Ruell of Arizona; son, Derek Coyt Ruell, and his sons, Coyt Andrew Ruell; and Jeremey Ryan Ruell all of Wisconsin; sister, Mrs. Pauline (Burson) Ballentine and brother-in-law, Robert Ballentine of Oceanside, CA; nieces, Mrs. Allyn Christine (Ballentine) McKee, and Mrs. Denise Gail (Ballentine) Davis both of Indio, CA. A memorial will be held in Yerington, Nevada on September 17, 2005, at 4:00 p.m. at the Mason Valley Moose Lodge, 644 S. Main St. Copyright c. 2005 Reno Gazette-Journal, a Gannett Co. Inc. Newspaper. -=-=-=- September 14, 2005 William "Muggie" E. Sooksoit Merritt Funeral Home YAKIMA - William "Muggie" E. Sooksoit, 49, of Yakima, went to be with the creator on Saturday September 10, 2005. Muggie was born on February 11 1956 in Goldendale to Wilfred and Naomi Sooksoit. He attended school in Wapato, Union Gap, Parker, and Davis. Muggie received his GED through the HEP program. He was a handyman and worked as a carpenter. He enjoyed softball and peewee basketball. His favorite teams were the Redskins and the Braves. Muggie was an active pool player; he played along side Jean Marie at the Spur Tavern, Nancy's Kitchen, and in Wiley City. He enjoyed summer days at Howard Lake hunting, fishing, and being in the mountains. He married Karma Saluskin on August 19, 1978. He is survived by his children, Andrew Sooksoit, Alexis (Aaron Buck) Sooksoit and Roman Sooksoit; grandchildren, Kaylynn Sooksoit, Olver Buck, and Frieda Buck; stepfather, Antone Skahan Jr.; sisters, Wilma Hall and Marilyn Malatare; brothers, Wilford Sooksoit Jr., Marcus Sootsoit, Thomas Mathias, Bud Mathias, Ruben Mathias, and Virgil Mathias; aunts, Anna Johns, Pearl Charley, Roma Cartney, Joanne Tahmalwash, and Lucinda Green; Uncles, Ellison David, Leo Aleck, Sonny Johns, Ernie Lewis, and Arlie Cook; grandmothers, Delores Martin, Leta Comenout; nephews, Nelson Hall and Nathan (Sandra) Hall. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frieda Skahan and Wilford Sooksoit; grandparents, Nelson and Allie Aleck, Andrew and Edna David; aunts, Jeannette Beavert, Emma Lewis, Arlene David, and Allegua Robinson; uncles, Dunbar and Charles John, David Aleck; sisters, Thelma Sooksoit and Jessica Skahan; brothers, George Skahan, Melvin Jerome, and Charles Johns. His pride and joy was truly his family including his grandchildren. Dressing services were held Tuesday at 2pm at Merritt Funeral Home. There were overnight services at the 1910 Shaker Church and then today (Wednesday) at 8am the family and friends will process to the 1910 Shaker Church Cemetery for burial services. Merritt Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements. Copyright c. 2005 Yakima Herald-Republic/Yakima, WA. -=-=-=- September 13, 2005 Patricia Ellen Henry Cheer Patricia Ellen Henry Cheer was born to the late Monacella Joe and the late Leroy Peter Henry Jr. on March 9, 1952, in Everett, Washington. She left us on September 9, 2005, after undergoing many years of health challenges. She is survived by her husband of 17 years, Dana Cheer; her daughter, Mary Lou Williams and her son, Morey Williams, both of Tulalip. The light of her life was her grandchildren, Antonio, Kurtis, Keianna, Quincy, Bryce Jr., Takota, Jeremy, Vashti, and Veniece; she is also survived by her sisters, Loretta James, Donna Cooper, Betty Henry, Mary Jo James, Annette Napeahi, all of Tulalip, and Virginia Bill, of Tacoma; her brothers Leroy P. Henry III, of Tulalip, Woodworth Henry, of Tacoma, and Eugene Henry, of LaConner; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Monacella Joe; father, Leroy P. Henry, Jr. ; her brothers, Oliver Henry, Morris Henry, Patrick Henry, Hanford Henry and Duane Henry, and nephew Derek James. Pat worked for Tulalip Bingo for nine years and Tulalip Housing Authority. Her all-time favorite past time was playing bingo with her daughter and her sisters. She would always say "I'm on again," at all family get togethers and on special occasions Pat was the true-life of the party. She loved to dance to all her favorite artists, including Patsy Cline, Aretha Franklin, Motown legends, Elvis Presley, and many others. She never missed a beat dancing with her brothers, nephews, and cousins. Pat loved her family unconditionally. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. In her last moments she maintained that sense of humor by cracking jokes and making everyone laugh with her one-liners. She leaves behind her close friend Ester Celestine, and her longtime childhood friend, Joy. Special gratitude for her sister, Mary Jo, for her gracious generosity; to her sister, Betty Lou, for her bed side humor; to her daughter, Mary Lou, for being her best friend; and her loving son Morey. To her grandchildren, her dreams and wishes for you, to excel in all that you do. In all our hearts Pat will be truly missed. Viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 13, 2005, at Schaefer -Shipman Funeral Home, 804 State Ave., Marysville, WA. Interfaith service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 13, 2005, at the Tribal Center, 6700 Totem Beach Rd, Tulalip, and funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 14, 2005, at the center with burial following at Mission Beach. Copyright c. 2005 The Daily Herald Co., Everett, Wash. -=-=-=- September 17, 2005 Andrew L. Brown Jr. RIVERTON - The funeral for Wind River Indian Reservation resident Andrew L. Brown Jr., 86, was conducted Sept. 16, 2005, at St. Stephen's Catholic Church. Committal rites were accorded by the Arthur-Antelope-Brown American Legion Post No. 84 of Arapahoe. He died Sept. 12, 2005, at Morning Star Manor in Fort Washakie. Born July 31, 1919, in Fort Washakie, he was the son of Alta (Tyler) and Andrew L. Brown Sr.; and attended school at St. Stephen's. His American Indian name was Ho30. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 3, 1942, at Fort Warren. On Dec. 16, 1945, he married Veronica "Monica" Warren at St. Stephen's Mission. They made their home at Mill Creek, where he was a rancher by trade and a member of the Catholic faith. His interests included his family, grandchildren and great- grandchildren; elk-hunting, fishing, trapping, and horseback-riding; running cattle; and taking long rides "just driving around." His hobbies were making hand drums and head roaches. Survivors include five sons, Andrew L. Brown III of Casper, Charles Brown Sr. of Ethete, Alan Brown of Riverton and Vernon Brown and David Brown Sr. of Arapahoe; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; a great- great-grandchild; and sister, Mary Elizabeth Bear. He was preceded in death by his wife; two sons, John T. Brown Sr. and Gary Brown; a daughter, Ruth Ann Brown; a granddaughter; two brothers, Johnny L. and Raymond Brown; five sisters, Mary Blackburn, Eva C'Hair, Annie Wanstall, Julia Norse and Rosaline Headley; his parents; and his grandfather, Chief Lone Bear. Davis Funeral Home of Riverton was in charge of arrangements. Copyright c. 2005 Casper Star-Tribune published by Lee Publications, Inc., a subsidiary of Lee Enterprises, Incorporated. -=-=-=- September 14, 2005 Archibald Bear Ground CROW AGENCY - Archibald Bear Ground, 75, of Crow Agency, passed to the other camp Sept. 11, 2005, in the Awe Kualawaache Care Center. Akchiia' iaKa'atish, "Owns a Small Horse," a name given to him by his grandfather Pretty Horse, was born Feb. 6, 1930, in Crow Agency, a son of Wesley Otto Bear Ground and Elizabeth Fights Wellknown. He was a descendent of Chief Plenty Coups and Chief Bell Rock. His grandparents, John Fights Wellknown and Mary Ursula Rock, raised him. In his younger years, he was a jockey, bronc rider and trained racehorses for his uncle, William Dust. He was a traditional man who believed in Crow culture and the values of the Crow people. He actively participated in traditional activities, especially dancing at area powwows. Archie respected all religions with the charismatic Christian principle, that we all worship one creator. He was a faithful member of the St. Dennis Catholic Church who was often called upon by the Bishop to use sacred cedar at special meetings. He was also a member of the Native American Church. He received his GED and later attended drug and alcohol counseling training at Ft. Lyon, Colo., and Seattle. He became a criminal justice counselor and Director of the Crow Detox Center, where he received several merit awards for his leadership. He was instrumental in using acupuncture treatments for chemical abuse people. Archie entered the U.S. Army and later received his Honorable Discharge. He was a member of the Greasy Mouth Clan and a child of the Big Lodge Clan. He married Evelyn Cerise Hogan in Seattle, on Dec. 26, 1978. In his spare time, he enjoyed leather craft, collecting antiques and attending wild horse races throughout Colorado, Montana and Wyoming. His parents; daughter, Donna Bear Ground; son, Wesley Jefferson; adopted son, Print Spotted Bear; stepmother, Elimere Bear Ground; sisters, Maude Stops, Roseabelle Fighter, Stephanie Ten Bear, Lucy Anderson, Agnes Shaver Holds, Olive Stewart, Martha Dust, Charlotte One Goose; and brothers, Burton Bear Ground and Clive Dust, preceded Archie in death. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn; sons Tilton (Sarah) Old Bull and Ben (Josie) Stands; daughters, Clarise (Ronnie) Medicine Crow and Denise Bear Ground; stepchildren, Curtis Hogan, Pat Spotted Bear, Joleen (Allen) Spang and Mary (Joe) Foote; sisters, Gladys Bear Below, Agnes (Anthony) Left Hand, Shirley (Billy) Stewart, Faith Faraway, Lavern Williamson, Clara Nomee, Gloria (Al) Good Luck, Rose Bear Crane, Warlene Fights Well Known, Debbie Yarlott, Vicki Howe, Joann Horn, Gwendolyn Falls Down, Garnett Watan, Karen, Clara Bear Don't Walk and Darlene Bird Far Away; brothers, Burton (Randine) Pretty on Top, Greeley (Stella) Not Afraid, Carl (Edwina) Venne, Roger (Pat) Turns Plenty, Alonzo (Veronica) Ten Bear, Clayton Mountain Pocket, Robert (Carol) Howe, David Bad Bear, Woodson Far Away, Jerome and Vincent White Hip, John and Mike (Dessie) Little Nest; adopted sons, Dean Good Luck Jr., Dee Not Afraid and Orrin Anderson; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his aunts, Julia Not Afraid, Thelma Bird in Ground, Agnes Old Bear, Amy Red Star and Edna Dust; as well as his extended family, including the Fights Wellknown, Rock, Bad Boy, Plain Bull, Grasshopper, White Hip, Grey Bull, Williamson, Mountain Pocket, Dust, Falls Down, Black Hawk, Stone, Whiteman, Venne, Blaine, DeCrane, Turns Plenty, Pretty on Top, Little Nest, Bird Far Away, Goes Ahead and Pease families. Please accept our apology if we have forgotten your name. Rosary will be recited 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, in the Bullis Funeral Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, in the Crow Agency St. Dennis Catholic Church. Interment with military honors will follow in the Little Big Horn Battlefield National Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements. September 15, 2005 Marty Big Back Jr. LAME DEER - The Lord called home one of his little angels in the early morning hours of Sept. 12, 2005. Marty Lee Big Back, Jr., two-week-old son of Marty and Angel Real Bird Big Back, Sr., died of heart complications at the Denver Children's Hospital. He was born Aug. 29, 2005, in Billings, with his surviving twin sister, Megwan Lara. He is a descendent of Geronimo, the great Apache war leader, Northern Cheyenne Chief Roy Nightwalker and of the Crow, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Cheyenne River Sioux and Blackfeet Nations. He was born into families who loved to dance and sing at pow-wows. We appreciated Marty's brief visit with us and are deeply saddened by his sudden passing. Marty is greatly missed by his family who knows he is at peace and without pain. His grandparents, Florence Real Bird, Elsie Falls Down, Robert and Gladys Big Back, Gladys Old Mouse, Roy and Gladys Nightwalker, Odie Mae Nightwalker, George Real Bird, Jerry, Christine, Lara, Olivia, Bongo and Katie Rose Big Back, Latish Brien, preceded Marty in death. Survivors include his parents, twin sister, Megwan, and sisters, Myleigh and Jemini Big Back. Great grandparents, Ramona Real Bird, Phyllis (Merle) Big Medicine, Marie Little Wolf, Shorty Yellow Robe, Bonnie, Nancy, Bertha, Cecilia and Eugene (Clarice) Big Back, Sr., Ernest and Anna Lou Marceau, Sr. Grandparents, George (Edie) Littlehead, Blaine Real Bird, Robert (Michelle) Big Back, Jr., Violet (Sam) Macseau, Harry (Magdeline) Moccasin, Susan, Randy and Edward (Francine) Real Bird, Ronnie (Cindy), Larry (Rowena), Gordon (Ruth), Roberta, Gail, Leslie, Jenny (Ed), Kenny (Tennya) Big Back and the James Big Back family, Carlin (Marie) Brady, Hank (Maria) Big Fire, Jean, Alvenia, Alberta, George, Bertha and Fred Nightwalker. Joyce and Roy Walkingnight, Jr., Peggy Yazzie, Ernestine (Charlie) Deroche, Esther Little Wolf, Donna (Charlie) Bearcomesout and Doris (Willie) Sequi. Uncles, Robert Big Back, III, Wade Rehdhat, JD. (Helen) Real Bird, Floyd Bearing, Marlin (Shirley) Orange II, Hadley, Kyle, Cheyenne, Lee Jay (Tuesday) and Ron Big Back, Jr., Terry Spotted Wolf, Sheldon (Sally) King, Sam Deroche, Jr. and Bryon Brady; Aunties, Gladys (Al) Harris, Robin (Jimmy) Archeleta, Rochelle, Danelle, Deroche, Robin Pepion, Sherid (Jim) Bement, Margie Bearing, Michelle Spotted Wolf, Fawnda Poor Thunder, Sue (Terry) Badwarrior, Bernadine Shoulderblade, Ann (Everdean) Goodluck, Jeanna, Rosalyn, Wilburta and Irene Big Back. Cousins, Jayanna, Kyree, Sami, Randall, Wilson, Fawn, Marlissa, Skyla, Bria, Ambria, Savannah, Sophia, Sue, Roni, Gladys, Richard, Angie, John, Tony, Rusty and Cheyenne. Marty is also survived by other extended family members of the Big Back, Nightwalker, Limpy, Strange Owl, Yellow Robe, Rising Suns, Wick, Bellymule, Redneck, Standing Elk, Real Bird, Other Medicine, Bird in Ground, Pickett, Kellum and Fisher families. We love you and miss you dearly, our memories of you will be in our hearts forever, Rest now, our little son and brother, love Dad, Mom, Myleigh and Megwan. The family appreciates and is thankful for all the care and love the medical staff gave our baby at the Crow-Northern Cheyenne Hospital, Billings St. Vincent Healthcare and the Denver Children Hospital, as well as all of their prayers and monetary donations. Traditional wake services will be at 7 p.m. Friday in the Lame Deer Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Social Room. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday in the Lame Deer Boys and Girls Club Gymnasium. Interment will follow in the Littlehead Family Cemetery near Lame Deer. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements. September 16, 2005 Joseph H. Bigfoot Gardner PARSHALL, N.D. - Joseph H. Bigfoot Gardner, "Whistling Arrow," 75, Parshall, died Monday, Sept. 12, 2005, at Trinity Hospital, Minot. Joe was born June 10, 1930, in Lame Deer, Mont., to David and Lucy Bigfoot, with sisters Alice and Mary and brothers Tommy and Willie. Joe attended Busby Boarding School and, as he said, "Completed the 11th grade in one day!" On Nov. 27, 1950, Joe enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Camp Atterbury, Ind., fighting for our country in 1951. He was later shipped to Korea and then Japan during his tour of duty and was stationed in Inchon for 11 months. Joe received the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars and three ribbons and the United Nations Service Medal. He was honorably discharged Nov. 27, 1953. On Dec. 27, 1957, Joe married Serena Bad Brave in Mandaree, N.D., with the Honorable Walter Plenty Chief, Justice of the Peace, presiding. The witnesses for the ceremony were officers John Bad Brave and David Little Swallow. During their 48 years together, Joe worked at ranching, the sawmill in Lame Deer and the railroad in Colstrip, Mont. He also worked for the Government Forestry and drove ambulance for three years. Joe ended his employment years driving a bus for the St. Labre Catholic School and finally the Birney Headstart. The family returned to North Dakota, first Shell Creek, and then settled in Parshall. Joe and all of his family were devoted members of the Native American Church. He was a Catholic, but he held strong to all his cultural beliefs, participating in peyote meetings and fasting at Bear Butte. He was a Sun Dancer and had the right to paint. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Alice and Mary; his brother, Tommy (who had a twin); his son, John Ambrose Bad Brave; nephews Sammy Bigfoot and Butchie Boy Wolfblack; nieces Edna WolfBlack, Delores and Ava Gardner; grandson James Littlewhiteman. Joe is survived by his wife Serena; sons Frank Mad Plume, Creighton Gardner, Orion Old Rock, Francis Old Rock, Sr., and Dr. Tom Faulbuar; daughters Verona Good Bear, Lillian Littlebird, Rowena Standing Alone, Cordelia Gardner, Jeralyn Fox, Lillian Plante and Sharon Plante; brother Willie (Everlyn) Gardner; nieces Judy (John) Wooden Legs, Audrey (Edwin) Whiteman, Wilma (Albert) LaRance; nephews Stewart, William, Troy, Warren, Adrian and Tommy Gardner; numerous grandchildren and one adopted grandson, Allen Black; and one great-granddaughter, Serena Angela Marie Little Bird; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral will be Saturday, Sept. 17, at 11 a.m., in the tepee at Red Hall, Parshall. Wake service will be Friday, Sept. 16, starting at 7 p.m., in the tepee at Red Hall, Parshall. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, New Town, N.D. Thompson-Larson Funeral Home of Minot is in charge of arrangements. September 17, 2005 Flora C. Culbertson WOLF POINT - The Angels came in the early morning of Sept. 15, 2005, and escorted our beloved mother home. Mom passed away at Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point and was 91 years young. Flora was born May 6, 1914, in Wolf Point, the daughter of Joseph Gladue and Zelda Poitra Johanneson. She attended Pierre Indian School in Pierre, S.D., and graduated from Flandreau Indian School in Flandreau, S.D. Flora moved to Poplar and married Albert Howard Culbertson on Dec. 24, 1935. She worked for the Poplar Indian Hospital as a nurse's aide for many years, and was later employed by the Poplar Community Hospital as a nurse's aide, where she enjoyed taking care of the newborn babies. She later worked as a cook for the Head Start program in Poplar and also as a Green Thumb worker. Mom's special interests included sports; she enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren. She was an avid fisherwoman; she could sit on the banks of the Poplar and Missouri rivers for hours and enjoy every minute of it. Mom loved to attend to her little flower garden every spring and summer; and she loved to travel, just give her a few minutes and she'd be ready to go. Las Vegas was one of her special places. Flora was loving mother to Gloreen (William) Strauser, Sr., Zelma Mason, Jacqueline (Pete) Sandoval, Joseph (Charlene) Culbertson and Carol (Rodney) Azure, all of Poplar, Albert Culbertson, Jr. of Littleton, Colo., and Sandra (Warren) Albertson of Spearfish, S.D.; proud grandmother of Scott, Floyd, Howard, Michael, Luanne, Dodi, Dennis, Debra, Albert J., Kay, Janet, Brenda, Keith, Bret, Kirk, Jay, A.J., James, Jacqueline, Rodney Jr. and J.D. Flora was a proud great-grandmother of 41 great-grandchildren and great-great-grandmother of three. Her sisters Rosie Brown and Hazel Tibbets also survive her. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Howard; daughter, Lou Ann; great-grandson Eric; her father, mother and three brothers, Jimmy, Frankie and Pat; half-brothers Donald and Dickie Johanneson; son-in-law Scotty Azure. Mom, we all love you and will miss you so much. "There is always a memory, A voice I would love to hear. A smile I will always remember, Of a mother I loved so dear. Deep in my heart lies a picture, More precious than silver or gold, It's a picture of my mother." Carol Lee Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18, and the funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 19, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. Interment will follow in Poplar City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at csmc@nemontel.net or www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Copyright c. 2005 The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. -=-=-=- Golden Triangle On-Line Obituaries The following obituaries appeared in the Cut Bank Pioneer Press, Shelby Promoter, Valierian or Glacier Reporter this week. September 15, 2005 Thomas A. Blackweasel Thomas A. Blackweasel, whose Indian name is Sikapiohki Topiwa (Gray Horse Rider), was 70 years old. Tom died of natural causes at Kalispell Regional Hospital on Friday, Aug. 26, 2005. Tom was born Aug. 4, 1935, to James and Rose (Heavy Runner) Blackweasel. His grandparents are the original Blackweasels, formerly known as Mountain Chief and Spark Blackweasel, and Heavy Runner and Blue Bead Woman. Tom attended middle school in Browning; ninth and 10th grade at Rapid City High School, Rapid City, S.D.; and he received his GED at Batesland, S.D. Tom attended Black Hills College, Spearfish, S.D., and Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell. Tom received two AA degrees from Blackfeet Community College; studied linguistics and orthography at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, N.M.; earned a business certificate from Aeaita Davis Secretarial Studio in Rapid City; an environmental studies certificate from Argonne National Laboratories, Chicago, Ill.; and business management certificate for tribal government from Development Associates in Washington, D.C. Tom was a former director of Blackfeet Housing Authority, Blackfeet Personnel, public information officer and other programs. Tom held a Class-7 teaching certificate from the state of Montana (K-12). He taught the Blackfeet language and culture for Browning Public Schools and Blackfeet Community College. Tom served on various boards and committees. Tom was serving on the board of directors for Glacier Electric Cooperative of Cut Bank. Tom has been published in Marquis Who's Who in America Education, and served currently as Associate Curator of Blackfeet Ethnology at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, Alta., Canada. Tom was a member of the elders committee at the Young Eagle Shields Activity Center; he was also an elder advisor to the Circles of Care Juvenile Justice Center and a mentor for the Blackfeet Youth Mentoring Program, and had a very special friend that he mentioned. Survivors include his wife, Doreen (Merchant) Blackweasel, Browning; sons Marvin Blackweasel, Cut Bank, Clement (Coleen) Blackweasel, Rapid City, S.D., Dale (Kathy) JoVaile, Billings, Clayton Graham and Micheal (Norma) Graham both of Wounded Knee, S.D.; daughters Theodora (Kenny) Weatherwax, Ramona Blackweasel, Wambell, S.D., Anita Rose Blackweasel, Seattle, Wash., Joann Blackweasel, Rapid City, South Dakota, Martha Marceau, Duelutte, Minn., Margie Diver, Sheridan, Wyo. and Frankie (George) Black Crow, Big Horn Wyo. Tom had numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and friends. Tom will be reunited with his parents James and Rose Blackweasel, brothers James and Jess Blackweasel, sisters Jeanette After Buffalo and Maxine Bear Medicine, and children Barbara Adams, Robert Means and Leonard Means, and some grandchildren. Copyright c. 2005 Golden Triangle Newspapers. -=-=-=- September 15, 2005 Ramona Faye Tailfeathers BROWNING - Ramona Faye Tailfeathers, 38, a certified nursing assistant from Browning, died in a motor vehicle accident Saturday near Starr School. Rosary is 7 this evening at Little Flower Parish. Funeral Mass is 2 p.m. Friday at the parish, with burial in Willow Creek Cemetery. Whitted Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Survivors include her mother, Merle (Merlin Rutherford) Bird Rattler; stepmother Alice Tailfeathers; sisters Janice Tailfeathers and Joan (Roger) Edwards of Browning and Denielle Humphrey of Albuquerque, N.M.; brothers Mark (Willamina) Tailfeathers, Ron (Cindi) Tailfeathers and Jerry Murray, all of Browning, and Tim Humphrey of Albuquerque; aunts Evelyn Morris, June Humphrey, Eileen Bird Rattler, Charlotte Russell, Ilona Vaile, Bernice Vaile, Patty Ann (Deacon John) Gobert, Margaret Tailfeathers, Liz Tailfeathers, Mary Lee Belcourt, Anna Mad Man, Della Canuto and Edna Osborn; uncles Joe (Diane) Bird Rattler, Merlin (Tiny) Bird Rattler, Clarence Joey Bird Rattler, Harold (Evie) Bird Rattler, Tim Humphrey, John (Carol) Murray, Bob (Cheryl) Tailfeathers, Tom (Susan) Tailfeathers, Mike Mad Man and Nip (Rose) Bull Child. Ramona had no children but was a very dedicated and loving auntie and very proud of her nieces of nephews. Her dog and faithful friend, Lola Tailfeathers, was the one she loved the most. Ramona was preceded in death by her father, Melvin Tailfeathers Sr.; a brother, Melvin Tailfeathers Jr.; maternal grandparents Elsie and Joe Bird Rattler Sr.; and paternal grandparents George and Nancy Tailfeathers. Ramona was born in Pomona, Calif., on Sept. 13, 1966, to Melvin and Merle (Bird Rattler) Tailfeathers Sr. She grew up in Browning, having moved there as an infant. She was educated in the Browning school system and attended Browning Community College. She was a certified nurse's aide for 17 years at the Blackfeet Care Center, where she was a kind and dedicated worker. Mona enjoyed painting, drawing and crocheting. Mona was a kind person to the people she came in contact with. She was full of life and always laughing, having the type of personality to joke around about herself. Mona had numerous friends and had a big smile for each. Her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews were very important to her and she loved them all. Mona played basketball, track, and the field events shot put and discus in high school. She especially cared for animals, giving them special care. Mona could imitate characters very well such as Yogi Bear and BooBoo. Ida Mae Doney FORT BELKNAP - Ida Mae (Cuts the Rope) Doney, 76, a homemaker and Head Start teacher, died of natural causes Tuesday at a Fort Belknap hospital. Wake and rosary is 7 this evening at St. Paul's Recreation Center in Hays. Funeral Mass is 11 a.m. Friday at St. Paul's Catholic Church, with burial in Mission Cemetery. Survivors include daughters Violet Crasco of Beaver Creek, Loretta Hawley of Hays and Florence Horn of Fort Belknap; sons Bruce "Buzz" Doney and John F. Doney of Hays, Lawrence Doney of St. Joseph, Mo., and Samuel Doney of Florissant, Mo.; sisters Cecelia DeCelles of Fort Belknap and Hazel Doney of Hays; an adopted brother, Bruce Johnson of Harlem; 22 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Doney; and a grandson. Copyright c. 2005 Great Falls Tribune, a division of Lee Enterprises. -=-=-=- September 14, 2005 Ida Doney HAYS - Ida Mae Doney, 76, of Hays died Sept. 13, 2005, at Fort Belknap Public Health Service Hospital due to natural causes. A family wake will begin today at 6 p.m. at Ida Doney's residence at Hays. Wake and rosary services will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. in St. Paul's Recreation Center. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in St. Paul's Catholic Church with burial following in the Mission Cemetery. Ida was born on April 11, 1929, in Hays to Frank and Matilda (White Plume) Cuts the Rope. She attended school at St. Paul's Mission and later took college courses from Fort Belknap College. Ida married Bruce Doney on Sept. 5, 1949, at St. Paul's Mission and has spent all her life in the Hays area. She was one of the first teachers for Project Head Start in the early 1960s. She and her husband provided roller skates for kids in the area, and young kids would visited with her all the time, seeking advice. Ida enjoyed being with her sisters, especially sings with them, a joy she passed on to her children and grandchildren. She loved to bake maple sticks for her children to sell and was an excellent bread maker and cook. Ida loved to baby-sit her grandchildren and neighbor kids and watching her grandchildren in sports and other activities. She loved being a grandmother for all the children. As a pastime, she enjoyed being an artist, painting several pictures for family and friends. Throughout her lifetime she was an active member of the St. Paul's Catholic Church. Ida was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Doney; grandson, P.J. Crasco; and daughter-in-law and best friend, Carol Jean Doney. Survivors include her children, Violet (Darryl) Crasco of Beaver Creek, Bruce "Buzz" Doney of Hays, Loretta (Vincent) "Poncho" Hawley of Hays, John F. (Cindy Lynn) Doney of Hays, Florence (Don) Horn of Ft. Belknap Agency, Lawrence (Jean) Doney of St. Joseph, Mo., Sam (Janelle) Doney of Florissant, Mo.; adopted brother, Bruce Johnson of Harlem; sisters, Cecelia DeCelles of Fort Belknap Agency and Hazel Doney of Hays; 22 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, adoptive grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Arrangements are by Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook. September 15, 2005 David Meyers Jr. ROCKY BOY - David Joseph "Tool Box" Meyers, 19, died in a car accident Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2005, on the Duck Creek Road on Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation. A wake service was to begin Wednesday and run through today at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church at Rocky Boy. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the church with the Rev. Arden Barden officiating. David was born Aug. 29, 1986, in Havre to David and Shirley (Belcourt) Meyers. He was raised and educated in Rocky Boy. David was very mechanical and liked to fix things and to work on cars. He was self-employed as a mechanic in Rocky Boy. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and enjoyed riding horses. David was preceded in death by his grandparents, Donald and Sophie Meyers and Gilbert and Irene Belcourt. Survivors include his parents, David and Shirley Meyers of Rocky Boy; sister, Sophie (John) Meyers of Rocky Boy; brothers, Larry Jay Meyers, Jason D. (Crystal) Meyers and Richard Joel Meyers, all of Rocky Boy; nieces, Andrea, Tina, Zayna and Saphire, all of Rocky Boy. Memorials in David's honor may be made to a memorial of one's choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. Copyright c. 2005 Havre Daily News. -=-=-=- September 14, 2005 Carol Ramsey, 49 Bethel Bethel resident Carol A. Ramsey, 49, died of natural causes Sept. 10, 2005, at Alaska Native Medical Center. A visitation and gathering will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 737 E St. Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in Holy Cross. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Pallbearers will include her brothers, Robert, Theodore, William and Vernon Edwards; and nephews, Kevin Kernak and William Ramsey. Mrs. Ramsey was born Oct. 16, 1955, in Holy Cross. She had also lived in Anchorage before moving to Bethel. Her family wrote: "We will remember 'Shuggie' as a very high-spirited person, even when she was going through trying times. She was a hard worker and was often seen running through the hall of YKHC hospital pushing her file cart, where she was employed as a file clerk for the past two years. "She was a very caring and loving mother who was a good cook, often making very creative meals. She was bashful and shy, yet made friends very quickly. She enjoyed practicing a subsistence lifestyle and loved to pick berries. She loved putting together puzzles and drinking coffee by the potfuls. She crocheted beautiful afghans, hats, socks, scarves and baby clothes. "We know she had a lot of struggles in life, but she overcame them by trusting in family, friends and God. We will miss our beloved mom, sister, aunt, niece and friend 'Shuggie' or Auntie Grandma, known by great-niece Jaclyn Kernak." Mrs. Ramsey also enjoyed knitting and dancing. Survivors include her sons, John George Ramsey Sr. and William Billy Edwards of Anchorage, and Evan Edward Ramsey and William Christopher Ramsey of Arizona; grandson, John George Ramsey Jr. of Anchorage; brothers, Robert Edwards, Teddy Edwards, William Edwards Sr., Vernon Edwards, all of Anchorage; sisters, Alice Johnson and Ida Kernak of Anchorage; aunties, Barbara Jerue and Irene Gregory of Anchorage, Eleanor Segock of Elim and Annie Edwards of Holy Cross; uncle, Wilson Jerue of Anchorage; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Ida Edwards; brothers, Bernard, Ronald, Virgil and Joseph; and sisters, Dorothy, Carol Ann and Donna. Arrangements were with Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 737 E St. September 19, 2005 Ronald Saganna Sr., 63 Fairbanks Fairbanks resident Ronald Ezgayak Saganna Sr., 63, died Sept. 12, 2005, at Alaska Native Medical Center. A funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday in the University Presbyterian Church in Fairbanks. Commissioned lay preachers Lois Hildabran and Sandy Hampton will officiate. Burial will be at Birch Hill Cemetery. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Ukpeagvik Presbyterian Church in Barrow. The Rev. Maryann Warden will officiate. Mr. Saganna was born Nov. 6, 1941, in Barrow to Mary and Luke Saganna. He was a retired wildlife specialist/technician and had been employed by ASRC Energy Services. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Saganna; second wife, Diane Saganna; father, Luke Saganna; brothers, Leslie Saganna and Delbert Saganna; and daughter, Vera Kata. Surviving are his mother, Mary Saganna; son, Ronald Saganna Jr.; daughter, Veronica Yepa; four sisters, Ginger Saganna of Anchorage, Esther Lum of Fairbanks, Kate Saganna of Barrow, and Dennise Cook of Barrow; five brothers, George Saganna, Richard Saganna, David Saganna, Tony Saganna and William Saganna, all of Barrow; eight grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Arrangements were by Fairbanks Funeral Home. Katherine Hamilton, 73 Shageluk Shageluk resident Katherine Hamilton, 73, died peacefully in her sleep Sept. 4, 2005, at home after a long illness. Her family was by her side. A funeral and burial took place in Shageluk. Ms. Hamilton was born April 19, 1932, in Swiftwater to Lena and Charles Dementi. She lived in Shageluk for most of her life. Mrs. Hamilton was a homemaker and enjoyed playing bingo, fiddle dancing, knitting, crocheting, making willow root baskets and sewing outfits for her great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed teaching her Native language, Deg Xinag, to youths and adults. Mrs. Hamilton also served on the Shageluk IRA council, Advisory School Board and St. Luke's Church Committee. Her family wrote: "She had a very strong faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Her faith in him helped her and her family to be strong throughout her illness. She liked to travel and was always going to Anchorage to visit her daughter and grandsons. She also traveled to Oregon to visit her precious great-grandchildren. She loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor; she was always teasing her friends and relatives. Katherine will be greatly missed by her numerous family members and friends all over Alaska and the Lower 48." Mrs. Hamilton is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jeanne and Ernest Waters; grandson, Patrick and his wife Katrina; grandsons, Benjamin, Brian and Sam; great-grandchildren, Ruby Lena and Keoni; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim and Jeanette Dementi of Shageluk and Gilbert and Eleanor Dementi of Cantwell; sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Richard Winkelman of Anchorage; brothers-in-law, Raymond Dutchman, Adolph Hamilton, Hamilton Hamilton Sr. and his wife, Lucy, and Herman Hamilton and his wife, Theresa; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Benny; son, Roy; grandson, Leroy; twin sisters, Susan and Sophie; sister, Cornelia; and nieces and nephews. Copyright c. 2005 The Anchorage Daily News. -=-=-=- September 15, 2005 Jacob Butler Jr. Jacob Butler Jr. passed away on Sept. 7, 2005, at his home in Anchorage after suffering from a long illness. Jake was born on June 10, 1941, in Fairbanks to Jacob Butler Sr. of Fairbanks and Sarah Albert of Nenana. Jake graduated from Wrangell Institute in Wrangell, Mount Edgecumbe High School in Sitka, and Haskell Indian School in Lawrence, Kan., specializing in automobile and heavy equipment mechanical repair. He was one of the youngest retirees from the Operating Engineers Union Local 302, accumulating almost all his hours on the North Slope during the trans-Alaska oil pipeline construction and the first half of the oil field operation. Whenever Jake became deeply interested in an activity, he would eventually excel. For example he became a well-equipped and skilled photographer. He was one of the best river salmon fishermen on the Kenai Peninsula. He was also a lifelong skilled pool and billiards player. Jake was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Ramona Steinhilpert David; and aunt, Patricia Jackson. Jake is survived by his children, Jacob Butler III, Karen Harvey, Terry Butler and Jaqueline Butler; grandchildren, Joshua, Kayla, Leah, Nicolette and Justin; extended family members, Judy Waldeck Butler and children Dane, Bryant, Stephanie, Richard and Michelle; brothers, George Butler, Herb Butler, Larry Tyone and Leonard John; sister, Elizabeth Tyone; and first cousins, Patricia Lane, Evangeline Jackson and Karen Palmer. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 24, at George Hall in Nenana. Luke Titus will officiate. A potluck will follow at 6 p.m. at George Hall. Arrangements were by Sam Walker Funeral Home in Anchorage. Copyright c. 1999-2005 Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Inc. -=-=-=- September 13, 2005 Daniel Lawrence Jackson Kake resident Daniel "Dan" Lawrence Jackson died Sept. 9, 2005, in Anchorage. He was born to M. Ann Jackson and Thomas L. Jackson Jr. on Sept. 4, 1962, in Fort Carson, Colo., where Thomas was stationed in the Marine Corps. Born into the Eagle Chookaneidi clan, his Tlingit name was Keigaan. In 1964 the family moved home to Kake, where he attended grade school and high school. Following graduation from high school, he attended the Ron Bailey School of Broadcasting in Seattle. He made his livelihood as a commercial fisherman. Upon his return to Kake, he captained the fishing vessels Albion, Memories and Miss Alene. The last boat he fished on was the Harvester, captained by Chip Bean. He left Kake in 2004 to work in Anchorage with Swiss Port as a camp supervisor. He was a Tlingit and Haida traditional carver, mentored by paternal uncles Norman Jackson and Mike Jackson. His carvings include memorial poles, plaques and crosses on unmarked graves. To commemorate the 90th birthday of his grandmother, Mona Jackson, he carved a 14-foot birthday pole with hummingbird and raven motifs. He was a traditional dancer with the Keex Kwaan Dancers and a basketball player on the local team. In 1998, he played at the All Native Championship and the Gold Medal C Division Championship. Friends and family members say he "will be remembered for his generous nature, caring attitude and his love for family." He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas L. Jackson Jr.; his grandparents, Thomas L. Jackson Sr., Noel L. Nichols and Oree Averitte. He is survived by his mother, M. Ann Jackson; his uncle, Joel M. Jackson; his sister, Vicki Jackson; his brother, James Michael Jackson; his grandmother, Mona Jackson; his uncles, Norman Jackson, Loren Jackson, Larry Jackson and his wife Ellie, Mike Jackson and his wife Edna, Gary Jackson and his wife Julie, Myron Jackson, Bobby Nichols, Julio Nichols, Lary Schaefer and Dave Arthur; his aunts, Jada Smith and her husband Henry, Cheryl Evan, Della Cheney and her husband William, Myra Allen and her husband Jerry, Mona Robertson and her husband Paul; and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. A memorial service will be 7 p.m., Sept. 14, at the Salvation Army Corps in Juneau. A Kake memorial service will be 7 p.m., Sept. 16, at the Community Hall Building. A funeral service will be Sept. 17, also in Kake. September 14, 2005 Mary Anita Abbott Aspinwall Juneau resident Mary Anita Abbott Aspinwall, 66, died Sept. 10, 2005, in Seattle. She was born to Lilly White Abbott Nigh and John Abbott of Haines on Jan. 28, 1939. She was Chilkat Eagle Thunderbird. She worked as a seamstress, a waitress, and later, a nurse. She enjoyed cooking and married life with Tom Aspinwall, whom she kept in contact with after their divorce. She was a member of Northern Light United Church. She sang with the Tlingit Gospel Singers and St. Paul Singers of Juneau. She was the only Tlingit in a local choir and participated in the production of a compact disc with the group. Friends and family members say she was known for her "humorous antics, wit and charm." She was preceded in death by her son, TJ Aspinwall. She is survived by George Abbott, Charles Abbott, Thomas Abbott, Clara Abbott Madson and Helen Abbott Watkins; her tribal mother, Anna Katzeek; David G. Katzeek, Dennis Katzeek, Daniel Katzeek, Rodney Katzeek and Janice Marie Katzeek; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Honorary pallbearers are Ruth Kasko, Keri Edwards, Linda Belarde, Emma Olsen, Raymond Watkins, Smith Katzeek, Chris Mills and Ray Wilson. A memorial service will be 11 a.m., Sept. 16, at Northern Light United Church. A lunch will follow the service. Copyright c. 1997-2005 Juneau Empire/Morris Communications Corporation. -=-=-=- September 13, 2005 Tyrone Robert William McDonald, of Kenora November 27, 1985 - September 13, 2005 A shadow made by the silent night Sleeping, living inside the light Who but you knew the journey The distance, the flight. Each day a wonder for us all Reaching in, reaching out Just a brush of your hand To tell us your truth. Smiling, laughing, the boy inside Fighting, growing, the man outside The struggle, the fight. Friends, family gathering Blessed by the gift of your life. It is with great sadness that the Mandamin and McDonald families in Whitedog acknowledge the passing of Tyrone McDonald (Mooze-Innini, Shuggi Dodem). Tyrone started his journey to the Spirit World and the care of our Creator on Tuesday, September 13, 2005. Tyrone McDonald was born on November 27, 1985 and lived his early years in Whitedog. A lively youngster, he was known for his happiness, saying "I nevered!", and his breakfast cooking skills. His laughter was infectious and he always brought a smile to the face of anyone he met. Tragedy struck Tyrone in July of 1997 when he was involved in a serious automobile accident. Since that time, Tyrone has been in the loving care of the St. Amant Centre in Winnipeg. In spite of coping with post-accident complications, Tyrone's buoyant and happy personality shone through to his caregivers. Many have commented on his ability to make them laugh and to enhance their lives despite his handicaps. The love and care Tyrone received from the staff and volunteers at the Centre made him happy and his stay very comfortable. The families wish to acknowledge and commend the St. Amant Centre for their work with Tyrone. Tyrone was predeceased by his mother Sarah McDonald, Kookums, Bertha McDonald and Josephine Mandamin, Uncle Douglas Mandamin, several cousins including Kevin, Rodney, Christine, Valentina, and Harold McDonald, Lanny and Justin Mandamin, and a nephew Mylo McDonald. Tyrone is survived by his father John Mandamin (Carla); brothers Kaylon McDonald, Riel Muckle, and Brendan Fisher; sisters Rachel McDonald and Dakota Mandamin; his two shoomis, Isaac Mandamin and Guy Hunter; aunts Eada, Madeline, and Doreen (Jack) McDonald; Julia (Patrick), Mable, Betsy, June, and Pam (Derek) Mandamin; uncles Frank (Debbie), Guy (Judy) McDonald; Bobby (Sandra) and Isaac Jr. (Tonya) Mandamin. He will also be missed by his special cousins Murphy (Tiffany) Kakegamic and Bertha (Joe) Scott; as well as many other cousins, second cousins, nieces, and nephews too numerous to mention. Special mention is made to great Uncle Allan McDonald, great Aunt Agnes McDonald, and to good family friends Gay McDonald and Danielle McDonald. A Wake will be held on the evening of Friday, September 16, 2005 with the Funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2005. The Services and the Ceremony will be held in Whitedog at the Mandamin Roundhouse, West End. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D. Canada) through the Kenora Community Funeral Home. Kenora Community Funeral Home 547-6000: Funeral Services Saturday, September 17, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. Mandamin Roundhouse, West End, Whitedog. Copyright c. 2005 Kenora Daily Miner and News. -=-=-=- September 13, 2005 Reynold Belanger BELANGER - On Saturday, September 10, 2005, Reynold Joseph Belanger, Ochapowace First Nation, died at Wolseley, Sask., at the age of 78 years. The funeral service will be held in the Fred Bear Communiplex, Ochapowace First Nation on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Edmond Gordon and Rev. Tom Strongquill and the Aman House Ministries Choir. A wake will be held in the comuniplex on Tuesday evening with service to begin at 6:00 p.m. Predeceased by brothers and sisters, Jack, Norman, Ernest, Carol, Mervin, Robert, Larry and Verna. Reynold is survived by his children, Susan, Raymond, Joseph (Barb), Michelle, Paula (Randy) and Morgan, sister and brothers, Rosalie Kinistino, Henry Isaac and Eugene Belanger. Also survived by his special caregiver, Angela George as well as his nieces and nephews. Mushome Rae will be sadly missed by his adopted family, Betty and Wes, Shaya, Toonsie, Bailey, Wyatt and Belle and many other adopted family members. Arrangements entrusted to Tubman Cremation and Funeral Services 1-800-667-8962. Bernelda Wheeler BERNELDA WINONA SAKINASIKWE WHEELER (NEE PRATT)_After a long and courageous battle with cancer our mother passed away in the evening of September 10th at RUH in Saskatoon. Born at Muskowpetung First Nation on April 8, 1937 Bernelda was a member of the George Gordon First Nation. Her parents left the reserve in the 1940s and raised their family in Herb Lake and Churchill, Manitoba. A residential school survivor Bernelda was the first in her family to graduate from high school and attend university. Her passion for learning and social consciousness led her to lifelong careers in journalism and the arts. In 1954, at age17, she was a disc jockey for CFHC, CBC Northern Service in Churchill. Following a brief stint as a practical nurse she moved into print journalism then returned to radio in the late 1960s. She was most remembered for her work on Our Native Land (CBC National radio) as a host, producer, and investigative documentary journalist. In 1982 she received a special award as the First Lady of Native Broadcasting in Canada, was nominated twice for ACTRA awards for best writer and best radio program, and in 1991 was nominated to the Order of Canada for her work in media. A writer of numerous local and national newspaper columns Bernelda continued writing regular columns for Eaglefeather News until her passing. In addition to journalism Bernelda published short stories and poetry including the children's books Where did you get your moccasins? and I Can't Have Bannock but the Beaver Has a Dam for which she received the Children's Choice and Toronto Children's Book awards. Later in life Bernelda discovered a passion for acting, most notable are her roles as Philomena Moose Tail and Palaija Patchnose in five different productions of The Rez Sisters. A founding member of the National Association of Friendship Centres and an active member of Grandmothers for Justice Bernelda was also known for her community work and social activism. She received the 2002 Citizen of the Year award in the FSIN Circle of Honor, the 2005 Elizabeth Frye Society's Rebel With a Cause Award and the upcoming Anskohk Aboriginal Literature Festival's 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award. Bernelda joins her father Colin Pratt, mother Clara (Anderson), brothers Bernard, Lawrence, Hector, Norman, nephew George, and her husband Colin Stonechild. She leaves behind sisters Dolly, Rose (Tom) and Marji; children Winona (Tyrone) and Jordan (Rosanna); grandchildren Theresa, Cam, and Kaya; nieces and nephews Marge (Jim), Joe (Corrine), Beth, Sherrilyne (Charlie), Bernie (Robin), Tom, Diane (Randy), Cheryle, Lori, Catherine, Pam, Tammy, Dana, Tracey and Blair; and many grand nieces and nephews. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to friends and colleagues who supported our mom with prayers and visits during these past few years. Please know how much she truly loved and valued you. Funeral Visitation will be held in Saskatoon at McKague's Funeral Chapel (corner of 3rd Ave. & 20th St.) 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 (service at 5:00 p.m.). Wake and Funeral Service will be in the Old Gymnasium at George Gordon's First Nation Wednesday, September 14, 2005 beginning at 4:00 p.m. and Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. Bernelda's cousin Rev. Arthur Anderson will be officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to John Janex of McKague's Funeral Chapel (664-3131). September 15, 2005 Joyce Lillian Benjoe BENJOE - Joyce Lillian (RED FEATHER EAGLE WOMAN) passed on to the Spirit World on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at 4:58 p.m. at the Regina General Hospital at the age of 54 years. Joyce was born on the Muscowpetung Reserve on July 17, 1951 to David Benjoe and Rosa (Obey) Benjoe who predeceased her in 1967 and 1980. Joyce had a rich historical background on her father's side of the family and her grandparents were; Benjamin Joseph King Thunder (Lima Keepness, Fanny Ross, Christina Benjoe (Windigo), her grandmothers.) Lima Keepness was a sister to Jim Keepness and was the daughter of Kis-Che Anaquod. On her mother's side of the family her grandparents were Robert Obey and Madeline (Asham) Obey. The late Robert Obey had family ties on his father's side to the Great Chief Sitting Bull and on his mother's side there were family ties to crazy Bull and another Great Chief by the name of Crazy Horse. She was predeceased by her children, David Louis, James Louis and Rhonda Benjoe; brothers in law and sister in law, Frank Kaisowatum, Lavina Benjoe and Denzil Kitchemonia and partner, Ray Caminghay (2004). Joyce is survived by her daughter, Susan (Sourivahn), grandchild, Thona Benjoe; brothers and sisters, Yvonne, Harold (Dorene), Sandra Kitchemonia, Robert Daniel, David, Madeline, Lucille (Dennis) Lerat and a niece who was raised with her, Virginia (Hank) Buckles; relatives she had a part in raising, Daphne Benjoe, Dean Kitchemonia and Dustin Anaskan, close friend, Ron Bellegarde; aunts, Eva (George) Cappo, Jean (Steve), Rosanne (Keith). Joyce also had to raise Madeline and Lucille by her self after the passing of their mother in 1967. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at the Regina General Hospital, Unit 3F for the kindness they showed our loved one while in their care, especially Nurse Kelly. We would also like to thank the elders for their prayers, Clifford Carrier and Isadore Pelletier as well as the relatives, friends and other kind people who stopped in to say a prayer with Joyce. Wake services will be held at the Kaniswapit School Gym, Muscowpetung First Nation on Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 4:00 p.m. with Traditional Ceremony to be held the morning of Friday, September 16, 2005. Interment will follow at Muscowpetung Burial Grounds. Paragon Funeral Services entrusted with arrangements. 359-7776 Rosabelle Gordon GORDON - Rosabelle Gordon (White Star Woman), Pasqua First Nation passed away peacefully on September 13, 2005 at the age of 91 years. Predeceased by her husband, Andrew Gordon; infant daughter, Elaine; her mother, Grace Goodvoice (Rider), father, Charlie Rider; brothers: Pete, Edwin and Jim; her sisters: Nellie and Edith, sisters in law, Elma, Sarah and Edna. Rosabelle is survived by her children: Eileen, Andreanna (Harold), William Chuck; four grandchildren: Melanie (Cory), Alvin (Michelle), Andrew and Danna; seven great-grandchildren: Amanda, Ashley, Alix, Jessika, Dylan, Tyra and Ginel; her brothers and sisters: Mary (Murdo) Scribe, Andrew (Rena) Rider; Vincent (Geraldine) Rider, Percy (Alvina) Rider and numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held in the Ben Pasqua Memorial Hall on Friday, September 16, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. Interment in Asham Beach Cemetery. The wake will be held in the Ben Pasqua Hall Thursday evening at 7:00. Arrangements entrusted to Tubman Cremation and Funeral Services 1-800-667-8962. Shanice Windigo WINDIGO - Baby Shanice Jaleen was born asleep in the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, September 13, 2005. Left to cherish her brief life is her mother Candace Pratt and father, Mike Windigo, two brothers, Mikey and Owen, and numerous other family members. Wake will he held on Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 6:00 P.M. in the Lestock Town Hall, Lestock, SK. The Funeral Service will he held on Friday in the Lestock Town Hall, with burial to follow in the Muskowekwan First Nation Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Lee Funeral Home 757-8645. September 17, 2005 William Charles Kaysaywaysemat Sr. KAYSAYWAYSEMAT-On September 16, 2005 William Charles Sr., late of Kahkewistahaw First Nation passed away of 62 years. He was predeceased by his parents Lawrence John Kaysaywaysemat and Janet Ina (Alexson); brother Francis Kaysaywaysemat. William is survived by his wife Kathleen Rose; his children Josephine (Dallas); William (Laureen); Constance (Robert); Linus; Kelsey (Martina); a special grandson Rising Sun; his sisters; Viola, Agnes, Linda, Eunice (George), Molly (Eugene), Noreen; his 7 grandsons and 8 grand daughters and 1 great grandson Sione Fire Bear and numerous relatives. The wake will be held on Monday September 19, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. at the Kahkewistahaw Complex. The funeral service will beheld on September 20, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. with burial to follow in the Kahkewistahaw Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Tubman Funeral Home. September 19, 2005 Barbara Ella Dieble DIEBEL (GAMBLER) - On Wednesday, September 14, 2005, Barbara Ella Diebel (Gambler) died at the age of 70 years. The funeral service will be held in Kaniswapit Central School Gym, Muscowpetung First Nation on Monday, September 19, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Ronald Hooper officiating, Interment in Muscowpetung Cemetery. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Flora Stonechild (Sanderson) and William Stonechild; her first husband, George Gambler and her second husband, Albert Diebel; two sons, Roy Obey and Brent Gambler; her daughter, Jewel (Judy) Gambler; three sisters, Edith Ironchild, Winnie Toto and Blanche Stonechild (Pucan); four brothers; Fred, Eddie, Eric and Joe Stonechild; and is survived by five sisters: Joyce (Dolly) Crowe, Lillian Stonechild, Isabel Keepness, Beatrice McLean and Flora Ironchild; one brother, Glen Stonechild; her children: Germaine Obey, Geraldine (Gerald) Anderson, Randy (Brenda), Kelly Lyndon, Phillip, and Curtis Gambler; adopted sons, Delbert Obey, John Keepness and Ronald Rosebluff Sr.; adopted daughter, Rose Gousllin; special daughter in law, Doreen Gambler; very special granddaughter, Daphne Lavalle and other special grandchildren: Greg Key, Lyndon Gambler Jr., Randy and Jesse Gambler and Tyson Worm; special great grandchild, Regan Lavallee (China Doll), thirty two grandchildren; forty one great grandchildren. Arrangements entrusted to Tubman Funeral Home 1-800-667-8962. Copyright c. 2000-2005 Regina Leader Post Group Inc. -=-=-=- September 14, 2005 Amanda Lee Old Shoes AMANDA LEE OLD SHOES born December 7, 1978 in Lethbridge, AB passed away suddenly on Wednesday, September 7, 2005 in Lethbridge at the age of 26 years. Amanda is survived by her son Kenneth, sister Purcella (Tom), nieces Joyceline and Mary Jane, nephew Logan and mother Emily (Frank) Old Shoes. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmother, great grandfather, family and close friends. Amanda was a sweet, honest, friendly and a loving person that was well liked by everyone who met her. She was educated in Lethbridge where she graduated from Alan Watson in 1998 and went on to the college to pursue a career in Child Care. Amanda loved children and wanted to work with young children. She demonstrated her love by volunteering to work at various day cares in Lethbridge. She further showed her love of children by helping to raise her nieces, nephews and cousins. Her interests in school were sports and cooking. She participated in basketball and swimming and enjoyed cooking bakery treats. Amanda had the ability to listen to other people and hear them. She made them less bitter by being there for them. She always had a kind word for others. Amanda touched our hearts and she has left a void that can not be filled. The Wake Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 from 7:00 P. M. to 10:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held at the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, Forestry Chapel, 4105 Forestry Avenue South, Lethbridge on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 12:00 Noon with Bishop Al Atoa officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home and Crematorium 381-7777. Marshalle Tina Vielle MARSHALLE TINA "MOUSEY" VIELLE beloved companion of Larry Bull Child, and special long time companion of Jordan Bull Shields, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family and friends on Thursday, September 8, 2005 at the age of 20 years. Besides her companions she is survived by her mother Marlice Vielle, step father Andrew Black Plume, brothers Mervin (Amanda), Marcus (Estelle), & Sonny (Tina) Vielle, and Devin (Dolly) Blood, sister Anita (Ken) Vielle, grandmother Florence Brave Rock (John Tschetter), uncles Martin (Elizabeth) Vielle, Dennis Wells, Faron, Mark & Gary Brave Rock, aunties, Alberta Vielle, Elsie Christien & Janet Vielle, and Wanda Hind Bull as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and all who knew her. She was predeceased by her father Elmer (Gino) Wells/Brave Rock and grandparents Albert and Paula Vielle and great grandparents Jim and Molly Wells. Marshalle was a kind hearted friendly outgoing person who made friends with young and old. We will miss her creative talent, her hairstyling, drawings and the way she danced. Everybody was amused by the things that she did. Mousey had a beautiful smile that could light up any room that she walked into. The Wake Service will be held at the residence of Martin Vielle on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 beginning at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARY'S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Pawel Andrasz O.M.I. Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Catherine's Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home and Crematorium 381-7777. Copyright c. 2005 Alberta Newspaper Group, Inc./Lethbridge Herald.