_ __ _____ __ _ __ ___ ____ _ __ ___ ' ) / / ') / / ) ' ) ) / ) / ' ) ) / ) / / / / / / /--/ / / / ___ / / / / ___ (_(_/ (__/ ( / (_ / (_ (___/ '__/_ / (_ (___/ ' ____ _ , ___ _ , ___ / ' ) / / ) ' ) / / ' VOLUME 14, ISSUE 003 / /-< / /--/ /-- __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, 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 January 21, 2006 Western Cherokee unolvtana/cold moon Kiowa kaguat p'a san/little bud moon Anishnaabe Gichi-Manidoo-giizis/Great Spirit moon Blackfeet aisstoyiimsstaa/causes cold weather moon Mvskogee rv'fo cusee/moon of winter's younger brother +-------------------------------------------------------+ | 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 Mail IMPORTANT!! ----------- In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, all material appearing in this newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for educational purposes. <================<<<< >>>>================> This newsletter is a way of keeping the brothers and sisters who share our Spirit informed about current events within the lives of those who walk the Red Road. ++ It may be subscribed to via email by sending a request from your own internet addressable account to gars@speakeasy.org ++ It is archived at http://www.nanews.org <================<<<< >>>>================> +-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --+ + -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- + | As historian Patricia Nelson | | Once a language is lost, it is | | Limerick summarized in "The | | gone forever | | Legacy of Conquest: The Unbroken | | * Of the 300 original Native | | Past of the American West... | | languages in North America, | | "Set the blood quantum at | | only 175 exist today. | | one-quarter, hold to it as a | | * 125 of these are no longer | | rigid definition of Indians, | | learned by children. | | let intermarriage proceed as | | * 55 are spoken by 1 to 6 elders;| | it had for centuries, and | | when they die, their language | | eventually Indians will be | | will disappear. | | defined out of existence." | | * Without action, only 20 | | "When that happens, the federal | | languages will survive the next| | government will be freed of | | 50 years. | | its persistent 'Indian problem.'"| | Source: Indigenous Language | +-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --+ | Institute | |http://www.indigenous-language.org| This issue's Quotes: + -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- + =================== "We are here now, have been here for thousands of years, and will always be here. We have fooled them all." __George Horse Capture, A'aninin (Gros Ventre) +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | 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 Lovely Janet has been reading BLOGs. One, in particular, made her most unhappy. As you can read in the article, "Native Americans jump to Elouise Cobell's defense", Janet was not the only Indian to take issue with the writer's lack of knowledge. --- This note caught my eye, mostly because it clearly shows how little the average citizen understands federal moneyjuggling, especially where Native Americans are concerned. The average Joe appears to get lost in all those billion and millions the politicians toss about -- and this Joe is really worked up about an attempted Indian raid on American tax dollars. He suggests enterprising white folks ought to set up a Hummer dealership off the rez. I kinda hope this guy tries it, before he runs the numbers. He's outraged that Indians are asking for either a comprehensive accounting of federal trust monies for the past hundred years, or failing that, a settlement. The figure of $13 billion is tossed out as a possible settlement outcome -- and he's mad about that! Now here comes the corker. He says the Indians have been raking in a "not minor income" over the years. He even gives the figures -- $71 million annually for 10 million acres of Indian land and 225,000 Indian trustees. Here's a little third grade math about the "not minor income. By the author's own figures, 71 million paid to Indians for the use of their own 10 million acres divided by 225,000 Indians comes to $315 each annually ($7 an acre annually -- I'd like to get a contract to use land for that price). IF the plaintiffs are, in fact, awarded $13 billion -- that comes to a one-time payment of a little over $57,000. Trust payments were never paid out of US tax money. It's money ranchers, mining, natural gas companies and oil corporations paid, or should have paid to the DOI for the use of Indian land. $7 an acre annually for oil wells, right-of-ways for gas lines, coal mines, grazing, forestry, etc... seems a bit inadequate, now doesn't it? Either the DOI "lost" the money by allocating it to other budgets than the rightful owners' accounts, granted woefully low sweetheart contracts, or it was, to put it frankly -- embezzled. Or all the above. The feds put Indian land into "trust" ostensibly because Indians were too savage to manage their own affairs competently. Well, they've kept this fiction up, and somebody's been pocketing the change. The DOI claims it's "impossble" to adequately keep up with Indian accounts. Hmmm...should we then wonder about the "possibility" of keeping up with tax liabilities or Social Security for something like 50 times as many non-Indian people? As has been said before -- it is Indian land, being used by private and corporate interests under the DOI's oversight, and it's time to pony up. This isn't about welfare. It's about rent. Elouise Cobell is a true heroine and we're darned lucky she got tired of being told "we can't" and stood up and said "you must." If you're an entrepreneur, consider how this can work in your favor. A Hummer dealership near the reservation? +/// Janet Smith owlstar@bellsouth.net /*/+ P. O. Box 672168 OwlStar Trading Post + / * Marietta, GA 30008, U.S.A. http://www.owlstar.com * + ---- 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 ----------- - Native Americans - Future of Sioux Indian Museum jump to Elouise Cobell's defense in doubt - Judge: Snowbowl can make Snow - Indians Continue - Navajo Nation to appeal Peaks Case to rebuild after Katrina - Iraq Vet learns - YELLOW BIRD: limits of Job Security Make peace with wayward Moose - Delegates want - Brazil to probe Army to strengthen Job Protections training of Amazon Indians - Windfall isn't always a Blessing - Community gets Cultural funding - Drilling OK'd in Alaska Habitat - "Matter of Weeks" - Quileute ups Second Beach offer for some till first payment - D.C. Specialist finds - OPINION: AFN endorsement Mashpee recognition likely of Liberals an insult - Tribal Nation files Appeal - Programs to prevent - Makah welcome Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Homeland Security training - Aboriginal vote split - Governor: Fed obligations not met could aid NDP in N.W.T. - Supreme Court denies - Tory statement Voting Rights Case worries Aboriginal Leaders - Groups demand Plant-Closure Funds - Northern reserves - Tribe seeks land N.J. sold in 1801 fear for Ice Roads - Powhatans distressed by Proposal - Feds urged to act now for Reserves - Tribe in Nevada says - QITSUALIK: Of the many Railroads stole its Land - Judge upholds - Challenge to Lake Okeechobee Tribal Court Authority water pumping - Report finds - Groups ask for stricter Tribal Court dysfunctional Water Pollution Rules - Fight over $25 fine - Tribes weigh ends in Supreme Court Values against Opportunities - Supreme Court - Hoopa Tribe seeks won't rule on Indian Law Cases help from Congress - Native Prisoner - Feds question -- Action request for Navajo Miwok's Tribal Legitimacy -- Death Row Appeal Rejected - Bringing back Buffalo Robes - Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days strengthen Families - Rustywire: Yiniihbah, It Begins - Elder: Proper respect missing - Lee Goins Poem: Whisper In The Wind in Buffalo kill - Indian Portraits - Program guides Indians tell of a People displaced through Medical School - Upcoming Events --------- "RE: Native Americans jump to Elouise Cobell's defense" --------- Date: Wed, 11 Jan 2006 08:43:02 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="BLOG TAKEN TO TASK FOR GROSS INACCURACIES" http://nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=7434 Native Americans jump to Elouise Cobell's defense Blast writer for criticizing trust fund settlement proposal Sam Lewin January 10, 2006 Don't mess with Elouise Cobell. A Pennsylvania writer found that out the hard way. A posting on the website PhillyBurbs.com takes the Blackfeet elder to task for her proposal to solve the long-running controversy trust fund lawsuit. The writer warns readers that their "pockets are about to be picked" by Cobell and her supporters. He also complains that the Indian trust lawsuit led to a shutdown of the Bureau of Indain Affairs website. Reaction came fast and furious. In the hours after the diatribe was posted a series of responses came in, almost all of them highly critical. "I am a member of the Rosebud Sioux tribe in South Dakota and I take great offense in the way you make us... sound. We not only had our lands stolen away but our spirits also. Why don't you come and visit and stay awhile. We welcome all. We are not rich or even comfortable but we would welcome you. We do have jobs (what ever is available) and pay taxes," wrote Victoria Burnett. "This note caught my eye, mostly because it clearly shows how little the average citizen understands federal money juggling, especially where Native Americans are concerned. The average Joe appears to get lost in all those billion and millions the politicians toss about - and this Joe is really worked up about an attempted Indian raid on American tax dollars," wrote Janet Smith. "Personal biased opinion without fact, without research, without merit," is how Kevin Leecy summed up the article. The trust fund was started after the breakup of Indian reservations in the 1880's. Indians were allotted beneficial ownership of the lands with the government acting as trustee. That meant it was the government's sole responsibility to keep track of all process from land, mineral or oil sales. A class action lawsuit sought to determine how much money remained in those accounts and reform the way federal officials keep track of the money. The court case, brought by Cobell on behalf of Indian trust fund holders, has dragged on since the Clinton presidency. Many observers believe a settlement is the only possible solution at this point, although terms remain to be negotiated. You can reach Sam Lewin at sam@okit.com Native American Times. Copyright c. 2005 All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Judge: Snowbowl can make Snow" --------- Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 08:49:06 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="TOILET BOWL GETS OK" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0112drought12-snowbowl.html [Editorial Comment: If Catholics were told they would have to accept reclaimed water in their Baptismal Fonts, instead of Indians protesting desecration of a Sacred Mountain you can be sure the decision would have been different!] Judge: Snowbowl can make snow Mark Shaffer Republic Flagstaff Bureau January 12, 2006 FLAGSTAFF - A federal judge on Wednesday ruled in favor of Arizona Snowbowl making artificial snow for skiing on the San Francisco Peaks, a major setback to Native American tribes that had hoped to increase their religious practices on public land. In his ruling, Judge Paul Rosenblatt noted that using treated wastewater in snowmaking did not present a "substantial burden" on Native American cultures. Many tribes in northern and central Arizona consider the Peaks to be the home of their religious deities. Rosenblatt reinforced in his decision the federal policy of multiple uses of public lands. The judge also concluded that there was no way to make the snow in a way that would be less harmful to Native religions. Using groundwater had been roundly criticized since it is at a premium. Howard Shanker, a Valley attorney who represented tribes and environmental groups in the case, did not return calls to his office Wednesday. Shanker has previously indicated that he would appeal the decision if it went against his clients, who had based their case on the 1993 federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Snowbowl General Manager J.R. Murray said he anticipates work beginning soon on a nearly 15-mile pipeline. The treated wastewater will be frozen and sprayed on the slopes during ski season. Copyright c. 2006, azcentral.com. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Navajo Nation to appeal Peaks Case" --------- Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 17:15:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="NAVAJO TO APPEAL TOILET BOWL RULING" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.daily-times.com/601130312/1001 Navajo Nation to appeal Peaks case Judge rules against tribe By Ryan Hall The Daily Times January 13, 2006 FARMINGTON - The Arizona Snowbowl ski resort can begin expansion and use 1.5 million gallons of reclaimed wastewater to make artificial snow following a Wednesday decision by Federal District Judge Paul Rosenblatt, according to a release by the office of Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. "To Native people, there are no compromises to saving self. When our ceremonies go, and when our herbs go, there are no compromises left to be made," Shirley said in the statement released Wednesday night. "This hurts all native people to see our ways of life done away with for money. There are plenty of other ways to make money besides putting filthy water on a sacred place." The decision supports an earlier ruling by the U.S. Forestry Service that the results of an environmental impact study show the project will not harm the San Francisco Peaks (Dook'o'sliid in Navajo), a sacred mountain to the Dine' and at least 13 other tribes. Several of those tribes filed the suit in response to the decision to use reclaimed wastewater, citing alleged violations of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. In the 62-page decision, Rosenblatt disagreed with that claim. "The Court concludes that the record shows that the Forest Service conducted a reasonable scientific analysis of the environmental impacts of the proposed snowmaking based on the best available scientific evidence," he wrote. The decision allows for the Snowbowl to immediately begin clearing trees and preparing for expansion. George Hardeen, communications director for Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr., who testified in the trial, said Shirley directed the Nation's attorney to file an injunction motion and a motion of appeal with the district court. If the motions are denied, the case will move to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. "I'd like to see all the tribes appeal it," noted Navajo Nation Council Delegate LoRenzo Bates of Upper Fruitland. "Obviously the federal government has taken the money that could be made over the beliefs of Native Americans. Given the attitude of the federal government towards Native Americans, it's not surprising." The decision handed down by Rosenblatt also noted that wildlife and plants that hold religious significance for the Navajo people exist on areas of the San Francisco Peaks not occupied by Snowbowl. "It's a slap in the face for the Navajo Nation. The only people that originate from this land mean nothing to the federal government," said Navajo Nation Council Delegate Wallace Charley of Shiprock. "Philosophically, physically, how would you feel if someone is destroying your beliefs, your prayers, your life? That's exactly what I feel is being done to me." Charley noted Navajo philosophy is "really hard to understand," but likened the "desecration" of the sacred mountain to damaging the Statue of Liberty. He added Rosenblatt is "a judge who has no shred of understanding what the mountain means to us." Rosenblatt's decision noted that after hearing testimony regarding the importance of the mountain to the Navajo people as well as testimony on the ski resort's proposed uses, that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) did not protect the tribe's interest in this case. "The Court finds as a matter of fact and concludes as a matter of law that the Forest Service's decision to authorize upgrades to an existing ski area is not a violation of RFRA," Rosenblatt wrote. Hardeen said Thursday that Shirley was disappointed with the decision and his first call that morning was to the attorney with directions to begin the appeal process. "He's deeply saddened that the Native's perspective about the San Francisco Peaks is being missed," Hardeen said. "It's still perplexing. A big shock, big shock, but clearly the law and the intent of the law was on the side of the tribes," Hardeen stated. He added Shirley planned to try to meet with the other tribes involved in the suit to discuss the decision and any future plan of action. Bates, who participated in a motorcycle ride to the site of the trial in Prescott, Ariz. when the trial began, said the decision hurts but won't affect the beliefs of the Navajo people. "Despite all of that, the beliefs of the tribes will continue on, they will not diminish in any way. We will overcome this, I don't know how, but we will, we have to," Bates said. When asked if he might participate in another honor motorcycle run to a different site if the case is appealed, Bates said he believed he could also speak for the other riders. "It's not that I might, I will," he said, adding he expected to be joined by those who participated before. Copyright c. 2005 Farmington Daily Times, a MediaNews Group Newspaper. --------- "RE: Iraq Vet learns limits of Job Security" --------- Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 17:15:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="IRAQ VET GETS SCREWED BY SYSTEM" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.thenavajotimes.com/ Iraq vet learns limits of job security By Marley Shebala Navajo Times January 12, 2006 STANDING ROCK, N.M. - Strange, confusing and shameful are words used to describe the situation of a Navajo veteran who survived Iraq only to lose his civilian job, despite federal and tribal protections aimed at preventing such problems. Army National Guardsman Jason Joe, 26, returned from Iraq in March and planned to resume his life as a husband, father and Navajo Nation firefighter. It didn't work out that way. "It is strange that during the Navajo Nation year of the veteran, the nation would allow one of its Iraq veterans to lose his job at the Navajo Fire & Rescue Department," said Elaine Notah, a family assistance specialist for the New Mexico National Guard Center in Santa Fe. Speaker Lawrence Morgan (Iyanbito/Pinedale) calls Joe's situation "confusing." "I don't see why his employer would not accept him back," Morgan said. Freda Joe has an even stronger word for it. She calls the treatment of her son, Jason, by Navajo governmenmt authorities - including the veterans affairs and president's offices - "shameful." These facts are undisputed: * Joe, a Standing Rock resident, joined the fire department three years ago. He was assigned to the Window Rock district at the time he was deployed to Iraq in December 2003. Joe served as a driver and gunner with a transportation unit based near Baghdad. In April 2005, he returned home to his wife Christine, 26, and two daughters, Chenoa, 8, and Ashleigh, 4. * Joe resumed his firefighter job three weeks later. On Oct. 15, he was fired. Joe believes his termination violates the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. USERA, which Congress passed in 1994, protects the jobs, health insurance, and pension benefits of National Guard members, veterans, and other military personnel. His supervisor, Fire Supervisor Larry Chee, did not respond to repeated calls for comment from the Navajo Times. However, Fire Capt. Jacob Brock of the Tuba City District said Joe was fired for refusing a transfer and not reporting for work in Tuba City. Civilian, military duties conflict (sub) But Joe, who says he has never received formal notice of his termination, said Chee always saw his military and civilian positions as being in conflict. From the time he returned from Iraq, Joe contends that his supervisors ignored his rights as a returning veteran. The problems began when he decided to take some time off before returning to work. "I was gone for so long," Joe said. "I wanted to spend time with my family, visit relatives." He said he thought the Navajo government honored the federal reemployment law so he decided to take the maximum leave offered under USERA. Joe pointed to his copy of the law, which says service people returning from more than 180 days of duty have up to 90 days to return to work. He said he followed USERA by immediately notifying the fire department that he had returned from Iraq, and that he would return to work after 90 days. But after 30 days, Joe said, his plans to spend time with his family and friends were cut short when Chee threatened to fire him if he didn't immediately report for work. According to Notah, who primarily advocates for Iraq veterans, Joe and his mother first contacted her in July and reported that his employer seemed unable or unwilling to understand the law. Joe said he tried without success to explain the federal reemployment law to Chee. In September, the National Guard called Joe up to assist with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in New Orleans. He was gone for two weeks. He says Chee again threatened to fire him and docked his pay 80 hours for the time he was gone on the Katrina mission. Offer to resign (sub) As Joe recounts events, Chee then reassigned him from Window Rock to Tuba City and threatened to fire him if he didn't take the transfer. Joe refused it anyway, noting that his wife - also a Guard member - was already in transit to Iraq and his reassignment to Tuba City would leave their daughters without either parent nearby. According to Joe, Chee suggested he resign his firefighter job. In an Oct. 14 letter, Joe informed Chee that he was not taking the offer to resign, and said his problems at work were connected to his military duties. "It is apparent that the primary reason for the continuing problems is due to my National Guard duties," Joe stated. "These problems began since my employment there and even jeopardized my standing in the National Guard at one time. "As I have informed you, my wife is presently in Ft. Bliss, Texas preparing for deployment to Iraq," he stated to Chee. "I provided to you my written explanation - twice, per your requests, my reasons for not wanting to go to Tuba City. "The primary reason being my two daughters," Joe continued. "I am extremely concerned for their emotional security since their mother will now be doing her tour of combat duty with the National Guard. The following day Joe was fired. He filed a grievance protesting his termination Oct. 26. On Dec. 29, after some gentle but firm prodding from his mother, and a realization that the Navajo government was not going to help him and other Iraq veterans facing similar circumstances, Joe decided to go public with his problems. Joe recalled that even before his deployment to Iraq, Chee told him to choose between his firefighting job and the National Guard. Brock denied the charge and added that Chee and he often told Joe they were proud of his involvement in the National Guard. Brock claimed that he and Chee did not learn about the reemployment law until after they fired Joe. Nevertheless, Brock maintains that Joe was terminated for not coming to work, and not because of his military responsibilities. He also emphasized that Chee told Joe the assignment to Tuba City was temporary and was intended to help him readjust to civilian life. He declined to comment further, citing the pending personnel grievance filed by Joe. No help from vets office (sub) Joe said that during his employment troubles, he went to Navajo Veterans Affairs Director Leo Chischilly to talk to him about the federal armed services reemployment law. He said Chischilly told him the Navajo Nation does not honor the federal reemployment law and did not offer any other help. By mid-summer, Freda Joe was so concerned that she decided to appeal directly to the Navajo Nation Council. In a July 12 letter to the council, Freda recounted all the efforts made to resolve problems between her son and his employer informally. Notah, from the National Guard in Santa Fe, contacted the President Joe Shirley Jr.'s office, the veterans' office, personnel department, and Office of Navajo Labor Relations. "Ultimately, we were informed that it was their decision and the veterans office that the Navajo Nation does not recognize this federal law because of its sovereignty," Freda Joe wrote to the council. The president's office staffer assigned to handle Jason Joe's case, T.C. Tso, did not respond to repeated requests for comment from the Navajo Times. Not an isolated case (sub) Notah says that she has discovered Joe's predicament may not be an isolated case. After extensive research and many phone calls, she found out that tribes and pueblos are not bound by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. "They may choose to follow the law or have their own policy regarding this issue," Notah stated in a June 14 letter. "The U.S. Supreme Court in various rulings has advised judges that when dealing with the issue of tribal sovereignty, `tread lightly.' "This is an issue that apparently was overlooked by those who drafted the USERA law," she added. "I believe that tribal governments, given their strong military history, will support their soldiers." She recommended a nationwide consensus among tribes regarding reemployment policies for military personnel. On Jan. 4, Chischilly denied to the Navajo Times that he ever told Jason that the Navajo government didn't honor USERA. Chischilly pointed to a section of the Navajo government's personnel policies titled "Military Leave." According to the policy, a regular status employee who is ordered into active service shall be granted military leave without pay and shall be entitled to return to the same or equivalent position. Omer Begay Jr., chairman of the Human Services Committee, said, "This is another clear-cut case of a supervisor not reading the personnel policies and procedures. "This gentleman will win if it goes to the labor commission," Begay added. The Human Services Committee has oversight authority for the Division of Human Resources, which includes the veterans office and personnel department. Begay said the Navajo personnel manual was amended several years ago to include portions of the federal military reemployment law. He added that harassment is also covered under personnel policies that require a supervisor to work "harmoniously" with his or her employees. Joe is caring for his children and attending classes at the University of New Mexico-Gallup while awaiting the outcome of his grievance. His wife Christine was deployed to Iraq Nov. 13. Copyright c. 2005 Navajo Times Publishing Company Incorporated. --------- "RE: Delegates want to strengthen Job Protections" --------- Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 17:15:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SAVING JOBS - SAVING FACE" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.thenavajotimes.com/ Delegates want to strengthen job protections By Marley Shebala Navajo Times January 12, 2006 WINDOW ROCK - The Navajo Nation Council's Human Services Committee voted unanimously Monday to craft amendments to employment laws that will protect veterans and military personnel returning from combat duty. Committee members said changes are needed because the federal reemployment law does not appear to protect tribal members as it does the non-Indian military. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 protects the jobs, health insurance, and pension benefits of National Guard members, veterans and other military personnel. However, USERA does not always apply in Indian Country because tribal sovereignty takes precedence and tribal protections may not be as strong. Leo Chischilly, Navajo Veterans Affairs Office director, told the committee he does not think Navajos returning from Iraq are having employment and reemployment problems. Committee Chairman Omer Begay Jr., however, disputed Chischilly's characterization and said he is aware of an Iraq veteran losing his job. Begay recounted the story of Jason Joe, a returning Army National Guardsman who experienced recurrent job conflicts due to his military responsibilities and eventually was fired. Committee member Larry Anderson (Fort Defiance) said Joe's situation shows that Navajo government supervisors don't fully understand employment laws regarding veterans, the National Guard, and reservists. And tribal regulations are lacking, in some cases. Anderson noted that reservists are not included in the Navajo government personnel manual. Committee members commented that current employment policies related to the military are vague and even contradictory. Chischilly reported to the committee that he had asked his agency offices to gather recommendations from veterans concerning employment issues, but had not received any comments. Nationally, many veterans of the Iraq war say they have been unable to reenter their old lives and careers. In response, the U.S. Department of Labor and the attorney aeneral launched a media campaign to draw public attention to the issue. At a Dec. 16 press conference in Washington, Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced the "first-ever" regulations implementing the 1994 law. Key rules include: * Eligible returning service members must be "promptly reemployed" in an appropriate position, which, in most cases, is within two weeks of reporting back to work. * Returning service members must be returned back to the same seniority, status, and pay they would have attained if they had remained continuously employed. * Timetables and procedures are spelled out for service members reporting back to work. * Reinstatement rights also cover disabled veterans, who are entitled to be reemployed in the appropriate positions they would have attained but for military service. * Protections cover health and pension plan benefits during service and upon return from service. The Human Resources Committee voted to meet in March to work on the Navajo government's laws governing employment for military personnel. Copyright c. 2005 Navajo Times Publishing Company Incorporated. --------- "RE: Windfall isn't always a Blessing" --------- Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 17:15:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CASH PART OF TERMINATION POLICY" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://159.54.226.83//20060115/COLUMN0804/601150301/1064 Windfall isn't always a blessing U.S. government's cash given to Native Americans was 'termination policy' DAN HAYS January 15, 2006 Sometimes it takes a work of fiction to get at the truth and reveal the facts. "Truth" and "fact," though, while they have meanings in common, are not the same thing. The fact is that in 1961 the United States government offered each resident of the Klamath Indian Reservation in Southern Oregon $43,000 for giving up their million-acre reservation and ending their enrollment as a Native American tribe. The truth behind those facts is that the payout was part of an ongoing "termination policy" by which the federal government hoped to reduce the number of enrolled tribal members and regain land that once was thought useless enough to give to Indians, but now looked much more attractive. The payout destroyed lives. That's the backdrop to Rick Steber's novel "Buy the Chief a Cadillac." The novel illuminates the truth behind the facts. Steber is suited to tell this tale. He was raised on the Klamath Indian Reservation and witnessed what the payout did to people. "I had friends and acquaintances who took the government termination payout," he has written. "Nearly all were killed violently: dying at wild parties, wrecking cars, or slowly drinking themselves to death." Steber, who lives in the Ococho Mountains near Prineville in central Oregon, founded a small company to publish and distribute his books - 27 so far. The majority of those books are non-fiction. But Steber chose to tell the Klamath story as fiction. In 2005, he published it himself, as usual and then lightning struck twice. First, "Buy the Chief a Cadillac" won the Spur Award, the top honor given by the Western Writers of America. Then a major publisher picked up the self-published volume and has issued it nationwide as a handsome trade paperback. "Buy the Chief a Cadillac" focuses on three brothers and those who love them. Each reacts to the payout in a different way. Truth is very much behind everything Steber does here. In his "Foreword," he is careful to let us know that what we about to read is fiction, though it is based on fact. "There is no town named Chewaucan. There is no U.S. West Bank." Then he adds: "And there are no such things as greed, indulgence, tyranny, social injustice or racial prejudice." The truth is a thorny issue. Steber, however, doesn't back off from the thorns. His novel is relentless in its ability to burrow into the inner lives of its characters, to endear them, with all their flaws, to readers. And then it lets them walk their own paths while readers watch in sorrow, joy and sometimes horror. The prose Steber uses here is simple and evocative: "Inside on the table was an overflowing ashtray, a pencil that had been sharpened with a pocketknife and a book lying open. One of Lefty's lasting true pleasures had been reading two-bit westerns. The kind where there was a bad guy, a pretty girl and the hero always won. But those days were over, the print no longer held still, letters squirmed and wiggled without respect to words and lines and paragraphs. This upset Lefty more than anything, except maybe power saws." In a way, that paragraph might be seen as a metaphor for the book itself. Those who thought the story of the destruction of Native American culture ended in the 19th century will learn otherwise as they read this book. "Buy the Chief a Cadillac" is one of the most honest novels to come along in while. There is no guile in it. Only truth. And those facts. Copyright c. 2006 StatesmanJournal.com All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Drilling OK'd in Alaska Habitat" --------- Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 08:49:06 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="DoI RUBBER STAMPS ALASKA DRILLING" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.miami.com//13607704.htm?source=rss&channel=mercurynews_nation Drilling OK'd in Alaska habitat By Janet Wilson Los Angeles Times January 12, 2006 The U.S. Department of Interior on Wednesday approved oil and gas drilling on Alaska land considered such sensitive wildlife habitat that it first was protected by former Interior Secretary James Watt under President Reagan, and by four Interior secretaries since. The decision - decried by American Indian, hunting and environmental groups - comes weeks after the U.S. Senate rejected drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, 110 miles to the east. U.S. Bureau of Land Management staff said the decision was made after three years of study and in response to requests by Vice President Dick Cheney's energy task force. The plan will open up more than 500,000 acres in and around Teshekpuk Lake on Alaska's oil-rich North Slope. BLM officials estimate the Northeast National Petroleum Reserve might contain as many as 2 billion barrels of what is deemed "economically recoverable" oil. The area is a critical stop for molting geese on the Pacific flyway, with as many as 90,000 birds resting in flat wetlands in the summer. As many as 46,000 caribou also use areas near the lake for calving and migration paths. While many Alaskans welcome drilling as an economic boon, some native leaders in the state blasted the decision Wednesday. "There are a lot of frustrated people in our community right now," said Dora Nukapigak, who lives in the small Inupiat Eskimo village of Nuiqsut, where many people depend on caribou as an important food source. "It's a very sensitive area. It seems like regardless of what we say or do with BLM, they'll do what they're going to do anyway, and that's drill." A maximum of 2,100 acres total in seven different zones can be disturbed permanently on the surface, and a three-year study will be conducted of molting geese, BLM staff said. Copyright c. 2006 San Jose Mercury News. --------- "RE: Quileute ups Second Beach offer" --------- Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 17:15:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ESCAPE EROSION" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/sited/story/html/227722 Quileute ups Second Beach offer in search for higher ground by VANESSA RENEE CASAVANT January 15, 2006 LAPUSH - Quileute representatives have sweetened the tribe's offer in an effort to acquire higher ground currently within Olympic National Park. The tribe is now offering that it will give up claims to Rialto Beach and promising permanent access to Second Beach if the park offers them enough land to meet their needs. Although the tribe has previously offered to give up claims to Rialto Beach, which provides access to the breakwater, the promise to keep access to Second Beach open is a new negotiating issue. Paul Seiwell, the tribe's legal representative, said the park has yet to make a firm offer on a potential land swap. The Second Beach amendment was included in a press release issued by the tribe on Friday regarding its tsunami drill. The two sites are popular tourist destinations and offer some of the most spectacular views on the Washington coast. No comment from park On Friday, Olympic National Parks spokeswoman Barb Maynes said negotiations between the park and Quileute tribe are ongoing. Calls to park Superintendent Bill Laitner on Saturday for reaction to the tribe's Second Beach offer were not immediately returned. If the national park accepts the tribe's newest offer, it could end a more than 50-year dispute over the northern boundary of the reservation at Rialto Beach, and provide higher land for the tribe to move the center of its village out of a tsunami zone. The tribe proposed in its original land swap offer to give up claim to Rialto Beach for higher ground about a year ago after witnessing the devastation caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Copyright c. 2006 Kenai Peninsula Daily News, Horvitz Newspapers, Inc. --------- "RE: D.C. Specialist finds Mashpee recognition likely" --------- Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2006 08:57:49 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="MASHPEE RECOGNITION" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://www.capecodonline.com/cctimes/dspecialist13.htm D.C. specialist finds recognition likely By SEAN GONSALVES STAFF WRITER January 13, 2006 A former examiner of federal recognition petitions for the Bureau of Indian Affairs who later worked as a private consultant for the Mashpee Wampanoag says the tribe's petition is one of the strongest he has seen. "The Mashpee petition, as it stands now, is extremely well-documented. I think they'll pass with flying colors," Steve Austin said in an interview from his Washington, D.C., office on Wednesday. "In the 13 years that I've been working on this issue, I've looked at negative and positive cases. And, for an East Coast tribe, Mashpee has a strong case, probably better than the Mohegan and Aquinnah petitions," he said, referring to two tribes that already have won federal recognition. Austin, an anthropologist who was a BIA researcher from 1993 to 1999, was hired by the tribe as a private consultant in 2000. He conducted interviews of tribe members, inquiring about their family backgrounds, cultural traditions, their involvement in tribal politics and traditional spiritual practices. He then wrote a report about his findings, which is included, along with the audiotaped interviews, in the tribe's voluminous petition now under review with the BIA. Besides a well-documented history going back to the 1600s, Austin said, the Mashpee tribe has a "strong political structure." As evidence, he cited two opposing factions within the tribe - "you might call it, traditional religionists versus those not involved in traditional religious activities." Those differences came to public light recently when it was reported that several tribal officers decided to hire the lobbying firm of the now indicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, hoping to kick-start the bureaucratic BIA review process. Austin said such disagreements are a key piece of evidence for BIA researchers. "In my experience, when there is an absence of that kind of factionalism, usually it's a very weak case. If you go in and they all say the same thing and everyone is all lovey-dovey, it doesn't look like an Indian tribe. We used to say if there's no conflict, there's probably no tribe." What he found in Mashpee's case, he said, is "they might not like each other some times but they come together for tribal business. That's the sign of a real tribal entity." Though Austin said he would be surprised if the Mashpee petition didn't pass the BIA's muster, he's skeptical the agency will be able to meet the March 31 deadline for a preliminary finding. The final determination isn't scheduled to be reached until April 2007 after a 180-day public comment period. "The court-agreement might speed them along but I would be very surprised if they actually meet that (March 31) date because there's so much to do," he said, noting that during his tenure it typically took at least five months after a field visit to analyze all of the necessary information. "The fact that (a BIA anthropologist) is there now suggests they are very early in the process. ... And the preliminary finding is usually 200 to 500 pages long. It's very detailed and that doesn't happen overnight." Sean Gonsalves can be reached at sgonsalves@capecodonline.com. Copyright c. 2006 Cape Cod Times. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Tribal Nation files Appeal" --------- Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2006 08:57:49 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SCHAGHTICOKE SUE FOR RECOGNITION" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://www.courant.com/~coll=hc-headlines-local Tribal Nation Files Appeal Schaghticokes Say Evidence Ignored By RICK GREEN, Courant Staff Writer January 13, 2006 In a long-shot bid to restore their federal recognition, the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation Thursday filed suit in federal court, charging that the state's top political leaders interfered to manipulate their defeat. "The attorney general and other Connecticut political leaders worked in concert with Washington, D.C., lobbyists to infect the process," said Richard L. Velky, chief of the Kent-based Schaghticoke Tribal Nation. "We are asking the court to change the decision back to the original decision of January 2004." Following an aggressive campaign led by Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Gov. M. Jodi Rell, members of the state's congressional delegation and a Kent-based citizens group, the Department of the Interior in October reversed the 2004 ruling and denied federal recognition to the Schaghticokes. The tribe has had a state-recognized reservation in Kent since the 1700s. In its latest ruling, the Interior Department rejected the Schaghticokes because the tribe failed to prove it had a viable, intact community with its own government for decades-long stretches in the 19th and 20th centuries. Tribal leaders say new evidence was ignored. "Why was it done to the Schaghticokes? My reasoning is they just wanted to keep us down," Velky said. The tribe has sought to build a casino in Bridgeport and much of the opposition to them centered on the tribe's desire to expand gambling in the state. Federally recognized tribes may operate casinos in states where gambling is legal. In the new court papers, the Schaghticokes "offer nothing specific, no facts, no evidence to substantiate their plainly unfounded and futile claims," Blumenthal said. The Schaghticokes are "nowhere close" to meeting federal standards for a tribe, he said. "There is no evidence or fact to support them. Simply to say it again and again and again doesn't make it so or even make it credible," Blumenthal said. Calls to members of the state's congressional delegation were not immediately returned Thursday evening. Judd Everhart, a spokesman for Rell, said she has long called for reform of the tribal recognition process. He denied that she acted behind the scenes to undermine the tribe. "She has never spoken with Secretary [of the Interior Gale A.] Norton or any Bureau of Indian Affairs officials about the merits of the Schaghticoke case," Everhart said. In a 32-page filing in U.S. District Court in New Haven, the Schaghticokes contend the Interior Department's ruling was altered because of "heavily weighted political influence" from elected officials, lobbyists and a citizens' group, the Town Action to Save Kent. They say political pressure forced the department to reconsider its ruling, change recognition criteria, and reject the tribe. This pressure, the Schaghticokes contend, included letters from the state's congressional delegation to the Interior Department; a bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Nancy Johnson, R-5th District, seeking to overturn the recognition; lobbying by the politically connected Washington firm of Barbour Griffith & Rogers; and an unusual Senate hearing in which Rell and others excoriated the tribe before U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. "Everything that was done has to be taken in the context of the incredible pressure that came on [the tribe]," said Eric W. Wiechmann, a lawyer for the Schaghticokes. "Whatever money that is behind the tribe pales in comparison with the powers that were going against them." "We are saying just look at what happened and explain it. We want a federal judge to look at the record," Wiechmann said. Specifically, the tribe asked the court to reinstate the federal recognition or at least to turn the matter over to a magistrate judge to make a determination. The tribe faces a difficult challenge because the courts are generally reluctant to overturn an administrative ruling such as a tribal recognition. A recent decision by a federal judge declaring that the Shinnecocks, of Long Island, are a tribe has given the Schaghticokes hope, however. In other action Thursday, the Eastern Pequot tribe, which also was stripped of its federal recognition this past October, filed an appeal before the federal Interior Board of Indian Appeals. Tribal Chairman Marcia Flowers said the denial was "very, very unfair" and "unprecedented." Copyright c. 2006 Hartford Courant. --------- "RE: Makah welcome Homeland Security training" --------- Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 08:49:06 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="NO PROBLEM WITH TRAINING NEAR NEAH BAY" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/sited/story/html/227443 Makah welcome homeland security training near Neah Bay by JEFF CHEW January 12, 2006 NEAH BAY - While Security Services Northwest has been maligned as a bad neighbor on Discovery Bay, Makah tribal leaders are welcoming the company's training gunfire with open arms on Neah Bay. "We don't have a problem with it," said Makah Tribal Chairman Ben Johnson Jr. "We do hear it, but it's not that annoying ... It would make very little impact out here." Johnson and Makah tribal assets manager Alice Langebartel confirmed Wednesday that Joe D'Amico, Security Services founder and president, has been training military servicemen and women at the tribe's gun range near the Koitlah Point dump site. Koitlah Point overlooks the western bluffs of Neah Bay. Johnson said that he saw the company's presence, along with the military personnel it trains, as an honor for the tribe, which has produced many war veterans and heroes over the years. He said he only knew that the U.S. Department of Defense and other military personnel were being trained there. Langebartel said she met Wednesday with D'Amico and Johnson saw D'Amico in Neah Bay on Sunday. "He was out here (Wednesday) discussing the gun range and what they need," Langebartel said. D'Amico has already struck two short-term gun-range use agreements approved by the Makah Tribal Council, she said - the first on Sept. 16, 2005, and the second effective Jan. 1. Copyright c 2006 Kenai Peninsula Daily News, Horvitz Newspapers, Inc. --------- "RE: Governor: Fed obligations not met" --------- Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 08:49:06 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="FEDS CUTTING EVERYTHING" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.billingsgazette.com//2006/01/11/build/wyoming/98-obligations.inc Governor: Fed obligations not met January 11, 2006 ETHETE - The federal government is not living up to its obligation to help the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, Gov. Dave Freudenthal says. "At the federal level, everything is getting cut," he told Arapaho leaders. Employment on the Wind River Indian Reservation is around 50 percent. Yet Freudenthal said Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding is being cut and basic health services are in short supply on the reservation. Richard Brannan, chairman of the Arapaho Business Council, said his biggest concern is the lack of funding and employees for the tribe's child protective services. The tribe has been managing its own child welfare program since a 2004 dispute over a state child welfare contract that would have allowed the state to sue the tribe. "It's gotten to the point where the tribe just may have to hand it back to the state," Brannan said. Freudenthal said the state is prepared to respect the tribes' sovereignty. He said a task force may be needed to address child services on the reservation. Copyright c. 2006 The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. --------- "RE: Supreme Court denies Voting Rights Case" --------- Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 17:15:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SOUTH DAKOTA LOSES APPEAL" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?feature=yes&id=1096412286 Supreme Court denies voting rights case by: David Melmer / Indian Country Today January 13, 2006 PIERRE, S.D. - The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal from the state of South Dakota on a Voting Rights Act violation. The state, subject to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act which requires pre-clearance for changes to voting laws, asked the high court to accept their appeal to review that section and possibly limit its scope. "They tried to do an end run around Section 5," said Bryon Sells, attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union Voting Rights Project. The state is required to ask the U.S. Justice Department for pre- clearance in two counties, Todd and Shannon, which are located on the Rosebud and Pine Ridge reservations respectively. The voting rights of American Indians are in the balance in these two counties. Any change in voting regulations that would cover all counties in the state is also subject to Section 5. "We are extremely pleased that the Supreme Court upheld South Dakota's obligation to comply with the Voting Rights Act and protect the rights of minority voters. "We hope the South Dakota Legislature has finally gotten the message that it cannot trample on the voting rights of Native Americans with impunity," Sells said. A lawsuit filed by the ACLU against Charles Mix County, home to the Yankton Sioux Tribe, accused the county of diluting voting districts. No American Indian has ever served on a county board or city council. Charles Mix County officials then asked the Legislature for help. The intent was to circumvent the lawsuit and redistrict in an off year. They county asked for a bill that could allow emergency redistricting in any year with the approval of the governor and attorney general. The Legislature passed House Bill 1265 to honor the Charles Mix County redistricting request and the governor signed it two days later. The bill was not submitted for pre-clearance by the Justice Department. The ACLU filed a lawsuit on behalf of Yankton tribal plaintiffs and a federal three-judge panel ruled that South Dakota was in violation of the Voting Rights Act. The state then appealed. "We thought that ruling was subject to question. Our view was, you only have to pre clear with Shannon and Todd counties," said Larry Long, South Dakota attorney general. "In effect, [section 5] applied across the board that a statute can't be implemented in any county until pre cleared, we don't agree," Long said. He said the controversy over Section 5 and South Dakota will arise again. In the written ruling of July 2005 the three judges argued that the state had been in violation of some 700 voting or election changes in past decades without ever seeking pre clearance. Since then, Secretary of State Chris Nelson said that most of those laws have been submitted and received pre-clearance. HB 1265 was submitted to the Justice Department while the state's appeal was in progress and did finally receive pre-clearance. At the same time U. .S. District Judge Lawrence Piersol ruled against Charles Mix County, which meant the county was in violation of the Voting Rights Act and must redraw the district lines to better accommodate the American Indian voting block. At the present time, Charles Mix County is working on redistricting plans that would comply with plans drawn by the ACLU, Sells said. As required by the constitution, district lines must be redrawn after each census, taken every 10 years. Charles Mix County did not redraw the district lines ?after the 2000 census. It is required to redraw a district line if a district is more than 10 percent out of compliance. In Charles Mix County there was a 19 percent deviation in population of the districts. The original complaint stated that the county had used procedures in the past that offer the opportunity for discrimination against American Indian voters. County officials, at the time, said that the lines were kept the same in good faith and not out of any act of racism. The ACLU's proposal would create a district that has a majority population of American Indians, which would give them a chance to elect a preferred candidate. In the last general election an American Indian candidate ran for county commission and lost by a little more than 60 votes. "The actions of the South Dakota Legislature to silence the voice of Native American voters have been shameful. We are pleased that the Supreme Court has put this matter to rest, but we are saddened that state officials would rather file costly appeals than obey the law and protect the rights of all South Dakota citizens," said Jennifer Ring, executive director of the ACLU of the Dakotas. Copyright c. 1998-2006 Indian Country Today. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Groups demand Plant-Closure Funds" --------- Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 08:49:06 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="MOHAVE SHUTDOWN" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/contact_us/copyright/ Groups demand plant-closure funds for renewable energy By TERENCE CHEA Associated Press January 12, 2006 SAN FRANCISCO - Tribal leaders and environmental groups Wednesday asked California energy regulators to take sale proceeds from the closure of a Nevada power plant and reinvest them in renewable energy projects. Leaders of the Navajo and Hopi tribes in Arizona, along with representatives of the San Francisco-based Sierra Club and other environmental groups, filed the petition with the California Public Utilities Commission. On Dec. 1, operators of the Mohave Generating Station near Laughlin, Nev. closed the 1,580-megawatt power plant rather than install pollution control equipment estimated to cost $1.1 billion. The station, about 100 miles south of Las Vegas, used coal from Black Mesa Mine in Arizona and served electricity customers in California. The station's owners, including Southern California Edison, were expected to receive tens of millions of dollars from the sale of pollution credits that allowed the release of 53,000 tons of sulfur dioxide. The tribes and environmental groups want those proceeds to be invested in energy projects that will help tribal communities affected by the plant's closure. About 200 mostly Navajo coal mine workers lost their jobs when the plant was shut down, according to the Just Transition Coalition, which filed the petition. The groups seek funding from Southern California Edison's sale of about $40 million per year in pollution credits to be used to clean up contamination, create jobs and develop renewable energy sources for the region. "This is a way to bring about renewable energy such as wind and solar and a stronger economy for people who really need it," said Andy Bessler, southwest representative for the Sierra Club. On Wednesday, PUC President Michael Peevey received the petition, and the commission would evaluate it, said PUC spokesman Susan Carothers. Southern California Edison, which owns 56 percent of the station, was evaluating the proposal and would not comment on it, said spokesman Gloria Quinn. In 1999, environmental groups won a consent degree that required the plant, which was blamed for contaminating the region's air, to upgrade its pollution controls or close by Jan. 1 this year. Copyright c. 2006 Knight Ridder. --------- "RE: Tribe seeks land N.J. sold in 1801" --------- Date: Mon, 9 Jan 2006 18:51:42 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="LENAPE SUE TO RECLAIM STOLEN LAND" http://www.indianz.com/News/ http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/states/new_jersey/13573473.htm Tribe seeks land N.J. sold in 1801 By Troy GrahamInquirer Staff Writer January 8, 2006 Two centuries later, a band of Native Americans want back the land they say the state of New Jersey sold out from under them in 1801. In a federal lawsuit filed last month in Camden, they demanded that everyone now living on the former Brotherton Reservation be evicted. The only problem: The 3,044-acre reservation now makes up about 85 percent of Shamong Township, Burlington County. Since no one wants to bulldoze a community of 6,500 people, the tribe is offering a compromise. Instead, it will accept two 1,500-acre plots of state land - one in Bergen County and one in Burlington County. On each site, the Unalachtigo Band of the Nanticoke-Lenni Lenape Nation proposes building casinos with 45,000 slot machines, then sharing the revenue with the state and other tribes. "Some people tell us there's no way in the world we'll get it," said Brent Thomas, the tribal chairman. "I have to be cautiously optimistic; otherwise, I wouldn't be able to get up in the morning." Thomas, who used to publish an art investors' guide, has devoted himself full-time to tribal government since 1998, when the Unalachtigo Band was reorganized with the express purpose of pursuing Indian gambling, now a $19 billion industry. Relying on some of the nation's earliest laws, Thomas and his 108-member band, many of whom live in poverty in and around Bridgeton, Cumberland County, are chasing billions of dollars of development in an industry full of heavyweight players. Despite the odds against the band, Thomas sees gambling as the best way to maintain the tribe, salvage the remnants of its culture, and provide for elders living in squalor. "We can't sit idly by while people in our community are dying," he said. "We can help ourselves if they would just get out of our way." Thomas likes to take visitors to the windswept spot on the Delaware River where his ancestors crossed into New Jersey in 1634, fleeing war with the Susquehanna. The council fire - the seat of tribal government for the Lenape people - was situated in nearby Fairton, where Thomas was raised. It's now a golf course. But, like many Native Americans in the region, Thomas didn't grow up with a strong sense of his heritage. His older relatives recall a time when they were encouraged to hide their ethnicity, fearing the government would force them to move out West. "The hardest thing in our community is to be open about your identity," he said. Then, in the late 1990s, Thomas made a business trip to the museum at the Foxwoods casino, run by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, in Connecticut. "I go up there for a meeting with these guys, and they look like me," he said. "To see the living standards, the health care, the housing, of course we want it... . Not because we want it, but because we need it." With the coming explosion of Pennsylvania slot machines in 2007, Thomas hopes New Jersey won't be able to take a pass on the allure of Indian gambling. "For New Jersey to regain its prominence, it needs the next wave of gaming, which is what we offer," he said. And when people ask how a small tribe, struggling to pay for basic necessities, is going to build a gambling empire, Thomas points across the river. "The state of Pennsylvania isn't investing a dime, and look at the development they're getting," he said. But not everyone agrees that gambling is the best way for tribes to flourish. A larger, 2,500-member tribe of Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape, who have established a cultural center and make appearances at local schools, adamantly opposes gambling. In fact, this tribe's laws ban any business that "profits from the promotion of vice." "We are absolutely, 100 percent separate from the Unalachtigo Band," said the Rev. John Norwood, a Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape tribal member. "Our goal has never been gaming, nor is it to seize property and throw people off the land." Mark Gould, the chief, said casinos have been a divisive force in many gaming tribes. "We are a very spirituality-based tribe," he said. "We have been a very poor tribe all our lives, but if we're going to keep the families together, we have to follow the spiritual line." He said Thomas' pursuit of gambling had injured "every Native American in New Jersey," and had made his tribe's efforts to win grants and work with local governments more difficult. "We're very insulted when people believe that just because you're Indian, you want a casino," Norwood said. Under a 1758 treaty, the Brotherton Reservation was to be held in trust for the Lenape Indians. When New Jersey sold the land in 1801, the state violated the treaty and a 1790 law that gave the federal government authority over Indian land transactions, the lawsuit alleges. In 1996, the Delaware Tribe of Western Oklahoma - descendants of the inhabitants of the Brotherton Reservation - began investigating a claim to the land. U.S. Rep. Jim Saxton (R., N.J.) took the matter seriously enough to introduce legislation in 1999 that would have retroactively ratified the Brotherton sale. The bill never passed. The Unalachtigo entered the fray by suing the state in 2001. Last year, a state appellate court ruled that the case must be heard in federal court. Nonetheless, the three-judge panel offered the opinion that, under New Jersey law, the sale of the reservation would have been valid. "There is no question here that the Lenni Lenape not only assented to the sale of their land, but requested it, and... received full value," the court said. Thomas said that was not correct. He argues that the land was actually sold by members of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of the Mohican Nation, not the Lenape for whom the land was to be reserved. "They tried to lump us all in together, and you can't do that," he said. Either way, the journey from a land claim to a Foxwoods-scale operation could be arduous. Blake Watson, an Indian-law expert at the University of Dayton School of Law in Ohio, said some courts have begun to rule that Indian land claims are too old, even though there is no statute of limitations. Even if the Lenape won state land - in court or through a settlement - that doesn't mean they can open casinos. Tribes that want gambling have to be federally recognized, Watson said. The Lenapes are not. Thomas argued - and Watson agreed - that the process is so badly broken that it could take more than 20 years to become recognized. Thomas points to two other options: A U.S. District Court judge in New York recently recognized the Shinnecock Nation as legitimate even though that tribe had not gone through the recognition bureaucracy. It's still unclear, however, whether the Shinnecocks can now have gaming, Watson said. And, the Pequots won federal recognition through an act of Congress - the only tribe to do so. "The odds of winning these land claims are increasingly problematic. They've got a lot of hurdles," Watson said. "It's possible for them to win a land claim and still not get gaming." To Thomas, the issue of proving the tribe's legitimacy should be moot. But, just in case, he has an affidavit from a University of Pennsylvania archaeologist tracing the tribe's lineage back to the Brotherton Reservation. "Everyone knows who we are," Thomas said. "The question is: What does the state want us to be?" Thomas paused before answering his own question. "Quiet." --- Contact staff writer Troy Graham at 856-779-3893 or tgraham@phillynews.com. Copyright c. 2006 Philadelphia Enquirer. --------- "RE: Powhatans distressed by Proposal" --------- Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 08:49:06 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="FORMER BROTHERTON RESERVATION" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/112-01112006-596067.html Powhatans distressed by proposal By DANIELLE CAMILLI Burlington County Times January 11, 2006 WESTAMPTON - The Powhatan Renape Nation wants nothing more than to preserve the land of the Rankokus Indian Reservation as it stands today. They cherish the old trees and the mighty Rancocas that runs through it. The tribe could never imagine the neon lights of a modern-day casino replacing the serene land in Rancocas State Park that they have called home for almost 25 years. "There are so many people who most definitely are in love with this place," tribe Chairman Michael Adams said last night. "It would devastate a lot of people if we ever lost use of the land." Adams, who lives in Clayton, Gloucester County, said he has fielded many calls over the past few days as word has circulated among the tribe members that the Unalachtigo Band of the Nanticoke Lenni Lenape Nation has submitted a proposal to claim the state park as part of a settlement should it win a federal court case filed last month. "They want to know where we will be in the morning," he said of his 1,000 members. The Unalachtigo Band filed the suit last month in U.S. District Court in Camden against Burlington County and several county officials. It asks the court to order the removal of all non-Indians living on the 3,044 acres that once made up the Brotherton Reservation in Shamong and for the return of the land to the tribe. The reservation land was sold by the state in 1801, an action the lawsuit contends was illegal. As part of the suit, the band offered a settlement that would not require the removal of some 2,100 residences in Shamong. Rather, it proposed that the state give them up to 1,500 acres elsewhere in Burlington County and an additional 1,500 acres in Bergen County. The county acreage includes the 1,252-acre Rancocas State Park, where the 350-acre Rankokus Indian Reservation is located. The proposal also includes the 750-acre Alpine Scout Camp in Bergen County. "To the best of my knowledge, no one has contacted us about any of this," Adams said. "It would have been nice to be contacted, especially since we are both native and they are talking about building on the reservation." Furthermore, Adams, a member of the New Jersey Department of State's Commission on American Indian Affairs, said that none of the state- recognized Indian groups support gaming. "We are not interested in any gambling," he said. "A lot of harm has been done to nations because of it. Yes, it can bring some good, but it can also hurt the traditions of our culture and the people." Unalachtigo Band Chairman James Brent Thomas Sr. said earlier this week that gaming is an important economic tool to secure the future of his 108- member tribe, who need better housing and access to medical care. Adams said the Powhatans help members through various social programs and apply for state funding and grants to offset the costs. "I'm somewhat taken back that there has been no dialogue with us since they are talking about our back yard and, really, our home," he said. "The Powhatan are all of the same heart and mind - we want to preserve the land the way it is." Adams said the Powhatan hope to renew their lease on the land for another 25 years when their contract with the state expires in 2008. The nation does not pay for the land, but is charged with its upkeep. He worries that the lawsuit could impact those negotiations. Adams is also concerned that the community will think it is the Powhatans who want to bring a large-scale entertainment district to the park lands. Under the Unalachtigo Band's plan, the reservation would have to be relocated. However, the band has earmarked millions of dollars for revenue-sharing with other tribes, Thomas said Monday. Thomas said those funds would "provide (the Powhatans) an opportunity and the ability to acquire and develop a permanent home for their people." Copyright c. 2006 Copyright Calkins Media, Inc. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Tribe in Nevada says Railroads stole its Land" --------- Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 08:49:06 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="RAILROAD CHECKERBOARD LANDS" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.lvrj.com American Indian tribe in Nevada says railroads stole its land January 11, 2006 An American Indian tribe is suing the railroad and seven other landholders - claiming the companies stole vast tracts of land in violation of an 1860s treaty with the US government. The civil lawsuit was filed Tuesday in Reno on behalf of the Western Shoshone National Council, chief Raymond Yowell and six national council members in Nevada. It seeks a declaration that the Western Shoshone nation holds title to land, minerals and water in so-called "checkerboard" lands the government granted to the railroad in the 19th century. And it asks the federal district court to award past and future damages - while calling for the companies to return monies and things of value obtained from the lands. Defendants include the Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF Railroad Company, Newmont Gold Company, Barrick Goldstrike Mines, Glamis Gold, Nevada Land Resource Company, Sierra Pacific Power Company and Idaho Power Company. Copyright c. 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Copyright c. 2006 Las Vegas Review-Journal. --------- "RE: Challenge to Lake Okeechobee water pumping" --------- Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2006 08:54:17 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="TRIAL OPENS" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-19lakeo,0,2903502.story?coll=sfla-news-sfla Trial opens in challenge to Lake Okeechobee water pumping By CURT ANDERSON Associated Press January 9, 2006 MIAMI - Trial began Monday in a federal lawsuit filed by environmental groups and an Indian tribe challenging the decades-old practice by state water managers of pumping billions of gallons of contaminated water into Lake Okeechobee. The lawsuit contends that the South Florida Water Management District should be forced to get federal permits for the pumping under the federal Clean Water Act, which could force the district to cleanse the polluted water or divert it elsewhere. "Lake Okeechobee is a drinking water supply and ecological treasure," said David Guest, who is representing the Florida Wildlife Federation in the lawsuit. "These pumping operations are ruining the water supply and threatening to kill the lake with pollution." Since the 1970s, the water district has pumped water from nearby sugar- growing lands into the lake for flood control and to boost lake water supply during drought. The discharge is contaminated with agricultural chemicals and runoff from nearby towns, contributing to the poor quality of water in the 730-square-mile lake. The water district, joined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Sugar Corp., argues that the Clean Water Act does not apply because the pumping involves moving water from one location to another with state approval. No pollutants or contaminants are added and protections are in place for drinking water, they say. "Congress never intended to have this layer of permitting on state transfers of water," said Scott Glazier, litigation manager for the water district. "These groups are trying to misapply the program." A ruling that the Clean Water Act does apply could affect water management throughout the country, especially in the West, Glazier said. It could mean that water pumps would be considered the same as other sources of pollution, such as industry. The other plaintiffs in the case are the Fishermen Against the Destruction of the Environment and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, which considers the Everglades south of the lake its traditional home. The trial before U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonago is expected to last about three weeks. Gov. Jeb Bush in October announced a $200 million cleanup plan for the lake, in part to reduce the discharges of huge amounts of poor-quality water into the fragile St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries downstream. The Everglades is in the midst of an $8 billion restoration plan that is the largest of its kind ever attempted worldwide. If the lawsuit is successful, water managers say that could cause delays in these restoration plans and diverted precious government money and resources away from them. "We think these are very serious consequences," Glazier said. Environmentalists, however, say the polluted water contributes to toxic algae blooms in the lake that kill fish and could be linked to tests showing the presence of cancer-causing compounds in drinking water in the town of South Bay. "Lake Okeechobee is dying as a result of fertilizer pollution and urban runoff," said Manley Fuller, president of the Florida Wildlife Federation. "There are other ways to deal with agricultural wastewater but Florida only has one Lake Okeechobee." Copyright c. 2006, South Florida Sun-Sentinel. --------- "RE: Groups ask for stricter Water Pollution Rules" --------- Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 08:49:06 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="MINE POLLUTION" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.greatfallstribune.com//20060112/NEWS01/601120311/1002 Groups ask for stricter water pollution rules By SONJA LEE Tribune Staff Writer January 12, 2006 Tougher rules for treating polluted water at Montana mines will protect the state's natural resources and its taxpayers, according to about 30 people who spoke to a state board Wednesday on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. The Montana Environmental Information Center and the Fort Belknap Indian Community, the tribal council for the Fort Belknap Reservation, are requesting the tougher regulation. They petitioned the Montana Board of Environmental Review to amend the rules for issuing new mine permits under Montana's Metal Mine Reclamation Act. The proposed change would require water contamination at former mine sites to be cleaned up by the time reclamation work is finished. Creating water pollution that requires centuries of treatment, as is the case at about five former mines in Montana, wouldn't be an option. At a similar hearing in Boulder Tuesday, representatives and supporters of the mining industry said the rule would hurt the state's economy. But Wednesday's meeting at Fort Belknap was dominated by supporters of the new regulation. The Board of Environmental Review opted to extend the comment period on the proposal through March 17. The board won't vote on the rule change until June, said Jeff Barber, MEIC reclamation program director. MEIC also will add a clause to the proposal making it clear that existing operations and expansions at current mines would not have to comply. The rule is specifically designed to only apply to new operations. Based on that clause, the state Department of Environmental Quality will revisit its economic analysis of the proposal, Barber said. The original analysis showed that the new rule could cost Montana anywhere from $47 million to $138 million in wages each year. During the Wednesday hearing, many speakers said the former Zortman- Landusky gold mine, which borders the south end of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, is an example of why stricter rules are needed. Water treatment there will continue for the next 100 years. "We say perpetual water treatment at Zortman-Landusky," said Fort Belknap Reservation Tribal Chairwoman Julia Doney. "Why doesn't the state of Montana save itself some money?" The bond the Pegasus Gold Corp. posted to mine at Zortman-Landusky can't cover all of the work needed to reclaim the mountain. This year the Legislature approved a new permanent state trust fund to supplement bonds and cover the cost of long-term water treatment at the site after 2017. The Fort Belknap Indian tribes have pending lawsuits seeking a more extensive cleanup. The tribe continues to raise concerns about polluted mine water flowing onto the reservation. Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, sponsored the bill to create the permanent state trust fund for water treatment at the site. He said he supports the proposed rule. "I think the testimony today showed that we need to prevent this from happening again in the future," he said Wednesday. Catherine Halver, who is vice president of the Island Mountain Protectors group that was founded to fight environmental damage at the mines, said the rule is needed. Halver lives about 15 miles from the old gold mines. "We need a change," she said. "We have to have clean water." Copyright c. 2006 The Great Falls Tribune. --------- "RE: Tribes weigh Values against Opportunities" --------- Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2006 08:54:17 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="MINE INCOME VS CULTURAL VALUES" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/2002728638_goldside09m.html?syndication=rss Tribes weigh values against opportunities By Lynda V. Mapes Seattle Times staff reporter January 9, 2006 HEE-HEE STONE MONUMENT, Okanogan County - Reaching to the four directions with an eagle feather fan, Jake Atkins offers a prayer for this spot, long held sacred. The Hee-Hee Stone southwest of Buckhorn Mountain was traditionally regarded as lucky by Indian people, who for generations would leave something precious when passing by: a lock of hair, a prayer, tobacco. Miners, figuring the stone must mark a mother lode, dynamited it in 1905, leaving only fragments. Today, a wooden monument marks the spot. Mining has long been a source of controversy for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. These days, it poses another dilemma. While the tribe opposes plans to mine gold on nearby Buckhorn Mountain, some tribal leaders say the Colville could strike it rich by reviving a proposed mine in the heart of what's left of its reservation. The Colville lost the entire northern half of their reservation in 1891 after gold was discovered there. The U.S. government took back 1.5 million acres of their reservation, paying $1 an acre. The Colville tribe helped stop the so-called Crown Jewel open-pit mine proposal on Buckhorn in the late 1990s. Many members remain opposed to a new proposal for an underground mine. "Our stance has not changed," said Harvey Moses Jr., tribal chairman. "In the minds of the majority of the Colville Confederated Tribes, it is just a disaster waiting to happen." The Colville confederation is composed of a dozen bands that retain hunting and fishing rights as well as some water rights in the north half. Opposition to the Crown Jewel project was so strong the tribe enacted a moratorium on mining within its reservation in 1995. "Do we want to poke holes in Mother Earth until she dies? Or deface her?" said Atkins, a member of the San Poil band, whose ancestors refused to sign the deal selling the north half. "We have lost so much. With this mining, we will only lose more." But the tribe's resolve may be tested. The tribe owns one of the world's largest deposits of molybdenum on Mount Tolman, rising near Keller, Ferry County, on the reservation. Moly, as it's called, is used primarily in cast iron, steel and super alloys to enhance performance. Prices for moly today are at near record highs, and that has awakened interest on the reservation in mining Mount Tolman. "Potentially, it's major for us," said D.R. Michel, natural-resources committee chair for the Colville Tribal Business Council, who supports lifting the moratorium. The tribe initiated a plan to mine the deposit more than 20 years ago, and did extensive test drilling. But the price for moly crashed, killing the venture in 1982. A consultant's report recently presented to the council predicted revenues from tens to hundreds of millions per year to the tribe, depending on moly prices and the deal arranged with a development partner. The mine as previously envisioned would have created 450 full-time jobs just to operate the mine over an estimated 60-year life. The mine would have covered 3,650 acres, including an 800-acre open pit and about 2,600 acres of waste rock and tailings. The Colville expect to put the question of breaking the moratorium to a referendum vote March 18. To some, the tribe's very identity is at stake. Many tribal members still go to the mountains, including Buckhorn, to hunt deer, gather plants for medicines and subsistence use, and to pray. Tribal-council member Deb Louie said he will oppose the mine even if the tribe votes to lift the moratorium. "It goes against all the concepts of the people," Louie said. "The oneness with the land, that we are caretakers of the land, of being here to provide a place for the animals, to whom we are very close. That is the teachings that are handed down. And you have to show respect for them." Copyright c. 2006 The Seattle Times Company. --------- "RE: Hoopa Tribe seeks help from Congress" --------- Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2006 08:54:17 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="HOOPA, YUROK DEADLOCK" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/20060109/NEWS/601090327/1033/NEWS01 Tribe seeks help from Congress Hoopas, Yuroks in deadlock over $70 million trust fund By MIKE GENIELLA THE PRESS DEMOCRAT January 9, 2006 Two the North Coast's biggest Indian tribes remain locked in a dispute that has festered for nearly two decades over a $70 million federal trust fund. After two years of mediation talks that failed to bring a resolution between the Hoopa and Yurok tribes, Hoopa tribal leaders are embarking on a public campaign to enlist Congress to decide the outcome. "About one-half of our 2,500-member tribe lives below the poverty level. We need the promised money for basic human services," said Hoopa tribal chairman Clifford Marshall. The Hoopas live on a timber-rich, 98,000-acre reservation about 50 miles east of Eureka in Humboldt County. The Yuroks, the largest tribe in the state with 5,000 members, occupy a reservation running one mile on each side of the Klamath River and extending for 47 miles inland from the Klamath's mouth at the Pacific Ocean to the northern boundary of the inland Hoopa reservation. The deadlock revolves around Yurok leaders' refusal to accept anything but an equal share of the trust fund money. As a result, the Hoopa tribe wants the state's top lawmakers, including Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, to introduce legislation to force the Yuroks to either reach an agreement, or lose the chance of receiving any of the money. Aide Matt Gerien said Thompson has been meeting regularly with representatives from both tribes over the past two years. But there are no plans for Thompson to introduce any legislation. "There's no basis for it yet," Gerien said. Acres divided The money dispute dates to 1988, when Congress agreed to legislation that ended decades of conflicts between the Hoopas and Yuroks over ancestral lands. Then, former Rep. Doug Bosco succeeded in getting President Reagan to sign the Hoopa-Yurok Settlement Act, which divided 150,000 acres of tribal ancestral lands into two separate reservations. It gave the Yuroks federal recognition they had sought since 1891. To gain acceptance from both tribes for Bosco's bill, the federal government offered to divide up the trust fund. The money was largely income from private logging contracts on Hoopa lands, overseen by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs. Part of the trust was distributed, but the two tribes have fought over a final payment ever since. In 1988, the disputed money totaled $35 million, but with interest payments, the amount has grown to $70 million. Legal challenge filed Since the cut timber was on their reservation, Hoopa tribal leaders contend the money is all theirs. Yurok leaders argue that before the Hoopa reservation was split, the two tribes shared in the income. The Yuroks refused to accept any of the money and launched a 13-year legal challenge, which ended in 2001 when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear their case. Lawmakers since have told both tribes that they will not consider any new legislation to resolve the issue until they agree on a distribution formula. The Hoopas contend it's futile to wait any longer. "The 1988 Hoopa-Yurok Settlement Act did not enjoy a consensus among tribal members, but Congress courageously enacted correct public policy then," said Hoopa tribal chairman Marshal. Yurok tribal representatives could not be reached for comment on the Hoopa's latest push. "Bitter" fight Bosco said Thursday that at the time the federal agreement was reached, the expectation was that money would be released to both tribes within two years. "We had finally resolved the reservation issues, but we had no idea a fight over the trust money would be so bitter and take so long," said Bosco. Bosco said the stalemate is a "real shame." "I didn't then and still don't have any vested interest in either tribe," said Bosco. "I just know the dire circumstances under which members of both tribes live. It would be a big boost for all of them." Copyright c. 2005 The Press Democrat. --------- "RE: Feds question Miwok's Tribal Legitimacy" --------- Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2006 08:54:17 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ANOTHER TRIBE HIT'S BIA ROADBLOCKS" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.gilroydispatch.com/news/contentview.asp?c=176484 Feds Question Miwok's Tribal Legitimacy By Luke Roney January 9, 2006 Hollister - The California Valley Miwok Tribe's lack of a federally- approved tribal constitution and questions about its tribal leadership have federal Indian authorities questioning the legitimacy of the tribe that tried unsuccessfully to build a casino and hotel in Hollister. "The federal government and state government are questioning the tribal leadership and legitimacy," said Tom Saggau, who represents the investors who were going to provide financial backing for a casino in Hollister and then in Los Banos before pulling out of the project in November because of the concerns. Since then, talks about building a casino in Los Banos have been on hold. An attorney representing the tribe says, however, that the Miwoks don't need a constitution and the Bureau of Indian Affairs is just trying to keep them from acquiring land and building a casino. "The tribe has chosen not to organize under the requirements of the Indian Reorganization Act and therefore is not required to have a constitution approved by the BIA," Phil Thompson, an attorney for the Miwoks wrote in an e-mail. "There are upwards of 50 tribes nationwide who have chosen not to organize under IRA. The government is attempting to manufacture some fiction that we have to follow those requirements and our hope is that the federal judge does not buy into their nonsense." Troy Burdick, BIA superintendent for the Central California Agency, declined to comment on the issue because it is an ongoing legal matter. "It's all part of the litigation," he said. In 2004, the tribe was interested in Hollister as the home for a casino and a hotel that investors said would bring 2,000 jobs to the area. But in May, after opposition from San Benito County Supervisors, local law enforcement and many residents, tribal representatives announced that they would give up on Hollister and head east to the city of Los Banos. Los Banos Mayor Michael Amabile said discussions between his city and the tribe were progressing well until the Miwoks hit a snag in late November when their financial backers - a Santa Clara County-based group called Game Won - pulled out of the deal because of the tribe's ongoing legal fight with the BIA. Saggau said that the investors were concerned because the Miwoks don't have a federally approved tribal constitution, precluding the tribe from being able to enter into an agreement to build a casino. "Until a constitution is approved, they can't cut a deal," he said. Based in Stockton, the landless California Valley Miwok Tribe has five members - Yakima Dixie, Silvia Burley, Burley's two daughters and her granddaughter. Dixie has a criminal history and did time in prison for the second-degree murder of a relative, and weapons charges. Burley claims to be the tribal chairwoman, but Dixie - the tribe's only official member until 1998, when he let Burley and her daughters in - claims Burley forged his signature on a 1999 document that relinquished his chairmanship to her. In 2002, the Miwoks filed a lawsuit against the federal government to get land in California, according to Thompson. The tribe previously had land in Calaveras County, but the government took it in 1967, he said. Around the time that they filed the lawsuit, the BIA told the Miwoks that they must take other tribeless Indians into their tribe in order for Burley to be recognized as the tribe's leader, Thompson said. The Miwoks made an effort to do that last year when they advertised in three California newspapers that they were accepting applications for tribal membership. They received three responses and are reviewing the applications, according to Thompson. The BIA was not satisfied, he said, adding that he thinks the agency wants to perpetuate the legal fight so the tribe cannot get land and build a casino. "They don't want it satisfied. They want the issue to continue to be contentious," he said. "I personally think the fear is if the tribe gets land, it will get a casino." Thompson says the BIA has consistently backed Dixie's claim as the tribe's leader to keep the legal fight going and keep the Miwoks from getting a casino. "The BIA has used Yakima (Dixie) as a straw man to attack," he said. Despite the legal trouble, Thompson said the tribe is pushing forward with plans to build a casino in Los Banos. Amabile said that he will likely meet with the tribe later this month to discuss the possibility. Thompson said he doesn't think getting new investors will be a problem. "New investors are looking for us," he said. "We're not actually searching, but they're finding us." Building a casino near Hollister had become a particularly divisive issue among county residents and officials, sparking several heated community meetings, the formation of anti-casino organization Casinos Represent A Poor Solution and strong opposition from Sheriff Curtis Hill. There were casino supporters, however, who said the project would bring much-needed jobs to the city. Steve Merrell, who was chairman of the anti-casino group CRAPs, said he's not at all surprised about the Miwok's legal troubles. "We knew about these problems. It was one of the real concerns we always had when we talked to the local leadership," he said. The casino would have sat on more than 200 acres off Highway 156 near the Hollister Municipal Airport. Investors hoped to eventually add a hotel, restaurants and several entertainment venues to the project, which could have been similar in size to Yolo County's 66,000-square-foot, 2,000-slot machine Cache Creek casino. In February, the San Benito County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to send a resolution opposing the casino to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The San Juan Bautista City Council and Hollister Downtown Association quickly followed the board's decision and passed similar resolutions. Concerns that a casino was the wrong kind of development for Hollister, and the belief the tribe was "reservation shopping" out of their indigenous area were some of the chief reasons for opposition cited in the resolutions. Copyright c. 2006 Gilroy Dispatch. --------- "RE: Bringing back Buffalo Robes strengthen Families" --------- Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2006 08:54:17 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="JICARILLA REINTRODUCE BISON" http://www.daily-times.com//article?AID=/20060109/NEWS01/601090304 Bringing back the bison Buffalo robes strengthen families By Erny Zah The Daily Times January 9, 2006 DULCE - Seven-year-old Tyler Fernandez rode on the bed of a pickup truck and greeted a nearby American bison. "Hello, buffalo," he said while waving to the 3-year-old bull. "I don't know your name, but hello." Fernandez rode with some of the staff from the Jicarilla Cultural Affairs Office to feed a herd of bison owned by the Jicarilla Apache Nation, of which Fernandez is a member. Though Fernandez didn't know the name of the bull he greeted, it did have one, Spirit. Spirit received his name from a contest held with local students in 2003. "He's everybody's pet," said Lorene Willis, director of the cultural affairs office. "He was the baby that we kept and started (the herd with)." As it is for other Native Americans across the country, the bison is a symbol of cultural belief, integrity and identification for the Jicarilla Apaches. The resurgence of the bison's cultural value started with Spirit just more than three years ago, when he was brought to the Jicarillas. Now, he is one of two bulls in a herd of 13 bison. The herd consists of seven cows, two bulls and four calves. Bryan Vigil, 52, a heritage specialist for the cultural affairs office, said his motivation for trying to get a bison herd for the tribe came from an elder's story. "I never seen her cry all her life," said Vigil. He was talking about the late Belle Wells, an Apache elder. Vigil said se began to cry when she started talking about the loss of the buffalo through excessive hunting and poaching. "You don't do that," Vigil said as she recalled her words, "It's like wiping out a whole tribe." She also asked Vigil to "bring back the buffalo." Since those words, Vigil and the cultural affairs office has made attempts to revitalize the buffalo as well as attempting to give the opportunity for every Jicarilla household to own a buffalo robe - a tanned buffalo hide with the hair still intact. The robe is used in ceremonies, rites and dances, but the hide also has important family value. "We want a hide in each house," Vigil said. "The robe keeps a family together." To help a Jicarilla family acquire a robe, the cultural affairs office has made use of area buffalo ranches, particularly one ranch near Alamosa, Colo. Willis said the cultural affairs office would get untanned hides after the ranch would send buffalo to slaughter. But last year, the ranch they dealt with changed management and is no longer making hides available to the tribe, Vigil said. Now the office is looking at other ranches and methods to help the office with its goal of making sure every home has a buffalo robe, Willis said, adding the herd used to be corralled behind the building where the cultural affairs office is. "The community hated seeing them corralled up in there," Willis said. The community wanted the bison to be free to roam, so somebody opened the gate to let them out, she said. Only Spirit stayed behind, while two bison heifers left the corral to run around town. One had her leg tied up in a fence while the other ran across the street, where she was hit by a car and sustained a broken hip, Willis said. As a result, the cultural affairs office shot the heifer, butchered her, and gave to the meat to community members. "They belong to the community," Willis said about the small herd. After that incident, Willis said it was the community that rallied to secure funding from the tribal council to build a new area for the bison to roam. Currently, the herd lives on a converted air strip within the city limits of Dulce. The herd has 19 acres, surrounded by a 7-foot-high fence. Every day, the herd eats about eight bales of hay over a span of two feedings, Vigil said. "We pray to the buffalo before we feed them because they give us everything, if you believe in them," said Vernell Vigil, one of the people who tends to the herd. The cultural affairs office received a $5,000 bison feasibility grant last year from the Intertribal Bison Cooperative. The cooperative is a non-profit organization that helps tribes reestablish buffalo herds. Willis said the cultural affairs office is waiting for the completion of the study to determine just how far her office will go with the herd and to see "what the community thinks about it." So far, they are looking at expanding the herd's current land base by adding plot or making a new fenced plot near Mundo Ranch, which is about 12 miles south of Dulce, Bryan Vigil said. In the herd, Spirit is the only named bison, and that is for good reason. "When you name something, you keep it," Willis said about Spirit and his name in correlation to Jicarilla customs. "We didn't name the others. We didn't even name his mother; we ate her," she said. The cultural affairs office plans to keep Spirit, but they want to use the other bull to help raise money for the office and to make way for Spirit being the only bull in the small herd. The other unnamed bull is currently on the block as a "trophy hunt," Willis said. The hunt for the 7-to-9-year-old bull is priced at $5,000 and has been marketed since the summer. The bull was given to the tribe. Willis added that anyone interested in buying the bull without the hunt may be able to negotiate a deal. But the hunt isn't taken lightly, Bryan Vigil said. "In the future, the buffalo is going to keep us alive," he said. That statement is rooted in cultural teachings that say the Jicarillas are going to endure hardship in the future and it is the buffalo that is going to sustain the tribe. And he hopes the herd will grow. "The elders said the place is going to be full like ants," he said about the number of bison he envisions seeing. "So we tell the kids we have a future." Copyright c. 2005 Farmington Daily Times, a MediaNews Group Newspaper. --------- "RE: Elder: Proper respect missing in Buffalo kill" --------- Date: Wed, 11 Jan 2006 08:43:02 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="KILLED BISON NOT HONORED" http://nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=7439 Elder: Proper respect missing in buffalo kill Montana hunt still stirring controversy Sam Lewin January 10, 2006 A Native American environmentalist says it was wrong for a fellow tribal member to kill a bull bison during a state-sanctioned hunt in Montana. The hunt was given the go-ahead to prevent diseases, but animal-rights groups say the move amounts to wholesale slaughter. The Buffalo Field Campaign has documented the kills. One of the founders of the group is Rosalie Little Thunder, a Lakota elder. Sioux culture holds great respect for the buffalo. State officials issued bison hunt permits to eight Montana Indian tribes to assist their diabetes programs. Montana's Indian bison hunt legislation, section 87-2-731 of Montana Code Allocated 2005, Allocation of Wild Buffalo Licenses to Tribes for Traditional Purposes, states: "Wild buffalo taken pursuant to the special licenses issued under subsection (1) must be harvested by tribal members in accordance with the traditional ceremonies of each tribe." A member of the Little Shell Tribe killed the bison near the town of Gardiner. Scott Frazier, a Crow and Santee Elder, said proper respect was not shown. "How can we, as Native people exhibit prayer so it is understood by those watching? With this hunt the Native people have been forced [by the state] to expose their most holy relationship," Frazier said. "How many other people have their religion treated this way? With this rudeness Native people have the chance to show people how to honor life as well as death, and the relationship to the buffalo." Montana officials allowed the bison hunt to prevent the spread of disease. Many of the 4,200-strong herd suffers from brucellosis, a bacterial disease that can be transferred from animals to humans through eating contaminated products or even by simple contact. If the disease reached further levels, Montana could lose its status as a brucellosis- free state, meaning possible disaster for area ranchers. You can reach Sam Lewin at sam@okit.com Native American Times. Copyright c. 2005 All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Program guides Indians through Medical School" --------- Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2006 08:54:17 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="AMERICAN INDIAN MENTORING" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/contact_us/copyright/ Program guides American Indian students through medical school STEVE KUCHERA Duluth News Tribune January 9, 2006 DULUTH, Minn. - American Indians die at a rate nearly 50 percent higher than the national average for people their age, according to the U.S. Indian Health Service. There are many reasons for the deaths - accidents, suicides, chronic diseases, poverty and a lack of adequate and culturally sensitive medical care. "Having well-trained Indian doctors go back to their communities can make a real difference," said Indian Health Service spokesman Leo Nolan. The University of Minnesota's Center of American Indian and Minority Health is working to make that difference. The center recruits American Indian students and helps them through the university's medical schools in Duluth and Minneapolis. "I came here for this medical school. It is known for its commitment to American Indian health, and that's the direction I was going in," said first-year medical student Jean Howell. Howell, a member of the Cherokee Nation, is originally from California and plans to become a family practice doctor in an American Indian community. While a doctor doesn't have to be an American Indian to relate to Indian patients, it is helpful, center Director Dr. Joy Dorscher said. In July 2003, Ben Muneta - then president of the Association of American Indian Physicians - told a U.S. Senate committee that minority patients seeing a white doctor are less confident that they will receive adequate care than are white patients. Such mistrust may cause some Indians to avoid doctors. "As soon as I started, people wanted to see me just because I am native," said Dr. Arne Vainio, who works at Min-O-Aya-Win Human Services Center on the Fond du Lac Reservation. "We understand each other. I grew up without electricity and indoor plumbing a lot of the time. I understand what poverty is and how it is to have things stacked against you." A Mille Lacs Band member, Vainio grew up near Cook. He worked in a sawmill and a body shop, as a bartender and a construction worker before becoming a paramedic with the Virginia Fire Department. It was that job that made him interested in medical school. He received his doctorate in medicine in 1994 and did his residency with the Seattle Indian Health Board. He's been at Min-O-Aya-Win since 1997. Vainio believes there is a need for more Indian doctors. "They are very, very underrepresented," he said. American Indians make up 2.8 percent of the U.S. population, according to the 2000 census. But only 0.3 percent of students in the nation's medical schools in 2000 were American Indians. In the early 1970s, the university's medical schools began programs to encourage American Indians to enter medicine. The school established the Center of American Indian and Minority Health in 1987 to coordinate and lead its efforts. The center is one of three Native American Centers of Excellence in the nation, supported in part by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Minnesota center begins its recruiting efforts in middle school with programs designed to keep students interested in education and attract them to scientific fields. "Not long ago, minorities were told not to bother because they couldn't do things like this," said UMD social work instructor and Leech Lake enrollee John Day. "We're telling them early they can do this." UMD's Department of Social Work and the Center of American Indian and Minority Health work together on some issues, including giving social workers experience in medical settings. Dr. Kathleen Annette, the Bemidji area director for the Indian Health Service, took part in some of the first Indian-directed programs done by the University of Minnesota medical school in the early 1970s - first as a high school student, later as an undergraduate and medical student at UMD. "The program was really a magnet for both undergraduate and graduate programs," she said. "Students go through these programs and they bond. A support system develops so there is support to succeed in science and in math and in medicine - whatever program you're going through." After piquing the interests of students in middle and high school and in college, the center helps prospective medical students with study programs and workshops to prepare for admission to medical school. To help American Indian students through medical school, the center provides academic counseling, guidance from American Indian doctors and volunteer opportunities. "We provide academic support, but the issues are very seldom academic," Dorscher said. "They are something else. Sometimes it is the fear of losing who they are." The center helped Dorscher, a Turtle Mountain enrollee, learn more about her culture when she was a medical student in the early 1990s. Her mother had kept Dorscher away from traditional ways. "The center gave me the opportunity to explore those things," she said. "I found that extremely helpful. Culture is an asset, not a deficit." An advisory board of American Indian elders and professionals helps guide the center's activities. Fourth-year medical student Erik Brodt, an Anishinaabe from Cadott, said the center is like a family. "I think all of us have had moments where we need lots of support and then other moments where we are called upon to support other people," he said. "The support the center provided me really made medical school a much more enjoyable experience than the torment many people associate with medical school." Brodt would like to practice medicine at a tribal clinic in northern Minnesota. The center's approach seems to work. The school graduated 16 American Indians during the 1970s and again during the 1980s. It graduated 70 during the 1990s. So far this decade, 37 Indians have either graduated or are attending the school. Another six have already enrolled for next year. The Association of American Medical Colleges reports that the American Indian medical school ranks second in the nation for American Indian graduates, although it ranks 19th for the total number of graduates. "We're really trying to get more Indian physicians into rural areas," Annette said. "UMD's strength has always been its ability to encourage students to go on into rural practice. And many of us come from reservations, so it is a natural fit." The number of American Indian graduates is only one measure of the center's success. Increasingly, medical schools are moving away from producing doctors well versed in primary care and treating chronic illnesses to producing doctors trained in high-tech, hospital-based medical care, said Dr. Craig Vanderwagen, the Indian Health Service's chief medical officer. Vanderwagen, who is white, grew up on the Zuni Reservation in New Mexico and remembers being proud of mastering skills such as inserting an arterial line. But after graduation, he found such skills of little use in Indian Country. He needed to know more about such things as prenatal care, delivering babies and dealing with chronic diseases. "(The Indian Health Service) wants to create public servants with skills to improve Indian health," he said. "The Indian programs in North Dakota and Minnesota have been much more focused on what I think are the right skill for serving Indian communities." Copyright c. 2006 Knight Ridder. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Future of Sioux Indian Museum in doubt" --------- Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2006 08:54:17 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="ANOTHER VALUABLE TRIBAL MUSEUM MAY CEASE TO BE" http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2006/01/10/news/top/news01.txt Future of Sioux Indian Museum in doubt By Andrea J. Cook, Journal Staff Writer January 10, 2006 RAPID CITY - Losing the Sioux Indian Museum's collection of Indian photos, artifacts and contemporary art to the public market or burying it in Washington, D.C., would be a sin that only the Pope's mother could absolve, according to Brother Simon, the curator of collections at Red Cloud Heritage Center near Pine Ridge. "The museum has been undersold and under-appreciated for a long time," Simon said. The museum has a fantastic collection of early contemporary American Indian art, he said. It has sculpture, beadwork, quill work and paintings. The collection also contains two famous winter count drawings on buffalo hides, Simon said. "It is a collection that has been gathered over the last 30 to 40 years," Simon said. It's a good overall collection that museums in larger cities would welcome, he said. The Indian Arts and Crafts Board of the Bureau of Indian Affairs plans to stop funding the Sioux Indian Museum, housed in The Journey Museum, and American Indian museums in Browning, Mont., and Anadarko, Okla., in October 2007. The Sioux Indian Museum traces its origins to photographer and trader John Anderson, who began photographing Indian life on Rosebud Indian Reservation in the late 1880s. He brought his collection of photos and artifacts to Rapid City in 1939, and they were displayed in the museum at Halley Park. The BIA bought the collection in 1941. The BIA transferred the operation of the three museums to the Arts and Crafts Board in 1954 when it was facing budget problems, according to Paulette Montileaux, curator of the Sioux Indian Museum. The museum collections are owned by the Department of Interior. The Sioux Indian Museum has an annual budget of about $140,000 to $150,000, Montileaux said. The budget sustains a staff of two, provides an operating and collection-maintenance budget and supports special exhibitions, she said. The Journey Museum receives $1,000 per month to house the collection. Montileaux, The Journey's director Ray Summers and Rapid City officials were notified in August that President Bush's budget for Fiscal Year 2008 calls for the elimination of the funds for the three museums. About 45 percent of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board's $1 million budget is used to fund the three museums. Withdrawing support for the museums would free up $450,000 that could go toward fighting a national problem of counterfeiting Indian arts and crafts, according to Scott Cameron of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board. "Frankly, we haven't done a very good job of trying to slow down or stop that counterfeiting activity," Cameron said. Cameron said it's estimated that each year, $200 million worth of artifacts are taken out of the pockets of legitimate Indian artists by counterfeiters. With federal budgets growing tighter, the only way to pursue counterfeiters is by freeing up money to put investigators in the field, he said. "We're very sincere in wanting to keep the collections in the community," Cameron said. That's why the communities were notified last summer that the funding will disappear, he said. "In the big scheme of things, the amount to fund these museums is a drop in the bucket," Mayor Jim Shaw said, adding that he would like to see the federal funding preserved, but if not, solutions will have to be found locally and regionally to keep the collection here. "It would be a tragedy to lose this collection for Rapid City, the Black Hills and all of Western South Dakota," he said. In the case of the Sioux museum, Cameron said, it seems "obvious to think about a scenario that might involve The Journey. "But we haven't gotten a specific proposal," Cameron said. At initial meetings with tribal leaders, nobody stepped forward and offered to assume responsibility for the collection, Cameron said. Simon said it would be difficult to find another home for the collection in South Dakota. Tribal leaders from the nine tribes in South Dakota have called for the federal government to continue funding the museums, Summers said. "Once we kind of gauge who our supporters are, then we will formulate a plan to see if there's a way to convince the federal government to continue the funding," Summers said. "We'll have to make sure our options are open." If the federal funding is lost, then alternate support for the collection would have to be found, he said. The potential loss of the Sioux Indian Museum collection should be a hot topic of conversation at the South Dakota Tourism Conference next week, Simon said. "I hope that they would be talking about how to keep a wonderful collection like this in the state and in the Black Hills," he said. The Journey is a major Rapid City attraction, Summers said. Attendance at the museum was up 19 percent from the previous year with more than 30,000 visitors. Montileaux said that many American Indian artists and craftsmen also rely upon the museum to do research. The Sioux Indian Museum's collection is too valuable and important to be shipped to Washington, D.C., to the Museum of the American Indian, Shaw said. "It's definitely a fine facility, but very few people will have a chance to see it," Shaw said. "To have it stay in our community is of the utmost importance." Contact Andrea Cook at 394-8423 or andrea.cook@rapidcityjournal.com Copyright c. 2006 Rapid City Journal. --------- "RE: Indians Continue to rebuild after Katrina" --------- Date: Sun, 8 Jan 2006 14:35:21 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="RECOVERING FROM KATRINA" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://news.pacificnews.org/article_id=92f3c295cb5faf19b5f45ed9bf36b9ce American Indians Continue to Rebuild After Katrina News Report, Amanda Robert, New America Media January 8, 2006 POINT-AUX-CHENES, La. - When the Isle de Jean Charles Indians did not receive any immediate aid from the federal government after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita swept their island, experience had already taught them what they needed to do. They took matters into their own hands and initiated their own cleanup process. They removed ruined mattresses, refrigerators and stoves and started to rebuild their lives once again. Mary Dardar, a disabled Biloxi-Chitimacha woman who lives alone on the island, has been through all of this before. The wooden bridge across the bayou to her home is still rippled from Hurricane Lili's passing in 2002, and a cluster of deserted houses surrounds her small home. "There are camps around but whoever was living there relocated after Lili because it was too damaged to be livable," said Dardar. "It's my home, it's going to take a lot more than that to run me off." Hurricanes Katrina and Rita dumped 40 inches of water into Dardar's house, caving in her bathroom ceiling and destroying personal items, clothes and appliances. She said that she lost everything from the ceiling down and will make the repairs on her own. "I have to strip my whole house up - walls, insulation," said Dardar. "It's a slow process and not something you can do overnight. It takes time, especially when you are living in it." Fifty-four-year old Andrew Chaisson Jr. has also lived on the island all of his life. A blue tarp covers where his roof was before and the wooden skeleton is all that remains on the left side where tan siding used to be. But that's not the worst of the damage. "In my house, I had almost 44 inches of water. That's almost four feet," said Chaisson. "We had to spray for mold and all that, but I can't work on it every day. I work on oyster fishing, sometimes all day and night." Like Dardar and some of the other island Indians, Chaisson is continuing to live in his moldy home. After the hurricanes, five houses on the island needed to be completely torn down and rebuilt. Most of the others have been seriously damaged and require renovations. "A lot of us are tired of living in the condition that we live in," said Dardar. "It makes you sick." Three months after Hurricane Rita struck, FEMA trailers had still not been delivered to the island. A FEMA representative in Baton Rouge said that according to her records, four trailers had been delivered to Point- aux-Chenes, but as of early December, Chief Albert Naquin of the Isle de Jean Charles band of the Biloxi-Chitimacha Indians said that none had shown up. Instead, non-profit organizations have stepped in to aid the Indians. Mennonite Disaster Services is one organization that is helping the Indians rebuild their community. Right after Hurricane Katrina, Mennonites Fred and Sue Kathler opened up a volunteer project location, working out of Live Oak Baptist Church in Point-aux-Chenes. They have gutted homes, repaired roofs and removed the lower part of the interior walls of flooded homes. "We take out the bottom, let it dry, clean the insulation and let that dry," said Fred Kathler, as he demonstrated with recently cleaned panels in the church. "We then spray for mold, let it dry, then put the panel back." Since October, the Kathlers have overseen 66 volunteers and have started 24 clean-up projects in the area. "We have groups from all over," said Sue Kathler. "The generosity of people and their time is marvelous because we are never at a lack for volunteers." The Mennonites' goal is to give Island residents safe, dry and healthy places to live temporarily. Other plans in the works would bring volunteers for up to three years to help the Indians solve the long-term problems caused by human and nature's destruction of their environment. According to Naquin, the Isle de Jean Charles did not historically flood. After years of oilfield digging, pipeline canals and hurricanes, the marshes that protect the island gradually became weaker and have now all virtually disappeared. "Every hurricane takes a toll," said Naquin. "So now Rita brought a foot of water more than Lili, three years ago. Hurricanes in the `50s, `60s never flooded. We never even flooded until Hurricane Juan in 1985, but Juan put water everywhere." Looking out over the bayou, Naquin said that land used to separate the water into many different lakes, but now all of the land is gone. "You can't tell the difference between the lakes and the bayou, there's nothing there," he said. Building rock walls on the barrier islands or levees on the sides of the island could alleviate the flooding. Others of the five tribes in the area have tried these solutions. Chief Randy Verdun of the Bayou Lafource band of Biloxi-Chitimacha Indians said, "Bayou Lafourche was not flooded, fortunately, because we have a levee system and it helped. Grand Caillou/Dulac also has a levee system, but it failed." In the attempt to save his shrinking island, Naquin has a different idea in mind. He is hoping to team up with the Mennonites to raise all of the Isle de Jean Charles homes up on pilings, 13 feet above sea level. "They will raise houses, scrap houses and build houses," said Naquin. "The Mennonites have money, but they want us to match their money. They want $75,000 from each tribe to match their funds." On Nov. 26, the tribes in the area met with members of the Mennonite Disaster Services to discuss these future plans. Naquin said all of the different tribes will join together to form a non-profit organization so that they can begin to raise money for this endeavor. "We want to form this organization where Indian tribes can deposit money so we can start doing things," said Naquin. "There is money available, we just need to put it all in one place where it can help everyone." Naquin's tribe only had $500 to put toward the $75,000 that is needed. He hopes that the rest of the money will be raised through the new organization. Of these plans involving the Mennonite Disaster Services, Sue Kathler said, "All of this is still in the conversation stage, nothing has been developed yet." If the Isle de Jean Charles Indians cannot come up with the money or if they cannot develop a way to stop their island from flooding, they may have to move from the homeland that their people have lived on for over 200 years. They were already once given the chance to move as a community, but did not accept the offer. "At first I was against the move, because it reminded us of a modern day Trail of Tears," said Naquin. "And then I realized what was happening over here. It would probably be better that we could keep our community as a whole if we relocate." Copyright c. 2004 Pacific News Service. --------- "RE: YELLOW BIRD: Make peace with wayward Moose" --------- Date: Wed, 11 Jan 2006 08:43:02 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="YELLOW BIRD: LET WILD ANIMALS ROAM FREE" http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/news/columnists/13588782.htm DORREEN YELLOW BIRD COLUMN: Make peace with wayward moose January 10, 2006 A recent New York Times story, "Florida wildlife park's lions lose some freedom to roam," reminded me of our northern states - Minnesota, Montana and North and South Dakota. Our states are an outback of sorts, or at least that's what they seem to be to city folk. We are a place where wildlife still roams free. The Times story said after years of letting its own lions roam free, The Lion Country Safari of Loxahatchee, Fla., decided it needed to enclose the big felines because people couldn't follow the "keep your distance" rules. That made it dangerous for people - and if a lion attacked a person, a lawsuit could result. We don't have the option of fencing our states, and we do run into roaming wildlife, especially when we're deep in their territory. It always makes me smile when I read one of our stories about a big moose moseying nonchalantly down some highway near the city. I'd guess the moose do this because this was their ancestral territory eons ago. Typically, a big moose gets met by the Grand Forks Police Department. The department has megaphones to direct the creatures away from the city, as well as rifles if people are threatened. I think most moose have taken the route out of town. A few months ago, a leggy moose calf meandered across the Ray Richards Golf Course and ambled onto the Altru Clinic grounds before officers chased him out of the area. (I guess the moose had heard about the wonderful, healing service the hospital provides.) I applaud the officers' efforts. They let the calf get out of town by its own volition, with a little coaxing, of course. And, they didn't shoot him. The calf wasn't the first to come to town. Adult moose come in or near the city a few times a year, Herald photos of these big woolly visitors show. A black bear came to a bad end when he somehow got through the fences at the Grand Forks Air Force Base and ran amok. The bear was shot before he ran into the path of a car on the busy highway, it was reported. I hesitate to mention deer, because they are so common that they are considered nuisances rather than threats. They don't seem to be afraid to come close to where we live. Are they a danger? Well, I did hear of a buck with antlers taking on a hunter. Most often, we try things such as deer whistles, fender guards, rosary beads or anything else to keep deer at bay and away from our speeding cars. Still rare but becoming more common are wolves and cougars or mountain lions. Dealing with them is a little dicey. They are more aggressive and sometimes aren't threatened by arm waving or a loud yell, as are bear and moose - actually, I need to say most bear and moose. We have cases where wolves or mountain lions have attacked and killed domestic animals. There are incidents where these animals have threatened humans, too. The mountain lion population seems to be growing in western North Dakota; I guess they like the Badlands and open prairie. Ranchers and farmers have reported animals attacked. One rancher at Fort Berthold, N.D., said he wouldn't let his young teenagers ride horseback alone in the Badlands anymore, because he has horses that have been clawed by lions. The lions have taken some colts, too. In the less populated areas, wildlife is common. Several times on my way to the Red Lake Indian Reservation in Minnesota, I have seen bears - big black bears, twin cubs and some lone bears. They usually are shy and will run at first sight. I haven't seen one while walking the woods, and I don't think I'd remember what Lynn Rogers taught me about bears, either. Rogers is a naturalist who studies bears in the Superior National Forest in Minnesota. One day on my trip home to the western part of North Dakota, I took a route through the middle part of the state, and I'm sure I spotted a wolf. It probably was a large dog that had roamed out of its home area, an officer from state Game and Fish Department said. But from what I've learned about those big, doglike animals, it was a wolf. Well, I think it was, anyway. As our population and the population of aggressive wildlife increases - and the wildlife numbers are increasing - we will come up against the Florida issues. The difference is that the story won't unfold in one of the safarilike parks. It'll happen in our own back yards. It is a question of our comfort level vs. the rights of animals. And, as the animal populations increase, we may have to think more about the animals' territorial rights and our own place in this environment. ---- 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: Brazil to probe Army training of Amazon Indians" --------- Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2006 08:54:17 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CONCERN OVER DISRUPTION OF TRIBAL WAYS" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N09161717.htm Brazil to probe army training of Amazon Indians Source: Reuters By Andrei Khalip January 9, 2006 RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Photographs of Brazilian soldiers teaching Amazon Indians to shoot assault rifles have triggered an investigation by public prosecutors over concerns such practices may be harming tribal traditions. Federal Prosecutor Ela Wiecko told Reuters on Monday that apart from the irregular situation of Indian civilians being involved in military training she suspected the area where it took place was near the Colombian border, where Colombian rebels are known to operate. "It is not right to use civilians, let alone Indians, in military exercise," said Wiecko, who is familiar with the case. "This contact with weapons is harmful for indigenous peoples." Brazilian tabloid newspaper EXTRA on Sunday published photos from a CD- ROM prepared by the military showing Indians, including women, in everyday clothes aiming assault rifles in a shooting range as they were supervised by soldiers. Neither the location nor the date the pictures were taken was revealed, but Wiecko said they could have been shot in the Amazon region of Sao Gabriel da Cachoeira. The area, in Brazil's "Dog's Head" region bordering Colombia, is a suspected supply point for rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known by its Spanish acronym FARC. Federal Police there say the FARC recruit Brazilian Indians to serve in its rebel forces. Police have set up border posts in the area, with army support, to protect Indian villagers. Officials with the government's Indian affairs agency FUNAI said they had no knowledge of voluntary military training for Indians and requested explanations from the defense ministry. They said they had concerns Indians may be forced into Brazilian military training and recruitment. Defense Minister Jose Alencar rushed to defend the training practice, saying it was always voluntary. "I don't see why everyone is so shocked with these spontaneous army training sessions in the Amazon," he said. "There is no better schooling than that of the Brazilian Armed Forces. In addition to the military preparation itself it also provides behavioral training to a person. It's an extraordinary education," he said in televised remarks. Many Indians serve in the army's Amazon units as voluntary conscripts, which the government says is positive for indigenous communities. Some anthropologists criticize the policy for withdrawing Indians from their normal tribal life for years after which they find it difficult to return. Copyright c. Reuters Foundation 2002. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Community gets Cultural funding" --------- Date: Mon, 9 Jan 2006 18:51:42 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CANADIAN HERITAGE FUNDING" http://www.ammsa.com/birchbark/birchbark-Jan1-2006.html Community gets cultural funding By Cheryl Petten, Birchbark Writer, Wikwemikong January 2006 Members of cultural organizations on Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve will be able to spend less time trying to raise funds and more time planning and holding events in 2006, thanks to funding from Canadian Heritage. The money-a maximum of $500,000 according to the press release from Canadian Heritage-comes along with the community's designation as one of five Cultural Capitals of Canada for 2006 and is to be used to fund cultural and artistic activities. Doris Peltier is program manager of the Wikwemikong Heritage Organization (WHO), the organization that submitted the winning application to Canadian Heritage. Peltier stressed that putting together the application was a team effort, with a number of community organizations contributing. That same team effort will be present throughout the year as each of funded activities takes place. Some of the funding will be spent on the community's annual cultural festival, which celebrates its 46th anniversary in 2006. The festival, scheduled to be held Aug. 5 to 7, will not only provide a showcase for the songs, dances, arts and culture of the Anishnabe people, but will also feature exhibitions of Inuit culture. "We'll be doing Inuit dance and drum demonstrations and will also be providing Inuit traditional games as workshops to the youth of the community." Organizers of the festival try to feature different cultures in the event each year, Peltier said. "I think it helps provide not only the visitors to the community, but our community members, with the option to see different cultures that might not be accessible to get to." A seven-week cultural awareness conference is also planned, scheduled to run from June 21 to Aug. 4. There will be a different theme for each week of the conference, based on the Seven Grandfather Teachings-love, respect, humility, bravery, honesty, truth and wisdom. "We'll start off with lodge building, and hopefully once the lodge is completely covered, that's where we will conduct most of our workshops," Peltier said. "The Seven Grandfather Teachings workshops will be done within that teaching lodge, as well as talking about the seven clans-the origins of the clans, the different clans-so that people can come in and begin to understand what their clan is and what their responsibilities are." The conference will also teach participants about moccasin making, traditional dance, traditional arts, harvesting of wild plants and traditional cooking. The Wikwemikong Agricultural Society will be hosting a rodeo as a way of recognizing the important role agriculture played in the history of the community, Peltier said. In addition to the rodeo events themselves, there will also be opportunities for people to learn more about that agricultural tradition. "They will be having information booths set up and talking about 4-H and how we want to bring that back to the community, and things like that." Wikwemikong artists will also take part in commemorating the Cultural Capital of Canada designation by hosting an art show. Currently these are the only events in the works, but Peltier is hopeful the funding from Canadian Heritage will allow the community to organize even more cultural and artistic events throughout 2006. To keep track of any new events or activities added to the schedule, she advises people to check in periodically on the WHO Web site at www.wikwemikongheritage.org. The other cultural capitals of Canada for 2006 include Saskatoon, which will receive up to $2 million, St. John's, which will receive up to $750,000 in funding, and Saint-Joseph-de Beauce, Que. and the District of West Vancouver, B.C., which will each receive a maximum contribution of $500, 000. The 2006 cultural capitals of Canada were selected by an advisory committee comprised of representatives of the 2005 cultural capitals of Canada- Algonquins of Pikwakanagan, Ont., Toronto, Victoria, Annapolis Royal, N.S. and Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Que. Copyright c. 2006 Ontario Birchbark-AMMSA-Aboriginal Multi-Media Society. --------- "RE: "Matter of Weeks" for some till first payment" --------- Date: Mon, 9 Jan 2006 18:51:42 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL SETTLEMENT" http://www.ammsa.com/windspeaker/articles/2006/wind-jan-06-3.html "Matter of weeks" for some till first payment By Paul Barnsley, Windspeaker Staff Writer, Ottawa January 2006 It will be close to one year before most of the compensation money that will be paid to survivors of residential schools will be distributed, but those over 65 years of age will receive payment much earlier. "There will be an early payment to the elderly, meaning in this case 65 and over, in a matter of weeks," said Phil Fontaine, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), in early December. AFN communications director Don Kelly explained further that the Roman Catholic Church has agreed to allow access to its archives as part of the Nov. 23 reconciliation and compensation agreement for residential school survivors. Between church, government and AFN archives it is seen as a fairly easy task to identify which former students are 65 years old or older as of May 30 of this [2005]. If you attended a school covered in the agreement, you qualify for an $8,000 advance payment. If you believe you qualify and are concerned that your current address is not known to the government or to the AFN you are invited to call Shannon Swan at the AFN offices in Ottawa. Her numbers are 1-613-241-6789 ext. 332 or toll free at1-866-869-6789. Kelly said the first cheques should be on their way sometime in January. As for younger survivors, it will take a bit longer. "Now with the settlement agreement there are time deadlines that can be enforced by the court. The settlement agreement calls for all serious abuse claims to be completed within nine months of being started and there must be a minimum of 2,500 claims settled per year. This speeds up the settlement process significantly," Fontaine said. "We're assuming that the courts will approve the settlement agreement for all the survivors. So the lump sum payments will start to be paid out November 2006." As with all bureaucratic processes, things take time. "The reason it will take this amount of time is because it will take a few months to draft a full settlement agreement and the related documents. These have to be filed in all the courts across the country," the national chief explained. "And the target date for final Cabinet approval of the full settlement agreement is March 31, 2006. And the date the agreement will then be filed in all regions of the country is on May 1, 2006. The law requires that once the agreement is filed there must be a six-month mandatory waiting period for people to decide whether they are in or out, meaning simply whether they accept the agreement. Payment will then be after the end of this process and only after all the settlement conditions are met." And Fontaine said discussions are now underway to address another aspect of residential school compensation and reconciliation that was not in the agreement for legal reasons. "There's no court in the country that can direct a minister of the Crown or a prime minister to apologize. We knew that. And because this is a legal agreement, it'll be court supervised. The apology is outside that," he told Windspeaker. "So we are now negotiating the tone and substance of the apology. There will be a full apology from Canada and it'll be in a significant public ceremony. Our thought is the Parliament." Asked if he meant that the goal is to have the prime minister make the apology in the House of Commons, Fontaine said, "Yes." Former Supreme Court Justice Frank Iacobucci was the government's agent on this matter. He was expected to report to the Justice minister in the spring. But Fontaine said he made one report to Cabinet in October and things started heating up after that. "The negotiations just gathered momentum and it became clear that it was possible to come up with an agreement that was satisfactory to all the diverse parties at the table and was clearly a fair and just proposition for the survivors. So we ended up working long into the night to do the deal and we were able to bring this in before the call was made," he said. The issue of governments reducing pension or social assistance payments when survivors receive this compensation is still not completely dealt with, the national chief admitted, but the AFN is working on it. "We intervened in Manitoba when we found out that social services people were forcing people on social assistance to pay back some of their settlement money. The government here in Manitoba was quick to act. They passed legislation saying there will be no claw-backs of any of the settlement money," Phil Fontaine said. "It's written into the agreement that the governments will make best efforts to ensure that there is no claw-backs for social benefits. And this is not taxable money. People will not be required to include this in their income tax forms." Agreements to eliminate claw-backs are being pursued one province at a time. "We've already started negotiations and discussions," Fontaine said. "The important thing here is that Canada is committed to use its best efforts to obtain agreements with provincial and territorial governments and-this is important-any federal government department, to ensure that the receipt of any payment under the agreement would not effect the amount, nature or duration-I'm reading right from the agreement-of any social benefits or social assistance benefits available or payable to eligible lump sum recipients or eligible claimants under [dispute resolution.]" Copyright c. 2006 Windspeaker - AMMSA - Aboriginal Multi-Media Society. --------- "RE: OPINION: AFN endorsement of Liberals an insult" --------- Date: Sun, 8 Jan 2006 14:35:21 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="READ CAREFULLY - SOME ME'TIS, FIRST NATIONS ENDORSE LIBERALS" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.brandonsun.com/story.php?story_id=15093 Endorsement of Liberals an insult to Me'tis, First Nations January 8, 2005 Assembly of First Nations leader Phil Fontaine has told the media he'd prefer to work with a Liberal government "that's committed to our issues," but insists he's not endorsing a party in the upcoming federal election. The Assembly has sent a seven-point questionnaire to the leader of every major party and expected them to be completed and returned by last Friday. The gist of the document: Who will give us the most money with the fewest questions asked? The Manitoba Southern Chiefs Organization insists they aren't cheerleading for one party - just anyone but the Conservatives. "We are greatly concerned about a Conservative government," Southern Grand Chief Chris Henderson told The Winnipeg Sun before Christmas, adding that the Tories have been "silent on aboriginal issues." The Conservative position is that a Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian, all of whom should enjoy the same rights and freedoms, regardless of ethnicity. The latest to announce they're on the Liberal bandwagon are Me'tis leaders from Ontario to the West Coast. Liberals: Clear Choice For Me'tis People In This Federal Election, trumpeted a headline on a press release issued Thursday by the Manitoba Me'tis Federation. "As Me'tis, we must get out and vote on January 23rd in order to protect our rights and the country we've helped to build. When it comes to Me'tis issues, the Liberal Party has a proven track record, the policy positions and the best vision for Canada that respects diversity, rights and the Me'tis Nation," said Cle'ment Chartier, president of the Me'tis National Council. "We are extremely concerned about the future of our people and communities if Stephen Harper, (University of Calgary political scientist and advocate of overhauling First Nations governance) Thomas Flanagan's prote'ge', became the next prime minister of Canada. Mr. Harper has never met with the leadership of the Me'tis Nation; he never bothered to provide a formal written response to our questionnaire; nor does his party have any printed policies on the Me'tis! In fact, the Conservative Party's policy declarations on aboriginal issues do not even include the word Me'tis." It should be noted that conditions for aboriginals in cities and on reserves have worsened under Liberal rule - aboriginal groups and the Assembly of First Nations will themselves tell you this. As well, don't forget Winnipeg South Tory candidate Rod Bruinooge is Me'tis. It's unlikely anyone would be a member of a party that is working against his or her own best interest. And up until now, the Me'tis National Council has been fighting for distinct rights for Canada's Me'tis. If the reigning Liberals are so good for the Me'tis, what's the council fighting for exactly? Why would a leader criticize the government one day, then call a press conference to shake pompoms for said government the next? In addition, this sort of political posturing from First Nations and Me'tis leaders is insulting to aboriginal and Me'tis voters. Do they really need to be dictated to? Are they incapable of independent thought or somehow lack the ability to educate themselves about each party and candidate and decide for themselves who to vote for? Who is the enemy of the Me'tis and aboriginal people: a party like the Conservatives that wants them to be treated like every other Canadian; one such as the Liberals that props up a system where they remain segregated and dependent; or their very own leaders, who support the dim status quo? That's something aboriginal and Me'tis voters need to think about before casting their vote on Jan. 23. Copyright c. 2005 The Brandon Sun - All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Programs to prevent Fetal Alcohol Syndrome" --------- Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2006 08:54:17 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="PROTECTING OUR UNBORN, OUR FUTURE" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2006/01/09/1386207-cp.html Native communities develop pilot programs to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome By SHERYL UBELACKER January 9, 2006 TORONTO (CP) - Four Canadian aboriginal communities, working in partnership with university researchers, have each developed culturally sensitive intervention programs aimed at preventing alcohol-related birth defects in children. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), in which children are born with mild to severe physical and intellectual disabilities, occurs when women ingest alcohol during pregnancy. Binge drinking is considered a particularly high-risk behaviour that may lead to brain damage in the developing fetus. The four native groups - two in Ontario and two in British Columbia - developed their programs based on what they believed would work best for women in their individual communities, said principal investigator Paul Masotti, an assistant professor of community health and epidemiology at Queen's University. Each group "did things drastically different," Masotti said from Kingston, Ont., noting that they used indigenous knowledge specific to their own people to design the programs. Most importantly, the FASD-prevention programs were created by the community members themselves, he said. Researchers from five universities - Queen's, McMaster in Hamilton, Lakehead in Thunder Bay, Ont., Vancouver's UBC and Wisconsin in Madison - provided information on the steps needed to fashion an intervention program and various research methods, then stepped back. "One of the most unique things that we built into the methodology is that we never once set foot in the community and conducted research," said Masotti. The three-year, $600,000 project was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research in conjunction with the Institute of Aboriginal People's Health. Its two major goals, described in an article published this week in the open-access online journal PLoS Medicine, were to design community-specific FASD intervention programs and to increase research capabilities within aboriginal communities. So instead of non-aboriginal social scientists parachuting into communities, conducting research and then leaving, the project was aimed at creating a truly equal partnership between university-and community- based researchers, Masotti said. "Researchers historically did not consider the communities full partners and so consequently a lot of research happened that did not benefit the communities - it only benefited the researchers," he said. "What we learned is that there is... indigenous knowledge or ways of acquiring knowledge... and the university folks have to be respectful of the communities and how they do things differently... We had to learn to listen and to learn." Health Canada estimates that about one per cent of Canadians, or about 300,000 people, have some form of FASD. The prevalence is reported to be higher among native Canadians, but experts say the condition is so under- reported - children are often misdiagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - that the numbers are unreliable. In mild cases of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, brain damage may entail loss of some IQ, vision problems and higher than normal pain tolerance, says the Fetal Alcohol Disorders Society of Canada. In severe cases, the child may suffer severe loss of intellectual potential, serious vision problems, facial deformities, heart defects, behavioural problems, poor judgment and sociopathic behaviour, the society says. Children who are not properly diagnosed and given remedial treatment may struggle with lifelong behavioural problems that often result in an inability to stay in school, difficulty maintaining steady employment and trouble with the law. Masotti said aboriginal researchers had to consider a number of questions when designing programs to prevent FASD, including: How would you approach a woman in the community? How would you ask her sensitive questions about alcohol use during pregnancy? What is the right location to conduct the intervention? What is the best way to communicate information about the harm that alcohol can do? Although the four communities have pilot-tested their interventions, the results won't be published for about a year, said Masotti, who would not release the names of the participants. Charlene Vankoughnett, an FASD counsellor for the Quesnel Tillicum Society Native Friendship Centre in Quesnel, B.C., praised the idea of having communities design their own FASD intervention programs. "We have to give them ownership over what their needs are," said Vankoughnett, who is not connected to the pilot projects. In her own work as a counsellor, she said it took her two years to build relationships and gain the trust of residents enough that she could start talking to them about prevention. "Now they come to me. They say, 'I think my grandchild has FAS. What can I do? Can you help me?' " said Vankoughnett. Masotti said the four different programs will eventually be offered to help prevent FASD in other aboriginal communities across Canada, the United States and elsewhere in the world, with the idea that they can be tweaked to reflect individual populations. Those programs could also be templates for other medical-social issues communities may struggle with, such as teen suicide and diabetes, he said. Copyright c. 2006, Canoe Inc. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Aboriginal vote split could aid NDP in N.W.T." --------- Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2006 08:54:17 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SPLIT COULD GIVE POSITION TO NON-NATIVE" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.cbc.ca/north/story/westarc-split-09012006.html?ref=rss Aboriginal vote split could aid NDP in N.W.T. CBC News January 9, 2006 Some political observers in the N.W.T. are wondering if the presence of two aboriginal candidates in the riding of Western Arctic could split the vote, allowing a non-native person to win the election Jan. 23. This is the first time voters in the federal riding of Western Arctic voters have had two mainstream Dene candidates to choose from. With incumbent MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew winning by just 53 votes in the last election, a factor like splitting the aboriginal vote could prove key to victory. Blondin-Andrew, a Sahtu Dene, is running for the Liberals, while Rick Edjericon, a Chipewyan, is running for the Conservatives. Dennis Bevington, a non-aboriginal, is running for the NDP. Former territorial politician Steve Nitah, who lives in the community of Lutsel K'e, southeast of Yellowknife, thinks the split will be regional. He says he's switching his support from Blondin-Andrew to Edjericon of the Conservatives, with whom he shares Chipewyan ancestry. "In the South Slave they'll be a lot of support for Rick because that's who they're family with," he says. "They will still be a lot of support for Ethel in the Sahtu because that's who they're comfortable with." Dene count for about a third of voters in Western Arctic, and voting patterns suggest they place greater emphasis on shared ancestry than do mainstream voters. That's made the Dene an important base of support for Blondin-Andrew, the five-time incumbent for the Liberals. But with Edjericon, the former chief of Dettah, in the race, that block of support will have to be shared. "If you look at the results from past elections, you will see that native candidates have done very well, especially in smaller Dene communities," says Dave Nickerson, who represented the N.W.T. as MP in the 1970s and 80s. "The smaller the settlement, the more likely they were to have supported a candidate with native ancestry. Nickerson, a Tory, said he had little success cracking the smaller aboriginal communities when he ran for office, while aboriginal candidates did well. Being the only aboriginal candidate in the riding in the past has helped Blondin-Andrew. Now with two Dene running, it could tend to split the votes, thinks Nickerson. "If I was in Dennis Bevington's shoes, and I know he is not going to say this publicly, he is probably delighted that two of his opponents are people of native ancestry, because they are going to split the votes between them," he says. "I mean, there is a possibility that could happen." All Edjericon has to do is take 53 votes from Blondin-Andrew to allow Bevington to "walk down the middle", as Nickerson puts it. First Nations people don't vote as a block, and there are many other factors that go into the decision - party policies, the national popularity of the parties, the leaders, etc. - but the presence of an aboriginal candidates is still attractive, says Nitah. "I think it is very important for an aboriginal person to vote for somebody that is aboriginal," he says. "I think Canada's history is not that great towards aboriginal people. Until recently we have never seen aboriginal people in the halls of Parliament, and non-aboriginal Canadians have not been good to aboriginal people." Still, the desire to vote for an aboriginal candidate could bring aboriginal voters just the opposite result - a non-aboriginal MP. A similar situation occurred in the northern Saskatchewan riding of Desnethe'-Missinippi-Churchill River in the last election. There, three aboriginal candidates split the vote, allowing a non-native lawyer come up the middle for the Conservatives. Copyright c. CBC 2006. --------- "RE: Tory statement worries Aboriginal Leaders" --------- Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 08:49:06 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CONSERVATIVES WOULD IGNORE HOUSING OBLIGATION" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/CanadaVotes/2006/01/10/1387899-cp.html Tory statement worries Aboriginal leaders By TERRY PEDWELL January 11, 2006 OTTAWA (CP) - Aboriginal groups are bristling over the Conservative finance critic's statement that the Tories would ignore a $5.2-billion deal to improve housing and health care for native communities. In an interview with a Saskatchewan radio station, Monte Solberg said a Conservative government would not live up to the agreement, reached in November. "(The) Kelowna agreement is something that (the Liberals) crafted at the last moment on the back of a napkin on the eve of an election," Solberg told a radio station on Monday. "We're not going to honour that. We will have our own plan that will help natives a lot more than the Liberals' ." Metis National Council president Clement Chartier said the statement is of concern to all who took part in crafting the deal. "This just shows that the Conservatives have little to no respect or appreciation for Aboriginal Peoples," Chartier said in a statement. "Mr. Solberg conveniently ignores that over 14 months of consultations and negotiations led up to the Kelowna agreement." The deal was reached just days before Prime Minister Paul Martin called the Jan. 23 election. Just weeks after helping achieve the agreement, Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Phil Fontaine suggested aboriginals would be best served by voting Liberal or NDP, but not Conservative, to ensure the deal moves ahead. In an interview Tuesday, Solberg said a government led by Stephen Harper should not be obligated to live up to an agreement reached by Paul Martin's Liberals. "We don't feel bound to it," he said. "A Conservative government would want to have a look at the agreement, and we're not going to commit to every last bit of it without having any input into it." However, the party's Indian Affairs critic, Jim Prentice, tried to draw a fine line between supporting the objectives of the agreement and how it should be paid for. "We support the targets and objectives that were defined in Kelowna," Prentice told The Canadian Press. "The five-and 10-year plans that were talked about at Kelowna are the way to go." What Prentice has an issue with is the notion that $5.2 billion will be spent without determining how the money will be distributed. "The issue surrounds the ambiguity on the finance plan," he said. "There was quite a bit of uncertainty at the close of Kelowna on where the $5 billion would come from and how it would be allocated and spent, and over what period of time." When pressed, Solberg would not say the Tories would scrap the deal altogether. However, he did say the Conservatives would want to meet again with aboriginal groups before deciding the fate of the agreement. "How extensively you would have to go back, I don't know," Solberg said. "But clearly we want input on something like this. That's the responsible approach." Solberg's statements are indicative of the real nature of the Conservative party's policy ideas, said Indian Affairs Minister Andy Scott. "It does reveal the true intent behind the Conservatives on aboriginal issues," he said. "What other hidden agenda items are we going to find out about?" Scott was especially upset by Solberg's suggestion that the Kelowna agreement was penned just as an election was looming. "To suggest that this was done at the last minute ... reveals their complete absence of respect for the process that communities across the country were engaged in," said Scott. "The accord's loss for the (aboriginal) community, and the country, would be tragic." Copyright c. 2006, Canoe Inc. All rights reserved. --------- "RE: Northern reserves fear for Ice Roads" --------- Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 17:15:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="NEED FOR ALL-WEATHER ROAD" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.grandforks.com/source=rss&channel=grandforks_local Northern reserves fear for ice roads Winnipeg Free Press January 15, 2006 WINNIPEG - Chiefs of aboriginal communities on the east side of Lake Winnipeg are demanding an all-season road be built to link them to southern Manitoba. The communities are now only accessible by road in the winter. A state of emergency has been declared in four of them, because of fears the winter road may not be constructed this year because of thin ice. The First Nation leaders say the permanent route is needed because they can't count on cold winters anymore to build ice roads across lakes, rivers and muskeg. The idea of an all-weather road up the east side of Lake Winnipeg has been floated for years. But the provincial government only has confirmed support for building as far as Bloodvein, Man. Aboriginal leaders say past studies have shown it would cost at least $250 million to construct a permanent road. Provincial Transportation Minister Ron Lemieux said if an all-weather road is ever constructed, it could only be built with the help of the federal government. As for the problem with winter roads this year, Lemieux said the province will be there to help bring essential goods and services to the reserves. Copyright c. 2006 Grand Forks Herald, a Knight Ridder Publication. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Feds urged to act now for Reserves" --------- Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 17:15:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SUICIDES UP - LIFE SYSTEMS DOWN" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.fftimes.com/index.php/3/2006-01-12/24096 Feds urged to act now for reserves January 12, 2006 (CP) Suicides are mounting and infrastructure is crumbling on Canadian reserves while federal parties fail to assure aboriginals their concerns will be heard by the next government, native leaders charged yesterday. Grand Chief Stan Beardy of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, representing 49 aboriginal reserves in Ontario, said the next federal government must make suicide prevention a priority. He said 24 suicides occurred on his group's reserves last year, and three already have taken place in the first 10 days of 2006 at the Pikangikum First Nation in Northwestern Ontario. Beardy said $65 million of a Health Canada package to address suicides and other health issues appears to be on hold after being announced in the fall of 2004. In the meantime, Beardy said Ontario Health minister George Smitherman has agreed to try to get mental health counsellors into Pikangikum, as well as Kashechewan, where the community is grieving the deaths of two well-known community members killed in a jailhouse fire on Sunday. "We said we need help to stabilize these communities," Beardy said in Toronto. "He was very supportive of that." But Beardy said federal leaders have failed to adequately address aboriginal issues on the campaign trail while conditions worsen at reserves across the country. "In a number of ridings, we can have a fairly good influence on the outcome of elections," Beardy said. "But we don't seem to get as much attention as aboriginals as maybe we'd like to see." Aboriginal issues made campaign headlines Tuesday when Conservative finance critic Monte Solberg said his party won't honour the Liberals' recent $5.2-billion deal to improve native housing and health care. Yesterday, the Conservatives said the party would "accept the objectives and targets" of the deal, but accused the Liberals of not specifying where the money would go. Suicide prevention is Beardy's immediate concern. He said Pikangikum, which has 2,000 residents, has little to no local economy and a small land base that has people crammed together-increasing social tension among its large youth population. Beardy also is concerned about potential suicides in Kashechewan, where most of the 1,900 residents only recently have returned from an evacuation over an E. coli scare and now are coping with the fiery deaths of two men in the tight-knit community. Native youths "need to talk to somebody so that they can begin to see that yes, there's a future, there's hope," Beardy stressed. Amid growing suicide concerns, an aboriginal police chief in Ontario warns that roughly 20 of 35 reserves under his watch need new jails and that ramshackle police facilities put the safety of officers and inmates at risk. That includes Kashechewan, where the jail that burned down Sunday with two inmates inside had no fire alarms or suppression systems. Copyright c. 2005 Fort Frances Times Ltd. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: QITSUALIK: Of the many" --------- Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 17:15:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="QITSUALIK: NEW ARRIVALS IN NAME OF RESEARCH" http://www.pechanga.net/ http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412259 Qitsualik: 'Of the many' by: Rachel Qitsualik January 12, 2006 As early as spring, people may spot an increasing number of teams coming and going from the Arctic, in the name of atmospheric research. Researchers aren't unusual in the north, of course. But while most scientists come to the Arctic for issues related to geology, climatology and biology, the latest teams will probably be arriving to study that most ancient and breathtaking of northern phenomena: the arsarniit (also rendered in English as aqsarnit). This phenomenon is known to southern peoples as the aurora borealis, or the "northern lights." Since the arsarniit are a planetary phenomenon, rather than a climatological one, they are older by far than even the cold which we consider so "Arctic" today. They play over our heads today; but hundreds of millions of years ago, they played over the heads of north-adapted dinosaurs, over the lush greenery of long-extinct plants. As most modern people know, the arsarniit result from gases interacting with loose electrons and ions in the atmosphere - one of the reasons a solar flare makes for a particularly entertaining light show. But pre-modern peoples, unsurprisingly, had vastly different theories of what the arsarniit are. The shifting movements of the lights have inspired most cultures to opt for an explanation of them as dancers or gamers. Celtic peoples, for example, referred to them as the fir chlis, or the "nimble men" or "merry dancers." It was believed that these were fairy clans gaming for the favor of their supernatural matriarch. In Scotland, it was observed that particularly strong arsarniit activity made the local stones seem reddish; this was considered a sign that the game had gotten too rough, becoming a conflict in which fairy blood fell to the ground. Nevertheless, tradition predominantly depicts the arsarniit as more game than battle. Thus, the Irish poet William Allingham, in "The Fairies," wrote: "Going up with music on cold starry nights To feast with the Queen of the gay Northern Lights." Inuit beliefs regarding the arsarniit were in many ways similar. Inuit, too, believed that the arsarniit in fact represented a great spiritual game. Most people assume that the Inuktitut term arsarniit directly translates into northern lights, but this couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, the word is devoid of even the vaguest reference to light. The root of the word is actually arsaq, the ball in a traditional game that has been called "Inuit football," but is really more akin to rugby. This arsaq (which is traditionally constructed from seal or caribou hide) is a pivotal feature in the pre-colonial Inuit belief concerning the arsarniit, since it is approximately the size of a walrus head: The arsarniit themselves are the ancestral dead, whose spirits play with their "walrus head" throughout eternity. In other words, they are playing with an arsaq. Translated in the most literal way, arsarniit would actually mean something like "of the many ball players." As with the Celtic beliefs, there are elements both musical and potentially gruesome to the Inuit arsarniit tradition. Pre-colonial Inuit believed, for example, that if one whistled to the arsarniit long enough, they would gradually drift lower. Whistlers be warned, however: Keep up the whistling for too long, and the arsarniit will dive down, severing your head from your shoulders in one fell swoop. While this may seem like a rather horrific belief, Inuit have the best reasons of perhaps all peoples to feel a sense of awe concerning the arsarniit; while they appear as little more than a ghostly glow where they are seen in southern climes, the lights appear directly over the heads of those who live in the north. There, they appear like great, green ribbons, stretching from one horizon to another. As they swell in size, they ripple and swirl, edged with dancing whorls of pink and violet. Most eerily, they hiss and crackle, like an invisible congress of voices babbling above. In modern times, the arsarniit have always made for a pretty show, but have elicited little spiritual or scientific interest. Scientists, for example, have known for quite some time that radio waves directed at the arsarniit produce scant amounts of light, but too little for the naked eye to see. This has all changed, however. Last year, researchers from Cornell University and the Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts directed radio bursts at an especially low part of the arsarniit - at about 100 kilometers, where ions dissipate more quickly than at higher altitudes. As with whistlers piping aloud until those arsarniit finally swoop, the radio bursts caused the northern lights to manifest odd green speckles that have never been reported before. So, with this new proof that radio can cause visible change in the aurora borealis, researchers are interested in seeing if they can replicate the effect. If so, this might arm them with a useful new tool for studying, perhaps even predictin g, climate change. Lately, a less subtle occurrence has been observed in regard to the ball players in the sky: The arsarniit are actually moving. Soon, they may leave the eastern Arctic entirely, where they may be visible only from the Alaskan coast and Siberia. Even the most conservative of scientists seem to agree that this presages change for the planet itself, and may be the first signs of an inevitable polar shift - magnetic north becoming south, as it was in the ancient past. It is not difficult to imagine how the angakkuit - the shamans - of long ago would interpret such events: They would say that some dread event provoked the ball players to take their arsaq game elsewhere. The ancestors of many cultures have ever stood beneath the arsarniit, wondering, regarding it through a spiritual lens. But when younger eyes regard those players in the sky, they may watch for signs of our very future. Pijariiqpunga. (That is all I have to say.) --- Rachel Attituq Qitsualik was born into a traditional Igloolik Inuit lifestyle. She has worked in Inuit sociopolitical issues for the last 25 years, and witnessed the full transition of her culture into the modern world. She is a columnist for Indian Country Today. Copyright c. 1998-2006 Indian Country Today. All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Judge upholds Tribal Court Authority" --------- Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 17:15:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="RULINGS UPHELD" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.casperstartribune.net//68c45b38c36fbd8d872570f2007e63f8.txt Judge upholds tribal court authority By JOHN MacDONALD Associated Press writer January 13, 2006 HELENA, Mont. - A federal judge in Montana was correct when he ruled that a tribal court on the Flathead Indian Reservation had jurisdiction in a lawsuit brought by a nontribal member injured in truck crash on the reservation, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday. The decision by the 11-judge "en banc" panel reverses a ruling by a three-member panel of the same court in August 2004. That panel had concluded the tribal court had no jurisdiction in the case and that James R. Smith's lawsuit against a tribally operated college could move forward in federal court. Robert J. Phillips, an attorney for Salish Kootenai College, called the ruling an "important statement" about the rights of tribal courts to settle matters on their reservations. "This was not a simple case, but it's an important case on a very important issue," he said. "We're pleased with what appears to be a very rigorous analysis of the issues by the court." Smith's attorney, Rex Palmer, did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment. Smith was a student at the tribally owned Salish Kootenai College in Pablo. In May 1997, he was driving a college dump truck along U.S. Highway 93 on the reservation as part of his course work in a vocational program. The dump truck's right rear leaf spring broke, causing the truck to go out of control, killing one passenger and injuring Smith and another passenger. Smith's lawsuit filed in tribal court alleged the college was liable for the accident and that evidence in the case had been destroyed. The Salish and Kootenai Tribal Court returned a verdict in favor of the college. Smith, who is an American Indian but not a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, then appealed to the tribal appeals court, arguing among other things that the lower tribal court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case. The tribal appeals court ruled against him. Smith then appealed the case on its merits to the tribal appeals court; and before that court entered a judgment, he also sought an injunction in U.S. District Court, asking U.S. Magistrate Leif B. Erickson to rule the tribal courts had no jurisdiction. Erickson ruled against him, prompting Smith's appeal to the 9th Circuit Court. In August 2004, the three-member panel ruled in Smith's favor, and ordered the case to be heard in federal court. Before that could occur, however, the appeals court agreed to have an "en banc," panel reconsider the case. In their 8-3 decision Tuesday, the judges acknowledged the dispute over jurisdiction in such cases is a complicated one, involving sometimes contradictory case law. However, the majority concluded most case law suggests the tribal court was the proper venue for the case, and that since Smith brought the lawsuit in tribal court, he shouldn't now be allowed to argue whether it had jurisdiction. "If Smith has confidence in the tribal courts, we see no reason to forbid him from seeking compensation through the tribes' judicial system," Judge Jay. S. Bybee wrote for the majority. "Having made that choice, Smith cannot be heard to complain that the judgment was not in his favor." In a dissent, Judge Ronald M. Gould, wrote that the panel's ruling "puts our circuit (court) into conflict with recent Supreme Court jurisprudence on the jurisdiction of tribal courts over claims involving tribal nonmembers." Copyright c. 1995-2006 Casper Star Tribune, Lee Enterprises. --------- "RE: Report finds Tribal Court dysfunctional " --------- Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 17:15:31 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="TRIBAL COURT DYSFUNCTIONAL" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.yakima-herald.com/page/dis/285170821216017 Report finds tribal court dysfunctional By PHIL FEROLITO YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC January 13, 2006 A report on the Yakama Nation's tribal court system reveals conflicts of interest, daily breaches of confidentiality and security, a mounting backlog of cases and a lack of any appeals process. The 52-page report by the National Indian Justice Center describes the tribal court system as dysfunctional and lacking leadership. During an inspection conducted by the Justice Center, tribal prosecutors and public defenders refused to be interviewed and public defenders weren't representing clients in court, the report said. Tribal Council Chairman Louis Cloud on Friday said the tribe would address the issues, but couldn't comment on the findings until consulting the tribe's Law and Order Committee. Officials at the Justice Center wouldn't comment, citing contractual obligations with the tribe. The Justice Center, based in Santa Rosa, Calif., is an Indian-owned, nonprofit agency that assists tribes with improving their justices systems. The report was completed last fall, but the Yakima Herald-Republic didn't obtain a copy until this week. The Yakama tribal court has four judges, four clerks, and hears up to 300 cases a month involving driving infractions to civil disputes, according to the report. It wasn't clear why the tribe commissioned the probe. But tribal member Louis Gunnier, embroiled in a child custody case in tribal court, said the Tribal Council sought the probe after he complained how his case was handled. Gunnier said he was awarded custody of his children in 2001 but discovered last May that the court had reversed its decision and awarded custody to his ex-wife. Court documents show that a judge in April 2004 authorized the custody change, but it wasn't enforced until a year later. Gunnier said he was told that the order was found sitting in a file a year after the decision. Gunnier thinks the order was dishonestly backdated, and is calling for the ouster of both the tribe's chief judge and children's court judge. With the tribe's appeals court not functioning, Gunnier says he has no recourse. "Appeals aren't being processed," Gunnier said. "My argument to my people is this shouldn't be happening." A call to the tribal court Friday was directed to the Tribal Council. Although the appellate court isn't functioning, it continues to fraudulently accept $80 filing fees, the report said. Duties assigned to the court's administrators - which is supposed to serve as a buffer between the judges and Tribal Council - are being handled by the chief judge, which presents a conflict of interest, the report said. The report said that case files are often left in hallways between courtrooms and one room where files were stored was ordered left unlocked to allow access to a printer there. Also the report said having the Law and Order Committee, made of Tribal Council members, directly oversee the chief judge may politically compromise the court's integrity. The probe also found that the children's judge may be having conversations with only one party in some cases, and may not be writing her own opinions and orders, the report said. Meanwhile, Gunnier hopes the problems get fixed. He said the lack of money is the only thing keeping him from taking the matter to federal court. "If I had $5,000 in my pocket, I'd be in federal court right now," he said. Copyright c. 2006 - Yakima Herald-Republic. --------- "RE: Fight over $25 fine ends in Supreme Court" --------- Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2006 08:54:17 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SOVEREIGNTY TEST" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.nynewsday.com/jan09,0,7273591.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork Tuscarora's court fight over $25 fine ends in Supreme Court By CAROLYN THOMPSON Associated Press Writer January 9, 2006 BUFFALO, N.Y. - A Tuscarora Indian who fought a $25 fine all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court said Monday his case was more about land management and New York's relationship with its Indian tribes than the ticket he got while ice fishing in 2003. The nation's highest court without comment Monday refused to review Neil Patterson Jr.'s case, letting stand a state Court of Appeals ruling and ending a legal challenge built around a 1794 treaty. "It really had very little to do with the actual incident itself," Patterson said of the legal odyssey that began in tiny Wilson Town Court and wound up in Washington. Patterson, environmental program director for the Tuscarora tribe, said he wasn't surprised when various state courts ruled against him. New York, fearing it would lose ground in land claim cases, has long been reluctant to recognize tribal rights granted by treaties with the federal government, he said. "We were hoping the federal court would take notice," he said, "and try to work out an agreement between New York state and the Indian nations." The court fight began after a state conservation officer ticketed Patterson for not having his name and address on his gear while ice fishing at Wilson-Tuscarora State Park, outside of the tribe's 5,700-acre Niagara County reservation, in February 2003. Patterson argued the Treaty of Canandaigua guaranteed the Tuscarora and the other five nations of the Iroquois Confederacy use and enjoyment of lands encompassed within the treaty free from state interference. State regulations would only apply to tribal members, he said, if necessary to protect a particular species of fish. The argument was rejected at each level of the state court system, from the Niagara County town of Wilson to the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals. In its ruling in June, the Court of Appeals justices sided with the state in writing that the Tuscaroras lost their rights under the Treaty of Canandaigua when the Seneca Indian Nation sold the land three years later in the Treaty of Big Tree. The Tuscaroras had use of the land only as guests or tenants of the Senecas. The state cited a U.S. Supreme Court decision which said the Treaty of Big Tree had undone the effects of the earlier treaty. Assistant Solicitor General Andrew Bing, who argued for the state, said the earlier Supreme Court ruling, which gave the government the right to take over land for a power project in the 1950s, had already addressed Patterson's arguments. "There was no point for the court to revisit that question," Bing said Monday. But Patterson said that usage rights and possession were two different things, and that tribes did not necessarily give up their rights to use land when it changed hands. At stake, he said, was the future of the land itself. "What we're really talking about is co-management of aboriginal areas in New York State ... It's really not even the right of individuals to go out and hunt and fish," he said, "as much as it is about our responsibility to maintain cultural relationships with the land as well as restoring and protecting that same landscape." Copyright c. 2006, The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Copyright c. 2006 Newsday. --------- "RE: Supreme Court won't rule on Indian Law Cases" --------- Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 08:49:06 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="SUPREME COURT DECLINES SEVERAL INDIAN LAW CASES" http://www.indianz.com/News/2006/011959.asp Supreme Court won't rule on Indian law cases January 10, 2006 The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a number of Indian law and Indian law-related cases on Monday, as nominee Samuel Alito Jr. went before his confirmation hearing. Without comment, the justices rejected petitions in cases affecting treaty rights and federal recognition, as well as an Indian abuse case on an Wisconsin reservation. None of the cases originated from the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, the court on which Alito sits. There are no federally recognized tribes in the circuit, so Alito has a scant record when it comes to Indian law. But if Alito is confirmed to replace the retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, he will be asked to consider and rule on some significant Indian law cases. Here is a roundup of the actions taken by the court yesterday [ Order List]. FEDERAL RECOGNITION The Samish Nation will be able to seek a share of the treaty catch in Washington now that the Supreme Court removed the last legal hurdle facing the tribe. The Samish were denied a share because the Bureau of Indian Affairs said the tribe lacked federal recognition at the time of the historic Boldt fishing rights case in the 1970s. But the federal courts later determined that the BIA wrongly withheld recognition and that "extraordinary circumstances" warranted the reopening of the Boldt judgment. Such a move had been opposed by a number of other tribes, including the Lummi Nation, the Nisqually Tribe and the Makah Nation. Believing their rights would be adversely affected, they asked the high court to review a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision that went in favor of the Samish a year ago this month. The case will now return to the lower courts for further consideration. Separately, the Samish Nation has sued the federal government to recover funding that it had been denied as it fought for recognition. TREATY RIGHTS The Supreme Court declined to hear a $6 billion treaty rights claim filed by the Skokomish Tribe of Washington. The tribe and individual tribal members sued the city of Tacoma, alleging that the construction of a dam violated their fishing rights. A full panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a somewhat complicated ruling in the case last March. The 11 judges split on the major issues in the case, including whether the tribe filed its suit too late, whether individual tribal members can assert treaty claims and whether the city of Tacoma can be held liable. The tribe filed the appeal but the court declined to consider the issues. Parts of the case were transferred to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, to determine whether the federal government can be held liable. TREATY RIGHTS II The Supreme Court rejected the appeal of a member of the Tuscarora Nation who was fined $25 by the state of New York for violating state fishing rules. Neil Patterson Jr. argued that he had a right to fish off the reservation under the 1974 Treaty of Canandaigua, which promises Iroquois tribal members "free use and enjoyment" of ancestral lands. The New York Court of Appeals ruled against Patterson last June. In a 7-0 decision, the judges said Tuscarora members lost their rights to use the off-reservation land because it was sold by the Seneca Nation. INDIAN ABUSE/LIABILITY The Supreme Court rejected the appeal of an Indian man who was abused as a teenager after being placed in foster care on the Menominee Reservation in Wisconsin. At age 15, Nahquaseh Waubanascum was taken from his grandparents and placed under the care of Menominee County. Wisconsin is a Public Law 280 state, so civil matters like child welfare fall under state jurisdiction. While in the custody's care, Waubanascum was abused by Mark Fry, the well-known principal of the high school on the reservation. The incident came to light after another Indian teen alleged he was abused by Fry. Local authorities later discovered that Fry had been convicted in another state of misdemeanor disorderly conduct for inappropriate behavior with students. Waubanascum, now an adult, then sued two counties for violating his civil rights. He settled with Menominee County for undisclosed terms and had been awarded a judgment against Shawano County but the county challenged the ruling. The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals last August found that Shawano County couldn't held liable because the county never had jurisdiction over Waubanascum and his child welfare proceedings. Copyright c. 2000-2005 Indianz.Com. --------- "RE: Native Prisoner" --------- Date: Monday, January 9, 2006 8:47 AM From: Janet Smith [owlstar@bellsouth.net] Subj: NA News Item -- Action request for Navajo Inmate -- Death Row Appeal Rejected We received the following letter from a Navajo brother incarcerated at FCI Beckley. Please let the warden know how you feel about the way he has elected to "curb" Michael. ---- As for me, I'm stilll in the hole under a bogus investigation. It is just to get me out of the way and shut me up and to keep me from pursuing my grievances. About 3 to 4 weeks ago the S.I.S. informed me that I was soliciting visits. You both know everything I do I always do my research first. A notice was put on the web site by Valerie last year for us brothers -- you might have seen this on the Internet? In regards to this, the only violation was committed by these poeple violating my Equal Rights, Freedom of Speech, Racial and Religious Discrimination. All this nonsense aside, I am now 47 days away from walking out of here. These people told me I might be going home from the hole. This is against policy also. They can't do this. I need some people to call the warden here and ask him why they are keeping me here until I go home. The wardens name is: Mr. Felts. Let me know if you receive this letter . . . Michael Yellow Note: The notice mentioned was posted by a Native Prisoner rights group. In it, Mr. Yellow stated that his institution (USP Beckley, WV), provided no Native American spiritual advisor. Mr.Yellow did in fact request that volunteers come forward to provide spiritual services to Native Americans at that institution. I assume this is the "solicitation of visitors" he is referring to. Here is contact information obtained from the Bureau of Prisons Web site: Mr. Felts, Warden FCI BECKLEY FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION P.O. BOX 1280 BEAVER, WV 25813 ---- -- Death Row Inmate has appeal rejected http://nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=7449 Choctaw/Cherokee death row inmate has appeal rejected Lawyers say Allen is too old and sick to be executed Sam Lewin January 11, 2006 A Native American death row inmate in California with Oklahoma roots has had a stay of execution request denied. That means that barring a reprieve from a higher court or from California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Clarence Ray Allen will die later this month. Allen, 75, says his mother is part Choctaw and his father is part Cherokee. He was born in Blair, Oklahoma. The 75-year-old is imprisoned for a series of crimes that resulted in the deaths of multiple people. In their appeal, Allen's lawyers said their client is elderly and afflicted with health problems including diabetes, and that executing him would be cruel and unusual punishment that is not consistent with "civilized behavior." Allen also recently suffered a stroke and is now confined to a wheelchair. Allen received a sentence of life in prison in 1974 after he ordered the slaying of his son's girlfriend because he believed she had told police about a burglary he carried out. Eight years later he commissioned a hit man he met in prison to kill the witnesses in the 1974 case. The hit man, Billy Ray Hamilton, killed one of the witnesses, along with two other people unrelated to the case. Hamilton was arrested a short time later and implicated Allen. Allen was sentenced to death. "Evidence of Allen's guilt is overwhelming," wrote the California Supreme Court in 1987. "Given the nature of his crimes, sentencing him to another life term would achieve none of the traditional purposes underlying punishment. Allen continues to pose a threat to society, indeed to those very persons who testified against him." Allen was recently interviewed in his San Quentin cell by Michael Kroll, an anti-death penalty advocate. Kroll reported that Allen wears an "abalone shell necklace strung with blue beads given to him by Indian inmates." During the interview Allen spoke about growing up in Oklahoma and performing the Eagle Bone Whistle Dance at the age of six. "Everybody who knows me calls me Running Bear," Allen told Kroll. "It's the name my mother gave me, Yea-Nu-Ai-Dasi." Even though several courts have affirmed Allen's guilt, he maintains his innocence. "I'm terribly sorry for all that happened," he said. "But I can never express remorse for this crime because I didn't do it. I'm remorseful about many things, but not for a crime I didn't commit. I'm so sorry it all happened. I hope to meet the victims in the afterlife and explain to them I never plotted to harm them and I never wanted them to be harmed." He also told Kroll that he was tired of prison and ready to die. "Being in here is like living in hell. It's time to go to a better place. If it comes to that, the last words I'll speak is an old Indian saying, Hok-Ah-Ei, it's a good day to die," he said. The scheduled execution has reignited another debate over capital punishment just weeks after gang leader Stanley Williams was put to death. "If ever there were a case that reduces capital punishment to its essence, this is it. Ray Allen lost his liberty and his future 32 years ago. We can't deprive him of his ability to communicate; his sight and hearing are gone. We can't take his mobility, that's gone too. Good health? Gone, swept away by diabetes and hypertension," wrote Rick Wise. Prosecutors in the case, however, said Allen "deserves to die for his monstrous crimes." You can reach Sam Lewin at sam@okit.com Native American Times. Copyright c. 2005 All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Verse: Hawaiian Book of Days" --------- Date: Monday, 16 January 2006 02:54 am From: Debbie Sanders Subj: Book of Days A HAWAI`I BOOK OF DAYS, week of January 15-21 IANUALI January Ka`elo 15 At the meeting of the land and the sea, that is where all life begins. 16 Ancient kings walk the mountains at night. 17 In the secret places of the land are found the answers to life's mysteries. 18 My parents taught me the ways of the future; I teach my children the ways of the past. 19 I walk the land in perfect innocence, a child of yesterday. 20 Here, every day is a beginning, every night a remembering. 21 The owl, pueo, protects me as I walk the forest at night. (c) Copyright 1991 by D. F. Sanders Me ke aloha i ka nani, ... Moe'uhanekeanuenue (With love and beauty, ... Rainbow Dream) --------- "RE: Rustywire: Yiniihbah, It Begins" --------- Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2005 08:22:37 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="RUSTYWIRE: YINIIHBAH" http://www.rustywire.com/love/yini.html Yiniihbah, It Begins by Johnny Rustywire A long time ago at a place where the mountain slowly rises there was a young girl with long dark hair. It was time when horses were new and canyons had to e crossed to travel so far and in this place there were old ruins, Wide Ruins some called it. Just a spot in the pines and falling away to cedars and a bit of juniper. She was dressed in a woven dress, black with lightning streaks of red, woven wool from her mothers loom. She sat in an eight sided house, a hogan a place set aside for women, a remembrance of braided ties and life interwoven with bits of her life. Sitting resting wrapped in a red sash belt, a touch of woman hood, resting her feet in high wrapped busksin mocassins, new made by her little mothers who brought them to her. Around her neck she wore red coral with pueblo turquoise from the Kisahnees (lagunas) and her hair was tied with new white yarn having been washed with yucca root, and it glistened black in the sun. On her arms were the heavy silver of bracelets hammered out over winter nights, and large blue stones from the Coyote Pass People, they were brilliant turquoise. She watched the trail leading to their place, from way down below she could see him coming. He rode tall on the horse, his hair tied with a red scarf, a band really going round his head, and wearing a white shirt with turqouise beads hanging round his neck. Around his should he held a leather pouch which swung at his hip, silver conchos covered it and it showed his wealth and yet it was simple at the same time. She watched him as he rode up the hill and with him he had many horses. His cheekbones were high and his eyes were dark brown, he had travelled beyond star mountain, through Cross Canyon and Rabbit Brush. His arms were strong and gentle at the same time. Gloshi, she called him, because he could make her laugh, it means that to be one who causes laughter. His gentle smile made her smile as she could see the horses were fine. She watched him as he slowly made ihs way up the trail and her family gathered outside dressed in the way of their people, having taking an early morning sweat and dressed in their best wearing the old jewelry brought out to show their wealth and for days like this. He rode slowly and though far off, he moved as if the horse and him were one, there was no swaying as the horse moved through the soft sandstone and sage coming up this way. He carried with him gifts of his travels, the horses bridle was silver made over the winter and it glistened on the black mane. He was riding this way, to speak with her father. to offer for her eight fast horses. On the horizon the sky was blue and the sun was letting in the light of day, the wind was gentle and she could see herself tied to this man forever. They would live on Yucca Mountain, and plant corn and he would hunt for deer up there the Mountain Spring near Hosta Point, that is where her family came from. He would join them and be one of theirs forever. She was born of Many Goats and he was born for Streaked Mountain, their lives tied to this land forever since there people had come from places within the Four Sacred Mountains. She felt the grains of yellow meal and could see the white corn meal placed in a basked coiled with red and black set aside for days like this. He rode up the mountain chanting and singing his travelling song. A faint wind came up and she could hear him sing. He was singing I travel from the Head of the Earth Child Born for Water I Am Let me go in gentleness and let her know I come Monster Slayer I am I go about the earth with strength I come to her with six horses She waits for me there In the light of dawn she waits for me She waits for me there In the soft rain of summer She waits for me there In the evening twilight She waits for me there In the mists of cool springs She waits for me there I go in gentleness She waits for me there She could hear him singing his travelling song and she looked as he rode slowly up the mountain. She sat and waited for him to arrive, to hear his voice and to begin her life on Yucca Mountain. I am Yiiniibah, I am Changing Woman, many children will I bear and we will dance in the place of my mother and he will sing with my father. In beauty it begins. So it was in Dinetah long ago. So it was in Dinetah long ago. In beauty it begins In beauty it begins Copyright c. 1999, Johnny Rustywire, all rights reserved. --------- "RE: Lee Goins Poem: Whisper In The Wind" --------- Date: Sunday, January 01, 2006 05:17 pm From: cherokee2proud [cherokee2proud@yahoo.com] Subj: Whisper In The Wind Mailing List: N. A. Poetry Whisper In The Wind Just the other night I was sitting by my window When I heard your name In the wind. It wasn't a call, Nor was it a yell. Just a whisper, A whisper in the wind. Buy yet your name was said so clear, It fit right in With the sound of leaves Swaying in the night. I'm sitting by my window tonight, Staring out in to the darkness. Waiting for that whisper. The whisper of your name In the wind. Lee Goins Copyright c. 2006. --------- "RE: Indian Portraits tell of a People displaced" --------- Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 08:49:06 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="EXHIBIT: IMAGES FROM OKLAHOMA" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.hidesertstar.com/articles/2006/01/11/features/feature1.txt American Indian portraits tell of a people displaced By Mark Wheeler / Hi-Desert Star January 10, 2006 Studio photos like this one of a Cheyenne boy taken by Joseph Andrew Shuck in 1904 stretched the definition of "realism" in the case of American Indians. Props were often added to complete the "Indian look," and this boy was therefore supplied with adult weapons for the pose. Hi-Desert Nature Museum's new exhibit - "American Indian Realism: Images from Oklahoma, The Territorial Era" - is a portrait study of the face of displacement. Although the exhibit's photos all depict American Indian tribes members who were relocated to the Oklahoma Territories reservations at the end of the 19th century, their portraits could be pictures of any people who have just been moved out of their own time and space. In this way, the exhibit isn't so much about a specific group of people in a particular place as it is about all people who have been torn from their cultural homeland and look out on a world they don't know through the eyes of disinheritance. The exhibit makes a very appropriate gallery addition for the Hi-Desert Nature Museum due to the cultural component in its mission statement, and also due to the rich but often overlooked American Indian legacy left behind by the cultures that once occupied the local desert lands here. Registrar for the museum Peggy Pourtemour is pleased to have the exhibit because of its focus on such an important event in this country's history. "We should never forget the personal and cultural devastation that displacement can cause for any group of people, even us," she said, "and when I look at the people in these photos, I can see in their faces just how precious my own cultural freedom is." Mounted as a collaboration between the University of Oklahoma Libraries and the Oklahoma Arts Council, the photos themselves are from the university's Photographic Archives of the Western History Collections. Many of the photos are attributed to William S. Prettyman and to Joseph Andrew Shuck, both noted frontier photographers who specialized in American Indian portraiture. According to text included with the exhibit, most photos were taken between 1890 and 1900 by photographer "entrepreneurs" who were captivated with the faces and circumstances of people whose "traditional lifestyle was being irrevocably altered." Interestingly, just as the text remarks how the lensmen tried to focus on native dress and lifestyle, the photos themselves show rather more of a cultural assimilation. Both men and women in many photos have adopted white culture fashion in their dress, and some have set up house in very non-native structures. One photo in particular, taken by an unknown photographer in 1905 of the great Chiricahua chief Geronimo, conveys this image of assimilation with powerful impact. The once-fierce warrior and skilled master of life in the wilderness is shown behind the wheel of an automobile, wearing a dandy's top hat and waistcoat. Although the man's face identifies him unmistakably as Geronimo, his clothes and circumstances make it somewhat less certain that Geronimo is Apache. "Simple, straightforward and unadorned," is how Pourtemour described the exhibit while, at the same time, also commending its importance. "It moves me to sympathy for these and all people who have lost not only their homes, but their entire world view as well." Copyright c. 2006 Hi Desert Star. --------- "RE: Upcoming Events" --------- Date: Mon January 16, 2006 14:59:38 -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. =================================== Anderson's Web Updated January 3, 2006 http://andersons-web.com/native_events.htm This page has been designed to help you find Native American Events. We post information on Pow-Wows, Festivals, Rodeos, Art & Craft Shows, Seminars and any other type of gathering that represents the Native American Culture. JANUARY 2006 January 21, 2006: TIHA Winter Powwow. Galloway Hammond Recreation Center, Burnet, Texas For more information call 956-682-5775 January 21, 2006: AICA Benefit Dance Carolina Indian Seminar at the Mitchell Community College Continuing Education Center at Statesville, North Carolina. For more information e-mail: exdt@webtv.net January 21, 2006: 12th Annual Benefit Powwow. Greenville High School Gym, Greenville, Texas. For information e-mail: shackelr@greenville.ednet10.net April 1 - 3 , 2006: 6th Annual Powwow First Nations @ Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana Gourd Dancing and Intertribal June, 2 - 3 2006: AICA Pow Wow. AICA has had to make a choice between keeping the wonderful camp grounds for their event or keeping their Fathers Day date. They have chosen to keep the site and move the weekend they hold their event to the first of June. This is the same great gathering with the same great people involved at the same great place. So mark your calendar now and come to North Carolina a few weeks earlier this summer for a great Southern Style Dance. We will post more information as the date gets closer for now we wanted the new date to get out to everyone as soon as possible. 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 January 3, 2006 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. JANUARY 2006 January 21, 2006: Texas Indian Hobbyist Associatin Winter Powwow Location: Galloway Hammond Recreation Center, 1601 S Water St Burnet, Texas 79611 Event Detail: Traders contact: 956-682-5775. RV's contact: 512-756-6180 -- tent sites available Contact: David Eckerman 936-653-3116, email: tihasmokesignals@yahoo.com January 27, 28, 29, 2006: 4th Annual Mystic Eagle Pow wow Location: Oscar Scherer State Park 1843 S.Tamiami Trail Osprey, Florida 34229 Event Detail: Drum Contest,TiPi Contest,Daily draw money for Dancers who are registered. Primative camping for all drums and dancers. Campfeed nightly. Host Drum--The Plainsmen Head LAdy Kaye Taylor Head MAn Ed Wind Dancer M.C. David Whitewolf Trezek A.D.C.J.Phillips Head Veteran Ernest Martino. Contact: Julie Norris, 386-935-2982 or cell 941-416-4015 email: jno8363406@aol.com JANUARY 28 & 29, 2006: International Peace Pow Wow Location: 2510 Scenic Dr. South, Enmax Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta Canada T1K 1N2 Contact: Mary Ann Crow Healy, 403-327-6807, email: blackfoot@shawbiz.ca, www.blackfoot.ca FEBRUARY 2006 February 11-12, 2006: Wildhorse Tenth Annual Powwow Location: North Torrance High School 3620 W. 182nd Street Torrance, California 90504 Event Detail: Enter additional details here Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Grand Entry at Noon Both Days All Drums Welcome, All Dancers Welcome Vendors $150.00 both days or $100.00 one day Head Staff TBA Hosted by Wild Horse Drum / Wild Horse Native American Assn. Contact: Jorge Lechuga, 562 631-6327, email: wildhorsesingers@yahoo.com, www.RedbirdsVision.org February 17,18,19,2006: Vero's Thunder On The Beach Annual Powwow Location: Indian River County Fairgrounds 7955 58th Ave. Vero Beach, Fl 32960 Event Detail: Head Man Ed Winddancer, Head Lady Kaye Taylor, Arena Director Billy Kipp, mc David Whitewolf Trezak, Northern Drum Medicine Star From Canada, southern Drum Tba, We Will Have The Mistery Money Envelope Dance Contest. Drum Money Will Be Divided Among The Drums That Attend Sat Night. All Drums Welcome. Hope To See All Of You At The Powwow.... We Will Have A Great Time And It Is All Under Roof. Email Me For A Flyer. Contact: Dona Chesser 772-567-1579, Email: Deedee1579@aol.com February 18, 2006:Winter Pow Wow Location: 1830 B Street Marysville, CA 95901 Contact: James Graham, 530 749-6196, email: jgraham@mjusd.k12.ca.us MARCH 2006 March 3-5, 2006: Thundering Spirit Pow Wow Location: Renninger's Twin Markets 20651 US Hwy 441 Mount Dora, Florida 32757 Event Detail: Friday March 3rd, Grand Entry at 7:00 PM Saturday March 4th, Grand Entry at 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM Sunday March 5th, Grand Entry at 1:00 PM Gates open at 10:00 AM Daily, Friday March 3rd is Children's Day from 10 AM - 2 PM with Special Demonstrations, Games, etc. MC: Kenneth "Redhawk" Head Veteran: Walkingfox, Head Man: Enoch Haubenstricher, Head Woman: Kathy Soggs, Host Drum: Family Drum Singers Firekeeper: Joe "Quiet Elk" Color Guard: VFW Post 8087 We are proud to announce that the following performers will be appearing at our 2006 pow wow: 2004 NAMMY Nominee for Best Instrumental Recording: Native Fiddle and flute artist: Arvel Bird, 2002 NAMMY "Flutist of the year": Tommy Wildcat. Auctions and Raffles through out each day Bring the whole family and spend the day. Don't forget to bring chairs and/or blankets to sit on~. Admission: Adults $3.00 Children under 12 Free For additional information or to become a sponsor: Call Tony Ledford at: 352 636-4271 or 800 619-0045 Ext: 61 Contact: Tony Ledford, 352-636-4271, email: ThunderSpiritFam@netscape.net webaddress: http://thunderingspirit.tripod.com/ March 10-12, 2006: The Fourth Annual Golden Eagles Intertribal Society Pow Wow Location: Loyalty Field or Payne Center (rain site)University of Southern Mississippi campus, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406 Event Detail: Gourd Dancing - Intertribal Dancing - Dance Contest - Hand Drum Contest - Cultural Presentations, Indian Arts, Crafts, and Foods. FREE ADMISSION (Donations are accepted.)Gates open at 9 a.m. on all days. All drums, tipis and lodges are welcome! FRIDAY (School Day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)10 a.m. - Noon - Cultural Presentations, 1-3 p.m. - Cultural Presentations, 5 p.m. - Dinner Break, 6 p.m. - Gourd Dancing, 7 p.m. - Grand Entry, 10 p.m. - Close. SATURDAY, 11 a.m. - Gourd Dancing, 1 p.m. - Grand Entry, 5 p.m. - Dinner Break, 6 p.m. - Gourd Dancing, 7 p.m. - Grand Entry, 10 p.m. - Close. SUNDAY, 11 a.m. - Gourd Dancing, 1 p.m. - Grand Entry 5 p.m. - Close.Contact: Harold Comby (601) 656-5711, Terry Williamson interrupt05@hotmail.com Vendor Contact: Mitch Shoemake (601) 562-2276 or Joe Arnold (601) 554-8470, $100 Arts and Crafts / $125 Food 10' x 10' space, Joe Bohanon (601) 266-4173 Fax: (601) 266-4167 Joseph.Bohanon@usm.edu, www.usm.edu/geis Contact: Joseph Bohanon, 601-266-4173, email: Joseph.Bohanon@usm.edu webaddress: www.usm.edu/geis March 25, 2006: TIHA Spring Powwow Location: Galloway Hammond Recreation Center 1601 S Water St. Burnet, Texas 79611 Event Detail: Traders contact: 956-682-5775 Rv's contact: 512-756-6180 Tent sites available Contact: David Eckerman 936-653-3116, email: davideckerman@eastex.net webaddress: tihasmokesignals@yahoo.com March 25, 2006: Guiding Eagles nationwide indian youth talent contest Location: Nationwide, US All 50 states Event Detail: The 4th annual Guiding Eagles contest is in full swing and is open to youth ages 6-18. The contest is free to enter and requires no traveling. For more details visit the website at www.guidingeagles.com Contact: Suzanne Hegarty 866-480-0635, email: Contest@guidingeagles.com, March 25-26, 2006: Big Spring Pow wow Location: Howard College ColiseumBig Spring, Texas 79720 Event Detail: Contest pow wow head dancer Robert Soto Sharon Roberts Drums Southern renragade eagle point singers. Contact: Robert Downing 432-263-3255, email: rodond@cox.net, webaddress: www.geucities.com/powwowbigspring March 25-26, 2006:18th Annual Natchez Powwow Location: Grand Village of Natches Indians, 400 Jefferson Davis Blvd Natchez, MS 39120 Event Detail: No Contests; Just lots of Good Singing, Dancing and Fun! MC-Bo Limbaugh, AD-Darsh DeSilva, HS-Brian Queton, HM-Jason Skinner. Contact: Committee 601-442-0200, email: cborum@hotmail.com, webaddress: http://groups.msn.com/natchezpowwow March 25-26, 2006: Natchez powwow Location: Grand Village of Natchez Indians 400 Jefferson Davis Blvd. Natchez, Mississippi 39120 Event Detail: Non-Contest Intertribal Powwow, MC-Bo Limbaugh, AD-Darsh DeSilva, HS-Brian Queton, Northern-Greywolf, HM-Jason Skinner, HL-TBA, HG-TBA. Contact: Chuck Borum 601-442-020x, email: cborum@hotmail.com, webaddress: http://groups.msn.com/natchezpowwow March 31st, April 1st, 2nd, 2006: 26th Chambers Farm Spring Pow Wow Location: Chambers Farm 22400 NE CR 315 Ft. McCoy, Florida 32134 Event Detail: Youth day March 31st with camp feed. Veteran's Honor day April 1st(Ft.McCoy VFW).Host Drum: Otto Mahsetkey. Feature Drum: Those Guys(Oklahoma).Feature Entertainer:2004 NAMMY Winner:Billy Whitefox. Head Lady:Maria Whitehorse. Head Man:Duane Whitehorse. MC:RonColombe. AD:RickShawnee. Honor Head Lady:Marguirite Big Mountain escorted by son Teeny Big Mountain. Head Veteran:Jim "Grayhawk" Armogost.Admission:Free.Parking:Free.Camping: Free.Family oriented event.Bring chairs as seating is limited. Located from I-75 Exit 368 go east 18 mi. to CR315 and turn right, go 1 mile to Chambers Farm. Contact: Donna Rowland, 352-222-6990, email: chambersfarms@hotmail.com, webaddress: chambersfarm.org ========================================================================== Aboriginal Multi-Media Society Updated January 3, 2006 Aboriginal Community Events Listing http://www.ammsa.com/ammsaevents.html JANUARY 2006 January 18 - 19, 2006 Annual Waswanipi Cree First Nation Career Fair 2006 Waswanipi, Quebec Ph. 819.753.2583 Randy Martin FEBRUARY 2006 February 17 & 18, 2006 Hobiyee 2006 Nisga'a Celebration of the New Year The Hobiyee celebration has evolved to not only share in culture with Nisga'a Dance groups but to also include Cultural Dance groups of other neighboring First Nations communities. Hosted by: Gitmaxmak'ay Nisga'a Dancers 860 3rd Avenue West Prince Rupert, BC V8J1M6 Contact: Valerie Stewart Tel: (250) 624-3161 -- Fax: (250) 624-2090 blairval@citytel.net February 17 - 19, 2006 4th Annual Little Bands Youth Hockey Tournament Sioux Lookout, ON Ph. 807-737-2428 Stephen Fiddler February 22 - 24, 2006 9th Annual Partnerships in Success Education Conference Contact Valarie King (905) 768-7107 Email: pisconference06@yahoo.com MARCH 2006 March 3 - 5, 2006 2006 Thundering Spirit Pow wow Honoring All Our Relations Renninger's Twin Markets 20651 US Hwy 441 Mount Dora, Florida Friday March 3rd, Grand Entry at 7:00 PM Saturday March 4th, Grand Entry at 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM Sunday March 5th, Grand Entry at 1:00 PM More info. or to become a sponsor: Call Tony Ledford at: 352 636-4271 or 800 619-0045 Ext: 61 Web site: http://thunderingspirit.tripod.com/ Email: tahtonka@earthlink.net March 10 - 12, 2006 The Fourth Annual Southern Miss Golden Eagle Intertribal Society and Recreational Sports Contest Powwow The University of Southern Mississippi Loyalty Field or Payne Center (Rain Site) Hattiesburg, MS All drums, tipis and lodges are welcome! Contact: Harold Comby (601) 656-5711 Vendor Contact: Mitch Shoemake Terry Williamson interrupt05@hotmail.com (601) 562-2276 or Joe Arnold (601) 554-8470 Joe Bohanon (601) 266-4173 www.usm.edu/geis Fax: (601) 266-4167 March 6 - 8th, 2006 Aboriginal Tourism Canada /STAQ Conference Hilton Hotel Quebec City, Quebec web: www.aboriginaltourism.ca March 12-15, 2006 BC Aboriginal Youth Conference "Gathering our Voices 2006" Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC Information, check out www.bcaafc.com or call 250-388-5522 APRIL 2006 April 22, 2006 6th Annual Celebration of Life for All People Pow Wow 11am -7pm Red Wing Park 1398 General Booth Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Info. contact Debra Vick (757) 427-2990 or dvick@vbgov.com April 28 - 30, 2006 Mantle Rock Powwow Crittenden County Fairgrounds Marion, Kentucky Phone: (270) 965-9432 Email: Kamamasutton@aol.com JUNE 2006 June 17th, 2006 History in the Hills Location: Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park - Alberta Time: Venues open 10-5 Cost: Free More information: Miywasin Society of Aboriginal Services www.miywasin.ab.ca 403-526-0756 ========================================================================== Whispering Winds Updated January 3, 2006 http://www.whisperingwind.com/ A Magazine of American Indian Crafts*Material Culture*Powwow JANUARY 2006 * 21 Texas Indian Hobbyist Assn. Winter Powwow. Galloway Hammond Recreation Center, Burnet, TX. Info: 956-682-5775 * 21 12th Annual Benefit Powwow. Greenville High School Gym, Greenville, TX 75402. Info: shackelr@greenville.ednet10.net * 27-29 Mystic Eagle 4 Th Annual Powwow. Oscar Scherer State Park, Osprey FL. Info: 386-935-2982 or 941-416-4015 * 28 Thunderbird American Indian Dancers Powwow, Winston Prep School, New York City, NY. Info: (201) 587-9633. FEBRUARY 2006 * 11-12 Wild Horse Tenth Annual Powwow. North Torrance High School, Torrance, CA. Info: (562) 631-6327 * 17-19 Vero's Thunder on the Beach Powwow 2006. Indian River County Fairgrounds, Vero Beach, FL. Info: 772-567-1579 or deedee1579@aol.com * 18-19 9th Annual United San Antonio Powwow. Crossraod Mall, San Antonio, TX. Info: nativeamerican@netscape.net MARCH 2006 * 3-5 2006 Thundering Spirit Powwow. Honoring All Our Relations. Renninger's Twin Markets, Highway 441 Mount Dora, FL. Info:352 636-4271 or tahtonka@earthlink.net * 4-5 Great Lakes Indian Culture Association 29th annual Mid-Winter Powwow. Baker College, Owosso, MI. Info: 810-630-1727 or 810-636-7287, traders: Rodney Deyo 734-595-7427. * 11 14th Annual Red Creek Mid-Winter Festival. Dickinson College, Kline Athletic Center, Carlisle, PA. Info: (717) 677-7814 * 10-12 4th Annual Souther Miss Golden eagle Intertribal Society Contest Powwow. University of Southern Mississippi, Loyalty Field, Hattiesburg, MS. Info: 601) 562-2276 * 25-26 18th Annual Natchez Powwow. Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, Natchez, MS. Info: (601) 442-0200 or cborum@hotmail.com * 25-26 Big Spring Powwow. Howard College Coliseum, Big Spring, TX. Info: (432) 263-3255 or rodond@cox.net APRIL 2006 * 22 6th Annual Celebration of Life for All People Pow Wow, Red Wing Park 1398 General Booth, Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA. Info: (757) 427-2990. * 22 Thunderbird American Indian Dancers Powwow, Winston Prep School, New York City, NY. Info: (201) 587-9633. * 28-30 Mantle Rock Powwow. Crittenden County Fairgrounds, Marion, KY. Info: kamamasutton@aol.com 270/965-9432 or 270/965-5882 JUNE 2006 * 2-3 10th Annual Standing Bear Powwow. Bakersfield College. (no city & state provided) Info: Gene Albitre (661) 589 3181 earawhide@sbcglobal.net * 16-18 Redbird's 2006 Children Of Many Colors Intertribal Powwow. Moorpark College, Moorpark, CA. Info: 805) 217-0364 Email: redbirds_vision@hotmail.com or www.RedbirdsVision.org * 16-18. Tribal Crossroads Powwow. Grayson County Agricultural and Recreation Park, Leitchfield, KY. Info: 270-286-8545. Email: kyshores@direcway.com or http://www.kyshores.com/powwow JULY 2006 * 28 Annual Grand Mid-Summer Powwow. Queens County Farm Museum, Floral Park, NY. Info: (718) 347-FARM SEPTEMBER 2006 * 23-24 28th annual Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center Inc. Powwow. Dorseyville,PA. Info: 412-782-4458 or E-mail: powwowies@hotmail.com WHISPERING WIND Toll Free: 1-800-301-8009 PO BOX 1390 (Dept. 3) Voice: 985-796-5433 FOLSOM, LA 70437-1390 Fax: 985-796-9236 =================================== First Perspective Updated January 3, 2006 Canada's #1 Source for Aboriginal Information, News and Analysis http://www.firstperspective.ca/pow_wows.html APRIL 2006 April 14 - 16, 2006 Chilliwack Pow Wow Chilliwack, BC Call (604) 824 9927 MAY 2006 May 6, 2006 The Seventeenth Annual Traditional Graduation Pow-Wow University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB Call (204) 474-8850 Website: http://www.umanitoba.ca/student/asc/events/pow-wow.html JULY 2006 July 27 - 30, 2006 Meeting Ground of Nations & Pow Wow Wendake, Quebec July, 2006 Whitefish Bay Pow Wow Sioux Narrows, ON July, 2006 Onigaming Pow Wow Nestor Falls, ON AUGUST 2006 August 5-7, 2006 Wikwemikong Annual Cultural Festival Wikwemikong, Ontario Call (705) 859-2385 Email dpeltier@wikwemikongheritage.org SEPTEMBER 2006 September 2006 Curve Lake Pow Wow Whetung Ojibwa IR, Ontario ------------------------------------------------------------------------- --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//- Notice of Copyright Clearance by Contributors: The following have granted permission for their original articles to be reposted in order to help mend the Sacred Hoop: Gary Smith, Janet Smith, Johnny Rustywire, Debbie Sanders, Lee Goins --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//- _ __ __ _ / | / /___ _/ /_(_) __ __ / |/ / __ \ __/ / | / / _ \ / /| / /_/ / /_/ /| |/ / __/ /_/ |_/\__,_/\__/_/ |___/\___/ ______ _ / ____/____ ___ __________(_)___ ____ _____ / / / ___/ __ \/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ \/ ___/ / /___/ / / /_/ /__ /__ / / / / / /_/ /__ / \____/_/ \____/____/____/_/_/ /_/\__, /____/ Volume 14, Issue 003 /____/ January 21, 2006 Native Crossings (c) is a separately emailed suppliment to Wotanging Ikche (c) Native American News (c) dedicated to the memory of those in Indian Country who have begun their spirit journeys It may be subscribed to via email by sending a request from your own internet addressable account to gars@speakeasy.org <================<<<< >>>>================> This newsletter is produced in straight ASCII text for greatest portability across platforms. Read it with a fixed-pitch font, such as Courier, Monaco, FixedSys or CG Times. Proportional fonts will be difficult to read. <================<<<< >>>>================> IMPORTANT!! ----------- In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, all material appearing in this newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for educational purposes. <================<<<< >>>>================> --------- "RE: Cpl. Brett Lee Lundstrom" --------- Date: Wed, 11 Jan 2006 08:43:02 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="MARINE CPL. BRETT LEE LUNDSTROM" http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2006/01/11/news/top/news02.txt Marine from South Dakota killed in Iraq By Ryan Woodard, Journal Staff Writer January 11, 2006 An Oglala Sioux Tribe member and South Dakota native whose mother is a resident of Black Hawk was killed last weekend while serving in Iraq. He is remembered by his parents as a dedicated Marine who was "always in a good mood." Cpl. Brett Lee Lundstrom, 22, died Saturday while serving with the United States Marine Corps in Fallujah, Iraq. His mother, Doyla (Underbaggage) Lundstrom, said that being a Marine was a lifelong ambition for her son. "He's always said he was going to be a Marine since he was little," she said. Brett's father, Ed Lundstrom of Detroit was a career Marine officer for 20 years before recently retiring. As a result of Ed's job, the Lundstroms traveled for most of Brett's life. Doyla Lundstrom said Brett was a Marine "brat," which is part of what inspired him to join when he was older. He appreciated many aspects of the Marines, she said. "He was a Marine. He joined the Marines to do Marine Corps things, as he called them," she said. "He was an infantryman, so I knew he had a very dangerous job, but that's what he wanted to do." Ed Lundstrom said that he believed the fact that he was a Marine probably contributed to his son's decision to join. However, he said that the events of Sept. 11, 2001, had a big impact on his son. "After 9/11, he saw a need and felt that he could make a difference," he said. Brett enlisted in the Marines in January 2003, and he proved a lot to his father during his time in the service. "People wonder if this generation has what it takes. If they want to see that this generation is as great as the other ones, take a look at a guy like Brett and the guys he was serving with," he said. "They believed in the mission and never had a bad thing to say." Brett was born in Vermillion. During his family's travels, he attended high school in Virginia and spent a lot of time in the Washington, D.C., area. As a result, the Washington Capitals were his favorite hockey team, his mother said. She described him as "an avid sports fan who loved hanging out with friends." "Brett loved people, and people loved Brett," she said. "He was always joking and smiling. ... He lit up a room when he walked in." When asked what the one thing Ed remembered about his son was, he responded, "His smile." "He was always in a good mood. He was willing to give you the shirt off his back. He was always more concerned about everyone else than he was about himself," he said. Doyla Lundstrom is from Kyle on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Ed Lundstrom is from St. Francis on Rosebud Indian Reservation. Doyla moved to Black Hawk in July after she and Ed divorced. Brett was deployed to Iraq in September, Doyla said. She said Brett wasn't due to come home until next December, although she and Ed heard from him often. "He called every chance he got. Every time he wasn't patrolling, he was calling home and talking to me and his father," she said. Brett's brother, Eddy, is in the Army and also serving in Iraq. He came home Tuesday for the funeral. As for whether he will go back to Iraq, his mother said that she and his dad would prefer that he doesn't go back, but they are leaving the decision up to him and are supporting him. She said Eddy believes in his mission, much like his brother did. That makes things somewhat easier for her when thinking of Brett, she explained. "My comfort is knowing he died doing what he believed in," she said. Contact Ryan Woodard at 394-8412 or ryan.woodard@rapidcityjournal.com Copyright c. 2006 Rapid City Journal. --------- "RE: GIAGO: Cpl. Brett Lee Lundstrum" --------- Date: Mon, 16 Jan 2006 08:44:14 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="GIAGO: BRETT LUNDSTRUM" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=7456 Notes from Indian Country When is a war considered a just war? Tim Giago (Nanwica Kciji) c. 2006 Native American Journalists Foundation, Inc. January 16, 2006 When I turned 17 years old there was a war going on. Like many young men of that era, I didn't wait to be drafted, I volunteered. The year was 1951 and the war was called a "Police Action" but more than 40,000 Americans gave up their lives while serving as this country's policemen in Korea. I never really thought about the politics of the war. I was told that the Communist North Korea had invaded the free country of South Korea and it was our duty to stop and drive them back across the 38th Parallel. Not once did I doubt the integrity of our Nation's leaders or question their reasons for going to war. Was this a just war? When can a war be called just? I suppose Korea could be called a just war. After all, we were fighting to keep an invading army from taking away the freedom of another nation. We were young, we were fearless, and above all, we were patriotic. Without a shred of a doubt we trusted and respected our government. Would President Harry Truman lie to us? Never! And we walked away from Korea with our heads held high. Despite the intervention of the Communist China, we had driven the enemy back to the 38th Parallel. Perhaps the war was a stalemate, but a stalemate is better than a loss. But everything seemed to go awry in Vietnam. When we returned from Korea there were no protestors calling us baby killers and worse. But during the Vietnam Conflict it seemed that the entire nation was against the war and in their anger and hate for the war they turned on the troops fighting the war. A war is personal when one is actively involved, but it is also personal when a close friend or relative loses his life. This week the war in Iraq took a personal turn for me and for many Lakota people. Cpl. Brett Lee Lundstrum, USMC, was just 22 years old when he was killed by enemy fire at Fallujah, Iraq. He was an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. His mother, Doyla Carol (Underbaggage) Lundstrum was the foster daughter of Lynn Rapp my ex-wife, and during the years we were together Doyla and her two sons, Brett and Eddy, spend many holidays and many happy hours at our house. They even attended the Christmas parties we held for the staff of my newspaper, Indian Country Today. At one Christmas party, my step-daughter Susie, a very blonde young lady, looked around the room at the mixture of children attending the party and asked the band to play "The Brady Bunch." It was her tribute to her Lakota brothers and sisters in the room. We watched this awkward teenager grow into a strapping young man. But all of a sudden, his life is over before it has even begun. In his obituary it reads, "Brett was charismatic with a kind and generous soul; always humorous, with a smile, he lit up any room or place he entered." That's Brett. His laugh and smile were contagious. He loved the Marines and he loved serving his country. And just as I when I was 17 years old, he never questioned the reasons he was sent to Iraq. He considered it his duty as a United States Marine to follow the orders of his commanding officer. When one serves in the military it seems we do not question the reasons we are at war. We only do our duty and try to serve as best we can. It is only when we are older and have witnessed the devastation of war and have seen firsthand the political implications, then war takes on a different light. Far be it for me to ever question the integrity and courage of those men and women serving today in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are in the military and they obey orders. They also take great pride in the job they are doing. But it seems that President George W. Bush has intertwined honest criticism of the war with disrespect for those serving in combat. From my heart I can tell you that they are not the same. We are in a war that began with a dark lie that has taken on different hues of dishonesty as the war has dragged on. We are in a war that can end in only one of two ways: either the new Iraqi government will stabilize as a theocracy or the Nation of Iraq will dissolve into a civil war that will pit the Shiite and Kurds against the once controlling Sunni forces. In either case the end product will not be what the hawks that led us into this war intended. If Iraq becomes another Iran with mullahs as leaders or deteriorates into a civil war costing thousands of lives, who is the winner? It will not be the people of Iraq and certainly not the brave, young men and women that are dying every day in pursuit of a victorious ending. And it will not be the politicians responsible for the war. I feel the loss of Brett as do all of the people of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. He was one of us and he gave his life for a cause in which he truly believed. I honor and respect his courage, but that does not preclude me from questioning the wisdom of those elected leaders who sent him into this unjust war. May Brett rest in peace and may his Journey to the Spirit World be filled with wonder. --- Tim Giago 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 W. Main St., Suite 5, Rapid City, SD. Native American Times. Copyright c. 2005 All Rights Reserved. --------- "RE: Rev. George Smith" --------- Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 08:49:06 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="REV. GEORGE SMITH" http://www.whiteearth.com/anishinaabeg.htm Rev. George Smith White Earth elder was a masterful storyteller January 11, 2006 The Rev. George Smith, an Ojibwe Indian from Bemidji, Minn., and senior priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota, died on Dec. 28. He was 90. Smith was the step-grandson of the Rev. John Emmegahbowh, the church's first American Indian priest. He was a masterful storyteller, according to the Rev. Stephen Schaitberger, director of the diocese's department of Indian work. He said Smith told of an Ojibwe woman who cooked a meal for him, a meal that featured a meat he couldn't identify and found distasteful. Not wanting to offend an elder, he slipped the meat off his plate and tried to feed it to the woman's cat. But the woman kept refilling his plate, finally telling Smith he might as well finish it off because her cat didn't care much for loon. And there was the hunting trip 30 years ago on Lake Winnebigoshish. "George knew that lake quite well as he had supplemented his meager salary in hard times by being a fishing guide," Schaitberger said. "He admitted that he had lied about his fishing expertise to the resort owner. Of course, lying about fishing is totally acceptable in both white and Ojibwe cultures." As they watched geese fly south in a Vformation, "George turned to me and asked, 'Have you noticed that ... one side of the V is longer than the other? Do you know why that is?' "There I was in the bull rushes of Lake Winnie with my mentor/friend thinking that I was about to learn one of the secrets of ancient Ojibwe lore," Schaitberger said. No, he told Smith. He didn't know why one side was longer "George responded, 'There are more geese on that side.' "Smith was born on Sept. 19, 1915, on the White Earth Indian Reservation. He left to attend an Indian boarding school in South Dakota, graduating in 1935. Back in Minnesota, he was mentored by the Rev. Francis Carrington, a British Army veteran of the Boer War and a missionary. Smith was ordained a priest in 1942 and served parishes and missions in northern Minnesota until he retired in 1980. In the 1950s, he served on the governor's Human Rights Commission and the 19-state Interstate Indian Council. He was an advocate for assimilation. "Many Indians are now filtering back to the reservation country," he said in a 1958 address to a church group in Minneapolis. "Those who fail to make an adjustment in the big cities return, hoping to preserve the old ways of life. But it is a failing venture. "George lived in a time when those old values were much weaker and failing," said the Rev. Doyle Turner, also an Episcopal priest and former chairman at White Earth. "He was more pessimistic then about the culture surviving." Smith "spoke the Ojibwe language very well, and he was often sought out to minister to people in the language," Turner said, and he understood "that we need the old values to teach us what is strong and right." Smith is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, whom he married in 1942; son Kent, Bemidji; daughters Claricy, Minneapolis, and Nancy Falkum, Wabasha; three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Copyright c. 2006 Star Tribune. Copyright c. 2006 Anishinaabeg Today, White Earth, MN. --------- "RE: Memorial Ceremony: Tommy James Eli" --------- Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 08:49:06 -0700 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="TOMMY JAMES ELI MEMORIAL" http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm http://www.yakima-herald.com/page/dis/288956776157863 Yakamas to hold special ceremony By PHIL FEROLITO YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC January 10, 2006 Yakama tribal leaders will hold a special ceremony today for a former leader who died last year while still in office. Tommy James Eli, 72, died Oct. 4 at a Wapato nursing home while serving as vice chairman of the tribe's General Council. The General Council is composed of all voting tribal members and four elected officials. Eli, known for his commitment to keeping the Yakama language alive, was elected to the Yakamas' Tribal Council - a 14-member board that oversees the tribe's daily operations - in 1983. He served four years. He was elected to the General Council in 2002. To release themselves of his spiritual presence and any grief, tribal leaders will hold a 9 a.m. giveaway at the Yakama agency at 401 Fort Road, Toppenish. In Yakama belief, items belonging to someone who dies are given away by the family. It helps the family to let go, allowing the deceased to make their spiritual journey. Family members also abandon their traditions such as fishing, hunting, food gathering and powwow dancing for one year following a loved one's death. Although the family already gave away Eli's belongings, tribal officials want to hold a ceremony because they worked closely with him, said Eleanor Umtuch-Bill, who is helping with the gathering. Tribal leaders are urging all tribal members to attend. "They will release themselves and clean out the office spiritually of any grief," Umtuch-Bill said. "It's kind of like clearing the way for the next person coming in." The meeting has been postponed again because of two funerals, but tribal leaders hope to begin the annual gathering Thursday. Voting tribal members will elect a new vice chairman, a lifelong term, during the annual meeting. Copyright c. 2006 - Yakima Herald-Republic - www.yakimaherald.com --------- "RE: Crossings" --------- Date: Mon, 16 Jan 2006 09:08:11 -0600 From: Gary Smith Subj: NA News Item - - - - - - -- - - - - - - filename="CROSSINGS" January 10, 2006 Sandra Kay Hunt Laurinburg Sandra Kay Hunt, 43, of Laurinburg, died Jan. 6, 2006, at Scotland Memorial Hospital in Laurinburg. The funeral will be 3 p.m. Tuesday at Richard Boles Funeral Service Chapel. Burial will follow at Hillside Memorial Park in Laurinburg. Surviving are her mother, Effie Hunt of Laurinburg; two sons, Bruce Elliot Hunt and James Allen Scott, both of Maxton; and two sisters, Betty Jones of Maxton and Lisa Hunt of Laurinburg. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Richard Boles Funeral Service in Laurinburg. James Clyde Locklear Red Springs James Clyde Locklear, 75, of 3255 Old Lowery Road, died Jan. 4, 2005, at home. The funeral will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Heritage Funeral Home in Red Springs, the Revs. Montana Locklear and Everette Woods officiating. Burial will follow at the Locklear family cemetery in Lumberton. Surviving are his wife, Shirley O. Locklear; three sons, Timmy Locklear, Robert Locklear and Carl Locklear, all of Lumberton; and a grandchild. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 tonight at Heritage Funeral Home. January 13, 2006 Pauline S. Locklear Lumberton Pauline S. Locklear, 78, of 513 Oak Grove Church Road, died Jan. 9, 2006, at Southeastern Regional Medical Center. The funeral will be 3 p.m. Friday at New Point Baptist Church, the Revs. Chris Jones, Ronald Locklear and Bill James Locklear officiating. Burial will follow in the New Point Church Cemetery. Locklear was born May 9, 1927. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stinson Locklear. Surviving are five sons, Melton Locklear of Taylor, Mich., Ted Locklear of Pembroke, Wayne Locklear of Laurinburg, and Dean Locklear and Winston Locklear, both of Lumberton; seven daughters: Geraldine Richardson of Charlotte, Paulette Locklear of Maxton, Ruth Harding and Delois Lowery, both of Pembroke, Maxine Jacobs of Angier, and Josephine Cummings and Donna Murial Clark, both of Lumberton; two brothers, Rozier Strickland Jr. and James Strickland, both of Washington state; two sisters, Daphne Light of Auburn Hill, Mich., and Mary Oxendine of Maxton; 36 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Burnt Swamp Baptist Association-Indian Missions, 450 Prospect Road, Pembroke, N.C., 28372. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 tonight at New Point Baptist Church. Copyright c. 2006 The Robesonian, Lumberton, NC. -=-=-=- January 10, 2006 Laura Long Hornbuckle Cherokee - Laura Long Hornbuckle, 82, of the Painttown Community, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Anona Crowe Long and wife of the late Ernest Hornbuckle. She retired with the Cherokees with 21 years of employment. She was preceded in death by daughters, Danita Chiltoskie and Naomi Ruth Hornbuckle; son, Glenn Long; brothers, Steve, Wilbur, Joe, Bob, and Johnny Long; and sisters, Rachel Hicks and Zena Rattler. She is survived by children: Robert E. Long, Marilyn (Sis) Crowe, James (Butch) Long, Glenda Crowe, Roberta Long, David Hornbuckle, Charlie Hornbuckle, Paul Hornbuckle, Sherri Hornbuckle, all of Cherokee and Cynthia Saturday of Bluffton, S.C.; brother, Bill Long of Cherokee; 32 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Rock Springs Baptist Church of which she was a member. The Rev. James Sneed will officiate with burial in the Long Family Cemetery on Stillwell Branch. The body will be taken back to the church at 4 p.m. Tuesday by Crisp Funeral Home to await the hour of service. January 13, 2006 Mary Belle Welch Catolster Cherokee - Mary Belle Welch Catolster, 76, of Wolftown community, Cherokee, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006, at Cherokee Hospital. Mrs. Catolster was born on Dec. 15, 1929, in Cherokee and was the daughter of the late Agnes Calhoun Welch. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edmund Menoch Catolster; brother, Adam Welch; daughter, Jean Marie Miller; and grandson, Mathew James Catolster. She will be cherished in memory by her two daughters, Dinah Grant and her husband, Mark, Nellie Smith and her husband, Eddie; three sons, Will D. , Edmund G. and R. Marty Catolster, all of Cherokee; eight grandchildren, Brant, Raven and Menoch Grant, Samantha, Billy Ray and Tabitha Smith, Steven Catolster and Jon "Nat" Crowe; six great-grandchildren, Kenneth Smith, Rebecca Corona Smith, Lil Bill Smith, Malacki Smith, Keyanne and Jesse Crowe. The funeral service will be held at noon Saturday at Cherokee United Methodist Church where she was a member. The Rev. Steve Phillippi and James (Bo) Parris will officiate with burial in Menoch-Catolster Family Cemetery on Johnson Bradley Road. The body will be taken to the church at 4 p.m. Friday by Crisp Funeral Home to await the hour of service. Pallbearers will be Mark, Brant, Raven, Menoch Grant, Billy Ray Smith, Steven Catolster, Eddie and Randy Catt. Copyright c. 2006 Asheville Citizen-Times. -=-=-=- January 12, 2006 Joan Macy (Maktima) Brokeshoulder Joan Macy (Maktima) Brokeshoulder departed this world on January 10, 2006. Joan was born on September 13, 1935, in Winslow, Arizona. She was a member of the Rabbit/Tobacco Clan of Hotevilla Village on the Hopi Indian Reservation. She began her professional career in the Phoenix Area Office, with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Branch of Social Services. She retired from the BIA in July of 1994. Daughter of Guy and Amelia Maktima. She is survived by her husband, Harrell Brokeshoulder; son, Nick Brokeshoulder; and three grandchildren, along with her brother, Willard Maktima. Services will be held on Friday, January 13, 2006, at Greer's Mortuary located at 316 W. 2nd St., Winslow, Arizona at 1:00 P.M. Interment will follow at the Desert View Cemetery. Jennifer "Cubby" Lue Wakanabo-Carlson Jennifer "Cubby" Lue Wakanabo-Carlson, 54, of Cass Lake, died on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006, at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minn. A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Cass Lake with Rev. Harold Eaglebull and Rev. John Rock officiating. A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the Cease Family Funeral Home in Cass Lake and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Burial will be in the spring in Pine Grove Cemetery in Cass Lake. January 15, 2006 Francis "Uncle Bill" Roberts Francis "Uncle Bill" William Roberts, 69 of Red Lake, MN died Saturday, January 14, 2006 at the Red Lake Hospital in Red Lake, MN. Funeral Services will be 1:00 pm, Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at the St. Mary's Mission Catholic Church in Red Lake, MN with Rev. Pat Sullivan officiating. A wake will begin Sunday evening at the Little Rock Center in Red Lake and go until the service on Tuesday. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bemidji helped the family with arrangements. He was born September 29, 1936 in Red Lake the son of Margaret Roberts Bushe and Joseph Bushe. He grew up and attended school in Red Lake. He married Mary Neadeau February 22, 1975 in Minneapolis, MN. He worked in Minneapolis for many years. In 1981 they moved back to Red Lake. He started working for Red Lake Builders in 1983 until his retirement in 1989. They also did foster care for many years. He enjoyed working in his yard, gardening and fishing. He is survived by wife: Mary Roberts of Red Lake; Children:Troy, Chris, Teri, Dawn, Kim, Ruby, Pam, Halona, Cheryle, Bruce and Scott; And numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Agatha. Honorary Casketbearers will be Clyde Neadeau, Bruce Roy, Terry Neadeau, Sr., Cary Benton and Merrill Neadeau. Active Casketbearers will be Truman Schoenborn, Daryl Auginash, Rick Benjamin, Duane Beaulieu, Frederick Lussier and Rodney Beaulieu. Copyright c. 2006 Red Lake Net News. -=-=-=- January 11, 2006 Leonard M. "Mickey" Smith Leonard M. "Mickey" Smith, 71, of Detroit Lakes, died Dec. 22 at St. Mary's Nursing Center in Detroit Lakes. Leonard Michael Smith was born July 4, 1934 in Ponsford to Henry J. and Marie (St.Clair-Daskum) Smith. He grew up in Pine Point Village near Ponsford, attending Pine Point School and later attending Park Rapids High School. Mickey earned a bachelor of science degree in Industrial Arts at Bemidji State University. He was united in marriage with Jeanne Schipper on June 30, 1956 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Minneapolis. They remained in Minneapolis where he worked for American Linen and Laundry. He attended Welding School in Chicago where he worked for the Linkbelt Company before moving to Minneapolis where he worked for Minneapolis Electric Steel. They moved to the Park Rapids area and he worked as a Home School Coordinator for the Park Rapids area schools. Mickey worked as a security officer and with Building Maintenance for the Shooting Star Casino, retiring in 1996. In November 2002, Mickey and Jeanne moved to Detroit Lakes and he became a resident of St. Mary's Nursing Center in Detroit Lakes in May 2005. Mickey is survived by his wife, Jeanne Smith of Detroit Lakes; one daughter Marilee Li and her husband Herman of San Jose, Calif.; six sons: Rick Smith and his wife Reverend Coke of Detroit Lakes, Mike Smith and his wife Julie, Lenny Smith and his wife Donna, all of Ponsford, Greg Smith and his fiancee, Kerri Puttbrese, John Smith, all of Detroit Lakes, Paul Smith of Frazee; seven sisters: Louise "Tiny" Ryan and her husband Don of Ponsford, Margaret "Dolly" Seiglock and her husband Art of Selfridge, N.D., Marie "Sobig" Hanson and her husband Wes of Maplewood, Minn., Lorraine "Lori" Fallas and her husband Andy of Costa Rica and California, Beverly Smith and her husband Tom Wyaffle of Apache Junction, Ariz., Gloria Schwaab of Minneapolis, Rosalie Azzolina of Rochester, N.Y.; three brothers: Gordon Smith and his wife Christine of Blaine, Minn., Henry Smith Jr. and his wife LaVonne of Fridley, Minn., Bill Smith and his wife Jane of Callaway; 23 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren. Mickey was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Delores "Terry" Siblerud; and two brothers in their infancy. Mickey enjoyed his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, auto mechanics, repairing almost anything, playing softball, playing Keno, fishing, hunting, ricing, cooking, watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, and the many hours he spent with students. Mass of Christian Burial was held Dec. 27 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes with Father Mietek Bajek officiating. Interment: St. Theodore's Catholic Cemetery in Ponsford. Arrangements: David-Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes. Reverend George A. Smith The Reverend George Alvin Smith, D.D., was born in White Earth on Sept. 19, 1915, to Thomas and Nancy (Taylor) Smith. He graduated from Flandreau Indian School, S.D., in 1935. In January 1936, he began reading for Holy Orders under the direction of The Reverend Francis Louis Carrington, L.L.D. Dr. Carrington presented George along with William Hanks for ordination to the deaconate in the Episcopal Church on June 13, 1941, and to the priesthood in June 1942. The Right Reverend Benjamin Tibbetts Kemerer, D.D. officiated at both ordinations. George married Elizabeth Luhman on April 14, 1942, at Cass Lake. George served numerous parishes and missions in northern Minnesota. He was active in many local, regional and national organizations. George retired from the active ministry in 1980. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Louise; and a son, Gale. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; three children: Kent (Mary), Bemidji; Claricy, Minneapolis, and Nancy (Craig) Falkum, Wabasha, Minn.; three grandchildren: Paul and Robert Smith and Alexis Cobe; and two great grandchildren: Ashleigh and Arianna Smith. A memorial service for the Reverend Dr. George A. Smith was held Jan. 2 at Trinity Church in Park Rapids. Arrangements: Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home, Mahnomen. Sam Edward Ardito Jr. Sam Edward Ardito Jr., 58, of Walker, died Dec. 30 at the St. Joseph's Health Care Center in Park Rapids. Sam was born on July 14, 1947 in Minneapolis to Rita (Parker) and Sam Ardito Sr. He graduated from Columbia Heights High School in 1965. He went on to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps from Dec. 1, 1965 until Nov. 30, 1971, including active duty from 1965-1968. He returned from active duty to attend the University of Minnesota, majoring in American Indian Studies. On June 2, 1979, he was married to Marcella Tanner of Walker. He worked in both the Minneapolis and St. Paul school districts, and was dean at NAES College - Minneapolis Campus. He was currently employed by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Sam is particularly remembered for his love of family, history, yard projects, crossword puzzles, and his Mac computer. He is survived by his wife: Marcella; five daughters: Sammie Ardito, Kelly Harper, Kimberly Libby, Michelle (Danny) Manos, Stephanie (Gary) Winger; three sons: Fire Eagle Dewitt, Kerry (Lori) Harper, Patrick Rodeck; his father, Sam Ardito Sr.; his mother, Rita Ardito; four brothers: Edward (Mary) Ardito, Michael (Marilee) Ardito, Ronald (Wanda) Ardito, Steven Ardito; 14 grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Funeral services were held at the Indian Ministries facility on Jan. 4, 2006 with Fr. Jim Notebardt officiating. Interment: Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Arrangements: Thomas-Dennis Funeral Home in Walker. In Memory In Loving Memory of my wonderful mother Lorraine (Nellie) Keezer who passed away on Jan. 2, 2005 Mom, it's already been a year for you, and I missed you every day of that year and still have a very hard time knowing you are not here. Mom, just being your daughter was the best thing that could have happened to me; you have been my mother, my friend, and just knowing that you always told me you loved me no matter what, and also knowing that I had you to love and I could go on with life's challenges, secure in the knowledge that I had someone special like you who always thought about me and supported me and cared for me more deeply than anyone ever knew. I was so happy to of had you all those years to share my life with. I still need you, but knowing you are above me everyday gives me the strength to go on in this world today. I love you mom, and I love you with all my heart. Merry Christmas, mom. Your daughter, Wanda Bevins In Memory Robert Arthur Butcher (Waboose) July 2, 1985 to Dec. 31, 2001 Robert, it's been four years without you, When I heard what happened I prayed it wasn't true. That night came upon I was nowhere around, The next morning I got the phone call and my whole world came crashing down. I miss snowmobiling and hunting through our trails, Going through them thinking about you never fails. When I go hunting it always brings tears, With you by my side roaming that big field I never fear. My baby's mom and me dedicated a song to you by Master P (my homie), When we listen to it memory's come to mind about you and me. We all stand around you talking and missing you, Wondering why the Creator wanted you home so soon, Never too far away I can just go stand by you and look at the moon. Until we meet again, miss you and see you soon, cuz. John C. Goodman III Norcross and Basswood Family In Memory Robert Leon Basswood (Bob) Dec. 10, 1965 to Dec. 10, 1994 It's been 11 years since you left us without a trace, But we all know you are in a better place. It's been very hard and lots of pain, In our thoughts you will always remain. We still suffer from a broken heart, But it makes us glad we will never part. It was like yesterday we seen your smile, For that it will not leave for thousands of miles. When the birds sing and the wind blows, We see your smile and it still glows. That day came unexpected when the Creator took you so soon, But it makes us smile when we see your face when we look at the moon. When it comes around to out time to hold your hand up above, You are in our thoughts and in our hearts with lots of love With some tears and tons of love you are thought of by all of us. John C. Goodman III and Family In Loving Memory of Lorraine Nell Keezer who passed away a year ago on Jan. 3 "Mom" Author: Lisa Lussier It does not seem that long, but it has already been a year since you've been gone. I look around at the empty space, and realize that I no longer see your beautiful face. I miss your smile, your loving touch, does it seem possible to miss and love someone so much? As time goes on, I sit and cry and ask myself "Did she really die?" I know that someday we will be together again, but for now I know that you are waiting safe in heaven. We love and miss you mom, always. Love your children, grandchildren & great grandchildren In Memory SILENT ON A SNOWY HILL c. gardner. 1 -02 In memory of Patti Warren. Silent on a snowy hill, lost in deep repose; as if asleep, no hint of pain, but gone where no bystander goes. Silent on a snowy hill, beyond the glass that will not yield; forever free of fear and pain but not beyond the loss we feel. Silent on a snowy hill, while we are left to live our years and wonder what cannot be known and whisper why through midnight tears. -- When Bineshiinh flies overhead look up from this hill of pain, remember that her spirit lives, dawn trails night and love sheds rain. Copyright c. 2006 Anishinaabeg Today, White Earth, MN. -=-=-=- January 11, 2006 Florence Marie Mountain Florence Marie Mountain, whose Ojibwe name was Ahndeg, 65, of Bemidji, died on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, at her home. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Leech Lake Veteran's Memorial Building in Cass Lake. Wake services began Tuesday evening at the Leech Lake Veteran's Memorial Building in Cass Lake and will continue until the time service on Thursday. Burial will follow in Old Agency Catholic Cemetery in Onigum, Minn. The Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home in Bemidji assisted the family with arrangements. January 12, 2006 Jennifer "Cubby" Lue Wakanabo-Carlson Jennifer "Cubby" Lue Wakanabo-Carlson, 54, of Cass Lake, died on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006, at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minn. A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Cass Lake with Rev. Harold Eaglebull and Rev. John Rock officiating. A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the Cease Family Funeral Home in Cass Lake and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Burial will be in the spring in Pine Grove Cemetery in Cass Lake. Copyright c. 2006 The Pioneer/Bemidji, MN. -=-=-=- January 10, 2006 Patrick Two Bears Patrick Two Bears, 78, Wakpala, S.D., died Jan. 5, 2006, at Mobridge Regional Hospital. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church, Wakpala, S.D. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Oster Funeral Home, Mobridge, S.D. January 12, 2006 Lyle Callous Leg FORT YATES - Lyle Callous Leg, 39, Fort Yates, died Dec. 27, 2005, in Fort Yates. Arrangements are pending with Oster Funeral Home, Mobridge, S.D. January 16, 2006 Jayden Dogskin Jayden Ty Dogskin, son of Stephen and Stacey (FoolBear) Dogskin, Cannonball, was stillborn Jan. 14, 2006, at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck. Services will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Perry Funeral Home, Mandan, with the Rev. Anthony American Horse, officiating. Burial will be at St. James Episcopal Cemetery, Cannonball. He is survived by his parents; two sisters, Sidney and Destiny Dogskin; two brothers, Brenden Dogskin, Sage Conica and adopted brother, Casey Hollow, all at home; his maternal grandparents, George and Mary Rose FoolBear, Cannon Ball; his paternal grandprents, Corrine Stretches, Cannon Ball, and Wilfred Wolf Necklace, Fort Yates. Perry Funeral Home, Mandan. Conrad Little Conrad Little, 54, McLaughlin, S.D., diedJan. 14, 2006, at his home. Arrangements are pending with Oster Funeral Home, Mobridge, S.D. Copyright c. 2006 Bismarck Tribune. -=-=-=- Teton Times, The LEGAL Newspaper of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Spirit World December 28, 2005 - January 4, 2006 Trevor Jon (Trevy) Little Wounded, Infant DUPREE - Funeral services for Trevor Little Wounded three-month-old son of Melanie LeClaire and Jonathan Little Wounded were held Dec. 22 at the Dupree Community Center. Rev. Norman Blue Coat officiated. Burial was in the Dupree City Cemetery under the direction of Oster Funeral Home of Mobridge. Trevor passed away on Dec. 14 at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls. Trevor Jon Little Wounded was born on Aug. 31 in Pierre, to Jonathan Little Wounded and Melanie LeClaire. He is survived by his parents of Dupree; two brothers Jorden Little Wounded of Dupree and Joshua Brooks of Lower Brule; one sister Courtney Little Wounded of Rapid City, and numerous grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his great grandparents Nathan and Flora Little Wounded, Gladys LeClaire and Moses and Orpha White Wolf. Casketbearers were Thurman (JuJu) Little Wounded, Jr., Lanley (BoBo) LeClaire, Marvin White Wolf, Reggie LeClaire, Carlos Simental and Rusty Hale. Honorary casketbearers were his big brothers Jordan Wayne Little Wounded and Joshua Brooks and his big sister Courtney Little Wounded; Marvin (Dade) White Wolf, Sadie White Wolf, Elvira White Wolf, Maida LeBeau, Carol Rave, Thurman and Lee Little Wounded, Officer Kenny Clown, Ambulance Crew, 1. H. S. ER Staff, Sioux Falls Flight Crew, Sioux Valley Hospital Children's Pediatrics Intensive Care Staff, Jackie, Reggie and Jace LeClaire, Lanley LeClaire, Kacie Buffalo, Karen Jefferies, Brenda Claymore, CRST Court Staff and Law Enforcement, Darilyn (Porky) LeClaire and Kids, Carol Veit, Joann and Jim Webb, Sister Marian, Rev. Norman Blue Coat, Sioux Valley Chaplin Service, Bill and Lila Bosley, Alice LeClaire and Family, Jimmy and Chalene Little Wounded Family, Delwin LeClaire and Kristy High Pipe and famly, Judy Dosh, Dale Handericks, Kadin Little Wounded, Stuwart Cochran, Charmane Means and kids, Charish Little Wounded and kids, Grandpa Bernard LeClaire, Derek and Lacey LeClaire, Bernadine (Birdie) Little Thunder, Burtis and Dianne, Stephanie Little Wounded, Lacey and Sean Knight, Rusty Hale and family, Dawn Olvara and family, Dupree Elementary Staff, Karen Little Wounded and Joe Lafferty, Jessie Little Wounded and family, Karri St. John and family, Robbie (Bird) Little Wounded and family, all cousins, grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles and all infants. Joseph Jacob `Joe' Brown Wolf, 19 EAGLE BUTTE - Funeral for Joseph Brown Wolf age 19 of Eagle Butte was on Dec. 24 at the H. V. Johnston Cultural Center. The Very Rev. Jeffry Barnes, Deacon's Dora Bruguier, Duane Mandan and Lay Reader Valarie. P. Curley officiated. Burial was in the Family Cemetery in Iron Lightning under the direction of Oster Funeral Home of Mobridge. Joseph passed away at his home in Eagle Butte on Dec. 17. Joseph Jacob Brown Wolf was born on June 28, 1986 in Eagle Butte to Linda Addison and Steven Brown Wolf. He grew up in Eagle Butte and graduated from high school in 2005. He is survived by his very special friend, Jessica Iron Moccasin; his parents, Linda Addison and Steven Brown Wolf; brothers, Francis, C-Jay, Ervin, and Cecil Addison; sister, Janna Brown Wolf; adopted sister, Carmen Annis; nieces, Shyne Kiara, Joeylynn, and Tacoma Angelik all of Eagle Butte, and Kyla Rose of Rapid City; nephew, Michael Maurice of Eagle Butte; maternal grandmothers, Cordelia Dupris, Veronica Iron Lightning, and Florence Lafferty; Maternal grandfather, Leroy Curley; paternal andmother, Hattie (Pretty Bear) Horn all of Eagle Butte; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his materal grandparents, Cecil & Amy (Iron ightning) Curley; aunt, Grace C. Agneaux; uncles Arlen and Andy Curley and Henry "Jit" Brown Wolf; cousins, Terry & Keith Kevin Curley; and his paternal grandfather, Henry Brown Wolf, Sr. Casketbearers were Taten Ducheneaux, Kane Moran, Taryn Ducheneaux, Caleb Moran, Ty Traversie, Wakinyan Harden, Corey Holy, Lester Peneaux, Clyde Mandan, Mahlon Jeffries, Jared Peneaux, Lawrence Earring, Lyndon Langley, James Curley, and Mike Miner. Honorary casketbearers were the Cheyenne Eagle Butte Class of 2005, Eagle Center Staff and all of Joe's family, relatives and friends. Special music was provided by Tiospaye Singers. Drum Group was Wakinyan Maza. In Loving Memory of Pat McLaughlin Three years have gone by, We can hardly believe it s true. For still so strong is the love, and the memories, we all still have for you. For it s that love and memories, That we still cherish with our hearts, Day by dad as time goes by, Forever in our hearts Daddy, never to part. You were so much more than legend, so much more than fame, You were more than a Cowboy, Councilman and Chairman, You were an inspiration, To both young and to old. Your strength, your kindness, Your courage, your dedication, Forever in our hearts, to hold. Your way of helping and stopping to talk to people, Your great big wonderful smile and your lending hand. Your charisma, your personality alike, All shine down on us now. You re the brightest star up in the sky at night, And sometimes late at night, when I lay beneath those stars, I look up and see your star shine sooo bright, Then a great big smile comes to my lips, Cause Daddy your riding them broncs tonight, Up in heaven s rodeo arena, Come those famous words, ok boys ok is what I can hear. Proud as ever, my heart gives a cheer, For Daddy is still doing what he loved, Being that incredible cowboy That stands him apart from the rest. Loving and missing you every day Daddy Your Daughter Paty In Memory of Pat McLaughlin Legendary Cowboy Pat has always and will always be a hero. A cowboy's heart stopped beating his life came to an end, and many hearts were truly saddened by this loss of a friend. He gave up his life doing what he loved. And I'm sure he's smiling down from somewhere up above. His heart made him a hero this legend we have lost. We all know and love this man As the legendary Pat McLaughlin He Only Takes the Best Grandpa, LaLa, Daddy God saw he was getting tired and a cure was not to be. so he put his arms around him and whispered. "Come with me". In tears we watched and saw him fade away, although we loved him dearly we could not make him stay. "A heart of gold stopped beating," "Hard working hands now rest." God broke our hearts to prove to us... He only takes the best. In Loving Memory of Pat McLaughlin Wambli Topa - Four Eagle Daddy, LaLa, Grandpa, he was a cowboy, He loved to ride the range, His future was so very bright, But sometimes life is strange. While full of life he drew the losing hand. Why things happen as they do we'll never understand. As far as riding broncs went He was the best around. A humble, gracious champion, His feet were on the ground. Daddy, LaLa, Grandpa achieved so many things and still had more to show, When God touched him on the shoulder, and said "it's time to go". God took him home, Why? It's hard to know, But we know that he's starring now in Heaven's rodeo Daddy LaLa, he is a cowboy He loves to ride the range .... Loving and missing you Joe, Stoney, Paty Copyright c. 2006 Teton Times, McLaughlin, SD. -=-=-=- January 11, 2006 Patrick Two Bears Sr. was a warrior By Jo Hall Patrick Two Bears Sr. was very proud to fight for his country; he was a Warrior who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1943 to 1946 as a Seaman First Class until his honorable discharge. He also served in the U.S. Army with his brother, Neil, during the Korean War, 1950 to 1955. He was a sergeant in the Army and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Korean medal with four bronze service stars, and the National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged. It would appear that being warriors is a family trait because Patrick has many nieces, nephews and cousins who have been in service or have just joined. His father served in World War I and his brother Gilbert, who served in World War II, was credited with capturing six German soldiers. Patrick was a descendent of Chief Two Bears. When Patrick was honorably discharged from service he received the Indian name Wonyakka Mah.he that translates to Sea Walker. Patrick's life of service ended Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006, when he died at the Mobridge Regional Hospital at the age of 78. He was born May 17, 1927, in Cannon Ball, N.D., to Joe and Dora (Seewalker) Two Bears. He grew up in the Cannon Ball and Mandan area and attended school at the Cannon Ball Day School. From 1941 to 1946, his home was in Cannon Ball and from 1946 to 1960 he called Mandan, N.D., his home. He made his home in Wakpala in 1960 and then married Alsace Cadotte on April 9, 1960. They made their home in Mandan until 1986 when they moved back to Wakpala where they remained. Patrick worked for the Smith Pipeline Construction in Murdo from October 1969 to December 1969. He then worked for the Office of Environmental Health as a field engineer, Indian Health Service in McLaughlin from May 1971 to June 1971. He worked for SRHA of Fort Yates, N.D., as a maintenance worker, the Wakpala District from 1973 to 1975, AOEH-HIS of McLaughlin as a Construction Inspector Aide from 1975 to 1977, and the OEH-HIS of Mobridge as a Construction Inspector from 1977 to August 2000. In all, he worked for the OEH-HIS for a total of 30 years. His wife Alsace Two Bears died July 5, 1994, but Patrick continued to work until his retirement. He enjoyed his work and dearly loved his wife. They had three children together and one adopted daughter they took as their own. He enjoyed going to Wakpala boys' basketball games, watching NFL football and boxing. Survivors include two sons, Willard Two Bears and Patrick Two Bears Jr., both of Wakpala; two daughters, Dorinda Two Bears of St. Paul, Minn., and Angel Silk of Mobridge; one brother, Neil Two Bears of Fort Yates; and one sister, Verna Ermineskin of Hobbema, Canada. Patrick considered his brother-in-law John Ermineskin of Hobbema a special friend he had known for years. Also surviving are an aunt, Rose Good Left; his brother-in-law William Cadotte of Wakpala; one sister-in-law, Wilma Patterson of Fort Yates; adopted sister-in-law, Delma Heldman; his first born grandchild, ShaVonn Two Bears; grandchildren, Mitchel Silk, Justin Iron Necklace, Anthony Haro, Allison Haro, Ashley Haro, Bonnie Haro, Tatyana Silk, Yasmeen Silk and Kylie Silk; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Alsace, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Monica One Horn and Mairie Conica; one brother, Gilbert Two Bears; his mother, Dora Two Bears; mother-in-law, Julia Cadotte; two brothers-in-law, Darrell Cadotte and Robert Cadotte; two daughters, Matilda Two Bears and Twyla Two Bears; grandson, James Silk; and granddaughter, Adrianna Haro. Services Saturday The funeral for Patrick will be at 10 a.m. CT on Saturday, Jan. 14, at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church near Wakpala. The Rev. Danny Westerlund, the Rev. Leslie Campbell and the Rev. Norman Blue Coat will officiate. Gladys Hawk will be organist. Congregational hymns will be Dakota Hymn 71 and "Amazing Grace." The Lakeside Singers will be the Drum Group. Casketbearers are Lew Wallace, Gearad Glaser, Wade Glaser, Ray Glaser, Mitchell Silk, Justin Iron Necklace, Maynard Two Bears, Kenny Two Bears and Kevin One Horn. Honorary bearers will be John Ermineskin, Wakpala Veterans Lodge, Mathew American Horse Post of Cannon Ball, Fort Yates Grass Legion Post, Vietnam Veteran Association from Standing Rock, his adopted sister-in-law Delma Heldman, Jolene Cadotte (Wakpala CHR), Mary Blue Arm of Green Grass, IHS/OEH of Mobridge office, Lakeside Singers of Wakpala, his aunt Rose Good Left, Vern Shelton, Scott Fielder, Louie Ducheneaux, the Aberle family, Cheyenne River Veterans, and Vernon and Theo Iron Cloud. Burial will be in St. Elizabeth's Church Cemetery under the direction of Oster Funeral Home of Mobridge. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. at Oster Funeral Home in Mobridge on Friday. Copyright c. 2006 Mobridge Tribune. -=-=-=- January 10, 2006 Patrick Two Bears Wakpala - Funeral for Patrick Two Bears, age 78, of Wakpala, S.D., will be at 10 a.m., on Saturday, at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Wakpala. Burial in the church cemetery under the direction of Oster Funeral Home of Mobridge, S.D. A family prayer service was held at 7 p.m. at Oster Funeral Home on Friday. Mr. Two Bears died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006, at the Mobridge Regional Hospital. January 15, 2006 Brandon Joseph LaRoche Aberdeen - The funeral service for Brandon Joseph LaRoche, 19, Aberdeen, is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006, at Melgaard Park Baptist Church with Pastor Neil Hannahs officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Aberdeen. Brandon died Thursday, Jan. 12, in a car accident in Aberdeen. Visitation is from 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, at Spitzer Funeral Home, 320 Sixth Ave. S.E., Aberdeen, followed by an all-night wake from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Brandon Joseph LaRoche was born on June 27, 1986, to Alyce Scares The Hawk at Eagle Butte, S.D. His family moved to Aberdeen when he was an infant. He grew up in Aberdeen and attended school there. Brandon then attended Joe Foss High School in Sioux Falls, S.D., graduating with the class of 2004. Brandon attended Melgaard Park Baptist Church. He worked for a custodial contractor in Aberdeen, doing most of his work at Kessler's. Brandon enjoyed listening to music. He also loved to play video games and basketball with his friends. Grateful for having shared Brandon's life are his mother, Alyce LaRoche, father Martin LaRoche, Sr., both of Aberdeen, three brothers, Shane LeBeau of Minneapolis, Minn., Marty LaRoche, Jr. of Aberdeen, and Thomas LaRoche of Aberdeen, and four sisters, Amber Laundreaux, of Eagle Butte, S.D., Michelle LaRoche of Aberdeen, Cassandra LaRoche of Aberdeen, and Sarah LaRoche of Aberdeen. Brandon was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Raymond and Flora Scares The Hawk and his aunt, Dawn Scares The Hawk. Trayzon Joseph Taken Alive Cherry Creek - Funeral service for Trayzon Joseph Taken Alive, infant son of Toni Taken Alive and Marvin Bringsplenty, will be Monday, Jan. 16, 2006, at 2 p.m. MST at the UCC Church in Cherry Creek, S.D. Burial will be in the UCC Cemetery under the direction of Luce Funeral Home. Wake service will be Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006, at 7 p.m. MST at the UCC Church in Cherry Creek. January 16, 2006 Patricia Wolf Mobridge - Funeral arrangements for Patricia Wolf, 78 of Mobridge, S.D. are pending with Oster Funeral Home of Mobridge. Patricia died Jan. 15, 2006, at Worthington Regional Hospital in Worthington, Minn. Copyright c. 2006 Aberdeen American News. -=-=-=- January 10, 2006 Patrick Two Bears WAKPALA - Patrick Two Bears, 78, Wakpala, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006, at Mobridge Regional Hospital. A family prayer service will be at 7 p.m. CST Friday, Jan. 13, at Oster Funeral Home in Mobridge. Services will be at 10 a.m. CST Saturday, Jan. 14, at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Wakpala, with Mother Danny Westerlund, the Rev. Leslie Campbell and the Rev. Norman Blue Coat. Burial will be at the church cemetery. January 11, 2006 Jacob Poor "Jake" Elk Jr. OGLALA - Jacob "Jake" Poor Elk Jr., 57, Oglala, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Survivors include one sister, Marlena Blacksmith, Oglala. A two-night wake will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at Brother Rene Church Hall in Oglala. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at the church hall, with the Rev. Agnes Tyon officiating. Burial will be at St. John's Episcopal Cemetery in Oglala. Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements. Tai Michelle Farrell MCLAUGHLIN - Tai Michelle Farrell, 20, McLaughlin, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, at IHS Hospital in Fort Yates, N.D. An all-night wake service will begin at 7 p.m. CST Thursday, Jan. 12, at Founding Mothers Gym in McLaughlin. Family and friends will gather at 4 p.m. CST Thursday at Oster Funeral Home in Mobridge to follow in procession to McLaughlin. Services will be at 10 a.m. CST Friday, Jan. 13, at the gym, with the Rev. Tony Grossenburg officiating. Burial will be at noon CST Friday at St. Aloysius Church Cemetery in Bullhead. January 11-12, 2006 Brett Lee Lundstrom BLACK HAWK - CPL Brett Lee Lundstrom, 22, USMC, of Black Hawk, SD, died while serving with the United States Marine Corps on Saturday, January 7, 2006, in Fallujah, Iraq. Brett was born on June 12, 1983, in Vermillion, SD to Ed and Doyla (Underbaggage) Lundstrom. He joined the Marine Corps in January 2003 and served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Brett was charismatic, with a kind and generous soul; always humorous with a smile that lit up any room or place he entered. Brett, an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, whole-heartedly served his country. Brett loved spending time with his family, friends and relatives and enjoyed his time in the Marines. He also loved his Washington Capitals and a variety of other sporting events. Brett attended many schools, as his father was a career Marine Officer. The family moved to many places and Brett made friends very easily. He had a wealth of knowledge from all his travels. He is survived by his father, Edward Daniel Lundstrom of Detroit, Michigan; his mother, Doyla Carol (Underbaggage) Lundstrom of Black Hawk, SD; and his brother, Eddy Lundstrom of Fort Sill, Oklahoma; his maternal foster grandparents, Lynn Rapp and Darrell Campbell of Buffalo Gap, SD; Jim and Jackie Boensch of Rapid City, SD; and his paternal grandmother, Donna Mae Munoz of Gering, NE. Brett was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Richard H. Lundstrom, maternal grandfather, Norman Underbaggage; and maternal grandmother, Hazel Theresa (Kill Straight) Underbaggage. Two night Wake Services will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2006, beginning at 4:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Rosary Service conducted at the Little Wound School Gymnasium in Kyle, SD. Wake Services will conclude on Monday, January 16, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2006, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Rosary Service with Deacon Leo Oehrle officiating at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel in Thornton, CO. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, January 18, at 11:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Northglenn, CO, with the Rev. Joy Mathew Vazhackapara officiating with concelebrant Deacon Leo Oehrle. Interment with a Committal Service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Fort Logan National Cemetery with full military honors by the U.S. Marine Corps. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society in Memory of CPL Brett Lee Lundstrom. Make checks payable to NMCRS or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and mail to 875 N. Randolph Street, Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203-1977. Serenity Springs Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements in SD and Horan & McConaty Funeral Services are in charge of arrangements in Denver, CO. You may sign Brett's register book by logging onto www.serenityspringsfuneralchapel.com. January 13, 2006 Charmaine Joan Harrison EAGLE BUTTE - Charmaine Joan Harrison, 38, Eagle Butte, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006, at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Arrangements are pending with Oster Funeral Home of Mobridge. January 15, 2006 Brandon Joseph LaRoche ABERDEEN - Brandon Joseph LaRoche, 19, Aberdeen, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006, as the result of a car accident in Aberdeen. Survivors include his mother, Alyce LaRoche, Aberdeen; his father, Martin LaRoche Sr., Aberdeen; three brothers, Shane LeBeau, Minneapolis, Marty LaRoche Jr. and Thomas LaRoche, both of Aberdeen; four sisters, Amber Laundreaux, of Eagle Butte, Michelle LaRoche, Cassandra LaRoche and Sarah LaRoche, all of Aberdeen. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Spitzer Funeral Home in Aberdeen, followed by an all-night wake from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Melgaard Park Baptist Church, with the Rev. Neil Hannahs officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Aberdeen. Trayzon Joseph Taken Alive CHERRY CREEK - Trayzon Joseph Taken Alive, infant son of Toni Taken Alive and Marvin Bringsplenty, both of Cherry Creek, was stillborn Monday, Jan. 9, 2006, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Wake services will be at 7 p.m. today, at the UCC Church in Cherry Creek. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16, 2006, at the church. Burial will at UCC Cemetery. Luce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Copyright c. 2006 The Rapid City Journal. -=-=-=- January 10, 2006 Hinio Head Tucson Southern Ute Tribal Elder Hinio Head Tucson, 86, died at Mercy Medical Center on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. The cause of death was complications from renal failure. He was born to Celestino H. and Carmen (Sanchez) Tucson in La Posta on Jan. 11, 1919. While growing up there, he attended La Posta Elementary School, which his great-grandmother Maria Antonio Tucson founded. He was sent away to Indian School for a time. Mr. Tucson married Ernestine Mestas in 1938. She died in 1945. The couple had two sons and two daughters. He worked in Pueblo for the Union Pacific Railroad and later for the Geneva Steel Plant, in Provo, Utah. He moved back to Durango and worked for the Southern Ute Tribe in maintenance, building fences and other projects. In 1949, Mr. Tucson married Rebecca Mestas. They had three sons and six daughters together. Mr. Tucson lived in La Posta and raised livestock. His daughter Theresa Amato said he built his own adobe house that is still standing after 30 years as well as helping her brother with his house in Durango. His family said he was a great storyteller and knew a lot about the early settlers of the small town. They also said he had a great sense of humor and could always bring a smile to your face. After his wife died, his daughter Beatrice Cervantes took care of him. Mr. Tucson was preceded in death by his wives Ernestine Tucson and Rebecca Tucson; daughters Betty Cruz, Disi Tucson and Shealey Tucson; and son Paulie Tucson. He is survived by his sons Amador Tucson and Isidro Tucson, both of Durango, Felix Tucson of Ignacio and Jake Tucson of Farmington; daughters Theresa Amato, Beatrice Cervantes and Connie Tucson, all of Durango, and Amy Gonzales and Debbie Tucson, both of Salt Lake City; 30 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Hood Mortuary from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan., 11, 2006. A rosary will be said at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006, also at Sacred Heart. The Rev. Antonio Flores will be the celebrant. Burial will follow at La Posta Cemetery, about 12 miles south of Bodo Park. Copyright c. 2006 Durango Herald. -=-=-=- January 11, 2006 Milford E. "Bedixe" King Milford E. "Bedixe" King, 71, of Stillwater, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006, in Stillwater. Services will be in First Baptist Church, Stillwater, Thursday at 2 p.m. Pat Lewis will officiate. Interment will follow in Fairlawn Cemetery, Stillwater. Strode Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. He was born in Dustin May 2, 1934, to James Dillard King and Mamie Marie (Fife) King. He married Nora Jean Taylor July 25, 1953, in Oklahoma City. He attended schools at Graham, in Dustin and Euchee Boarding School in Sapulpa, where he was Golden Glove Champion in the 97-pound class. He graduated from Chilocco Indian School in 1953. After his marriage, he began selling insurance in Oklahoma City. In 1954, they moved to Stillwater and he went to work for the Willis Manufacturing Company. While working for them, he began playing and coaching softball. He sponsored and played with the Indian Nations Manufacturing softball team and was inducted into the Softball Hall of Fame in 1994. He was actively involved in youth recreation with the Stillwater Parks and Recreation Department coaching Little League baseball, football and basketball for 10 years. At one time he was domino champion with Buck Clogin at the Stillwater Elks Lodge and winner of the All-District Ritual contest as Lecturing Knight, in Guymon, with the Elks Lodge. He worked for OSU Married Student Housing, a position he held for 22 years. He retired from OSU in 1993. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He belonged to First Baptist Church, was an officer in the Elks Lodge and Odd Fellows. Preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers, Dan Lincoln King and James Harold King. Survivors include his wife of Stillwater; one son, Michael Eugene King and his wife, Jill, of Berthoud, Colo.; one daughter, Gwenette Morrow and her husband, Dennis, of Stillwater; two grandchildren, Dalton Eugene King and Marshall Eugene King; one brother, John David King and his wife, Claudine, of Newkirk and two sisters, Ellen King Willis and her husband, William R. "Bill" Willis, of Granite and Evelyn King Brogdon of Ramona. Memorials may be made to Thlewarle Indian Baptist Church, c/o Bill Fife, Box 96, Dustin, OK 74839. Copyright c. 2006 Stillwater NewsPress/Stillwater, OK. -=-=-=- January 12, 2006 Etta Lorraine Coyote Robe 'Chico' Wood WATONGA Funeral for Etta Lorraine Coyote Robe "Chico" Wood, 42, Watonga, will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Watonga Church of the Nazarene, Highway 33 East. An all-night wake service will start at 7 p.m. today at the Watonga Indian Baptist Church. Mrs. Wood died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006 in an Oklahoma City hospital. Burial will be in Watonga Cheyenne-Arapho Tribal Cemetery under direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home, Lawton. She was born March 19, 1963, at Oklahoma City to Geraldine "Jerri" Coyote Robe. She grew up and attended schools in the Watonga area. In August 1980 she married Stephen R. Wood and they made their home on his farm southeast of Watonga. She attended Watonga Indian Baptist Church when she was a child and later joined the Assembly of God. Survivors include four children: Bobby Wood, of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Katrina Wood, Oklahoma City, Tabitha Wood, Albuquerque, N.M., and Stephanie Wood, Bethany; two grandchildren; four brothers: Buddy Tallbear, Lodge Grass, Mont., Robert Good Bear, Oklahoma City, Duke Young Bear, Watonga, and JR Young Bear, Geary; four sisters: Jeanie Young Bear, Oklahoma City, Bernice Young Bear Faris, Watonga, J-shon Young Bear, Geary, and Millie Young Bear, Lawton; a special uncle who helped raise her, Clinton Young Bear Sr., Geary; and many nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother; an aunt, Blossom Good Bear Young Bear, who raised her; two brothers: Joseph C. "Ted" Young Bear and Richard E. Tallbear; a sister, Violet R. Tallbear Scraper; and her grandmother, Josephine Young Bear. Copyright c. 2006 The Lawton Constitution. -=-=-=- January 11, 2006 Sam Bender Funeral services for long-time Seminole County resident Sam Bender are scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel. Rev. Dorsey Nero and Rev. Steve Cline will officiate with interment to follow at Bender Family Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home. Bender, 77, of Maud, passed away Monday, Jan. 9, 2006 at Carl Albert Indian Hospital in Ada. He was born Aug. 28, 1928 in Wolf to Joe and Kissie (Walker) Bender. He married Ida Belle Moore on July 21, 1951 in Texas and she preceded him in death on June 13, 1998. Bender retired from Seminole Company in the late 1980's and was a member of the Cedar Creek Eufaula Baptist Church. He served in the United States Army from 1948-1952 during the Korean War. Bender received many medals including the National Defense Service medal, Good Conduct medal, bronze service star, United Nations Service medal and Korean Service medal. His parents; two brothers, Herman and Ben Bender; two sisters, Nina Fixico and Tilda Haney and his wife preceded him in death. Surviving is his son, Ed Bender of Maud; daughter and son-in-law, Liz and Bill Southerland of Loco and four grandchildren, Billy Southerland Jr. and Jarrod Bender, both of Seminole and Michael Joe Southerland and Roni Southerland, both of Loco. Pallbearers for the services will be Michael Joe Southerland, Billy Thacker, Joe Bender, George Bender, Pat Factor, Kenneth Factor, Dewayne Lemmings and Thomas Fixico. Messages of condolences may be sent to the family at www. swearingenfuneralhome.com. The Seminole Producer/Copyright c. 1999-2006 Arizona Newspapers Assn. -=-=-=- January 11, 2006 Irvin Dee Monte Prayer service for Irvin Dee Monte, 26, of Mescalero will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the Mescalero Apache Assembly of God Church where the funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12. Burial will follow at the Mescalero Cemetery. Monte died Jan. 7, 2006, in Ruidoso. He was born April 19, 1979, at Mescalero and had lived there all of his life. He was a tatoo artist and a firefighter for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Surviving family members include a daughter, Michellyn Monte and a brother, Paul Edwin Monte Jr. Arrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel of Ruidoso. Copyright c. 2006 Ruidoso News, a Gannett Co., Inc. newspaper. -=-=-=- January 10, 2006 Lucy R. Charley Littlewater Feb. 8, 1945 - Jan. 7, 2005 Lucy R. Charley, 60, of Littlewater, passed from this life, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006, at Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock. Lucy was born Feb. 8, 1945, in Hogback. Lucy was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Sr. and Lillie Begay; and a brother, Howard Begay. She is survived by a daughter, Benifer Charley; sons, Benson and Ben Charley Jr.; grandchildren, Ariel and Benciano Charley; sisters, Alice M. Lee and husband, John, and Elsie Allen and husband, Johnny; brothers, Fred Begay Jr. and wife, Mary, and James Funston and wife, Genevieve; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home Chapel in Shiprock. Pastor Jackson Yazzie will officiate. Interment will follow at Shiprock Community Cemetery. The family wishes to thank all for the love and support from the CCSD Shiprock Transportation staff, the San Juan Regional Medical Center doctors and staff, the Cancer Center, the doctors and Medical/Surgical Ward staff at Northern Navajo Medical Center and her dear friend, Marla Sipes and her dogs. Lucy is in the care of Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home of Shiprock, (505) 368-4607. Lillie S Benally Sanostee April 5, 1928 - Jan 8, 2006 Lillie S Benally, 77, of Sanostee, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, at Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock. She was born April 5, 1928, in Sanostee. She is survived by her son, Evang. Jones Benally and Lorraine Benally of Oaksprings, Ariz. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan 13, at Cope Memorial Kirtland Chapel. Burial will follow at the Kirtland Community Cemetery in Kirtland. Mrs. Benally is in care of Cope Memorial Kirtland Chapel, 458 County Road 6100 in Kirtland, (505) 598-9636. January 14, 2006 Rochelle Tashina Begay Shiprock Nov. 10, 1985 - Jan. 11, 2006 Rochelle Tashina Begay, 20, of Shiprock, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. Rochelle was born Nov. 10, 1985, in Shiprock. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16, at Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home Chapel of Shiprock. Burial will follow at Shiprock Community Cemetery. Rochelle is in the care of Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home of Shiprock, U.S. Highway 491 in Shiprock, (505) 368-4607. Domenique Xavier Yellowhorse Shiprock Jan. 11, 2006 Domenique Xavier Yellowhorse, stillborn infant son of Herbert and Shirleen Yellowhorse of Shiprock, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006, in Farmington. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16, at Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home Chapel in Shiprock. Burial will follow at Shiprock Community Cemetery. Domenique is in the care of Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home of Shiprock, Highway 491 in Shiprock, (505) 368-4607. January 16, 2006 Paul Nakai Yazzie Carson Dec. 21, 1921 - Jan. 11, 2006 Paul Nakai Yazzie, 84, of Carson, died, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006, in Farmington. Paul was born Dec. 21, 1921, in Carson. A viewing will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17 at the All Saints Episcopal Church in Farmington. Mass will follow at 10 a.m., with The Rev. Carol Tookey officiating. Interment will follow at St. Luke Cemetery in Carson, with military honors. Paul is in the care of Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home of Shiprock, Highway 491 in Shiprock, (505) 368-4607. Hazel Hosteen Cove, Ariz. June 15, 1921 - Jan. 14, 2006 Hazel Hosteen, 84, of Cove, Ariz., died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006, in Shiprock. She was born June 15, 1921, in Lukachukai, Ariz. Funeral services are pending with Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home of Shiprock, Highway 491 in Shiprock, (505) 368-4607. Copyright c. 2006 Farmington Daily Times, a Gannett Co., Inc. newspaper. -=-=-=- January 10, 2006 Patrick Belone FORT DEFIANCE - Funeral services for Patrick Ray Balone, 40, will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at Silver Creek Mortuary Chapel. Pastor Kenneth Cleveland will officiate. Interment will follow on a family plot in Fort Defiance. Belone died Jan. 4 in Fort Defiance. He was born Sept. 11, 1965 in Fort Defiance into the Edge Water People Clan for the Mexican People Clan. Belone attended Hunters Point Elementary and Tohatchi High School. He worked for Frazier Show of America in Phoenix, Ariz. He was a self- employed kachina carver at the time of his death. Belone enjoyed wood hauling, carpentry, ranch work and mechanical work. Survivors include his son, Tyler Watts; daughter, Genea Watts; mother, Mabel Belone; brothers, Ricky Yazzie, Sr., Ferdinand Belone, Julian Belone; sisters, Sylvia Belone, Julie Belone. Belone was preceded in death by his father, Julius Belone, Sr.; brothers, Fredrick Belone, Julius Belone, Jr.; paternal grandparents, Young and Yebah Belone; maternal grandparents, Junior and Priscilla Harlowe. Pallbearers will be Alfred Goodman, Ricky Yazzie, Sr., Jefferson Shorty, Dennis Mitchell, Sr., Louie Begay and Cecil Henry, Jr. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Fort Defiance Chapter House. Elsie Fred RED ROCK, NM - Funeral Mass for Elsie Jane Fred, 73, will be 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Gallup. Father Cormac Antram, OFM will officiate. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. A rosary will be recited on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. at Cope Memorial Chapel. Fred died Jan. 9 in Gallup. She was born Oct. 6, 1933 in Red Rock into the Black Streak Wood People Clan for the Mexican People Clan. Fred enjoyed weaving, shopping, attending Navajo fairs, ceremonials, tending to her sheep, traveling and being with family and grandchildren. She was a medicine woman who enjoyed helping others. Survivors inlcude her sons, Richard Sherman, Jr., Amos Fred Johnson, Ernest Fred, Ernie Fred, Fernie Fred; daughters, Marie Dean, Cecelia Fred, Laquata Mazur, Starletta Fred; brothers, Harry John, James Johnson, David KeeMann, Tom Begay; sisters, Helen Plummer, Thelma Johnson, Alice Begay, Irene Begay; 30 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Fred was preceded in death by her mother, Minnie John; father, John Fred; grandfather, Jack Johnson; sister, Pearl John; brothers, John Begay, Tom Kee Johnson, Tom Kee John, Alfred Kee John; one granddaughter and one great-grandson. Pallbearers will be Fernie Fred, John Brieno, Eramus Dean, Gerald Johnson, Marcus Teseny and Brian Teseny. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Red Rock Chapter House following services. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. January 11, 2006 Lillie Cowboy Ramone SMITH LAKE - Funeral services for Lillie Mae Cowboy Ramone, 85, will be 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12 at the Thoreau Church of God, Thoreau. Pastor Bobby Martinez will officiate. Interment will follow in the Smith Lake community cemetery. Ramone died Jan. 8 in Farmington. She was born Feb. 5, 1920 in Smith Lake into the Edge Water People Clan for the Towering House People Clan. Survivors include her children, Jennie Shorty of Kirtland, Etta Antone of Smith Lake, Elsie Mariano of Smith Lake, Mabel Grey of Albuquerque, Irene Palacios of Gamerco, Max D. Ramone of Smith Lake; sister, Gracie Smith of Smith Lake; 43 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Ramone was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Dick Ramone; parents, Little Cowboy and Mary Martinez Cowboy; children, Ada Ramone, Willie Ramone, Ronald Ramone, Amos Ramone, Bennie Ramone, Elsie Murphy, Harry Ramone, Frank Ramone; step-daughter, Rose Jim; and brother, Frank Cowboy. Pallbearers will be Harley R. Antone, Derek Yabeny, Johnson Kien, Jr., Bennie Ramone, William Begay, Jr., and Jonah Jones, Sr. Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Go to www. compassionmortuary.com to send condolences. Elouise Jones CHINLE - Funeral services for Elouise Jones, 96, will be 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12 at the Chinle Christian Center. Interment will follow in the Chinle community cemetery. Jones died Jan. 8 in Chinle. She was born Jan. 1, 1910 in Chinle into the Towering House People Clan for the Coyote Pass People Clan. Jones was a foster grandparent with the Chinle day care. She was a rug weaver, farmer and sheepherder. Survivors include her sons, John Jones, Dan Jones, Bahe Jones, Ernest Jones; daughters, Edna Watson, Marie Norcross; 16 grandchildren, 32 great- -grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Jones was preceded in death by his son, Ben Jones; brothers, Chee Jones, Charlie Jones, Howard Jones and Bizaholonii; sisters, Ason Jones, Rachel Mitchell, Bah Jones. Pallbearers will be Ted Watson, Joe Watson, Jimmy Jones, Jerrison Jones, Allison Norcross and James Norcross. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Lillian B. Martin PINEDALE - Funeral services for Lillian B. Martin, 68, will be 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12 at Cope Memorial Chapel. Kee Keyanna, Sr. officiate. Interment will follow on family land in Pinedale. Martin was born into the Start of the Red Streak People Clan for the Bitter Water People Clan. Martin was a self-employed weaver and silversmith. She enjoyed walking, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and being with her grandchildren. Survivors include her sons, Nelson Martin, Jr., Felson Martin, Jimson Martin; daughters, Cynthia Dougi, Lucinda Martin; sisters, Nellie Martin, Rhody Becenti; and 13 grandchildren. Martin was preceded in death by her husband, Nelson Martin, Sr.; parents, Sam and Annie B. Begay; brothers, Jimmie J. Begay, Tommy Begay, Richard Begay; sisters, Bessie Largo, Lucy Brown and Lula Begay. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Pinedale Chapter House. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. January 12, 2006 Kee Keams TUBA CITY - Funeral services for Kee Joseph Keams, 61, will be 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 13 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Holbrook. Interment will follow in the Holbrook Cemetery. Keams died Jan. 7 in Tuba City. He was born in Ganado. Keams attended Keams Canyon Boarding School, Holbrook Jr. High, and graduated from Albuquerque Indian School. He received an electrical certificate from Haskell Indian College in Lawrence, Ka. Keams was employed with Page Power Plant,. Cholla Power Plant, Navajo County and the Holbrook Post Office. He enjoyed leather tooling, ranch work, gardening, cooking, baking and silversmithing. Survivors include his sons, Kenny Keams, Kevin Keams both of Phoenix, Ariz.; brothers, Paul Keams of Greasewood, Morris Keams of Tohatchi, Thomas Keams of Holbrook, Lawrence Keams of Greasewood, Eugene Keams of Albuquerque, Jack Keams of Sanders; sisters, Nellie Tyler of Page, Ariz., Amy Begay of Greasewood, Louise Lopez of Sacramento, Calif., Sharon Keams of St. Michaels, Mary Ann Nez of Greasewood, Rose Hoskie -Tom of Indian Wells; and 2 grandchildren. Keams was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Barbara Keams; brother, Bahe Keams and sister, Verna Dixon. Clara Kee GANADO - Funeral services for Clara Kee, 80, will be 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 13 at the Ganado Glory Temple Ministry. Sammie K. Begay will officiate. Interment will follow in the Klagetoh Cemetery. Kee died Jan. 10 in Ganado. She was born March 20, 1928 in Klagetoh into the Black Streak Wood People Clan for the Water Edge People Clan. Kee enjoyed weaving, sheepherding, and being a homemaker. Survivors include her son, Robert Kee, Jr.; daughters, Shirley Ashley, Ella Nez, Roberta Yazzie; sisters, Anna Newby, Jane Reed; 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Kee was preceded in death by her parents, Hosteen Nez Joe and Lillie Becenti; brothers, Sam Joe Becenti, Lee Becenti, Stanley Becenti and Kee Lee Becenti. Pallbearers will be family members. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Klagetoh Chapter House. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Herman B. Peterson STEAMBOAT, Ariz. - Funeral services for Herman Butch Peterson, 39, will be 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, St. Michaels. Interment will follow in the Ganado community cemetery. Peterson died Jan. 8 in Tuba City. He was born March 21, 1966 in Sacaton, Ariz. into the Bitter Water People Clan. Peterson attended school in Ganado and Mesa Community College. He enjoyed sports, fishing, NASCAR, riding motorcycles, and cooking. Survivors include his son, Nathan, Casey; daughters, Melissa, Bobbie Ann, Crystal, Jessica, Joette; parents, Darlene F. Peterson, Arlene McGee; sisters, Thursa Smith, Jamie McGee; and one grandchild. Peterson was preceded in death by father Henry C. Peterson. Pallbearers will be Roscoe Peterson, Henry Peterson III, Tyrone Peterson, Myron Peterson, Devin Smith and Shawn Smith. January 13, 2006 Katheryn Joe ST. MICHAELS - Funeral services for Katheryn K. Joe, 64, will be 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, St. Michaels. Bishop Mark Graham will officiate. Interment will follow in the St. Michaels community cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Joe died Jan. 11 in Albuquerque. She was born May 18, 1941 in Luepp, Ariz. Joe graduated with an associate degree in education from the University of New Mexico. She was employed with the BIA at Hunters Point School. She was a homemaker and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Survivors include her sons, Bruce Beyal, Jr. of Palm Springs, Calif., Dennis Beyal, Kevin Beyal, William Beyal all of Albuquerque; daughters, Cheryl Beyal of Fort Defiance, Henrietta J. Smith of Window Rock; parents, Sadie and Casey Curley; brothers, Richard Curley of Albuquerque, Melvin Curley of Winslow, Ariz., Casey Curley, Jr. of Bird Springs, Amos Thompson of Phoenix, Ariz.; sisters, Leah Dominguez of Las Vegas, Nev., Toni Olver of Santa Fe, Terri Alex of Bird Springs; 12 grandchildren and one great- grandchild. Joe was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Kee Joe and Kathleen Joe. Pallbearers will be Bruce D. Beyal, Jr., William V. Beyal, Dennis C. Beyal, Aubrey C. Smith, Kevin C. Beyal and Dwight A. Slinkey. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, St. Michaels. Tim Morgan CROWNPOINT - Funeral services for Tim C. Morgan, 60, will be 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14 at St. Pauls Catholic Church, Crownpoint. Jimmy Etcitty will officiate. Interment will follow in Borrego Pass. Morgan died Jan. 9 in Colorado Springs, Colo. He was born Aug. 5, 1945 in Crownpoint into the Two Who Came to the Water People Clan for the Towering House People Clan. Morgan attended high school in Brigham City, Utah. He majored in political science from the University of New Mexico. Morgan was with the US Army from 1967 to 1970. He was employed with Borrego Pass schools, Navajo Housing Authority as a carpenter director, Division of Labor, Ratheon in Farmington as production supervisor, Little Water Chapter coordinator and was a Navajo Nation Tribal delegate. Survivors include his wife, Etta B. Morgan of Crownpoint; sons, Timothy Morgan of Teec Nos Pos, Todd C. Morgan of Dulce, NM, Titus C. Morgan of Dzilth na o Dith Nee; daughters, Tina Morgan, Tammy Morgan both of Farmington; mothers, Mabel B. Morgan and Hospah B. Morgan both of Borrego Pass; brothers, Ted C. Morgan of Red Valley, Tom C. Morgan of Many Farms, Ronald C. Morgan of Phoenix, Ariz., Terry C. Morgan, Tex C. Morgan, Henry C. Morgan, all of Crownpoint; sisters, Anita Bennett, Hazel Arviso, Bernice Murphy, Donna Morgan, Virginia Nelson all of Crownpoint, Louise Morgan of DzilthNaODothHle, Betty Benally of Red Valley, Lavonne Bennett of Continental Divide, Laverne Peshlakai of Phoenix, Ariz.; and seven grandchildren. Morgan was preceded in death by his father, Charlie N. Morgan; brothers, Ernest C. Morgan, Emerson Morgan; grandparents, John Barbone and Hagebah Hoskie. Pallbearers will be the Department of Law Enforcement. The family will receive relatives and friends at the St. Pauls Parish Hall. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Tom Jack Pino PINE HILL - Funeral services for Tom Jack Pino, 101, will be 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Pine Hill Nazarene Church. Pastor Frank E. Paul will officiate. Interment will follow on family land in Pine Hill. Pino died Jan. 9 in Zuni. She was born July 25, 1904 in Ramah into the Meadow People Clan for the Bitter Water People Clan. Pino was a rancher and silversmith. He was a member of the Church of the Nazarene. He enjoyed jewelry making and traditional storytelling and hunting. Survivors include his wife, Mary Evans Pino of Pine Hill; sons, Thomas Pino, Tommie Mark Pino, Carroll Spencer, Larson Pino, Harrison Pino, Steven Pino, all of Pine Hill, David Lee Pino of Ganado; daughters, Ellen Mae Pino, Arlene Jane Pino, Irene P. Yazzie all of Pine Hill, Rita Charley of Red Rock, Darlene Duboise of Jones Ranch, Julianne LeePinto of San Rafael, Ruby Ann Pino of Ramah; sister, Mary Yazzie Maria of Pine Hill; 40 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren. Pino was preceded in death by his mother, Yanazbah Pino. Pallbearers will be Arnold Duboise, Ricky Pino, Jones Pino, Reed Yazzie, Roger Pino, Timothy Pino, Fidel Apache, Harold Pino and Jimmy Jr. Charley. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. January 14, 2006 Michael Begay BECENTI, N.M. - Services for Michael H. Begay, 7, will be announced at a later date. Begay died Jan. 11 in Albuquerque. He was born June 11, 1998 in Crownpoint. Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Go to www. compassionmortuary.com to send condolences. January 16, 2006 Peter McCabe CORNFIELDS - Funeral services for Peter "Pete" McCabe, 70, wastoday, Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church, Ganado. Roger Davis will officiate. Interment will be on a family plot in Cross Canyon. Viewing was one hour prior to services at 10 a.m. McCabe died Jan. 12 in Cornfields. He was born Dec. 24, 1935 in Cross Canyon into the Bitter Water People Clan for the Coyote Pass People Clan. McCabe attended the Ganado Mission School and Greer Technical Institute in Braidwood, Il. He was employed with the Navajo Nation facilities maintenance, Corn Construction in Junction, Colo., B.F. Walker in Fontana, Calif. and the Navajo Forest Products Industries. He was a member of the American Legion Post #82. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn McCabe of Cornfields; sons, Anthony Harding, Douglas Harding both of Cornfields; daughters, Victoria L. Begaye of Many Farms, Sylvia M. Etsitty, Evalena McCabe-Clark both of Cornfields, Geraldine McCabe-Wauneka of Fort Defiance; brother, Robert McCabe; sister, Sadie McCabe; 18 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. McCabe wad preceded in death by his parents, David and Dzani Yazhe McCabe, Sr.; sons, Ben Harding, Michael McCabe. Pallbearers will be Anthony Harding, Douglas Harding, Anthony Brown, David McCabe III, Hank Haskie and Aaron D. Clark. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Kinlichee Chapter House. Wilson Chatto RAMAH - Funeral services for Wilson Chatto, 79, will be announced at a later date. Chatto died Jan. 11 in Zuni. He was born Oct. 15, 1927 in Ramah into the Bitter Water People Clan for the Apache People Clan. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Cope Memorial Chapel. Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Copyright c. 2006 the Gallup Independent. -=-=-=- January 11, 2006 Frances A. Hammond Frances A. Hammond, 81, of Flagstaff, AZ, passed away on January 6, 2006. No formal services are planned. Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Joseph's Indian Hospital, P.O. Box 89, Chamberlain, SD 57325. National Cremation Society handled arrangements. David G. Rhoades David G. Rhoades, 56, of the Salt River Indian Community, passed away on January 8, 2006. Visitation Saturday January 14, 2006 from 6-10:00 PM at the Salt River Indian Memorial Hall, 9849 E. Earll Dr. in Scottsdale. Services Sunday January 15, 2006 at 9:00 AM at the Salt River Indian Memorial Hall. Meldrum Mortuary, 480-834-9255. January 12, 2006 Joan Macy (Maktima) Brokeshoulder Joan Macy (Maktima) Brokeshoulder departed this world on January 10, 2006. Joan was born on September 13, 1935, in Winslow, Arizona. She was a member of the Rabbit/Tobacco Clan of Hotevilla Village on the Hopi Indian Reservation. She began her professional career in the Phoenix Area Office, with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Branch of Social Services. She retired from the BIA in July of 1994. Daughter of Guy and Amelia Maktima. She is survived by her husband, Harrell Brokeshoulder; son, Nick Brokeshoulder; and three grandchildren, along with her brother, Willard Maktima. Services will be held on Friday, January 13, 2006, at Greer's Mortuary located at 316 W. 2nd St., Winslow, Arizona at 1:00 P.M. Interment will follow at the Desert View Cemetery. Copyright c. 2006 The Arizona Republic. -=-=-=- January 10, 2006 Peter Noline Peter Noline, 24, of Peridot died Jan. 1, 2006, in Peridot. Born in San Carlos, he was a service attendant for Cliff Castle Casino. He is survived by a daughter, Penelope Constance Noline of San Carlos; his mother, Purlita Cly of Peridot; seven brothers, Luis Noline of Monterey, Calif., Loren Noline of Peridot, Curtis Cly and Arkie Noline Jr. of Bylas, Alvin Noline of Florence, and Albert Carrasco and Juan Carrasco of Willcox; four sisters, Rosa Douglas and Sylvia Carrasco of Willcox, Josephine Cly of Jay, Okla., Mary Alice Noline of Bylas; and his companion, Karol J. Early of San Carlos. Funeral service was conducted Jan. 7 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in San Carlos. Interment followed in Northgate Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Lamont Mortuary of Globe. Arthur Williams Jr. Arthur Williams Jr., also known as McArthur "Mac" Williams Jr., 54, died Dec. 18, 2005, at San Carlos Indian Hospital after a long illness. He was born in San Carlos. He worked at ASARCO in Hayden as a train engineer, as a cowboy and line rider for R-100 at Tuletub Ranch, and as a game ranger for the Recreation and Wildlife Department. He was also a jailer for the San Carlos Police Department and a security guard for Apache Gold Casino and the Forestry Service. He is survived by his wife, Vera Josephine Williams; two children, McBrian Williams of Peridot and Era Mae Williams of Sells; three sisters, Geraldine Williams and Barbara June McIntosh of San Carlos, and Harriet Williams of Phoenix; two brothers, Carlos McIntosh Jr. of Peridot and Peter Jay Coles from New York; and four grandchildren. Funeral service was conducted Dec. 23 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in San Carlos. Arrangements were under the direction of Morris-David's Safford Funeral Home. Copyright c. 2006 Arizona Silver Belt/Apache Moccasin. -=-=-=- January 13, 2006 Kee Joseph Keams Kee Keams, 61, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006 at the Tuba City Regional Health Center. He was born in Ganado, and attended Keams Canyon Boarding School and Holbrook Jr. High School. He graduated from Albuquerque Indian High School. Kee received his Electrical Trade Certification from Haskell Indian College in Lawrence, Kansas. He worked at Page Power Plant, Cholla Power Plant, Navajo County and the Holbrook Post Office. His hobbies included silversmithing, leather making, ranch work, gardening and enjoyed cooking and baking for his family. Kee is survived by his sons, Kenny Keams and Kevin Keams of Phoenix, two grandchildren; brothers, Paul Keams of Greasewood, Morris Keams of Tohatchi, N.M., Thomas Keams of Holbrook, Lawrence Keams of Greasewood, Eugene Keams of Albuquerque, NM and Jack Keams of Sanders; sisters, Nellie Tyler of Page, Amy Begay of Greasewood, Louise Lopez of Sacramento, Calif., Sharon Keams of St. Michael, Mary Ann Nez of Greasewood and Rose Hoskie- Tom of Indian Wells. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Barbara Keams, one brother, Bahe Keams, and one sister, Verna Dixon. Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13, 2006 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Holbrook. Interment will be in the Holbrook Cemetery. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owensmortuary.com. Irvin Sam Irvin Sam, age 46, died January 9, 2006 in Winslow. He was born on June 29, 1959, in Winslow to Louise Begay and Bahe Sam. He lived his life and attended school in Holbrook. Irvin trained in forestry in Oregon. He loved to cook, and worked in various restaurants in Holbrook. He was a handyman and cabinetmaker, and loved woodworking. Irvin loved helping his family and friends, especially his nieces and nephews. He is survived by his son, Sean Antonio Sam of Pinedale, N.M.; his parents, Louise Begay of Holbrook and Bahe Sam of Flagstaff; four sisters, Michelle Sam, Jackie (Raleigh) Scott of Holbrook, Jeanette Sam of Phoenix and Richelle Keams of Chinle; one brother, Edmond (Carlene) Sam of Sanders; one special granddaughter, Brianna Sam, and nephew, Orlando Sam, whom he cherished dearly; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ernie Sam; his grandmother, Edna Begay; his grandfather, John X. Nez; and two aunts, Lois Spencer and Jeanette (JB) Keams. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Faith Assembly of God Church in Holbrook. Owens Mortuary of Holbrook is in charge of the arrangements. Copyright c. 2006 White Mountain Independent. -=-=-=- January 11, 2006 Eileen Lisa Chaipos Eileen Lisa Chaipos, 54, passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2006 at El Centro Medical Center. She was born August 30, 1951 at Ft. Yuma, California. Eileen was a graduate of Orange Glen Highschool in Escondido, California and later attended San Diego University as a student for three years. She also spent many years at Quechan Headstart as a teacher's aide and most recently was a home maker. She was a member of the Quechan Indian Tribe and life resident of the Quechan Indian Reservation. She is survived by her common-law husband, Ernest James Mendivil; brothers, Wayne (Rose) Chaipos Sr. and Amick Chaipos; sister, Andrea Waters, all of Quechan Indian Reservation; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Susie Roberta Chaipos and Harold Chaipos Sr.; brother, Harold Chaipos Jr.; and sisters, Suzanna Faith Chaipos and Cheral Sharon Chaipos. Visitation will be at Kammann Mortuary on Friday, January 13, 2006 at 3 p.m. The officiate will be Pastor Ray Tarlton of the Quechan Nazarene Church. A Quechan Ceremonial Rites will follow at 5 p.m. Cremation will be at Ft. Yuma on Saturday, January 14, 2006 at 6 a.m. Pallbearers will be Wayne Chaipos Jr., Owen Chaipos, Robert Chaipos, Christopher Chaipos, David Waters, Dwayne Waters, Carlos Renteria, Colin Taylor, and Manuel Olmos. Honorary pallbearers are Ernest Mendivil, Wayne Chaipos Sr., Amick Chaipos, Vincent Havier, Charles White Jr., and William Thomas. Eileen was a wife, sister, best friend, and aunt to many. She will be truly missed. We love you! January 16, 2006 Bertha Joanne Levy Jose' Bertha Joanne Levy Jose', 70, was born March 7, 1935 at Fort Yuma Indian Reservation, Bertha entered eternal life on January 14, 2006 at Life Care Center of Yuma. Bertha's education began at Fort Yuma and continued through Yuma High School and was completed at Phoenix Indian School in Arizona. On August 29, 1953 she married Laverne A. Jose'. In 1967 Bertha and her family moved to Coulee Dam/Nespelem Washington and in 1979 they returned to Winterhaven. She was a homemaker, enjoyed traveling, and instilled the Kwatsan Tradition and Culture to all who were interested. Bertha was an active member of the Senior Project Council, and served as Treasurer. She was also the family matriarch. Bertha is survived by her children, Olivia Jose', Valerie (David) O'Brien, Vernon Jose' (Barbara C.), Wendell (Glenda) Jose', Althea Jose' and Vanessa Jose' (Ron A.); sisters, Barbara Levy, Diane Pasqual, who all reside on the Ft. Yuma Indian Reservation; brother, Max Levy, of Sacaton, Ariz. and she loved her et-shuu-ma'-v'ts, many other maw-weets. She is also survived by her grandchildren all of Fort Yuma, Rosalie (Eddie) Herrera, Jason Jose' Sr., Nicholas Jose', Patrick O'Brien, Kyle and Ryan Cachora, Derrick and Brendan Jose', Shyreen, Lyndee, Kendelle Jose', Terrance Jose', M. Lewis and Robert Throssell, Arissa and Eric Arrow; great-grandchildren, Joseph and Joanna Herrera, Jessykah Jose', Syanne Golding, Jason Noel Jose' Jr., Nikea Cachora and Aaron Nunn. She was preceded in death by her husband, Laverne Arliss Jose'; daughters, Lois Ann Jose' and Fern Ella Jose'; parents, Lawrence Levy and Grace Menta Levy; sisters, Betsy Levy, Winifred Paddock McCollum; and brother, Lawrence Levy Jr. Pallbearers will be Lorne Levy, Spencer White, Ernesto Moreno, M. Lewis Throssell, Merrill Menta, Ryan Cachora, Andrew Paddock and Doyle Escalanti Sr. Honorary pallbearers are Frank Escalanti, Randy, Rudy, Don Menta, Craig Menta Sr., Gary Menta, Michael D. Hills Sr., Frank J. Kinale Sr., John and Thomas Joaquin, Ira Murphy, Richard White, Ralph Yuma, Malcom Sundust, Gordon Douglas and Normon Osborne. A viewing will be held at Kammann Mortuary on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at 2 p.m. with spiritual services at 3 p.m. Rudy Menta will officiate. Tribal Rites will follow at the Quechan Indian Cry house at 5 p.m. Cremation will be held at 5 a.m. Thursday, January 19. 2006. Copyright c. 2006 The Yuma Sun, Sun Freedom Newspapers of Southwestern Arizona. -=-=-=- January 10, 2006 Estella Bullethead Starr 1904 - 2006 Estella Bullethead Starr, age 102, of Neola, died Sunday, January 1, 2006 at the Uintah Basin Medical Center. Estella was born Jan.1, 1904 in Randlett to Stanley and Cynthia Elk Bullethead. She married James Starr. He later died. Stella is survived by a granddaughter, Teresa Cuch; great-grandchildren, Tonya Atwine, Leomey Duncan, Casey Cuch, Reuben Cuch, Jr., Wendy Cuch; great-great grandchildren, Terrance Taveapont, Kayaanie Poowegup, Oland Bow, Anthony Bow, Jr., Neva Duncan, Landon Nez, Kaiden Nez; nephew, Thomas Appah, and niece, Geraldine Cuch. She was preceded in death by 3 children; Joe Starr, Ruby Starr, and Roland Starr; sisters, Netti Ourrum, Lena Bush, Darlene Pasecho Nephi; and great-great grandson, Mason Racie Nez. Funeral services were held Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006 at 1 p.m. at the Neola Cemetery under the direction of the Hullinger Mortuary. Copyright c. 2006 Uintah Basin Standard/Roosevelt, UT. -=-=-=- January 12, 2006 Wendell Cooke Warm Springs resident Wendell Harris Cooke died Jan. 3, 2006, at the age of 50. Mr. Cooke was born Dec. 14, 1956, in Port Angeles, Wash., to Sharon Cooke. As a young man he was involved in his native Makah culture and was very proud to participate in Makah Days by dancing. At Neah Bay High School from 1973 to 1976, he loved sports, especially football, and also played basketball. He credited his coach Mr. Leonard Zenonian with encouraging him to be the best he could be and to stay in school, which helped him to graduate in 1976. After high school, he served in the U.S. Armed Forces and worked at the BIA office in Hoquiam, Wash., and 20 years ago moved to Warm Springs. In Warm Springs Mr. Cooke worked as a teacher and teacher's aide at the Warm Springs Early Childhood Education Center. Survivors include his daughters, Karrin Jackson of Forks, Wash., and Andrea Cooke of Warm Springs; son, Jerald Cooke of Warm Springs; grandchildren, Shane White Eagle, Hailey Starr and Tehya Jackson, all of Forks, Wash.; sister, Dorene Garcia of Port Angeles, Wash.; brothers, Bill James Cooke Lammie, Leo Charles Jr., and Mark Charles, all of Port Angeles. Funeral services were held Jan. 6, 2006, at the Agency Longhouse, followed by burial at the Mouth of the Warm Springs River Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Bel-Air Colonial Funeral Home of Madras. Mary Govenor Warm Springs resident Mary Lynn Govenor died Jan. 3, 2006, at the age of 41. Ms. Govenor was born Dec. 20, 1964, in Prineville to parents Ronald and Viola (Yahtin) Govenor. She was a lifetime resident of Warm Springs and an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. She was employed at various locations in Warm Springs throughout her life. She attended the Chemawa Indian School until her junior year. She was also a member of the Warm Springs Full Gospel Church. Survivors include her mother, Viola Govenor of Warm Springs; sisters, Angeline Govenor of Portland; Valerie Govenor of Madras; Lorelei and Leila Govenor, both of Warm Springs; brothers, Mervin and Cecil Govenor, both of Warm Springs; and daughter, Juliene Rose Govenor of Warm Springs. She was preceded in death by her father and a sister. A funeral service was held Jan. 6, at the Warm Springs Full Gospel Church. Burial followed at the Simnasho Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Bel-Air Colonial Funeral Home of Madras. Copyright c. 2001-2006 Madras Pioneer, Eagle Newspapers Inc./Madras, OR. -=-=-=- January 12, 2006 Rhonda Lela Ashue Billy TOPPENISH - Rhonda Lela Ashue Billy, 57, of White Swan, Washington, went to the Lord on Tuesday January 10, 2006 at Toppenish Nursing and Rehab. Rhonda was born June 14, 1948 at Coulee Dam to Ramona Williams Vallo and Theodore Ashue Robertson. She graduated from YVVC in 1987 with a BA degree of Science and Arts. Rhonda worked for the YNHA, Yakama Nation Higher Education and the Prosecutor's Office. She married Russell Billy, Sr. at Rock Creek on Feb. 11, 1984. Rhonda was a member of Yakama Nation, the White Swan Independent Indian Shaker Church and part of the Tiin'ma Indian Club. She enjoyed bead work, sewing, canning, and traveling to pow-wows in Canada, the United States and for the Shaker Church. Rhonda is survived by her husband Russell Billy; brothers, Irvin "Chipmunk" Leslie, and Lyle Williams; sisters, Maida Wiltse, Bernadine Ashue Robertson, Marcella Vallo, Irvina Tadena, Mona Vallo Sutterlict, Tonya Hall; children, Leanda Jim, Marie Switzler, Ronica Billy, Perry Billy, Theodore Billy, Marlene Comenout, Brenda Billy, Sharon, Michelle Billy, Jacob Billy and David Billy; raised grandson, Sundron Miller; grandchildren, Aaron, Leander, Alana, Margaret, Markia, Jonovan, Mark, Deon, Starson,Vasane, Phoneix, Tayauni, Sakoyan; great grandson, Caleb Whitefoot; nieces and nephews, Josphine Jackson, Elizabeth Meninick, Sarafina, Adrian Jackson, Cecil Jackson, Jerolynn-San Juan, Leah Jo Frank, Keith Charlie, Aggie Meninick and Julia Leslie. She was preceded in death by her father, Theodore Robertson Ashue, brothers Irvin Vallo and Galen Vallo, aunt Theda Ashue and grandparents Phillip Ashue and Helen Brisbois. Dressing services were held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday January 11, 2006 at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato. Following the dressing services, she was transported to the Toppenish Creek Longhouse for overnight services. Thursday morning (today) at 7:00 a.m., she will be taken to the Independent Shaker Church for services. Concluding services and burial will be in the Yesmowit Cemetery in Medicine Valley. Merritt Funeral Home has been asked to care for arrangements. Copyright c. 2006 Yakima Herald-Republic/Yakima, WA. -=-=-=- January 11, 2006 Wilma Belinda Goggles ETHETE - The funeral for Wind River Indian Reservation resident Wilma Belinda Goggles, 74, will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, in Blue Sky Hall in Ethete by Catholic clergy. Interment will be in the Friday Cemetery in Ethete. Rosary and wake services will begin at 7 p.m. today, Jan. 11, at Blue Sky Highway. She died Jan. 7, 2005, at the family home. Born Feb. 20, 1931, in Gen. Cook's cabin at 17 Mile Crossing, she was the daughter of Mattie and Bruce Groesbeck Sr.; and was a great- granddaughter of Arapaho Chief Sharpnose. She was raised on the reservation and attended St. Michael's Mission School. A homemaker, she enjoyed sewing, beading, playing cards, watching television, and being with her family and friends. Survivors include four daughters, Jeanette Chavez of Vancouver, Wash., Elizabeth Alexander of Dayton, Ohio, Geraldine C'Bearing of San Diego and Betty Leike of Niegera, South America; sister, Catherine Loneman of Ethete; three brothers, Felix Groesbeck of Ethete, Bruce Groesbeck of Bakersfield, Calif., and Burton Hutchinson of Ethete; 20 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Timothy Goggles; two sisters, Vivian Chingman and Dorothy Antelope; two brothers, George Ward Groesbeck and Edmund C'Bearing; a stepbrother, Hiram Armajo Sr.; and three nephews. Wind Dancer Funeral Home of Fort Washakie is in charge of arrangements. Dillon Ervin Whiteplume ETHETE - The funeral for Dillon Ervin Whiteplume, 5, will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, at St. Joseph's Church in Ethete. Burial will be in Willow Cemetery. Vigil for the Deceased will begin at 5 p.m. today, Jan. 9, at the church. Visitation will follow at No. 3 Lone Bear Lane. Dillon died Jan. 6, 2006, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born March 30, 2000, in Lander, he was the son of Leland Black and Janette Whiteplume; and had recently graduated from Fort Washakie Head Start. A typical little boy, he enjoyed playing his Game Boy, playing in the mud, and playing football; fishing; four-wheeling; riding his bicycle; and listening to Indian music. He loved going to visit his family members; wrestling with his father; and spending time with his grandfather Turkey, for whom he was named. After he became ill, his interests turned to watching basketball and wanting to ride horses. Survivors include his parents; brothers and sisters, Elias Whiteplume, Lanette and Kalli Black, and Neti, Lisa, Opa, Rayleen, Chris, Braydon, Ashten, Monique, Angel, Elijah, Autumn, Sienna, Elijah, Charlie, Robert, Isaiah, Kimberly, Janice, Tablee, Lestra, Brandon, Malcom, Shawn and Bronco; his grandparents, Georgine K. Brown, Dusty Whiteplume, Lee Black, Betty Black, LaVerne Brown, Pamela Brown, Iva Brown, Mary and Jackie Herrera, Flora and Cora Willow, Gary Martin, Rodger Brown, Shorty Lone Bear, Laura Whiteplume, Brenda Brown, Tena Beydler and Amelia Shakespear; numerous aunts and uncles; and his great-great-grandparents, Margaret Spoonhunter and Sally and Joe Red Burro. He was preceded in death by his brother, Francis X. Whiteplume; his grandparents, Leo Brown, Ivan Brown, Genevieve and Louis Whiteplume and Margaret Brown; and an uncle. The family would appreciate memorials to the Wind River Cancer Resource Center. Copyright c. 2006 Casper Star-Tribune published by Lee Publications, Inc., a subsidiary of Lee Enterprises, Incorporated. -=-=-=- January 11, 2006 Arlene Wilson CROW AGENCY - Arlene J. Wilson, 65, of Crow Agency, passed away Jan. 9, 2006, in the Billings Clinic. She was born April 17, 1940, in Crow Agency, a daughter of John E. Wilson, Sr. and Louella Charges Strong. She was raised by Pretty Shield Goes Ahead, who gave her the Indian name Deaxkaasheitche (Good Eagle). She grew up and attended schools in Crow Agency and completed her education in Los Angeles. She worked for Pacific Papax as a ship-to-shore telephone operator, art tutor for school district 17-H and flagger for the State of Montana, before being trained as a cook. She provided 27 years of faithful service to the Crow Agency Indian Health Service as a cook and dietician, retiring in 2002. Arlene was married and later divorced. She was a member of the Catholic Church, Big Lodge Clan and a child of the Greasy Mouth Clan. She was very proud of helping raise all of her nieces and nephews, all of whom had a special place in her heart. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, yard work, playing the guitar and lovingly being the "General" in her family. She was a strong supporter of the Middle Men drum group. Her parents and brothers, Robert and John Wilson, Jr., preceded Arlene in death. Survivors include her son, Mike He Crow; her daughter, Karen Eastman; an adopted son, Mike He Crow Jr.; sisters, Beverly Big Man, Pauline (Dennis) McDonald and Rosaline (Larry) Fry, her brothers, Ivan and Lawrence Wilson; grandchildren, Kasey and Magen; her aunts, Pearl Hogan and Alma (Bill) Snell; as well as her extended family, including the Jefferson, Whiteman, Stray Calf, Long Tail, Iron, Goes Ahead Pretty, White, Goes Ahead Pretty Shield, Prairie Bird, Yellow Legging and Engavo families. Rosary will be recited 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, in the Bullis Funeral Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, in the Crow Agency St. Dennis Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Crow Agency Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements. January 13, 2006 Veronica Ten Bear HARDIN - Veronica Ten Bear, 61, of Hardin, passed away Wednesday evening, Jan. 11, 2006, in the Crow IHS Hospital. Distinguished Clothing was born May 31, 1944, in Crow Agency, a daughter of Clem and Martha Bell Rock Stops. She was a descent of the Crow Chiefs Plenty Coups I and Chief Bell Rock. She grew up in the St. Xavier area and attended schools at the St. Xavier Mission School, Hardin High School and St. Francis School in South Dakota. She later received Certified Nurses Aide training at St. Vincent Hospital. She worked for the St. Vincent Hospital, Park View Nursing Home and Heritage Acres Nursing Home in Hardin. Veronica married Alonzo Ten Bear in February of 2001 in Hardin and the couple made their home in Hardin. She attended the Pentecostal Church and was a member of the Southern Baptist Church. She was a member of the Crow Tribe, Greasy Mouth Clan and a child of the Big Lodge Clan. She had a great sense of humor and was friendly to all. Her home was always neat and full of her beautiful plants. She played bingo, enjoyed cooking, crocheting and loved to care for her grandchildren. Her parents; sister Carol Stops; brothers, Melvin Rogers, Norman and Clem Stops, Jr.; and adopted brother, James Keith Bell Rock, preceded Veronica in death. Survivors include her husband, Alonzo; daughter, Jacqueline Couture and Jolene Belmarez; sons, Johnny and Frankie Belmarez, Fred and Daniel Garcia; her sisters, Anita Iron, Janice Stewart, Janice Bell Rock, Clemencia Nomee, Edwina Stops, Vanetta Bearquiver, Beverly St. Germaine, Theda and Arnetta Walks; brothers, Kenneth Knows the Ground, Clinton (Margaret) and Michael Stops; adopted sisters, Aloisa Leahy, Ellagean Sun Goes Slow, Theresa Haun, Emma Core, Melvina McClusky, Lena Johnson and Clara Rides the Bear; adopted brothers, Carson (Ava) Bell Rock, Edwin Tsosie, Conrad, Ira, Leland and Manford Walks; nine grandchildren; her aunt, Christine Stewart and special friend, Lee Saye; as well as her extended family including the Little Owl, Bird Hat, Pretty on Top, Round Face, Lincoln, Flat Lip, Plenty Hawk, Fighter, White Clay, Stewart, Smart Enemy, Smells and Rock Above families. Funeral services will be held 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, in the Bullis Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements. Janauary 14, 2006 Lorene May Morning CROW AGENCY - Lorene May Morning, 72, of Crow Agency, has peacefully gone to be with the Lord, Friday Jan. 13, 2006, in the Billings St. Vincent Hospital. Baaapaalikissheiakaate (Little flower) was born Dec. 10, 1933 in Crow Agency, a daughter of Paul Andrew Fog in the Morning and Nancy Hoops on the Forehead. She grew up and attended schools in Crow Agency. She was a strong believer in traditional Crow ways of life, often sang and listening to Crow hymns. She loved to bead and play hand-games for the Reno Cowboys, as well as enjoying horse racing. She was a member of the Pentecostal Church, Piegan Clan and a child of the Big Lodge Clan. Lorene married Robert Half, Sr. in 1947, and the couple divorced in 1963. She married Ellsworth Little Light in 1980 and he died in 1985. Although she was disabled in 1995 from injuries sustained in auto accident, she continued to be the matriarch model for her family. She always stated that, "A FAMILY THAT PRAYS TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER." Her parents, sons, Robert, Jr., Frank, Sr., and Jasper Sr., daughters, Marie and Brenda Half; great granddaughter, Andrewanna; sisters, Monte Ann Iron, Mary and Irma Hoops, Judith Jefferson and Daisy Old Dwarf and brothers, Victor, Benedict and Robert Morning, Sr., preceded her in death. Survivors include her daughters, Iva (Rudolph) Shane, Mary Jane (Isaac) Bird in Ground, Ruby (Al) Big Hair, Carlotta Half and Corliss (Clinton) Iron; sons, Arnold (Gevy) Costa, Daniel (Elsie), Ettings, (Jacqueline) and Greg (Dorcella) Half; adopted children, Elmer Yarlott, Donna (Gavin) Jefferson, Sr., Geraldine (Dewy) Schenderline, Sandy Medicine Horse, Mary Big Day, David (Ruby) Peterson, Kenny Ward, Lenora (Arthur) Plenty Hawk, Lonnie Taylor, Eddy and Deann Round Face, Gene Bull in Sight and Arethea Hoops Williamson; sisters, Carol (John) Bull in Sight, Sr., Darlene (Dwayne) Bixby, Sr., Phyllis Wellknown, Tana Olyette, Leda Little Nest, Florine Taylor, Etheline Killsnight, Alyce Risingsun, Danetta (Blaine) Falls Down, Lauren (Vincent) Spint, Lana and Avis Thee Irons, Darla (Sam) Horn, Valerie (Jeff) Pack the Hat, Rachael (Corky) Old Horn, Margaret Anderson, Georgia Old Dwarf, Linda Morrison, Frances Pretty Paint and Jacqueline Ware; brothers, Gerry and Samuel (Marge) Hoops, Sr. Clifford (Ardith) Bird in Ground, Arthur (Annabelle) Alden, Sr., Ronald Big Man, Adlie (Norma), Dexter (Marceline), William (Donna) and Frank (Agnes) Falls Down, Starr (Hazel) Not Afraid, Jackson Red Horn, Tim Bahee and Lloyd (Elvina) Pickett; 51 grandchildren, 91 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren; her aunts, Donna (Norman) Petty on Top, Sr., Mae House, Laura Singer, Pearl Hogan, Myrtle Smart Enemy, Irene Reed, Ruth Alden, Vera White Clay and Neva Satemo; uncles, Melvin and Gary Pretty Paint, Joseph Bear Crane, John Hill, Gale (Mary), Melvin (Kathleen) and Clarence (Joselyn) Three Irons, Raymond and Richard (Agatha) House, Joe and Henry Iron Man, Richard, Henry, Kennard and Jimmy Real Bird, Keith Black Hawk, Sr., Victor Singer, Lee and Laura Lone Bear, George Scalpcane, Gertrude Fire Crow, Cedric Black Eagle Sr., She loved her many nieces and nephews as her own; as well as her extended family including the Black Eagle, Black Hawk, Stone, Singer, Jackson, Dancing Bulls, Satemos, Iron Man, Smart Enemy, Not Afraid, Real Bird, Round Face, Whiteman Runs Him, Morning Gun, Snells, Reed, Costa, Knows the Ground, and Bulltail families. Our family is very large, if we have missed you, please accept our apology. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, in the Crow Agency Multi-purpose Building. Interment will follow in the Crow Agency Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements. Copyright c. 2006 The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. -=-=-=- January 12, 2006 Joseph 'Joe' Nomee ARLEE - Joseph "Joe" Nomee, 84, died of complications due to a stroke, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. Joe was born to Veronica (McGillis) and John Nomee on March 15, 1921, in Rocky Boy. Always a traveling man, Joe worked as a ranchhand and eventually made the Jocko Valley his home. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Andrew J. Nomee; sister Isabel Gardipee and daughter Lorraine Nomee. Survivors include a son of Fort Hall, Idaho, and many nieces and nephews. A closing service was held Jan. 10 in the Arlee Community Center. Interment was in the Jocko Cemetery near Arlee. Copyright c. 2002 Lake Country Leader Advertiser/Polson, MT. -=-=-=- January 10, 2006 Chenoah Rose Flat Lip ROCKY BOY - Chenoah Rose Flat Lip, 7-month, 23-day-old daughter of Jerry and Gladys Flat Lip of Pryor, died of pneumonia Sunday at Northern Montana Hospital in Havre. Her funeral is 10 a.m. today at Rocky Boy Lutheran Church, with burial in Eagleman Cemetery. Holland and Bonine Funeral Home of Havre is handling arrangements. In addition to her parents, Chenoah is survived by a sister, Alanna Jo Stanley of Rocky Boy; brothers Indian Leider, Jerry Flat Lip Jr., Randall A. Flat Lip and Archie K. Flat Lip, all of Pryor, Christian Parrish of Crow Agency, Udell Cly, Indian Leider, Royce Bird, Maurice Stewart and Stephen Small, all of Rocky Boy; and aunts Danelle Stanley, Annie Stanley and Gilberta Belgarde, all of Rocky Boy. Chenoah was born May 16, 2005, in Havre to Jerry and Gladys (Stanley) Flat Lip. Chenoah lived in Rocky Boy with her aunt, Annette Stanley, and attended Rocky Boy Early Head Start. She was a very happy baby who always had a smile on her face and never cried. She enjoyed her swing, playing with her toys, watching cartoons, playing with Stephen Small, Alanna Stanley, Indian Leider, Udell Cly, Royce Bird and Maurice Stewart. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandmother and grandfather and her brothers and sister. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Lawrence and Mary Frances Flat Lip Sr., and a sister, Sheila Marie Flat Lip. January 12, 2006 David C. 'Chug' Guardipee BROWNING - David Carl "Chug" Guardipee, 59, a carpenter, died of natural causes Monday at a Browning hospital. A wake is in progress at Eagle Shield Center in Browning, with rosary at 7 this evening. Funeral Mass is 2 p.m. Friday at Little Flower Catholic Church, with burial in Two Medicine. Pondera Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Survivors, all of Browning, include his wife, Donna Marie Edwards; daughters Carla Potts, Geri Rattler and Becky Conway; sons David Guardipee, Cliff Guardipee, Justin Guardipee and Buster Conway; brothers Gerald Guardipee, Warren Guardipee, Leonard Guardipee and Jimmy Lee Guardipee; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Copyright c. 2006 Great Falls Tribune, a division of Lee Enterprises. -=-=-=- Char-Koosta News - The official publication of the Flathead Indian Nation Deceember 2005 Orville Hall VALLEY CREEK - Orville Charles Hall, 47, died on Dec. 14, 2005, at the family home near Arlee. Orville was born on July 20, 1958, in Owyhee, NV, to Delphine (Cleveland) and Clarence Hall, Sr. A member of the Shoshone Paiute Tribe of the Duck Valley Reservation, Orville had worked as heating/cooling sheet metal worker, as a firefighter for 17 years and as a traditional hide tanner. Living several places, Orville and his wife returned to the area 12 years ago to live on her family's place. He is survived locally by his wife, Roxanna Whitworth (Arlee) and a large family in Nevada. Traditional wake and services were held in Owyhee, NV. Adrian McKee ARLEE - Adrian Wesley McKee, also known as Ronnie Stanger, 54, died on Dec. 30, 2005, at the home of a friend in Pablo. Born on Dec. 24, 1951, in St. Ignatius, to Francis Stanger and Theresa Lozeau, he was raised in Noxon and Boise, Idaho, by his foster family. He started reassociating himself with his birth family as a teen. In 1970, he graduated from Capitol High in Boise and then joined the U.S. Army, serving until 1973. Adrian then went to school at the University of Texas, Flathead Community College, Salish Kootenai College (where he received his AA), the University of Montana and Boise State University. He worked several jobs while pursuing his education and had worked at Kicking Horse Job Corps, as a fisherman in Alaska and most recently for SKC Electronics in Pablo. He was preceded in death by a son, Ta'a; his mother; his foster parents; grandfathers Ed Lozeau and Blind Frank Stanger; brothers Mike Stanger, William Stanger, Isaac Adams, Thomas Mahseelah and Bobby Morigeau; and a sister, Theresa Piapot. Survivors include his son, Thoreau McKee (Idaho); his father and stepmother, Francis and Tiny Stanger (Lonepine); sisters Amelia and her husband Edwin One Salt, and Rhonda Quequesah; brothers Paul Mahseelah, Adrian (Melissa) Mahseelah, Injun Plant, Francis (Deanna) Auld and Frank (Glenda) Stanger; his foster family; as well as many friends, extended family members and many lady friends. A wake began on Jan. 1 at the Indian Senior Citizens Center in Polson. Funeral services were conducted on Jan. 3 at the Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Polson. Burial followed at the Decker-Beauvais Cemetery with military honors being presented at graveside. Annaliesa Parker PABLO - Annaliesa McDonough Parker, 36, died on Dec. 11, 2005. Born on August 13, 1969, in Polson, to Jr. Stasso and Louise Andrew, she was adopted by Jack and Sophie McDonough at a young age. Annaliesa was raised and educated on the Flathead Reservation and began her family at a young age. She worked as a tree planter for CSKT Forestry, a flagger for numerous road construction projects and kept busy with many odd jobs. A beautiful young woman with many interests and skills, Annaliesa was learning the ways of her people and was enjoying the drumming and singing she was involved with. She sang with Native Heart. She was preceded in death by her adoptive mother, Sophie McDonough, and natural father, Jr. Stasso. She is survived by her partner, Glen Parker (Ronan); children Michael Parker, Barbara Parker, Bobbygale Parker, Lucy Parker, Glen Eggr, Darius Parker and Roxanna Parker; brothers Lyle (Shelly Jacobs) Andrew (Elmo), Brian (Sue) McCrea (Pablo) and Lewellyn Andrew (Missoula); sisters Tess Curley (Pablo), Lisa King (Alfred Bauer) (Ronan), and Sandra (Mike) Kenmille (Big Draw-Elmo); an adoptive sister Sharon (Richard) Evans (Missoula); her firstborn grandchild who is on the way; as well as many aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Traditional wake services began Dec. 12 at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius with the rosary being recited the following day, also at the Longhouse. Funeral services were held on Dec. 14 at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius. Interment followed in the Calvary Cemetery in Ronan. Kenneth L. Sias BENTON CITY, Wash. - Kenneth L. Sias, 70, died on Dec. 10, 2005, at his home here. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Mable Sias; an infant brother, Bobby; and his first wife, Marjorie. According to his wishes, his ashes will be sprinkled in beloved Mission Mountains, where he spent many happy hours on his horse. There will be a memorial service in Ronan in the spring. He is survived by his wife, Susan; two sons, Kenneth C. (K.C.) and Cecil L.; two daughters, Victoria A. Weeks and Cynthia M. D'Adamo; two granddaughters, Shelby C. Sias and Ashley D'Adamo; three grandsons, Andrew Hendrix, Nick D'Adamo, and Zach Richardson; a brother, James L. Sias; and two sisters, Viola M. Potter and Donna J. Bennett. Ken loved his family, friends and horses through which he made many friends. He also loved telling stories of his adventures growing up on the Flathead Reservation. He was proud to be a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, as well as to have been a U.S. Marine who served his country. Copyright c. 2006 Char-Koosta News. -=-=-=- January 10, 2006 Chenoah Flat Lip ROCKY BOY - Chenoah Rose Flat Lip, 7 months 23 days, died Sunday Jan. 8, 2006, at Northern Montana Hospital from pneumonia. Her wake service began Monday night with her funeral service scheduled for 10 a.m. today at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church at Rocky Boy. Burial was to follow at the Eagleman Cemetery. Chenoah was born May 16, 2005, in Havre to Jerry and Gladys (Stanley) Flat Lip. Chenoah lived in Rocky Boy with her aunt and attended Rocky Boy Early Head Start. She was a very happy baby, who always had a smile on her face and never cried. She enjoyed her swing, playing with her toys, watching cartoons, playing with Stephen Small, Alanna Stanley, Indian Leider, Udell Cly, Royce Bird and Maurice Stewart. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandmother, grandfather and her brothers and sister. Chenoah was preceded in death by her grandparents, Lawrence and Mary Frances Flat Lip Sr.; and sister, Sheila Marie Flat Lip. Survivors include her parents, Jerry and Gladys Flat Lip Sr. of Pryor; sister, Alanna Jo Stanley of Rocky Boy; brothers, Indian Leider, Jerry Flat Lip Jr., Randall A. Flat Lip and Archie K. Flat Lip, all of Pryor, Christian Parrish of Crow Agency, and Udell Cly, Indian Leider, Royce Bird, Maurice Stewart and Stephen Small, all of Rocky Boy; aunts, Danelle Stanley, Annie Stanley and Gilberta Belgarde, all of Rocky Boy. Arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. Copyright c. 2006 Havre Daily News. -=-=-=- January 10, 2006 Martha Wheeler, 91 Fairbanks Martha Mary (Stein) Wheeler, 91, died Jan. 7, 2006, in Fairbanks. A funeral will be at 1 p.m. today with a visitation from noon-1 p.m. at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 1030 First Ave., Fairbanks. A traditional potlatch will be at 6 p.m. at David Salmon Tribal Hall. Mrs. Wheeler was born April 22, 1914, in Point Hope. She was one of six children born to Christian Stein, a Boston whaler of German and Norwegian descent, and Kataksinja Stein, an Inupiaq from Point Hope. Orphaned at an early age, Mrs. Wheeler traveled to White Mountain, where she lived in a residential boarding school for a number of years. She met Floyd Hall Wheeler shortly after moving to Nome to work at the hospital. They were married June 17, 1944, and raised their family in Nome and Tanana. Mrs. Wheeler moved to Tanana in 1980 and to Fairbanks in 1986. She enjoyed cooking, baking, crocheting, knitting, sewing, gardening and meeting new people. Mrs. Wheeler loved her children, grandchildren, extended family and many friends. Her family wrote: "Mom had a strong work ethic. She took pride in whatever task she took on, and worked as a nurse's aide, dietitian and cook in Nome, Tanana, Kotzebue, Barrow, Candle and Haycock. Her friends and family will always cherish her quick wit and sense of humor. Even in her later years she would find a way to make you smile by playfully joking with you." Mrs. Wheeler is survived by her son, Emory Wheeler; daughters and sons- in-law, Mary and John Schaeffer, Eileen and Tod Kozevnikoff, Helena and William Carlo, Linda and Alfred Woods and Shirley and Bergman Moses; daughters, Joyce Demoski and Irene Wheeler; nephew, Frank Stein; numerous other nieces and nephews; and 71 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, mother and father; brothers, Abraham Stein and John Stein; sisters, Annie Howarth-Mitchell, Louisa and Martha; sons-in-law, Thomas Swenson and Claude Allen Demoski II; daughter- in-law, Angela Soolook Wheeler; and grandson, Craig Demoski. In lieu of flowers, contributions may made to the St. Matthew's Episcopal Church or Denali Center. January 15, 2006 Anna Long, 62 Chugiak Chugiak resident Anna Katherine Yako Berger Long, 62, died Jan. 12, 2006, at Alaska Native Medical Center of pneumonia. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Faith Christian Community Church, Parkside Campus. A celebration of life will afterword at the home of Scott and Clara Torrison. Her ashes will be scattered at Ekuk Beach. Mrs. Long was born June 28, 1943, in Ekuk to Massa and James Yako. She graduated from high school and attended one year of college. Mrs. Long lived in Ekuk, Aleknagik, Anchorage, Eagle River and Chugiak. She was a longtime Bristol Bay commercial fisherwoman, a mother since 1965 and a postal worker in the 1970s. Mrs. Long was a member of the Russian Orthodox Church when she was younger and became a member of Faith Christian Community in 1994. She volunteered at Marrulut Iniit, an assisted living home for the elderly in Dillingham. She collected agates, sewed with and for her grandchildren, and loved playing Scrabble and canasta and going for walks. She spent much of her time with her grandchildren, playing games with them and listening to them practice the piano. Her family wrote: "She loved the Lord. Her favorite book in the Bible was John, especially John 14:1-3. She loved her family, especially her 12 grandchildren. She had a gift for loving people and taking care of those with special needs like mental illness, physical disability or elderly. Her smile was beautiful. She was especially fond of being in Ekuk walking the beach, picking berries, splitting fish." Mrs. Long is survived by her father, James Yako of Dillingham; brother, David Yako of Anchorage; daughters and sons-in-law, Ronda and Joe Pokupec of Eagle River and Clara and Scott Torrison of Chugiak; son and daughter- in-law, Charles and Camise Berger of Anchorage; 12 grandchildren; aunt, Offenesia Bavilla of Dillingham; and many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her mother, Massa Yako; brothers, Jacob, Billy and Ivan Yako; and sister, Olga Freisinger. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Bean's Cafe or the Brother Francis Shelter. Arrangements are with Evergreen Memorial Chapel. Ned Greist, 52 Anchorage Anchorage resident Ned Greist, 52, died Jan. 12, 2006, at Alaska Native Medical Center. A visitation will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 737 E St., with a service at 11 a.m. Additional services and burial will be in Selawik. Arrangements were made with Evergreen Memorial Chapel. A full obituary will be published at a later date. Copyright c. 2006 The Anchorage Daily News. -=-=-=- January 10, 2006 Martha M. Wheeler Martha Mary (Stein) Wheeler, 91, passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, 2006, in Fairbanks. Martha was born in Point Hope, Alaska on April 22, 1914, to Christian Stein, a Boston whaler of German and Norwegian descent, and Kataksinja, an Inupiaq woman from Point Hope. She was very proud of her rich heritage. She was orphaned at an early age and traveled by steamship to White Mountain where she lived in a boarding school for a number of years. She learned vocational and independent living skills, and developed many lifelong friendships. Martha fondly reminisced about growing up with her "extended family" Howard Rock, Mary Buck and others. Martha met Floyd Hall Wheeler shortly after moving to Nome to work at the hospital. They were married June 17, 1944, in Nome. Martha and Floyd raised their family in Nome and Tanana where Floyd worked for the Federal Aviation Administration. In 1980, she moved to Tanana to be closer to her children. She remained there until she moved to Fairbanks in 1986. Her many talents included cooking and baking, crocheting, knitting, sewing furs, sewing clothing for her family and others, gardening, growing flowers, preserving food, making jams and jellies, and meeting people from all walks of life. Martha loved her children, grandchildren, and extended family and many friends. She had a strong work ethic. She took pride in whatever task she took on, and worked as a nurse's aide, dietitian and cook in hospitals in Nome, Tanana, Kotzebue and Barrow. She also cooked in mining camps in Candle and Haycock. Martha's friends and family will always cherish her quick wit and sense of humor. Even in her later years she would find a way to make you smile by playfully joking with you. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Hall Wheeler of Nome; parents, Christian and Kataksinja Stein; brothers, Abraham Stein of Barrow and John Stein of Kotzebue; sisters, Annie Howarth/Mitchell of Kotzebue and Louisa and Martha of Point Hope; sons-in-law, Thomas Swenson and Claude Allen Demoski II; daughter-in-law, Angela Soolook Wheeler; and grandson, Craig Demoski. Martha is survived by her son, Emory Wheeler of Nome, and daughters and sons-in-law, Mary and John Schaeffer of Kotzebue, Eileen and Tod Kozevnikoff of Fairbanks, Helena and William Carlo of Tanana, Joyce Demoski of Fairbanks, Linda and Alfred Woods of Fairbanks, Shirley and Bergman Moses of Fairbanks and Irene Wheeler of Fairbanks; 71 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; nephew, Frank Stein of Kotzebue and numerous other nieces and nephews in Kotzebue, Barrow, Anchorage and Sitka. Friends and family may be contacted at 1606 Central Ave. or by calling 978-1852. Visitation will be at noon today at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. The funeral will begin at 1 p.m. A traditional potlatch will be held at 6 p.m. at the David Salmon Tribal Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church or Denali Center. Arrangements were by Fairbanks Funeral Home. Bessie Kitka Former Juneau resident Bessie Laverne (Naawaan Tlaa) Kitka, 82, of Sitka, died Jan. 1, 2006, at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital. She was born to Pete and Mary Kanosh on March 16, 1923, in Auke Bay. She was a grandchild of Kaawa.ee (Kowee) and a member of the Aak'waan L'eeneidi, Dog Salmon House. Her father, Pete Kanosh (Tleeyaa Keet, Gusht'eiheen), was of the Dakl'aweidi Keet Hit, Killer Whale House, in Angoon. Peter's mother was Yaxlahaat, the daughter of Killisnoo Jake. She was Gax'. Peter's father was Dick Kanosh of the Ganax.adi from Tuxekan. Dick Kanosh's father was Yaanyeidi. Bessie was one of the last fluent speakers of the Tlingit language for the Auke Bay tribe. All of her children and grandchildren received a Tlingit name. She attended Wrangell Institute. She worked at various canneries and was a self-trained dietitian, retiring from Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital. She was a member of the Village Planning Commission in the early 1970s. She was a lifetime member of the Sitka Alaska Native Sisterhood, Sitka Sportsman's Association and American Legion Auxiliary. She was enrolled in the Sitka Tribe, Tlingit & Haida, Shee Atika Inc., Sealaska and Kootznoowoo. She enjoyed fishing, crocheting, and knitting sweaters and blankets. She flew to Juneau once a month to visit and shop with her granddaughter. She collected music boxes, angels, toasters and coffee pots. Three years ago, she traveled with her granddaughter, Roxanne, to Seattle to take a five- generation family photo. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Castro, Hazel Bennett, Sophie Peck and Fannie John; her brothers, John Fred, Matthew Fred and Joe Kanosh; her first husband, Jacob Sam and second husband, Andrew Kitka; her grandson, Steven David Payenna; and great-great-grandson, Andrew Jacob Williams. She is survived by her children, Wilma Smathers and her husband Charlie of Everett, Wash., Barbara Keener and her husband Eric Borgen of Sitka, Brenda Sam of Sitka, John Sam of Sunnyvale, Calif., David Sam and his wife Chris of Anchorage, Fred Sam and his wife Tina of Anchorage, Bob Sam of Sitka, Marie Young and her husband George of Sitka, Christine Paul and her husband John of Sitka, and Evelyn Schenk and her husband Tom of Sitka; 24 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held at Alaska Native Sisterhood Hall. Russian Orthodox services were at St. Michael's Cathedral with a reception at Swan Lake Senior Center. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. Honorary pallbearers are Frank Sam, Tommy Sam, Allen and John Blankenship, Harold Kitka, Ben Didrickson, Ben Cornell, Richard Marvin Jr., Ernie Hillman, Richard Marvin Sr., Ed Young, William Kanosh, Kim Hansen, Joe Murray, Joe Thomas and Stan Filler. Copyright c. 1999-2006 Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Inc. -=-=-=- January 8, 2006 David Trenton Nikiski resident and Alaska Native David Trenton died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006, at Central Peninsula General Hospital in Soldotna. He was 66. A viewing and panikhida service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9 at Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10 at the Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church in Kenai. Father Thomas Andrew will officiate. Burial will follow at the Monfor Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at Tyotkas. Pallbearers will be Gene Trenton, Roy Trenton, David Kroto, Justin Trenton, Brian Trenton, Ted Kroto Sr., Jason Murray, Kevin Trenton and Virgil McCord Jr. The honorary pallbearer will be Freddy Trenton. Mr. Trenton was born April 27, 1939, in Tyonek. He worked as a commercial fisherman, heavy equipment operator and oilfield worker, living in Tyonek and Sitka. He retired from BIA road in 1988. Mr. Trenton was past president of he Native Village of Tyonek and a member of the Holy Assumption Russian Orthodox Church in Kenai. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, visiting with friends and relatives and walks on the beach. "He will always be remembered by his quirky sense of humor. Before his disability, he loved to take the family sport fishing, hunting and on picnics. His favorite times were when he was with family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren," his family wrote. Mr. Trenton was preceded in death by his daughter, B.K.; grandsons, Ted Jr. and Adam; and parents, Leo and Katherine Trenton. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Virginia Trenton of Nikiski; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Jason Murray; sons, Eugene, Roy and Harry "Freddy" Trenton, all of Nikiski; son-in-law, Ted Kroto Sr. of Anchorage; granddaughters, Marjorie Trenton of Nikiski, Vanessa Kroto of Wasilla, Adrianna Trenton and Ivory Trenton of Nikiski, Anastasia Trenton of Wyoming, Dyann Wik of Nikiski, and Sherrie and Sara Murray of Nikiski; grandsons, David Kroto of Anchorage and Justin Trenton of Nikiski; great- grandchildren, Rachel and Joyce Trenton of Nikiski; Rain Kroto of Wasilla, Brandon and Lillian Kroto of Soldotna; and numerous other family members and friends throughout Alaska and the Lower 48. Memorial donations may be sent to Virginia Trenton, P.O. Box 8658, Nikiski, AK 99635. Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel. January 11, 2006 David L. Pierren Sr. David L. Pierren Sr. died Monday, Jan. 2, 2006, at Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage of natural causes. He was 64. Mr. Pierren is being cremated in Anchorage and no services are planned for the Kenai Peninsula. Mr. Pierren was born May 19, 1941, in Fairbanks. A retired chef, he spent many years working at various locations in Anchorage. He was a 1959 graduate of Auburn Academy in Washington. "David enjoyed life and liked to spend time with friends and family," his family said. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilmer and Lucille Pierren; and sisters, Doris J. Warren and Helen LaRue. He is survived by his children, Elizabeth Pierren and Deborah Pierren of Kenai, and David L. Pierren Jr. of Anchorage; grandsons, Jonathan Sanchez, Justin Pierren and Dallas Pierren of Kenai; granddaughters, Megan Pierren and Alexis Pierren of Kenai and April Pierren of Faribault, Minn., and Cheyenne Pierren of Tooele, Utah; brother and daughter-in-law, Fred and Vickie Pierren of Salt Lake City; brother and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Kat Pierren of Page, Ariz.; brothers, Pierre Pierren and Bill Pierren of Ogden, Utah; ex-wife, Cordie Watts of Salt Lake City; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank. Arrangements were made by Evergreen Memorial Chapels in Anchorage. Copyright c. 2006 Peninsula Clarion Division of Morris Communications, Kenai, AK. -=-=-=- January 10, 2006 Marvin Henry Johns JOHNS Marvin Harvey - Surrounded by his loving family on Sunday January 8, 2006 after a lengthy battle with cancer, Marvin Johns age 74 years; beloved husband of Dean; special friend of Pat Fraser; loving father of Larry and Diane, Faron and Jill, Beverly and Al, Dale (Pat), Gene and Colleen, Dave and Laurie, Eric and Corey, Melanie and Johnathan, Jackie, Roger and Tina, and Bobbie and Robin; dear grandfather of many grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother of Allen and Jean, Alvin (Tiggy), Betty and the late Art, and Gordie (Fred); also survived by several nieces and nephews; predeceased by parents Harvey and Marjorie (Miller) Johns, daughter Diane, and brothers Morris and Bud. Resting at his home 1649 3rd. Line Road after 7 p. m. Monday until 4 p.m. Tuesday, then to STYRES FUNERAL HOME, Ohsweken after 5 p. m. Tuesday. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Wednesday January 11, 2005 at 1 p. m. Interment Six Nations Pentecostal Cemetery. Evening Prayers 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Funeral Home. Copyright c. 2006 Brantford Expositor. -=-=-=- January 10, 2006 Ivan John Cochrane COCHRANE - Ivan John, passed away on January 7th, 2006, at the age of 55 years. Leaves to mourn his mother Audrey Cochrane, brothers Robert and Ralph, sisters Sherry & Marion, wife Mabel, son Colin Bryant & daughters Janine & Shauna, 2 grandchildren, nieces & nephews. A wake will be held on January 10th at 1:00 pm, Keeseekoose First Nations. Funeral Services will be held January 11, 2006 at 2:00 pm at St. Philips, SK. January 12, 2006 Eleanor Buffalocalf BUFFALOCALF - In memory of Eleanor (Bigstone) Buffalocalf White Eagle Woman (Wapi Kekew Iskew) Great Great Granddaughter of Chief White Bear Who passed away January 9, 2006 at Maple Creek, SK at the age of 75. Eleanor was born December 20, 1930 at The White Bear First Nation. She is survived by her sons; Russell, Clarence (Stacy), Wallace, Micheal (Judy), Delmar, Harry Jr. (Sheryl), Barry (Lisa), and adopted son Mark Madill. Her daughters; Dorothy, Elsie (Robert), Verna (Melvin), and Patsy. Eleanor is also survived by her two sisters Jean Peltier and Nancy Peltier; 43 Grandchildren and 35 Great Grandchildren, relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Eleanor also had special friends and prayer partners, Pastor Hans & Hanet Marten and Gerald & Janice Sanderson, Betty Sullivan, Madeline Widmer and the Congregation of the Assembly of God Church in Maple Creek. Eleanor was never afraid to ask for prayer, as she was always praying for others. She loves Jesus, and now she is gone to be with Him. She found solace in the church and embraced the scriptures for words of encouragement and strength. Eleanor was raised by her special Grandparents, Jimmy Bigstone & Grace Whitebear. She was predeceased by her husband Harry Buffalocalf Sr. in 2000. Her mother Isabel (Bigstone) Peltier in 2004, two aunts, Evelyn Buffalocalf and Mina Pasap. Brothers; Raymond, John, and Gordon Peltier 2005 and infant brother Joseph Peltier. Her Sister Lydia Peltier and daughter-in- law, Angeline Buffalocalf in 2005. Eleanor was also predeceased by her special friend Joe Zieg. Officiating: Pastor Hans Marten, Tuesday, January 10, 2006. Service, viewing and eulogy at 2:00 pm, Binkley's Funeral Home. Lunch & tea to be served at the Assembly of God church basement. Wake to be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 at 5:00 pm. Traditional service on Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 2:00 pm at the Whitebear Community Hall. Elder Francis Lonechild. Interment: Bigstone Cemetery. Pallbearers: Barry Buffalocalf, Harry Jr. Buffalocalf, Delmar Buffalocalf, Steve Buffalocalf, Micheal Buffalocalf, Russell Buffalocalf, Christopher Marcotte, Clarence Buffalocalf. Copyright c. 2000-2006 Regina Leader Post Group Inc.