. . . ============================================================ Start of Phil Konstantin’s January 2006 Newsletter - Part 1 ============================================================ Greetings, Here is part 1 of this month's newsletter. Among other things, I have a inquiry from a publisher looking for some authors to write some specific essays for an upcoming book. Phil ======================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ======================== The "Link of the Month" for January 2006 is the Cherokee Nation of Mexico's History of Sequoyah. This website looks into the end of Sequoyah's life. It is their contention that he died, and is buried, in Modern Mexico. This page has lots of interesting information. The rest of the website deals with many other topics. Some of those topics are: Cherokee religion, storytelling, music, art, prophecies, sacred formulas, language and medicine. If nothing else, the website makes for an interesting read. You can find it at: http://www.cherokeenationmexico.com/his_sequoyah.html ======================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ======================== Treaty of the Month: TREATY WITH THE KALAPUYA, ETC., 1855 - Jan. 22, 1855. | 10 Stats., 1143. | Ratified, Mar. 3, 1855. | Proclaimed, Apr. 10, 1855. This treaty was signed in Dayton, Oregon Territory on January 22, 1855 by the United States and "the confederated bands of Indians residing in the Willamette Valley" http://digital.library.okstate.edu/kappler/vol2/treaties/kal0665.htm ======================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ======================== Here is an opportunity for some of you to write an article for publication. I have done a couple of articles for these people before. Their checks have always cleared the bank ~~|:-) I have attached the e-mail from , the list of articles needed and what you will get if they accept your article. I recommend contacting them first, to make sure they need any specific topic which interests you. Please contact the directly if you have any questions: ------ Hello Colleagues, ABC-CLIO is in the final stages of collecting entries for its forthcoming four volume Encyclopedia of American Indian History, edited by Bruce Johansen and Barry Pritzker, to be published in mid-2007. There are, however, a small number of important entries that are not yet written and time is of the essence. I have attached a copy of the list of entries to be written along with the number of words we would like to see for each. We will be willing to compensate anyone willing to help according to the schedule attached. Should you be interested in contributing to this important work, please e-mail me at indianh-@abc-clio.com. Thank you, _________________ Dr. Steven L. Danver Lead Editor, Acquisitions, ABC-CLIO Managing Editor, Journal of the West Contributor Information Total Words Written Compensation Level 2,000 words Citation, electronic copy of encyclopedia ($420 value) 2,000-3,499 words Citation, electronic and book copy of encyclopedia ($610 value) 3,500-7,499 words Citation, electronic and book copy of encyclopedia ($610 value) + $200 honorarium 7,500-12,499 words Citation, electronic and book copy of encyclopedia ($610 value) + $500 honorarium 12,500 words Citation, electronic and book copy of encyclopedia ($610 value) + $750 honorarium Encyclopedia of American Indian History Entries to be written, 12/20/2005 (The number at the end of each entry is how many words the article should have.) Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (1971) 1,500 Anasazi culture 3,000 Anishinabe Algonquin National Council 750 Archaeology and Native American prehistory 5,000 Athapaskan peoples 750 Bole-Maru religion 750 Bureau of American Ethnology 750 Code Talkers, Navajo 1,500 Cody, William (Buffalo Bill) 1,500 Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission 750 Dalles trading area 1,500 Dams (and fishing) 1,500 Deloria, Vine, Jr. 1,500 Fishing Rights (esp. Boldt decision) 3,000 Gorman, R. C. 750 Hohokam culture 1,500 Hopewell culture 1,500 Indian Mineral Leasing Act (1938) 1,500 Indian Self-Determination and Educational Assistance Act (1975) 1,500 Kennewick Man 1,500 Land cessions, colonial, early national 3,000 Land, identity and, ownership of, and rights 5,000 Longhouse religion 750 Men, roles in Native American societies 5,000 Migration theories 3,000 Missionaries, French Jesuit 750 Mississippian Culture 750 Mogollon culture 1,500 Mounds, Eastern 1,500 National Congress of American Indians 1,500 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) (1990) 1,500 Northwest Ordinance (1787) 1,500 Paleo-Indians 1,500 Pottery 1,500 Pueblo Revolt 1,500 Russians, in the Arctic/Northwest 3,000 Scalping 750 Scholder, Fritz 750 Totem poles 1,500 Tribal courts 1,500 Warfare, intertribal 1,500 Winnemucca (Paiute) 750 Women of All Red Nations (WARN) 1,500 ======================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ======================== Movie Review of "In MacArthur Park": The director, Bruce R. Schwartz, aptly describes this 1977 movie as the story of a man who fell through the cracks. The character Triam Lee has had to leave the Mojave reservation along the Colorado River because a dam has eliminated the fish his family depends on for food. Parker, Arizona has no available jobs, either. Triam settles in Los Angeles, but cannot find a job in the dreary urban area he can afford. The story is based on an improv done in one of Bruce R. Schwartz's acting classes. The class project featured on of his students, Adam Silver. The improv went over so well, that Schwartz decided to make a feature length film. He based the main character's background on Adam Silver's real origins. The man who plays Silver's father was the actual Tribal Chairman for the Mojave tribe. The scenes on the reservation also feature dialog in the Mojave language. The film is done in a documentary / cinéma vérité / guerrilla filmaking style. It is very simply presented. It is no masterpiece, but it does provide a glimpse into the lives of some very desperate people in a land of plenty. On a trivia note, the film is about a stabbing in MacArthur Park. While they were filming in the park, an actual stabbing took place within 150 feet of the actors. If you are interested in getting a copy of this movie, I have a link to it on my store page: http://americanindian.net/store.html You can also get it through Netflix. I have a link to them on my store page, as well. ======================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ======================== Random historical events for January: January 1, 1877: Colonel Nelson "Bear Coat" Miles, and his forces from Fort Keogh (near modern Miles City, in eastern Montana), are moving up the Tongue River in search of Crazy Horse, and his followers. They have their first skirmish with Indians. According to army reports, there are 600 lodges on the Tongue River, which are abandoned as Miles moves through the area. January 2, 1848: Peter Skene Ogden arranges for the release of captives during the Cayuse attack on the Whitman Mission. January 3, 1895: On November 25, 1894, a group of nineteen Hopi "hostiles" were placed under arrest by the army for interfering with "friendly" Hopi Indian activities on their Arizona reservation. The nineteen prisoners are held in Alcatraz prison in California from January 3, 1895 to August 7, 1895. January 4, 605: Palenque Maya Lord Ac - Kan ascends the throne according to the museum at Palenque Photo at: http://philkon.tripod.com/mayae.html January 5, 1806: Sacajawea tells Lewis and Clark she wants to see a dead whale which has washed up on the beach in Oregon. January 6, 1706: The Spanish are trying to improve relations with the Pueblos of modern New Mexico. Governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdez and "Protector General for the Indians" Captain Alfonso Rael de Aguilar meet with leaders of all the nearby tribes. Among the Indians is Don Domingo Romero Yuguaque. Yuguaque is Governor of the Tesuque Pueblo. January 7, 1781: The Mission San Pedro Y San Pablo De Bicuner is established, in modern Imperial County, California, where the Anza Trail crosses the Colorado River. This is on land claimed by the Quechan (Yuma) Indians. January 8, 1700: Pierre le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville, establishes a fort and trading post on the Mississippi River a few dozen miles south of present day New Orleans. It is his hope to establish friendly relations with the lower Mississippi valley Indians to keep them from allying with the English or the Spanish. January 9, 1790: Spanish and Indian forces under Commanding General Juan de Ugalde attack a group of 300 Lipan, Lipiyan, and Mescalero Apaches at what they called the Arroyo de la Soledad. The Spanish soundly defeat the Apache. The Spaniards name the battlegrounds the "Cañón de Ugalde" in honor of their commander. Modern Uvalde, Texas gets its name from this spot. January 10, 1839: John Benge, and 1,103 other Cherokees arrive in the Indian Territory (present day Oklahoma). They started their trek with 1,200. January 11, 1851: As a part of the "Mariposa Indian Wars" in California, Sheriff James Burney leads a force of settlers against the local Indians. The battle is a draw. January 12, 1880: Major Albert Morrow, and elements of the Ninth Cavalry "buffalo soldiers," find, and attack Victorio, and his Warm Springs Apaches, near the source of the Puerco River, in southern New Mexico. The fighting lasts for about four hours, until sunset, when the Indians escape. One soldier is killed, and one scout is wounded. January 13, 1729: Measels are spreading through "New Spain." It has struck the Pima workers at the mission San Ignacio de Caburica. The priest, Father Campos, baptizes twenty-two Pimas "in periculo mortis" because they are so close to death. This epidemic kills many Indians. January 14, 1971: An election which adopted of a Constitution and Bylaws for the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana is ratified by the Assistant Secretary of the Interior, Harrison Loesch. The election is held on November 7, 1970. January 15, 1832: The Chickasaw meet at their council house to discuss the removal proposal of President Jackson. They decide to approve the removal, but they will not cooperate with any efforts to have them share lands with the Choctaws. January 16, 1805: The Mandans parlay with the Minnetarrees according to Lewis and Clark. January 17, 1800: Congress passes "An Act for the Preservation of Peace with the Indian Tribes." One of its provisions was: "That if any citizen or other person residing within the United States, or the territory thereof, shall send any talk, speech, message or letter to any Indian nation, tribe, or chief, with an intent to produce a contravention or infraction of any treaty or other law of the United States, or to disturb the peace and tranquillity of the United States, he shall forfeit a sum not exceeding two thousand dollars, and be imprisoned not exceeding two years." January 18, 1870: From a marker in the Fort Buford (North Dakota) cemetery: "He That Kills His Enemies - Indian Scout- January 18, 1870 - Died of Wounds ... in a quarrel with a fellow scout on the 5th inst. received a penetrating (arrow) wound of the pelvis and abdomen. ... Death occurred January 18, 1870. An autopsy could not be obtained owing to the feelings of the relatives." You can see photos of Fort Buford on my website at: http://americanindian.net/2003u.html January 19, 1777: A group of Oneida chiefs meet with Colonel Elmore at Fort Schuyler. They want the army to tell the Mohawks that the great council fire of the Onondagas as been extinguished. January 20, 1830: Red Jacket (Sagoyewatha) is a Seneca Chief born around 1779. While he is often called a coward in war, he is respected as a great speaker, and for his refusal to adopt white ways. Following the way of many before him, he eventually becomes an alcoholic. He dies today. January 21, 1731: Natchez Indians, led by Chief Farine, have built a fort in Louisiana near the Red River. French and Tunica forces, led by the governor of Louisiana Etienne de Perier, attack the fort. The fighting lasts for three days. While the Natchez kill many of the allied forces, they are at a disadvantage because the French have a cannon. After three days of fighting, the Natchez promise to surrender the next morning. Many of the Natchez escape during the night, including Chief Farine. January 22, 1855: The Treaty of Point Elliot (12 Stat. 927) is signed. The Tulalip, the Kalapuya, the Swinomish, and the Snoqualnoo Tribe of Whidbey Island, Washington are among the signers. See the "Treaty of the Month section above for a copy of the treaty. January 23, 1689: Saco, in southwestern Maine is attacked by Abenaki Indians, one in a series of attacks on the settlement. Nine settlers are killed in the fighting. January 24, 1835: The Mexican Governor Figueroa in Monterey, California writes a letter to the Alcalde of San José. He warns the local ranchers not to mount punative expeditions against the local Indians. Some Indians have been raiding ranches to steal the horses. One more than one occasion, the Mexicans have killed innocent Tulare Indians in their efforts to punish the thieves. January 25, 1968: The United States Indian Claims Commission, decrees that the Mescalero Apaches of New Mexico should receive $8,500,000 for lands taken from them in the 1800s. The Mescaleros refuse the largesse because, by law, they cannot share the money with the Lipan, and Chiricahua Apaches. A future ruling allows this. January 26, 1716: Cherokee Chief Caesar has told the English in South Carolina that he will never fight them. He also tells the Europeans they have nothing to fear from the Creeks, because they want peace, too. He offers to arrange for leading Creeks to go to Charles Town to arrange a peace. Today, sixteen Creek and Yamassee representatives arrive at the Cherokee village of Tugaloo in northeastern Georgia. The Creeks and the Yamassee know of the Cherokee's desire to remain neutral, or at peace. Rather than talking about peace, the representatives urge the Cherokees to join them in their plan to attack the South Carolina settlements. This so angers the Cherokees that the representatives are killed. January 27, 1863: General Patrick Connor, and almost 300 California volunteers fight Bear Hunter's Northern Shoshone on Bear River, north of the Idaho-Utah boundary. The soldiers report 224 of the warriors are killed in the fighting, including Bear Hunter. Other sources put the number nearer to 400, including many women and children. Connor is called "Star Chief" by the Indians. This is called the "Battle of Bear River" by the army. Others call it "The Bear River Massacre." Most sources says this happens on January 29, 1863. January 28, 1908: As listed in Executive Order Number 744, the lands set aside for the Navajo Indians in New Mexico conflict with the lands set aside for the Jicarilla Apaches by Executive Order on November 11, 1907. This will be corrected. January 29, 1881: The Eight lodges of Iron Dog and sixty- three of his followers surrender to Major George Ilges' forces near the Poplar River in Montana. Thirteen horses, and five guns are seized by the troops. The weather remains bitterly cold. January 30, 1838: Seminole Chief Osceola dies at Fort Moultrie, in Charleston, South Carolina. It is believe he has some sort of throat disease, others say malaria, other say he dies of a broken heart. January 31, 1833: The Mi’kmaq Waycobah First Nation reserve of Whycocomagh #2 is established in Nova Scotia, according to the Nova Scotia Councils. ======================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ======================== I'll have more soon, Happy New Year, Phil http://americanindian.net ==================================================================== End of Phil Konstantin's January 2006 Newsletter - Part 1 ==================================================================== . . . .. . . . ============================================================= Start of Phil Konstantin’s January 2006 Newsletter - Part 2 ============================================================= Greetings, Here is Part 2 of this month's newsletter. I am holding an essay contest for American Indian students, again, this year. I have posted the details below. You can also find them on my website at http://americanindian.net/contest.html . I would appreciate your help in getting this information out to as many students, teachers and schools as possible. Please feel free to post this on bulletin boards, newsletters, other websites and e-mail newsletters. The two previous years only saw a limited number of entries, although, the essays were quite good. I hope to get lots of entries this year. I have increase the prize for the runners-up to $25 this year. Students do NOT have to be enrolled tribal members. If they say they are American Indian (part, full, etc.), I will take their word for it. Again, please pass this along to anyone you think might be interested. Phil ======================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ======================== "This Day in North American Indian History" Essay Contest - 2006 Introduction: The section below contains the rules, subject matter and the awards for the winners and the runners-up. I would appreciate your assistance in getting this information out to anyone you think might be interested in participatings. Please feel free to pass it along to others, add it to your newsletters, newsgroups, websites, etc. Please be sure to include the rules, when you pass this along to others. Thanks, Phil --------- There are a couple of reasons for this contest. It is my hope that these essays will help raise the participant's awareness in the subject matter. Sharing the information will help to educate the public, as well. Finally, this is a way for me to help pay back the community who has supported my efforts through my websites, newsletters and book ("This Day in North American Indian History"). In case it matters, I am an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation. This is an essay contest for North American Indian students. Anyone whose ancestry is from any tribe between the North Pole and Panama (Hawaii included) is eligible to enter. When the word "tribe" is used in the rules, it is meant to include the concept of "nation" or "native village," as well. There are three subjects: one for elementary/junior high school students, one for high school students, and one for college students. While I am the judge and final arbitor of the contest, I might ask others for their opinions or assistance. I will post some of the essays on my website and in my newsletters (see the link at the bottom of the page). Subject: Elementary and Junior High School students: "What everyone needs to know about my tribe." High school students: "How my tribe's history guides my life." College students: "What does tribal sovereignty mean to my tribe." Prizes: There will be a total of three first place winners: one for each of the different grade levels. There will be a total of six runners-up: two for each of the different grade levels. All nine first place and runners-up essays will be posted on my website, and included in my newsletter. First Place Prize: $50.00 (U.S.) A signed copy of my book Runner-up Prize $25.00 (U.S.) A signed copy of my book Rules: 1. The essay should be under 500 words in length and written in English, or have an English translation with it. 2. Entrants should have American Indian ancestry, or attend a tribal-run school. You do NOT have to be an "enrolled" member. Contact me if you have any questions about whether you qualify. I will be flexible on this. 3. Entries should be mailed or e-mailed to the addresses below. 4. All essays become the property of Phil Konstantin. They will not be returned. 5. Essays may be posted on Phil Konstantin's website, newsletters or other publications. By submitting an entry, you agree to these terms. 6. Phil Konstantin is the final judge and arbitor for the contest. 7. The deadline for receiving entries is April 15, 2006 Submitting entries: E-mail is the prefered method. Please submit each entry in an individual e-mail. Written entries may be submitted as a group (i.e. if everyone in a class writes an essay, they can all be mailed in the same envelope). Be sure to include the student's name, tribal affiliation, school grade & mailing address on their essay. Regular mail: Phil Konstantin Essay Contest P.O. Box 17515 San Diego, CA, USA 92177-7515 E-mail: "Essay Contest" in the subject line phil-@rocketmail.com or The date of the announcement of the winners will be determined by the number of entrants. As I have to read each entry, the more I get, the longer it will take for me to read them. I will try to announce the winners as soon as I have read all of the entries. A copy of this notice has been placed on this website: http://americanindian.net/contest.html If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Best wishes and good luck, Phil Konstantin ======================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ======================== Speaking of students, the Cherokee Nation website has posted a nice list of places where students can look for scholarships. You can see it at: http://www.cherokee.org/home.aspx?section=educationlinks ======================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ======================== Newspaper articles: Joe Garcia to deliver State of Indian Nations address http://www.indianz.com/News/2006/011853.asp Tribe, BLM, firm settle CBM suit http://www.montanaforum.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=4024&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0 Keeping a language alive - Squamish Elders circle around the issue http://www.squamishchief.com/madison%5CWQuestion.nsf/SClocal/298A8C1658543744882570EE00247B9B?OpenDocument Hank Adams: American Indian Visionary 2006 http://indiancountry.com/content.cfm?feature=yes&id=1096412231 Bush drops tribal cash http://www.indianz.com/News/2006/011884.asp Woman to lead tribes http://www.montanaforum.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=4046&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0 Echohawk: Using their law and their history to protect our rights http://indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412224 California Disenrollment - bulletin board comments http://www.indianz.com/board/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=15305 Tribe eyes DeKalb http://www.times-journal.com/report.lasso?wcd=5016 Abramoff pleads guilty to federal charges http://indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412217 Prairie Band Potawatomi chairman resigns http://www.indianz.com/News/2006/011905.asp Sacred items returned to Bois Forte http://www.timberjay.com/current.php?article=2078 Congress petitioned for return of Geronimo's remains http://indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412153 BIA recognition decision database v2.0 now online http://www.indianz.com/News/2005/008383.asp Closure of Mine Wipes Out Tribe Jobs http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/345078/closure_of_mine_wipes_out_tribe_jobs/index.html?source=r_science Deloria: The most important Indian http://indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412214 DOI museums set to close but tribes may benefit http://www.indianz.com/News/2006/011912.asp Nations seek presence on D.C. Embassy Row http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2006/01/01/jodirave/rave63.txt Indigenous peoples voice urgency on global warming http://indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412233 Guess what? Cats came across the Bering Strait too http://www.indianz.com/News/2006/011907.asp Cultural identity crisis http://reznet.blog.com/414542/ ANWR remains closed; Gwich'in celebrate http://indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412175 Top US Indian court upholds first gay marriage http://www.localnewsleader.com/brocktown/stories/news-00120412.html Cherokee court rejects same-sex marriage challenge http://www.indianz.com/News/2006/011890.asp IHS cited as contributing to rise in sexual abuse http://indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412170 Eastern Pequot council said to be 'out of control' http://www.indianz.com/News/2006/011895.asp Ignorance rears its ugly head at teacher seminar http://reznet.blog.com/425701/ Denver to host 2006 North American Indigenous Games http://indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412184 Crow elders honored for traditional clothing http://www.montanaforum.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=4285&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0 Pine Ridge and Cheyenne River reservations to receive heating aid http://indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412188 Loyal Mdewakanton win court battle http://indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412185 New internet site addresses sacred site destruction http://indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412187 Native Cooking http://indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412203 Color line vexes tribes across nation http://www.montanaforum.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=4193&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0 NDN rap and its bad rap http://reznet.blog.com/443383/ Gover: Devotion, persistence, wisdom and vision http://indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412229 Tribe rejects buffalo licenses http://www.montanaforum.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=4174&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0 Penobscots want to expand drug business http://indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412191 ======================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ======================== Here is another opportunity for you to get something published: Write to Benefit Teachers and NAME Inspired by a discussion on the NAME ListServ started by Gina Boltz of Native Village, we are volunteering our time to publish an inspirational book that will help both teachers and the National Association for Multicultural Education. The discussion centered on the struggles of P-12 teachers in the era of No Child Left Behind. Increasing demands on teachers coupled with low teacher salaries have left many educators demoralized. Teachers are leaving the profession in alarming numbers. Within the next 5-10 years the profession will lose a significant percentage of teachers to retirement. We want to help revitalize the teaching profession and remind ourselves and the general public of the great power in teaching to change the lives of our young people. We are all former and current classroom teachers who believe passionately that a sound, equitable education enriches us all and contributes to creating that just society we all struggle to achieve. We will not give up. We will not lose hope. Please join us in our efforts by contributing a personal story. Gina Boltz, Director of Native Village - http://www.nativevillage.org/ (Winner of the 2002 Multicultural Media Award from NAME and former elementary teacher), Toledo, Ohio Bill Howe, Past-President of NAME, Connecticut State Department of Education, Joanna Teodosio, Kindergarten Teacher, Milford, CT Basanti Chakraborty, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education, New Jersey City University Call for Articles: Short stories are now being accepted for the book "Why Us," (working title), a compilation of writings by Pre-K-grade 12 teachers and educators that inform, enlighten, and celebrate experiences within the PreK-12 classroom. Proceeds from the sale of this book will go to the National Association for Multicultural Education to provide scholarships for students and teachers to attend NAME conferences. A possible next version might focus on the higher education experience. Deadline: February 1, 2006 Description: To express the personal touches PreK-12 teachers bring to their students and classroom when dealing with difficulties faced in the teaching profession. Especially welcomed are experiences regarding diversity. We are looking for submissions about people and personalities that are reader friendly and inspiring. Audience: Parents, students, teachers, general public Format: 250-1,000 words; Poetry, prose, anecdotes, first person essays, and tributes to others about successful experiences within the PreK-12 classroom; Writing style aimed for the general public; Submit stories edited and spell-checked; Short (brief paragraph, maximum 50 words) biography of author at end of article. Each written piece should have a short title. Inquiries regarding these article should be e-mailed to: bill-@nameorg.org Submissions should be emailed to: why-@nameorg.org NOTE: Authors must verify that permission must be obtained from the subject, if real names are used. Authors must understand that once accepted, the story becomes the property of NAME. Further, authors must understand that this work is given to NAME at no charge, with no expectation of payment or royalties, for non-profit usage. Story Example: THE CONSPIRACY From: "Becoming a Multicultural Educator: Awareness to Application: by William A. Howe and Penelope L. Lisi, to be published by McGraw-Hill in 2006 My visit to the small alternative program of twenty students was routine. In my position as a school monitor, I regularly scheduled site visits to urban schools to assess progress being made in implementation of school improvement activities. Located in a community center in a poor section of the city, the school was a last resort for high school students on the verge of dropping out. Classes were taught by a man and a woman team - Jamal, an African American teacher and Maria, who was Hispanic, both who seemed eager to show off the accomplishments of their students, but modest about their own hard work at making the program a success. Touring through the school I could not help but notice the abundance of beautiful needle-point, macrame and other craftwork done by the students. When questioned about this, Jamal and Maria replied that they felt it important to give students creative experiences to balance the strict regiment of academics. Knowing that the school system was in a perpetual budget crisis, I asked how they managed to get time for an arts teacher in the budget. The reply that I got was "œwe have been fortunate." My suspicious nature caused me to ask several more times about how they found funds in the budget and approval to bring in someone to teach the students. Each payday, these two dedicated teachers met in their tiny office and put money from their own paychecks into an envelope. This they used to quietly pay an elderly retiree to come in twice a week to give classes to the students in order to supplement her meager pension. The students called her "Grandma" and showered her with affection each time she came. Everyone in the community knew what was going on and they approved. It was a wonderful thing they were doing “ wonderful for the students, the retiree and the community. Reflecting back on what I saw in this school, I was struck in particular by how the basic and firmly held beliefs of these two very giving teachers about learning, teaching, and students informed their instructional practice, even when it meant personal sacrifice. Jamal and Maria clearly understood that education that meets the needs of diverse learners must be rich in sensory experiences, must engage student emotions, and must provide opportunities for personal connections between teachers and students. What these teachers did exemplified the essence of multicultural education. [Bill Howe has been an educator for 30 years and currently works for the State Department of Education in Hartford, CT. He is Past President of the National Association for Multicultural Education.] Stories will be evaluated using this RUBRIC. more information: http://www.nameorg.org/Publications/Write%20to%20Benefit%20NAME.htm ======================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ======================== Messages from newsletter subscribers: (As always, I do not vouch for the authenticity of these events or issues, I am just passing them along for your perusal.) --------- Dear Phil, Would you be willing to announce audition information for my upcoming World Premiere of TE ATA. I am a Chickasaw playwright, and my play is about Chickasaw Actress and Storyteller, Te Ata Thompson Fisher. The play will be done in Oklahoma in August of 2006 and eventually travel to other venues. Auditions are February 25, 2006 from 9am to 3pm, with call backs from 3-5pm. Auditions will be held at Rose State College. To pre-register and assure an audition slot, interested actors and actresses can visit: www.TeAtaWorldPremiere.com We need both Native and Non-Native actors, no matter their ethnicity. We need singers, dancers, flute players, an actress who plays the violin, etc. The website contains information about all the characters in the play, as well as a short history about Te Ata. ALL actors will be paid. Thanks, JudyLee Oliva, Playwright, and Acting Artistic Director, Te Ata World Premiere --------- Several people sent me this e-mail about a certain video game: Go to this site for the letter to the company that produces a game that makes reference to killing and scalping Apaches to advance in the game. http://www.boycottgun.com/ excerpt from letter: The Association for American Indian Development asks you to join us in letting the publishers of this offensive game know that this will not be tolerated -- BOYCOTT "Gun" the video game, as well as other games published by Activision. We also encourage you to use your American right to voice \ you concern to Activision by writing them.. --------- From Christina Davidson David-@nmaicrc.si.edu>; 12/20/2005 09:36 AM Subject: NMAI-Job Opportunity #05CS-1372 Producer Hello All, Please, distribute widely! This is a great career opportunity with the National Museum of the American Indian in the Community Services Department. Those interested in Native radio as producer, conducting oral histories, and internet or audio projects that help Native voices be heard, are strongly urged to apply. Please go to the Smithsonian Institution website and look for job announcement #05CS-1372 Producer (this job closes on January 13, 2006) The web address for Smithsonian's job announcements is: http://www.si.edu/ohr/job.htm Thank you for helping to spread the word about this great opportunity at the NMAI. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Regards, Christina Davidson Community Services Program Assistant Cultural Resources Center National Museum of the American Indian 4220 Silver Hill Road Suitland, MD 20746 Phone: 301-238-1557 Fax: (301) 238-3200 --------- --------- --------- ======================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ======================== An interesting article on the ongoing saga of the Schaghticoke's efforts to receive federal recognition. Living in Legal Limbo Saturday, December 24, 2005 As chief of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, I have pursued tribal recognition from the federal government since 1981 -- seven years before Congress enacted the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which permits federally "recognized" tribes to conduct casino-type gambling in states that allow it ["Some Conn. Tribes Have All the Luck; Others Seek a Share of Casino Business," news story, Dec. 4]. In 1736 Connecticut recognized the Schaghticokes' sovereignty in legislation that established our ancestral lands in and around the present town of Kent. In January 2004, after two decades of effort, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved our petition for federal acknowledgment. Nevertheless, a small group of politicians and their invisible patrons later were able to engineer a revocation of that recognition. Since then, we have been consigned to legal limbo without the means to defend our legitimate heritage land claims. As we empty our coffers to pursue remedies in the federal courts, we take courage from a petition circulated by our fellow Schaghticokes. The petition, which has accumulated hundreds of signatures, calls on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to investigate some disturbing questions about the BIA's abrupt about-face, including: Who are the people arrayed against us? How did a grass-roots organizations such as Town Action to Save Kent gain access to the White House and manage to rejigger the tribal recognition process? How can Connecticut's attorney general argue against the existence of a tribe that the state has recognized under a treaty for almost 270 years? Why have some Connecticut representatives to Congress thwarted the expressed desire of nearly 90 percent of the voters of their state's largest city at the bidding of a few rural constituents? Fortunately, the tribe still has 400 acres, and we plan to develop this land aggressively to generate income and use that to fund housing for our people. Undoubtedly, our neighbors in Kent will fret about the property value of lands that, in the last of many dark ironies, rightfully belong to the Schaghticokes. RICHARD L. VELKY Chief Schaghticoke Tribal Nation Kent, Conn. ======================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ======================== An update on the Cobell v. Norton case: Judge Awards Fees and Expenses to Plaintiffs in Trust Case WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth today awarded $4.5 million in fees to the lawyers who helped Native Americans win landmark rulings that will force the U.S. government to account for its malfeasance in its management of individual Indian Trust accounts. The Justice Department was ordered to pay the fees promptly. The fee award covers work over a five-year period, from the development of the complaint filed June 10, 1996 to Feb. 23, 2001, when the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia upheld the landmark ruling giving Indians a right to a full accounting of their trust funds. In his opinion, Judge Lamberth pointed out that "[t]his was not "a case in which the Government voluntarily changed it ways before judicial action was taken.'" Instead, the judge found that the government and Department of Justice attorneys bear much of the responsibility for the complexity, cost and length of the nearly decade-long legal fight. "By any yardstick, defendants' conduct can not reasonably be characterized as 'substantially justified'," the judge said. He noted that the goverment has "demonstrated an unprecedented level of defiance, both of the Rules of Civil Procedure and of this Court's orders." "People in Indian Country have no doubt that the government bears full responsibility for the high costs of this case," said Elouise Cobell, a member of the Blackfeet Nation and the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit. "This case has been marked by continued government obstruction, downright lies, destruction of evidence and contempt of court findings against the government." "In all, the government has assigned more than 100 lawyers to fight us, and adding more all the time. When we first began this litigation to right this wrong that dates back to 1887, no one thought we had any chance to win. After winning and being upheld on appeal, we are pleased that the court has validated our attorneys' work with this fee award. "Our lawyers have worked without any pay and devoted themselves completely to this case for almost ten years. They have been through four trials, seven appeals, 2500 different court filings, and six attempts at mediation and they have not been paid fees. Even today, this award is only for some of their fees incurred over five years ago and some costs are almost ten years old. "While I would rather not have to spend a dime on lawyers, Indian beneficiaries know that without our legal challenge to the Indian Trust system, the government would have continued to do absolutely nothing to resolve the long- standing problem with our Individual Indian trust accounts." Along with the $4.5 million in attorneys fees, the plaintiffs were reimbursed for approximately $2.6 million for litigation costs and expenses. The payments were made under the Equal Access to Justice Act. The law allows federal judges to order payment of legal fees and expenses of those who bring actions against the government "unless the court finds that the position of the United States was substantially justified or special circumstances make an award unjust." For Additional Information: Bill McAllister 703-385-6996 ======================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ======================== Non-American Indian matters: ------- Here are some great photos: http://www.doylepark.com/humor/pix2005.php ------- I came across an interesting website dealing with science. Science Magazine's 125 anniversary led to an article about the top 125 unanswered questions in science. This website lists the top 25 questions. Each question then has a link to another page which deals with that question in detail. You might find it interesting. I know I did. http://www.sciencemag.org/sciext/125th/#inscience ------- Here is a great website to get some tips about all kinds of computer related subjects. I have found it to be quite useful. http://www.worldstart.com/tips/index.php ------- ======================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ======================== Here are some humorous items: ------ My good friend Haylee sent this: MONEY.... It can buy a House But not a Home It can buy a Bed But not Sleep It can buy a Clock But not Time It can buy a Book But not Knowledge It can buy a Position But not Respect It can buy Medicine But not Health It can buy Blood But not Life It can buy Sex But not Love Money isn't everything. And it often causes pain and suffering. I tell you all this because I am your Friend, and as your Friend I want to take away your pain and suffering... So send me all your money and I will suffer for you. I ACCEPT CASH, MONEY ORDERS, PERSONAL CHECKS, CASHIERS CHECKS, BAGS OF GOLD, BARS OF PLATINUM, ETC. ETC!!!!!! PLEASE: NO CHILDREN AS PAYMENTS. THEY WILL BE RETURNED. -------- My daughter Sarah sent me this: These have to be original and genuine - no adult is this creative!! BRUCE (age 3) was watching his Mom breast-feeding his new baby sister. After a while he asked: "Mom why have you got two? Is one for hot and one for cold milk?" MELANIE (age 5) asked her Granny how old she was. Granny replied she was so old she didn't remember any more. Melanie said, "If you don't remember you must look in the back of your panties. Mine say five to six." DOUG (age 3) hugged and kissed his Mom goodnight. "I love you so much, that when you die I'm going to bury you outside my bedroom window." SHARON (age 4) had an earache and wanted a painkiller. She tried in vain to take the lid off the bottle. Seeing her frustration, her Mom explained it was a childproof cap and she'd have to open it for her. Eyes wide with wonder, the little girl asked: "How does it know it's me? REBECCA (age 4) was drinking juice when she got the hiccups. "Please don't give me this juice again," she said, "It makes my teeth cough." TOM (age 4) stepped onto the bathroom scale and asked: "How much do I cost?" STEVE (age 4) was engrossed in a young couple that were hugging and kissing in a restaurant. Without taking his eyes off them, he asked his dad: "Why is he whispering in her mouth?" JOSH (age 5) was in his bedroom looking worried. When his Mom asked what was troubling him, he replied, "I don't know what'll happen with this bed when I get married. How will my wife fit in?" ALDEN (age 4) was listening to a Bible story. His dad read: "The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city but his wife looked back and was turned to salt." Concerned, James asked: "What happened to the flea?" TAMMY (age 4) was with her mother when they met an elderly, rather wrinkled woman her Mom knew. Tammy looked at her for awhile and then asked, "Why doesn't your skin fit your face?" The Sermon I think this Mom will never forget.... this particular Sunday sermon..."Dear Lord," the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. "Without you, we are but dust." He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter (who was listening!) Leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little girl voice, "Mom, what is butt dust?" -------- My mother sent this: During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director what was the criteria that decides a patient needs to be institutionalized. Well, said the Director, we fill up a bathtub, we offer a teaspoon, teacup, and a bucket to the patient and ask the patient to empty the bathtub. Okay, here's your test: 1. Would you use the spoon? 2. Would you use the teacup? 3. Would you use the bucket? "Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person would choose the bucket as it is larger than the spoon or the cup." "Noooooo.." answered the Director. "A normal person would pull the plug." Go ahead and admit it. You said #3 too, didn't you? -------- My friend Ed Clark sent this: Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak? Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough? Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet? Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle? Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection? Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard? Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him? Why did Kamikaze pilots wear helmets? Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"? If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes? Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white? Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale? Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized? Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance? Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try? How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures? When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?" Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, "That hurt, you stupid idiot?" Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over? In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat? How come you never hear father-in-law jokes? -------- Linda Payne sent this one: Things you learn from raising - or being raised with - Boys: 1.) A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house 4 inches deep. 2.) If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite. 3.) A 3-year old boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant. 4.) If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42-pound boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman cape. It is strong enough, however - if tied to a paint can - to spread paint on all four walls of a 20x20 ft. room. 5.) You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. However, when you DO use a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you finally get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a very long way. 6.) The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan. 7.) When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh oh", it's already too late. 8.) Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it. 9.) A 6-year old boy can start a fire with a flint rock, even though a 36-year old man says they can only do it in the movies. 10.) Certain Legos will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old boy. 11.) The words "Play Dough" and "microwave" should not be used in the same sentence. 12.) Superglue is forever. 13.) No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool, you still can't walk on water. 14.) Pool filters do not like Jell-O. 15.) VCR's do not eject "PB&J" sandwiches - even though TV commercials show they do. (Grilled cheese doesn't work either.) 16.) Garbage bags do not make good parachutes. 17.) Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving. 18.) You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.... 19.) Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys do not like ovens. 20.) The fire department in Austin, TX has a 5-minute response time. 21.) The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy. 22.) It will, however, make cats dizzy. 23.) Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy. 24.) 80% of Men who read this will try mixing Clorox and brake fluid. Those who pass this on to almost all of their friends, with or without boys, do it because: a) For those with no children - this is totally hysterical! b) For those who already have children past this age, this is hilarious. c) For those who have children this age, this is not funny. d) For those who have children nearing this age, this is a warning. e) For those who have not yet had children, this is birth control -------- ======================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ======================== That's it for now, Happy New Year, Phil http://americanindian.net =========================================================== End of Phil Konstantin's January 2006 Newsletter - Part 2 =========================================================== . . . . . . ============================================================= Start of Phil Konstantin’s January 2006 Newsletter - Part 3 ============================================================= Greetings, Just a short note, PBS is doing an interesting series on the French And Indian War. It is called "The War That Made America." You can find out more about it through the link below, including if it is playing locally in America. http://www.pbs.org/thewarthatmadeamerica/ I recommend checking it out. ======================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ======================== That's it for now, Happy New Year, Phil http://americanindian.net =========================================================== End of Phil Konstantin's January 2006 Newsletter - Part 3 =========================================================== . . . . .
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