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Start of Phil Konstantin’s February 2006 Newsletter - Part 1
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Greetings,

Here is Part 1 of this month's newsletter.

I have lots of articles on American Indian subjects in this newsletter.
There are also some links to some interesting
newspaper stories, too.

Again, I would appreciate your help in spreading the word about
my student essay contest. I have already had a couple of entries.
I hope to get lots more. If you know anyone who teaches American Indian
kids, or works at a Tribal school, please pass this along.
You can also send it directly to any American Indian students.
You can find all of the appropriate info here.

http://americanindian.net/contest.html


I have lost a little over 70 pounds since early November on
my liquid diet. This has been a pretty big change. The medical
staff says my BP, heart and other vitals are looking great. I
have about another month before I start eating real food again.

You can see a before & after photo on part of my website:
http://americanindian.net/weight.html

For those of you who are new to the newsletter (or get it
forwarded to you by a friend), I have a part-time job as a
traffic conditions reporter on TV in San Diego. I work at
KUSI (cable 9, broadcast 51). We have a pretty good morning
crew. We have a good time & have lots of interesting guests.
I keep a sort-of visual blog on a special website. I take
lots of photos and mention some of the things our guests say.
I get the change to meet some very interesting (and
occassionally, famous) people. Last week I had a chance to
talk with Dr. Sally Ride. She was the first American woman
in space. She teaches physics at the University of California
here in San Diego. One of her pet projects is one of my
favorites. She promotes science for girls. I have always
felt there were far too few women in science. You can see
Sally's photos and links to her websites on my KUSI
website, too. Having worked at NASA on the Apollo & Skylab
missions, I am always excited to meet astronauts.

http://americanindian.net/kusi.html


I hope you enjoy the newsletter. I will probably have more for
you later in the week.

Phil


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The "Link of the Month" for February 2006 is the Wea Indian Tribe
website. It has lots of information about this group. Some of the
material covered includes:

WEA TRIBAL INFORMATION:
Membership Information, Events Coming In 2006, Library Reference
Collection, Recognized Indian Tribes, Educational Material, PAST
Editions Of: "The Wea Primer".


WEA HISTORY:
Wea Indians & Fort Ouiatenon, Ft Ouiatenon & Wabash Valley, Wea
Land!, Wea Chiefs: Times & Locations, Treaties Of The Wea,
LaPotherier: Part 1-3, Dodge's Diary 1650, Illini Indian History,
Chautauqua History, Egypt Of Indiana

WEA GENEALOGY:
Surnames & Ancestor's Photos, Wea Genealogy Service

WEA EVENTS & MUCH MORE:
Photos Of Events, Kids Korner Konnection, Graduations & Poems,
The Spirits Approve, Why My Soul Screams, Killing Mother Earth,
Eskimos & Polar Ice, Environmental Issues, Quotes~Prayers~
Meditations

I recommend that you spend some time at their website:

http://www.wea-indian-tribe.com/


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This months "Treaty Of The Month" is the TREATY WITH THE ARAPAHO AND
CHEYENNE, 1861. Feb. 15, 1861. | 12 Stat., 1163. | Ratified. Aug. 6,
1861. | Proclaimed Dec. 5, 1861.

It covers such issues as: Cession of lands. Boundaries. Reservation
to be surveyed and divided. Assignment in severalty of lands to members
of tribe. Name of reservation. Annuities may be
discontinued. Mills and mechanic shops. Roads, etc., to have right
of way...And more

You can read a transcript of the treaty here:
http://digital.library.okstate.edu/kappler/Vol2/treaties/ara0807.htm


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My cousin Michael Walkingstick wrote this note about one of our
common relatives. When I asked him if I could use it here, he
reminded me it was just his notes and wasn't polished for
publication. I thought you might find it interesting. I don't
know about you, but I like Michael's writings.

-----

Had this ancestor, Tarcheechee, very interesting guy. He lived
down near a village called Amacoula, down in Georgia, not far
from Dahlonagah.

I was reading his testimony regarding a week he spent in the
Georgia jails, under military guard, for digging gold on his
own land. They brought in a friend of his, "badly abused and
beaten." They stayed there until released by order of the court,
and then simply unchained and sent on their way.

This led me to another account of a man who was coming home
from a local creek, where he had gathered up some gold... No doubt
it enable him to trade with the store up at Scudder's, a local merchant,
for perhaps some calico, or gingham, or perhaps to
enable him to purchase a long requested spinning-wheel, for the
love of his life, thereby giving her a great gift, and allow her
to make nice things for him and his kids.....

A 'posse' of local Georgia militia came across him, and he,
knowing of the recently passed legislation forbidding Cherokee
to gather such minerals, in Cherokee Territory, on their own land,
he took off running. The posse gave chase, and fired on him,
finally sending a 'ball through his thigh' and bringing him down.
They recovered the gold, and he, bleeding badly, was gathered up
and taken up to the trader's store, where he soon died.

The Cherokee suffered many such affronts prior to their removal,
especially after the legislation passed in 1830-31, designed to
limit their ability to farm their land, increase commerce, raise
their own children, to live.......

Tarcheechee came over the trail of tears, made a new home in
Indian Territory, rebuilt his life, and was beginning to finally
move on with raising his family.

The California Gold Rush saw many Cherokee move on to the area of
Cherokee California, Tuolumne, etc. The Cherokee Trail, from the
south thru Colorado, and on to the valleys of California, was
blazed by these folks.

Tarcheechee's cousin, Wilse, was found mining gold. He was
'ordered' to move on, that this was not for a 'dirty injun" to
have, he was physically accosted by a few indignant white
prospectors. Wilse's response? He shot and killed one of them
and then spent the rest of his life running from this event. He
disappears into the oblivion of unwritten history, no account
of him is ever mentioned again, we have no idea what happened
to him.

My cousin grew up without much, but now, she has a job at the
local casino, right there along the interstate, the main
thoroughfare between Georgia and California. She has a new car,
her kids are able to clothe themselves and not be shunned by the
non-Indian kids for their non-designer label clothes. She has a
modest home, but it has heat, and electricity, and running water,
security, shelter... The money the casino brings in enables her
to have these 'luxuries'. The profits from the casino not only
make this possible for her, but a certain percentage of the
profits go to ALL schools, not just the Indian schools, here
in Oklahoma, to raise up our children and provide them
transportation, books, the very best of an education.

Every day, folks walk in that casino with their gold, and every
day, leave it with those 'dirty injuns', every day, someone is
able to buy clothing, loomed from thread in a far away place,
with that gold, and today, there is a 'dirty injun' standing
guard for our Armed Forces, in harm's way, hoping that a ball
doesn't 'tear through their thigh' and cripple them or worse
yet, end their own life. But they do it anyway, for the gold
that the Armed Forces pay them to do so, and also, because of
their own dedication to and in honor of, their land........
Cherokee land.

It all started with the gold, the greed for the gold and the land,
and a modest desire to trade gold for gingham.

I wonder what Tarcheechee and Wilse would think of these things,
if they were alive today to see it?


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Interesting Articles:
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Campaign finance system, not tribes, to blame for scandal
by John McCarthy

Those of us who live in the real world frequently marvel that
many of your guest columnists seem to live in another galaxy.
Today's column by Jan Golab [''Indian gaming woes,'' Jan. 22]
is a stellar example. Golab, a former Playboy editor, has
published numerous other attacks on tribes and sovereignty,
which he says is ''a festering problem.'' This column, like
his other work, is crammed with outright factual errors,
incorrect conclusions and undisguised racial hatred. It is
surprising and disappointing that the Los Angeles Daily News
chose to publish it.

First, the factual errors. Golab is wrong about tribal
sovereignty and [the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act]. Tribal
sovereignty was not ''codified'' by [IGRA]. It was
established as a fundamental principle under the U.S.
Constitution, which recognizes tribes in the same way it
recognizes the states. More than a century of legal
precedents from the U.S. Supreme Court and other federal
courts has confirmed that tribes are, indeed, self-governing
nations within the United States. They exist in this fashion
because their existence as governments pre-dates the
establishment of the U.S. government itself. When tribes
ceded lands to the United States, they did so in exchange
for a promise that they would have the right to govern
themselves in perpetuity. Even Mr. Golab presumably
understands that ''in perpetuity'' means forever, not just
until it becomes inconvenient for others.

Golab was also 100 percent wrong in his review of IGRA's
origin and impact. The passage of IGRA in 1988 followed
the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the 1987 California v.
Cabazon [Band of Mission Indians] case. That decision did
not give tribes the right to gamble in ''states that do
not otherwise allow gambling.'' In fact, it held the
opposite - that sovereign Indian tribes could conduct
gaming operations on tribal lands without state interference
as long as gaming was otherwise legal in the state. Many
states had authorized lotteries, pari-mutuel wagering,
and/or some forms of casino gambling for charity purposes.
The court held that tribes could not be denied the right to
gamble on tribal lands if others in the state were allowed
to gamble under existing state law.

Then came IGRA. Congress was not, as Golab claims, ''eager
to show 'simpatico''' (that's so Hollywood) with Indian
tribes. In fact, IGRA was the result of pressure on
Congress from state governors and attorneys general who,
concerned about the Supreme Court decision, demanded that
Congress give them some measure of control over tribal
gaming activities. So Congress passed IGRA, which actually
limited tribal sovereignty by requiring that tribes negotiate agreements
with states in order to conduct Class III
casino-style gaming. Many tribes opposed IGRA because they
believed it gave states too much power over them.

Golab's fourth egregious error was in characterizing Indian
gaming as ''our nation's largest special-interest group.''
Tribal contributions to congressional campaigns are small
compared with those from other groups. In 2004, tribal
contributions to congressional campaigns comprised one-third
of one percent of the total contributions made, about $7.2
million out of a total $2.05 billion. During the same 2004
election cycle, the defense industry spent $15.6 million,
the commercial banking industry $31 million, the health care
industry $73.9 million, and the retirement industry $184
million. Where is the outcry about these big spenders?

Back to the factual errors. Golab declares that ''reservation shopping''
has resulted in ''many new gambling resorts'' and
is ''truly scandalous.'' Again, he is wrong. For the record,
only three off-reservation land-into-trust transactions have
been approved since IGRA was passed in 1988. Only 15 tribes
have received federal recognition since 1978, and only one
of those tribes has gaming. Most of those recognition claims
had been pending for years, having been initiated long before
Indian gaming was a glimmer in anyone's eye. Sixteen petitions
for recognition have been denied since 1978. These facts can
be verified by the National Indian Gaming Association, which
keeps such records.

If one examines today's headlines, it becomes clear that
there is not so much ''reservation shopping'' as ''Indian
shopping.'' Many of the high-profile proposals for
off-reservation gaming expansion have been initiated not by
tribes but by non-Indian communities, state governments or
private companies that would partner with tribes to solve
their own economic problems.

The ''litany of woes'' attributed to tribal gaming is
stunningly off the mark, and again presented without a shred
of evidence. The actual facts show that where tribal gaming
operates, property values have substantially increased,
business start-ups have increased, average wages have
improved, the tax base has expanded, and welfare costs have
dropped. Since most casino workers make substantially more
than the minimum wage, they are a positive economic force
in their local communities.

Especially disturbing is Golab's comment about ''flooding
local schools with the children of low-income casino
workers.'' The racist overtones of such a statement cannot
be ignored. Does he object to the schools serving the
children of other low-income workers? Or is it just that
some of these children might be Indian? Since the federal
government pays school districts to serve Indian children,
not a nickel of their education comes out of the pocket of
local taxpayers. In most cases, school districts receive
more in federal Indian education aids than they actually
spend on the children.

Only about six of the 224 gaming tribes in the United States
dealt with [Jack] Abramoff. The tribes that hired him
committed no crime, other than trusting someone who shouldn't
have been trusted. No court has suggested that the tribes
are in any way culpable for Abramoff's appallingly unethical
conduct. By ordering Abramoff to pay restitution to his
tribal clients, the courts have recognized these governments
as the victims, not the villains.

Even so, because of the Abramoff scandal, Indian tribes have
become the scapegoats in a cynical game of political spin.
Congress did create a mess, but not by passing IGRA. It made
a mess by creating a campaign finance system that promotes
the kind of large-scale abuse we're seeing now. Indians
didn't create the rules, they just play by them.

It isn't Indian gaming that's at fault here, nor is it
individual Indian tribes. It's the failed campaign finance
system. To fault Indian tribes for that failure is nothing
but racist demagoguery. But that is apparently Mr. Golab's
specialty. Shame on the Los Angeles Daily News for giving
him a forum to air his ignorance and bigotry.

John McCarthy is executive director of the Minnesota Indian
Gaming Association, which represents nine of the 11 gaming
tribes in Minnesota.

-----------------

'What a difference a year makes'
by: Harry Reid

What a difference a year makes'' is a saying we have all
probably used in reference to our lives at one time or another,
and it is a phrase I find myself using about American Indians
and the attitudes of some politicians in Washington today.

Last winter, I remember standing in the rotunda of the U.S.
Capitol at the dedication ceremony of a new statue depicting
Sarah Winnemucca, a member of the Northern Paiute tribe who
was immortalized in the Capitol for the work she did on
behalf of American Indians more than 125 years ago. At that
ceremony, leaders from both sides of the aisle stood side
by side, paying tribute to this great woman and declaring
that we all need to rededicate ourselves to the causes of
equality and fairness that Sarah championed for her people.

This winter, American Indians are again a hot topic under
the Capitol dome. Only this year, we do not hear bipartisan
pledges and commitments to work together. Instead, we see a
disgusting attempt by some Republicans to drag Indians into
a political scandal in which they are nothing but victims.

By this time, the story of disgraced Republican lobbyist Jack
Abramoff is well-known among the American Indian community.
As a lobbyist for numerous tribes, Abramoff bilked Natives for millions
of dollars in bloated lobbying fees.

However, defrauding tribes is not his only crime. Abramoff
also is connected to attempts at bribery, skirting campaign
finance rules and paying off representatives with golf trips
to Scotland. His actions make him a poster boy for corruption
in Republican-run Washington, and they have sent leaders of
his party running for cover.

In their attempt to protect themselves, some Republican leaders
have tried to pin wrongdoing on the tribes that hired Abramoff.
Republicans have suggested that by participating in our political
process, these tribes are guilty and that any political
contributions from them are tainted.

Nothing could be further from the truth. These tribes are
Abramoff's victims, and it is disingenuous to suggest anything
less. Like every group of Americans, tribes have a right to participate
in our political process. These tribes have done
nothing but exercise their democratic rights; and instead of persecuting
them, everyone in Washington should be coming to
their defense.

Unfortunately, exploitation of American Indians by Republicans
does not end there. In addition to trying to drag tribes into
their scandal, Republicans have begun calling into question
every deed Democrats have ever done on behalf of Native people.
It is politics at its worst. Democrats are proud of the work
we have done for American Indians, and we will never back down.

I believe that, as leaders in Washington, we should do all we
can to improve American Indian communities across this country.
In particular, I'm proud of the work I've done to increase
access to health care for Natives in Nevada and to increase
economic development for the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe in particular.
Similarly, it was with great satisfaction that
just this year, I worked to protect the livelihood of the
Walker River Paiute Tribe by securing funding to save Walker
Lake.

When it comes to gaming, I've had a simple motto: Nevada comes
first. Gaming is Nevada's No.1 industry, and I have always -
and will always - do everything in my power to protect it. That
is why I have worked so hard to ensure compliance with the
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This has not always made me a
friend of the American Indian gaming industry, but my record
is consistent and clear. I am for greater regulation and against
anything that threatens the economy of my state.

My work to protect Nevada gaming and to promote the interests
of Native people has nothing to do with political contributions,
and everything to do with what is right. The Paiute, Shoshone,
Washoe and all of Nevada's Native peoples have made unique contributions
to our state, and as their Senator, I will
continue to do what is best for them.

In 2006, that means fighting to restore honest leadership in Washington,
D.C. It is a sign of just how corrupt Washington
has become that leaders are trying to drag American Indians
into a scandal, instead of working together to help them get
ahead.

I believe that together, America can do better, and it starts
with leaders who put people - not their own self-interests -
first.

Democrats believe it is time lawmakers stopped hiding behind
Natives and started working for them and the rest of the American
people. In the days ahead, my Democratic lawmakers and I will
be introducing measures that will make sure lawmakers always
put progress before politics. These new regulations will reform
a system that gave rise to lobbyists like Jack Abramoff, and
they will require tough new rules of members of Congress.

Honest leadership is not a partisan goal. It is the only way we
can make progress for all Americans. When leaders are free from scandal
and undue influence, there is no limit to how far America
can go.

Born in the small mining town of Searchlight, Nev., Senate
Democratic Leader Harry Reid was first elected to the U.S.
Senate from the state of Nevada in 1986 and became Democratic
Leader last year.

-----------------

Joining Together for Change
by Patricia R. Powers

When Native peoples are discussed by others, it is rarely in
human terms and the one-dimensional portrait is hurtful. The viewpoints
of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native
Hawaiians are nearly always missing in media.

We at Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) believe
it is time for concerned citizens to take stock, examine the
various elements of the mass communication system, bring together
a cross-section of influential people (not just allies), and
figure out ways for Native and non-native leaders to jointly
monitor and influence media, public opinion, and elected
officials. Working under the guidance of Native leaders, allies
must put time and effort into meeting with media decision-makers
to insist on changes. One goal is to encourage public education
and another is to increase the visibility of ordinary and extraordinary
Native Americans. As a lobbying organization, we believe the ultimate
goal is to create a broader and stronger
Native caucus on Capitol Hill that has support from the electorate.

Invisibility. In his analysis, ?In Punditland, a Little
Imagination Could Yield Needed Diversity,? journalist Terry Neal
criticizes the limited roster of players used on programs such
as Meet the Press and on editorial pages. Bookers, editors, and
producers claim they ?can?t find women and minorities who
are qualified to offer their opinions on news of the day.? We at
FCNL believe viewers and readers benefit when commentators from many
backgrounds analyze issues and happenings. Moreover, as Neal says, these
exclusions curtail leadership development because Sunday
talk shows confer ?power and authority upon those chosen?
as
speakers, national experts, and repeat guests (washingtonpost.com,
4/4/05). Native experts rarely are utilized on network and cable
news shows. Celebrities of Native origin seldom appear on daytime
and late-night talk shows or in prime-time entertainment. Native issues
are missing in news coverage and legislative progress
reports. Non-natives also are harmed by this neglect and by
misinformation.

Overly Simplistic. In many cases, the mainstream media ignores
the principles (and legal tangle) of tribal sovereignty, depicts diverse
language and cultural groups as homogeneous, overlooks families living
in cities, and embraces subtle stereotypes. Here
is its latest caricature, which is being heightened by the daily
coverage of the Abramoff scandal: most tribes are rolling in dough. This
caricature is destructive and untrue, yet the average person
does not have the knowledge to challenge it and the media does not
provide such information or any legal or historical context. Too little
news about the everyday issues of native families gets reported. The
?Reading Red Report? analyzed mainstream news
coverage by nine newspapers with large circulations. The
researcher found more articles about Native Americans than
expected: from a low of 43 in the Wall Street Journal to a high
of 519 in the New York Times during a three-year period (1999-2002).
However, many of the articles were about the same subjects--tribal
casinos (145) and mascots (116). Although coverage of reservations (225
articles) is appropriate, the report notes: ?So many stories
were datelined Pine Ridge that a reader might not have realized
that New York City?s 87,241 Native American residents make up the
largest urban Indian community in the nation.?

Listening. Much needs to be aired. Much needs to be heard. We invite
Native opinion leaders to attend ?Who Wants to Hear OUR
Story,? a symposium to be held March 2-3, 2006 at the Wyndham
hotel in Washington, DC. Communication experts in messaging and
influencing will lead participants in a constructive, realistic
examination of public versus indigenous perceptions and basic
facts. See
http//www.fcnl.org/nativeam/media_symp.htm>http://www.fcnl.org/nativeam/media_symp.htm


Sponsors. The new American Indian Policy and Media Initiative at Buffalo
State College is coordinating closely with us. Other key planners
include staff from the Native American Journalists Association, National
Indian Child Welfare Association, and
National Congress of American Indians, as well as individuals
experienced in indigenous rights and programs.

To date, 19 national organizations are co-sponsoring; some are
issue-oriented (National Indian Council on Aging and National
Indian Health Board). Native-directed organizational sponsors
include large, established organizations (NCAI; Native American
Rights Fund; First Nations Development Fund)and comparatively
small, newer organizations (National Native American Families Together;
National Urban Family Coalition). Ally groups (HONOR; American Friends
Service Committee; FCNL) already in partnership
with Indian Country are co-sponsoring and faith-based
organizations (Call to Renewal; Interfaith Alliance) are
supporting this educational endeavor. The National American
Indian Housing Council and the National Council of Churches,
which has a huge reach, are committed to publicizing it. Among
many others, organizations such as Americans for Indian
Opportunity and the Institute for Tribal Government are providing
speakers and moderators.

Members of the public and media can register for the media
symposium on Thursday and Friday morning (March 2-3). An invitation-only
session on follow-up action will take place
Friday afternoon. At that time, monitoring and intervention
activities will be organized. These may include high level
meetings with mainstream media owners, managers, booking agents,
and others in the communications field.

Pat Powers is a lobbyist for Friends Committee on National
Legislation and director of the Native American Advocacy Program.

-----------------

Mantle of Shame Awards for 2005
Suzan Shown Harjo    

I've given Mantle of Shame Awards to the deserving, mostly for
the holiday yuks of family and Capitol Hill friends, for 25
years. This started with the worst ''Indian'' stereotypes,
references and statements in politics, sports and pop culture generally,
which I once kept on the mantel of a fireplace.

The constant reminders of deliberate and unthinking offenses
against Native people in American society were so unpleasant
that I stopped the practice of displaying them. Following the
custom in some cultures to throw away all trash at year's end
so it isn't carried into the New Year, I got rid of the junk
on the mantel.

But some junk is worth noting, from a safe distance, before
it's entirely trashed. So, here, in the spirit of bundling
trash and hoping against hope it won't return in 2006, are
my picks for toxic activities for this year. And the winners
of the 2005 Mantle of Shame Awards are:

Jack Abramoff, Michael Scanlon, Ralph Reed and other lobbyists
for taking Native nations' money, greasing the palms of
cronies and intentionally or coincidentally harming the
tribes that were paying them top dollar for their help.
Scanlon is singing like a canary and Abramoff is poised to
join him on the perch.

All of this is causing Nixonesque flop sweat for Scanlon's
former boss, Rep. Tom DeLay of Texas, who appears regularly
before a judge in his home state on campaign finance matters;
Reed, who's running for the second-highest office in Georgia
on an anti-gambling platform and who's running away from his
record of receiving Indian gaming clients' money to oppose
an anti-gaming bill; and a lot of people who want to hang on
to the cushy offices they have.

Tribal leaders and employees yet to be named for hiring all
the above and their ilk as attack dogs against other Indian
tribes and people; for giving campaign contributions to their lobbyists'
favorite office-seeker; and/or for thinking that
paying mega bucks to white men gets the best job done for
Native peoples.

Some of these tribal people and workers are being used for investigative
purposes as ''Abramoff's Indian victims'' and
may totally escape retribution for their part in his excesses
and their own. They likely will escape indictments, but have
been and will be mentioned in other court documents and as
footnotes in at least one tell-all book.

Indian rainmakers also must share the Abramoff et al award
for being part of his private food chain and for making deals
(or being on the verge of making deals) with tribal monies
for his services. Most of these deals were cut over drinks
and dinners at his Washington restaurant (which I never saw
the inside of, I am happy to report).

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, once again, for demanding in his
best strong-arm style California's ''fair share'' of Indian
casino monies - how exactly does a state get a share at all,
fair or unfair? - and for being, well, himself.

Also sharing in the Schwarzenegger and Abramoff et al awards
are all those elected officials and their staffers who have
their hands out (and not in friendship) and won't even meet
with Native people unless the meeting comes with the promise
of money.

Congress and Senate President Dick Cheney for the Dec. 21
passage of the money-cutting bill that will be the nail in
the coffin for many of the programs serving the people who
have the least money, the worst health and the fewest years
to live, and for setting the stage for next year's tax cut
for rich, comfortable and healthy folks.

Sen. Ted Stevens for trying to muscle through drilling in
the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge by holding up defense
funding in a time of war and relief monies for desperate
people in hurricane-devastated states.

He has tried to open ANWR in his home state of Alaska for
nearly 25 of his 37 years in the Senate, often by trying to
suspend regular rules of order. Sen. Pete Domenici of New
Mexico foreshadowed next year's maneuver: tacking ANWR
drilling onto a budget reconciliation bill that's easier
to pass than an appropriations bill, because it takes nine
fewer votes to stop a filibuster on the former than it does
on the latter.

Stevens threatened other senators with personal campaign
trips to their states for their part in the debate that
kept the Senate in Washington during most of the week
before Christmas. And talk about drilling - he was captured
by C-SPAN not once but twice sitting in his Senate seat
with his finger up his nose while he was thumbing it at
the Senate rules.

Interior Special Trustee Ross O. Swimmer, a former Cherokee
principal chief, for his advice on the way to carry out the
federal trust obligations to Native peoples, and to those
in Interior and Justice who follow it, which has led to
Indian court victories, most recently the Dec. 19 district
court decision to award $7 million in attorney fees to the
lawyers representing Indian account holders in the multi-billion-dollar
trust funds case against Interior
and Treasury.

Some scientists and other politicians on the federal dole
for spending another year of taxpayers' (and that means
most Native people, too) money arming the adversaries of
Native nations' attempts to repatriate dead relatives,
funerary items, sacred objects and/or cultural patrimony;
for opposing and stalling the technical clarifying amendment
to the Native American repatriation law that seeks to
restore the policy's intended balance; and for trying to
keep unidentified Native remains from being reburied or
buried.

Washington's National Football League franchise for fighting
tooth and nail to stop the filing of a friend of the court
brief against their team's dreadful name - by the Native
American Rights Fund on behalf of the National Congress of
American Indians, National Indian Education Association,
National Indian Youth Council and the Tulsa Indian Coalition
Against Racism - because it explodes the myth that Indians
think that name and other ''Indian'' sports references are
swell.

Russell Means, who is Oglala Lakota, for challenging the
Navajo Nation's sovereignty, treaty, jurisdiction and ability
to defend Navajo people by disputing its tribal court's
conviction of him in connection with allegations that he beat
his wife and her father, a disabled World War II veteran with
one arm. Means tried to get the federal district court to
overturn the tribal court's decision, but lost his case,
appealed that decision and lost again, on Dec. 13, in the
9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Ward Churchill, who is not claimed by any of the three Native
nations he has claimed over his public career as an ''Indian'' activist
and ''Indian'' professor at the University of Colorado,
for attacking those who exposed him as a pseudo-Indian. This
award must be shared with the knee-jerk conservatives who
jumped on him because of his lefty statements and with the
knee-jerk liberals who jumped to his defense because of his
lefty statements.

The University of Colorado for standing behind their "self-declaration''
policy - which enabled Churchill to market
himself as an ''Indian'' academician and as an ''Indian''
writer (after he abandoned marketing himself as an ''Indian''
artist, in order to not run afoul of the federal law that
bows to tribal citizenship laws for determining who is an
Indian) - and for substituting its judgment for Indian
nations' legal decisions about who is and is not an Indian.
This award must be shared with Means, who supports Churchill
because he has an ''Indian heart.''

Suzan Shown Harjo, Cheyenne and Hodulgee Muscogee, is
president of the Morning Star Institute in Washington, D.C.
and a columnist for Indian Country Today.

-----------------

THE VALUE OF INDIAN CULTURE
by MARGE ANDERSON - Chief Executive, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe


Aaniin. Thank you for inviting me here today. When I was asked
to speak to you, I was told you are interested in hearing about
the improvements we are making on the Mille Lacs Reservation,
and about our investment of casino dollars back into our
community through schools, health care facilities, and other
services. And I do want to talk to you about these things,
because they are tremendously important, and I am very proud
of them.

But before I do, I want to take a few minutes to talk to you
about something else, something I'm not asked about very often.
I want to talk to you about what it means to be Indian. About
how my people experience the world. About the fundamental way
in which our culture differs from yours. And about why you
should care about all this.

The differences between Indians and non-Indians have created a
lot of controversy lately. Casinos, treaty rights, tribal
sovereignty - these issues have stirred such anger and
bitterness.

I believe the accusations against us are made out of ignorance.
The vast majority of non-Indians do not understand how my
people view the world, what we value, what motivates us.

They do not know these things for one simple reason: they've
never heard us talk about them. For many years, the only
stories that non-Indians heard about my people came from
other non-Indians. As a result, the picture you got of us
was fanciful, or distorted, or so shadowy, it hardly existed
at all. It's time for Indian voices to tell Indian stories.

Now, I'm sure at least a few of you are wondering, "Why do I
need to hear these stories? Why should I care about what
Indian people think, and feel, and believe?" I think the most
eloquent answer I can give you comes from the namesake of
this university, St. Thomas Aquinas. St. Thomas wrote that
dialogue is the struggle to learn from each other. This
struggle, he said, is like Jacob wrestling the angel - it
leaves one wounded and blessed at the same time. Indian people
know this struggle very well. The wounds we've suffered in
our dialogue with non-Indians are well-documented; I don't
need to give you a laundry list of complaints.

We also know some of the blessings of this struggle. As
American Indians, we live in two worlds - ours, and yours. In
the 500 years since you first came to our lands, we have
struggled to learn how to take the best of what your culture
has to offer in arts, science, technology and more, and then
weave them into the fabric of our traditional ways. But for non-Indians,
the struggle is new. Now that our people have
begun to achieve success, now that we are in business and
in the headlines, you are starting to wrestle with
understanding us. Your wounds from this struggle are fresh,
and the pain might make it hard for you to see beyond them.
But if you try, you'll begin to see the blessings as well -
the blessings of what a deepened knowledge of Indian culture
can bring to you. I'd like to share a few of those blessings
with you today.

Earlier I mentioned that there is a fundamental difference
between the way Indians and non-Indians experience the world.
This difference goes all the way back to the bible, and Genesis.

In Genesis, the first book of the Old Testament, God creates
man in his own image. Then God says, "be fruitful, multiply,
fill the earth and conquer it. Be masters of the fish of the
sea, the birds of the heaven, and all living animals on the
earth."

Masters. Conquer. Nothing, nothing could be further from the
way Indian people view the world and our place in it. Here are
the words of the great nineteenth century Chief Seattle: "You
are a part of the earth, and the earth is a part of you. You
did not weave the web of life, you are merely a strand in it.
Whatever you do to the web, you do to yourself."

In our tradition, there is no mastery. There is no conquering. Instead,
there is kinship among all creation-humans, animals,
birds, plants, even rocks. We are all part of the sacred hoop
of the world, and we must all live in harmony with each other
if that hoop is to remain unbroken.

When you begin to see the world this way - through Indian eyes -
you will begin to understand our view of land, and treaties,
very differently. You will begin to understand that when we
speak of Father Sun and Mother Earth, these are not new-age
catchwords - they are very real terms of respect for very real beings.

And when you understand this, then you will understand that
our fight for treaty rights is not just about hunting deer or
catching fish. It is about teaching our children to honor
Mother Earth and Father Sun. It is about teaching them to
respectfully receive the gifts these loving parents offer us
in return for the care we give them. And it is about teaching
this generation and the generations yet to come about their
place in the web of life. Our culture and the fish, our values
and the deer, the lessons we learn and the rice we harvest-
everything is tied together. You can no more separate one
from the other than you can divide a person's spirit from
his body.

When you understand how we view the world and our place in
it, it's easier to appreciate why our casinos are so important
to us. The reason we defend our businesses so fiercely isn't
because we want to have something that others don't. The reason
is because these businesses allow us to give back to others -
to our People, our communities, and the Creator. I'd like to
take a minute and mention just a few of the ways we've already
given back:

We've opened new schools, new health care facilities, and
new community centers where our children get a better
education, where our elders get better medical care, and
where our families can gather to socialize and keep our
traditions alive.

We've built new ceremonial buildings, and new powwow and
celebration grounds. We've renovated an elderly center, and
plan to build three culturally sensitive assisted living
facilities for our elders. We've created programs to teach
and preserve our language and cultural traditions. We've
created a Small Business Development Program to help band
members start their own businesses. We've created more than twenty-eight
hundred jobs for band members, people from
other tribes, and non-Indians. We've spurred the development
of more than one thousand jobs in other local businesses.
We've generated more than fifty million dollars in federal
taxes, and more than fifteen million dollars in state taxes
through wages paid to employees. And we've given back more
than two million dollars in charitable donations. The list
goes on and on. But rather than flood you with more numbers,
I'll tell you a story that sums up how my people view
business through the lens of our traditional values.

Last year, the Woodlands National Bank, which is owned and
operated by the Mille Lacs Band, was approached by the city of
Onamia and asked to forgive a mortgage on a building in the
downtown area. The building had been abandoned and was an
eyesore on Main Street. The city planned to renovate and sell
the building, and return it to the tax rolls. Although the
band would lose money by forgiving the mortgage, our business
leaders could see the wisdom in improving the community.
The opportunity to help our neighbors was an opportunity
to strengthen the web of life. So we forgave the mortgage.

Now, I know this is not a decision everyone would agree with.
Some people feel that in business, you have to look out for
number one. But my people feel that in business - and in life
- you have to look out for every one. And this, I believe,
is one of the blessings that Indian culture has to offer you
and other non-Indians. We have a different perspective on so
many things, from caring for the environment, to healing
the body, mind and soul. But if our culture disappears, if
the Indian ways are swallowed up by the dominant American
culture, no one will be able to learn from them. Not Indian
children. Not your children. No one. All that knowledge,
all that wisdom, will be lost forever.

The struggle of dialogue will be over. Yes, there will be
no more wounds. But there will also be no more blessings.
There is still so much we have to learn from each other, and
we have already wasted so much time. Our world grows smaller
every day. And every day, more of our unsettling, surprising, wonderful
differences vanish. And when that happens, part
of each of us vanishes, too. I'd like to end with one of my
favorite stories. It's a funny little story about Indians
and non-Indians, but its message is serious: you can see
something differently if you are willing to learn from those
around you.

This is the story: Years ago, white settlers came to this
area and built the first European-style homes. When Indian
People walked by these homes and saw see-through things in
the walls, they looked through them to see what the strangers
inside were doing. The settlers were shocked, but it makes
sense when you think about it: windows are made to be looked
through from both sides. Since then, my people have spent
many years looking at the world through your window. I hope
today I've given you a reason to look at it through ours.

Mii gwetch.


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Newspaper & online stories:
---------------------------


Growth of Indian gaming sends ripples of change off county's
reservations
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060130/news_1n30casinos.html

Artifacts home again - COCOPAH RESERVATION
http://sun.yumasun.com/artman/publish/articles/story_21976.php

Indian burial site unearthed; The discovery occurred during construction
in Huntington Beach.
http://www.kumeyaay.com/news/news_detail.html?id=3632

Guest Opinion: A long overdue honor for Montana Indian culture
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/02/03/opinion/guest/40-guest-op.txt


INDEPTH: EAGLE SLAUGHTER - The honoured eagles
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/eagleslaughter/

What was ancient is brought back to life / Morongos' Rez Readers series
celebrates rebirth of tribal language
http://www.thedesertsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060203/NEWS01/602030325/1006


The Future of American Indian Peoples
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412378

Teeth could tell fossil's tale / UW researcher seeks secrets of
Kennewick Man
http://www.jsonline.com/news/state/feb06/389315.asp

Tribe challenges development plan's protection of artifacts / SAN
JACINTO: Luiseño Indians issue a release saying The Cove is not
protecting artifacts.
http://www.pe.com/digitalextra/metro/tribes/vt_stories/PE_News_Local_P_soboba02.18574c6c.html


Historian's investigation of 1884 lynching made into film
http://www.cbc.ca/sask/story/louis-sam060202.html

Bone discovery points to Indian graves (NORTH CAROLINA)
http://www.wwaytv3.com/Global/story.asp?S=4448814&nav=menu70_2

Panel approves controversial coin / Design shows explorer with Virginia
Indian leader
http://www.nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=7527


Getting in touch with native culture (CALIFORNIA)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/02/02/SPGRFH1I071.DTL&hw=tribe&sn=002&sc=249


Idaho tribe to hunt bison from Yellowstone under treaty
http://www.helenair.com/articles/2006/01/31/montana_top/000bison.txt

Indian trade clues culled in cornfield (NEW MEXICO)
http://www.abqtrib.com/albq/nw_science/article/0,2668,ALBQ_21236_4426846,00.html


Tribes: Court went too far (NEW YORK)
http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2006/02/04/news/local_news/news03.txt

COLUMN: Defamation of Indians on Trial (WASHINGTON, DC)
http://magic-city-news.com/article_5283.shtml

Passamaquoddy Tribe to Legislature: Pass gaming parlor or gamble at
polls (MAINE)
http://waldo.villagesoup.com/government/story.cfm?storyID=67247

Yukon First Nations hope to head off land deal (YUKON)
http://www.cbc.ca/north/story/taan-land-030232006.html

My View: Commissioner is distorting truth to block tribe's land trust
request (MINNESOTA)
http://www.startribune.com/332/story/212827.html

Miramar gets thumbs-up from Inuit for mine (CANADA)
http://www.cbc.ca/north/story/miramar-dorisnorth-01022006.html

Nez Perce Tribe opposes Idaho's plan to kill wolves to help elk
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420AP_ID_Wolf_Plan.html

Indian leader seeks federal aid (WASHINGTON, DC) -- American Indian
tribes are not getting enough federal help to stem the flow of illegal
immigrants.
http://www.abqtrib.com/albq/nw_national/article/0,2564,ALBQ_19860_4439016,00.html


Garcia turns to Four Directions to guide Indian Country
(WASHINGTON, DC) -- Joe Garcia, the new president of the National
Congress of American Indians, delivered the State of Indian Nations
address.
http://64.62.196.98/News/2006/012354.asp

As Tribal Leaders, Women Still Fight Old Views (SOUTH DAKOTA)
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/04/national/04tribe.html?hp&ex=1139115600&en=9abb633e522f038d&ei=5094&partner=homepage


Cherokee public relations is welcome news for all Oklahomans
http://www.nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=7515


Bush punishes BIA budget to pay for Cobell (WASHINGTON, DC) -- The Bush
administration has made an across-the-board cut to the Bureau of Indian
Affairs budget, blaming the reduction on the Cobell trust fund lawsuit.
http://64.62.196.98/News/2006/012331.asp

JODI RAVE: ‘Let's settle Cobell,' Native leader says (MONTANA)
http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2006/02/03/jodirave/rave53.txt

Judge: Jailers erred when they denied Cherokee man prayer feather
(ARKANSAS)
http://www.nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=7519


“New World” from a Native perspective / Movie review (MANITOBA) --
Dramatic histrionics aptly describes The New World, a new feature film
written and directed by Terrence Malick that opened recently.
http://nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=7528

Louisiana's Coastal Tribes Appeal For Help (LOUISIANA)
http://216.109.157.86/press_release/LOUISIANA%92S%20COASTAL%20TRIBES%20APPEAL%20FOR%20HELP.htm


Citizens fear herbicide proposal - 02/03/2006 - CALIFORNIA
http://www.kumeyaay.com/news/news_detail.html?id=3636

Federal judge defers to ancient Hawaiian tradition to settle dispute
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20060201-1046-hawaiianartifacts.html


Native American stories of the stars
http://www.madison.com/wsj/mad/top/index.php?ntid=71139&ntpid=1

Muscatine Community College drops Indian mascot
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060130/NEWS/60130015/1001


Heritage, writings split Indian activists - If you think Ward Churchill
is controversial in his academic setting, you should see how divisive a
force he is in the Indian world.
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_3542697,00.html


Hayward man fights for Native Americans - Organization seeks historical
status, change in immigration policy
http://www.insidebayarea.com/argus/localnews/ci_3446949



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Here is the website which shows the locations where some of the
subscribers to this newsletter live. You can add your location,
too, if you have not already done so.

http://www.frappr.com/philkonstantinsamericanindiannewsletter/

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Movie Reviews:
--------------

A few days ago, I watched the PBS special "The Journey of
Sacagawea." It was made in 2003. It features many different
speakers who discuss Sacagawea, including Rose Ann Abrahamson
(Lemhi Shoshone & relative of Sacagawea), Amy Mossett
(Mandan/Hidatsa) and many others.

The DVD covers many topics including how her name was
pronounced, spelled and what it really meant. It featured
reinactments which cover much of the actual locations. It
discusses her heritage, tribal practices, historical events,
and some of the myths surrounding Sacagawea.

With many conflicting stories about the woman who helped to
guide the Lewis & Clark expedition, this DVD does a good job
of trying to cover what is really known about her.

I recommend seeing it, if her story interests you. While it
is not available in many video stores, you can get it through
Netflix, and the link below.

You can read more about the DVD on this website:
http://idahoptv.org/lc/sacagawea/index.html

You can order a copy of this DVD here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0009R2XHM/onthisdateinn-20/002-4415173-7059250?%5Fencoding=UTF8&camp=1789&link%5Fcode=xm2


-----------------

Several people have asked me about "The New World." Since I
have not seen it yet, I thought I would post this review for
you. I'll give you my opionion as soon as it comes out on DVD.



"New World" from a Native perspective
by Steve Cowley

Dramatic histrionics aptly describes "The New World," a new
feature film written and directed by Terrence Malick that
opened recently. Talk about a miscast and a movie that should
never have been made. Malick should have passed on this one.
Instead what he wrote is work better suited as a simple
contemporary dance piece rather than a major motion picture.
It would have had a better chance and made more creative sense.

The New World is a disjointed heap full of cliches and
caricatures that appear to meander forever. And forever. The
opening fifteen minutes is one of the most excruciating moments
put to celluloid ever directed by anyone whose name isn't
Michael Cimino. Its direction was amateurish and the cinematic
tone was self-effacing - but not in a way Malick most likely
intended it to be. It was probably a fluke.

James Horner's usually exquisite music direction in the opening
is simply wasted as the film opens with the 'discovery' of a
new world. Credit Malick for not going on and hiring the Highty Tighties
Virginia Tech marching band for the opening.

An adventurous interpretation of controversial subject material already
covered most recently by Disney and Malick was simply
not up to it. A blaring omission that obviously comes to mind
is for over two hours Pocahontas' name is not mentioned once.
Love her or hate her, at the least Malick should have given the
character her due. In Malick's film everyone calls her 'Rebecca' played
by newcomer Q'orianka Kilcher. So when Malick provides
a little homage to Irene Bedard, the actress who played the
Disney animated version, Bedard's scene is almost a flash. It
didn't make sense. In this version Bedard plays Kilcher's mother.
So leave the small ones at home or you will be explaining why for
months.

Malick doesn't even try to be coy with his interpretation of Pocahontas'
affair with Captain John Smith played by Colin
Farrell. Pocahontas opens her heart to Smith and Jamestown
and she literally saves them from starvation in a thanksgiving
scene straight out of drama 101 class. Hallmark could sue
Malick for license infringement on that one scene alone.

A saving grace for this cinematic wannabe is the beautiful
cinematography by two-time Oscar Academy winner Emmanuel
Lubezki. Magnificently capturing the sweeping vistas of the
Virginian landscape, the vegetation, animal life and the
marshlands, Lubezki expertly photographed scenes that made
it appear fresh to the eyes. Almost like a new world.

American Indian actor, activist, entertainer, Wes Studi, is
used as scenery in his role as Opechancanough. He is never
defined and the dialogue he delivers is wooden. Studi recently
stated in an interview with an American Indian news publication
that he was concerned and disappointed at the final cut of the
film. Was Wes more ticked about the cutting of his scenes or in Malick's
direction? In his interview his comments were unclear.

Historically, the characters, including Kilcher's first lines,
are spoken in the Algonquin Cree dialect. Nipi in Cree means
water, and that is exactly what Kilcher interprets for Smith
in their early scenes together. Canadian-born theatrical stage
actor Billy Merasty playing Kiskiak seemingly knew the intent
of Malick and simply delivered most of his lines in his native
Cree language. Good for the noted and respected actor.

From an American Indian standpoint, that is the only good thing
about the film. Some credit must be given to the dedication and
hard work of casting director Rene Haynes. American Indians are working
and acting so this fact should not be lost on the
American Indian community. At the least American Indians are
being hired to play American Indian roles. In Malick's film
this altruism is too bad and too sad.

About the author: Steve Cowley, Cree from Manitoba, began his
career as journalist in the early 90's in Canada. As a New
Yorker since 1993, fresh out of the New York Film Academy,
he worked at the American Indian Community House as the
assistant to the Director of the Performing Arts Department
and is currently the Employment Counselor in the WIA (Work
Employment Act) Dept. He is the CEO of Tapwe Production Projects
in NY and continues to write for the American Indian Community
House's newsletter, the Flying Eagle Woman Fund's website and
for the Tapwe web site. Read more about Steve and Tapwe
Production Projects at www.tapwe.com. Steve be contacted at
ste-@tapwe.com




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Announcements:
--------------
(Note: As with other posting, I do not vouch for the authenticity
of these events. I am posting them for your perusal. Please use
your best judgement.)


Call for Presentations: 7th Biennial Language is Life; Conference
for California Indian Languages

Marin Headlands Institute, Sausalito, CA
March 24-26, 2006

You are invited to join with other California Indians trying to
learn or re-learn, teach, document, research, or otherwise
invigorate their Native languages.

Members of Language Programs are urged to come and talk about
your projects, share your successes and problems, and gather
with other Native people who believe that language renewal is
the cornerstone to cultural survival.

PRESENTATION APPLICATION
Due March 1, 2006 and can found at www.aicls.org or email
mar-@napanet.net.

-------------------

1st Annual Morongo Tribal Nation College Fair
Date: Saturday, February 25, 2006 (11am-4pm)
Location: Morongo Indian Reservation - Banning, CA
Contact: Joely De La Torre, Ph.D. (Luiseño)
Phone: 951-816-3301
Email: joe-@joelydelatorre.com
Website: www.naqcom.com

The Morongo College Fair will aid students in
fulfilling their educational aspirations. This is a
half-day program open to the Morongo public and
neighboring southern California tribal nations. This
fair will allow students to interact with admission
representatives from a wide range of post-secondary
institutions to discuss course offerings, admission
and financial aid requirements, college life in
general and other information pertinent to the college
selection, preparedness and achievement process. This
will be an exciting chance for potential students talk
to the people "in the know."

-------------------

CNN DONATES $50,000 TO NAJA'S SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

VERMILLION, SD--Jan. 20, 2006--CNN has pledged $50,000 to NAJA's
scholarship program for broadcast students as both organizations
continue to work together to boost the number of Native people involved
in broadcast journalism.

"This is good news," NAJA President Mike Kellogg (Navajo) said.
"NAJA awarded more than $25,000 in scholarships last year and each year
we see more requests from students. We're delighted that in
the coming years we'll be able to help more of our future broadcasters."

This most recent gift continues CNN's generous support for Native
journalism and journalists of color.

"In today's world, it is imperative that a news organization
such as CNN employ a diversity of journalists that reflect the diversity
of the world they cover," said Jim Walton, CNN Worldwide president. "To
that end, this donation helps ensure that CNN and
other news organizations encourage more minority students to
consider journalism as a career."

CNN also says it will work with NAJA to get more Native students
involved in broadcast journalism through internships, as well as
train broadcast journalists during the 2006 convention. The
network is planning a seminar at NAJA's 2006 convention in Tulsa, Okla.,
to share its vast experience covering natural disasters--
from wildfires to floods to the recent hurricanes along the Gulf Coast.

In addition to a seminar, CNN has pledged support for the 2006
and 2007 conventions in Tulsa and Denver. The network was also
a major sponsor of the 2005 annual convention in Lincoln, Neb.

NAJA Executive Director Kim Baca (Navajo/Santa Clara Pueblo)
says working with CNN will help NAJA accomplish NAJA's mission
of enriching journalism and increasing diversity.

"Native Americans continue to be the most underrepresented group
in TV. Receiving this gift is a positive step in rectifying this
situation. NAJA is addressing the lack of Native Americans in the
broadcast field by creating programs to attract Native students
where career interests start," Baca said, adding that NAJA is
working with the Radio-Television News Directors Foundation for
a weeklong summer high school radio program in 2007.

"With CNN's and other broadcasters' help, we can aid in creating
new avenues for Native students and radio and television professionals,"
she said.

-------------------

2006 Warrior Spirit Conference on April 27 &
28th, 2006 in Albuquerque, NM. The conference will
take place at the NATIVO LODGE (www.nativolodge.com)
in Albuquerque.

We have scheduled esteemed native speakers who will
share a wealth of information that exemplify the
Warrior Spirit.

Respectfully,

Kalvin White

-------------------

Proclamation of Indigenous Peoples Day on March 12th 2006

From Tonatierra - Tupac Enrique Acosta - SGF boardmember, Arizona

Good greetings once again! As you know we are moving into our
fourth year of Tlahtokan Aztlan -Nican Tlacah Ilhuitl,
Proclamation of Indigenous Peoples Day on March 12th 2006. It
falls on a Sunday this year.

Thursday the 9th PM is traditional reception and community
symposium at the Nahuacalli.

We are projecting a REPORT BACK regarding the Indigenous Summit
of Mar de Plata to Native Nation leaders of the territory on
Friday the 11th. It would be good to get a report on elements
of strategy concerning the Declaration and the doings in Geneva.
For this reason it would be good to confirm ASAP the
participation by AILA, as Tonya mentioned in Albuquerque
she would like to come.

We would like to have Willie Littlechild as well representing
the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Saturday the 11th is youth day, workshops and music.

Nican Tlacah Ilhuitl Sunday, March 12 - Tlahtokan Aztlan -
Continental Confederation of the Eagle and Condor - Treaty of
Teotihuacan

I met with President Joni Ramos of SRPMIC yesterday, and
relayed our request to present before the Inter Tribal council
of Arizona a personal invitation to participate in the events:
our GOAL is to have the Indigenous Nations leadership issue
the Proclamation of Indigenous Peoples Day, with the City,
State, County, etc., following in reciprocity.

Cindy Naha, Hopi, who works with ITCA will be at the Thursday
meeting - she has worked with us extensively over the past
years. Gustavo will be calling John Lewis, director of ITCA
as well and we have made a call to Dale Phillips of the Cocopah
Nation who has participated in years past even to sending a
delegation of Cocopah to Mexico with the Peace and Dignity
Journeys.

From the South: Dr. Eualalio Frites Quechua Aymara Nation of
the host organization of the Continental Indigenous Summit in Argentina
is invited: to be confirmed.

From Panama: Gusto recommends we bring our allies from the Kuna Nation:
Kuala.

From Mexico: Margarita Gutierrez, Otomi Nation working out
of Chiapas, representing the Continental Network of Indigenous
Women: Confirmed.

From the North: Invitations
Western Shoshone Defense Project (SGF Affiliate and ally)
Arthur Manuel of the Shuswap Nation who went with us to the
Summit in Mar de Plata, Argentina (and SGF Affiliate through INET)
Seventh Generation Fund - All other SGF Affiliates throughout Americas
American Indian Law alliance, NGO of the United Nations working in
Geneva and New York on the Draft Declaration of Indigenous Rights
Sarah James of Gwichin Nation - Arctic Village Alaska
Jeannette Armstrong of the Okanagan Nation in BC Canada who went
with us to Chiapas in 1994.
All Seventh Generation Fund Ally organizations / Circle of SGF Families
and Community Projects whether or not you are an Affiliate project are
welcome and encouraged to participate

We are proposing that as was done for the Peace and Dignity
Journeys of 2004, a request for overnight access to South
Mountain Saturday March 11th be granted by the City of Phoenix
for a core group of O'Odham Nation Peoples to caretake the
staffs that will come down from South Mountain to start the
run on Sunday AM.

See you soon.

Tupac Enrique Acosta
Cell: (602) 466-8367
see: Tlahtokan Aztlan at: www.tonatierra.org
see: www.indigenouspeoplesday.org

-------------------

American Indian Education Event on Feb 24th - San Diego County
From:    "Brandie Taylor" ;
Date:    Tue, January 24, 2006 1:47 pm

Greetings Tribal Community educators/leaders and campus
educators/leaders:

You are cordially invited to attend the second annual North
County Higher Education Alliance event that focuses on
American Indian studentrecruitment and retention.   (NCHEA= a consortium
of Cal State San Marcos, Palomar College, and
Mira Costa College).

We are looking forward to convening a group of tribal community
educators/leaders and campus educators/leaders for this event:
   American Indian Education Issues: Strategizing for Success
   in North County.

This year's event will take place at
Cal State San Marcos on Friday, February 24th
Clarke Field House-Grand Salon -- 9:30 a.m. to 1:30. p.m.

Agenda
9:30 - 10:00-- blessing, welcome by President Karen S. Haynes,
coffee, brief intros
10:00 - 10:45 -- Dr. Joely De La Torre (Cal State San
Bernardino) -- "Indigenous Knowledge: Generating Hope and Change Through
Education"
Brief break
11:00 - 11:30 -- "College In Context: A Framework For
Discussing American Indian Students in Higher Education"

Presenters:
Cal State San Marcos: Elena Hood-Early Outreach Coordinator
Palomar College: Calvin One Deer Gavin-Director, Grant Funded
Student Programs
Mira Costa: Edward Pohlert- Director, Retention Services
11:30 - 12:00 -- begin discussions, to continue through lunch,
on how best to work as a tri-campus consortium, in partnership
with local tribes, to better address the needs of our local Indian
students
12:00 - 1:00 - lunch (continued discussion)
1:00 - 1:30 - formalize action plan

In order to ensure adequate food for lunch, RSVPs must be
received by return email to bbi-@csusm.edu no later than Friday,
February 17th.

Off campus attendees will have a parking permit reserved once you
RSVP.

Look forward to seeing you on February 24th!
Bonnie Biggs
Professor Emeritus
Tribal Liaison
Cal State San Marcos
333 So. Twin Oaks Valley Rd.
San Marcos, CA 92096
Phone: 760-542-5150
Fax: 760-434-2668
email: bbi-@csusm.edu
Tribal Libraries Census & Needs Assessment website:
http://www.csusm.edu/bbiggs/loc/
-------------------

Subject: WOCN InfoLink:Native Leadership Scholarship

Dear colleagues,

We are writing to you to inform you and your organization about
a funding opportunity for women pursuing non-doctoral level
graduate education. The Native Leaders! hip Scholarship (NLS)
program creates educational opportunities for women around the
world who are grassroots leaders, organizers and activists demonstrating
financial need. NLS invests in women's leadership
and leadership development by supporting non- doctoral graduate
education in human rights, sustainable development, and public
health. Pre-applications for the 2006-07 academic year will be available
on our website on January 1, 2006. For more
information please visit www.nativeleaders.org. Please
distribute this message widely.

Information available in French and Spanish formats.

OUR HISTORY

NLS has been granting scholarships since 2001. Our alumni are
working around the world to improve the welfare of their
communities. Prior to 2006, NLS granted scholarships to both
women and men that included a limited number of awards for
doctoral level education. Starting in 2006, the NLS will only
be awarding sc! holarships to women pursuing non-doctoral level graduate
education.

OUR GOALS

NLS supports study, research, and leadership training, to
assist women in their pursuit of solutions to the critical
social, environmental, health and economic problems facing their
countries and communities. By granting scholarships to
remarkable women who demonstrate effective leadership, innovative
solutions, and commitment to their communities, NLS helps
develop and advance local expertise and community-based,
culturally appropriate solutions. NLS endorses non-traditional
leaders who are modeling change and using imaginative
methodologies. Academic study, research and leadership
training should be based on the scholarship recipient's
present or prior experience working with her community.

COURSE OF STUDY

Scholarship recipients enroll in programs of study that cover
a range of human rights and development issues at the
non-doctoral graduate level including gender, reproductive
health, HIV/AIDS, child exploitation, human and drug trafficking, infant
and maternal mortality, microbial diseases, conflict resolution,
environmental justice, global fair trade,
agroecology, and sustainable development. NLS is a secular
program and does not support programs of study that promote
specific religious beliefs.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The NLS awards four to six scholarships per year, up to
US$25,000 per academic year for a maximum of two years. The
awards help the recipients meet the costs of tuition, fees,
books, educational supplies, housing, maintenance, and travel
to and from the home country and the educational institution.
NLS awards are paid directly to the institution in a student's account.
For women intending to study at U.S. universities,
NLS funding for expenses other than tuition and books is
subject to a 14% U.S. tax.


LOCATION! OF STUDY

Candidates may use NLS funding for non-doctoral graduate study
at accredited institutions worldwide. The NLS is committed to promoting
the strengthening of research and of institutions of
higher learning in the Global South. The NLS encourages students
to study in their home country or region provided that the
educational institution is accredited for higher education.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

An eligible candidate is a woman leader who...

1. Is committed to grassroots organizing and the needs of her
community or indigenous group;

2. Has proof of a bachelor's or a higher degree;

3. Has at least three years of work experience dealing with
critical human rights concerns, and other social, educational,
environmental, health or economic conditions that threaten
life or social stability, that discriminate, or that destroy
or deplete her country's or community's resources;

4. Is accepted into a non-doctoral graduate program at an
accredited university for full-time study/research related to
her work experience;

5. Can show evidence of financial need for educational support;

6. Intends to return to her home country to work, utilizing
training and research acquired in the study program.

PRE-APPLICATIONS

All applicants are invited to fill out pre-applications (which
will be available Jan. 1 through March 25, 2006) on our website
or by request from in-@nativeleaders.org.

DEADLINES

NLS pre-applications for the 2006-2007 academic year will be
available Jan. 1 through March 25, 2006 on our website or by
request from in-@nativeleaders.org. After the pre-application
period ends, all candidates will be notified about their
application status. Incomplete pre-applications will not be
considered for review. Unsolicited additional documents
provided by the pre-applicant will ! not be reviewed. Only
a small group of candidates will be invited to complete a
full application.

Aline Carton, Program Manager, Native Leadership Scholarship
Channel Foundation
603 Stewart St., Suite 415
Seattle, WA 98101
USA tel: (00)1-206-621-5447
fax: (00)1-206-621-2664

-------------------

NINHLE 2006 Annual Institute (National Institute for Native
Leadership in Higher Education)


Title: NINHLE 2006 Annual Institute
Date: July 23-27, 2006 at the Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
Contact: National Institute for Native Leadership in
Higher Education - Louise Chavez, Program Coordinator/PI
Office of the Provost & Exec Vice President for Academic Affairs
NINLHE Department, MSC02 1580, Hokona Hall, Room 320
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
Phone: 505.277.2614
Fax: 505.277.6085
Website: http://ninlhe.unm.edu

The Annual Institute provides college, university and
tribal education professionals with opportunities for
professional empowerment, networking and personal and
spiritual renewal. In an atmosphere of collaboration,
friendship, and fun, participants are involved in
small, hands-on training sessions in skills areas
vital to Native student success.   Training topics
have included leadership development, academic and
financial aid advisement, alcohol abuse prevention and
intervention, program planning and evaluation,
fundraising, and cultivating foundation and corporate
relations. Download an application on the website.

-------------------

INDN's List Celebrates a First Birthday!

Just one year ago, INDN's List set out to change the color and
face of power in America by electing our First Americans to
office. Today, thanks to you, we are well on our way to making
the INDN dream a reality.

To help us celebrate, we invite you to the INDN's List Birthday
Celebration on Tuesday, February 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 at the
Wyndham Hotel, Monticello Room, 1400 M Street NW, in
Washington, DC.

We hope you will consider hosting this Party! Your contribution
of $250 will give our candidates the resources they need to run winning
campaigns this year, and you will be recognized as a
host on our program at the party.

On our First Birthday, INDN's List has much to celebrate:
   a.. We have recruited and trained Native Americans across the
country to join their American democracy by running for office.
   b.. We have hosted an INDN Campaign Camp that gave Indians the
tools they need to win.
   c.. DNC Chairman Howard Dean, Al Franken, and three members of
Congress, Representatives Honda, Herseth and Oberstar all spoke at
INDN Campaign Camp.
   d.. We have candidates running for office in Alaska, Arizona,
California, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South
Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin.

Most important to our work this first year, though, has been our
relationship with you. Supporters across the country recognize the
important work of electing our First Americans to office. INDN's
List enjoys the support from 23 tribes, 8 unions, and 57 Warriors
nationwide, and because of you our Circle continues to grow! You
can help us make this election year the Year of the INDN, by
making a contribution to INDN's List now at www.indnslist.org/contribute
to ensure that our INDN Candidates
win in 2006!

We look forward to celebrating with you on our First Birthday and
anticipate your continued support in the coming year. Please
join us at our celebration and more in making sure the First
Americans aren't the Last Americans to be represented.

Warmest Regards,

Kalyn, Dave, Lindsay, Tammy, and Micah

P.S.: Just a year ago we asked you to open your minds to the
possibility of electing Indians all across the country, to open
your address books to help us build a network of those who
share our dream, and to open your wallets to make it all possible.
Now that you've seen what your support can do in just a year,
we ask you to keep spreading the news to your family, friends,
tribes, unions, and to all supporters of the Progressive Cause
and believers in the power of Native Americans to build our
democracy.

Paid for by INDN's List - 406 S Boulder, Mezzanine Ste 200,
Tulsa, OK 74103

Contributions to INDN's List are not deductible as charitable
contributions for federal income tax purposes.

-------------------

Speaker: Dr. Kevin Gover (Pawnee), Professor of Law and
American Indian Studies at Arizona State University. Dr. Gover
has also worked as a specialist for the American Indian Policy
Review Commission, a research group chartered by Congress to
study a wide range of issues important to Native Americans.
He also served as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for
Indian Affairs under Interior Secretary and former Arizona
Governor, Bruce Babbitt, from 1996-2001. As Assistant
Secretary he concentrated on upgrading Indian law enforcement,
rebuilding decrepit Indian schools, reforming trust services
and overhauling the Bureau of Indian Affair’s management system.
He lecture will provide an historical perspective on American
Indian Self-Determination and Sovereignty.

FEDERAL INDIAN POLICY IN THE 20TH CENTURRY
Monday, February 6
6:00-8:00 PM
The Backdoor in Aztec Center
San Diego State University
Sponsored by the SDSU Department of American Indian Studies,
Cross Cultural Studies Department at Grossmont College, SDSU
Cross Cultural Center, SDSU Honors Council, and SDSU Associated
Students/CASE.

Information:
619-594-6991
a lecture by Dr. Kevin Gover

-------------------

29th Annual California Conference on American Indian Education

April 13-15, 2006

Full Circle:
Embracing Our Traditions and Values in Education

General Registration: $185 per person (by 2/16/06)
$205 per person (by 3/31/06)
Students and Elders: $110 per person (by 2/16/06)
$130 per person (by 3/31/06)

Radisson Hotel and Conference Center
2233 Ventura Street Fresno, CA 93721
559-268-1000; www.radisson.com/fresnoca
Hotel Rate: $109 single; $114 double (by 3/22/06);
$5 per additional person
"Full Circle: Embracing Our Traditions and Values in Education"

On behalf of the Osa Center for Indian Education, it is an
honor to invite you to attend the 29th Annual California
Conference on American Indian Education, to be held April
13-15, 2006 at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in
Fresno, California.

The conference theme this year is "Full Circle: Embracing
Our Traditions and Values in Education" and will honor the \
knowledge that Indian traditions are once again being made a
priority in Indian communities. The conference will also
showcase 30 years of the success and growth of American Indian
education, and acknowledge the impact education has made from a cultural
standpoint on American Indian communities in California.

The conference begins on Thursday evening with an open
handgame competition. Adult and youth teams are welcome to come
and share in traditional gambling exchanges. We realize more
youth are learning their languages, songs, and traditions and
welcome them to attend to participate in this age-old tradition.
All others are welcome to watch and learn. In addition, there
will be hands-on workshops offered Thursday evening to learn
basketry skills and other traditional arts of Indian people
throughout California.

Youth participants are invited to a 2-hour session Thursday
from afternoon on proper protocol and respect while attending functions
such as the conference, where we honor Elders and educational leaders.
Youth will learn how to gain the best
educational experience and benefit from opportunities such
as Indian and other leadership conferences.

The conference will end on Saturday night with a 'Big Time,'
a celebration of California Indian culture and dance and serves
as an example of the rich culture and traditions in California
that are reawakening our knowledge as Indian people.

Finally, we offer this conference in memory of one of our
great leaders in the Central Valley, Phil Hunter, Tule River
Tribal Council Member, who passed on earlier this year. He represented
California with distinction on a statewide and
national level and always made education and the needs of
Indian youth a priority.

Please join us this year in Fresno. We will be proud to show
you our beautiful city and guarantee a great time for all who
attend!

Wah do,

Virginia Holloway

CCAIE 2006 Conference Chairperson
Conference registration questions can be directed to
559-252-8659
559-252-3824 fax
osace-@yahoo.com


-------------------

Subject: Womenheart Fundraiser Luncheon Feb 19th @ Pechanga
From:    "Brandie Taylor" ;
Date:    Thu, January 19, 2006 2:01 pm


WOMENHEART
National Coalition for Women Living with Heart Disease
Our Hearts, Our Lives Fundraiser Luncheon & Women's Free
Health Fair

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2006
PECHANGA RESORT & CASINO BALLROOM A

HEALTH FAIR: 10.00 am to 2.00 pm
LUNCH: NOON TO 2.00 pm.

Cost of lunch: $35.00 per person
DOOR PRIZES, RAFFLES
10 @ table $350.00

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
Dr. Daniel Calac - Medical Director of Indian Health Council
Dr. Sharonne Hayes - Scientific Advisory Board Chairwoman of
the Mayo Clinic
Two Womenheart Sisters and their personal stories

VISIT OUR WEB-SITE @ www.womenheart.org
PAYMENT: by check make out to &
MAIL TO;
WOMENHEART
C/O W L COOK
39660 CLOS DU VAL
MURRIETA CA 92563-4845

RSVP by February 10th to wan-@womenheart.org or (951) 461-4464

HEART DISEASE IS THE NUMBER 1 KILLER OF WOMEN OF ALL RACES.
WOMEN WILL SPEAK ON CHANGING THEIR LIFE STYLES AND HOW THEY
BECAME A SISTERHOOD IN THE FIGHT FOR MORE RESEARCH NEEDED TO
HELP EDUCATE AND TEACH A BETTER WAY OF LIFE.

PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT WOMENHEART.

-------------------

Attention Board Members of the American Indian Community Foundation

Save the date: March 17th, 2006 at 8:30am at The Country Club of Soboba
Springs

RE: 1st Annual Scholarship Golf Tornament to benefit the American
Indian Alumni Association of UCR Scholarship Fund

The American Indian Alumni Association of UCR Scholarship Fund
is a fund administered through a relationship with the American
Indian Community Foundation. The Scholarship Fund assists needy students
in search for a higher education at the University of California,
Riverside and will enable these Native American
students to reach their educational goals.

Ted Haberfield
Second Vice President - Wealth Management
Financial Advisor

Smith Barney
7777 Fay Ave. #300
La Jolla, CA 92037

Direct (858)456-4921
Cell (858)204-5055
Toll Free (800)423-8258
Fax (858)459-3164
Email: ted.hab-@smithbarney.com

-------------------

Open Meeting - California Native American Heritage Commission
On Wednesday, February 15th 2006, TLCEE will host an open
meeting of the California Native American Heritage Commission
(CNAHC). This meeting will be held at the UCLA School of Law,
Room 1420 beginning at 6:00pm.

The CNAHC mission is to provide protection to Native American
burials from vandalism and inadvertent destruction, provide a procedure
for the notification of most likely descendants
regarding the discovery of Native American human remains and associated
grave goods, bring legal action to prevent severe
and irreparable damage to sacred shrines, ceremonial sites,
sanctified cemeteries and places of worship on public property,
and maintain an inventory of sacred places.

The meeting is open to the public. Light refreshments will be
served. Please check the TLCEE News & Events page for updates.

DeAnna M. Rivera
Director, Tribal Learning Community & Educational Exchange

Dept: UCLA School of Law
Office: 1609 Hershey Hall
Mail: Box 951476
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1476
Phone: (310) 794-5216
E-mail: riv-@law.ucla.edu
Web: www.tlcee.ucla.edu


=======================
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Notes from subscribers: (I do not necessarily vouch for the claims made
here. I am just passing them along. Please use your best judgement)

------------------

Hi Phil,

I receive your news letter thru Carrolle so I'm familiar with
your historical work. I'm also active on some of the national political
blogs -- using the pseudonym "Philosophe Forum".

The subject of Andrew Jackson came up on MyDD. I'm not a fan
& refuse to minimize some of the more negative aspects of his
adminstration -- especially when it relates to Indian Country.
I used some of the chronology from your site & other resources.
My argument is one of indian policy intent (which changed
drastically as a direct result) due to his conscious inaction
prior to the Trail of Tears & Rule of Law. Naturally that leads
to a genocide definition, a Hitler analogy, & a G W Bush
comparison.

Whether the discussion is done or not, I thought you'd like the
URL to the message thread. Note that most people attribute
Jackson with the quote regarding Justice Marshall. Some people
(including the Jackson fan) feels this is erroneous.

Anyway, whoever has followed the discussion during this week has
seen the links to your site & your book. Maybe it'll trigger some
interest in continuing education regarding Native people.

ALISON, MPA
http://philosopheforum.blogspot.com/
"Responsible Leadership Serving the Public Trust"

------------------

Hi
I receive your Newsletter and thought you might
like to know.......A new webpage I've just put up.

Saving Bear Butte:
Check it out on my site at
http://www.nikita_wiz.homestead.com/sacredgathering2006.html

Sandra Martini

------------------

From my friend Julia:


This is probably old news to you, but new to me. I work for the
government and a little while ago we were sent an email about
some historical murals, asking for opinions about preserving
them or removing them.

I understand that it is good to preserve historical works of art,
but I find these murals very disturbing, derogatory and biased.
And of all things, they SHOULDN'T be in a Federal building.

The phrases that describe the murals about American Indians are
biased too - notice each action verb. The murals depicting only
Europeans use positive or constructive words, but the Indian ones? Well
-

DANGERS of the Mail
TORTURE by the Stake
ATTACKING Station at Night
Covered Wagon ATTACKED by Indians
STEALING Horses from a Station
The Red Man TAKES the Mochilla

Also, there is one scene where it looks like Indigenous folks
are raping white women?

It's just such a one-sided view of history, and the native side
of the story is completely ignored: if someone invaded your
land, committed genocide, tried to rip your heritage and means
of survival from you, wouldn't you fight too? Anyone would
fight to protect their family, heritage and land.

Anyway, I'm mixed blood, raised in that twilight world of
somewhere between the red and white cultures - and no one
would probably guess my heritage, but I find these disturbing.
What do you think?

http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentType=GSA_OVERVIEW&contentId=18893&noc=T




------------------

From Maria TwoHeart:

(Note from Phil: You might want to read the Pasadena Police Department's
note about this e-mail at:
http://www.cityofpasadena.net/police/media/MediaReleases/HotelCardKeyUpdate.asp

They say while this might have been an issue some years ago, most hotel
no longer use this system)

HOTEL KEY CARDS - Good Information to know.

You know how, when you check out of a hotel that uses the credit
card-type room key, the clerk often will ask if you have your
key(s) to turn in ... or there is a box or slot on the Reception counter
in which to put them? It's good for the hotel because
they save money by re-using those cards. But, it's not good for
you, as revealed below:.

From the California Bureau of Investigation: "Southern California
law enforcement professionals assigned to detect new threats to personal
security issues, recently discovered what type of
information is embedded in the credit card type hotel room keys
used throughout the industry. Although room keys differ from
hotel to hotel, a key obtained from a well known hotel chain
that was being used for a regional Identity Theft Presentation
was found to contain the following the information:

a. Customers (your) name
b. Customers partial home address
c. Hotel room number
d. Check in date and check out date
e. Customer's (your) credit card number and expiration date!

When you turn them in to the front desk your personal information    is
there for any employee to access by simply scanning the card in the
hotel scanner.   An employee can take a hand full of cards home,and
using a scanning device, access the information onto a laptop computer
and go shopping at your expense.

Simply put, hotels do not erase the information on these cards
until an employee re-issues the card to the next hotel guest.
At that time, the new guest's information is electronically
"overwritten" on the card and the previous guest's information
is erased in the overwriting process. But until the card is
rewritten for the next guest , it usually is kept in a drawer
at the front desk with YOUR INFORMATION ON IT!!!!

The bottom line is:   Keep the cards, take them home with you,
or destroy them. NEVER leave them behind in the room or room
astebasket, and NEVER turn them in to the front desk when you
check out of a room. They will not charge you for the card
(it's illegal) and you'll be sure you are not leaving a lot
of valuable personal information on it that could be easily
lifted off with any simple scanning device card reader.

For the same reason, if you arrive at the airport and discover
you still have the card key in your pocket, do not toss it in
an airport trash basket.   Take it home and destroy it by
cutting it up, especially through the electronic information
strip!

Information courtesy of:
Pasadena Police Department


------------------

From my neice Marsha:


Think about them one at a time BEFORE going on to the next one.
IT DOES MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD, especially the thought at the end.

1. Falling in love.
2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.
3. A hot shower
4. No lines at the supermarket.
5. A special glance.
6. Getting mail.
7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.
8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.
11. Chocolate milkshake (or vanilla or strawberry!).
12. A bubble bath.
13. Giggling.
14. A good conversation.
15. The beach.
16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.
17. Laughing at yourself.
18. Holding a newborn baby.
19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.
20. Running through sprinklers.
21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
23. Laughing at an inside joke.
24. Friends.
25. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
26. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
27. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).
28. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
29. Playing with a new puppy.
30. Having someone play with your hair.
31. Sweet dreams.
32. Hot chocolate.
33. Road trips with friends.
34. Swinging on swings.
35. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
36 Making chocolate chip cookies.
37. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.
38. Holding hands with someone you care about.
39. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things
(good or bad) never change.
40. Watching the _expression on someone's face as they open a
much desired present from you.
41. Watching the sunrise.
42. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another
beautiful day.
43. Knowing that somebody misses you.
44. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.
45. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other
people think.



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Bits of humor:
--------------
(Some Indian-related, others are not)


From my friend Alan in Louisiana:


Once again, The Washington Post has published the winning
submissions to its yearly neologism contest, in which readers
are asked to supply alternate meanings for common words.   
The winners are:    

Coffee (n.), the person upon whom one coughs.

Flabbergasted (adj.), appalled over how much weight you have
gained.

Abdicate (v.), to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.   

Esplanade (v.), to attempt an explanation while drunk.

Negligent (adj.), describes a condition in which you
absentmindedly answer the door in your nightgown.

Lymph (v.), to walk with a lisp.

Gargoyle (n.), olive-flavored mouthwash.

Flatulence (n.) emergency vehicle that picks you up after you
are run over by a steamroller.

Balderdash (n.), a rapidly receding hairline.

Pokemon (n), a Rastafarian proctologist.

Oyster (n.), a person who sprinkles his conversation with
Yiddishisms.

Frisbeetarianism (n.), (back by popular demand): The belief that,
when you die, your Soul flies up onto the roof and gets stuck
there.

Circumvent (n.), an opening in the front of boxer shorts worn by Jewish
men.


The Washington Post's Style Invitational also asked readers to
take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting,
or changing one letter, and supply a new definition. Here are
this year's winners:


Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops
bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately,
shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.

Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the
subject financially impotent for an indefinite period.

Giraffiti (n): Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.

Sarchasm (n): The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and
the person who doesn't get it.

Inoculatte (v): To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.

Hipatitis (n): Terminal coolness.

Osteopornosis (n): A degenerate disease. (This one got extra
credit.)

Karmageddon (n): It's like, when everybody is sending off all
these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes
and it's like, a serious bummer.

Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming
only things that are good for you.

Glibido (v): All talk and no action.

Dopeler effect (n): The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter
when they come at you rapidly.

Arachnoleptic fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after
you've accidentally walked through a spider web.

Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito that gets into
your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.

Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a grub in
the fruit you're eating.

------------------

From Joseph RedCloud:


DEMOCRATIC
You have two cows.
Your neighbor has none.
You feel guilty for being successful.
Barbara Streisand sings for you.

REPUBLICAN
You have two cows.
Your neighbor has none.
So?

SOCIALIST
You have two cows.
The government takes one and gives it to your neighbor.
You form a cooperative to tell him how to manage his cow.

COMMUNIST
You have two cows.
The government seizes both and provides you with milk.
You wait in line for hours to get it.
It is expensive and sour.

CAPITALISM, AMERICAN STYLE
You have two cows.
You sell one, buy a bull, and build a herd of cows.

BUREAUCRACY, AMERICAN STYLE
You have two cows.
Under the new farm program the government pays you to shoot one,
milk the other, and then pours the milk down the drain.

AMERICAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You sell one, lease it back to yourself and do an IPO on the 2nd
one.
You force the two cows to produce the milk of four cows.

You are surprised when one cow drops dead.

You spin an announcement to the analysts stating you have
downsized and are reducing expenses.
Your stock goes up.

FRENCH CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You go on strike because you want three cows.
You go to lunch and drink wine.
Life is good.

JAPANESE CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary
cow and produce twenty times the milk.
They learn to travel on unbelievably crowded trains.
Most are at the top of their class at cow school.

GERMAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You engineer them so they are all blond, drink lots of beer, give
excellent quality milk, and run a hundred miles an hour.
Unfortunately they also demand 13 weeks of vacation per year.

ITALIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows but you don't know where they are.
While ambling around, you see a beautiful woman.
You break for lunch.
Life is good.

RUSSIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You have some vodka.
You count them and learn you have five cows.
You have some more vodka.
You count them again and learn you have 42 cows.
The Mafia shows up and takes over however many cows you really
have.

TALIBAN CORPORATION
You have all the cows in Afghanistan, which are two.
You don't milk them because you cannot touch any creature's
private parts.
You get a $40 million grant from the US government to find alternatives
to milk production but use the money to buy weapons.

IRAQI CORPORATION
You have two cows.
They go into hiding.
They send audiotapes of their mooing.

POLISH CORPORATION
You have two bulls.
Employees are regularly maimed and killed attempting to milk them.

BELGIAN CORPORATION
You have one cow.
The cow is schizophrenic.
Sometimes the cow thinks he's French, other times he's Flemish.
The Flemish cow won't share with the French cow.
The French cow wants control of the Flemish cow's milk.
The cow asks permission to be cut in half.
The cow dies happy.

FLORIDA CORPORATION
You have a black cow and a brown cow.
Everyone votes for the best looking one.
Some of the people who actually like the brown one best
accidentally vote for the black one.
Some people vote for both.
Some people vote for neither.
Some people can't figure out how to vote at all.
Finally, a bunch of guys from out-of-state tell you which one
you think is the best-looking cow.

CALIFORNIA CORPORATION
You have millions of cows.
They make real California cheese.
Only five speak English.
Most are illegal.
Arnold likes the ones with the big udders
Delete Reply Forward

------------------

Frm my friend Ed Clark (he's a bit older than me :-) )



1975: Long hair
2005: Longing for hair

1975: KEG
2005: EKG

1975: Acid rock
2005: Acid reflux

1975: Moving to California because it's cool
2005: Moving to Arizona because it's warm

1975: Trying to look like Marlon Brando or Liz Taylor
2005: Trying NOT to look like Marlon Brando or Liz Taylor

1975: Seeds and stems
2005: Roughage

1975: Hoping for a BMW
2005: Hoping for a BM

1975: Going to a new, hip joint
2005: Receiving a new hip joint

1975: Rolling Stones
2005: Kidney Stones

1975: Being called into the principal's office
2005: Calling the principal's office

1975: Screw the system
2005: Upgrade the system

1975: Disco
2005: Costco (Note from Phil: or in my case: discectomy)

1975: Passing the drivers' test
2005: Passing the vision test

1975: Whatever
2005: Depends

Just in case you weren't feeling too old today, this will
certainly change things?

The people who are started college this fall across the nation
were born in 1987.

They are too young to remember the first space shuttle blowing
up on liftoff.

Their lifetime has always included AIDS.

Bottle caps have always been screw off and plastic.

The CD was introduced the year they were born.

They have always had an answering machine.

They have always had cable.

They cannot fathom not having a remote control.

Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show.

Popcorn has always been cooked in the microwave.

They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.

They can't imagine what hard contact lenses are.

They don't know who Mork was or where he was from.

They never heard: "Where's the Beef?", "I'd walk a mile for a
Camel", or "de plane, Boss, de plane".

They do not care who shot J. R. and have no idea who J. R. even is.

McDonald's never came in Styrofoam containers.

They don't have a clue how to use a typewriter.


------------------

You Maybe a Techno-Indian if:

You have several CPU's up on blocks in your living room.

There is a satellite dish for high speed wireless on your Hud
House (insert Hogan, trailer, apt, etc)

Your wife doesn't want to hear that lame old "my server was down"
excuse anymore.

That 'hope my system doesn't crash' song is always in your head

You think a floppy disk slot crammed with tobacco and flat
cedar will somehow increase your connection speed.

At least 2 giga-bytes of pow-wow, flute, Joy Harjo, hand game,
traditional, Indigenous, Ulali music, etc are in your mp3 files

You send aaaayyyyyymail.

Three Words: pirated native Jpegs

Your mail address is DancesWi-@hotmail.com.

AOl will no longer cash your per-cap checks.

Googling Fry Bread Recipes or Tribes is a usual event

Before you attend a powwow, you need to check its website first.

Your mouse is coated with frybread grease.

Had a petition to get your council to install wireless nodes
around the rez

You ask chicks for their email address at gatherings.

If you are on dial and up use the connect time to braid your hair every
morning

Your password is something about your tribe or something in your
language

Trying to create a laser pointer to use with your power point
that you control with your lips (or chin depending on where
you are from)

You have a beaded zip drive.

Bookmarks include ICT, Tribal Website, or an online bead store

Head to mapquest before the next tournament

You know what .nsn means

You know a hard drive isn't just the road home from the 49!

SPAM list includes annoying pseudo-Indian 'trading post's'

Knowing that smudging your disk drive may help

Any of the following dangling from or resting on your monitor: Feather,
beads, pictures of brown people, url for a site that
can help you find a native date, fetish, special token, dried
meat or fish.

------------------

Fry Bread Funny


Ordering NDN Tacos in 2020


Operator: Thank you for calling Fry Bread Hut. May I have your
Tribal enrollment number and national ID number?

Customer: Hi, I'd like to place an order.

Operator: I must have your CIB and NIDN numbers first, sir.

Customer: My CIB number, yeah, hold on....it's 3487 and my
National ID Number, eh, it's 6102049998-45-54610.

Operator: Thank you, Mr. Smith. I see you live at Coppermine Road
Drive, with a home phone number of 494-2366 and a cell number of
266-2566. Currently you are employed by Farmer's Insurance and
can be reached via your work number at 745-2302. Your email
address is sheeph-@home.net . Which number are you calling from sir?

Customer: Huh? I'm at home. Where'd you get all this information?

Operator: We're wired into the SSA, sir.

Customer: The SSA, what is that?

Operator: We're wired into the Social Security Administration, sir.
This will add only 15 seconds to your ordering time.

Customer: (sighs) Oh well, I'd like to order a couple of your
All-Meat Special Navajo Tacos.

Operator: I don't think that's a good idea, sir.

Customer: Whaddya mean?

Operator: Sir, your medical records at IHS and commode sensors indicate
that you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure and extremely high
cholesterol. Your National Health Care provider
won't allow such an unhealthy choice.

Customer: What?!?! What do you recommend, then?

Operator: You might try our low-fat Soybean Navajo Taco. I'm sure
you'll like it.

Customer: What makes you think I'd like something like that?

Operator: Well, you checked out 'Gourmet Soybean Recipes' from your
local library last week, sir. That's why I made the suggestion.

Customer: All right, all right. Give me two family-sized ones, then....

Operator: That should be plenty for you, your wife and your four
kids. Your total is $49.99.

Customer: Hang on, let me give you my credit card number.

Operator: I'm sorry sir, but I'm afraid you'll have to pay in cash.
Your credit card balance is over its limit.

Customer: I'll run over to the ATM and get some cash before your driver
gets here.

Operator: That won't work either, sir. Your checking account is
overdrawn also.

Customer: Never mind! Just send the Navajo Tacos. I'll have the cash
ready. How long will it take?

Operator: We're running a little behind, sir. It'll be about 45
minutes. If you're in a hurry you might want to pick them up while
you're out getting the cash, but then again, carrying tacos on a
motorcycle can be a little awkward.

Customer: Wait! How do you know I ride a motorcycle?

Operator: It says here you fell behind on your car payments, so
your car was repossessed. But your Harley's paid for and you just filled
the tank yesterday.

Customer: Well, I'll be #%#&$%!!!

Operator: I'd advise watching your language, sir. You've already
been issued a citation for cursing a Navajo PD officer. The
citation is dated July 4, 2019. You were issued another citation
for cursing a tribal judge during your hearing and subsequently
sentenced. Your records indicate that you've just been released
from a 90 day sentence in the State Correctional Facility. Is
this your first Navajo taco since your return to society?

Customer: (speechless)

Operator: Will there be anything else, sir?

Customer: Yes, I have a coupon for a free 2 liter of Coke.

Operator: I'm sorry sir, but if you read the fine print, you will
find that our company is prohibited from redeeming free soda
coupons for borderline diabetics. Thank you for calling Fry
Bread Hut.


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Here are some random historical events:


February 1, 1876: The Secretary of the Interior advises
the Secretary of War that any Indians who have not returned
to their reservations, now are under his jurisdiction. The
army can use any means to deal with the "hostiles.” This
primarily involves the plains Indians.

February 2, 1848: The Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty is signed.
It is the policy of the United States, in keeping with
treaty (9 SAT. 929) understanding and long established
custom, to provide certain necessary services and facilities
to Native American Indians.


February 3, 456: Maya King of Tikal (Guatemala) Siyaj Chan
K'awill II (Stormy Sky) dies according to Maya stele carvings     

You can see photos of Tikal on my website at:
http://americanindian.net/mexico20.html


February 4, 1829: Mississippi’s House of Representatives
passes a law to “extend legal process into that part of
the state now occupied by the Chickasaw and Choctaw tribes
of Indians.”


February 5, 1847: The rebel Pueblo Indians, and Mexicans,
of Taos surrender to General Sterling Price. They hand
over rebel leader Pablo Montoya. He is tried, and shot
on February 7, 1847.


February 6, 1682: Rene Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle,
and a force of twenty-two French and thirty-one Indians reach
the juncture of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. La Salle
then sails down the Mississippi to see if it empties into the
Gulf of Mexico. The expedition contacts many Indian tribes
along the way. Based on this expedition, La Salle claims the Mississippi
Valley, and Louisiana, for the French. La Salle
reaches the Gulf of Mexico on April 9, 1682.     


February 7, 1778: According to some sources, Daniel Boone
is captured by Shawnee warriors under Chief Blackfish near
the “Blue Licks” in Kentucky while making salt.


February 8, 1975: An election for amendments to the
Constitution of the Papago (Tohono O’odham) is held.
Of the 3,251 eligible voters, 1521 for the amendments,
690 vote against.


February 9, 1870: Louis Riel (fil) is elected President of
the Metis.


February 10, 1676: The Narragansetts attack Lancaster,
Massachusetts. This battle in ‘King Philip's War’ kills
fifty settlers. Twenty-four whites are taken prisoner. One
of the prisoners, Mary Rowlandson, escapes. She writes a
bestseller about her ordeal. Mary Rowlandson's "narrative"
is the first in a series of "true-life" stories published
by Indian captives. Participating in the raid is Chief
Quinnapin.


February 11, 1828: John Tipton, representing the United
States, and members of the Eel River Band of the Miami
Indians sign a treaty (7 stat. 309). Called the "Treaty
of Wyandot Village,” the Indians move to a reservation
and give up lands along Sugartree Creek. They receive
$10,000 in supplies.


February 12, 1848: As a part of the efforts to fight the
Cayuse who attacked the Whitman Mission in Oregon Country,
soldiers and militia have been reporting to The Dalles.
By today, 537 men have arrived.


February 13, 1684: According to some sources, an agreement
is reached by representatives of the Cusabu Indians for
the South Carolina colonies to acquire some land.


February 14, 1756: Several Delaware attack settlers in Berks
County, Pennsylvania. A dozen settlers, including six children,
are killed. Two of the settlers killed are young women,
sisters, who had a premonition of evil tidings the previous
day. One of the sisters dies in her father's arms when he
finds her in his burned farm.


February 15, 1805: A Mandan Chief is snowblinded according
to Lewis and Clark.


February 16, 1922: President Warren Harding issues an
Executive Order which will "withdraw from settlement,
entry, sale or other disposition" approximately 386.85
acres of Zia Pueblo Indian lands in New Mexico, until
March 5, 1924. This order replaces Order Number 3351
issued on November 6, 1920.


February 17, 1792: An addenda is made to the Holston River
Treaty. Payment for ceded land go from $1000 to $1500,
annually. The new treaty is signed in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania by six Cherokees, including Bloody Fellow. As
a part of the ceremony. President Washington gives Bloody
Fellow the new name of Iskagua (Clear Sky).


February 18, 1861: The Arapaho and Cheyenne sign a treaty
(12 stat. 1163) at Fort Wise in southeastern Colorado. The
United States is represented by Albert Boone and F.B. Culver.
It establishes a reservation bounded by Sand Creek and the
Arkansas River. The Indians think it allows them the right
to hunt freely outside of the reservation, but the treaty
contains no such clause. Only six of the forty-four Cheyenne
Chiefs are present to sign, Black Kettle being one. Other
than the Indians who sign on this date, no others ever
sign it. The validity of the treaty is contested for a long
time. The fort is renamed Fort Lyon.


February 19, 1889: Gabriel Dumont is a Metis Chief. He
actively participates in the Riel Rebellion. He receives
a government pardon for those actions.


February 20, 1863: Cherokee Chief John Ross has been arrested
by Union forces and taken to Washington, D.C. In the interim,
Stand Watie has been elected tribal chief at the First
Confederate Cherokee Conference. At Cow Skin Prairie,
Cherokees loyal to John Ross, revoked the treaty with the
South and pledged loyalty to the Union. They remove
Confederates from office, emancipate


February 21, 1861: The rich members of the Navajo tribe
(called the "Rico" leaders) meet with Colonel Edward Canby
at the new Fort Fauntleroy, in western New Mexico. The meeting included
such leaders as Manuelito, Delgadito, Armijo,
Barboncito, and Herrero Grande. During the meeting, ,
the Navajos choose Herrero Grande as the Head Chief of the
Navajos. The parley leads to a "treaty" where the Navajos
promised to live in peace with their non-Indian neighbors.
The fort later is renamed Fort Lyon, and then Fort Wingate.


February 22, 1637: Lieutenant Lion Gardiner is commander
of some of the forces at Fort Saybrook, Connecticut. He
leads some men out to get rid of the undergrowth which
might hide approaching Indians. They are attacked by Pequots.
Two of the settlers are killed in the fighting.


February 23, 1832: Chickasaw Chief Levi Colbert tells
President Jackson the Chickasaw are agreed to the removal
to Indian Territory (present day Oklahoma). He informs
the President they cannot reach an agreement with the
Choctaws on sharing lands, so the provisional treaty of
September 1, 1830 is void.


February 24, 1831: The Choctaw Dancing Rabbit Creek treaty
(11 Stat., 537) is ratified by the U.S. Senate. The Choctaws
leave Mississippi for Indian Territory (present day Oklahoma).
While many Choctaws are opposed to the treaty, they lack
organization. It is publicly proclaimed on May 26, 1831.


February 25, 1643: For the last two years there have been
several incidents sparked by both Indians and settlers which
have led to bloodshed in the area around modern New York
City. Presently, the only Indians in the area are some
peaceful Indians seeking refuge from the Mohawks. Through
tomorrow, New Amsterdam citizens, with the approval of
Dutch Director Kieft, and led by Maryn Adriaensen, attack
a peaceful Wecquaesgeek village at Corlaer's Hook near
the Pavonia settlements (near modern Jersey City). The
Dutch soldiers kill not only the warriors, but all of the
eighty Indians in the camp, including women and children.
This fight becomes known as the "Pavonia Massacre," and
it incites numerous reprisals. Adriaensen is exiled to
Holland for three years as punishment for leading the
attack when the population learns of the fight. He will
return, and receive a land grant from Director Kieft,
three years later. Some accounts say only thirty Indians
are killed.


February 26, 1881: According to Army records, 325 Sioux,
believed to be primarily from Sitting Bull's camp, surrender
to Major David Brotherton, Seventh infantry, at Fort
Buford, near the North Dakota-Montana line. 150 horses,
and forty guns are turned in by the Indians.

You can see pictures of Ft. Buford on my website at:
http://americanindian.net/2003u.html


February 27, 1754: In a letter to Pennsylvania Governor
James Hamilton, the Pennsylvania Assembly assails the
European traders cheating the local Indians. The traders
are equated with the worst of European criminals.


February 28, 1704: Today, through tomorrow, in what is the
first American battle in "Queen Anne's War,” Deerfield, in
central Massachusetts, is attacked by Indians and French
under Major Hertel de Rouville. Of the almost 300 inhabitants, different
historical accounts show between forty-seven and
fifty-six are killed, and as many as 180 people taken prisoner.   


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That's it for now.

Have a great month.

Phil Konstantin
http://americanindian.net


====================================================================
End of Phil Konstantin's February 2006 Newsletter - Part 1
====================================================================
.
.
.
..
.
.
============================================================
Start of Phil Konstantin's February 2006 Newsletter - Part 2
============================================================

Greetings,

Here is Part 2 of this month's newsletter.

We have had some unusual weather here in San Diego. Several
times recently we have set record high temperatures. Then it
will get cold again. It is raining right now. San Diego does
not get much rain. That & the warmer temperatures is some of
what makes the climate here so desirable. Then again, the
local mountains get snow and ice every year. It makes for
an interesting mix.

My youngest daughter, Sarah, has had arthritis for many
years. She is only 24. We will both be participating in
the "San Diego 2006 Walk For Arthritis" to raise money
money for the Arthritis Foundation. The Arthritis Foundation
is the only national not-for-profit organization that
supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related
conditions with advocacy, programs, services and research.
Sarah is trying to raise $500. Literally, if each of you were
to donate only $1, she could raise twice that. If you can afford
to donate $1 (or more), please visit the website below. You
donation is tax-deductable.


https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=156795&lis=1&kntae156795=502A8EC3FF5040C196756BAFC874AB46&supId=116002317


(You may have to copy & then paste the address into your browser)

Thanks!

Phil

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Interesting websites:
---------------------


Advocates for Indigenous California Language Survival
http://www.aicls.org/

California Peoples Message Board
http://groups.msn.com/BayAreaIndianCalendar/capeoples.msnw?action=get_threads


Joseph RedCloud sent this interesting link for a wake for a
native warrior
http://multimedia.rockymountainnews.com/slideshow/slideshow.cfm?type=DEFAULT&ID=012006lundstrom&NUM=1


Birthday Calculator:
http://www.paulsadowski.com/birthday.asp

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Here are some recent news articles:
-----------------------------------

Her Life Belongs to the Land
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/columnone/la-na-whitesinger4feb04,0,2570151.story?coll=la-headlines-columnone


South Carolina recognizes tribes
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412408

Urban health program funding euthanized
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412479

Early California was Native American killing field
http://www.kumeyaay.com/news/news_detail.html?id=3673

State audit finds little oversight of Indian Education
Centers
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20060208-0019-ca-indianeducationaudit.html


Students break bread with history - *Newport fourth-graders
go native in food-based project to study colonial life on
California's early 19th century missions.
http://www.dailypilot.com/education/story/37974p-56318c.html

Sundance features Native filmmakers
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412419

Healing the wounds: Can schools win back the trust of Native Americans?
http://www.cta.org/CaliforniaEducator/v10i4/Feature_1.htm

Tying worlds together with a loincloth
http://www.kumeyaay.com/news/news_detail.html?id=3661

New film shows Lewis and Clark's impact on Nez Perce
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412413

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act
Impedes Scientific Progress
http://i-newswire.com/pr56727.html

Native Cooking
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412412

Acoma Unbounded Workshop Series Starts Feb 28
http://www.gallupindependent.com/2006/feb/021406wrshpsrs.html

'The New World' offered casting challenges
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412409

The Arizona Site Steward Program's Efforts to Preserve Sites
in the San Tan Mountains
http://www.azcentral.com/community/gilbert/articles/0214gr-parkvolunteerZ12.html


Running down through the centuries: The Hopi way
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412461

Tribal youth program is helping students boost grades
http://www.lahontanvalleynews.com/article/20060215/News/102150010/-1/NEWS


Celebrating Tohono O'odham life at the Wapkial Ha:Tas
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412458

Connections to the Grand Canyon
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412456

Tohono O'odham face a complex struggle
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412454

Native Group Takes Land Dispute to UN
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=31919

Nez Perce Tribe opposes Idaho's plan to kill wolves to help elk
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412444

Alert – Re:Brooke ‘Medicine Eagle’ Edwards - Abuse and
Exploitation of American Indian Sacred Traditions
http://www.sonomacountyfreepress.com/features/brooke-edwards.html

Navajo take a sovereign stand against latest uranium scramble
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412444

Fake Indian arts, crafts prompt New Mexico plan to certify
authentic work
http://www.kobtv.com/index.cfm?viewer=storyviewer&id=24243&cat=CONSUMER

Indian-specific reductions draw criticism
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412481

The Sociolinguistics of the 'S- Word': 'Squaw' in American
Placenames
http://mytwobeadsworth.com/S-word106.html

Interior ordered to pay Cobell lawyers
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412433

Arizona Health Officials Urge Caution About Hantavirus
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/news/local/021306a10_hantavirus

Mixed-blood Utes lose termination lawsuit
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412397

Former Colorado Deputy Investigated for Archaeological Vandalism
http://www.gazette.com/display.php?id=1314732

Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl speaks about Native issues
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412452

Fight against terror is a latter day edition of Indian wars
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2006/02/05/ING9QH1AJT1.DTL


Corn, Beans and Squash, an Enduring Trinity:
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412457

Problem coyotes a touchy subject at Indian Colony
http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060205/NEWS10/602050350/1016/NEWS



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Articles:
----------


Fakers and phonies and frauds, egad: There ought to be a law    

by: Suzan Shown Harjo

Another Indian impersonator is unmasked: Nasdijj, who
masqueraded as a Navajo and made a pile of money from
best-selling books about his life as a poor reservation
kid with an alcoholic mother.

It turns out that Nasdijj is a very white man with some
very dark secrets. He really is Tim Barrus of North
Carolina. He did not grow up on or near any Indian
territory. Neither parent is Navajo or Indian of any
nation. His mother was not a drunken Navajo.

At the very least, Barrus and his promoters owe all
Navajo people, especially the women, an apology.

Nasdijj's true identity was exposed by Matthew Fleischer
in an extensive article in LA Weekly's Jan. 25 issue,
''Navahoax,'' which asked the question: ''Did a
struggling white writer of gay erotica become one of
multicultural literature's most celebrated memoirists
- by passing himself off as Native American?''

The Nasdijj expose hit the stands the day before Oprah
Winfrey's grilling of author James Frey about
misrepresentations in his memoir. In less than one week,
Random House's Ballantine imprint announced it would
cease shipping Nasdijj's ''Geronimo's Bones'' and ''The
Boy and the Dog are Sleeping.''

Nasdijj was the darling of publishing for a hot minute.
He won a prestigious award intended for Native writers.
Critics heaped praise on his writing; one called it
''achingly honest.''

Native people who read Nasdijj's work did not believe
he was a Native writer because there was nothing
familiar about the content. Non-Natives embraced his
work because of its familiarity - it ''derives its
special power from his ability to capture the universal
emotions that we all share,'' as one book cover put it.

It is this very familiarity that allows pseudo-Indians
to rise so far so fast in circles controlled by
non-Indians. They write with what non-Indian reviewers
like to call ''universal appeal,'' meaning that they
appeal to other non-Indians because they are non-Indian.

Once these pseudo-Indians are revealed as the non-Indians
they actually are, many of their enablers continue to
support them, even chiding those who have brought the
hoax to light as mean-spirited, small-minded or jealous.

And what happens to the posers? Like actors who've
deep-ended in their roles, they either hold on to their
fictionalized personae until the laughing dies down and
then adopt a ''so what'' attitude - so what if I'm not
actually an Indian? I'm now an Indian expert by virtue
of having portrayed an Indian - or they shift into
another shape to please a new audience.

And what happens to all the damage they caused and the
money they made and the accolades they garnered under
false pretenses? They abscond with the money and goods
and leave the mess for the people they pretended to be.

The pseudo-Indians should not be held harmless. They
should be made to pay. There ought to be a law, you
say? I couldn't agree more.

During the hearings in the 1980s on amendments to the
Indian Arts and Crafts Act, I testified on behalf of
the National Congress of American Indians that Congress
should establish a new law that would authorize a tribe
to bring a federal action against those who profit from
false claims that they are people of that tribe.

And what about people who don't profit from their false
Indian identities? This is not the norm. In the vast
majority of these cases, the non-Indians are pretending
to be Indians for profit of some kind - for tenure, a
job, a book contract, a record deal, a movie role. Look
into the eyes of a pseudo-Indian and you see gold.

A new cause of action for Native nations should be more
than a cease and desist order. Budding pseudo-Indians
should know that there are potential consequences for
identity theft.

There should be a law for Navajo Nation to sue Barrus
for the profits he made while committing the crime of
stealing tribal identity.

There already are ways for Native writers, who were
finalists for the Native writing award that the Poets,
Essayists and Novelists organization bestowed on Barrus,
to seek redress. Both Barrus and PEN should hope that
the snubbed writers don't use those laws to recover damages.

Some Native nations might not want to engage these
fakers. Some may not consider this offense against
Native people to be offensive; perhaps the same ones
who think that the mascoting of their tribal identities
and heroes is not a problem. So, they wouldn't sue the
pseudos.

Other tribes could exact some of the profits the pseudos
made off their good names and reputations, and could
provide time in the slammer for the offenders to reflect
on their next career moves.

Here are four ways Congress could legislate to address
this problem.

First, enact a statutory cause of action for Native
nations to pursue impostors across state lines, try
them in tribal courts and impose triple damages against
those found to be guilty. These are offenses against a
particular people, who should have the authority to do
something about them. This authority does not exist
under current law.

Second, amend the Indian Arts and Crafts Act to include
all artists, including but not limited to writers,
dancers, singers, actors and curators. The law now covers
only visual artists. When its penalties were increased
more than 15 years ago, many pseudo-Indians traded their
visual art careers for writing and curating careers,
and continue to vex Native peoples.

Third, amend the Federal Trade Commission's Indian arts
and crafts statute to include all arts marketed to the
public. The FTC pursues these cases as consumer fraud
and encourages arts and crafts outlets to clearly mark
products as Native-made and non-Native made.

Bookstores do not differentiate between books written by
Native people and those whose authors are not Native.
Anyone can write about anything they want, but the public
should be informed about which books are in a Native
person's voice and experience, and which are not.

Fourth, enact an updated version of the pseudo-Indian
act, which was first introduced in 1933, as part of the
Indian Reorganization Act package. The bill would have
made it a ''crime to represent one's self to be an
Indian, and providing punishment therefore.'' Its
language was simple and direct:

''It shall be unlawful for any person other than an
Indian to represent himself to be an Indian for the
purpose of obtaining employment or any contract for
the rendition of services, or of obtaining pecuniary or
other assistances, or of securing to himself or to any
other person any of the privileges or benefits conferred
by law upon Indians. Any person violating the provisions
of this Act shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined
not more than $2,000 or imprisoned for not longer than
one year, or both.''

Congress needs to enact new authorities and to remove
present restrictions against tribes acting on their own
in these areas. Congress also needs to exercise its
oversight responsibilities and let the federal agencies
know that this is a priority, and to provide monies
to enforce existing laws.

Congressional members and staffers know what to do to
properly address the Barruses who perpetuate a fraud
on Native and non-Native people. The question is: Why
don't they do it?

Suzan Shown Harjo, Cheyenne and Hodulgee Muscogee, is
president of the Morning Star Institute in Washington,
D.C., and a columnist for Indian Country Today.


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Notices & E-mail from subscribers, et. al
(Again, I do not vouch for the matters below. I am just
passing them along. Use your best judgement before you
participate in anything.)
-------------------------------



School Groups Wanted for Newspaper Career Workshop

VERMILLION, S.D.—Organizers of the Native American
Journalism Career Conference are accepting applications
from Native American high school or college groups for
the 7th annual workshop at the Crazy Horse Memorial in
South Dakota.

Teachers and advisers interested in organizing student
groups to attend the conference April 18-20, 2006, must
register by April 1.

Native students will be introduced to the basics of
journalism by more than 20 experienced NAJA members
and other Native and non-Native journalists from around
the country. Lodging, meals and conference participation
are free to students and their teachers and advisers.

More than 600 high school and college students have
attended the conference, sponsored by NAJA, the Freedom
Forum, the South Dakota Newspaper Association, Crazy
Horse Memorial Foundation, and the journalism
departments of South Dakota State University and the
University of South Dakota.

Al Neuharth, South Dakota native and founder of USA
Today and the Freedom Forum, will speak on April 18.

“Native Americans are the most underrepresented group
in newspaper newsrooms. We are working to change that
by inviting Native students to consider journalism
careers,� said Jack Marsh, executive director of the
Freedom Forum’s Al Neuharth Media Center, one of the
conference sponsors. “Improving employment diversity
is a priority of the Freedom Forum. News coverage will
be fairer and richer with the addition of these new
voices.�

For more information, contact Janine Harris at the Freedom
Forum at 605-677-5424 or jhar-@freedomforum.org.
More information can be seen at www.crazyhorse.org.


-----------------

This comes from Mary Rose. if you know the answer,
please contact her directly.

Mr. Konstantin:

I am interested in locating the specific wording on the
sign dedicated to the memory of Chief Crazy Horse at the
intersection of the Big Foot Trail and US 18 on the Pine
Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.   In my research, I
came across your website which included photos of the
memorial. I would greatly appreciate any help you could
provide as to where I should direct my search. Thank
you very much for your time and I look forward to
hearing from you.

I can be reached at (mrb-@comcast.net).
Sincerely,

Mary Rose

---------------

From: "Black Mesa Indigenous Support"
       blackm-@democracyinaction.org
Date: Wed, February 15, 2006 11:23

STOP FORCED RELOCATION ON BIG MOUNTAIN, BLACK MESA, AZ.
TARGETED NAVAJO COMMUNITIES SAY THAT NOW IS THE TIME TO
TAKE ACTION!
Please take a moment to read and FAX this letter today.

Dear Friends of the Indigenous Peoples of Big Mountain,
Black Mesa, AZ,

Something critical is about to happen concerning the
traditional communities on Big Mountain and surrounding
areas on Black Mesa. Today, more than 30 years after the
passage of Public Law 93 - 531, the original Navajo-Hopi
Relocation bill, a new bill is before Congress that sets
a new timetable for the forced relocation of a number
of Navajo families on Black Mesa. Senate bill S. 1003
"The Navajo Hopi Land Settlement Act Amendments of 2005"
is now on the Senate Calendar and may be passed at
anytime without debate or serious consideration unless
the public acts now. The last major relocation bill
was approved by the Senate within a month after being
placed on the Senate Calendar and stayed in the House of
Representatives less than a week before becoming law.
It's difficult to convey the serious nature of these new
developments. The passage of this bill would effectively
devastate these traditional communities of Navajo, or
Dineh, stripping them of their identity and way of life
which is tied into the land itself.

Native people's lives and livelihoods are on the line!

This bill will permanently displace the indigenous families
of Big Mountain and surrounding communities on Black Mesa
from their ancestral lands and will relieve the federal
government of any further responsibility for the relocated
people. S. 1003, sponsored by Senator John McCain (R-AZ),
comes as Peabody Coal, the world's largest coal company,
is planning to expand its strip mining of American Indian
lands, drawing down a high-quality residential aquifer
in the process. Only one thing stands in Peabody's way:
indigenous people live on the land below which lies
billions of tons of low-sulfur coal. As with their
ancestors, the land is the basis for the Black Mesa
people's traditions, spirituality, and livelihoods.

There is still time to act!

S 1003 may pass the Senate and the House of Representatives
within the next few weeks. Senate Bill 1003 may become
law anytime now once again starting the machine of
forced relocation. But fortunately, a small window of
opportunity exists to stop it. It must first pass the
Senate so the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and your
Senator must hear your voices today. The indigenous
families from the Big Mountain and Black Mesa
communities have not been represented in this process.

It's up to us the public and the international community
to demand that Congress educate themselves before they
vote. After passing the earlier relocation act, PL 93-531,
in 1974, several Senators expressed misgivings about
the law, but it was too late. We cannot allow this to
happen again. The people of Big Mountain are asking us
to jump in and shake up the political landscape. Our
outcry may be their only hope.
We must tell those who would once again sell out the
people and the land that there will be a political price
to pay. It's easy to make decisions from afar if you
never risk meeting the people who will be affected.
Demand that Congress listen to the people. Maybe it is
possible to reach their hearts.

In an era of transnational corporate dominance, the
methods of separating indigenous peoples from their
land and natural resources have outstripped the ability
of any agency or nongovernmental organization to monitor
or regulate. The importance of building alliances cannot
be stressed enough. The elders of Big Mountain such as
Roberta Blackgoat have shown us the way to the survival
of our planet and the danger to us all if sacred lands
are destroyed, warning us of what is now happening long
before global warming and gaia became common words. The
people of Big Mountain can not win this fight alone and
need the support of all people who love justice, human
rights, and the earth.

Please join us, and ask your friends and family to do the
same. Click on the following link:
http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/blackmesais/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=2552


Thank you and Peace,

Black Mesa Indigenous Support

---------------

Wounded Knee memorial planned
http://www.koh-teh.com/woundedknee/

---------------

The Department of Energy's Student Diversity Partnership
Program is offering summer internships to students attending
minority educational institutions, including Tribal Colleges
and Universities. Students must be currently and must have
accumulated at least 24 semester hours by summer of 2006.
The Department is interested in sponsoring students from all
majors; however, we have a high demand for the physical and
social sciences, and business majors.

To be considered for the 2006 summer program, applications
must be postmarked by February 17, 2006.

For eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit
http://www.sdpp.org/ to download an application or contact
Annie Whatley (202) 586-0281 or Annie. Whatley @ hq. doe. gov

---------------

Celebrate the Power of Giving - Celebrate the Strength of Health

San Diego American Indian Health Center is hosting a Banquet
and Silent Auction @ Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino Creek Ballroom
1932 Wildcat Canyon Road
Lakeside CA 92040

Saturday, March 4, 2006 - 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Music and Dancing featuring The Orbitz
Tickets $35 per person
Table of Eight $280

RSVP by February 20, 2006
(619) 234-2158 ext 123
Email Karen.-@sdaihc.com

SPONSORED BY BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

---------------

Darlene Lee sent this:

TRUDELL OPENS IN THEATERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY!!
This is a movie about a great person......his life story,
trials and tragedies throughout his life. He is very wise,
talented and loyal to his people. If you can, see it with an
open mind and compassion. Be aware that this is not about
American history.........it is the simple truth.

2/24/06 Quad Cinemas - New York NY (JOHN TRUDELL & HEATHER RAE PRESENT
FOR OPENING WEEKEND)
2/26/06 - 2/27/06 Gene Siskel Film Center - Chicago IL
3/3/06   Starz Fim Center - Denver CO
3/9/06 - 3/12/06 Oklahoma City MFA - Oklahoma City OK
3/10/06 Coolidge Corner Theatre - Boston MA
3/10/06 Laemmle Theatres - Los Angeles CA - (JOHN TRUDELL &
HEATHER RAE PRESENT FOR OPENING WEEKEND)
3/17/06 Guild Cinema - Albuquerque NM
3/24/06 Loft Cinema - Tuscon AZ   (JOHN TRUDELL & HEATHER RAE
PRESENT FOR OPENING WEEKEND)
3/25/06 Native American Film Fest Keene NH
3/31/06 Fountain Theatre - Las Cruces NM
4/02/06 Alamo Downtown � Austin TX
4/6/06 - 4/11/06 Ashland Film Festival Ashland OR

STILL PENDING...
3/10/06 Hollywood Theatre - Portland OR
3/24/06 Pickford Cinema - Bellingham WA
3/24/06 Central Cinema - Seattle WA
3/31/06 Bell Auditorium - Minneapolis MN

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My cousin, Sally Gill, saw the movie "End Of The Spear" and
was impressed. I saw the original documentary "Beyond the
Gates of Splendor." It is about the death of some Christian
missionaries at the hands of some indigenous people (Waodani)
in Equador in the 1956.

Here are two reviews.

End of the Spear' shoots ... and misses
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412411

End of the spear by Cal Thomas
http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/calthomas/2006/01/18/182755.html

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In the last newsletter, I mentioned an online blog by Alison.
Here is the direct link to that website:
http://www.mydd.com/comments/2006/2/1/17268/65933/23#23

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Some humor & interesting stories:
---------------------------------

My good friend Haylee sent this:


Some people say this was written by Andy Rooney from 60 Minutes.
Others say it is a spoof. Either way, it is interesting...

As I grow in age, I value women who are over 40 most of all.
Here are just a few reasons why........

A woman over 40 will never wake you in the middle of the night
to ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.

If a woman over 40 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't
sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do.
And, it's usually something more interesting.

Women over 40 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match
with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant.

Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you,
if they think they can get away with it.

Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They
know what it's like to be unappreciated.

Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your
sins to a woman over 40.

Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 40 is far
sexier than her younger counterpart.

Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right
off if you are a jerk or if you are acting like one!

You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons.

Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart,
well-coiffed hot woman of 40+, there is a bald, paunchy relic
in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year-old waitress.

Ladies, I apologize.

For all those men who say, "Why buy the cow when you can get
the milk for free". Here's an update for you: Nowadays, 80%
of women are against marriage, why? Because women realize
it's not worth buying an entire pig, just to get a little
sausage.

--------------

My friend Alan sent me this story:
(I love these kinds of stories & wish more of life & people
was this way. I know the story has a special meaning for Alan.)


At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves
learning-disabled children, the father of one of the students
delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who
attended.

After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered
a question.

"When not interfered with by outside influences, everything
nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot
learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things
as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in
my son?"

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. "I believe, that when a child like
Shay comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true
human nature presents itself, and it comes, in the way
other people treat that child."

Then he told the following story: Shay and his father had
walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing
baseball.

Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?"

Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want
someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood
that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a
much-needed sense of belonging.

Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and
asked if Shay could play.

The boy looked around for guidance and, getting none, he took
matters into his own hands and said, "We're losing by six
runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be
on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth
inning."

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few
runs but was still behind by three.

In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played
in the outfield.

Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic
just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to
ear as his father waved to him from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.
Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning
run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, let Shay bat and give away their chance to
win the game?

Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a
hit was all but impossible 'cause Shay didn't even know how
to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However , as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher moved
in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at
least be able to make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The
pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball
softly towards Shay.

As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow
ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have
easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have
been out and that would have been the end of the game.

Instead, the pitcher took the ball and turned and threw the
ball on a high arc to right field, far beyond the reach of
the first baseman. Everyone started yelling, "Shay, run to
first! Run to first!"

Never in his life had Shay ever made it to first base. He
scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.

Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!"

By the time Shay rounded first base, the right fielder had
the ball.

He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the
tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions and
intentionally threw the ball high and far over the
third-baseman's head.

Shay ran toward second base as the runners ahead of him
deliriously circled the bases toward home.

Shay reached second base, the opposing shortstop ran to him,
turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted,
"Run to third!"

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams were
screaming, "Shay, run home!"

Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as
the hero who hit the "grand slam" and won the game for his
team.

"That day," said the father softly with tears now rolling
down his face, "the boys from both teams helped bring a piece
of true love and humanity into this world."

--------------

My mother sent me this.....



North vs. South     

The North has coffee houses,
The South has Waffle Houses

The North has dating services,
The South has family reunions.
The North has switchblade knives,
The South has Lee Press-on Nails

The North has double last names,
The South has double first names.

The North has Indy car races,
The South has stock car races.

The North has Cream of Wheat,
The South has grits.

The North has green salads,
The South has collard greens.

The North has lobsters,
The South has crawfish.

The North has the rust belt,
The South has the Bible Belt.

FOR NORTHERNERS MOVING SOUTH . . .

In the South: If you run your car into a ditch,
don't panic. Four men in a four-wheel drive pickup
truck with a tow chain will be along shortly.
Don't try to help them, just stay out of their way.
This is what they live for.

Don't be surprised to find movie rentals and bait in
the same store....do not buy food at this store.

Remember, "y'all" is singular, "all y'all" is
plural, and "all y'all's" is plural possessive.

Get used to hearing "You ain't from round here, are ya?".

Save all manner of bacon grease. You will be
instructed later on how to use it.

Don't be worried at not understanding what people
are saying. They can't understand you either. The
first Southern statement to creep into a
transplanted Northerner's vocabulary is the
adjective "big'ol," truck or big'ol" boy. Most
Northerners begin their Southern-influenced dialect
this way. All of them are in denial about it.

The proper pronunciation you learned in school is no
longer proper.

Be advised that "He needed killin" is a valid
defense here.

If you hear a Southerner exclaim, "Hey, y'all, watch
this," you should stay out of the way. These are
likely to be the last words he'll ever say.

If there is the prediction of the slightest chance
of even the smallest accumulation of snow, your
presence is required at the local grocery store. It
doesn't matter whether you need anything or not. You
just have to go there.

Do not be surprised to find that 10-year olds own
their own shotguns, they are proficient marksmen,
and their mammas taught them how to aim

In the South, we have found that the best way to
grow a lush green lawn is to pour gravel on it and
call it a driveway.

AND REMEMBER: If you do settle in the South and bear
children, don't think we will accept them as
Southerners. After all, if the cat had kittens in
the oven, we wouldn't call 'em biscuits.

Send this to four people that ain't related to you,
and I reckon your life will turn into a country
music song 'fore you know it.

Your kin would get a kick out of it too !.


--------------

My friend Joanna sent this:



How many dogs does it take to change a light bulb?

1. Golden Retriever: The sun is shining, the day is young,
we've got our whole lives ahead of us, and you're inside
worrying about a stupid burned out bulb?

2. Border Collie: Just one. And then I'll replace any wiring
that's not up to code.

3. Dachshund: You know I can't reach that stupid lamp!

4. Rottweiler: Make me.

5. Boxer: Who cares? I can still play with my squeaky toys
in the dark.

6. Lab: Oh, me, me!!!!! Pleeeeeeeeeze let me change the
light bulb! Can I? Can I? Huh? Huh? Huh? Can I?
Pleeeeeeeeeze, please, please, please!

7. German Shepherd: I'll change it as soon as I've led
these people from the dark, check to make sure I haven't
missed any, and make just one more perimeter patrol to
see that no one has tried to take advantage of the situation.

8. Jack Russell Terrier: I'll just pop it in while I'm
bouncing off the walls and furniture.

9. Old English Sheep Dog: Light bulb? I'm sorry, but I
don't see a light bulb!

10. Cocker Spaniel: Why change it? I can still pee on
the carpet in the dark.

11. Chihuahua: Yo quiero Taco Bulb. Or, "We don't need
no stinking light bulb."

12. Greyhound: It isn't moving. Who cares?

13. Australian Shepherd: First, I'll put all the light
bulbs in a little circle...

14. Poodle: I'll just blow in the Border Collie's ear
and he'll do it. By the time he finishes rewiring the
house, my nails will be dry.


How many cats does it take to change a light bulb?

Cats do not change light bulbs. People change light bulbs.
So, the real question is: "How long will it be before I
can expect some light, some dinner, and a massage?"

ALL OF WHICH PROVES, ONCE AGAIN, THAT WHILE DOGS HAVE
MASTERS, CATS HAVE STAFF!


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That's it for now.

Have a great month.

Phil Konstantin
http://americanindian.net


============================================================
End of Phil Konstantin's February 2006 Newsletter - Part 2
============================================================
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