.
.
.
================================================
Phil Konstantin's May 2004 Newsletter - Part 1
================================================
.
.
.
=================================================
May 2004 Newsletter from Phil Konstantin - Part 1
=================================================
This seems to be a recurring theme lately, but, this month's newsletter
will be a bit delayed.
I'll have more on the essay contest later.
-------
It has been a sad few days here in the Konstantin household. My ex-wife,
and the mother of my daughters Sarah and Heidi, Deanna Chambers died at
her Imperial Beach, California home Monday evening. She lived alone, and
was discovered on Thursday after she had missed two days work.
Services will be held on Tuesday in Chula Vista, California. She was a
much too young 44 years old. The Medical Examiner's office is
investigating her death. No foul play is indicated. It appears she died
from "natural causes." She had her share of minor aliments, but we did
not know of any significant medical problems.
Imperial Beach is a part of the San Diego metropolitan area. In fact, it
is the southwestern most city in the 48 contiguous states. Mexico is
just a rock's throw away.
Sarah, who lives with me, visited her mother just about every week.
Heidi lives near Detroit, and they had talked just a few days before
Deanna died.
Deanna and I got along fairly well. We have been divorced for almost 19
years. I last saw her a few months ago when we both participated in her
mother's wedding. Sarah, Deanna & I had planned on going to an Etta
James concert in June or July.
Heidi and Sarah loved her dearly. She will be greatly missed.
-------
This, again, shows why it is so important to let those people you care
for know how you feel. It shows why differences you have with someone
should be overcome as soon as possible. Life changes quickly and you may
never get a another chance to communicate with someone.
=====================================================
I have decided to extend the dealine for submitting entries to my essay
contest until May 10th. I have only received about 20 entries, so far.
One bunch came from Crow Agency in Montana. The other group came from
Tuba City in Arizona.
I have not received an entries by e-mail. If you sent one that way,
please resend it. I will acknowledge any e-mails I receive.
So, there is still time to get something in the mail to me.
Contest details are at:
http://www.americanindian.net/contest.html
==================================
That's it for now. I hope to have more in the next week.
Stay safe,
Phil Konstantin
=====================================
End of May 2004 Newsletter - Part 1
=====================================
.
.
.
=======================================
Start of May 2004 Newsletter - Part 2
=======================================
.
.
.
==============================================================
Start of the May 2004 Newsletter from Phil Konstantin - Part 2
==============================================================
Greetings,
My daughters, Sarah and Heidi, and I would like to thank all of you for
the kind thoughts, wishes, words and prayers you have sent us in the
last few days. We buried their mother (my ex-wife) Deanna last week on
the 4th. Slowly, the girls are returning to their normal lives. The
final report is not back from the Medical Examiner's office. This is not
out of the ordinary, though.
It is interesting to note what a small world it is. Several people I
know have told me they had met Deanna at one time or another. Working in
Imperial Beach, she was one of a very small number of animal groomers in
the area. Almost anyone who ever had a animal groomed in Southern
metropolitan San Diego seems to have come in contact with Deanna. Her
clients ranged from street people to the very well-known. My daughters
like to mention that for a period of time, she groomed the very white &
furry cat that appeared in the Fancy Feast catfood commercials. It
appears she even did actor Matthew Modine's pet several times recently.
Deanna did not get out much, but even so, she still came in contact with
many people. She will be missed.
-------------
Today is the last day to enter my essay contest for American Indian
students. There have only been a small number of entries, so far. You
can get the details for the contest at:
http://americanindian.net/contest.html
Phil
=========================================
X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X
=========================================
The "Links of The Month" for May are a collection of websites about the
American Indian Movement. AIM started in the late 1960s. AIM has gone
through some changes over the years. It has seen changes in its
membership, policies, and internal government. There is more
than one major branch, too. One thing that has not changed is the stated
goal of helping American Indians get or maintain their rights. Some
people feel this is a radical group. Others feel they are not radical
enough. Either way, visiting these various organizations can give you a
look into the heart of one part of the political and social spectrum
that exists across "Indian Country."
The links below are presented in no particular order.
http://www.americanindianmovement.org
The International Confederation of Autonomous Chapters of the American
Indian Movement
http://www.aimovement.org
American Indian Movement Grand Governing Council
http://www.dickshovel.com/AIMIntro.html
Jordan S. Dill's site on AIM
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/7153/index.html
A.I.M. Central Indiana Support Group
http://members.aol.com/Nowacumig/aim.html
Dennis Banks' AIM website
http://www.angelfire.com/nj/AIMSG/
American Indian Movement Support Group of New Jersey
http://members.aol.com/aimfl/index.html?f=fs
American Indian Movement of Florida
http://www.whoseflorida.com/aim-fl.htm
American Indian Movement of Florida
http://aimsupport.org/index2.html
The American Indian Movement Support Group of Ohio & Northern Kentucky
http://groups.msn.com/AmericanIndianMovementRioGrandValleyRegion
American Indian Movement, Rio Grand Valley Region
http://community.wolfstar.com/sc-aim/
The South Carolina Chapter of The International Confederation of
Autonomous Chapters of the American Indian Movement
http://www.clevelandaim.com/
THE CLEVELAND AMERICAN INDIAN MOVEMENT (A MEMBER OF THE AUTONOMOUS
CONFEDERATION OF CHAPTERS)
=========================================
X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X
=========================================
The "Treaty of the Month" is the TREATY WITH THE WESTERN CHEROKEE, 1828.
May 6, 1828. | 7 Stat., 311. | Proclamation, May 28, 1828.
It covers such subjects as: Western boundary of Arkansas defined;
Territory guaranteed to Cherokee by United States; Cherokees to
surrender lands in Arkansas within fourteen months; Cost of emigration,
etc., to be borne by the United States.
It can be found at:
http://digital.library.okstate.edu/kappler/Vol2/treaties/che0288.htm
=========================================
X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X
=========================================
Here are some notes from newsletter subscribers:
(Reminder: I am passing this information along. I do not vouch for the
accuracy of the included material, unless I specifically say so.)
---------
Phil,
I am organizing a Heritage Day event for our Diversity/Affinity Group
(Council of Native Americans) at BNSF Railway and would like to know if
you would be interested in being a speaker. The theme for the event is
"Communication - a Key to our Past and Future". It will emphasis the
importance of tribes' languages and how it is beneficial to preserve the
language of our ancestors.
We do not have a substantial budget for paying speakers, musicians,
storytellers and dancers. The event will take place on November 11,
2004, in Ft. Worth, Texas, at our corporate headquarters.
Please advise if you are interested or may know of anyone in the Ft.
Worth area that may be willing to participate.
Thank you,
Denise Gauthier
gaut-@mscomm.com or
Denise.G-@bnsf.com
---------
"Red Heart Radio" sent this:
Subject: National American Indian Veterans Org.
Please send to all the veterans. Thank you!
*
PRESS RELEASE-April 18, 2004
National American Indian Veterans Organizational Meeting
Phoenix Days Inn Convention Center
April 17, 2004
The National American Indian Veterans, Inc. was formed and founded on
April 17, 2004 in Phoenix, Arizona. The following are the National
Officers that were by nomination and vote recognized to serve the first
term for this new and much needed organization.
The National American Indian Veterans, Inc. Officers with their contact
numbers are:
President- Don Loudner, Dakota-605-996-1881
Senior Vice- President- Michael Pavatea, Hopi-928-737-2685, ext. 257
Junior Vice-President- Anderson Morgan, Navajo-928-688-2734/928-306-5811
Treasurer- Cassandra Morgan, Navajo-928-309-7293
Secretary- Bryce In The Woods, Lakota-605-964-6685/605-365-6163
This is a notice to all American Indian Veterans, from the west, north,
east, and south, from the four directions and all points in between, to
enlist into this newly formed organization. The National American Indian
Veterans, Inc. will represent the American Indian Veterans issues and
begin a nation-wide recruitment drive in the 12 regions that make up the
Bureau of Indian Affairs. Alaska Native and Hawaiian Native veterans are
encouraged to join the newly formed National American Indian Veterans,
Inc.
The National American Indian Veterans, Inc. goals are to further enhance
veteran’s services, veteran’s benefits, organizational skills and
training for the American Indian Veterans nation-wide. There will be two
(2) meetings of the general assembly to be held annually. These meetings
will be scheduled tentatively in December by hosting Tribe and in
February in Washington DC. The term for the National Officers will be 2
years with the exception of the Treasurer. There will be executive
meetings held, with more news forthcoming after a scheduled meeting, in
Albuquerque, NM in September 2004.
The new Officers of the National American Indian Veterans, Inc shared
Words of Encouragement in dedicating, committing their time and efforts
to better the lives of the American Indian Veterans and their families.
We recognize the great challenge before us and see the importance
especially during these times of war and uncertainty. We need this
National organization and the commitment from all Tribes throughout the
50 states to focus attention on our returning war veterans from
Afghanistan and Iraq. The time has come for the American Indian Veterans
to have one voice, one vote, and one process under one governing body.
This representation will ensure the American Indian Veteran’s issues and
concerns will be heard and acted upon in the Halls of Congress. For
further information please contact one of the officers listed above.
---------
A friend whose husband just got back from Iraq sent me this.
TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER
Interesting facts about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the
Sentinels of the Third United States Infantry Regiment "Old Guard"
1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of
the Unknowns and why?
21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest
honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return
walk and why?
21 seconds, for the same reason as answer number 1.
3. Why are his gloves wet?
His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time, and if
not, why not?
No, he carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his
march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to
the outside shoulder.
5. How often are the guards changed?
Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365
days a year.
6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?
For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5'
10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30".
Other requirements of the Guard:
They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks
under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty FOR THE REST
OF THEIR LIVES. They cannot swear in public FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES
and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way.
After TWO YEARS, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their
lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400
presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their
lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and
cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top
of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.
There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for
duty in front of a full-length mirror.
The first SIX MONTHS of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch
TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to
rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are
and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe
E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most
decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends FIVE
HOURS A DAY getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.
The Sentinels Creed:
My dedication to this sacred duty is total and wholehearted. In the
responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter. And with dignity and
perseverance my standard will remain perfection. Through the years of
diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my
tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability. It is he who
commands the respect I protect. His bravery that made us so proud.
Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day alone in the thoughtful peace
of night, this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal
vigilance.
More Interesting facts about the Tomb of the Unknowns itself:
The marble for the Tomb of the Unknowns was furnished by the Vermont
Marble Company of Danby, Vt. The marble is the finest and whitest of
American marble, quarried from the Yule Marble Quarry located near
Marble, Colorado and is called Yule Marble. The Marble for the Lincoln
memorial and other famous buildings was also quarried there.
The Tomb consists of seven pieces of rectangular marble:
Four pieces in sub base; weight ~,- 15 tons;
One piece in base or plinth; weight ~,- 16 tons;
One piece in die; weight ~,- 36 tons;
One piece in cap; weight ~,- 12 tons;
Carved on the East side (the front of the Tomb, which faces Washington,
D.C.) is a composite of three figures, commemorative of the spirit of
the Allies of World War I.
In the center of the panel stands Victory (female).
On the right side, a male figure symbolizes Valor.
On the left side stands Peace, with her palm branch to reward the
devotion and sacrifice that went with courage to make the cause of
righteousness triumphant.
The north and south sides are divided into three panels by Doric
pilasters. In each panel is an inverted wreath.
On the west, or rear, panel (facing the Amphitheater) is inscribed:
HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD
The first Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was a sub base and a base or
plinth. It was slightly smaller than the present base. This was torn
away when the present Tomb was started Aug. 27, 1931. The Tomb was
completed and the area opened to the public 9:15 a.m. April 9, 1932,
without any ceremony.
Cost of the Tomb: $48,000
Sculptor: Thomas Hudson Jones
Architect: Lorimer Rich
Contractors: Hagerman & Harris, New York City
Inscription: Author Unknown
(Interesting Commentary)
The Third Infantry Regiment at Fort Myer has the responsibility for
providing ceremonial units and honor guards for state occasions, White
House social functions, public celebrations and interments at Arlington
National Cemetery and standing a very formal sentry watch at the Tomb of
the Unknowns.
The public is familiar with the precision of what is called "walking
post" at the Tomb. There are roped off galleries where visitors can form
to observe the troopers and their measured step and almost mechanically,
silent rifle shoulder changes. They are relieved every hour in a very
formal drill that has to be seen to be believed.
Some people think that when the Cemetery is closed to the public in the
evening that this show stops. First, to the men who are dedicated to
this work, it is no show. It is a "charge of honor." The formality and
precision continues uninterrupted all night. During the nighttime, the
drill of relief and the measured step of the on-duty sentry remain
unchanged from the daylight hours. To these men, these special men, the
continuity of this post is the key to the honor and respect shown to
these honored dead, symbolic of all unaccounted for American combat
dead. The steady rhythmic step in rain, sleet, snow, hail, heat and cold
must be uninterrupted. Uninterrupted is the important part of the honor
shown.
Recently, while you were sleeping, the teeth of hurricane Isabel came
through this area and tore hell out of everything. We had thousands of
trees down, power outages, traffic signals out, roads filled with downed
limbs and "gear adrift" debris. We had flooding and the place looked
like it had been the impact area of an off-shore bombardment.
The Regimental Commander of the U.S. Third Infantry sent word to the
nighttime Sentry Detail to secure the post and seek shelter from the
high winds, to ensure their personal safety.
THEY DISOBEYED THE ORDER!
During winds that turned over vehicles and turned debris into
projectiles, the measured step continued. One fellow said "I've got
buddies getting shot at in Iraq who would kick my butt if word got to
them that we let them down. I sure as hell have no intention of spending
my Army career being known as the damned idiot who couldn't stand a
little light breeze and shirked his duty." Then he said something in
response to a female reporters question regarding silly purposeless
personal risk... "I wouldn't expect you to understand. It's an enlisted
man's thing." God bless the rascal... In a time in our nation's history
when spin and total b.s. seem to have become the accepted
coin-of-the-realm, there beat hearts - the enlisted hearts we all knew
and were so damn proud to be a part of - that fully understand that
devotion to duty is not a part-time ccupation. While we slept, we were
represented by some damn fine men who fully understood their post orders
and proudly went about their assigned responsibilities unseen,
unrecognized and in the finest tradition of the American Enlisted Man.
Folks, there's hope. The spirit that George S. Patton, Arliegh Burke and
Jimmy Doolittle left us ... survives.
On the ABC evening news, it was reported recently that, because of the
dangers from Hurricane Isabel approaching Washington, DC, the military
members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
were given permission to suspend the assignment. They refused. "No way,
Sir!"
Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm,
they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment; it was the
highest honor that can be afforded to a service person. The tomb has
been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.
Very, very proud of our soldiers in uniform
---------
This is amazing. Try to read the paragraph below, then consider what It
actually says. The brain is a wonderful thing isn't it?
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in
waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht
the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total
mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the
huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe
and the biran fguiers it out aynawy. . WOW!
---------
Ruth Garby Torres sent this news story:
Anti-Indian groups fail at ballot box
Posted: April 01, 2004 - 4:24pm EST
by: Jim Adams / Associate Editor / Indian Country Today
WASHINGTON - Resentment of Indian success, and particularly of the
wealth generated by a few tribal casinos, has fueled the rise of a
number of grass-roots anti-sovereignty groups across the country. But so
far none of these groups, from Washington state to Oklahoma to Upstate
New York and Connecticut, has achieved much success at the ballot box.
Candidates from their own ranks have failed, often by a large margin,
and for the most part established politicians have avoided close ties
with them.
"I think Americans have generally rejected efforts to divide us," said
U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla. He also pointed to the "great increase in
political sensitivity and political sophistication of the tribes."
Cole, an enrolled Chickasaw and a professional political analyst before
his election to Congress in 2002, observed that politicians in his state
had shied away from the One Nation group, which actively campaigns
against sovereign tribal tax policies.
In Washington state, resistance to the campaign for tribal treaty
fishing rights generated a counter-backlash. Energized Indian voters
helped defeat the incumbent U. S. Senator, Slade Gorton in the 2000
election.
In Connecticut, author Jeff Benedict gained national notoriety by
writing a debunking attack on the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.
When he tried to follow up with a campaign for Congress in their
southeastern district in 2002, however, he attracted such little support
that he was unable to get the minimum number of delegates to the
district Democratic nominating convention needed to trigger a primary.
Benedict has since organized a grass-roots group called Connecticut
Alliance Against Casino Expansion, which has held a series of "town
meetings" in localities fearing that the preliminary and potential
federal recognition of several state-recognized tribes could lead to
Indian casinos in their backyards. In a break with the national pattern,
his group has strong support from several elected officials. State
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, a liberal Democrat, and U.S. Rep.
Christopher Shays, R-4th District, have spoken at several of his
meetings. U.S. Rep. Nancy Johnson, R-6th District, has sponsored
sympathetic legislation, and the entire Connecticut delegation to
Congress has signed letters opposing the Jan. 29 federal recognition of
the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation.
Although these incumbents all appear to have strong positions, however,
some of them could face unpredictable election contests. Shays currently
faces one of the strongest opponents of his career, the popular First
Selectwoman Diane Farrell of celebrity-ridden Westport, who is close to
Bill and Hillary Clinton. Johnson has survived narrow re-elections in
the past, and a recent redistricting put strong Democratic areas into
her district.
The anti-Indian movement in the state has proved fickle in the past.
Although it helped Republican challenger Robert Simmons unseat a
long-term Democratic incumbent Sam Gejdensen in 2000 in the 2nd District
encompassing the Mashantucket Pequots and the Mohegan Tribe, Simmons was
the candidate Benedict sought to run against in 2002.
In New York state, the Upstate Citizens for Equality in the Oneida and
Seneca-Cayuga territories has protested land claims by Nations of the
Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) Confederacy, and has picketed a chain of gas
stations and convenience stores owned by the Oneida Indian Nation. A
candidate backed by the group gave a scare to incumbent U.S. Rep.
Sherwood L. Boehlert, R-23rd District, in the 2000 Republican primary,
but his independent campaign fizzled in the general election. In 2002,
another candidate sympathetic to the group withdrew before the voting
for lack of support, and Boehlert was re-elected with 74 percent of the
vote.
The recent experience of the Upstate Citizens for Equality (UCE)
illustrates some of the problems these groups have in winning broader
political support. Its Congressional challenger Roger Potocki chose a
meeting of the UCE to make the first speech of his campaign to unseat
Boehlert. Potocki devoted much of his talk to bemoaning the economic
decline of the region and the lack of jobs that led many young people to
leave. Yet he completely ignored the employment created by the Oneida
Nation’s Turning Stone Casino and its other enterprises.
The top leadership of UCE recently resigned. Founding President Scott
Peterman and Vice-President Bernie Conklin expressed frustration with
their lack of impact on the policies of New York state Gov. George
Pataki. Both told local reporters they were contemplating moving out of
state. Conklin was quoted as saying, "We’ve tried and tried to get our
message across to the people of this area on how crucial the land claim
settlement is, how crucial the issue of taxation is, and it just doesn’t
seem to matter."
The new UCE president is David Vickers, the past challenger to Boehlert
in the Republican primary. Vickers is now circulating petitions for the
impeachment of Gov. Pataki, complaining that Pataki has refused to
impose the state sales tax on Indian reservations.
Even sympathetic local newspapers note that the group has been
criticized as shrill and extreme. It has been labeled a hate group in
resolutions of the United South and Eastern Tribes and the National
Congress of American Indians. But its leaders reject the criticism.
According to the Oneida Daily Dispatch, Conklin replied, "We’ve been
labeled a hate group and racist right from the start. Nothing could be
further from the truth. We’ve been right on every issue right from the
beginning, but nobody wanted to listen."
In the analysis of Oklahoma’s Cole, however, voters have been more
impressed by the jobs and economic growth produced by tribal
governments, a prosperity, he emphasizes, that coincided with their
exercise of their sovereign powers.
"These jobs aren’t going to be exported to China," he said. "These
profits aren’t going to be sent out of the area. This is where our
headquarters are."
=========================================
X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X
=========================================
Here is an interesting website about your exact age:
http://www.frontiernet.net/~cdm/age1.html
=========================================
X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X
=========================================
Here are some interesting news stories or editorials:
Editorial: Indian vs. Indian, Sovereignty can put tribal members at risk
http://www.sacbee.com/content/opinion/story/7847538p-8787971c.html
---------
Court stay allows Interior computers to go online
http://www.montanaforum.com/rednews/2004/03/25/build/tribal/interior-net.php?nnn=4
---------
BIA's model for change - Federal Computer Week
http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2004/0510/feat-ea-05-10-04.asp
---------
Rally at the May 12 Meeting - Be There! (A schoolboard issue)
http://www.ics4kids.org/
---------
Looking Cloud sentenced to life
http://indiancountry.com/?1083937747
---------
Dennis Banks speaks out
http://indiancountry.com/?1082731800
---------
Cobell praised for trust fund fight; victory not yet won
http://www.montanaforum.com/rednews/2004/03/25/build/tribal/cobell.php?nnn=4
---------
Foundation invests in Indian country; Four communities get funding to
reduce poverty, develop leaders
http://indiancountry.com/?1083938272
---------
Pueblos struggle to protect petroglyphs, Developers press for highway
http://indiancountry.com/?1083775997
---------
Overhaul of federal recognition process is unlikely for this year
http://indiancountry.com/?1083001814
---------
Crow, Three Affiliated Tribes plan reunion
http://www.montanaforum.com/rednews/2004/03/14/build/tribal/affiliatedtribes.php?nnn=4
---------
Defining 'Indianness' a double-edged sword
http://www.sltrib.com/2004/May/05102004/utah/165070.asp
---------
Analysis: Supreme Court ruling benefits tribes
http://indiancountry.com/?1082730954
---------
Nooksack election declared invalid by tribal council
http://indiancountry.com/?1083775322
---------
Court supports protection of ancient Lenni Lenape site
http://indiancountry.com/?1083272083
---------
Discovery of ancient remains spurs changes
http://www.montanaforum.com/rednews/2004/03/20/build/tribal/burial-sites.php?nnn=4
---------
Buffalo and Lakota are kin
http://indiancountry.com/?1081887042
---------
Trail of Tears flowed through Hopkinsville
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/state/8629520.htm
---------
Northeast Woodlands Briefs
http://indiancountry.com/?1081280982
---------
Haida case heads to Canadian Supreme Court
http://indiancountry.com/?1080757501
---------
Yupik leaders upset by subsistence restrictions
http://ap.juneauempire.com/pstories/state/ak/20040508/2140518.shtml
---------
Land feuds simmer in the Mixteca
http://indiancountry.com/?1080644651
---------
Board alters features’ names
http://www.montanaforum.com/rednews/2004/02/27/build/tribal/renames.php?nnn=4
---------
BIA staff swell ranks of tribe now pushing for casino gambling
http://www.montanaforum.com/rednews/2004/02/23/build/tribal/band-casino.php?nnn=4
---------
Key tribe may boycott activities (Lewis & Clark event)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2001924304_lewisandclark10m.html
---------
Nevada bill would pay Shoshones for seized land
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0507indianclaims-ON.html
---------
Ohkay-ing growth
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=6&ArticleID=44431
---------
Woman's lawsuit contends 2001 tribal constitution was illegal
http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/2004/05/06/news/regional/6f4a96743a18d87787256e8b005f13c4.txt
---------
Mankiller discusses issues faced by Native Americans
http://www.claremoreprogress.com/archive/article13416
---------
Tucker receives humanitarian award at NIGA convention
http://www.kumeyaay.com/news/news_detail.html?id=1337
---------
Chairman Anthony Pico Remarks to the Sacramento Press Club April 13
http://www.kumeyaay.com/news/news_detail.html?id=1336
=========================================
X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X
=========================================
Cultural Tidbits from the Cherokee Nation newsletter:
Nine hundred Cherokee men died in the War Between the States (Civil
War), and countless women and children. The Cherokee Nation suffered
more per capita than any state during the war, and were involved in the
conflict as a foreign ally.
Lake Euchi was named after Chief Oochelata, also known as Charles
Thompson.
The original Cherokee National Female Seminary burned on Easter Sunday,
1887.
Cherokee Senator Zeke Proctor is said to have been the only single
individual to have a treaty with the United States government.
---------
A-ne-jo-di, or Stickball
A-ne-jo-di, or Stickball, is a very rough game played by not only the
Cherokee, but many other Southeastern Woodland tribes including the
Muscogee (Creek), Seminole, and others.
The game resembles the modern European game of LaCrosse, using ball
sticks which are handmade from hickory. A small ball, made of deer hair
and hide, is tossed into the air by the medicine man. The male players
use a pair of the sticks, and female players use the bare hands. In
earlier times, only the men with the greatest athletic ability played
the game. The game was oftentimes played to settle disputes, and the
conjurer for each team often became as important to the team as the
players themselves.
Seven points are scored when the ball strikes a wooden fish on the top
of a pole approximately 25 feet in height, and two points are awarded
when the ball strikes the pole.
In earlier days, there would be a dance before the ballgame. The
ballplayers were the participants of the dance, along with seven women
dancers. Each woman represented one of the clans. Throughout the dance,
the women would step on black beads which represented the players of the
opposing team. The conjurer had placed these black beads on a large flat
rock. Today, stickball is an important part of the days activities at
ceremonial Stomp Grounds, being necessary to play before the Stomp Dance
can ever begin. It is also a recreational sport at other times between
community teams. There are also intertribal teams made up of players
from Cherokee, Muscogee (Creek), Yuchi, Natchez, and other area
communities.
*Note: Cultural information may vary from clan to clan, location to
location, family to family, and from differing opinions and experiences.
Information provided here are not 'etched in stone'.
=========================================
X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X
=========================================
Humorous items:
----------
From my mother:
A few misunderstandings...
A distraught senior citizen phoned her doctor's office. "Is it true,"
she wanted to know, "that the medication you prescribed has to be taken
for the rest of my life?"
"Yes, I'm afraid so," the doctor told her.
There was a moment of silence before the senior lady replied, "I'm
wondering, then, just how serious is my condition. This prescription is
marked 'NO REFILLS'."
=========================================
X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X
=========================================
Here are some random historical events for May:
May 1, 1637: After numerous incidents, and incursions on both sides,
English settlers in Connecticut declare war on the Pequot Indians. Most
of the fighting take places in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
May 2, 1670: King Charles of England gives all trade rights to "all the
Landes Countreyes and Territoryes upon the Coastes and Confynes of the
Seas" lying within the Hudson Strait to the Hudsons Bay Company. This
monopoly remains in effect until 1859.
May 3, 490: Maya Lord Kan - Xul I (King K'an Joy Chitam I) is born,
according to some sources. Eventually, he rules over Palenque, Mexico.
May 4, 1805: The Pascagoula, and the Biloxi, Indians sell their lands
along the Gulf Coast to "Miller and Fulton." Miller and Fulton are
among the first settlers in the Rapides Parish area. The documents,
signed by six Indians, are confirmed. The Pascagoulas move to the Red
River area.
May 5, 1800: William Augusta Bowles is an adventurer in the
southeastern part of the United States. With Creek and Cherokee
supporters, he proclaims a new nation, Muscogee, out of lands claimed
by Spain along the Gulf coast, with himself as "Director-General".
Bowles declares war on Spain, and begins a campaign against their
outposts in his "nation." Some sources list this as happening on April
5, 1800.
May 6, 1626: The Purchase of Manhattan takes place. The Shinnecock or
Canarsee Indians, according to which source you believe, sell it to
Peter Minuit.
May 7, 1877: Colonel Nelson Miles, and his force of four Cavalry
Troops, and six Infantry Companies, finds Lame Deer, and his followers
on the Muddy Creek, near the Rosebud. Nelson surprises the village with
a charge. Lame Dear, and Iron Star, parley with Miles about a peaceful
settlement, but after they return, fight erupts, again. The battle
continues, and proceeds toward the Rosebud River. Lame Deer, Iron Star,
and twelve other Indians are killed. Four soldiers are killed. Lt.
Alfred M. Fuller, and six soldiers are wounded. Almost 450 mounts are
seized. The camp supplies, and many lodges are also captured. Corporal
Harry Garland and Private William Leonard, Company L, and Private Samuel
Phillips, Company H, Second Cavalry, will win the Congressional Medal of
Honor for "gallantry in action" as a part of today's battle. Company L
First Sergeant Henry Wilkens, and Farrier William H. Jones, will also be
awarded the Medal of Honor for their gallantry in today's battle, and
for actions against the Nez Perce on August 20, 1877.
May 8, 1725: In one of the last battles of Lovewell's or Father Rasle's
War, Pigwacket Indians defeat a British army under Captain John Lovewell
at Fryeburg, Maine.
May 9, 1885: Today through the 12th, events in the Second Riel
Rebellion take place in Canada. Major General Frederick Middleton and a
force of 800 soldiers attack the Metis and Cree holding the village of
Batoche. The fighting continues through the 12th until the soldiers
finally overrun Batoche.
May 10, 1869: One of the most devastating events in the lives of the
plains Indians is the crossing of their lands by the railroads. The
railroads bring settlers, hunters, and separate the buffalo herds.The
"iron horses" of the Central Pacific and the Union Pacific meet at
Promontory Point, Utah, completing the first cross continental railroad
in the United States.
May 11, 1968: The Constitution of the Indians of the Tulalip Tribes in
Washington is modified.
May 12, 1860: A battle in the Paiute War takes place in Nevada at Big
Bend in the valley of the Truckee River. Major William Ormsbys Nevada
militia are attacked by Paiutes under war Chief Numaga.
May 13, 1614: The Viceroy of Mexico finds Spanish Explorer Juan de
Oqate guilty of atrocities against the Indians of New Mexico. As a part
of his punishment, he is banned from entering New Mexico again.
May 14, 1832: Near the Kyte River, Major Isaiah Stillman, and 275
soldiers are patrolling the area, on the lookout for Black Hawk. Weary
of fighting, Black Hawk sends a few representatives to Stillman's camp
to negotiate the surrender of his four dozen warriors. When the soldiers
fire on Black Hawk's representatives, a few manage to escape. With the
soldiers in pursuit, Black Hawk sets up an ambush. Becoming confused by
the sudden attack, Stillman's troop panick and flee the area. Eleven
soldiers, and three Indians are killed in the fighting. However, the
soldiers report a massacre of troops. The "battle" is called "Stillman's
Run."
May 15, 1846: A treaty is signed by Texas Governor Pierce Butler, and
Colonel M.G. Lewis (Meriwether Lewis' brother), and sixty-three Indians
of the Aionai, Anadarko, Caddo, Comanche, Kichai (Keehy), Lepan
(Apache), Longwha, Tahuacarro (Tahwacarro), Tonkawa, Waco, Wichita and
tribes. It is ratified on February 15, 1847, and signed by President
Polk on March 8, 1847.
May 16, 1760: Creek warrior Chief Hobbythacco (Handsome Fellow) has
often supported the English, but, at the outbreak of the Cherokee war,
he decides to support the Cherokees. He leads an attack on a group of
English traders in Georgia. Thirteen of the traders are killed du ring
the fighting. Creek Chief "The Mortar" also participates in the
fighting.
May 17, 1629: According to a deed, Sagamore Indians, including
Passaconaway, sell a piece of land in what becomes Middlesex County,
Massachusetts.
May 18, 1661: Captain John Odber is order by the Maryland General
Assembly to take fifty men and go to the "Susquesahannough Forte."
According to a treaty signed on May 16th, Maryland is required to help
protect the Susquehannocks from raids by the Seneca. Odbers force is to
fulfill that part of the treaty.
May 19, 1796: Congress passes "An Act Making Appropriations for
Defraying the Expenses Which May Arise in Carrying into Effect a Treaty
Made Between the United States and Certain Indian Tribes, Northwest of
the River Ohio."
May 20, 698: As part of a series of attacks on neighboring cities in
Guatemala, Maya warriors from Naranjo attack Kinichil Kab'
May 21, 1877: In retaliation for the Custer defeat, the Sioux and Ponca
are ordered to go to a new reservation in Indian Territory (present day
Oklahoma). The Poncas have nothing to do with the war, and they continue
their complaints about the bureaucratic error which places them on a
reservation with the Sioux in the first place. The government does not
bend, and the Ponca begin their march to Indian Territory.
May 22, 1851: As one of the last conflicts in the "Mariposa Indian
Wars" in California, a large group of Yosemite Indians are captured at
Lake Tenaija.
May 23, 1873: The Northwest Mounted Police is founded. One of the main
reasons for its creation is the problems being fomented by Americans
selling alcohol to Canadian Indians. This organization eventually
becomes the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
May 24, 1539: Mexican Viceroy Don Antonio de Mendoza has decided to
send an expedition to search for wealthy cities north of Mexico. On
March 7, 1539, Friar Marcos de Niza started the expedition from
Culiacan. Accordiong to Nizas journal, he finally sees Cibola,
although he never sets foot in the pueblo. His report will lead to
future expeditions looking for the "Seven Cities of Gold."
May 25, 1763: At the site of modern Niles, Michigan, the British
erected Fort St. Joseph. Its garrison of sixteen men, led by Ensign
Francis Schlosser, is attacked by a large Potawatomi war party. Only
Schlosser and three other men survive the attack. The British are later
traded for Potawatomi prisoners in Detroit.
May 26, 1540: The "Lady of Cofitachequi" has been taken with the de
Soto expedition, against her will. With a large quantity of the pearls
that de Soto's men took from her village, she escapes.
May 27, 1763: Fort Miami is located at the site of modern Fort Wayne,
Indiana. It is garrisoned by twelve British soldiers, led by Ensign
Robert Holmes. Pontiac's rebellion has started, and the Ensign is
convinced to leave the Fort by his Miami Indian girlfriend. Miami
warriors kill the Ensign, and a Sergeant who leaves to Fort to look for
the Ensign. The Miamis demand the surrender of the remaining soldiers.
To drive home their point, they throw the head of Ensign Holmes into the
fort. The soldiers surrender, and all but one are eventually killed.
May 28, 1830: Andrew Jackson, called "Sharp Knife" by the Indians, has
long fought the Indians of the southeast. He believes that the Indians
and white settlers will not be able to peacefully live together. His
solution to this is to renege on all of the previous treaties, which
granted the Indians their lands forever, and to move all Indians west of
the Mississippi River. Jackson makes this proposal to Congress during
his First Congressional speech on December 8, 1829. Congress makes the
proposal into a law on this date.
May 29, 1980: Department of the Interior Field Solicitor Elmer
Nitzschke, states the Mille Lacs Reservation Business Committee has the
right to control the Sandy Lakes Indian Reservation in Minnesota. The
Sandy Lakes Band of Ojibwe, which lives on the reservation, feels they
should have control of the reservation.
May 30, 1851: A treaty is signed by Kko-ya-te and Wo-a-si, in
California.
May 31, 1796: The Treaty of the Seven Tribes of Canada is signed by
three Chiefs at New York City. The tribes give up all claims to lands
in New York, except six square miles in Saint Regis. They are paid 1233
pounds, six shillings, and eight pence now, and 213 pounds, six
shillings, eight pence annually, if five more Chiefs show up and sign
the treaty.
=========================================
X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X
=========================================
That is it for now. I am sure I will find more things I had wanted to
include as soon as I send this.
Stay safe,
Phil
=====================================
End of May 2004 Newsletter - Part 2
=====================================
.
.
.
.
.
=======================================
Start of May 2004 Newsletter - Part 3
=======================================
Greetings,
I have two items in this message: the essay contest, and a look at
questionable charities that allegedly help American Indians.
-----------
I thought I might let you see the entries I received for my American
Indian student essay contest before I announce the winners and the
runners-up. I was a bit disappointed by the small number of entries I
received. I did not get any essays from college students.
Please feel free to let me know your opinions as to who should be a
winner or a runner-up.
I'll wait a couple of days before I make a final decision.
Here is the address for the page where I posted all of the entries I
received.
http://www.americanindian.net/contestwinner.html
===============================================
X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X
===============================================
Recently, I received an e-mail from someone who was concerned about the
activities of an organization called the "Southwest Indian Children's
Fund." This person said they used to work for this group and that it was
a fraud. I have done a bit of research on this group and a few other
groups that solicit donations in order to help American Indians.
I would be very interested in hearing from any of my subscribers who
have any opinions on this subject.
I'll be doing much more on this issue in a future newsletter.
===============================================
X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X
===============================================
That's it for now.
Stay safe,
Phil
.
=====================================
End of May 2004 Newsletter - Part 3
=====================================
.
|
Go To Newsletter Page Go To Main Page Go To Tribal Names Page Go to Indian Moons & Calendar Stuff Go to Awards & "Web Rings" |
My Website's Home Page |
Links: (8,700 and counting) |
Tribal Names |
Indian Moons |
Personal Photos |
My Biography |
Sleepy Driver |
The Space Program |
Ancient Ruins in Central America |
Maya Ruins in Mexico |
Whales |
Awards & Webrings |
Cherokee Holiday 2001 |
Cherokee Enrollment |
My Newsletters |
My Store |
California Highway Patrol |
Indian Era Forts |
Articles I Wrote |
Northwestern USA Indian Country |
American Indian Museum in D.C. 2004 |
Movie & Book Reviews |
KUSI TV, my other job |
Mesa Verde and Utah in 2006 |
My Mortgage Loan Company |
2006 SDSU Powwow |
