. . . . . . . . . ======================================================= Start of the August 2004 Newsletter by Phil Konstantin ======================================================= ===================================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ===================================== ===================================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ===================================== The Link of the Month for August 2004 is titled: "Bureau of Indian Affairs Federal Acknowledgement Decision Compilation." This website shows the status of tribal recognition petitions with the U.S. federal government. It has lots of details. http://64.62.196.98/adc/adc.html ===================================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ===================================== Treaty of the month: TREATY WITH THE OSAGE, Aug. 31, 1822. | 7 Stat., 222. | http://digital.library.okstate.edu/kappler/Vol2/treaties/osa0201.htm ===================================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ===================================== Here is an interesting opportunity for many of you in the field of publishing - book reviews. Theodore Savas is the publisher who first decided to publish my book. He has moved on to other related fields, including an interesting book review concept. By visiting his website, you can either list your book to be reviewed, or sign on to be a reviewer. I think this is quite a unique idea. Authors pay to list their books. Reviewers can register for free. If you are interested, please read all of the details, to see exactly how the process works. http://www.advancebookreviews.com/ ===================================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ===================================== E-mail notices from subscribers: (I have not conducted extensive research on thses postings, please use your own judgement as to the veracity of them.) ---------------------------------------- A Canunpa Protection Petition request came in To read or sign the petition, go to this website: http://www.petitiononline.com/wakan/petition.html ------------------------ From: Sharm-@aol.com I wanted to let you know, that Leonard Peltier has been selected as our Guest Writer, as well as Guest Poet, for the September 2004 issue of Quill & Parchment: http://quillandparchment.com/ As you know many states in the union celebrate Native American month in September, so we thought it appropriate to feature Leonard and his prison writings in our September issue. As you know we are a" by subscription" e zine, but we will be inviting everyone who enjoys freedom to come as our invited guest... the userid and passwords for the September issue will be listed below. If anyone would like to visit Quill and Parchment this month, the passwords are: userid: july, password: virgo and for September they will be: userid: september, password: freedom All passwords are lower case. Please send this e mail far and wide. We want as many people as possible to be able to read Leonard's words and to know his heart. Poetically yours, Sharmagne Leland-St. John A proud member of the San Poil Tribe of the Confederated Colville Nation, Nespelem, WA Editor-in-Chief, Quill & Parchment http://quillandparchment.com/ userid: july password: virgo -------------------------- WILD HORSES AND BURROS THREATENED BY AGENCY CHARGED TO PROTECT THEM The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, is responsible for protecting and managing wild horses and burros who, by law, are allowed to roam free on our public lands. Unfortunately, the BLM is determined to remove wild horses and burros to make more room for cattle grazing. Charging that wild horses and burros are overpopulated, the BLM is pursuing a policy to round up 50% of the wild horse and burro population by 2005 -- reducing their numbers to a mere 22,000 wild horses and 2,700 wild burros throughout the entire west, while leaving millions of cows and sheep on the same lands. In some cases, herds are reduced to numbers so low that they are no longer genetically viable. Shockingly and unfairly, on the average, 90% of forage on our public lands is allocated to livestock and the remainder to wild horses and burros and other wildlife species. Please contact your members of Congress and express your concern about the mismanagement and abuse OF our public lands and the animals who live there. --------------------------- SCHEDULE OF 10th BIRTHDAY EVENTS FOR MIRACLE, THE SACRED WHITE BUFFALO Janesville, Wisconsin August 20, 2004 Note: Miracle is pregnant again and may give birth on or near her birthday! SUNRISE CEREMONIES (6:08 a.m.): Women are requested to wear shawls and long skirts of their own people. Friends may also choose to wear regalia in their traditional manner. Prayer gifts from your heart to honor Miracle are welcome. NOON PIPE CEREMONY: Offered by Chuck Browneagle of the Ho-Chunk Nation EARLY AFTERNOON POT LUCK LUNCHEON: Open to all. Food contributions and your own traditional dinnerware are welcome! EVENING STORYTELLING BY THE FIRE: Offered by Art Shegonee of the Menominee and Potawatomi Nations. Miracle's Museum will be open all day. The Heider's small gift shop will also be open all day. Proceeds help the Heiders maintain Miracle's home. *Dave and Valerie Heider request cars be parked in the neighbor's lot beside their home. A small parking fee of $2.00 is appreciated. *Please bring lawn chairs marked with your names. Seating is very limited. *Additions/changes to the schedule are possible. The Dave and Valerie Heider Farm is located in Janesville, Wisconsin. Directions, lodging and other information can be found at: Miracle's Website - General Farm and Visitor Information Page www.homestead.com/WhiteBuffaloMiracle/Miracle_VisitorInfo.htm Miracle's Website - Heider Farm and Area Camping Information Page http://www.whitebuffalomiracle.homestead.com/Miracle_CampingInfo.html Sign Miracle's Birthday Card www.nativevillage.org/Inspiration-/Miracles%20Birthday/2004%20Birthday%20Respects%20for%20Miracle,%20the%20sacred%20white%20buffalo.htm Birthday Card Sponsored by Native Village News www.nativevillage.org Miracle's Website ~ Miracle, The Sacred White Buffalo www.whitebuffalomiracle.homestead.com/index.html ------------------------------- Ruth Garby Torres sent this: Shenandoah: The Washington and Lee University Review will publish a special selection of poetry by Native American writers in its Winter, 2004 issue. The section will include approximately 40 pages of poetry and one essay. All poets of Native American origin are eligible to send work for consideration. Send manuscript, along with bio notes, to Shenandoah, Special Issues Editor/Native American Poetry, Mattingly House, 2 Lee Avenue, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA 24450-0303. Submissions must be received by August 15, 2004. General writer's guidelines and other information about Shenandoah are available on the Shenandoah website: http://shenandoah.wlu.edu --------------------------- This comes from Michael Hughes. The National Archive had a web exhibit up--fascinating and inadvertantly hilarious--on the infamous Nixon-Elvis meeting in the Oval Office. http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/when_nixon_met_elvis/index.html I almost listed this is the HUMOR section. It is not intended to be funny, but the surreal nature of the incidents has always struck me as funny. Perhaps I am egged on by the lyrics to a song by the Country/Western comedy team Pinkard & Bowden's song: Elvis Was A Narc: --------------------------------- Gwen sent this request and interesting article about a veteran getting a much delayed medal: http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2449418 Phil, I thought you might be able to get the following out to your subscribers, about a WWII Navajo Code Talker, Teddy Draper, Sr. Perhaps if enough people write to Senator John McCain, Mr. Draper will get his wish. To contact Senator McCain: http://mccain.senate.gov/ (go to the bottom of the page and click on "Contact." This is the letter I sent to Senator McCain, which everyone is welcome to plagiarize as much as they like: Dear Senator McCain, A friend of mine, who lives outside San Antonio, Texas, mailed an article to me from the San Antonio newspaper. The article is about a Navajo man named Teddy Draper Sr., a WWII Code Talker who fought at Iwo Jima, where he lost much of his hearing from a mortar shell blast. Mr. Draper fought the Veteran’s Administration, unsuccessfully, for 56 years trying to obtain disability benefits. By chance, an attorney, George Parker, went to hear him tell his story one evening. Offering his assistance to Mr. Draper, pro bono, Attorney Parker fought the VA and was able to finally get Mr. Draper his well-deserved benefits. Last winter, Mr. Draper was awarded the Purple Heart from the US Marine Corps, along with retroactive benefits in the amount of $80,000, plus an increase in yearly benefits of $20,000. In the article, it states: "To his dismay, Draper received his medal IN THE MAIL like any bill. His children are hoping to persuade Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., to present it to him formally." I feel obligated to contact you, in hopes that along with others who may have already contacted you, you will be persuaded to fulfill this veteran's request. I have a great deal of respect for you, Senator McCain. I am of your generation; I lost friends in Vietnam. I think, considering what Mr. Draper has endured for the last 60 years, it's a small request, and one that I hope you will grant to him. With Admiration and Respect, Gwen ===================================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ===================================== Humor: ------------ My mother sent me this. I may have posted it before. If I have, it is worth a repeat: Where Ya from? You live in Arizona when... 1.You are willing to park 3 blocks away because you found shade. 2. You can open and drive your car without touching the car door or the steeringwheel. 3. You've experienced condensation on your bottom from the hot water in the toilet bowl. 4. You would give anything to be able to splash cold water on your face. 5. You can attend any function wearing shorts and a tank top. 6. "Dress Code" is meaningless at high schools and universities. Picture lingerie ads. 7. You can drive for 4 hours in one direction and never leave town. 8. You have over 100 recipes for Mexican food. 9 The 4 seasons are: tolerable, hot, really hot, and ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!! 10. You know that "dry heat" is comparable to what hits you in the face when you open your oven door. You Live in California when... 1. You make over $250,000 and you still can't afford to buy a house. 2 The high school quarterback calls a time-out to answer his cell phone. 3. The fastest part of your commute is going down your driveway. 4. You know how to eat an artichoke. 5. You drive your rented Mercedes to your neighborhood block party. 6. When someone asks you how far something is, you tell them how long it will take to get there rather than how many miles away it is. You Live in New York City when... 1. You say "the city" and expect everyone to know you mean Manhattan. 2... You have never been to the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building. 3. You can get into a four-hour argument about how to get from Columbus Circle to Battery Park, but can't find Wisconsin on a map. 4 You think Central Park is "nature," 5. You believe that being able to swear at people in their own language makes you multi-lingual. 6. You've worn out a car horn. 7. You think eye contact is an act of aggression. You Live in Maine when... 1. You only have four spices: salt, pepper, ketchup, and Tabasco. 2. Halloween costumes fit over parkas. 3. You have more than one recipe for moose. 4. Sexy lingerie is anything flannel with less than eight buttons. 5. The four seasons are: winter, still winter, almost winter, and construction. (Note from Phil: I met a stonemason from Maine who said there are only 2 seasons in Maine: Winter and the Fourth of July.) You Live in the Deep South when... 1. You can rent a movie and buy bait in the same store. 2."ya'll" is singular and "all ya'll" is plural. 3. After five years you still hear, "You ain't from 'round here, are Ya?" 4. "He needed killin' " is a valid defense. 5. Everyone has 2 first names: Billy Bob, Jimmy Bob, Mary Sue, Betty Jean, MARY BETH, etc. You live in Colorado when... 1. You carry your $3,000 mountain bike atop your $500 car. 2. You tell your husband to pick up Granola on his way home and he stops at the day care center. 3. A pass does not involve a football or dating. 4. The top of your head is bald, but you still have a pony tail. You live in the Midwest when... 1. You've never met any celebrities, but the mayor knows your name. 2. Your idea of a traffic jam is ten cars waiting to pass a tractor. 3. You have had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" on the same day. 4. You end sentences with a preposition: "Where's my coat at?" 5. When asked how your trip was to any exotic place, you say, "It was different!" You live in Florida when... 1. You eat dinner at 3:15 in the afternoon. 2. All purchases include a coupon of some kind -- even houses and cars. 3. Everyone can recommend an excellent dermatologist. 4. Road construction never ends anywhere in the state. 5. Cars in front of you are often driven by headless people. ----------------------- My mother also sent this: PALM SUNDAY: IT WAS PALM SUNDAY AND, BECAUSE OF A SORE THROAT, FIVE-YEAR- OLD JOHNNY STAYED HOME FROM CHURCH WITH A SITTER. WHEN THE FAMILY RETURNED HOME, THEY WERE CARRYING SEVERAL PALM BRANCHES. THE BOY ASKED WHAT THEY WERE FOR. "PEOPLE HELD THEM OVER JESUS' HEAD AS HE WALKED BY." "WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT," THE BOY FUMED, "THE ONE SUNDAY I DON'T GO, HE SHOWS UP!" CHILDREN'S SERMON: ONE EASTER SUNDAY MORNING AS THE MINISTER WAS PREACHING THE CHILDREN'S SERMON, HE REACHED INTO HIS BAG OF PROPS AND PULLED OUT AN EGG. HE POINTED AT THE EGG AND ASKED THE CHILDREN, "WHAT'S IN HERE?" "I KNOW!" A LITTLE BOY EXCLAIMED. "PANTYHOSE!" SUPPORT A FAMILY: THE PROSPECTIVE FATHER-IN-LAW ASKED, "YOUNG MAN, CAN YOU SUPPORT A FAMILY?" THE SURPRISED GROOM-TO-BE REPLIED, "WELL, NO. I WAS JUST PLANNING TO SUPPORT YOUR DAUGHTER. THE REST OF YOU WILL HAVE TO FEND FOR YOURSELVES." GRANDMA'S AGE: LITTLE JOHNNY ASKED HIS GRANDMA HOW OLD SHE WAS. GRANDMA ANSWERED, "39 AND HOLDING." JOHNNY THOUGHT FOR A MOMENT, AND THEN SAID, "AND HOW OLD WOULD YOU BE IF YOU LET GO?" FIRST TIME USHERS: A LITTLE BOY IN CHURCH FOR THE FIRST TIME WATCHED AS THE USHERS PASSED AROUND THE OFFERING PLATES. WHEN THEY CAME NEAR HIS PEW, THE BOY SAID LOUDLY, "DON'T PAY FOR ME DADDY. I'M UNDER FIVE." PRAYERS: THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER ASKED, "NOW, JOHNNY, TELL ME, DO YOU SAY PRAYERS BEFORE EATING?" "NO SIR," HE REPLIED, "WE DON'T HAVE TO. MY MOM IS A GOOD COOK!" CLIMB THE WALLS: "OH, I SURE AM HAPPY TO SEE YOU," THE LITTLE BOY SAID TO HIS GRANDMOTHER ON HIS MOTHER'S SIDE. "NOW MAYBE DADDY WILL DO THE TRICK HE HAS BEEN PROMISING US." THE GRANDMOTHER WAS CURIOUS. "WHAT TRICK IS THAT?" SHE ASKED. "I HEARD HIM TELL MOMMY THAT HE WOULD CLIMB THE WALLS IF YOU CAME TO VISIT" THE LITTLE BOY ANSWERED. THE WATER PISTOL: WHEN MY THREE-YEAR-OLD SON OPENED THE BIRTHDAY GIFT FROM HIS GRANDMOTHER, HE DISCOVERED A WATER PISTOL. HE SQUEALED WITH DELIGHT AND HEADED FOR THE NEAREST SINK. I WAS NOT SO PLEASED. I TURNED TO MOM AND SAID, "I'M SURPRISED AT YOU. DON'T YOU REMEMBER HOW WE USED TO DRIVE YOU CRAZY WITH WATER GUNS?" MOM SMILED AND ! THEN REPLIED....."I REMEMBER ----------------------- My brother & sister-in-law (Milton & Amy) sent this one: Airline Humor All too rarely, airline attendants make an effort to make the in-flight "safety lecture" and announcements a bit more entertaining. Here are some real examples that have been heard or reported: On a Southwest flight (SW has no assigned seating, you just sit where you want) passengers were apparently having a hard time choosing, when a flight attendant announced, "People, people we're not picking out furniture here, find a seat and get in it!" On a Continental Flight with a very "senior" flight attendant crew, the pilot said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants." On landing, the stewardess said, "Please be sure to take all of your belongings. If you're going to leave anything, please make sure it's something we'd like to have." There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only 4 ways out of this airplane" "Thank you for flying Delta Business Express. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride." As the plane landed and was coming to a stop at Ronald Reagan, a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. WHOA!" After a particularly rough landing during thunderstorms in Memphis, a flight attendant on a Northwest flight announced, "Please take care when opening the overhead compartments because, after a landing like that, sure as hell everything has shifted." From a Southwest Airlines employee: "Welcome aboard Southwest Flight 245 to Tampa. To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt; and, if you don't know how to operate one, you probably shouldn't be out in public unsupervised." "In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child traveling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs. If you are traveling with more than one small child, pick your favorite." "Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but we'll try to have them fixed before we arrive. Thank you, and remember, nobody loves you, or your money, more than Southwest Airlines." "Your seat cushions can be used for flotation; and, in the event of an emergency water landing, please paddle to shore and take them with our compliments." "As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses." And from the pilot during his welcome message: "Delta Airlines is pleased to have some of the best flight attendants in the industry. Unfortunately, none of them are on this flight!" Heard on Southwest Airlines just after a very hard landing in Salt Lake City: The flight attendant came on the intercom and said, "That was quite a bump, and I know what y'all are thinking. I'm here to tell you it wasn't the airline's fault, it wasn't the pilot's fault, it wasn't the flight attendant's fault, it was the asphalt." Overheard on an American Airlines flight into Amarillo, Texas, on a particularly windy and bumpy day: During the final approach, the Captain was really having to fight it. After an extremely hard landing, the Flight Attendant said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Amarillo. Please remain in your seats with your seat belts fastened while the Captain taxis what's left of our airplane to the gate!" Another flight attendant's comment on a less than perfect landing: "We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal." An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the Passengers exited, smile, and give them a "Thanks for flying our airline." He said that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart comment. Finally everyone had gotten off except for a little old lady walking with a cane. She said, "Sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?" "Why, no, Ma'am," said the pilot. "What is it?" The little old lady said, "Did we land, or were we shot down?" After a real crusher of a landing in Phoenix, the attendant came on with, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain in your seats until Capt. Crash and the Crew have brought the aircraft to a screeching halt against the gate. And, once the tire smoke has cleared and the warning bells are silenced, we'll open the door and you can pick your way through the wreckage to the terminal." Part of a flight attendant's arrival announcement: "We'd like to thank you folks for flying with us today. And, the next time you get the insane urge to go blasting through the skies in a pressurized metal tube, we hope you'll think of US Airways." Heard on a Southwest Airline flight. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to smoke, the smoking section on this airplane is on the wing and if you can light 'em, you can smoke 'em." A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead is good and, therefore, we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax... OH, MY GOD!" Silence followed, and after a few minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier. While I was talking to you, the flight attendant accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!" A passenger in Coach yelled, "That's nothing. You should see the back of mine!" Living on earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun every year. ---------------------------------- Jay Crosby sent this: WISDOM FROM GRANDPA Whether a man winds up with a nest egg, or a goose egg, depends a lot on the kind of chick he marries. Trouble in marriage often starts when a man gets so busy earnin' his salt, that he forgets his sugar. Too many couples marry for better, or for worse, but not for good. When a man marries a woman, they become one; but the trouble starts when they try to decide which one. If a man has enough horse sense to treat his wife like a thoroughbred, she will never turn into an old nag. On anniversaries, the wise husband always forgets the past - - but never the present. A foolish husband says to his wife, "Honey, you stick to the washin', ironin', cookin', and scrubbin'. No wife of mine is gonna work." The bonds of matrimony are a good investment only when the interest is kept. Many girls like to marry a military man - - he can cook, sew, and make beds, and is in good health, and he's already used to taking orders. Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age, and start bragging about it. The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for. Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know "why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved. How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are? When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to your youth.... remember Algebra. You know you are getting old when everything either dries up - - or leaks. I don't know how I got over the hill without getting to the top. One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young. Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable. Old age is when former classmates are so gray and wrinkled and bald they don't recognize you. If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you are old. First you forget names, then you forget faces. Then you forget to pull up your zipper. But it's really bad when you forget to pull it down. Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called black magic........Today, it's called Golf. ------------------------- Jay also sent this: (some slightly adult words) From a strictly mathematical viewpoint it goes like this: What Makes 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to give over 100%. How about achieving 103%? What makes up 100% in life? Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions: If: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z is represented as: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26. Then: H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K 8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98% and K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96% But, A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100% And, B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T 2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 = 103% AND, look how far ass kissing will take you. A-S-S-K-I-S-S-I-N-G 1+19+19+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 = 118% So, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that While Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, it's the Bullshit and Ass kissing that will put you over the top. ------------------------ My daughter Sarah sent this: 1. Don't imagine you can change a man - unless he's in diapers. 2. What do you do if your boyfriend walks out? You shut the door. 3. If they put a man on the moon - they should be able to put them all up there. 4. Never let your man's mind wander - it's too little to be out alone. 5. Go for the younger man. You might as well, they never mature anyway. 6. Men are all the same - they just have different faces, so that you can tell them apart. 7. Definition of a bachelor: a man who has missed the opportunity to make some woman miserable. 8. Women don't make fools of men - most of them are the do-it-yourself types. 9. Best way to get a man to do something is to suggest he is too old for it. 10. Love is blind, but marriage is a real eye-opener. 11. If you want a committed man, look in a mental hospital. 12. The children of Israel wandered around the desert for 40 years. Even in Biblical times, men wouldn't ask for directions. 13. If he asks what sort of books you're interested in, tell him checkbooks. 14. Remember a sense of humor does not mean that you tell him jokes, it means that you laugh at his. 15. Sadly, all men are created equal. -------------------------------- Bev Fox from Australia sent this: The Atheist and the Bear An atheist was taking a walk through the woods. "What majestic trees! What powerful rivers! What beautiful animals!" he said to himself. As he continued walking alongside the river he heard a rustling in the bushes. Turning to look, he saw a 7 foot grizzly charging towards him. He ran as fast as he could up the path. Looking over his shoulder he saw that the bear was closing in on him. His heart was pumping frantically and he tried to run even faster. He tripped and fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw the bear raising his paw to take a swipe at him. At that instant the atheist cried out: "Oh my God!.. Time stopped. The bear froze. The forest was silent. It was then that a bright light shone upon the man and a voice came out of the sky saying: "You deny my existence for all of these years, teach others I don't exist and even credit creation to a cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?" The atheist looked directly into the light, "It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps, could you make the BEAR a Christian?" "Very well," said the voice. The light went out. And the sounds of the forest resumed. And then the bear lowered his paw, bowed his head and spoke, "Lord, bless this food which I am about to receive and for which I am truly thankful." ===================================== 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: In a search for order and sustaining that order, the olden Cherokee devised a simple, yet seemingly complex belief system. Many of the elements of the original system remain today. Although some have evolved or otherwise been modified, the traditional Cherokee of today recognize the belief system as an integral part of day-to-day life. Certain numbers play an important role in the ceremonies of the Cherokee. The numbers four and seven repeatedly occur in myths, stories and ceremonies. Four represents all the familiar forces, also represented in the four cardinal directions. These cardinal directions are east, west, north and south. Certain colors are also associated with these directions. The number seven represents the seven clans of the Cherokee, and are also associated with directions. In addition to the four cardinal directions, three others exist. Up (the Upper World), down (the Lower World) and center (where we live, and where ‘you’ always are). The number seven also represents the height of purity and sacredness, a difficult level to attain. In olden times, it was believed that only the owl and cougar had attained this level, and since then, they have always had a special meaning to the Cherokee. The pine, cedar, spruce, holly and laurel also attained this level. They play a very important role in Cherokee ceremonies. Cedar is the most sacred of all, and the distinguishing colors of red and white set it off from all others. The wood from the tree is considered very sacred, and in ancient days, was used to carry the honored dead. Because of these early beliefs, the traditional Cherokee have a special regard for the owl and cougar. They are the honored ones in some versions of the Creation story. They were the only two who were able to stay awake for the seven nights of Creation. The others fell asleep. Today, because of this, they are nocturnal in their habits and both have night vision. The owl is seemingly different from other birds, and he resembles an old man as he walks. Sometimes, the owl can be mistaken for a cat with his feather tufts and silhouette of his head. This resemblance honors his nocturnal brother, the cougar. The owls’ eyes are quite large and set directly in front like a persons, and he can close one independent of the other. The cougar is an animal whose has screams which resemble those of a woman. He is an animal who has habits that are very secret and unpredictable. The cedar, pine, spruce, laurel and holly trees have leaves all year long. These plants, too, stayed awake seven nights during the Creation. Because of this, they were given special power, and they are among the most important plants in Cherokee medicine and ceremonies. Traditionally, the Cherokee are deeply concerned with keeping things separated and in the proper classification, or category. For example, when sacred items are not in use they are wrapped in deerskin, or white cloth, and kept in a special box or other place. The circle is a familiar symbol to traditional Cherokees. The Stomp Dance and other ceremonies involve movements in a circular pattern. In ancient times, the fire in the council house was built by arranging the wood in a continuous "X" so that the fire would burn in a circular path. The rivers, or "Long Man," were always believed to be sacred, and the practice of going to water for purification and other ceremonies was at one time very common. Today, the river, or any other body of moving water such as a creek, is considered a sacred site, and going to water is still a respected practice by some Cherokees. The everyday cultural world of the Cherokee includes spiritual beings. Even though the beings are different from people and animals, they are not considered "supernatural." They are very much a part of the natural, or real, world and most people at some point in their lives, have an experience with spiritual beings. One group of spiritual beings still talked about by many Cherokees, are the Little People. They are invisible unless they want to be seen. When seen, they look very much like any other Cherokee, except they are very small, and have long hair, sometimes to the ground. The Little People live in various places, such as rock shelters, caves in the mountains, laurel thickets, etc. They like drumming and dancing, and they often help lost children. Not only physically lost, but sometimes saddened children and those who are going through the tough times of growing up. They are also known to be quite mischievous at times. The Little People need to be dealt with carefully, and it is necessary to observe the traditional rules regarding them. They don’t like to be disturbed, and they may cause a person who continually bothers them to become ‘puzzled’ throughout life. Because of this, traditional Cherokees will not investigate or look when they believe they hear Little People. If one of the Little People is accidentally seen, or if he or she chooses to show himself, it is not to be discussed or told of for at least seven years. It is also a common practice to not speak about the Little People after night fall. ------------------------ Bob and the Hummingbird Robert Rucker, a member of the Milam Family of Cherokees, enjoys feeding the wildlife in his back yard. Numerous species visit the large feeders he keeps filled for both birds and squirrels. Bob told this story of his encounter with a tiny hummingbird. One day Bob stepped onto his covered porch and noticed a hummingbird caught in a thick cobweb near the roof. Very carefully he pulled the little creature free and held it in his hand. He saw that the bird was weak and had probably been caught in the web all night. He held it close to the hummingbird feeder while it drank its fill. Bob could see that the bird was still struggling with sticky webs caught in its wings. He brushed the strands away, opening his palm out flat so that the bird could fly. Bob watched as the hummingbird rose slightly, hovering just above his palm. Its wings were beating so quickly they were invisible. Then it landed back on his hand. It tested its wings in this manner a couple more times. Then a wonderful thing happened. The hummingbird used its long beak to pull out a feather from beneath its wing. This the bird laid in Bob’s hand. According to Cherokee traditionalist Pat Moss, that is how you get a hummingbird feather…it has to be given to you. ===================================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ===================================== Interesting websites and news: Greetings from The Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee. We are proud to announce the launch of our new sister site “Cherokee Indians” located at www.CherokeeIndians.com . We hope to engage the general public in our mission to restore the dignity and honor of the disenfranchised Cherokee People. We sincerely thank for your support. The Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee Education in Indian country http://www.kumeyaay.com/news/news_detail.html?id=1814 Tohono O’odham and Yaqui: “No More Walls http://www.kumeyaay.com/news/news_detail.html?id=1812 ===================================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ===================================== Here are some randomly picked historical events for August: August 1, 1832: General Henry Atkinson, called "White Beaver" by the Indians, army regulars, and 3,000 civilian volunteers, fight with Black Hawk's forces at the battle of Bad Axe River, a few miles south of present day La Crosse in southwest Wisconsin. Approximately 150 Indians are killed in the fighting. (See August 3, 1832) August 2, 1675: Captain Thomas Wheeler, with twenty militia, and three Indian guides, have arranged for a meeting with the Nipmucks on August 1st. The whites hope to make the Nipmucks allies in their fight against the Wampanoags. However, the Nipmucks have already joined up with King Philip's Wampanoags. When the Nipmucks are not at the meeting site, the English search for them, against the advice of their Indian guides. Today, a joint force of Nipmucks and Wampanoags attack Wheeler's force. Half of Wheeler's force is killed in the initial attack. Wheeler retreats to Brookfield, in central Massachusetts. Wheeler, and the eighty local residents move into a small, wooden, community fort. The Indians stage a siege, and make several unsuccessful attempts to burn the building. One settler manages to escape, and run for help. Within a few days Major Simon Willard, and four dozen men reach Brookfield, and engage the Indians. The English claim to have killed eighty warriors in the subsequent fighting. August 3, 1832: Black Hawk has been chased back westward to the Mississippi River. General Winfield Scott has outfitted a steamboat, "The Warrior," with artillery. Today he confronts Black Hawk. Initially Black Hawk attempts to parlay, but the 1,300 white forces are out for blood. In the subsequent fighting, almost 200 warriors are killed, while the soldiers lose a tenth of that. Black Hawk escapes, but he is captured by other Indians, some time later. About 200 Sac Indians make it across the river, only to be killed by Sioux Indians on the west bank. August 4, 1845: Peter Jones (Kahkewaquonaby) is a Mississauga Ojibwa chief. While on a speaking tour of Scotland to raise money for missionary efforts in his homeland, his picture is taken. This is considered to be one of the first photographs ever made of an American Indian. August 5, 1838: The second group of Cherokee prisoners forcibly removed to the Indian Territory (present day Oklahoma) arrive in their new lands in the Indian Territory. Of the 875 who originally left Ross' Landing (Chattanooga, Tennessee) on June 13th, only 602 arrive. While some of the captive Cherokees escape, many of the 273 missing Cherokees die en route. August 6, 1763: After yesterday's inconclusive fighting at Bushy Run, in southwestern Pennsylvania, Henry Bouquet's force of almost 450, devise a plan to surprise the Wyandot, Shawnee, Mingo and Delaware who are fighting then. Bouquet fakes a retreat which leads the following Indians into a trap. Both sides lose a total of about 100 men in the fighting. The Indians give up the battle, and Bouquet continues on to relieve Fort Pitt. Some of the Indians involved in "Pontiac's Rebellion" are less inclined to fight in the future, after this battle. August 7, 659: Yukukun has forced Maya King Shield Skull of Tikal (Guatemala) into exile. Today, Shield Skull appears in Palenque, (Mexico). Some sources say this happened on August 16, 659. (see my photos of Palenque at: http://americanindian.net/mayae.html and http://americanindian.net/mexico14.html ) August 8, 1587: A little over a week ago, one of the English colonists in the Roanoke colony in North Carolina is killed by an Indian. Colony leader John White leads two dozen men in a raid to punish the killer. Their zeal for revenge outweighs their judgment, though. They kill a Croatan Indian, but it is the wrong one. Some historians believe this might have led to the eventual disappearance of the Roanoke colony. August 9, 1843: Penatekas Comanche Chief Pahayuca signs a truce with Texas Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Joseph Eldredge. A full-fledged treaty is not arranged, though. August 10, 1973: An election on July 18th, approved a Constitution and By-Laws for the Cortina Band of Indians on the Cortina Indian Rancheria in Colusa County, California. Marvin Franklin, Assistant to the Secretary of the Interior ratifies the results. August 11, 1680: The Pueblo Rebellion takes place in New Mexico under the leadership of a Tewa named Popé. Popé has arranged for an attack on as many of the Spanish missions as possible to all take place on the same day. Some sources say this happens on August 10th. August 12, 1676: During a skirmish with white colonists, King Philip of the Wampanoags is urged to end the battle by one of his warriors. Philip becomes so angry with the warrior for suggesting this that he clubs him to death. The dead warrior's brother, Alderman, goes to Captain Benjamin Church, and offers to lead him to King Philip. Today, good to his word, Alderman showed Church, and his men, King Philip's camp in a swamp at Mount Hope. The soldiers surrounded Philip. As Philip attempted to escape by a back trail, Alderman, stationed there by Church, shoots, and kills him. Philip's head is taken to Plymouth and displayed on a pole for two decades. This ends King Philip's War. As many as 600 English, and perhaps five times that number of Indians, are killed during the war. August 13, 1587: Manteo, a Crotan Indian has converted to the Church of England. He is baptized by Sir Walter Raleigh. In respect for his help with Raleigh's colonists, Raleigh gives him the title of "Lord of Roanoke and of Dasamonquepeuk." August 14, 1812: Tecumseh tells Sir Isaac Brock, "We gave the forest-clad mountains and valleys full of game, and in return what did they give our warriors and our women? Rum and trinkets and a grave." August 15, 1642: In instructions to the Pennsylvania Governor John Printz of New Sweden, the Queen of Sweden wishes for "the wild nations" to be treated kindly, and in a humane manner. She also states that the Indians are the "rightful lords" of this land, and must be treated accordingly. August 16, 1812: Shawnee Chief Tecumseh has been commissioned as a Brigadier General by the British. With his Indians forces, he is instrumental in the surrender of American force at Fort Detroit. August 17, 1805: In one of the most amazing coincidents in history, Lewis and Clark meet Sacajawea's brother. (see pictures of the area on my website at: http://americanindian.net/2003d.html ) August 18, 1862: Santee Sioux attack the lower agency in Minnesota as one of the first moves of the "Santee Sioux Uprising." As many as 400 whites died the first day. August 19, 1782: Battles have been fought in many areas around Kentucky and Virginia. On August 16, 300 to 400 Indians, and a few whites, led by British Captain William Caldwell and Simon Girty, attack the settlement at nearvy Bryan's Station, near Lexington, Kentucky.When reinforcements arrive, the Indians retreat to the area called the "Blue Licks." The Blue Licks is a spring on the middle fork of the Linking River. Despite the advise of many frontiersmen such as Daniel Boone to wait for more soldiers, the militia takes off after the Indians. The militia falls into the Indians' trap and around seventy soldiers are killed. August 20, 1794: Little Turtle has seen how skillfully General Wayne is at organizing his forces. Knowing this will not be like the easy encounters he has had with Harmar, and St. Clair, Little Turtle suggests making peace with the whites. He is called a coward, and Turkey Foot takes his place as War Chief. 800 warriors, including 100 Cherokees are waiting for Wayne's forces near Fort Miami, near present day Toledo, Ohio. Many of the Indians have been fasting for days, to be "pure for battle." Wayne takes this into consideration, and slows his advance so they are weaker. August 21, 1871: Treaty Number Two (Manitoba Post Treaty), is concluded between the Canadian Government, and the Chippewa. They sell 35,700 square miles of land, in exchange for certain reservation lands, an annuity, schools and other items. August 22, 1877: As a part of their flight to Canada, the Nez Perce enter Yellowstone Park. They will encounter many tourists in their travels through the park. (see pictures of the area on my website at: http://americanindian.net/2003f.html ) August 23, 1955: An election is authorized to adopt an amended Constitution and By-Laws for the Hualapai Tribe of the Haulapai Reservation in Arizona by the Assistant Secretary of the Interior. The election is on October 22, 1955. August 24, 1869: For his actions on July 8, 1869, Mad Bear receives the Congressional Medal of Honor. August 25, 1665: Construction begin on the first of four forts which are built in Chambly, Quebec, southeast of Montreal. This fort is called Fort St. Louis. Later versions are called Fort Chambly. Its primary purpose is to defend nearby settlers from attacks by the Iroquois. August 26, 1876: Treaty 6 is signed by the Cree, Chipewyan and Saulteaux and the Canadian government covering much of modern Alberta and Saskatchewan. August 27, 1935: The Indian Arts and Craft Act (104 Stat. 4662) is passed by Congress. Its purpose is to "promote the economic welfare of the Indian tribes and Indian individuals through the development of Indian arts and crafts and the expansion of the market for the products of Indian art and craftsmanship." August 28, 1686: According to a alleged copy of a deed dated with today's date, Delaware Chiefs Mayhkeerickkishsho, Sayhoppy, and Taughhoughsey, sell lands along the Delaware River to William Penn. The deed specified that the land encompass the distance "back into the woods as far as a man can go in a day and a half." A copy of this deed is found by Thomas Penn in 1734. The implementation of this deed is called "The Walking Purchase." The walk is started on September 19, 1737. The manner in which it is done leads to recriminations on both side. Some sources say this happens on August 30th. August 29, 1759: Mohegan Samson Occom is ordained as a minister by the Suffolk Presbytery of Long Island, New York. While living with Rev. Eleazar Wheelock, he has studied numerous foreign languages, including Hebrew and Greek. Eventually, he is sent to England to help raise funds for Wheelock's Indian "Charity" School. Occom is the first Indian Minister to deliver a sermon in England. His fund-raising efforts are so outstanding that Wheelock's School can afford to move to New Hampshire, and eventually become Dartmouth College. August 30, 1813: The "Red Sticks," the anti-whites faction of the Creeks, attack Fort Mims, just north of Mobile, Alabama, on Lake Tensaw. 800 Red Stick Creeks warriors (some estimates range between 400 and a 1,000), led by Chiefs Peter McQueen and William Weatherford (Lume Chathi - Red Eagle), rush into the open fort, at noon, and kill 107 soldiers, and 260 civilians, including 100 Negro slaves. The fort commander, Major Daniel Beasley, has done a poor job of preparing the fort for the Creek War. This laxity leads to the success of the Creek attack. The defenders are brutally attacked and only a few Americans escape. The defense of the fort is led by militia Captain Dixon Bailey, a half-blood Creek. Bailey dies in the fighting. During the five-hour battle, between thirty-six and 100 Red Stick Creeks are killed according to different sources. August 31, 1925: The Mi'kmaq Membertou First Nation reserve of Membertou #28B is established in Nova Scotia. ===================================== X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X+X ===================================== That's it for now. There will be more to come in the days ahead. Stay safe, Phil ==================================================== End of the August 2004 Newsletter by Phil Konstantin ==================================================== . . . . . . . . . .
|
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 |
