Tripod
WAR CRY
A Native American E-Zine
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Issue 3~~August 1999~~Part 1
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"If you want to be a whole person, you must try to make society better, before you have a right to turn your back on it."
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In The News......
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Special Notice
To accommodate the visually impaired War Cry now offers a TEXT ONLY version of the newsletter to enable easier reading by the programs used by these individuals. This same version will be sent to all Internet subscribers since most services other then AOL do not offer picture display options in their email. If you are an AOL 3.0 user and would prefer to recieve the new TEXT ONLY version of War Cry please email me at WARCRYNEWS@ and specify that you would like to start receiving the TEXT ONLY version. Thank you.
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Woman or Warrior...A tribute to our Ladies in Uniform
by S0RNEAGLE1
I made a suggestion to have an article of this topic put into War Cry to show our appreciation to all the women in our Armed Forces. Well as it turns out I in return was asked to write the article. Now I do not claim to be a writer and I was not sure where to begin. I know it had to be honorable to the Ladies who work exetremely hard fighting along side the men keeping you, I and our families safe.
Often when we think of women, we see them as mothers, wives, daughters, but what we do not see most often is the warrior. The woman who goes to war, the doctors and nurses that see and hear the pain of others crying out for help or the woman/soldier who is on the front lines fighting for our freedom, we give credit to our men, we often see them as the American Heros. We lose sight of the women who fight along side those heros. They are pushed aside never really recognized for their efforts in keeping the democracy of this land. Well to all our ladies in uniform this tribute is for you.
There are 1.8 million women serving or have served in the Armed Forces. Someone's mother, wife, and or daughter. In an era of political unrest-- with no thought of glory, with no fanfare or public notice-- thousands of women volunteered to go where they were needed. The era was known as Vietnam, and these young women risked their lives to care for our country's wounded and dying and to use their skills throughout the world in a variety of capacities.
These quiet heros faced the casualties and results of war with steel nerves and breaking hearts, day after day. They were virtually unknown to us until one former Army Nurse, Diane Carlson Evans, sought to acknowledge their valiant service. Her vision was for the country to learn of and recognize these brave women by placing a statue honoring their service near the Wall and the statue of the three servicemen. Sustained by her respect of women who served, she founded the Vietnam Women's Memorial Project in 1984 and was joined by folds of others to accomplish the rightful tribute.
For the first time in America's history, a memorial that honors women's patriotic service is dedicated in the nation's capital. We see, as will generations to follow, the silent pain of those who endured the casualites of war. If we take time to lisen to their experiences, or to imagine their experiences, while contemplating the figures in this memorial we more profoundly understand the enormous human toll that war exacts.
Eleven thousand and five hundred women served in Vietnam. 90% were medical personnel. Sue Rowe of Phoenix, Az. and Virginia Willard of Florida worked in an OR in 1969. Sue served in 1969-1970 at Pleiku in the 71st Army Evacuation Hospital.
They witnessed patients sorted according to those needing immediate care, those who could wait and the " Expectants"--those who had no chance and were put off to the side to die. Those were the ones not forgotten.
The effect of so much exposure to so much pain was little understood. And still is today. They return to sometimes hostile and even uncaring receptions. There is nothing more intimate than sharing someone's dying with them. It is more intimate than sex, and even more intimate than childbirth, and once you do it, you can never be ordinary again.
As I researched for this article and as I read the facts and the memories and even the names of those women who served, I not only saw them as wives, mothers, and daughters, but of women warriors who in one way or another have served this country to the best of their ability. For you Ladies with courage and heart this is all in your honor. For every tear that escaped my eye, each one given a name, one for every woman warrior that gave her life for mine.
OUR WAR
I don't go off to war, so they say,
I'm a woman.
Who then has worn my boots?
And whose memories are these,
of youth's suffering?
I'm a woman and I've tasted man's war
Our war
And he knows that I love in no greater way
than to share in his life or his death.
What are the rules?
Man or Woman,
We are prey to suffer and survive together.
Please don't forget me.
I've been through war's hell and if only you will listen
I've a story of those chosen to sacrifice for us all.
Author Unknown
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Passage into History
Buenos Aires - The last of Argentina's Ona Indians has died, ending a history of a tribe at least 9,000 years old. The tribe, who inhabited the
southernmost tip of south America, had been decimated by disease,
settlers and bounty hunters. The bounties on Ona Indians were only made illegal in the 1950's.
Virginia Choinquitel, 56, died of a heart attack last Wednesday in Rio
Grande, Tierra del Fuego, a priest in the small town announced.
Argentinean anthropologist Miguel Angel palermo said that the last Ona
man died in 1995.
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FOOTNOTE: Perhaps we on this list can do a small part to prevent this
from happening to other peoples. Language and literature are what
preserve one's culture. Once there are no more native born speakers of
a language we all as a society lose something, because extinct is
forever. Every piece of the puzzle is important, no matter how small it
might be!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
home:
- Simplifying group communications
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Notice about this title: It is not an actual statistic as some ummm, people, tried to claim I was making. The title was sarcastic in itself and in reference to the number of people that can fit into an AOL chatroom. Thank you.
23 Real Indians Found On AOL
by RisngSmoke
An amazing discovery was made on America Online just recently. It was discovered that there are actually twenty-three real Indians in the Native American Chat rooms. All of us that have ever been in these rooms know that there is Native American Chat (NAC), Native American Chat 1 (NAC1), Native American Chat 2 (NAC2), etc., the number increases as the rooms fill to capacity. These rooms capacities are generally 23 not including Guides and/or Hosts. Now here is the question of concern, which chatroom has the real Indians in it? Well, it depends on who you ask, ask someone in the Native American Chat room and they'll tell you they are the real ones and the others are twinkies...a term I'll explain later. Ask someone in Native American Chat 1 the same question and you'll get the same answer. This AOL Indian trademark carries on over to every chat room. I know because I've seen it, and yes I've participated in the 'twinkie' name calling as well. When the term 'twinkie' is used in this manner, to the best of my knowledge, it refers to a fake Indian, not a snack cake. Don't bother asking me where this term originated from, in my opinion a fake Indian probably created it. Did I say that?
OK, on with this new wonderful discovery. I've recently been given the opportunity to watch the Great Twinkie War of 1999 and to even participate in it. Here's a little history of how this war started. It's not quite clear who fired the first twinkie, NAC or NAC1, maybe it was even NAC2. Doesn't really matter really, because once the powdered sugar settled and all the creme filling cleaned up the results are the same. People are hurt and Native Americans in general gain the appearance of being racist, insensitive, and uncaring. Now we all know there are some Native Americans like that, several actually, but there are those types in every race. Every race has their good and bad members. The name calling, mud slinging, and innuendo's leave all blemished and scarred. No one goes untouched, even those that have never been online in their lives. This stigma created and experienced by those in any NAC room online carries over into our everyday attitudes and into our lives in general.
I have seen people being knighted as being 'twinkies' because they are not full blooded Indians. I have seen the non full bloods attack the full bloods because they were readily accepted by their Nation. I have also seen people being attacked because they have no blood and they come to the Native American chat rooms to visit friends and/or to learn about our culture. To me this is nothing more then acts of racism and/or harassment. It serves only one purpose, to keep us from achieving unity. Isn't this what we've fought so long to stop? Racism and mistreatment to native peoples. Maybe it's time to 'practice what we preach.' If I were to stand a full blood native, a half blood, a quarter blood, and a no blood person side by side. Could we as a people say that one life is more valuable then the other and be able to maintain a clear conscious? Personally I can't do it. I can speak out of anger, but afterwards I feel guilty and realize that I was wrong. This is my opinion, I felt the need to express it so here it is. Just for the record, the term 'twinkie,' was created by a non native. Hmmmm, interesting. Another method of keeping us from uniting perhaps? Hatred. Is it the way and practice of the American Indian?
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Americas First Authentic Wild West
Indian Food Resturaunt
by Lucas Hunter
submitted by BagLadyJes
PHOENIX, Ariz. --- Six new fast-food restaurants opening in Arizona are the first in the world to serve authentic Indian food ---just like Pocahontas, Geronimo and Crazy Horse used to eat.
Yep, this isn't the Indian food they cook in Bombay and New Delhi --- these are the buffaloburgers, rattlesnake sandwiches and fried goat's heads the Cherokees and Apaches loved to munch on in their teepees.
And it's the first time most of these Wild-West delicasies have ever been available to palefaces.
"These recipes have proudly been passed down from generation to generation in Indian villages," said Billy Longleg, who owns Geronimo's Fine Fast-Food. "I feel the time has come for everyone in the United States to be exposed to this very special food." Longleg said he hopes to have a dozen restaurants in Arizona and California by the end of the year. His long term plans include expanding into 20 states by the spring of 2000.
"All locations will have drive-thru windows just like any fast-food restaurant but our menu will be quite different," he said. "We will have coyote meat prepared several different ways, fried lizards and armadillo over cactus. People will wonder why they weren't eating food like this all along."
Many customers may be startled by Long-leg's claim that famous Indian Chief Sitting Bull invented the favorite lunchtime meal-on-a-stick, the corn dog.
"We'll serve authentic corn dogs like the ones Geronimo ate," Longleg admitted. "But be warned --- there was a reason he called them corn dogs."
Indian hot dogs, which will also be served, are very different from what most people are used to.
"Over the centuries the American Indian has developed a much different taste than that of the European man," Longleg said. "For our dishes we use authentic ingredients --- and in the case of our hot dogs we use tender juicy dog meat just as our ancestors did."
GERONIMO'S FINE FAST-FOOD MENU
BUFFALOFURGER $2.50
PRAIRIE DOG ON A BUN $2.00
PRAIRIE DOG STEW $3.25
RATTLESNAKE
Rattlesnake on a bun $3.50
Rattlesnake Platter
(served with maize & squash)
(Deep Fried) $3.85
(Barbecued) $4.00
FRIED GOAT'S HEAD $6.50
HOT DOG (Catch of the Day):
Hot Dog on a bun $2.75
Hot Dog Platter
(served with potato & squash)
(Deep Fried) $5.00
(Barbecued) $5.50
Hot Dog (4pieces) $3.75
(8 pieces) $6.00
(12 pieces) $8.75
All meat is grilled or slow roasted
over a bed of authentic buffalo chips!
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Pine Ridge Residents Show Their Support For Leonard Peltier During Clinton?fs Visit
During president Clinton?fs visit to the Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation
yesterday, many local people voiced their concern for Leonard Peltier. A
huge, yellow banner stating, ?gIT?fS 1999 WHY IS LEONARD PELTIER STILL IN
PRISON??h hung in clear view for Clinton?fs arrival. Many held FREE PELTIER
signs and chanted ?gFree Leonard Peltier?h during pauses in Clinton?fs speech.
A member of the tribal council presented President Clinton with a copy of
Prison Writings, My Life Is My Sun Dance and a letter from Leonard himself.
At least two people shook hands with Clinton and asked him when he was going
to free Peltier. The AP press covered the story and included a picture of
the Peltier supporters with their signs and a caption stating, ?gProtesters
in Pine Ridge, S.D., called for President Clinton to free Leonard Peltier,
imprisoned for the shootings of two FBI agents in 1975.?h Reuters made
mention of the shoot out in their story and referred to Leonard Peltier as
an ?g international cause celebre.?h The Lincoln Journal Star of Nebraska
included the visible support for Peltier during the Clinton visit in their
story as well.
Edgar Bear Runner announced Clinton?fs visit at the recent June 25-27 Leonard Peltier Organizing Conference and asked for supporters to come to Pine Ridge if possible. Some from Nebraska and even as far as Texas went to Pine Ridge to support these efforts. At the end of Clinton?fs speech Edgar yelled, ?gIn the name of Justice and Human Rights, Free Leonard Peltier!?h Leonard asks us to express his thanks and love for this effort.
According to Bear Runner, Senator Tom Daschle, who signed the recent
transfer of Lakota land to the state of South Dakota and accompanied
Clinton, was booed and received little applause from the people in
attendance. Jesse Jackson was given a Free Peltier button and when asked
what he would do to help Leonard, he replied, ?gwhatever I can.?h
---LPDC
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
PO Box 583
Lawrence, KS 66044
785-842-5774
To subscribe, send a blank message to < lpdc-on@mail- >
To unsubscribe, send a blank message to < lpdc-off@mail- >
To change your email address, send a message to < lpdc-change@mail-
> with your old address in the Subject line
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Cultural Theft
by S0rnEagle1
If you run across links that lead to websites that desecrate our Native ceremonies and traditions please email them to S0rnEagle1@ . Help us to stop the massacre of our heritage.
Links of Dishonor
Flight of the Eagle Shamanic Resources
Twin Shaman
ShamanSouth, unlimited HomePage
A Shamanic Path
Shamanism, Indigenous Knowledge, Medical Anthropology, and Borneo
Techno-Shamanistic Thoughts
Spiritual Reader and Traditional Healer, Marguerite Elsbeth
Alan Grey Wolf - NEWSLETTERS
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READER FEEDBACK
If you would like to make a comment to our staff please feel free to by clicking this link... War Cry Reader Feedback
From Bluhopesya@:
Dear Sis Wnd, I'm sitting her Reading War Cry, with tear in my eyes, and my heart is full of joy. Risng and you have made me stop and think about the wisdom, wealth of knowledge among our brothers and sister. The power of the press, has never moved me like this issue of War Cry. To see so many of my friends from the chat Rooms, tell there stories, or share the own personal stories, tell me about herbs, share a poem, so many talented people, we are all blessed, I'm sitting here in awe, so much talent among my brothers, and sisters. With pride and Respect I comment each and every person who participated in Making War Cry Second Issue A success . Your Sister Bluhopesya
Well Bluhopesya, now you donr brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for the wonderful letter. =)
From Featherae@
Thank's....ya'll have done such a great job my heart sings.I haven't had a chance to read it all, but just glancing at it all makes me feel very proud of ya'll and glad to see it in my mail box.....Thanks
We are honored to have your approval =)
From CANTI1965@:
Thank you for share your magazine with me. As always it was a great issue. Now I would like to ask you premission to share it with other that are NOT online. I will not share without your OK? Please let me know as soon as you can.
Thank you!!
Permission granted, please feel free to share with anyone.
From Oshiyo@:
Just finished the WAR CRY~~Issue 2~~Part 4~~July 1999........thanks......I have been enjoying every copy you send........keep up the good work.........Hope to see you continue...........Jackson Nighthorse
Thanks a lot we hope to be here for a while =)
From Growing Tr@:
Ya'ah'teeh shi' kis;
This concerns your feature with links to False Medicine People Web Sites. The two Navajos on this site: Native American Medicine Connection are real Hataalii. For I have known them in person.
It is not uncommon for a Navajo Medicine Man (Hataalii) to receive payment for a ceremony performed. This payment can be a horse, goat, cow, calf, or sheep. Often a Lamb or Sheep will be butchered and the Hataalii given a big meal. In these more modern times, it is not uncommon for money to be exchanged.
I am not that familiar with other peoples customs. But I suspect the same kinds of payments were made to Medicine Men. I just wanted to clear up some misunderstanding about my people's ways.
Sincerely;
Growing Tree
I understand your concern and point of view and appreciate it. But it's not considered 'proper' for 'medicine people' to advertise. Particularly on the internet. I respect your opinion but must stand firmly on mine. =)
From EagleMan4@:
Mike- I submitted an article on Arvol L H - I am tempted to make a column- Stupid things I hear & experience on the Net!
Eagle Man you are more then welcome to join our staff. =)
From Annefr64@:
Hello Michael,
Hope you re doing good and have a nice Sunday. Just wanted to thank you for sending me War Cry, for sharing and giving me the chance to listen and to learn Native Culture...Your writings are priceless and lightnen my road of young seeker, i remain very grateful to you for this Gift. Not easy to express the strong feelings when discovering that i have so much in common with Natives, even if am so far in distance and born on another land. I guess open Hearted people always meet anyway and follow the same path...
I wish to send you an article i wrote in a newspaper here in January, i have to translate it first and that is not so easy to find the right words. Guess you ll know me better that way than in a chatroom!
Peace to you,
Anne
Anne we're proud to have War Cry reach across the ocean to you in France. Thank you for the encouragement and kind words. =)
From Stalknghost@:
Risng, Wnd.....
I have just finished reading the latest issue of War Cry... It
is a fantastic newsletter !! ..something to proud of !! I am what
you call a "Wasichu" , but I was born and raised in Oklahoma and
grew up with the Native Americans. I have Choctaw relatives, and
have known a lot of Native Americans in my growing up in Okla. I
have the utmost resect for the NA and their customs.....
Keep up the good work!!....to be your friend is an honor !!
Thanks for the compliment Stalknghost and the honor is all ours. =)
From BlindLee55@:
First i think putting Pelter in jail is a travesty of justice and he should get an unconditional release and second i think war cry is a wonderful news letter and i enjoy reading it very much and i never want to inscribe any time it is so great .lee
I agree wholeheartedly with you BlindLee, but let's not forget there are many Native Americans in jail that are falsely accused and convicted. Thanks for the compliment too =)
From GrWolf42@:
It is good that the U.S. Government is deciding to possibly right a wrong that has been going on this long. My prayers are going up to correct this injustice.
I agree GrWolf42, but I'm not going to hold my breath where Leonard Peltier is concerned. The government needed a scapegoat and they got one with Mr. Peltier. I am very interested in the outcome of this event.
From BagLadyJes@:
Michael, this is the best news that could happen. All of our protesting and petition signing has finally paid off. Sometimes it's not how loud you can holler, but how long you can keep the noise going. This has been a very long on-going protest but our prayers are finally being answered. jes
Let's hope something positive comes from this and it's not another let down by this rotten organization known as Uncle Sam.
From ERMukWa@:
Friend.
I would like to know if you have this in hardcopy. I would greatly appreciate being able to subscribe to it, and have it here for friends and family to read. You are doing a wonderful job.
Megwetch.
Thank you for the compliment. War Cry is not available in hardcopy format just yet. But we are working on it. Please feel free to print the newsletter if you'd like too. =)
From BasketMoon@:
My apologies to the War Cry editor and staff as well as all the readers.....
When I wrote the article "Traders Beware", it was with the intent of warning others online....not to create a battle field. It has also been brought to my attention that this young man has been speaking poorly of me in the NACs and this is causing some fighting and anger in the rooms. Please don't show this young man anger. I don't need to defend myself against lies.....my words and honor speak for me. Please keep him in your prayers.....he needs that more than anger. Again, my apologies.....especially those that have recieved the numerous emails that my young friend has sent out.
Thank you again, my brother, and again, my apologies.
Tohidu....
Basket
Hey Basket no problem. You're a kind person and we're glad we could help. =)
From Little Otter:
Another 4th has come and gone. While this American holiday holds no meaning for Native Americans, other than a switch from fighting the English to fighting the "might as well be English," this day has brought some thoughts to my head. What made my Grandfather fight in WWII for this country? How could a poor Native Vermonter like my grandfather fight for a country that took him from his parents and took from him his culture?? What made him volunteer for service in the Army Air Corps and fight an enemy that has never once burned our villages or stolen our ideas? There is something powerful about our veterans. There is something awe inspiring that allows them to not only fight for their own liberties here, but also for the same liberties of people oceans away. My grandfather, N'mahom, standing in China, a world away from his home, yet still standing in the midst of the same fight. Do not let others destroy you and your people. Do not let others destroy somebody else and their culture. It is universal, our fight started here, but First Nations people will make an impact seen all over the world. To our veterans wherever they may be, I say, "Wliwni!"
Little Otter
Excellent words my brother.
From Little Otter:
A lot of controversy has started on the online circuit about a "New Nation." I began by attack all of those I thought were involved and slandering them. Now I realize that the problem must be approached with more mature means. It seems some believe that a new nation should be created for those who cannot trace their lineage and become a part of a BIA recognized tribe. While I know for a fact how difficult it is to trace one's lineage (especially in the North East), it is essential that only those with proven lineage may admit to having Native blood. Even then, there is a major difference between having native blood, and being raised as a native. All the cards in the world will not make you native mentally. Being native is so different from being european that only a person who is raised with First Nations people can comprehend it. I see many people talking of Native spirit, and I can tell that they have no idea what that is. It seems that some believe that being close to nature and loving your family and friends makes you native in spirit. Well, unfortunately, that only makes you a good boy scout. Many ideas that natives have and their thinking patterns are totally different from Europeans. The way we learn, and communicate and share things is also different. I will refrain from getting into more detail because it could take many days to get just part of it. The point is, if you are not raised an Indian, then you have a long ways to go before you come even close to thinking like one. But lets get back to the "New Nation." The inherent problem with people who are not recognized natives forming their own public groups is it ruins the credibility of groups that have true purpose and recognized status. Calling an internet group a Nation also inacurately describes the political power of the new group, but also undermines the struggle of Native groups to use the same term. The "New Nation" also destroys the credibility of Native groups who are working hard to fight for the rights of their people. Native Americans are starving and are still suffering from diseases that have been "cured" in this country. They are fighting injustice, as well as full blown racism from the government as well as the citizens of the united states. We are seen as nuisances by the government and savage, uneducated bums by the lay people. The voice of a new nation only fights against our struggles. Our entire fight is based upon the fact that we belong to original nations, not newly created ones. Any talk of a new nation or group that in any way emulates native culture must be stopped. These groups spread false information to others who are willing to learn. False information ruins the uniqueness of our cultures. Misinformation breeds ignorance and hatred. The New Nation will attempt to kill us, its falseness is an attempt to divide and mold us into something that euro-americans can like. Another attempt to destroy the parts of us that are unpleasant to Eurpopeans, and only keep those that fit in their "ideal societies."
Little Otter
What can I say? Couldn't have said it better myself.
From CCW311@:
This email is being sent because of an email I got today...on "Twinkies"I feel the same way, I have Indian heritage but haven't a clue on being an Indian. I'm interested in learning about my heritage in the same way that I'm interested in learning about the cultures of my friends. I want to buy a Menorah as a respect of my Jewish friends. I may buy a Dreamcatcher for the same reason. Not that I'm trying to become any of those things but that I celebrate the difference of cultures. I believe that instead of resentment of other cultures wanting to learn (in a respectful manner, of course) all questions should be answered as honestly as possible without ridicule. I understand that some topics are not for public comment. Well, that's my own personal feelings. My chat friends are extremely important to me. I care for all of you and miss you when your not online for a while. Love, MizCC
I agree with you CCW, when one is attempted to be gagged for discussing something in open forum, it's no different from the government trying to stop the Natives from practicing their religious beliefs. When people condemn others for asking questions then the ones doing the condemning need to be scrutinized very closely. Fear and misinformation can do strange things to people.
From Jazamine1@:
dear risngsmoke:
i too am sick of the mess NAChat has become......the cyber orgies are particularly annoying to me.......and plus everyone always says hi goodbye waaaaay too much.....and then there is the age old question which still makes my blood boil even after over 2years with NAChat: "Who's a real indian in here?"...geeeeeeeeez, my response is usually that im an imaginary indian!
mostly i stopped going to NAChat because it went sort of sour......for this reason i can appreciate that you and your friends have started a new chat room.....is this room open to others who are not your personal friends?...if so may i have a link in order to perhaps visit it one day?.....
i hope you get your situation worked out....it seems as though it has caused you stress.......i know how dumb most people on AOL really are....i also know that some people dont have a productive life and must start problems for others in order to gain some sense of validity.....sorry you had to validate someone through this silly game of rumors......
i enjoy the newletter....keep up the good work......thanks and have a nice day......jazamine1
Jazamine this appears to be the feelings that several people have, myself include. Thanks for your letter.
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CONTINUED IN PART 2
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War Cry and all articles contained within, with the exception of the Submissions section, are the sole property of War Cry and/or the authors. War Cry may not be reproduced without prior written permission from the Editor. Any item printed in the Submission section is the sole property of the author and all copyright laws still apply accordingly. ã 1999
WAR CRY
A Native American E-Zine
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Issue 3~~August 1999~~Part 2
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SUBMISSIONS
If you would like to make a submission to War Cry please use this link... War Cry Submission
In Defense of Arvol Looking Horse
by EagleMan4@
When my 6th Sun Dance approached, I was told by the Intercessor, Chief Fools Crow, that the Sioux Sun Dance would be held that year up at Green Grass where the Sacred Calf Pipe was kept. Prior to that time it was always held at Pine Ridge. In those days- (early seventies) only one Sun Dance was held but Lakota from all reservations were free to come and dance. In my previous 5 years we had a running battle with the reservation missionaries who were trying to stop its revival and once even had the pledgors pierce on a Saturday so a priest could say mass instead in the Sun Dance grounds. I was only one of the three young dancers in the late sixties and I was so angered by the missionaries disrespect along with their lackey Christian Indians that I went to AIM Minnesota and had a meeting which Chief Fools Crow sanctioned. That following summer Clyde Bellecourt, Russ Means and Lehman Brightman came along with others to give us support so we could have a full 4 day Sun Dance without missionary dilution. (See Russ Means book.)
We went up to Green Grass several summers after we finally took the missionaries powers away from our annual spiritual reunion and there erected a holy cottonwood tree in a small arena. It was there when I saw the pitiful structure that the Sacred Pipe was kept in. Arvol was just a young man then and the real authority as to the Pipe was respected by the Looking Horse and Bad Warrior family in recognition of the Sun Dance reviving Holy Men assembled there that week. Chief Fools Crow, John Fire (Lame Deer) Ben Black Elk and Bill Eagle Feather, to name a few. All had helped bring back the Sun Dance and now their endeavor was to see that the Sacred Pipe was to be put into a safer and more prominent structure and of course to bring recognition to it as the most revered spiritual entity of the Lakota/Dakota. A better structure was made for the Sacred Pipe. No Grey Eagle Societies were there then and none were at our Sun Dances officially supporting us against the Missionaries. After we Sun Danced we were told to go to the Sacred Pipe and to view it. I had just finished my 6th Sun Dance but I did not feel that I was worthy to look at it although both Chief Fools Crow and Chief Eagle Feather told me I could. I saw heavy combat and had killed many times in Vietnam and was also divorced so I thought I just was not worthy and declined their blessing. I have since gone on in life and have taken real good care of my kids and they respect me a lot. (To me- taking your parental responsibility is highly important.) Later a Catholic Priest came along after we all left and he wanted to see the pipe and was allowed by Arvol's relatives. This man was the one who tried to stop our Sun Dance. I guess life has some strange twists but at least I did not succumb to ego like the priest did.
Now I read that Arvol travels a lot and that he should be home "helping his people." What is he going to do? Change the poor land that comprises the Sioux reservation? Is he going to provide all kinds of jobs from a land that is limited to what it can provide? Is he going to stop Wahshichu induced alcoholism and there constant Dakota Territory racism? Can the Dalai Lama get the Chinese out of Tibet? Can Bishop Tutu change South Africa which continues to be exploited?
I think that Arvol's world views and world travels help our people in the long run and he is helping our people in the most effective way that he can. Right now all Sioux are trying to get the Black Hills back; an Arvol Looking Horse out there promotes tremendous public relations and friends for Sioux People. He also demonstrates that we have an extremely Mother Earth conscious spirituality, one that can help the whole world. Arvol is no Saint and never claims to be but deep down in he has proven to be a tireless, dedicated worker and people should not expect him to be some kind of spiritual superman. Leave the man alone and respect his mission.
Eagle Man, Ed McGaa, OST 15287
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Vietnam Wall
by Ed McGaa
The first time at the wall
I couldn't think, couldn't recall.
My mind went numb.
Tears welled, the past raced
Knees started to shake.
Even Mother Earth seemed to quake.
I touched some names
Comrades gone.
The names became frames
Their faces looking on.
"Honor, Honor!"
I heard them call.
"You were honored."
"But us- all we have is this long black wall!"
I thought.
I fought back my tears.
Yes, they were never honored!
When we Sioux returned from that war
And all the other wars.
Our people gave us honor
And they still do.
It might be a far away pow wow ground
But we warriors still get our reknown!
End
***********************************************
Words From A Warrior
by EagleMan4@
Ed McGaa
From a 30 yr old mother of two: "I am Danish, German, and Scots.
Skin Color: If I had looked Indian, then would have been out of closet long ago huh? Grandmother says , "We don't discuss it" so that would be unknown?? I just call the family, Closet Indians."
Affiliations: Husband is Blackfoot, Iroquois, Cherokee, & German.
She wrote on an Indian Board:
A book is only as good as its author. Now in the case of "Black Elk Speaks."
You have the words of Black Elk, interpreted by son Ben, then rewritten out via the author.(John Neihardt.) Things could be lost, cut, edited - however you want to term it. Do I think the major gist of what Black Elk wanted to say is there? Sure thing. But some things could have been lost in the translation so to speak. Would it have been different if Black Elk had taken up the pen himself? Perhaps, then again perhaps not. The only one that can answer that is
Black Elk. Peace.
Old Eagles reply:
A book is only as good as its author. Now in the case of "The New Testament."
You have the words of Jesus Christ, interpreted by Mathew, Mark, Luke & John, Peter and a host of other unknown interpreters about 400 yrs later, maybe 200 years at the least) & on down through the ages (even still interpreted during that horrible Great Inquisition), then rewritten out via many authors. (Now there are various versions- each proclaiming they are the true one-i.e. Mormon. RCC, New RCC, Greek Orthodox, Western Grk Ortdx (Serbs are part of them) Protestants and among the Protestants you have many, many more versions-Things could be lost, cut, edited -- however you want to term it. Do I think the major gist of what Jesus Christ wanted to say is there? Hmmm. But some things could have been lost in the translation so to speak. Would it have been different if Jesus Christ had taken up the pen himself? Perhaps, then again perhaps not. The only one that can answer that is Jesus Christ. (Big difference, Black Elk was right there giving the whole story-no 200 - 400 yrs later. Big, big difference!!) Neihardt was free to question and verify the Real Author (Old Black Elk) who was surrounded by his childhood friends purposely so that they could verify. But to me this is a perfect illustration how a white person can take any tiny little thing about an Indian and blow it up so it will lose its credibility. (They are very skilled at that-any one want to disagree?) We older Indians saw that all our lives but now we can answer back and warn and teach you younger ones how to stand up.
(Eagle Man replied; "I think I will base my much of my beliefs on (Spiritual Imagery) to only three men-Old Black Elk, his trustworthy interpreter son Ben, who had no reason and no motive to change anything, and John Neihardt who simply obeyed the old man Black Elk and came back to take down his story. Yup-1930, and only 3 human beings with positive, humanitarian Track Records involved is far more credible than how the words of the other guy got translated-but hell, I am just a Sioux Indian, on an Indian board, what is my opinion worth??
The point I want to make for you folks on War Cry is that we 'Skins' so often hear detraction about what is dear and sacred to us from the white world. One method is to take their very words and use them right back on them-then maybe they can take a real good look at themselves and maybe most won't, but surely, a few others who look on will learn something as to respect for another's records and stories. This is not meant to convince anyone to believe in Black Elk's vision but merely an example as to how you as an Indian especially a traditional believing one can stand up for your legends, creation stories or prophecies left down by your story tellers who are just as equal as any of the White Mans.
***********************************************
My Parents My Planet
by THTHorse@
True Heart
Mother earth is angry,she is begging,"Please hear my plea".
Listen to her cry,for if we ignore her,then surely she will die!
Father sky is screaming,"Stop the killing that we do ".
For if we don`t then surely he will die too!
Stop the pollution,stop the cutting
stop the burning,stop the digging,
stop the destruction,stop the killing of ourselves.
Stop the madness!
Listen to Mother Earth!
Listen to Father Sky!
Please listen very closely to their cries!
For if we don`t , then surely one day--
we their children,
Will all just vanish and die!
***********************************************
LONEWOLF
by NgtWolfe1@
In the vastness of the wilderness, he stands alone, searching. With meticulous movement, he places each paw forward leaving no tracks. He is the DreamKeeper. His path is a long one, sometimes hard, but most always lonely.
He holds inside the pain and hurt of those whose life he touched. He shrouds his own pain and fears with theirs, giving him the strength and courage to face another day.
Meanwhile, She knows that somewhere on her path, there is peace for her.
She walks the wilderness every night in search of the only thing that can bring serenity to her soul. In the distance, she sees a shadow. As hope swells within her, she moves toward the shadow, wtih caution. Her innermost fear tells her to turn away, yet she moves forward.
Simultaneously, they turn to each other. Her eyes full of fear, his with sadness. He feels her pain, she knows his loneliness. Yet, each know they cannot erase what has been nor can they change what is to be. They circle each other, knowing that for a time, they will soothe the pain of the past. Only for a time, but each cannot deny the oneness they must reach.
Three nights they touch, feel, know what drives the other to a higher plane. Three nights they have been given to mask the inner force that fate has placed in their souls. Three nights, they delight in the essence of each others arms.
During the dawn of the third night, she wakes to find he is gone. As surely as the demon of death had taken him in the darkness of the night, he was gone. She shivers, the coldness without him engulfs her. A smile, for the time of peace he had given her. Then, as slowly as she came to this place, she stands....remembering what has driven her to this place she is now?c?cshe moves on....Look closely at her face, into her eyes..........They are there........Three black teardrops.
***********************************************
*Oh Little Ones*
by MsTryWolfe@
Do you think they know?
As they lay there sleeping
You're covering once more
with kisses you're weeping?
You're praying to God
He'll always be near, and
Surround them with Angels
Step by step . . .
. . . tear by tear . . .
*Posh*
***********************************************
THE HARVEST MOON
contributed by NgtWolfe1@
THE LEAVES ARE ALL CHANGING TO GOLD AND RED,
THE AIR IS COOLING, WILL BE WINTER SOON,
DRUMS ARE BEATING THERE IS CHANTING AHEAD,
IT IS THE TIME OF THE HARVEST MOON....
WE GATHER AND HUNT TO PREPARE,
FOR THE BITTER COLD THAT IS COMING,
THE NIGHT SOUNDS ARE CALMING WITH THE HOOTS AND HOWLS,
UNDER THE HARVEST MOON....
DANCING AND CHANTING AROUND THE FIRE,
STITCHING MANY SKINS FOR OUR ATTIRE,
NEW MOCCASINS AND SPEARS WE NEED NOW,
UNDER THE HARVEST MOON....
BEATING OUR DRUMS AND SINGING ALOUD,
SPIRITS PLEASE HEAR US ON THIS NIGHT,
SO THAT OUR HUNT IS PLENTIFUL WITHIN OUR SIGHT,
UNDER THE HARVEST MOON....
OUR CHILDREN JOIN IN AND LEARN THE WAYS,
OF OUR PEOPLE IN THESE TRYING DAYS,
A STRUGGLE IT IS BUT WE WILL SUCCEED,
UNDER THE HARVEST MOON....
TO SHOW THEM THEIR PATHS THAT THEY MUST WALK,
THE SPIRIT WORLD WILL NOT BE LOST,
TO OUR PEOPLE ON THIS NIGHT,
UNDER THE HARVEST MOON....
YOUNG MEN WILL GO ON QUESTS,
TO FIND FOR THEMSELVES SPIRIT GUIDES,
INTO THE WILDERNESS LIKE ANCESTORS PAST,
UNDER THE HARVEST MOON....
WE ARE THE PROUD PEOPLE AND YOU CAN SEE,
WITH RED IN OUR HEARTS WE WILL ALWAYS BE,
WE LIVE FOR THE CREATOR WITH LOVE IN OUR SOULS,
MANY TEACHINGS WE SHARE, A PRINCIPLE BREED,
UNDER THE HARVEST MOON.
~author unknown~
***********************************************
Fear Not The Wolves
contributed by NgtWolfe1
Fear not the wolves, for they are my friends.
They will not harm you, if you do not harm them.
They are my guides, my companions and family.
They know they are free, that I am no enemy.
Sit thee down awhile and share a meal with me,
Make yourself comfortable and we'll talk story.
I'm sure you've heard tales of the wolf harming
people, sheep, and others who do farming.
Leave thy weapons outside the circle, before you enter in.
This is the manner to let my pack know you are brave,
They respect courage and honor, and it could save thy skin,
Only the coward comes armed, or tries to make us his slave.
See that large male over there, the one who is gray?
He is the Alpha male and leader of our pack,
His mate is the brown female, and only with him does she lay,
They mate for life and guard each others' back.
The other day there was a hunter in these woods,
To kill the wildlife and wolves, if only he could.
But the pack followed their leader back to the den
Awaiting the nighttime and left only then.
They watched and waited until the hunter slept,
Then silently up to his camp they crept.
They did not harm him, for he was not their prey.
Only his rifle and knives did they take away.
When he awoke and reached for his gun,
He was surrounded by the pack, and quivered with fear,
But as they watched and awaited the sun,
They did not move closer and returned to me here.
Unlike mankind they hunt not for trophies,
They hunt only for food to keep the pack fed.
Sir, when you return home, I would ask you to please,
Pass this word on and maybe Man can be led
To remember to hunt also, only for food.
Thanking the animal who gives his life, would be good.
In the days of time before time, the wolf was Man's friend.
They helped hunt and carry his burdens, their heads held high,
In some cases, they adopted our children, and raised them.
Mankind could learn much, by following their example. (sigh)
If men would protect and feed the weak, old and young, as the wolf does,
If men had leaders strong, brave and true, and not for fame, but just because.
Then wars would end, the poor would be fed,
All would have shelter, clothing, and be truly freed.
Elders would be honored, and the children led.
Imagine all living in harmony, with no cause for greed.
Mankind has known there are Spirits that guide,
But they have thought themselves smarter and better.
They were put here to nurture, yet followed their pride,
Instead of following the Teachings, and the Word to the letter.
Until the day comes, when Man lives at peace,
With himself, the land, the seas, and the Earth,
He will always be fearful and find no release,
From unending conflict, and have no true Worth.
© La Loba
***********************************************
WIND WHISPER'S
LINKS OF INTEREST
MY SPECIAL FRIENDS here we are with the third issue of War Cry already.I wanna make you Laugh With Me and have a good time this month. We may learn WHERE WILL THE BUFFALO ROAM and maybe how to Think Indian =) Light your S w e e t g r a s s and lets say our prayers for The Flame of Life .Many things can come from this , maybe A SHORT HISTORY OF THE RAINBOW WARRIOR hehe, look closely in the articles this month you may find a Rainbow Warrior For Sale ....OMG!! Imagine that =) Alot of controversary this month ..Can I ask a question? , Are All Twinkis White? very interesting ..hmmmm. In my mind I hear them say its in the heart. With Little Indian Facts one can go far with thoughts of Native American Spirit . I wish for you all an indianbird. to watch over you . Feel the Magic - Friendship , My On-Line Friend . Wnd is sending you Snuggles from me and always remember to Listen to the words of a child for they are our future :) THE WONDERFUL WORLD WIDE WEB OF FRIENDS I can only say to you Peace, Man ! until next time .. Mitakuye Oiyasin =)
~*~WindWhisper~*~
P.S. hehe some more on rainbows....
:: Other Links of Art Interest ::
San Brenton Native Crafts
Native American Crafts from Full Circle Videos
Native American Arts: Original & Limited Edition Productions
:: Links of Music Interest ::
Knifewing, Native American Artist
Four Winds Trading Company: Native American Books and Music
Golana's Native American Flute Music
:: Links of Reading Interest ::
: A Glance: A Cry from the Earth : Music of North American Indians
: A Glance: Indian Games and Dances With Native Songs : Arranged from American Indian Ceremonials and Sports
: A Glance: Indian Story and Song from North America
: A Glance: Navajo Coyote Tales
:::Various Links:::
Eyewitness Account of the Battle of Little Bighorn (1876)
How The Pilgrims Lived - 1621
Welcome to the Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program
Cherokee Fire
Association on American Indian Affairs (AAIA)
Indian Nations are sovereign Governments
National Congress of American Indians
***********************************************
Storytime with
SKYTLANUWA
by Skytlanuwa@
Teach them from where they Come....
....for without this Knowledge they can have No Future !!!
The First Fire
In the beginning there was No Fire. Only the Thunders from beyond the Sky Had Fire. The Thunders Sent Fire down to the world on an Island putting the Fire in the bottom of a hollow Tree which was said to be a Sycamore Tree. The Animal People Were Cold, and they knew the fire was there by the Smoke the rose from the Island. They Gathered Together to Hold Council to figure out how to get the fire from the Island. All that could Fly or Swim said they would go to get the Fire.
Raven who was a White Bird said Let me go I will get the Fire He flew High across the Water and reached the top of the Burning tree Landing to try to figure how he would carry the fire back to the Animal People. As he sat there the Fire Scorched his Feathers black. To this day Ravens feathers are Black!
Then Screech Owl Went but While he was looking down at the Fire a gust of
Hot air blew up the tree and almost Burnt his Eyes out. To this day Screech Owls Eyes are Red!
Then Hoot Owl and Horned Owl Went to retrieve the fire but the Smoke nearly
Blinded them and the Hot ash made Rings around their Eyes To this day They have White rings around their Eyes!
Then Little Snake swam to get the Fire and entered the stump thru a Hole at the base of the stump But the Heat Scorched him black and as he tried to escape he had to double back on himself to get away. To this day He is black & crawls doubled on himself as if he is still trying to escape the fire
Then Water spider said she would go and get the fire and the animal people said how can you do this you are so small! She said don't worry and swam to get the fire.
Upon arriving she spun a little bowl and put a coal into it and returned with the Fire for the animal people To this day She still has this Bowl on her back.
And to this day we have fire!!!
Foot note
Almost every tribe has some legend of the First Fire
this one is based on the Cherokee Tribe in North Carolina
If you see me online
and Have an N.A. Stories or Legends Please IM me, or contact
RisngSmoke he can forward it to me as my mail has a block on it to prevent
Porn stuff and unwanted mail
Donagohvi & Travel Well........SkyTlanuwa
(SkyHawk)
********************************************
WORDS & WISDOM
by Wndwhspr01
Cherokee :: Translations Blackfoot :: Translations
O'siyo ~ hello Innaihsi'iyi ~ peace
Dohiyo ~ peace okee napee ~ hello friend
Wadv or Wado ~ thank you Nitsiniiyi'taki ~ thank you
waya ~ wolf Aa ~ yes
Donadagohvi ~ till next time we meet Saa ~ no
a ya ga li Eligg ~ I am happy Oke ~ hello
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I will not: I do not need your help. We are free now; we can go where we please. Our fathers were born here. Here they lived, here they have died, here are thier graves. We will never leave them.
~ Old Joseph, Nez Perce
If the Great Spirit sent the smallpox into our country to destroy us, it was to punish us for listening to the false promises of white men. It is a white mans's disease, and no doubt was sent amongst white people to punish them for their sins.
~ Neu~mon~ya, Paxoche
I am a red man. If the Great Spirit had desired me to be a white man he would have made me so in the first place. Now we are poor but we are free. No white man controls our footsteps. If we must die we die defending our rights.
~ Sitting Bull, Hunkpapa Sioux
SPECIAL INTERESTS
by WndWhspr01@
Recipes
Navajo Lasagna submitted by Warrpuma1@
Pumpkin Crumb Muffins submitted by ChrkeWnd@
NAVAJO LASAGNA
1 LB groub beef 1 [4-0z] can sliced mushrooms
1 clove garlic, minced drained
1 med onion,copped 11/2 cups [6-oz] shredded cheddar
1 cup chopped mild greens chilies cheese
11/2 cups chopped fresh tomatos 1 egg,beaten
1 can enchilada sauce vegetable oil
1/4 cup sliced pitted ripe olives 8 corn tortillas
In a large skillet cook ground beef over medium heat five minutes . add garlic,onion,,and green pepper and saute' on one side of skillet . add green chilies,
tomatos,enchilada sauce,olives,mushrooms,and salt .Stir and cook mixture ,bringing to a boil then rudce heat and cook 12-15 minutes . In a separate bowl combine cheddar cheese ,cottage cheese , and egg set aside . In a separate skillet fry the tortillas in vegtable oil till crisp drain on paper towel and crumble . spoon a third of meat mixture into a 13x9x2 inch baking dish .Cover with half of the egg-cheese mixture .Sprinkle half of the crumbled tortillas over cheese . Repeat process intill
ingredients used up .Bake in 350o f . oven 25-30 minutes
.........................................................................................................................
PUMPKIN CRUMB MUFFINS
makes 12 muffins
2 cups flour 1/2 cup brown sugar
1 T baking powder 2/3 c. cooked mashed pumpkin(fresh or canned)
1 c. 2 % - lowfat milk 2 eggs
1 teas. vanilla optional : 1/2 c. choc. chips
Topping:
6 T dry oats 1 T cocoa powder
1 T brown sugar 1 T honey
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray muffin tins with non -stick cooking oil.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar and baking powder. In a separate bowl, use a fork to blend pumpkin,milk,eggs and vanilla. Add wet mixture to flour mixture, stirring until moistened*.
In another bowl, make topping:stir together the oats,cocoa and brown sugar. Add honey and mix until crumbly.
Fill muffin cups 1/3 full with batter. Sprinkle a teaspoon of topping on each muffin, then lightly press into batter. Bake 20 minutes.
* Add chocolate chips to batter to make muffins extra yummy !
..................................................................................................................................................................
FRYPAN CORN / BEAN FORK BREAD
serves 4-6
1/2 c. dry beans (kidney or black) 3/4 c. bean stock
1 large onion 2-6 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg 2 tbsp. corn oil
1 c. cornmeal 2 tsp. baking powder
1-4 tbsp. chili powder 3/4 c. grated cheese
1 tomato cut up very fine a few green onions cut up
1/4 cup black olives sliced
Cook beans covered, with a bay leaf, in 2 1/2 cups water so about 3/4 cup liquid will remain when they are very tender. If you bring them to a boil, then turn the heat off and let them cool off for an hour. Add salt the last 15 minutes only. Fry onion and garlic in a little corn oil, in a big skillet that can go in oven. Leave half of it in the bottom of the skillet. Mix cornmeal, other dry ingredients, egg, beans and bean stock with the other half of fried onion /garlic. Mix thoroughly and pour into the skillet on top of onions / garlic that was left in it . Bake at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes, then sprinkle on cheese, olives, tomato and onion, bake another 5 minutes. This is fork-eating, not a pick-up corn bread.
***********************************************
WAR CRY PORTRAITS
by WndWhspr01@
Sitting Bull
Great Sioux Chief
This months portrait is on Sitting Bull the Great Sioux Chief. Of all the Indian leaders, Sitting Bull was perhaps the most revered, for he combined the courage of a warroir with the wisdom of a sage. In his short life time he became a great eyapaha for the Sioux Nation.
In a buffalo-hide tipi on the south bank of the Grand River a son was born to a Sioux woman named Mixed Day. The babes father was named Returns-Again,shouted with joy to the Sioux tribe. He believed the saying 'A man's most valuable possessions were not his horses,tipis,or weapons, they were his children. So this baby boy was to be prized above all other gifts from Wankan Tanka.
Since the Lakota calendar is different from the EuroAmerican peoples, noone can determine the exact birth date of Sitting Bull. It was the time the Sioux called 'Winter when Yellow Eyes played in snow'. By EuroAmerican calendar probably in March of 1830 or1831.
Sitting Bulls parents were Hunkapapa Lakota Indians, Tetons, which is the western division of the Sioux Nation. The Hunkapapas were hunters who lived by following buffalo herds across the Great Plains.
Mixed Day who later became known as Her Holy Door, and Returns-Again didnt name the child right away.They observed him for the perfect name and decided on Hunkesni ~ a Sioux name meaning "slow". They chose this because he was slow to decide on things to eat and play with .
Slow killed his first buffalo when he was a child of 10. His heart swelled with pride when he did this for he knew his parents would be proud. His Mother and Father used every part of the buffalo to make the family things they needed .
At the age fourteen was the next big step to manhood. Slow had become a fine horseman. He was tall for his age,strong and husky. He went with the warriors to raid a nearby Crow camp. They all repected him for his bravery, but was surprised to see him join them. Slow counted his first coup on this raid. At this time his Father , Returns-Again gave Slow his new name. He recieved this name many months earlier on a buffalo hunt. Slow then became Sitting Bull.
Ten years later he became a sash wearer of the Strong Heart Warriors. This was another honor among the tribe. He wore a full headdress with crow feathers, buffalo horns amd fur streamers.In spite of his many valorous feats , Sitting Bull was not merely a War Chief,for by his early thirties he was widely recognized as a prophet and holy man.
In the winter of 1887 a group of Sioux warriors surprised a small band of Assiniboins. Among the attack was Jumping Bull , a mere 11 yearold . At the height of the battle , Jumping Bull held his ground. Boldly defending himself with the small boys bow. Seeing this display of courage, Sitting Bull dashed to his side, shielded him with his own body and shouted "This boy is to brave to die. I will take him as my brother!" After return to camp, the young captive was accepted onto the tribe as Sitting Bulls brother. For the rest of his life Jumping Bull remained his captors loyal comrade,dying in a vain effort to protect Sitting Bulls life in 1890.
The next few years were bloody and violent.These are the stories American history has taught ,the great Treaty of 1868. By the early 70's the Plains Indians were moved onto government reservations. We know of the all to famous Custers Last Stand . I feel no need to speak of what everyone was taught .I wanted everyone to see how the man became who he was .
Sitting Bull allowed himself to become the personification of all Indians who refused to "walk the white man's road" At first he was not advocate of war with the whites, for he hoped they would leave his people in peace to follow the old ways and chase down the buffalo.
On December 15, 1890, Sitting Bull was killed during an attempt to arrest him . He was by accident from a bullet that discharged when Lt Bull Head fell from a sniper shot. At the same time Sgt Red Tomahawk shot Sitting Bull in the back of the head. He fell to the ground and died instantly. Sitting Bulls horse responded to the shots and warriors said it was doing the Ghost Dance. Ferocious fighting continued between the Bull's followers and the calvery that day. But this was one time, Sitting Bull , the Great Warrior couldnt take part in the battle. His struggles for his people were finished. He died as he lived, fighting for his pride, and with him died the independent, free life of the once mighty Sioux nation.
**********************************************
CONTINUED IN PART 3
**********************************************
War Cry and all articles contained within, with the exception of the Submissions section, are the sole property of War Cry and/or the authors. War Cry may not be reproduced without prior written permission from the Editor. Any item printed in the Submission section is the sole property of the author and all copyright laws still apply accordingly. ã 1999
WAR CRY
A NATIVE AMERICAN E-ZINE
***************************
Issue 3~~August 1999~~Part 3
***************************
GRANNY'S ROCKING CHAIR
by GrannyFear@
PLEASE ALL PARENTS CHECK EACH ITEM OUT BEFORE ALLOWING CHILDREN TO SEE THEM. I DO, BUT I ALSO WISH YOU DO THE SAME. NEVER TAKE ANYONE'S WORD IT IS OK
LOVE GRANNY
KIDS 17 AND OVER
17 Plus Club On The Galactic Galaxy
2 TO 102
Nadya's Underwater Adventure Game
EnchantedForest Dino Kit
Kids' Space
NATIVE AMERICAN STORIES
The Ancient One
How Bear Lost His Tail
The Legend of the Bear Family
BUFFALO SONG
Buffalo Help Heal the Spirit
BERRY AND MEDICINE
Using the Berry Plants for Nutrition and Medicine
***************************
Wind Whisper's
Link Letter
MY SPECIAL FRIENDS here we are with the third issue of War Cry already.I wanna make you Laugh With Me and have a good time this month. We may learn WHERE WILL THE BUFFALO ROAM and maybe how to Think Indian =) Light your S w e e t g r a s s and lets say our prayers for The Flame of Life .Many things can come from this , maybe A SHORT HISTORY OF THE RAINBOW WARRIOR hehe, look closely in the articles this month you may find a Rainbow Warrior For Sale ....OMG!! Imagine that =) Alot of controversary this month ..Caquestion? ,n I ask a Are All Twinkis White? very interesting ..hmmmm. In my mind I hear them say its in the heart. With Little Indian Facts one can go far with thoughts of Native American Spirit . I wish for you all an indianbird. to watch over you . Feel the Magic - Friendship , My On-Line Friend . Wnd is sending you Snuggles from me and always remember to Listen to the words of a child for they are our future :) THE WONDERFUL WORLD WIDE WEB OF FRIENDS I can only say to you Peace, Man ! until next time .. Mitakuye Oiyasin =)
~*~WindWhisper~*~
P.S. hehe some more on rainbows....
***************************
More SUBMISSIONS
Poem by Leonard Peltier
submitted by Bagladyjes@
I am the Indian voice
I long to be heard across our land
I have been a prisoner of war for more than
two hundred years on my very own soil!
I am a captive of hate, greed, lies, prejudice,
indifference, ignorance, injustice,
by men who outnumber me and my people
since they have landed on my shores
and have overrun my home land. They have
wrought on me their society, their religion,
and their laws, all of which have caused the
number of my people to become less today
than when he first came with his false promises
to our shores.
I am the collective Indian Voice
and I cry out from a million graves of unresting,
resting souls and another million cries that ask the
question: where does my future belong and to whom:
Does it belong to my people?
Is it to prosper on the land that is rightfully mine?
Yes, it does and it shall, for my voice shall not
be stilled nor my spirit stopped from soaring
to the heights of greatness which my people
have known and shall know again.
I am the Indian Voice.
I shall be heard and my people shall see
the coming of a new day.
The Mother Earth provides and the Great Spirit guides
so that truth is known from shore to shore
by the voice of a proud Indian Race.
--Leonard Peltier
***************************
1992 - The Year of The Native American
is A Celebration of Native American Survival
Written By: Cindy Whitecotton/Dakota - Arikara
Milo Fat Beaver/Muscogee
Burkman Dufrene/Houma
contributed by Bagladyjes@
We have survived our holocaust and the story of our tragic history must be told--to heal us as a people--or it will be marked down for all times as a national disgrace. American history books have always been written frm a white viewpoint. In this process, many truths go untold regarding the strategic and systematic genocide of our people.
Our first government policy as a nation was to kill the Indians, Kill them all. That was followed by the policy of assimilation. To make the Indian like the European was to deny their right to exercise their own religious and cultural beliefs, force them to abandon their language, strip them of their land and deny them legal status. The Native American was not granted citizenship until 1924! After assimilation, the policy became to terminate them as tribes. That didn't work, and now we're in the process of restoring dignity to the Native American community.
To Native Americans, the European concept of "discovery of the New World" is both ludicrous and insulting. Recent archaeological evidence shows that Native Nations inhabited this area for more than 50,000 years. What many refer to as the "Age of Discovery" was, in fact, the "Age of Collision", an era of confrontation between cultures and continents from which neither the old, nor the new world ever recovered.
Since the white man first set foot on what is now called America, he has viewed the wilderness as a hostile environment beckoning to be tamed. But the Native Nations view it very differently. The land is sacred. Mother Earth was for the use of all and belonged to none. He could no more sell the land than he could the sea or the air he breathed. This land was given to us by the Creator. It is our promised land.
Columbus started the slave trade in the "New World? on his first expedition, bringing back 25 Indian slaves he had kidnapped. By his second expedition, Columbus needed to show a profit from his trips and started the slave trade in earnest. Within the first decade of the conquest, up to six thousand Indian slaves were shipped to Seville, Spain. Many thousands were sold in Europe, but many times that amount were enslaved by Columbus for mining gold and silver and for use in settlements. This was not his first assault on Native peoples. Bartolome de Las Casas, the Dominican friar whose father had come with Columbus to Hispaniola in 1493, estimated that 3 million natives had perished after little more than a decade of Spanish occupation, the results of disease, warfare, forced labor and enslavement. He wrote, "Who of those born in future centuries will believe this? I myself who am writing this and saw it and know the most about it can hardly believe that such was possible." Columbus and those that followed him to these shores brought European diseases, war and oppression that killed 80% to 90% of our people. Religions, cultures, entire nations vanished.
When European immigrants fled their countries to settle in America, they were escaping governments that allowed religious persecution, excessive taxation without represnetation and other vestiges of the feudal system. Expanding from their homelands, these Europeans were feverish for a new land which meant wealth-from wealth came stability and power. Only one thing stood in the way between them and their "right", the native occupants of this land. The combined foreign forces have cut the estimated native populations from five million, when Columbus arrived, to only 250,000 by the beginning of the 20th century. Diseases, "manifest destiny", government policy, greed, missionaries and many other destructive elements forced upon the Indian people all took their deadly toll. The clash of values between the European invaders and the native people grew.
Giving, sharing and cooperating are valued highly by traditional Indian people. They emphasize a non-materialistic view toward life. People are evaluated personally, rather than on the possessions they have accumulated, and wealth is measured by one's willingness and ability to share. Thus the accumulation of material belongings beyond those necessay to life have little attraction to Indians. This practice of giving and sharing is in contrast to the white culture who more highly value the attainment of material possessions and wealth. To the Indian, cooperation is emphasized. In the White culture, competition is stressed. To the Indian, this type of behavior is undesirable. With such different cultural perceptions, it is easy to understand how the Indian's land was cheated and stolen from him. To this day, not one treaty the United States Government made with the Native Americans was ever honored.
The first blow to the Native people was the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which gave President Andrew Jackson the authority to arrange for the Eastern tribes to pack up and move west of the Mississippi. Within ten years the eastern states were cleared of some 60,000 people, taking the "Trail of Tears" to the newly created Indian territory. Along the way, thousands perished of hunger, cold, illness and sorrow. Ohio River and Great Lakes tribes were also rounded up. All were sent out of their homes to lands beyond the Mississippi. Treaties were used primarily as instruments for separating the Native people from their land. The discovery of gold in California brought the blazing of transcontinental wagon roads and the building of forts to protect them. The Indians had to be pushed North and South of this line of travel. Some tribes were moved repeatedly. Each time they drew less acreage and usually poorer lands. Such removals allowed no time for a tribe to adjust to a new environment. Tribes from the Great Lakes used to an economy that included fishing, hunting and gathering found the waterless plains a forbidding habitat. The Indians of the Plains were thrown into fierce competition with displaced tribes, even as the buffalo began to disappear. Starvation became a constant visitor. When the Mayflower landed, there were 60 million buffalo in North America. By 1900, only 500 remained in the United States. The U.S. Government endorsed the slaughter of buffalos, which made starvation a strategic weapon. The government then began issuing rations to the native people. This provided the lever for pressuring tribes into compliance with official policies. The dependence fostered by the ration system wasted the energies and spirit of the people. A race which had survived for a millennium by adapting to environmental challenges was immobilized. Now the government turned sternly to the task of forcing Indians to settle on reservations. The popular white concept viewed it as "Giving" lands to the Indians. In the process, the government got greater control over Indian lives. Besides the intentional slaughter of the buffalo to starve the people, there was the intentional practie of distributing blankets and rations infected with the deadly killer smallpox. In 1837, whole villages were wiped out and it nearly decimated the Mandan people altogether, as well as many others.
Mention mission boarding schools to Native Americans and we will tell the truths of Indian children being taken away from their families and placed in these schools and of punishing them for speaking their native language and trying to take away their self-esteem and spirit, to change them to be like Europeans. Let the truth be told of the 30 Congressional Medals of Honor that were awarded by the Unites States government to the members of the 7th Cavalry for their part in the massacre at Wounded Knee in 1890 in which soldiers killed some 300 largely unarmed Sioux, including women and children.
We can look back over the 500 years since Columbus stumbled onto this continent and see the utter devastation among our people. Despite everything, we survive in 1992.
According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the United States has 2 millian Indians in 500 recognized cultures, speaking 250 languages today. Even the buffalo has returned to us. Today, there are about 100,000. We are happy that there is more awareness about Native people. "1992-The Year Of The Native American" is a proclamation by President Bush. In 1993, the United Nations is sponsoring a "Year of Indian People". But sadly, oppression does continue by our government today against the Native American. In 1990, the Supreme Court ruled against freedom of religion for Native people.
Our tribal institutions are strong and 500 years from now, our ceremonies and ways since time immemorial will still survive as we continue on the red road as a "proud, beautiful, traditional and peaceful people". Our drums still beat and our thoughts are as high as the eagle flies.
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A Tree Sings
by
Dying and rebirthing is not an easy task. This is why I think this may be a good time to go on a vision quest and sweat. (or vice versa actually). You are becoming a new man and probably need to sit before the Creator and sit on Mother earth's lap and see what they have to say to you now. Things have changed so much over the last 7 months. Now that you are alone would be the time to get the drums out of your head and into your heart and body where they belong. Maybe you have been a little too much into your head and your heart forgot how to beat. The drums would help teach it to beat again. Your heart could teach your feet to dance again. Your heart could teach your voice to sing its song again. Did it ever know how? Sometimes if there is too much suffering the learning can't be done or at least absorbed. Sometimes we must send it away to another place till it is safe to go and get it. You said the drum is always in your head. It must be there. It just went to a different place for safekeeping till the time was right. Perhaps this is the right time. I hope so for your sake. You don't know how gifted and blessed you are that you can claim a traditon like yours for your own. To have a medicine to heal the soul is a blessing.
You don't know how blessed you are to belong to such a strong people to have survived what you have survived. You have them to ground you in soul and body. I have no one to ground me. I have no tradition. The only door that is open to me from my ansestors did not work for me. (The Church). It destroyed my people and the stories and traditions went up in smoke with our grandmothers when the Church sent them up in smoke. The songs are gone. The medicine is gone. Yours is comming back. No matter where I go, I will be an outsider. This is painful. I have run into more people (women especially) that are feeling the loss as I am. Most of them are Irish women too and adoptees. All that is left is a hole that we are left to try to fill elsewhere. We have to create our own now and this leaves us very sad. Your mother gave you a great gift. "And we are supposed to celebrate St. Patrick?" The only serpents in Ireland were the ones used to symbolize woman's wisdom. There are no snakes there and never were.
When I hear things like, I can't tell you about this because it is sacred. I can't tell you about the ceremony I am so proud of, because it belongs to us and you are not one of us, it hurts more than you will ever know. I understand the sacredness but it hurts to be on the outside. It hurts knowing there is nothing I can do about it and there is nothing I have that is that sacred to me. It was all destroyed. I am not allowed to have anything sacred, not even a family history. The birth family does not want to share it because, they are crazy for one, and I am not really one of them because I have been gone for so long. I was sent away. My adopted family told me I am not entitled to family history because I was not born to them and it is not for me. My mother likes to remind us that she had nothing to do with our being here in this world. We were adopted to care for her in her old age. Can't go to Daddy Dearest's family because I don't know anything about them or their whereabouts and considering that he raped my mother and wanted nothing to do with either of us, I can't count on him either. Always being told, go away, you are the wrong color, you don't think like us, go away, your don't look like us, go away, you don't spell your name like us, go away, your don't worship like us, go away, you do not act like us or dress like us, go away, but wait, you can rest her for a few minutes, lie down I can make you feel real good, then we will laugh at you and you can go. You have no name, you do not exist.
Still the Creator says be strong and love and laugh and enjoy life. I give you tools to build a life with but they will all be broken and for the most part useless to you but you must learn to enjoy life with no home, no one to support or care for you, but me. I will be silent and invisible, but there none the less. I will not stop anyone who tries to hurt you and neither will anyone else. You will have no parents, few two legged friends, a brain and experiences that will take you in the opposite direction that will be expected of you by those you must live with, but I want you to enjoy this life. ??????? HMMMMM. I think the Creator must have been wearing his Coyote mask the day he made me. You will have the personality of a lamb and I will give you to vultures to raise you. They will try to eat you alive but I expect you to enjoy yourself and be happy. ??????? Hmmmmmm. Curious person, this Creator.
I will create in you the heart and mind and soul of the forest people but I will give you to the city people. And they will laugh at you. The forest people won't want you around because they will not recognize your name or spirit. No one will know your real name but me. It is my secret and even you can't know what it is. But I expect you to have a good time and be happy.
Your heart will soar and your feet will want to dance to the sound of the drum but I will give you an organ, to be played with no rythm, to listen to. Those who play the organ and teach will tell you that I will send you to a lake of fire to burn forever if you do not do as they think I am saying to do, but you will love me and not be afraid of me, and you will love and care for those who hurt you and laugh at you. I will see to it that this is part of your personality. Those who lead will tell you that you are crazy for being like this and will want you to take many pills and wear clothes they choose for you and get into a box which they will number, put on a shelf so they can deal with life and each other. They will call this fun, science, but you won't want to do as they tell you to do. The pills won't work. They will make you feel very sick and make your hair fall out, because that is not how I create you to be. But I want you to have fun and enjoy yourself and be happy. :o) Yup, he was wearing his Coyote mask alright!
I asked Creator, how am I to do all of this? How do I do as you ask and be happy?
He was a bit bewildered himself. He told me he needed to talk to his woman, Gaia. He told me to wait. He would see if she had anything to suggest, after all, she was to be my mother. She would be the one to hold me and nurture me. She would not lie to me or laugh at me.
So the Creator told her of his plan. He also told her of my question. She smiled and said, I can take care of everything. What can you give her that will help her? I will give her a strong will but you must give her her senses and her body. How will you provide for her? My mother said, I will grow flowers near a lake in the woods. That way she will have a place to go when she needs to be loved. The flowers will talk to her. They will tell her how much I love her. The trees that grow on my body will drop blossoms in her hair in the spring. The birds will sing to her and she will love their song. She will watch them fly and know that they tell her that she can fly too. They will carry her spirit with them and she will have the gift of seeing through their eyes when they fly. At night and early morning I will make the loon sing to her. She will fall in love with their song. They will tell her that it is beautiful to swim alone. You can feel things when you are alone. You hear sounds when you are alone. In the early morning and at night I will make the fish dance and leap out of the water for her to see. They will tell her there is a whole other world at the bottom of the water. In fact, I can show her. I will bring her into the water to see, but I will send her back again to tell others. The bear and the racoon will play with her. The squirrels will eat from her hand and the dogs will protect her. The rock sister will hold her when she cries and she will be strong for her. The Creator smiled and said, it is a good plan. Gaia smiled back. When Creator saw her smile the sky grew bright and he became very peacful. She had touched his heart. She invited him to lie on her and rest near the water. The sand felt soft.
There was a young girl who was having a 17th birthday party and she was walking on the beach with a young man who she did not know very well. They past the resting creator and mother earth. The young man got an idea. Not a very nice one. He must have picked up on the energy of Mother Earth and Creator but did not understand that there was great love between them. The young man took the girl into the rocks near the water and took her. Creater knew what was happening and became angry. He was angry because the young man did not get the permission of the girl and he did not love her or respect her. Gaia said, wait. There will be a body formed for our spirit child. It will be OK. She can begin her journey. Let them be. Creator agreed. Perhaps she can make our world a better place. She can bring a little more love to it. Each time she hears thunder and sees lightning she will know I know what happened and I let it happen for her. She will feel this in her body. It will be a good thing. She will know my power is in her. It will make her happy.
We must grow a tree where you lay with me. We will make the tree sing. It will sing of her comming to this world and how it happened. Only she will hear the song and only those who she tells the story to will hear it. The trees will tell them their own story if they listen.
Paul, go to the woods and sit and listen. See if you hear A Tree Sing.
Words From SoulofHawk
Music
by Tom Cordle
Note: This story isn't about being a Native-American or an African-American or an Italian-American--it isn't about any kind of hyphen. It's about one brief shining time when we all began to come together a little--I miss that time.
My sister and I just got back from visiting my daddy?fs people in Kentucky. Daddy was born and raised around Ashland, in places like Olive Hill and Flatwoods and Graysonÿÿreal countryÿÿback up in the holler, they used to say. It's a place where Cherokee blood still runs thick in people's veins. Daddy used to always say like Will Rogers, "To hell with your Pilgrim ancestors, my ancestors were here to meet their boat." It was a place where music was real importantÿÿand still is. There was a lot of pickin?f on this last visit?c..got to sit a spell and pick a couple of Gibson J-50?fs that have been in my family since the 1930?fs?c..got to hear a cousin I didn?ft know I had play my great, great, great grandad?fs fiddle that was given to him by a slaveÿÿbut that?fs another story?c..got to sing in the little church in Hopewell where Gramma Tucky and her mama, Granny Martin played piano for services on Sunday morning?c..real music, the kind people used to sit around and play and sing together before the TV got between us?c..music like Precious Memories.
When I was growin?f up, we had an old wooden radio, an AM radioÿÿdo you remember AM radio? No hi-fi, no stereo, no tweeters, no subwoofers, but oh! the sounds that came out of that one little speaker right in the middle! We got connected to a world we didn?ft know existed! My brother and I would sit around at night and listen to John R comin?f out of WLACÿÿmusic little hillbilly white boys weren?ft ?esposed to be listenin?f to. We didn?ft know what was happenin?f to us, but we knew we liked it. Long before Elvis, we got to hear Big Mamma Thornton sing You Ain?ft Nothin?f But A Houndog.
The world was all about to change, but most folks had no idea. And it was music that changed it. In one generation, the walls came tumblin?f down and kids all over the country came together in a crucible called rock?fn?froll. People like Elvis and Chuck Berry showed the way, but for my money one man did more than any one else to change things. I remember the first time my radio exploded--Ray Charles was wailin' out What?fd I Say and my world was changed forever.
After Ray got done bringing rhythm and blues to everybody, he turned right around and brought country music to everybody. He had this album called Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music. He took mama and daddy?fs music and turned it upside down and inside out. I remember I Can't Stop Loving You and You Are My Sunshine. Country music would never be the same.
If you weren?ft around then, you can?ft know what the music didÿÿhow it brought us all together. Back then there was only one Top Forty, and for most kids only one music. And not just here in the States?c..wherever they could get their hands and ears on it, kids all over the world started to dig rock?fn?froll?c..kids who would grow up to become Beatles and Rolling Stones. I miss how that music brought us all together especially now in the days of the hyphenated American. Now Come Together is a commercial on TV--too bad.
They say you can never go back, but they?fre wrong. I'm visiting my sister in Raleigh, NC. Tonight we are goin?f back, and the first thing we?fre gonna do is turn off the damned TV. We?fre gonna go back to the Gibson J-50s and the piano in the parlor, and we?fre gonna sit around and make music like momma and daddy used to do. I just wish you all could come and sit and spell.
ÿÿ1999 TomCordle, all rights reserved
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More News....
What is enclosed in quotation marks is from a July 5th, 1999 article in The Press Enterprise of Riverside, California written by Tim O'Leary.
"TRIBAL GAMING PROFITS FUND EFFORT TO PRESERVE PAST, CULTURE"
contributed by PrdEgl@
"Bits of bone, shards of stone, whispers of an ancient tongue. Behind the neon lights and jingling video poker games, Inland Indian tribes are using casino profits to bridge the past and future."
"Gaming income has enabled tribes to buy ancestral lands, recover stockpiled human remains and sacred items from museums and teach themselves and their communities about the old ways."
"Do you know why it's happening now?" asked Raymond Basquez, an Indian spiritual leader and chairman of the Pechanga Cultural Committee." "We're becoming a force to be reckoned with because of the gaming."
"Ben Masiel, who oversees consultants hired on cultural issues by the seven-member committee by the Temecula Band of Luiseno Mission Indians said a cultural reawakening partially fueled by gaming has sparked a new pride and sense of purpose on the reservation."
"We're coming into our own again", he said."
"New cultural centers, festivals and education programs are the most visible efforts to revive interest among tribal members and introduce children and newly arrived families to Indian history and culture, said Judy Stapp, cultural programs manager, for the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians. Its reservation is located in the lower Coachella Valley of Riverside County."
"Behind the scenes, elders and other experts teach Indian youths and teens ancient languages and songs. They use bones and stones to show how their ancestors hunted, cooked and lived 10,000 years ago."
"On missions to recover the remains of ancestors and sacred and ceremonial artifacts, tribes have visited the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. and other museums and collections. And they've lobbied elected officials to tighten laws intended to protect former village sites from development."
"The Pechanga have spent more than $1.5 million buying ancestral land around their casino that opened four years ago and a burial ground between Lake Elsinore and Perris."
"The band is also encouraging private collectors to return Indian grinding stones, baskets and other artifacts to the tribe."
"The band's cultural committee runs its programs from one of the oldest buildings in the Temecula Valley, the bright red Pechanga School House that opened in 1883. Long tables are filled with books, photographs, mineral samples and traditional tools."
"Along the schoolhouse wall, the committee is raising two baby rattlesnakes in a terrarium, which is intended to help tribal youths better connect with nature, said Paul Price, an archaeologist teacher hired by the committee.
"Tribal leaders have approved the construction of a 10,100 square-foot cultural resource center and repository for artifacts and native plant seeds on the reservation that would be flanked by a medicine herbal garden and interpretive village."
"Committee members are also working closely with Temecula officials, who are planning extensive exhibits of Indian life and history in a city museum set to open this fall."
"Teaching area youths about Indian history and values is important, Basquez said. He recalled an encounter in a Temecula restaurant he had three years ago with a woman and her child who recently moved to the city and were surprised to learn that Indians still exist and their territory once stretched from the ocean to the tall mountains in each direction."
"That's the observation of a lot of the people who are moving into the valley," he said. "They're not aware of this history."
"The future Pechanga cultural center has been designed in a whirlwind pattern found in baskets the tribe made generations ago."
"The Cabazon band of Mission Indians, which opened a cardroom near Indio 1979 and later expanded it into a casino has designed a tribal government center in the shape of a redtail hawk, which is a cultural icon of the Cahuilla Indians."
"One wing of the building will house a cultural center that will include a memorial to the 100 million Indians and other native people of North and South America who died from wars, disease and other effects of colonialism, Stapp said. Other displays will focus on the tribe's economic programs."
"We have a vision, a dream, that is becoming a reality," she said."
"The band is preparing to publish a book, the first of its kind for the tribe, that traces its history from the 1776 Spanish exploration to the creation of its sprawling reservation 100 years later."
"Sponsoring powwows every March and November in another costly cultural activity for the Cabazon band, Stapp said. The Indio powwows remind the Cahuilla tribes of their rich heritage while bringing together other bands and introducing area residents to Indian songs, dances, food and art."
"Gaming has permitted the band to host such activities, hire staff to work on cultural programs and pass crucial knowledge and artifacts onto generations, she said."
"The Cabazons feel it is of vital interest that they learn about and preserve their own culture, but they also feel the need for an outreach mission to the local community." she said,"
"You can just see the pride that is being passed from one generation to another. I have seen it happen", she said. "I've only been here (in this job) six years, but I have seen miraculous changes and part of it is because of the gaming revenues."
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CONTINUED IN PART 4
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WAR CRY
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ISSUE 3~~AUGUST 1999~~PART 4
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THOUGHTS FROM OLONEWOLFO
Sacred Space
by OlonewolfO@
What shall become of Sacred Space
That Special Place
Where spirits dance
And sing their chants
Beneath Grandfather Sun?
What becomes of Holy Ways
those Yellow Days
on Elder Ground
we always found
That led to Sacred One?
What becomes of Mother Earth
Who gave us birth
And fills our needs
With loving deeds
Beneath Grandmother Moon?
What becomes of all that live
When She can't give
Because your greed
Could only lead
To some scorched, lifeless dune?
What has been done to give back to the Giver the appreciation for life and its sustainment? At first I intended this to be an article on the diminishment of Sacred Space. Quickly the issues grow like Thunderheads over the plains.
Indeed, where shall we go to be int the mist of the Sacred Mother's Spirit that connects at the horizon with the Spirit of Father Sky? Is this not a place where harmony and balance are at once created? What then, shall we do when all the land is developed? Shall the Spirits of the trees and all plants move on troubled Winds through the corridors of the meaga-cities after we have created the altimeter concrete labyrinth?
There is time to slow down and stop -- to revere the natural world and be grateful for the life we share with it. Existence owes us no right to life. We exist because other lives share existence with us. Once we knew that we must give back, to take only what we need. Once there was harmony and balance.
Why look at a small tract of land and call it a vacant lot? It isn't vacant at all! It is teaming with life, and it doesn't need to be devoloped to be worth something. To our smaller relations who live there it is worth everything. Our brothers and sisters, the plants' gift us with the air we breathe
and we, in turn, gift them with carbon dioxide when we breathe in the plan set forth by the Creator.
So, this undeveloped land is really priceless. Not because it is worthless, but because it is beyond price. It is a living example of the Earth Mother's body and is, therefore, Sacred.
What is becoming of Sacred Space?
We all know...
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Another Noteworthy
[]
From WikeNala@:
It is a very old and worn piece of common knowledge that everyone wants to be a "indian". Everybody loves "indian" babies. Everybody loves Pochahantes. Everyone wants the sublime spirituality that the Native American people have. They all want to have the lovely hairless skin, the deep and piercing black eyes, the stoicism of the "mighty warrior". The shiney hair of the indian maiden...... of course no one wants the poverty of the rez, or the disease of alcoholism, the feeling of being a no class citizen. No one wants the feeling of futility, and the unending rage that flows through the veins. People just want the Hollywood version.To be able to speak in a native language better than most full bloods. and to pride themeselves on their ancestrial high cheekbones.
The answer to the dilema is not to characterize or name call those who state these inane facts.. but rather to address why they are so fiercely wanting something they can not have?.
They do this because they themselves have no real indigenous culture to call their own. Those whose ancestors souls abide in the islands and countries across the sea, have for centuries not been able to reclaim what was rightly theirs. Their own affirmation of who they are, of what they are... because their people(as indigenous) are no longer part of this world.
They must.. in order to become whole, take the risk of the pain to reclaim their heritage. They must ready themselves to accept being called names by those who will never understand or who will never take a chance with the pain. They must, for the sake of their own children and grandchildren, begin to bring back into this world their own history.
So you want to be an indian? No you don't. You should be working hard at being a great Celtic, Saxon, Viking, Hun, Druid, Franc, take your pick....and there is where you will find you can finally belong. When the people of this mother earth finally accept who they are.. only then will we truly be able to all hold hands beneath that tree and unify the circle.
It cannot be done when there are lost souls out there trying so very very hard, pretending to be something they never can be. We as humans on this earth need to work hard at being the best of who and what we are.
I cannot get, nor will I ever want that platinum little card telling the world that i am 1/3 cheyenne( oh yeh northern ). I know who I am. My mothers people were forced to wear tatoos on their arms to show who they were during the last great war. I don't need that nor do I have the need to support something so hideous as catagorizing people and their blood. I am yeska, in the lakota words, I am always too much and not enough on either side, but I always know what makes me the human that I have become. Part of the test was the pain of reclaiming all of me, part of the joy has been the discovery of who my old ones were, on all sides.
I guess I issue the challenge to all the brothers and sisters who are out there looking so hard for somewhere to belong, that they just take a look in the mirror, and see who they are and learn about where they come from, and become the best at who and what they represent.
In Peace and in the Struggle
Always,
Wike'Nala
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EAGLE WORDS
FOR MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS
UWOHALI DIKANEISDI
a question & answer column by SwtyGrl2@
OSiyo ,
I am Blue Moccasins writer of this teen column...I would just like to say Wado for writing in to me all that have. I hope that i was some help to you guys that wrote in..Feel free to write back anytime ..~ll:^)*
~*~Blue Moccasins~*~
My BoYfRiEnD ReCeNtLy DuMpEd Me FoR AnOtHeR OnE Of My FrIeNdS AnD I StIlL LiKe HiM, HoW CaN I GeT OvEr HiM ??????
~*RuFfRyDeRz08*~
RuFfRyDeRz08 ,
Well RuFf all I can pretty much tell you is that you should just try to stop thinking about him and go out and meet a new guy or just go and hang out with your friends to get your mind off of him.Wado (thanks) for writing in...~ll:^)
My best friend has a really cute boyfriend.I started liking him and we were all supposed to go to the pool together.But my friend didnt go so her boyfriend did, and i ended up hooking up , should i tell her? I'm scared cuz i know she really likes him !
Ledezma350 age 13
Ledezma350 ,
Well for one thing Led it is alright to like your friends boyfriend but dont hook up with him when she doesnt know it. I think the way you and her boyfriend should of handeled it was that you should of told her that you liked her boyfriend and he should of told her that he liked you at the very begining so that none of this would have happend , and you wouldn't be in this situation.So yes the only right thing to do is to tell her that your going out with her boyfriend too.You might loose a friend or even a boyfriend but its the right thing to do .Wado (thanks) for writing in....~ll:^)
Alot of my friends recently have started talking about me behind my back.....Well thats what other people are saying......should I confront them or just not listen to what other people say ? =) XOXOX NoScrub08 XOXOX
NoScrub08 ,
I think you should confront your friends first and ask them if its true that they have been talking behind your back. If they were then they weren't your true friends in the first place .Wado(thanks) for writing in....~ll:^)
My boyfriend calls me names but never has hit me, should I be worried or concerned that he will later on hit me and is this considered abuse?
thank you .........FoxyGrl26 Age=16
FoxyGrl26 ,
Yes this is mental abuse.He should not be calling you names like he is. I'm not sure if it could turn in to physical abuse or not because i dont know him to the extent that you do .But you should not be called names that is not right. Personally I would break up with a guy that called me names so he would never have a chance to hit me .Wado (thanks) for writing in....~ll:^)
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Excerpts from StoryTellers
by DaiiHawk
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Our Way
"Don't speak to me of such things", I requested. They ignored me, for in their minds, I was wrong. I asked deaf ears again but my words were wasted. To the freedom of wide open spaces I longed to roam.
"Silence! You must be patient!", they said unto me. "Hear the words of GOD and He shall set you free! Trust in Him and Him alone for He is the All-Seeing!"
"You people live in a fantasy world", I said unto them. "The rules of your religion change with the wind. The mis-use of christianity gave Europeans the 'god-given' right to commit genocide, then make up stories to justify their crimes and their 'Manifest Destiny' continues still."
"You lie!", they yelled at me. "That is not true!"
I replied, "Has any of The People ever tried to harm your future by stealing your babies, your culture and religion, your heart and soul?"
"Many have died for The Lamb!", they shouted.
"Indeed", said I. "Your religion was born out of racial and religious prejudices, a mere 2,000 years ago, when your messiah was crucified by his own race, the Jewish population, because they believed him to be quite insane.
Christianity was brought to the Americas by those who claimed to be searching for a land where they would be free to worship as they pleased. Yet, they did not believe that basic Human right applied to those who had lived in 'The New World' since the dawn of time.
Christianity is like a spoiled child, exhuding the arrogance and ignorance of youth. My beliefs are ancient and came from those who honored Mother Earth and respected Truth.
My great Grandfather was born a prisoner. Being Human was his crime. The ONLY survivor of his family because of Manifest Destiny and malicious Christian pride.
A criminal in the land of his ancestors, his world destroyed, and everyone told him, 'Be patient, boy. Just give it time'. So, in the dead of night, he stole a horse and away from Hell he did ride.
He had seen twelve snowing seasons, a mere child by today's standards, yet he was a warrior, determined to be free or die fighting The Good Fight.
He survived. He assimilated into the invader's world. His 'reason for being' was to insure that his offspring would see a future life and carry on The Good Fight. His plan has come to fruition, for I am here.
Hear with your hearts and you will clearly see that, forevermore, I am him and he is me. This is OUR way."
...DaiiHawkInk©1999...
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Definition Of A Warrior
A father, who lives to clear life's pathways for his children.
A mother, who kisses the hurts earned along life's highways.
A grandfather, who teaches his grandbabies the ancient ways.
A grandmother, who snuggles her grandbabies close for stories.
An aunt or uncle, who step in to fill the shoes of troubled parents.
A neighbor, who feeds the child that no one seems to care about.
A teacher, who encourages the children who lack self-confidence.
A friend, who is always there through thick and thin, rain or shine.
A child, with the courage to take up for the kid everyone picks on.
A Warrior fights for the future good that today's battle can attain,
not for the rewards of the battle, for they are soon turned to rust.
...DaiiHawkInk©1975...
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UPCOMING POWWOWS
Our Events Editor is busy moving, so this months Powwow info is being covered by WndWhspr01. For more info visit this link PowWow
Hawaii
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Aug. 1-7,
The 5th World Indigenous PeoplesÕ Conference on Education will be held in Hilo, HawaiÔi We invite you to participate in this important and historic conference.
Phone 1 (808) 934-7722 Fax 1 (808) 974-7692 E-mail "mailto:wipc@hawaii.edu" wipc@hawaii.edu (Lots more information via the website)
North Carolina
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July 23-24:
Cherokees of Hoke County/ Tuscaroras of Maxton County Intertribal Festival,
Rockfish (near Davis Bridge).
Info: (910) 875-0222.
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July 23 - 24
16th Cherokee of Hoke City Intertribal Festival (traditional)
Rockfish
Davis Bridge, North Carolina
(910) 875-0220
Oklahoma
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July 23-25:
Ki He Kah Steh Pow Wow,
Skiatook.
Info: (918) 446-0564.
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July 23 - 25
Oh-Ho-Mah Dance Ceremonial (traditional)
2Æ miles south on Hwy 8
Andarko, Oklahoma
(405) 247-6651
Connecticut
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August 13-15
Mohegan Wigwam: Mohegan Powwow,
St.Bernard's Church,
Uncasville, CT
info:860-848-6100
Ohio
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July 29-August 1
Shawnee Nation URB and Lenape Nations Annual Powwow
Rt. 540
Zane Shawnee Caverns & Campgounds
Bellefontaine, Ohio
(937) 562-9592
(614) 443-5898
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August 21-22
Ohio Shawnee Fair
Shawandassee Land
Urbana, Ohio
(937) 592-9592
(937) 592-4458
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August 25-26
Ohio Shawnee Rendezvous
Rt. 540
Zane Shawnee Caverns & Campgounds
Bellefontaine, Ohio
(937) 562-9592
(937) 592-4458
Virginia
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July 24-25:
Rising Water Falling Water Festival & Pow Wow,
Showplace Exhibition Grounds,
Richmond.
Info: (804) 443-4221.
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THE FIRST ANNUAL AMERICAN INDIAN FESTIVAL
August 28th Saturday....10:00 AM-6:00PM
to be held in beautiful Downtown Norfolk at Townpoint Park.....
Head Lady Dancer: HELENE FORTUNE,Rappahannock
Head Male:TBA
Host Drum: TONE PAH HOTE
Invited Drum: REDWOLF
Arena Director: MAX LITTLE,Seminole
VIVITA COLOR GUARD
MCs: JOHN JEFFERIES and MICHAEL BUTLER
vendors by invitation only... for more information contact biah
seminole..757-425-7992
Vermont
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July 24
Clan of the Hawk, Coos Cowasuck Band of Western Abenaki:
2nd Annual Native Am.Craft Show,
Rte.58,
Evansville, VT
info:802-754-6305
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July 24 - 25
Traditional Abenaki of Mazipskwik & Related Bands:
3rd Annual Powwow & Craft Expo,
Highgate Arena,
Highgate, VT
info:802-796-4531
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July 31 - August 1
Clan of the Hawk: 8th Annual Powwow,
Rte 58E (I-91, Exit 26)
Evansville, VT
info:802-754-6305
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August 21 - 22
Dawnland Center: Intertribal Summer Powwow:
Parkers Farm, Rte 2,
E. Montpelier, VT
info:802-229-0601
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STAFF
RisngSmoke - Editor
WndWhspr01 - Coeditor
Akekiakiak - Events Reporter
PrdEgl - Staff Reporter
S0rnEagle1 - Cultural Theft/ Staff Reporter
OloneWolfO - Columnist
Swty Grl2 - Columnist
Skytlanuwa - Columnist
SoulofHawk - Columnist
GrannyFear - Columnist
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