Manataka American Indian
Council Volume XIV
Issue 01 JANUARY 2010
SMOKE SIGNAL NEWS
Page 3 of 3 Pages
HISTORY....
Wa She Shu: The Washoe People
DIT’ EH HU (THE
TERRITORY)
“
The Maker of All Things
was counting out seeds that were to become the different tribes. He counted them
out on a big winnowing tray in equal numbers. West Wind, the mischievous wind,
watched until the Maker had divided the seeds into equal piles on the basket.
Then he blew a gust of wind that scattered the seeds to east. Most of the seeds
that were to have been the Washoe people were blown away. That is why the Washoe
are fewer in number than other tribes.” As retold by Jo Ann Nevers
The Washoe are the original inhabitants of Da ow aga
(Lake Tahoe) and all the lands surrounding it. Tahoe is a mispronunciation of
Da ow, meaning “lake”. Washoe ancestral territory consists of a nuclear area
with Lake Tahoe at its heart, and a peripheral area that was frequently shared
with neighboring tribes. The Paiute and Shoshone live to the east and the Maidu
and Miwok to the west. The nucleus of the ancestral territory is bordered on the
west by the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the east by the Pine Nut and Virginia
ranges, and stretch north to Honey Lake and as far south as Sonora Pass. The
territory takes part of two very distinct ecosystems: the western arid Great
Basin region of Nevada, and the forested Sierra Nevada Mountains in California.
The variability in climate, geography, and altitude within the territory allowed
it to provide a great diversity of foods and other materials essential to life.
“As the traditions explain, the Washoe did not travel to this area from another
place. They were here in the beginning and have always lived here…Each cave,
stream, lake or prominent geographical feature is named and has stories
associated to it.” (Nevers, 1976, p. 3)
“
The health of the
land and the health of the people are tied together, and what happens to the
land also happens to the people. When the land suffers so too are the people.” -
A. Brian Wallace, Former Chairman of the Washoe Tribe
WA SHE SHU (THE
PEOPLE)
Washoe, or Washo as most of the people prefer, was
derived from Wa she shu. After contact with colonists, many things in Washoe
history have been changed or altered including the tribal name. It is estimated
that the traditional Washoe population was more or less 3,000, but it is
difficult to know.
To understand the Washoe you need to understand the
environment in which they live. Washoe have always been a part of the land and
environment, so every aspect of their lives is influenced by the land. The
Washoe believe the land, language and people are connected and are intrinsically
intertwined.
The Family
Family
is the core of the Washoe because these are the people that lived and worked
together and relied on each other. In the past, families are recorded as rarely
fewer than five individuals and only occasionally exceeding twelve in size. A
family was often a married couple and their children, but there were no distinct
rules about how marriages and families should be formed and households were
regularly made up of the parents of a couple, the couple’s siblings and their
children, a couple of the same sex, more than one husband or wife, or non-blood
related friends.
Generally, a family was distinguished by whoever lived
together in the galais dungal (winter house) during the winter months.
Winter camps were usually composed of four to ten
family groups living a short distance from each other in their separate
galais dungal. These family groups often moved together throughout the year.
The Washoe practiced sporadic leadership, so at times each group had an informal
leader that was usually known for his or her wisdom, generosity, and
truthfulness. He or she may possess special powers to dream of when and where
there was a large presence of rabbit, antelope and other game, including the
spawning of the fish, and would assume the role of “Rabbit Boss” or “Antelope
Boss to coordinate and advise communal hunts.
CONTACT WITH THE SETTLERS
The Washoe had heard about the new
intruders before they ever saw one. As the Spanish invaded the California coast
to establish missions and convert Indians to Catholicism, the Washoe began to
make fewer and fewer trips to the west coast until eventually those trips
stopped altogether.
Neighboring tribes that escaped into
hiding in the high mountains probably warned the Washoe about the invaders.
Although White historians have concluded
that the Spanish never entered Washoe territory, the Washoe have told stories
about them for generations, and some Washoe words, including names for
relatively new additions to the Washoe world, like horse, cow, and money, are
similar to the Spanish terms.
In any case, when the first white fur
traders and surveyors began to enter Washoe territory the Indians approached the
newcomers with caution. They preferred to observe the intruders from a distance.
The first written record of non-Indians in Washoe Land were fur trappers in
1826; they may have met the Washoe, but left no description of the encounter.
The first written description of the Washoe was by John Charles Fremont in 1844,
who was leading a government surveying expedition. Fremont described the Washoe
as being cautious of being close to them, but in time when he showed no
aggression, the aggressively defensive tribes of the Great Plains and
saw no distinction between different tribes. They expected the Washoe to be
violent and dangerous and projected these characteristics upon them.
READ MORE >>>
GRANDMOTHER
L. COTA NUPAH MAKAH
SPEAKS
|
Memories of Nevada
by L. Cota Nupah Makah - Waynonaha
The traditional American Indian people believe that to have your
picture taken is to have your soul and spirit captured. Many of
these beliefs were based around the old stories of witches (Windigos)
or soul stealer's. It was believed that there were those who could
capture your spirit with some article of clothing, hair, nail
clippings, or personal medicine effects. After growing up in
this traditional way and seeing many things for which there is
really no answer in the logical world, I hold mixed feelings.
I know that magic is in the eyes of the beholder and that we are
part mind and thought and part physical and emotions. To
separate the two is not my main goal in life only to understand and
put some perspective on it for my own reasoning.
 As
a child we were not exposed to the outside ridicule of the media.
What went on in the Inipi, or healing lodges, was kept there andnot
taken out into the media in the form of books and word of mouth. It
was respected and guarded as it was the way of healing. This was all
we had in the form medicine or doctors. I for one was never taken
to a doctor my parents did not have medical insurance or hospitals
at our disposal.
My first visit to a doctor was when I was about
18 years. Other than that we managed to dodge the reservation
clinics and the experimental medical care that was given. My brief
encounters in boarding school were just that; "brief", as we were
given minimal care. Even with the TB we were never medicated. Many
died and some still bear the scars of it today in weak lungs and
bones.
My Grandmother was our doctor and she knew the herbs and the ways of
her people. We were lined up, like ducks in a row for her
inspection. She and my mother, dealt out the herbs as she felt
needed for our health. Each spring we were given a horrible
concoction of herbs that cleansed our bodies.
READ MORE>>>
MORE... |
GRANDMOTHER MAGDALA SPEAKS
By Magdala Del
Consuelo Rameriz, Mayan Priestess
|
 |
|
Magdala Rameriz |
Beautiful Ones
I am back into the
temple, answering so many email, for the excitement
of what happened in the ceremonies of the 13 hours
of drumming ceremony held at the Riverfront Park in
Little Rock, Arkansas and duplicated many times over
across the world. It was created to embrace
unity and peace.
We have pictures
from all over the world of elders and people… and
orbs everywhere.
I am thankful for
all the elders that made the journey to the ceremony
[including Grandfather Lee Standing Bear and
Grandmother Mary Thunder]. Some made long
journeys. It was freezing cold. I am thankful
for all the ceremonies held everywhere! Mama calls
us, and we are listening…
Yes, today is a
better world because so many people embraced unity
in their hearts.
The sacred land
where we live is under attack and the sacred
feminine is loud and clear in despair. The
reality of the situation is hard. Many prayers
were made and that led us to create a powerful
ceremony that included 13 hours of drumming, uniting
the tribes, religions traditions. The
ceremonies were beyond the problem of the sacred
land. The ceremonies gave us a better picture
of things that need to be done and the
possibilities.
READ MORE>>>
ENTER
THE
WORLD
DRUM FLAG DESIGN CONTEST !!
Submit
your graphic design for the new World Drum Flag by April 30, 2010
for a
chance to win cash and other exciting prizes!
Do
you love to draw, color, paint, or design? Do you love the Mother Earth
and want peace throughout the world?
We want YOU to design a beautiful, colorful
flag to symbolize the World Drum Project. If you win, your design will be
made into a flag and it will fly on at every location worldwide where the World Drum is
presented. See your name and photo in media releases and videos worldwide,
plus get a chance to win $500 cash, plus
other great prizes!
Anyone can enter! No purchase is
necessary and there is no entry fee. It's free!
Read Official
“World
Drum Flag Design Contest" Rules and Enter Now!
Indigenous
Music Feature
BELOW THE RADAR
Mato
Nanji of Indigenous
SIOUX
FALLS, SD (API) --Off the plains of South Dakota comes an Indigenous
‘American Indian’, his Santee Dakota/Ihanktunwan Nakota wife, and four
Lincoln, Nebraska musicians who form the rising rock music sensation
Indigenous. The talented Nakota “Sioux” Indian musician is the 34
year old Mato Nanji - or Standing Grizzly Bear in the Nakota
language – who has wowed club and festival crowds for years with his soulful
brand of lead guitar and lead vocals, as well as his stunningly handsome
physical presence and appearance. Yet, surprisingly, Mato (pronounced mah
TOE) manages to remain just under the music legend and superstar radar
screen.
Mato’s
rise-to-fame mirrors that of Bonnie Raitt, who finally got her deserved
welcome into stardom during the late 80’s, after over two decades of belting
out one amazing tune after another. Raitt coincidentally played with Mato’s
activist, musician, and Nakota Nation spiritual Advisor father, Greg
Zephier, Sr., during 1980 anti-nuclear protest gatherings in the Black
Hills, who both used their guitars to stop uranium mining in the sacred
Indigenous homelands.
Raitt
later would have Indigenous open shows for her in 2001 - twenty years after
playing with their father.
Nanji
for Chasing CD Cover
The
future legend was born and raised on the Ihanktunwan “Yankton” Nakota Indian
Reservation in southeast South Dakota. Mr. Zephier taught Mato and his
siblings (initial members of Indigenous who all are now pursuing their own,
individual music careers) how to play all the instruments that the
three-piece group employed during their early years.
The
band got an early nudge toward ‘the big time’ when they toured one summer
with famed Bluesman, B.B. King, with Nanji getting his second break when not
long after, Carlos Santana called Mato onto the stage to play with him in
Phoenix, AZ.
Mato
and Indigenous continues to hover - waiting ever so patiently - just above
the club scene and just below his deserved place among music star status.
The
bands new CD, “Broken Lands”, features a fresh backup female vocal from his
wife, Leah, who, along with Mato, co-wrote the hit song “Place I Know.” Two
songs from Nanji’s latest album, “Chasing The Sun” – both written by Nanji
and wife Leah, garnered attention in 2007 on the hit Discovery Channel’s
“Deadliest Catch.”
Mato
Nanji and wife, Leah in Northern California 2009
Mato
toured during the fall of 2008 with the Jimi Hendrix Tribute Tour and kicked
off his 2009 Spring Tour with one of B.B. King’s great friends, Buddy Guy -
another of the many growing list of Indigenous fans. Like B.B. said ten
years ago: “The world needs to see Indigenous.”
Mato Nanji on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGgftLF9wbw
Check out Mato’s new CD “Broken Lands” including the
single “Place I know”
www.IndigenousMusic.net
FUNNY
BONES
No offense intended for
any individuals or tribes.
An Old Indian
Farmer's Advice:
-
Your
fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.
-
Keep
skunks and bankers at a distance.
-
Life is
simpler when you plow around the stump.
-
A bumble
bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.
-
Words
that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled.
-
Meanness
don't jes' happen overnight.
-
Forgive
your enemies. It messes up their heads.
-
Do not
corner something that you know is meaner than you.
-
It don't
take a very big person to carry a grudge.
READ MORE>>>
|
 |
ELDER'S
MEDITATION
"People are equal partners with the plants and animals, not their masters
who exploit them."
--Haida Gwaii, Traditional Circle of Elders
As human beings, we are not above anything nor are we below anything. Because of
being equal, we need to discuss a little about the value of respect. Not just
respect when it comes to human beings, but respect when it comes to everything.
We are not masters over things; we are caretakers for the Great Spirit. We need
to treat all things with respect.
Great Spirit, let me accept and see all things as equal
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php
WOMEN'S CIRCLE
|
 THE
INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF THIRTEEN INDIGENOUS GRANDMOTHERS |
The Council in Assisi,
Summer 2008 Photo: Marisol Villanueva, courtesy the
Grandmothers Council
The
Grandmothers Mission Statement
WE, THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF THIRTEEN INDIGENOUS
GRANDMOTHERS,
represent a global alliance of prayer, education and healing
for our Mother Earth, all Her inhabitants, all the children,
and for the next seven generations to come. We are deeply
concerned with the unprecedented destruction of our Mother
Earth and the destruction of indigenous ways of life. We
believe the teachings of our ancestors will light our way
through an uncertain future. We look to further our vision
through the realization of projects that protect our diverse
cultures: lands, medicines, language and ceremonial ways of
prayer and through projects that educate and nurture our
children.
READ MORE>>>
|
FOOD
& NUTRITION
BOOK REVIEWS
Native
American Flute:
Understanding the Gift
by John Vames
An Interactive Guide for learning to Play
Includes Instructional text, Audio CD and 25
Songs, 3rd
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little or no experience, the Intermediate player seeking further
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Part 1 – Easy to follow instruction
includes lessons on finger control, breath control, knowing your flute,
embouchure, basic notes, tonguing and slurring, the Native American Scale,
creating your own melodies, ornamentations, duration, reading Music, Nakai
tablature, and the Major scale.
Part 2 - Includes 25 Songs arranged for Native American Flute:
traditional, Native American and Original.
Appendices, which include: Useful Scales
for Native American Flute. Analysis of the Major Scale, Rhythmic Values and
Flute care.
PLUS: 39 Track
Interactive Audio CD - Demonstrating techniques and easy-to-play instructions.
104 pages. Available in
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And, a handcrafted fleece
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|
More
Recommended Reading:
Click
on the book of your choice
POETRY CIRCLE...
Sense Of Spirit
By
Dave Hagstrom
Thank you Great Grandfather for the sight in my eyes
so that i might see the Eagle as she passes through the
golden-orange sunset at the end of the day.
Thank you Great Grandfather for the sounds in my
ears so that i might hear the whistle of the bull Elk in Fall
and the sweet song of the Meadowlark.
Thank you Great Grandfather for my sense of smell so
that I might better understand the Sage and Sweetgrass People of
the Plant Nation.
Thank you Great Grandfather for my sense of
taste so that I might enjoy the good food and clean water that
you have provided for us.
Thank you Great Grandfather for the sense of touch
in my fingers so I might feel the warm Sun on my pony's skin and
the softness of my woman's hair.
Thank you Great Grandfather for the blessing of
sensing the Unseen and Untouched Spirit that surrounds us each
and every day.
Aho.
Dave Hagstrom, Wyoming,
2007
|
HEALING
PRAYER
BASKET
Prayer and ceremony
work. Creator heals and brings peace.
Prayer Needed - Sickness, Injury, Troubles...
Pat Prather (Texarkana, AR) our dear friend and wonderful member of
Manataka is in the hospital unable to breath on her own. Please offer up
prayers for Pat. ~Angela Gates 01-16-10
Lee Standing Bear Moore (Hot Springs, AR) suffered a heart attack on
January 5. He returned home with a defibulator strapped to his side that
will delivery a shock to his heart if needed. He is scheduled for surgery
in five weeks to insert a pacemaker. ~Bonnie 01-16-10
Cece Stevens (Tuscon, AZ) has emphysema and Swine flu. She is a rare lady
thru hard work she and hubby have been very successful. They give unceasingly to
those who are in need. Bought heaters for a lot of people. For Christmas they go
to VA hospital with wagons full of gifts for the vets and their families in
Tuscon AZ Also holiday full dinners then spend the day on the Hospice
floor. She told me she would dance with death and death would take the day off.
A remarkable couple but a truly remarkable woman. She and hubby both have swine
flu he has had a stroke but recovered well. Thanks so much. ~Ruth King
01-13-10
Momfeather (KY) Please lift up this wonderful lady in your prayer
today. Thank you. ~Bear 01-13-10
Edwin Tuni (Tempe, AZ) is experiencing financial and legal issues.
Edwin is married with two daughters and needs our prayers -- now! ~Carlena
Tuni 01-12-10
Joyce Makinson
(Springfield, OR)
My mom is only 67 years and was placed in a home care house
in Tigard, OR with Lou Gerricks disease and can not live by herself. She is
slowly getting weaker and loosing her muscle strength. My mom is Christian and
has worked hard all her life. I will be going that way to visit her in
Feb. And I know it will be hard for me. I need my mom and appreciate all your
prayers or any recommendations. Thank you for all your prayers. ~Angela
McPhetridge 01-12-10
Three Students at Pine Ridge High School Commit Suicide -- 70 more are at
risk of Suicide. We received a message from Robert B. Cook, principal
of Pine Ridge High School sent by Cindy Catches who asks for your prayers.
Oglala Sioux Tribe President
Theresa Two Bulls declared a state of emergency Thursday (Dec. 10th) in the face
of overwhelming numbers of suicides and suicide attempts on South Dakota's
largest reservation. Each death is a tragic story and reflection
of the dire circumstance facing native youth on reservations. 12-21-09
Peter Bowden (Byron Bay, Australia) is hospitalized with
pneumonia -- partially as a result of
contracting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after many years as a
professional swim instructor. Peter practices aboriginal medicine to
benefit the people of his area. Peter is a good person who now needs our
healing prayers. ~Lynn Guy 12-17-09
Albert Granger
(Michigan)
still has lung cancer is holding his
own but still needs continued
prayers.
Is now out of the hospital and
moved from Blythe, CA back to
Michigan. Granger is a retired
U.S. Air Force, Viet Nam veteran ~Eagle
Star 11-14-09
Graham Osceola Waters
(Australia)
Cancer has has
resurfaced. "The hospital
stopped my hormone treatment six
months ago and I knew things
weren't right, now it's a day at
a time. All praying for me
at my church and I still play
the big drum at church. I
am trying to finish so much,
it's hopeless" said Osceola.
We
are sending him love and healing
as are others here in Oz and
we'd be grateful for the prayers
and love from our Manataka
family too .... thank you.
~Lynn Guy 10-20-09
Diane Brown and
family. Her husband is a
Navajo Vietnam Vet is
going in or tests.
~Henrietta Eagle Star
10-18-09
Roy Garrette, his
health is not good and
has been in and out of
the hospital a lot in
the last two weeks. We
don't know why he has
been this way, but is
still in need of
prayers.
~Henrietta Eagle Star
10-18-09
Maxine Fulgham, was
recently diagnosed with
diabetes. ~Henrietta
Eagle Star 10-18-09
Charmaine Fulgham,
(San Antonio, TX) I
Humbly ask for prayers for
my daughter who had an
emergency appendectomy from
a ruptured appendix and
gangrene. The appendix had
rotted at the base. The
doctor told her he thought
he had got it all, but now
as of today she has started
running a fever! Please Pray
for her recovery. I ask
Creator to please surround
her with loving Healing
energy. With Respect ~Maxine
Fulgham 09-07-09
Thank You so much for all
your Prayers, they have been
answered, My Daughter is now
Home from the Hospital!!
She still has Antibiotics
to take of course, but at
least it seems they feel
they got all the gangrene
out of her system. Thank You
Creator for hearing our
Prayers and answering
them...
Love And Peace
~Maxine Fulgham 10-06-09
Dustin
soon to be Daniel Gray
had some bad surgery last
week got home Friday and had
to go back tonight and has
been readmitted its a boy
that's 11 years old lives in
PA He has a very "High
Fever He is in Hershey
Hospital They had to
rebuild his rectum and fix
lower bowel he is also in
need of other surgery soon
as this one gets well.
Helen/Red Wing
08-10-09
Albert Granger Jr, (Michigan) is
out of the
hospital. Thank you very
much for your prayers.
Albert has returned to Michigan
to be with his family, but
continued prayers are still
needed. ~Eagle Star
10-18-09
Did you submit a prayer request above? If so, please
send us an update.
We are reluctant to remove anyone without knowing if more
prayers are needed.
Crossing Over...
Patti Blue Star Burdette (Hot Springs, AR) An elder and long time
member of Manataka, Patti entered the hospital last week with serious blood clot
issues. Doctors removed her leg and she crossed over due to complications.
Patti faithfully served as an honored member of
the Manataka Elders Council for five years and
was the ceremonial elder.
Please pray for Patti, her soul mate David Quietwind Furr and her family.
Manataka will assist with a memorial service for
Patti on her birthday, February 28
~Bear 01-13-10
Ruth Thompson Wilson, 88, CA the
last surviving daughter of one of the Tuolumne
Me-Wuk Rancheria’s founding families and a
champion of Native American culture, died
December 26 of cancer.
John Rohn, (Dallas, Texas)
It
is with great sadness I share with you the
passing of one of the great legends in the
personal growth and business industry yesterday,
Jim Rohn on
December 5, 2009.
Jim was a mentor to millions
of individuals and had an incredible influence
in my life as well. One of his greatest quotes
is: "I wish for you a life of wealth, health,
and happiness; a life in which you give to
yourself the gift of patience, the virtue of
reason, the value of knowledge, and the
influence of faith in your own ability to dream
about and achieve worthy rewards." Our
thoughts and prayers are with Jim's family at
this time. I leave this quote of Jim's for you
to think about as you move forward in your life
to achieve success, "Success is not so much what
we have as it is what we are." May God be
with you .... Your partner and brother in
the call to enhance our world… Johnny Wimbrey
12-06-09
Maise Shenandoahm, 77, Oneida,
NY July 12, 1932
- December 2, 2009, Wolf Clan Mother - Oneida
Nation, Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
Surrounded by her loved ones, Mary “Maisie”
Shenandoah, YakolihunyΛni, “She Teaches,” has
passed into the spirit world. Born July 12, 1932
on the Onondaga Nation Territory south of
Syracuse, NY. Daughter of the late Mary
Cornelius Winder and Samuel Winder, Maisie was a
Wolf Clan Mother of the Oneida Nation of the
Haudenosaunee (Six Nations Iroquois) Confederacy
in New York State. As a clan mother she had the
duty of selecting leaders from within her
clan, serving as a political adviser, spiritual
leader and spokesperson for the Oneida people.
Primarily an educator and matriarch of the
Oneida people, she was also a performing artist,
tribal historian, an avid collector of Native
American art and an astute businesswoman. Maisie
operated a trading
post, participated in American Indian gatherings
throughout the country and organized hundreds of
cultural and education presentations in the
northeast. Throughout her travels she encouraged
Native American people to look with pride upon
their heritage and to assert their rights as
indigenous nations with kindness and friendship.
After her marriage to Onondaga Chief Clifford
Shenandoah they moved their family back to the
ancestral territory of the Oneidas in 1961 and
re-established a dynamic Oneida presence in the
region. Her life’s dream, as passed on to her by
her mother, was to create a homeland for all
Oneidas.
Angie Osborne, 81, (Fresno, CA)
California Indian activist
and a Choinumni
tribal member who fought to preserve traditional
burial ground in Piedra on the south bank of the
Kings River east of Fresno, will be buried
there. Angie "Yo-Wis-Nuth" Osborne started
working toward land and recognition for her
Choinumni tribe when she was 19. As an advocate
for American Indian rights, she was well-known
throughout California for helping and supporting
others. She died Nov. 19 at the age of 81.In the
1940s, Fresno County took the burial grounds and
all the land that now surrounds Pine Lake Dam.
When the tribe was forbidden to bury anyone
there, Mrs. Osborne began a quest to get the
land back that didn't end until the 1970s."My
mother, for a lifetime, had always been involved
with all Native American rights," said Audrey
Osborne, Mrs. Osborne's daughter. Audrey Osborne
said her mother's involvement saved sacred sites
and preserved languages, tradition and culture.
Angie 'Yo-Wis-Nuth'
Osborne Born: Jan. 9, 1928. Died: Nov. 19.
Occupation: Retired health-care provider
Survivors: Mother, Emma Oliver; brother, Hank
Oliver; sisters, Jean Sorondo, Irene Oliver and
Virginia Castillo; sons Rick, Leonard and Robert
Sr.; daughter Audrey; eight grandchildren; nine
great-grandchildren. Mrs. Osborne will be missed
"by her own tribe along with others inside the
state and out," Audrey Osborne said. "This is a
huge loss to all tribes. "It was not unusual for
Mrs. Osborne, the Choinumni tribe's spokeswoman,
to attend various meetings throughout the city
and beyond, fighting for what she believed in.
"She was a very dedicated and humble person when
it came to politics," Audrey Osborne said. "She
was straightforward and didn't pull any punches.
People respected her." In 2002, Mrs. Osborne's
kindness and compassion brought a peaceful end
to the controversy surrounding a celebrated tree
destroyed by an unapologetic racist. Mrs.
Osborne conducted an American Indian ceremony
over the downed Piedra tree -- which was said to
depict a likeness of the Virgin Mary and had
drawn crowds of faithful Catholics. One of Mrs.
Osborne's most recent endeavors was to
fight for the preservation of Jesse Morrow
Mountain off of Highway 180. The mountain is a
sacred site, according to the Choinumni tribe.
The multinational Cemex mining company wants to
mine rock from the mountain's south side for use
as aggregate in construction projects. Mrs.
Osborne's children won't let their mother's
dream of saving the mountain die. "My brother
and I and the tribal council promised to finish
her work for her, and we will," Audrey Osborne
said. "There's a lot at stake. We will continue
the fight."An avid reader, Mrs. Osborne was a
lover of novels and history. She also greatly
enjoyed weaving and basket and bead work, her
daughter said.
~Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney
11-27-09
Percy Branham, 87 (West Virginia)
Today is a sad day for our
family our Uncle Percy Branham made is journey. My
mom's last sibling. I sit and wonder what it is like in
the circle above the Milky Way and wonder what they are
doing. In my mind I see the circle and the fire and hear
them talking then I hear the drum beat and their
hearts.. I see them rise to dance and see that they are
all younger and hear their feet dance to the beat of the
drum. I see Sun eagle his smile and hear Laughing Dove
as she laughs and talks. We are here they say, and it is
a great place. We wait on the others who will join the
circle and again I hear the drum.. It fades and I find
myself in tears as the sadness is just in the hearts
left behind. Helen/Red Wing 11-24-09
Alan Carter,
(Ripley, MS)
Lou Carrisoza's
son passed.
Carrisoza is a member of the American Indian Association.
Ripley
Funeral Home, with funeral at 11 AM. Salena Tant
11-14-09
Joel Clingman, 92
years old Elder of the Nee tribe passed away early 11-11-09.
The tribe started a Joel Clingman Memorial Fund. ~Chief
Walking Bear 11-11-09
Memorials...
|
 In
Memory of Bill Prezwoznik
Bill
Silver Fox Prezwoznik was one of the
four founders of Manataka.
His wisdom and love guided
Manataka through its infancy
and his words and unselfish
deeds are often remembered. We love you Bill. |
|
 In
Memory of
Corbin Harney
Corbin Harney Spiritual Leader of the
Western Shoshone Nation who dedicated his life to fighting the
nuclear testing and dumping. He
loved and cared for his family, friends
and all creation. |
|
 In
Memory of Granny Messenger
She had
over a 1,000 grandchildren
but never bore a child. Her
memory will live with us
forever. Veronica
Messenger was a wonderful
school teacher, political
activist, owner of "Granny's
Junkology" and constant
supporter of Manataka.
She was loved greatly.
|
|
In Memory of Lance Selvidge Webster’s
definition of a Martyr:
1: A person who
voluntarily suffers death as
the penalty of witnessing to
and refusing to renounce a
belief. 2: A person
who sacrifices something of
great value, especially life
itself for the sake of
principle. Lance, we
are all better because you
walked this world, we will
all become better because
you look back with eyes from
the angels world. Thank You.
The Selvidge Family. Little
River Rock.
|
|
 In
Memory of Ruby Gilliham
We will always
remember this gracious and beautiful
woman in our hearts. She will
remain a part of Manataka forever.
(picture: Members of the Kootenai-Salish Tribe
assist with her funeral.
Greg Gilliham, Little Rock. |
|
  In Loving Memory of Jesse William "Stretch" Devereaux
Born: February 11, 1980, Santa Paula, California
Entered to Rest: July 29, 2009, Blythe, California
It was a great honor for Jesse to participate in Bear Dance Purification Lodge ceremonies on the Tule River reservation at Porterville, California. A memorial service was conducted on August 15 by the Zion Lutheran Church and an American Indian memorial ceremony was conducted on the sacred Manataka on December 5, 2009.
Always Remember
That special smile
That caring heart
That warm embrace
You always gave us
We'll always remember
You being there.
Through good and bad times
No matter what.
We'll always remember
You because
There'll never be another
To replace you in our hearts.
And the love we will always
Have for you. |
DECEMBER
2009
ELDER COUNCIL MEETING
The December 2009 Elder Council meeting was held
December 20 by teleconference
with all Elders present and a quorum declared by the chair.
The opening prayer was given by
Daniel Seven Hawk Eyes Hoffman.
Minutes:
November minutes were sent to
Elders immediately following the meeting and
were approved with no changes.
Finance Report:
Old
Business: (a)
Venezuela Tribal Representatives - King Coke and
Daniel Hoffman.
b) World Drum Project Flag Contest - Lee Standing
Bear. (c)
Hopi Nation Letter
Committee Reports:
(a)
Counseling Committee: Robert
Gray Hawk Coke and Daniel Seven Hawk Eye Hoffman;
(b)
Ceremonies: Patti Blue Star
Burdette;
(c) Donations:
(d)
Smoke Signal: Lee Standing Bear Moore
(f) Women's Council: Rebecca Flaming Owl Moore
Announcements:
Closing
Prayer:
Adjourn:
|
Manataka American Indian Council Elders and
Committee Leaders
Becky Flaming Owl Woman Moore,
Women's Council Chair
Patti Blue Star Speaks Burdette,
NAGPRA / Ceremonies
Committee Leader
Lee Standing Bear,
Secretary / Historian / Counseling / Smoke Signal News
Robert Gray Hawk Coke,
Education Committee Leader
Daniel Seven Hawk Eyes Hoffman -
Events Elder
Linda Two Hawk Feathers James -
Spiritual Advisor
-
Linda VanBibber,
Public Relations Committee
Leader
-
Bobby Runninbear,
Membership Committee Leader
|
Elders frequently communicate by telephone and email. Any
member who wishes to appear before the Elder Council is invited to write
manataka@sbcglobal.net or call 501-627-055 to be placed on the agenda.
NOTICE 1: REGULAR
MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS -
1:00 p.m., 3rd Sunday each month at
Gulpha Gorge have been suspended during winter months of November to February. In case of inclement weather (rain, sleet, snow, below 40
degrees) we meet Ryan's Restaurant located at 4538 Central Avenue across from Hot
Springs Mall.
Gatherings are normally held on the 3rd weekend of June
(closest to the Summer Solstice) and the 3rd weekend of October (closest to the
Winter Solstice). The date of the Spring Encampment is usually the 3rd
weekend of April but varies from year to year.
NOTICE 2: WOMEN’S COUNCIL
MEETINGS -
11:30 a.m., 1st
Saturday each month. Contact:
Becky Moore
NOTICE 3:
PAID YOUR DUES?
Now is a good time to support the many programs, services and
events of MAIC. We can always use a donation. Pay by check or credit card
online. It's easy, secure and fast!
Click
Here
Or send to: MAIC, PO Box 476, Hot
Springs, AR 71902
NOTICE 4:
MATERIAL
DONATIONS NEEDED BY MANATAKA
1. 30 gallon plastic storage boxes with lids.
2. LAND -
Donate land to be used as financing leverage for to build a cultural center. Any
size/location is acceptable. Tax benefits may apply.
3. MEMORIAL
GIFTS - When a friend or relative passes, honor their memory and send a tax
deductible contribution to MAIC and we will send the family a beautiful
letter and memorial certificate in your name. Memorial ceremonies are
given several times a year on the sacred mountain.
NOTICE 5:
FOOD BASKETS NEEDED NOW!
people are hungry often throughout the year.
Please bring or send non-perishable food items. Gift cards for food from
Walmart, Safeway and other stores are great.
THANK YOU TO
EVERYONE WHO DONATED
STAMPS, PAPER AND
OTHER SUPPLIES!
Try Native Remedies for Pets:
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Maggie's
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READ
MORE
|
Publisher:
|
Manataka American Indian Council
PO Box 476
Hot Springs,
AR 71902-0476
501-627-0555
manataka@sbcglobal.net
http://www.manataka.org
|
|
Editor:
|
Lee Standing Bear Moore
|
|
MAIC Correspondents:
|
Jennifer Attaway, Alabama
Sheri Awi Anida Waya Burnett,
Georgia
Robert King Coke - Grey Hawk, Texas
Bonnie Two Owl Feathers Delcourt, New
Hampshire
Maxine Elisi Swan Dancer Fulgham
Crystal Harvey, Arkansas
Harvey
Walks With Hawks Doyle, Jr.,
Kentucky
Carol Henderson, California
Hawk With Seven Eyes Hoffman, Illinois
John and
Linda James, Missouri
Julie Maltagliati, Florida
Grandmother Selma Palmer, Florida
Carol Perez Petersen, California
Magdala Ramirez, Arkansas
Bobby Joe Runninbear, Tennessee
RedWing and Gray Beard Vinson, Tennessee
Osceola Birdman Waters, Australia
Waynonaha Two Worlds, New York
Linda VanBibber, Missouri
Liora Leah Zack, California
|
|
Contributors:
|
Blue Panther Keeper of Stories
Don
Coyhis
Andrea Crambit, California
Romaine Garcia, Colorado
Dr. Joseph Mercola
Organic Consumers Association
Elvina Jean Paulson
Corina Roberts, California
Scott Treaty, Lakota
Union of Concerned Scientists
Qwina H. and Irma West, Piaute
Amy Worthington,
Idaho
|
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SMOKE SIGNAL NEWS ARCHIVES
|
Disclaimer,
Trademark and Copyright Information
Material appearing here is distributed without profit or
monetary gain to those who have expressed an interest in viewing
the
material for research
and educational purposes. This is in accordance with Title
17 U. S. C. section 107. Reprinted under the Fair Use doctrine
of international copyright law.
http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html
Non-profit/Teaching/Educational
©2009 ManatakaTM
American Indian Council. The word "Manataka" is a
registered trademark exclusively owned by the Manataka American
Indian Council. Use of this trademark without the expressed
written permission of MAIC is prohibited and violators will be
prosecuted. 15 U.S.C. Section 1051(a), (b). The Smoke
Signal News is copyrighted in its entirety and no reproduction,
republishing, copying, or distribution is permitted without the
expressed written permission of MAIC is strictly prohibited and
violations will be prosecuted.
|
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