THE WOABLEZA CONTROVERSY

Many questions have arisen since the brutal attack on our beloved Chief Robert Woableza LaBatte.

#1: We are concerned that many weeks have passed since the brutal attack and attempted murder of our beloved spiritual leader Chief Woableza. No charges have been filed and no arrests have been made by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. The criminals remain at large continuing their abusive behavior in the community as if nothing ever happened.

#2: Choctaw Police said during the third week after the incident the reason they have not acted is because a complaint has not been filed by Robert Woableza LaBatte.

This is a incorrect response. They have not attempted since the first day of the attack to interview him. When strong evidence exists that a violent felony has been committed, the police DO NOT need a signed statement by the victim, especially when that victim is physically unable to provide details.

Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Chief of Police, Terry Parkinson told Manataka supporter, Roger Reader of California by telephone this morning that the reason no arrests have been made is because "...no evidence exists to say Woableza was assaulted, but we will not rule out that he simply fell..."

Parkinson also told Reader that Woableza had not arrived at the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians reservation from Jackson as of 4 a.m. last night.

FACT #1: More than ample evidence exists, both physical and from witnesses, to prove Woableza was brutally attacked and did not simply fall of his own accord.

FACT #2: Woableza arrived by caravan led by his family on Wednesday afternoon. The Chief of Choctaw Police should be insuring his security, yet he did not know where to find Woableza. This guy sounds like a real professional.

#1: Why was a man in critical condition refused immediate treatment by the Choctaw Health Center? And, why did they send him over 50 miles away without medical assistance in route? This man could have died along the way.

#2: The day after the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians was confronted in-person with these and other questions by Lee Standing Bear Moore and Aurora Adney, someone in the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians demanded that his feeding tube be unhooked and he be discharged from the critical care unit in Jackson. A medically untrained driver was sent in a non-medically equipped van to pick Chief Woableza to take him back to the reservation within a few blocks where he was attacked. No prior plans were made for his safety and security or medical treatment in route.

Why is the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians acting this way?

#3: Why are Choctaw medical facilities so woefully lacking when the tribe earns millions from its casinos, resorts and industries - not to mention the millions of tax dollars provided by the BIA and other agencies of the federal government? (The Choctaw Nation is the second largest employer in the state)

#1: We are puzzled by the fact that the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has not sent anyone in an official capacity to apologize for this ruthless attack on a high holy man of the Sioux Nation. They have not offered any assistance to Chief Woableza or his family. They have not bothered to send flowers or a simple get well card.

Note: Several weeks after the attack, Captain Comby of the Choctaw Police did visit him and offer his personal apologies.

#2 Has the leadership of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians ever been tested to see if anyone of them is an alcoholic/drug addict, or is a participant in domestic violence? Would it be a good idea to know if a council member or department head is dysfunctional?

We mean no disrespect with this question. We are simply looking for reasons why the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians pays such little attention to this major problem.

(Jackson, MS) The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians will receive an award in November from the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government for addressing social problems on the reservation.

A 2001 tribe-commissioned study by Mississippi State University Social Science Research Center concluded many tribal members lived in homes "characterized by substance abuse, verbal and physical aggression, sexual abuse, mental illness, poor marital relations, poor discipline habits and intergenerational transmission of reactions to cultural genocide."

Alarmed, the tribe tackled its social problems - it built two casinos and a fancy resort hotel. Whoopey!

The tribe is raking in millions from its massive business empire, casinos and government subsidies but spends a mere $300,000 on two make-shift so-called "Community Injury Prevention and Family Violence and Victim's Assistance Services" programs. Seventy-five percent of this amount comes from public tax dollars. The tribe is spending a scant $75,000 for the two programs. Wow! What dedication!

They say DWI rates have dropped 72 percent in three years (fewer drunks own cars) and 1,800 children have taken a bicycle safety class and 350 received a free helmet. Whoopey! They also report 1,111 domestic violence calls were received, resulting in 457 arrests. They do not report how many of those calls resulted in convictions, jail time, or counseling.

It should also be noted the complete report has never been made public. Should the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians receive such a prestigious award?

Manataka American Indian Council	501- 627- 0555
P.O. Box 476	manataka@myexcel.com
Hot Springs, Arkansas 71902-0476

Phillip Martin, Choctaw Principal Chief	601- 656- 5251
Terry Parkinson, Chief of Police	601- 656- 5711
Creda Stewart, Public Information	601- 650- 1537
	cstewart@choctaw.org

Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
P.O. Box 6010
101 Industrial Road
Choctaw, Mississippi 39350

Newspapers (Worldwide)	http://www.refdesk.com/paper.html

Andrew Lee, Executive Director, Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development	(617) 496-6632 andrew_lee@ksg.harvard.edu

Newspapers (Worldwide)	http://www.refdesk.com/paper.html

Blood tests done at the hospital show he had zero percent alcohol and zero percent of any

Woableza is not even a light drinker. Thousands of people from across the country can

Doctors reports from two hospitals state very clearly his injuries could not have been

sustained in a violent fall and could only have happened as a result of a violent beating.

Other physical evidence proves he was brutally beaten and witnesses can state very clearly

#3 "...Manataka concocted this wild story just to make the MississippiChoctaw look bad and

A majority of Choctaw living on the reservation are good people. They abhor crime,

We are the messenger of bad news, not the creator of it. Manataka is sending funds

directly to Woableza and spending its few funds to help him during this time of need.

Dear Bear,
Just got back from the Choctaw Health Center at the reservation. His spirits are good and he thinks it's funny that the Choctaw police detective Butler is angry at you, and said if you came to the rez he would arrest you. I'm not sure for what charge. Seeking justice? But anyhow... Woableza thinks it's a hoot. Never seen him grin so big.

I arrived at the clinic about 5:30 p.m. There are no telephones in the rooms. So we used my cell phone until the battery went dead. The clinic is really, truly, sadly pathetic. (By the way, there are three good hospitals just 35 miles from the rez at Meridian, including one trauma care unit that's almost as good as UMC... why they couldn't take him there, I don't know.)

There is no rehabilitation, which his doctor at UMC said is needed for his throat.

When he checked in (as I was getting there), the pharmacy was closed. So the only pain medication they could give him was Tylenol 3. (For head surgery?????) I asked the nurse if there wasn't anything else, but as I left, about 11 p.m., still nothing. They said it would open in the morning. Even the Tylenol wasn't designed to go in the feeding tube; they had to crush it up with a spoon. They couldn't find or didn't know how to operate the feeding machine; and only showed up with it around 10 p.m. He had not taken any nourishment since that morning.

Despite assurances of security, I was there when the officer who was there when Woableza arrived told Evette that they didn't have enough manpower to keep someone there. The officer then left. I didn't see another one until around 10 p.m., when one stuck his head in the door. At least they lock the doors at 10. I'm told they have security and security cameras, but I didn't see either.

The nurses are very considerate, friendly and kind, but the facility is not suitable for this type of care. It's totally inadequate. Example: There were flies in the room, so the nurse brought me a fly swatter. Well used. Nuff said???

Woableza is saddened by all this.... incredibly not for his plight because he felt sorry for the Mississippi Choctaw people... that with all their casino money, this is the quality health care they are given. The man's amazing. I've decided that Woableza should be up there with Quan Yin.

They were kind enough to give me the phone number for the nurse's station; they will call a family member to the phone if one is present (I was the only one present from 7 p.m. until 10:30 p.m., when his nephew Brian arrived). (The address is Choctaw Health Center, 210 Hospital Circle, Choctaw MS 39350.) Burl and Mona still haven't arrived.

I have unraveled the mystery of why the men who did this haven't been arrested... It's because no charges have been filed... the Choctaw police haven't taken his statement. Woableza said the officer told him he was going out of town for a few days and would talk to him when he returned on Monday (!!!)... What was that about "justice delayed, justice denied??"

HOWEVER.... There's good news..... I talked with Barbara from the Santa Cruz Indian Council. They are raising money to help Woableza go to a better hospital.

The plan now is that they will rent a RV for him and his family to drive to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where Woableza wants to go. They really wanted to fly him to California, but he wants to go in the RV with his family. It also will entail hiring a nurse to go along to tend to his wounds, feeding tube, etc.

They are also sending money for Woableza to have his glasses replaced, which were broken when he was beaten; and they are also sending money so that he can have a cell phone to talk to people in his room. (He should have it in the morning; he said he would call me and give me the number when he gets it.) The plan now is that as soon as Burl gets here, he can sign all the paperwork and away they go...

Blessings, My Brother.... Next time you visit, better bring bail money ....for yourself! :-) That was the biggest grin I've seen on his face....
Jim

Woableza received a quick visit Thursday from Detective Ken Butler. According to Woableza, Butler did not seem to be too interested in taking a report directly from him and did not ask any questions about the individuals who brutally beat him. Instead, Butler asked his sister, Evette a few questions, some not remotely related to the attack. Butler spent most of the few minutes he was there explaining that he was leaving on a two week vacation and therefore could not continue the investigation.

Doctors and nurses at the Choctaw Health Center are courteous and helpful. With limited resources and assistance, the staff is doing as good a job as possible under the conditions they are forced to endure. According to several doctors, brutal attacks and family violence is increasing on the reservation at an alarming rate.

Woableza's brother, Burl arrived safely yesterday afternoon. Woableza's family spent the night at his bedside and will continue a 24-hour vigil as long as he remains on the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Reservation.

Choctaw Police Detective Captain Harold Comby came to see Woableza and apologized for the runaround. According to Woableza, he said he didn't understand what went wrong, and was a little xxxxxx [angry]; not at Woableza or Lee Standing Bear Moore, but at Detective Butler! He had Woableza sign a statement. Woableza said he knew him, that he's a good traditional man.

I think I've been "made" by the hospital staff; they're now watching me like a snake. Obviously, they have been told, perhaps shown, what was on the Manataka site regarding poor care; they are hustling about now. A couple of them, though, were trying to keep from laughing and looked like they wanted to say, but couldn't: Boy, you got this place right! The ones who looked distressed were the ones there that first night who couldn't do anything right. The nurse who came in to do his feeding made sure that I saw that she knew how to do it right. She all but said WATCH ME DO THIS. She was very pleasant, but made a show of it. There must have been six different nurses who popped their heads in the door when I was there to make sure Woableza was comfortable and had everything he needed.

Also, there is now a guard posted in a chair right outside Woableza's door, looking very disgruntled, and another one who patrols the halls -- making sure they are seen.
Jim

Burl, Woableza's brother, has asked that we back off and allow him to do things in his own way. Woableza agrees with this. I think we owe it to Woableza to honor his wishes.

There are so many people praying for Woableza, all around the world; There is one, I know of, who this very weekend is pulling two skulls at Sundance for him. Woableza knows this.

These are the tools of peace. Woableza is a man of peace. It would be an affront to him to go to war for a man of peace without peace, persuasion, support and wholeness being fully tried first.

Being here, I have seen the effects firsthand of Burl being with Woableza and becoming the actor for him, in his behalf. It has great weight on the Reservation, as far as I can tell.

This does not mean that we give up our interest, efforts, concern and support; but stay steadfast. But we should wait and watch and support, not take action that would be counter to Woableza's wishes, or the Way of Peace that is in progress. That is my take, anyway.

Believe me, I'm only 30 miles away. If Woableza needs defending, I'll be on them like a wildcat. I've been with him since the first day, and I'm not going to abandon him.

But it is important that his family work these things out and do things in the way they feel best. Even my best intentions are harmful, if they are not in alignment with Woableza's will, or the Path of Peace. In that way, I would be an enemy, not a friend.

Namaste!
Jim (Blueskywaters)

Dear Bear,
The betterment of the Mississippi Choctaw people should be in our prayers. On another note, the police have a new investigator for Woableza's case: Robert York.

Two events disturbed Woableza yesterday (and made him cry, according to Evette):

York came, very angry at you and what's on the website. Woableza told him he didn't remember. York had him sign his statement again. The second is that a very unfriendly nurse came and told him he would have to pay for his specialized care.

Part of the problem with the cops is that Woableza is intentionally not telling them anything, saying he doesn't remember. He says his first priority is getting well. He doesn't feel strong enough to face the cops and an investigation. And it's true, he has periods in which he's very up and present, and periods in which he's in pain and confused.

Regarding the abrupt nurse, a psychiatrist came by and spoke to Woableza and assured him not to worry about the payment. Also Burl was utterly incensed when he found out, and he said he would take care of it.

Both events were disturbing to Woableza, especially as he was alone with no one there. So, the family has put a sign on the door "No Visitors" and instructed that only family members are to be allowed (they said I was "family"); no cops or anybody else.

A specialist on ear and throat came by and did some tests and is supposed to meet with him today and tomorrow, too.

Namaste!
Jim (Blueskywaters)

Lee Standing Bear Moore had a very positive and productive conversation with Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Police Detective Robert York this morning. According to Bear, "...Detective York was open, courteous, respectful and his only interest was finding truth."

Details of the incident were discussed and new information was provided. Detective York said the alleged perpetrators are being interviewed and other aspects of the investigation are being aggressively pursued. York asked that lines of communication remain open and promised to provide details of future developments to the family and Manataka. Moore promised to provide Detective York with any information Manataka learns.

"We are thankful for the forthright and professional attitude shown by the Choctaw Police this morning. We are confident that they will perform to the best interest of justice, the victim and his family, and for the good of all Choctaw people," said Moore.

An new appeal asking for peace and calm is to be emailed to some 8,000 individuals, groups and organizations later this week. Our goal in casting a spotlight on this incident is not to create resentment and anger toward the good Mississippi Choctaw people. It is our prayer that social conditions on the reservation will be improved. We hope the people will demand better services and learn ways to deal with the destructive elements that detract from the peace and welfare of the Choctaw people.

Dear Bear,
Last night, Burl and I reviewed with Woableza the events of the attack for a report to police. Burl is intending to meet with Detective York today. Burl is also arranging Woableza's transportation to their reservation in South Dakota, where the authorities are ready to receive him and offer him care. Woableza wants to meet with the spiritual elders to discuss what has happened.

Jim Ewing (Blueskywaters)

We spoke with Woableza today. He wants to go home to South Dakota. He does not feel safe on the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Reservation. He feels that his presence may inhibit healing among the people there. He is most appreciative of the Choctaw elders who came to apologize and to offer their assistance. That touched his heart greatly. He said the staff at the hospital have been very compassionate and gone out of their way to make him comfortable.

Woableza said he will visit with the primary physician tomorrow (Thursday) and he expects to be released by noon. Woableza's brother Burl, his nephew Brian and other relatives will be assisting with driving and tending to his needs in route to South Dakota.

Woableza will undergo extensive testing when he arrives on his reservation and will most likely be transferred to larger facilities equipped to handle long-term rehabilitation. MAIC is sending him cash to help with travel expenses and other incidentals. More funds will be sent later to assist with lodging and living expenses once he is released from the hospital.

Woableza left the Mississippi Band Choctaw Indians Reservation by caravan to go to the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. The trip will be slow and easy with a few stops along the way. Nurses taught Woableza how to maintain his feeding tube and administer medicines through the tube. During a telephone conversation this afternoon, he was greatly relieved to be on the road home. (Where else is a Roadman happy except on the road?)

Osiyo, Standing Bear...

Well, I can see a few good things coming of Woableza's suffering, as this whole scenario unfolds...and it might even get things hopping there very quickly, (at the Rez) because the eyes of our brothers and sisters nationwide are upon the Choctaws at this time. I foresee some major changes coming in the medical system, there, and maybe even (more policing?) more policemen added to their forces, as is much needed. If fear weren't prevalent, more people there would report abuse, than do now, for fear of retribution. A big plus, would be major counseling emphasized for abuse, as well as a critical care unit added to the hospital. (Geez, you would think with two casinos, they could afford a better hospital and larger staff!

I'll bet Manataka website is REALLY getting many visitors!

By the way, did Chief Martin ever go to the hospital and visit with Chief Woableza? (Is this not traditional?) If not, this is sad.

I called Jim, and we will meet with Woableza and his entourage at a restaurant owned by a friend and we will feast and send them off on their way to South Dakota with a safe farewell. I am glad he chose not to stay there. Good decision.

Our great spiritual chief is slowly making his way home. Weighing heavy on his heart is a need to speak with his elders to share details of his ordeal. The caravan stopped briefly in Memphis at the home of Manataka members to eat and visit. All is well on the trip home.

We received an invitation for Bear to appear on an American Indian radio talk show. Stay tuned for the time and date of airings across the country later this month.

Manataka is deluged with telephone calls, emails and letters from across the country and several foreign countries. All messages will be delivered to Woableza when he is able to respond. Please be patient for a response from either Manataka or Woableza. We are working long hours trying to keep up.

We have not been concentrating on fund raising because of the need to respond to well-wishers and our own need to pray and perform ceremonies. However, because Woableza will need living expenses and extensive rehabilitation, we plan to get serious about it after further consultation with him and his family. To make a donation go to: Woableza Fund

Again, we ask that everyone pray for the perpetrators of this horrendous crime. Pray for their families and the people of the Choctaw Nation in Mississippi.

Woableza and his family made it to our house about 1:00 a.m. Saturday morning and we got them all to bed about 2:30 a.m. Woableza was really beat so he slept the whole night as did all the others. Burl got up first and then Woableza. I fixed a feast for our friends and then Woableza went back to bed till about noon. Then they were on the road again.

I can see Woableza is really determined to get where he needs to be so he can get the help most needed. It looks like his job is cut out for him on the recovery journey. He looked rested when he left, but I can see he has a long way before his physical self will return.

Burl says when he gets back to South Dakota, herbs and oils will have time to help heal. Well much love. Take care till we see each other last weekend in August. Looking forward to seeing you again.

Osiyo Brother Bear
I just talked to Woableza on the phone, they are still in Minnesota at Burls house. He said they were so tired that they decided to rest a day or two before going on to South Dakota. He sounded about the same as when he was at our house, but did say that he is not as tired now. He talked like they would go on to South Dakota either to day or tomorrow. He wants everybody to know how much it means to him to have all the help and prayers, they have really helped. He feels that once he gets to the hospital he will start getting better, but still needs the prayers.
-- Sam

Chief Woableza is now resting comfortably on the Cheyenne River Reservation. Because his throat muscles remain paralyzed and he cannot eat or drink anything, he is still being fed with a very uncomfortable tube through his nose to his stomach. Therefore, surgery is planned when doctors will insert a tube directly into his stomach. Doctors hope this will relieve his suffering and hasten healing in his throat.

Even though he has not ate or drank anything since July 13 and has lost about 30 pounds, his spirits are good and laughs about joining the 'Clean-Plate Club' once he is allowed to eat again. "My plate will definitely be clean," said Woableza. Bear told Woableza he would not recommend his type of diet to anyone.

The long journey home was difficult. But, he feels safer among his own people and the medical attention he is receiving is excellent. Family lives within a short distance and he has many friends there to help support his recovery.

Hearing in his left ear has not returned as expected and he has frequent headaches as a result of the surgery implanting the metal plate in his head. Yes, it appears recovery will be long and arduous.

No word from the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Police Department about arresting the perpetrators. Wonder what happened to truth Detective York? Wonder what happened to justice Captain Comby?

We do not seek revenge, but rather we hope these men will be forced to stand responsible for their horrendous actions so the Choctaw community and other citizens of Mississippi will no longer be threatened and harmed by these brutal people. Looks like someone might have to bring in network television and major newspapers to cast a bigger spotlight. Maybe an investigation by an outside federal agency is in order. Got contacts? Use them.

Woableza is now in Rapid City preparing for surgery today. Surgery will place a feeding tube directly into his stomach and the tube in his nose will be removed. Surgery is expected to be without complications. Later this week, he will be seen by a battery of specialists. We should have a great deal of information regarding his treatment plan and the over-all prognosis by early next week. Once is able to travel again, he will be transported back to the Cheyenne River Reservation medical facility.

Chief Woableza shared his thanks for being able to attend the Sundance at Green Grass, South Dakota for a few hours before being transported the last few miles to the Cheyenne River Reservation. "It was a powerful experience. The people were very spiritually connected and many beautiful things happened."

"I am so very grateful for the many prayers. I have been blessed by so many people.

We are grateful for the professional and compassionate treatment Woableza is receiving.

Woableza is sore after surgery to place a feeding tube into his stomach through his rib cage. Doctors say his vocal chords are not paralyzed any more, but scarring is still interfering with his breathing and swallowing. He is still not able to take liquid or solid food by mouth. More x-rays are scheduled for Monday. Doctors hope he will be eating solid foods in about three more weeks. He is to be released from the hospital for the weekend and will spend the time with friends in Rapid City.

His vision is failing. He sees only blurry images, both with his glasses on and off about one third of the day. Hearing in his left ear is difficult, however, blood and other liquid has stopped seeping from the ear. The level of hearing loss is about fifty-percent. Woableza said when he holds his hand over his left ear, he can achieve a level of balance.

On Friday, Woableza answered a battery of fifteen questions from a hospital Psychologist. After the questions, the doctor acted very pleased and commented that Chief Woableza is a remarkable person with an excellent attitude and strong constitution. Of course, the doctor found no sign of depression or other adverse psychological affects of his ordeal.

Woableza laughed at Bear’s jokes during a telephone conversation this evening. He also spoke briefly to Jim Ewing of Lena, Mississippi who is returning from a five day fast in the desert of the Black Mesa. He also was very happy to receive an earlier call from Cuchi Davila, a ceremonial elder of the Manataka American Indian Council. His voice appeared much stronger and he was very happy to be able to leave the hospital for the weekend. He again expressed his deep gratitude and thanks for all the healing ceremonies and prayers done on his behalf.

After three weeks, Woableza hopes to lease a small apartment to be near the hospital’s rehabilitation facilities. Please send your gifts to Manataka’s Woableza Fund to help with this need.

Rehabilitation is going slow. A serious infection developed around the area where the tube was placed in his stomach creating a great deal of pain. Doctors are aggressively treating him for this. The condition of his left ear, eyes and throat have not changed.

Woableza was staying briefly with some friends in Rapid City, but has taken a small room at a motel to be near the hospital. There is no phone in the motel room so the expense on his cell phone is large. His niece is with him to care for his needs. They are trying to get a small apartment to cut expenses. His niece is enrolling in school and trying to find a job.

Reading is still difficult for him, but he would enjoy receiving inspirational books to occupy the long hours.

We are trying to get financial assistance through the Mississippi Victim's Assistance Program. We are also looking at various grants to help - but it is a long, tedious task that may or may not produce results.

Woableza is sounding much better - spirit wise. His speech is much better - clear and stronger. All other issues about his health remains fairly static or with slow progress.

He was able to take a small amount of water and apple sauce by mouth this past week. He must tilt his head over, laying his head on his shoulder and take a small amount into his mouth, then very carefully attempt to swallow. Doctors hope this exercise will strengthen his throat muscles.

Headaches continue to plague him. Some respite from the head pain came this week from Erick Gonzales, Omeaka Ehekatl, the Mayan Daykeeper, who sent healing stones and herbs. "The healing medicines gave me great relief almost immediately," said Woableza.

He plans to go to the Black Hills this weekend to pray with his cousin, Benny LeBeau and hopes to attend a powwow during the Labor Day weekend.

The Indian Health Service at Cheyenne River Reservation has rejected Woableza's claim for health care on the basis that he has not lived on the reservation during the past six months. His family has lived there for many generations. Woableza is a holy man who constantly travels the country performing prayer ceremonies and does not have a permanent residence. Bureaucrats writing the rules have no sympathy for a man whose life is dedicated to doing the Creator's work.

We are still trying to get Victim Assistance, but they require a police report and the Choctaw Police Department has yet to cooperate in sending one.

We are trying other avenues to find him needed funds for housing, food, travel expense, medical bills, rehabilitation therapy and other incidentals to his recovery and personals needs.

Shirley Miller in California is doing a wonderful job tracking down details and offering support whenever possible. She is an angle of mercy and a life-saver - literally!

Woableza received word today that damage to his left ear will be permanent. Because of the decision of the Indian Health Service at Cheyenne River Reservation to deny his claim for health care, doctors are canceling his appointments and he can no longer purchase needed prescription medicines. There are people on the rez who can state that he has returned frequently between trips to live there and he has mail addressed to him there, but, all this may not help. Bureaucrats.

Currently he is taking a medicine to counter-act the affects of so much milk in the feeding bottles. Another is to help with the severe headaches. The next two are for severe constipation and infection. Without the feeding bottles and medications, Woableza is doomed. We are very sad now.

But, we shall not give up! We are trying a number of options waiting for the right door to open. The Creator will provide!

Woableza is sounding better. His memory has improved. Good things will happen during the upcoming week.

After repeated phone calls, his family and friends are unable to obtain a police report. Why are the Mississippi Choctaw extremely reluctant to release the police report? Have they destroyed it? Are they going to pretend it does not exist? Will they attempt to alter it? Why are they stonewalling? Do they not know they are violating his civil rights? Do they wish legal counsel to be engaged for a federal law suit? We pray that someone on the Choctaw Rez hears our plea.

We apologize to everyone for the lapse in update reports over the past two week period. Changes were taking place that left us temporarily out of touch.

A new HP laptop computer was purchased with donations and sent to Woableza this week. We hope it will help him to continue his research and stay in touch with his many friends. No word yet on the acupuncturist he requested. Several friends spoke with him the past week. Here is a report from Jim BlueSkyWaters:

(Lena, MS) I spoke with Sioux Holy Man Robert Woableza Labatte today and he is receiving the medical care and treatment he needs. So many people have unselfishly come forward to offer help, and prayers, and he is most grateful. And I thank all those who wrote and called and offered to and did help. People have responded from across America and in foreign countries, too.

All the pertinent paper work for covering the cost of his care and for reimbursement for past medical expenses is in the process of being filled out and filed (this has been a
source of tremendous stress for him). His care is being handled by the Sioux tribe; previously, he had been trying to receive care in Rapid City, S.D., but the cost of the medical bills and living expenses was not reimbursed and were mounting, on top of the unpaid medical bills incurred in Mississippi. I think (hope, pray) this is getting sorted out. Everything is in the process anyway - though, as yet, there have still been no criminal charges filed, nor have those responsible been arrested or charged. For contributions to aid in Woableza's recovery, until Social Security disability kicks in, or the Victims Compensation Program in Mississippi process is complete. Again, thank you all for your help. - Jim BlueSkyWaters

It has been a long time since we last reported on Woableza's condition - because there has not been much to report and we were hoping for all the clamor to die down.

Woableza is practicing some fox medicine right now. He is safe, in seclusion and getting medical care needed. As expected, the recovery process is slow. He still has headaches from the metal plate in his head and hearing in his left ear is splotchy. His hair is growing back and his color has returned. The epiglottis is still damaged as the feeding tube in his left side is still attached but he is eating some soft foods and drinking lots of liquids. He is stuttering and the volume of his voice is very low. The stuttering is a result of post traumatic stress disorder. Woableza has never been subjected to any type of violence in his life.

We are very hopeful for his complete recovery which may take a year or more. Be certain his prayers for the people have not stopped and his faith in the Creator of All Things has been strengthened. His spiritual visions will be stronger and more vivid. He has gained more compassion for the injured and sick. His intellect and knowledge is growing as a result of spending time studying and in prayer.

We love this man - just as we know you love him too. Please keep your cards and letters coming. Send them to our address: MAIC, P.O. Box 476, Hot Springs, AR 71902-0476.

Spoke with Woableza a couple of days ago. It sounds soooo good! He is doing some travel seeking further rehabilitation therapy. It would not surprise us to see him knocking at the door one morning wanting to go the sacred Manataka.

This is a report from Barbara Wolf. "His skull injury has healed and his throat has healed. He has not needed the feeding tube in his stomach for a long time and it was removed a couple weeks ago. His left ear has lost most hearing, but he has learned to live with that. The brain injury has made him speak slowly and he has a stutter. Two weeks ago, he started acupuncture treatments to balance his energies and quickly there was a noticeable decrease in his stutter.
At the beginning of the New Year, Woableza will hold informal meetings with small groups so he can practice speaking without a stutter. His goal is to prepare for his trip to Mexico to speak before thousands during the gathering of the drums, March 18-21, at the time of the Equinox.
To be invited to speak is an honor he cherishes and he will teach himself between now and then not to stutter, with the help of small gatherings. Woableza is a storyteller, a keeper of ancient wisdom. It is his duty to speak ancient wisdom. The gathering in Mexico is called EIGHT THOUSAND SACRED DRUMS FOR THE HEALING OF MOTHER EARTH, LIFE AND PEACE. (See 8000 Sacred Drums Ceremony and read the Otomi-Olmeque Prophecy)

Peace, Love, and Light,
Barbara Wolf