Manataka Smoke Signal - July 2008 Page 2

At one time people had no flint for their arrows. They used bark for arrow-points, and it did not work well. One day Ground-Squirrel determined to get flint from Flint-Man, who owned it.

So he stole away while every one else was out hunting. He got to the house where Flint-Man lived, and went in. He said he was hungry, and Flint-Man gave him pounded flint to eat. He ate much of it, and then lay down to sleep. The pounded flint he had eaten made Squirrel sick, and he defecated blood.

He came over and looked at Squirrel, and thought he was dead: so he left him, and went out. As soon as he was gone, Squirrel jumped up, for he had been shamming. He took a lot of flints, made them up in a bundle, and ran away. Flint-Man soon saw him, and gave chase. He nearly caught up with him, when Squirrel threw the flints into a hole in the ground, and jumped in after them. Flint-Man came up and jumped in after him; but Squirrel was out at the other end, and away before he could reach him.

HOUSTON -- The Center for the Healing of Racism announced today that the 14th Annual Ally Award will be presented to international Indigenous humanitarian, educator and Hereditary Chief Phil Lane Jr. at a June 21 luncheon in Houston Texas. Lane is receiving the Ally Award for his national and international work in promoting freedom and justice for Indigenous people by building human and spiritual capacity that focuses on healing the root causes of racism.

For more than forty years Lane, an enrolled member of the Yankton Sioux and Chickasaw First Nations, has worked unceasingly, often to the point of total exhaustion, for the upliftment of the human family, and especially of Indigenous people. He has continuously sacrificed personal comfort, income, professional advancement, old age security and even the simple pleasures of spending time with family and friends or taking a vacation. Following are a few highlights of his years of service:

Manataka receives dozens of letters each week. Space does not allow us to publish all letters but we make a concerted effort to print letters that are representative of a majority. Let us know if there is a topic you feel needs to be addressed.

Protect the Buffalo!

Manataka,

Thank you for printing the much needed article on the annual slaughter of Yellowstone bison. Unfortunately, this happens every year - this year being the most extreme. I live in West Yellowstone, MT. The hazing and slaughter is so heartbreaking. Please, please report on the hazing! Newborn calves and their mothers and fathers hazed by horseback, ATV and helicopter. Ran into trees, fences- whatever happens to be in the way. It is so horrific!! I am Nakoda and am ashamed that more tribes are not getting involved. Also, the Park Service does little of the killing. It is the Dept. of Livestock- yes, that's right! Not even the Fish and Wildlife! The MT Dept. of Livestock oversees the mass killings all in the name of the cattle farmer. It disgusts me. I see it everyday. It's in my backyard and shouldn't be ignored. Now it is open season on wolves as well. When will it end? Thank you for bringing this to light. ~Tracey Riley, West Yellowstone, MT, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Twine for Soldiers

Manataka Friends and Family,
I am making hand-knotted rosaries for the Army National Guard. I am asking for donations of #36 black twine, in 1 lb. spools (or 17' lengths) -- each spool costs about $6 each and makes about 30 rosaries. I will make an estimated 1,000 for the troops. There also soldiers and their families stationed overseas, and have requested rosaries for them as well. ~Kim Wilson wilson.clan@hotmail.com

The Euro-American Trap

Dear Editor,

Aloha, I don't see a problem with acknowledging this apparent historical reality. Knowing the Chinese, as one of Chinese ancestry too, this is not at all surprising.

What is problematic, however, is the unwitting assumption that the Chinese somehow "discovered" America. This falls right in line with the same old Euro-American ethnocentrism that lands FOUND were null and void of a prior human presence, thus invoking the principle of terra nullius against non-Christians. We know this to be a clear fallacy as indigenous groups had been present and had thrived for thousands of years before any European or Chinese explorer ever FOUND land in the hemisphere.

Out of respect and to not fall into the same Euro-American trap, Chinese promoters of this work/theory should always clearly acknowledge the prior Native American presence before their arrival, and strike the ideologically and juridical charged language of "discovery" from their writings, forever. ~Tony Castanha

Birds Are For The Birds... And Me!

Dear Manataka,

I have never really liked birds. I find them messy, loud and annoying. Three years ago my wife was out mowing and came across a cold, hungry, and lost Eastern Screech Owl fledgling. She picked it up and put it in the barn and told it when I am done if you are still here I will take you home. When I got home several months later I had to deal with an owl living in my home. I have found now that I have really connected with this being. She comes to me when I call her, sits on my head or my shoulder or where ever she likes. I trill to her and she trills back. Two weeks ago when I was packing for another trip she watched me intently. I thought maybe she was just curious.

But the next morning when I was moving my luggage out to my vehicle she was more than just curious, she wanted me to pick her up and stroke her head and beak and rub her to my cheek. As I was leaving she was softly crying. Last night I phoned home and my wife put the phone up to her and I called to her. She answered me back with trills and excitement. When the phone was pulled away from her I could hear her crying softly again.

While I haven't experienced anything mystical I have found it to be a wondrous experience in my life to be connected with this owl. She brings me peace of mind and relaxation. In my own way I find her to be my spirit guide, maybe not in the truest meaning of the term, but she does guide me to relax. I am more excited to go home to see this little owl and spend time with her than anything else. It is great to see my wife but really special to see this owl.

For the first couple of days when I get home she will be a little mean to me, probably mad at leaving her, but after that it is like I was never gone and we are fast friends again. I didn't pick this being to be my guide, I really feel like she picked me. She came at a time in my life that really makes a difference. Thank you for your writings on the net. I think they have helped me understand a little more. Hootie is my owl's name, but she doesn't hoot. She has several different vocalizations which I have learned so that I can "speak" with her. She is awesome! Here is a picture of Hootie with me. Best Wishes, Barry.

An Amazing Book

Hi Manataka,
Recently I was gifted and blessed by a dear friend with an amazing book, I had never heard of it, but now I'm trying to read everything I can on the subject. I am telling you about this given the recent newsletter articles on cloned animals, battery eggs, and other issues related to factory farming.

The book is called "Nourishing Traditions" and it's by Sally Fallon and Mary G. Enig, Ph.D. The subtitle is "The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats." (Revised 2nd edition, © 2001)

From what I have read so far, it takes on factory farming, battery-caged chickens (and eggs), "pork farms", the myths about butter, milk, and various oils ... the "whole nine yards." It gives old recipes for various health issues, and covers infancy to adulthood. And it quotes extensive research and studies on indigenous populations and the old ways of cooking, preserving and growing food across the spectrum. It also gives resources and links to organizations that advocate for family-owned, small scale farms, that help them to stand against the corporate-owned mega-farms that have been destroying the old methods of agriculture and animal husbandry.

What first got my attention is that everything my mother did for years in feeding me - during my heaviest schedules - is discussed in this book. Seems my mother was a lot smarter than I gave her credit for!

Thanks to reading this book, and sifting through my memories of my mother, I remembered that she was a devoted customer of a local Pennsylvania Dutch farmers market, not five minutes from me, and she fed me with their wares into my early twenties - when I was at my best health and best weight, and carrying a full schedule of full-time college and nearly full-time work, with church activities at night. ~Kim Summer Moon

CONSUMER ALERTS

ALERT OF THE MONTH:
MAINSTREAM MEDIA ATTEMPTS TO BURY HOMEOPATHY
Consumer Reports journalist, Doug Podolsky, took a stab at homeopathy in the recent issue of Consumer Reports. Despite over 200 years of successful use for a variety of ailments, homeopathy is quackery, according to Podolsky who writes, "Check whether over-the-counter products are labeled homeopathic. If they are, we think you should put them back on the shelf." Podolsky's Consumer Reports piece references a 2005 study indicating homeopathy is ineffective, but he fails to mention the study has since been debunked. Unfortunately, due to the prestige of Consumer Reports, the article has already gone viral, as marketing firms and pharmaceutical companies spread it far and wide in an attempt to snuff competition from the natural health world. Learn more and take action: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_12475.cfm

BIOTECH ALERT OF THE MONTH:
STOP BUSH'S BIOTECH BULLYING!
According to the Chicago Tribune, the White House is attempting to force famine stricken countries, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, to plant genetically engineered (GE) crops, as part of a $770 million aid package. Untested and largely unregulated GE crops are controversial, not only in Europe and other industrialized countries, but in the developing world as well. At least 40 countries around the world have restricted GE farming and ingredients in foods by requiring mandatory labeling, while a number of nations and regions have banned genetically modified organisms in agriculture altogether. Beyond health and environmental concerns, and contrary to industry propaganda, GE crops do not significantly increase yields, but rather force farmers to stop saving their seeds and instead buy toxic chemicals and highly priced patented seeds from biotech companies such as Monsanto, Syngenta, Bayer, Dupont, Dow,'s and BASF. Please take action today and urge your members of Congress to reject the Bush Administration's force-feeding of biotech crops to impoverished nations: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_12463.cfm

'FRANKENFOODS' SURVEY OF THE MONTH:
CBS NEWS & NEW YORK TIMES POLL CONSUMERS ABOUT GE FOODS

53%: Percentage of polled Americans who say they won't buy food that has ingredients from genetically engineered (GE) plants.
65%: Actual percentage of products on grocery store shelves that contain unlabeled GE ingredients (usually soy or corn derived).
90%: Portion of U.S. grown soybeans that are genetically engineered.
99%: Estimated likelihood that the U.S. sugar supply will start to be sourced from genetically engineered plants this year.

Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_12246.cfm
Take action: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_7031.cfm

SUSTAINABILITY FACTS OF THE WEEK:
SMALL FARMS ARE MORE PRODUCTIVE AND PROFITABLE

A 1,000 acre U.S. corporate farm growing genetically engineered crops nets an average of $39 an acre.
In contrast, a four-acre family farm nets, on average, $1,400 per acre.
Small organic farms are proving to be even more profitable. With oil prices on the rise, growing food without petroleum-based pesticides/fertilizers, and delivering that food to local markets will quickly prove to be the most affordable food available.

Source: New York Times- http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_12216.cfm

WEB PROGRAM OF THE MONTH:
NPR TAKES A LOOK AT THE FUTURE OF LABORATORY-GROWN MEAT
For many years, scientists have been capable of culturing cells in laboratories in order to grow skin and tissue for medical purposes. The process is now becoming inexpensive enough to consider growing meat in laboratories for consumer use. Organizations like PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) are all for it. It's not a biotech process, and it's not cloning, it's just a matter of giving cells the nutrients they need to replicate and create the tissue and muscle that makes up what carnivores call "meat". But other experts are concerned about the amount of energy consumption required by the process. So is it good or bad? Listen to this National Public Radio special program on synthetically grown meats and decide for yourself: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_12464.cfm

Brought to you by ORGANIC BYTES, from Organic Consumers Assoc. http://www.organicconsumers.org/

Pine needle tea has been around for a very long time. It was first used by Native American’s for its healing properties. In fact they introduced pine needle tea to the early settlers (in Canada and New England) as a cure for scurvy, which is caused by lack of vitamin C.

Pine needle tea is great for colds, chest congestion and upper respiratory illnesses, though it is also rumored to help with many other ailments as well. You can do your own search on the web to find out more. It is packed with antioxidants, vitamin C and vitamin A.

I want to give thanks to Grandmother Bobbie for introducing me to pine needle tea and its healing effects. I experienced its healing first hand. This tea made my chest congestion disappear in less than a day. I thought for sure I was going to get bronchitis or pneumonia! But instead, I drank pine needle tea and it helped heal my chest and sinuses. I could literally feel my chest “loosen up” and my breathing became much easier.

Submitted by:

Crystal Harvey, MAIC Correspondent

Fluoride Action Network

http://www.FluorideAlert.org

Giant Water Group Warned Not to Remove or Destroy Evidence for Water Fluoridation Injury Legal Actions

Ellijay, GA: June 9, 2008 – The largest association of water professionals in the world has been notified not to destroy, remove, or tamper with documents or video recordings in its possession that may be used in legal actions on behalf of persons injured by drinking fluoridated water.

Robert Reeves, an attorney whose work helped force FDA to concede potential harm from mercury in dental fillings, sent a fluoride evidence preservation letter to the Denver-based 60,000-member American Water Works Association. The letter listed AWWA’s headquarters office, its regional section offices, and national and regional officers personally as “potentially responsible parties” that may be the subject of legal actions by kidney patients and others harmed by ingesting fluorides.

The development comes on the heels of last week’s dramatic news that the National Kidney Foundation has admitted that chronic kidney disease patients “should be notified of the potential risk” from ingesting fluorides and fluoridated water.

READ MORE...

The continuing trend in the upward weight spiral isn’t restricted to the human population anymore. While we recently reported that more than 60 percent of men and women are overweight or obese in this country alone, studies also indicate that that canine obesity is certainly a significant problem in the United States.

Studies indicate that a staggering 40 percent of domesticated canines in the United States are considered overweight, a term applied when a dog is anywhere from 5 to 20 percent over the ideal body weight for its size and breed.

Excessive weight and obesity in dogs pose significant health threats, as well as affect their quality of life on a day-to-day basis. When a pet is overweight, they have to exert more energy just to move around.

I belong to the Worimi Nation where my Great grandfather was tribal chief and his tribe known as Coomba Tribe. I am a direct descendant of the social division of Tobwabba (white clay) and my totems are the wallaby, whales and dolphins and the sea eagle otherwise known as the Corroboree Eagle.

I would like to inform you that we are also taking action to protect a Sacred Site under threat of being destroyed by major road works in the construction of a dual carriage way along the Pacific Highway and the beautiful east coast of New South Wales Australia.

Bulahdelah ‘The Alum’ Mountain is a sacred Rock which the Aboriginal Traditional Owners know as ‘Ngunangui’ meaning Sleeping Giant. I prayed to Ngunangui for the blessing to mention the name and in saying this name I speak in truth and act accordingly to honour and respect our sacred sites through Mother Nature teachings. It is in a similar predicament to that of Panhe sacred site of the Acjachemen Nation.

Contents:
Legends of Old:		Flint-Man, The Search for Fire
Feature Story:		Phil Lane Jr. Honored
Letters to the Editor:		Buffalos, Traps, Birds, and More
Organic Consumers:		Media Attempts to Bury Homepathy
Elder's Meditations:		Chief Alan Wilson, Haida
Health:		Stealth Chemicals Hidden in Food
Plant Medicine:		White Pine Needle Tea: Healing
Fluoride:		Giant Water Group Warned
Animal Rights and Wrongs:	A	Help Your Pet Live a Healthier Life
Endangered Sacred Sites:		Bulahdelah ‘The Alum’ Mountain


Rock & Country	Contemporary	Flute Music	Rap - Indian Style
Specialty Songs	Traditional	Storytellers	Pow Wow
Lots More CD'S - Fast Delivery - Great Prices!