SMOKE SIGNAL NEWS

Page 2 of 3 Pages

Contents of Page 2
Legends of Old:		`Green Corn Dance Ceremony`
Feature Story 3:		Hunting
Feature Story 4:		2012 is Coming
Letters to the Editor:		DNA Testing, Nuclear Reactors and Elk Hides
Organic Consumers:		Safeguard Organic Standards
Elder's Meditations:		Archie Fire Lame Deer, Lakota
Plant Medicine:		Herbs for Back Pain...
Fluoride:		Fluoride, Arthritis, and Misdiagnosis
Animal Rights and Wrongs:	A	Wolves Lose Vital Protection
Endangered Sacred Sites:		Passaconaway Protect Sacred Site Open Letter from the Dineh of Big Mountain

Green Corn Dance Ceremony

Cherokee(selu', "corn.") This is also the proper name of the mistress ofcorn, known as Corn Woman. The male singer at one side of the circle has a gourd rattle but no drum. The men sing antiphonic responses to the leader. The woman behind the leader wears turtle leg-rattles. First movement---While advancing with a shuffling trot behind the leader, the men and women circle counterclockwise around the mortar in the center of the circle, making motions with their hands as though dipping and pouring corn or meal into a basket or bowl held in the other hand. READ MORE...

Hunting

by Norman Cordova

I think I have always had the heart of a hunter.

As a young boy I fashioned bows and arrows from willows and spent many hours scouting the trees and corrals that were in our back yard in mock hunt. The animals were my teachers as was the wind which blew through the cottonwoods. The spirit was with me, calling me and coaxing me to something beyond which made me strain to embrace and yet panged me because I was not there yet. My companions were my dog brothers and I ran with them. As a pack we moved and hunted, nothing, anything. They were comfort to an old soul and friends to share the warmth of the sun which sparkled on frozen, crusted snow or the coolness of the shade on a summer day.

It often takes time for life to settle our thoughts so that we can see in clarity the difference between what is on the surface of experience and the wisdom that lies underneath.

READ MORE...

It is a great idea to get ready for what is to come. I want to read the Hopi elders thoughts on the subject of 2012, though I cannot imagine them putting their thoughts on the Internet. Regardless, I will put into the universe that we will manifest this explanation.

I read the 5th Night Prophesy and how it affects our lives. All this information is wonderful. Not so we can be afraid of what is to come, but to be ready in our own spirits. I think the difficulties that will come will be in the spirit. The information is out there, we just have to reach for it.

What I have been hearing is we need to start, or should have already started, to realize those who will be aboard are already working towards new levels of spirituality. Those who are dragging their feet, or just do not want to do the hard work that it takes to be on new levels of spirituality, are going to always be right where they are now. We need to go on and let those people be. We must be responsible for ourselves for be being ready and contribute to the greatest good for the greatest number. No longer can we drag along those that would drag us back into a lower level simply because we do not want to leave them behind.

READ MORE...


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

Likes Manataka Website

Hello Editor,

I really like your website. I have never seen such comprehensive and complete powwow info: drums, head dancers, etc...really helpful and enjoyable. Thank you so much. You are doing something very beautiful and valuable. I also liked the info about Manataka. ~ Joi and Keeweewass

DNA testing for adopted child

Dear Manataka,

My adopted daughter is wondering if it is possible to find out if her heritage is indeed Native American. We were told in a letter from her birth mother that her maternal grandfather was Mescalero. The maternal grandmother was Mexican-American and in reading your article it seems that we would not be able to determine this since the grandmother is not Native American. She is interested as a college student pursuing scholarships and educational assistance as well as just curious. She is very interested in the culture and would like to know if she would be able to get a tribal certificate with DNA evidence. She has no interest in obtaining any payment from the tribe, but would be proud to state her nationality as Native American if it is true. What advice can you give us ? Thank you for any information in advance. ~Anne Horning

Hello Anne,

First, no tribe or nation accepts DNA as evidence of membership. DNA may prove American Indian blood, but it cannot define the tribe or nation (over 600). This is not something to consider in your quest. Second, rumors about American Indian scholarship funds are widely exaggerated. The amount of scholarship funds made available to CBID card carrying members of a tribe/nation are very limited and there is great amount competition. The same is true for healthcare, housing, etc. If she qualifies on a economic basis for an American Indian scholarship, then she will also qualify for scholarships offered by thousands of other sources. Third, your daughter must do her own geneaology research using techniques that are unique to American Indians. Purchase how-to books on the subject. Follow the instructions. Work hard and diligently. Invest the time and money necessary to discover her ancestors. http://www.manataka.org/page473.html Fourth, if her main purpose and intention is for self (money for college, ego, status, gain, etc.) then all her research will not be fruitful. She must search within herself to find the reasons why she wishes to connect to her ancestors. "When you search for your ancestors, you honor them. In turn, they will honor your children's children." The work she does now in throughout her life to discover her ancestors may not benefit her directly, but may help her own children or grandchildren.

Opposes Nuclear Reactors

Dear Editor,

For four decades, Friends of the Earth has opposed the use of nuclear reactors, largely because of the radioactive waste they produce -- waste that maintains its potential to harm humans for thousands of years.

I'm writing to pass along a message about a related challenge from our friends at the Council for a Livable World. The production, storage, and testing of nuclear weapons leaves a devastating footprint on our Earth and generates dangerous radioactive waste. Now, the Council is calling for a world free of nuclear weapons, and urging others to join the call for the sake of our national security, and our environment. http://www.livableworld.org/action/petitions/nuclear_weapons_free_world_foe/index.pl

~Brent Blackwelder, President, Friends of the Earth

Elk Hide Wall Hanging

Hello Manataka,

We have an elk hide/hair on and would like to hang it on the wall. Can you guide me as to the best way to do this? Thanking you in advance.
~ Louanne Travis

Hello Louanne,

It is good to hear from you. Thank you for asking Manataka about hanging an Elk hide. It is really a matter of style or taste.

Some folks like to frame their wall hangings like a piece of art -- except the depth of the frame must be wide enough to allow for the hide without
mashing the hair. Framing also keeps dust and dirt from soiling the hide and its keeps people from "feeling" the hide too much to a point where it
becomes soiled or comes lose from the wall. The downside to framing is the glare of lights against the glass (or too much sunlight) can dull the
luster.

Otherwise, poke a hole in the hide near the top on both sides and tie on strand of cord or heavy string to each hole and two knots or a single loop
in the absolute center of the tie to hold it in place on the hanger. To hide the cord and the holes at the top, simply brush some hair over it. You
might also consider using a cord color that closely matches the hide color. To keep the hide from "rolling up" at the bottom and keep the tight and hide flush against the wall, use a small tack on both side and again cover the tack by combing hair over it. Do not worry about damaging the hide with four small holes in the corners. They can always be closed using sinew if the time ever comes to take it down from the wall for other uses.

We hope this helps you. ~Editor

Awesome Fry Bread Recipes

Blessings Manataka,

You are going to think this is crazy but it here goes! I'm not Native American. Actually, my mom is full-blooded Native Hawai'ian and my father is full-blooded Italian. Anyway, I found some awesome recipes for fry bread at your website. I tried the Old Fashioned Recipe first and it was
good. Today, I tried the Seminole recipe and it is SOOOOO amazing! I guess this proves the globalization point! The fact that I can find such
an amazing recipe online is so great! Thank you so much for posting the recipes... Now I'm off to make fry bread tacos....yeah! Have a great day.
Peace. ~Marcos Toscanii

The Manataka American Indian Council supports:

Alert of the Month

Safeguard Organic Standards Tell the NOSB to Strengthen Organic Standards

Twice yearly, the National Organic Standards Board holds public meetings to hear from the public and make recommendations to the USDA National Organic Program. The next meeting is May 4-6, 2009, in Washington, DC. The Organic Consumers Fund, the voice for organic consumers in the Nation's Capitol, will be submitting written and oral comments to the NOSB and we would like to have your input. Please go to the OCA Forum to let us know what you think about the following issues that the NOSB will be discussing (if you haven't already registered on the forum, you will need to do that first).

Biodiversity--
Biodiversity should be prioritized in organic system plans. Maintaining healthy, biologically diverse farms is essential for the long-term sustainability of our food system and ecosystem. Currently, biodiversity is being neglected by the USDA National Organic Program and many organic farmers, inspectors, and certifiers.

Food Packaging--
Carbon dioxide and other inert atmospheric gases or packaging aids create an appearance of freshness even after food has spoiled. These should not be allowed in organic products. The NOSB Certification, Accreditation and Compliance Committee is considering allowing this loophole, under the premise that inert atmospheric gases are not processing aids because they have no functional effect in the food, but merely modify the environment in which the food is packaged.

Personal Care Products--
Personal care products labeled or marketed as organic should meet USDA standards. Unlike organic foods, many personal care products are falsely labeled as "organic." The USDA has not used its enforcement power to go after shampoos, cosmetics and other personal care products that mislead consumers by improperly using the term "organic" in their name, branding and marketing claims.

National Organic Program Peer Review Board--
The overwhelming majority of organic farmers, producers, and certifiers are playing by the rules, but a single example of organic fraud can crumble consumer confidence in organic certification. We need a professional, well-funded and independent NOP Peer Review Board, as required by law, so that respected members of the organic community can monitor and police violations of organic standards.

Nanotechnology--
Nanotechnology is the radical new technology of manipulating matter at the sub-molecular, atomic level. Nano-technology is being used increasingly in numerous areas of agricultural production and food production and handling. The UK's Soil Association has banned the use of nano-materials in organic, but the USDA NOP and NOSB have not yet acted, and it is unclear whether current regulations would prevent nanotechnology from entering the organic marketplace.

Learn more and Take Action

The Creator designed all life to happen in a circle. For example, the cycle of life for the human being is Baby, Youth, Adult, Elder, then we die. The trees and the leaves happen in a circle; the leaves bud, then the leaves mature, next the leaves change color and at last they fall off the tree to return to the Mother Earth. The birds bear their young, raise their young, then they die. The salmon are born, swim to the ocean, live their lives, swim back to the spawning grounds, then die. All aspects of the Life Cycle should be honored.

Great Spirit, today, let me enjoy today.

By Don Coyhis

Medicine for the People

By Jim McDonald, http://www.herbcraft.org/index.htm

Herbs for Back Pain...

A lot of people suffer back injuries; I've heard estimates that 65 million people in America alone suffer from chronic back pain. Conventional treatment of such injuries usually revolves around strong pain killers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and very often surgery. Unfortunately, it is too common that these treatments do not yield the recovery hoped for.

One reason for this is that most conventional approaches are suppressive in nature and do not really address the issues that need attention in order for healing to take place. In this regard, we are fortunate that many medicinal herbs, coupled with other therapies, can offer benefits and healing unique from any other modality. I have applied this knowledge for myself and with clients over the years, and offer this insight based on first hand (or perhaps “first back”?) experience.

I thankfully acknowledge the insights of David Winston, Lise Wolff, and especially Matthew Wood, which have been invaluable to me in learning how to address these types of injuries.

Back Injuries, Joint Injuries

structure & function; an anatomical overview…

Spinal injuries, though in many ways unique from the injuries of other joints in the body, mirror similar patterns to them. An understanding of how to treat back injuries, and the reaction of the rest of the body to them, offers insights that will prove useful in addressing hurts to other joints. But in order to do so, we much have at least a basic understanding of the physiology of the joints in our bodies.

The foundation of joints can be viewed as the bones that come together to make them. There are three types of joints:

Synovial, which move a lot and are generally the ones we think of when we say "joints" (knees and shoulders and elbows)

Cartilaginous, bones that are connected entirely by cartilage and move, but not so radically as synovial joints (think about the ribs connecting to the sternum. The discs of the spinal column are also cartilaginous joints, but the spine has synovial joints as well)

Fibrous, joints that don't move (think where the plates of the skull come together)

In synovial joints, each bone is "capped" with a padding of cartilage, a hard, gristly substance that pads the more rigid bone tissue. The junction where these two cartilage capped bones come together is encapsulated by a membrane called the synovial membrane, and the space enclosed is filled with a fluid called synovial fluid, which is produced from glands with the joint cavity called (can you guess?) synovial glands. This synovial fluid is slippery and somewhat viscous (it’s been described as “egglike”), and provides the lubrication so that the ever moving joints do so freely and don't abrade or wear at each other. In addition to merely lubricating the joints, it softens the outer surface of the cartilage. The joint itself is held in place by tendons, which connect bones and muscles, and ligaments, which connect the bones to bones.

READ MORE...

Submitted by:

Crystal Harvey, MAIC Correspondent

Fluoride Action Network

http://www.FluorideAlert.org

Fluoride, Arthritis, and the Specter of Misdiagnosed Skeletal Fluorosis in the US

It has been known since the 1930s that ingesting too much fluoride can cause stiff and painful joints. According to scientists who have studied this condition (commonly referred to as skeletal fluorosis), the joint damage caused by fluoride may mimic other, more common, forms of “arthritis,” making it easy to misdiagnose -- especially by doctors who are not trained in detecting fluorosis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 3 adults in the US now suffer from some form of arthritis. Could fluoride be a contributing factor in some of these cases? It is probable, however, as detailed in the the NRC’s 2006 review, there has never been an adequate study to determine the prevalence of earlier stages of skeletal fluorosis in the US. The problem with this “research gap” was underscored this year by three studies, one from India and two from the US.

READ MORE...

FUNNY BONES

No offense intended for any individuals or tribes.

Wolves Lose Vital Protection

From the Natural Resources Defense Council

It's the worst possible news for the wolves of the Northern Rockies: Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has given the green light to a Bush-era plan that will kick them off the Endangered Species list.

Nearly 1,000 wolves from Greater Yellowstone to Glacier National Park could be caught in the cross-fire of state-sponsored wolf hunts -- and that killing could begin in just a few weeks.

The decision couldn't come at a worse time. Breeding season is here, and wolves will start giving birth in April. That means pregnant females and newborn pups will be among those gunned down.

I'm sure you share my disappointment that the Obama Administration has abandoned a science-based approach in this rush to hand wolf management back to the states.

READ MORE...

Passaconaway’s descendants struggle to protect sacred site

By Gale Courey Toensing, 09/26/08

YORK, Maine – When oral tradition and spiritual practice come up against the dominant society’s ideas about property rights and land use, who gets to decide what is historical fact, what is legend and what is sacred?

In York, a pristine southern Maine town of ocean-view mansions and a bustling summer tourist trade, that dilemma is playing out between the Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region – a nonprofit conservation coalition of state, town, landowners and environmental organizations – and a small group of local American Indians who are trying to protect their sacred site on Mount Agamenticus.

The group is led by Brian Spirit Bear Michaud, Pennacook/Micmac, who complained last summer to Robin Stanley, coordinator of the conservation region, and to the town manager about the removal of stones from a mound at the mountain’s summit that memorializes 17th century Pennacook Chief Sachem Passaconaway.

READ MORE...

An Open Letter from the Dineh of Big Mountain

Ladies & Gentlemen, the Old, the Young, the Coming Generation, and Relatives:

As we speak, there exist a state of fear and anxiety in a traditional community at Big Mountain in the heart of Black Mesa. And as we speak, the federally deputized officers of the BIA Hopi Agency Police and Rangers are patrolling this region where a few traditional elders continue to live and also resist federal mandates to relocate. I want to bring your attention to one particular situation that is an example of the wide-spread acts of injustice, human rights violation, religious intolerance, and threats of property destruction.

READ MORE...

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