Manataka American Indian Council Volume XIl Issue 3 MARCH 2008
Manataka - Preserving The Past Today For Tomorrow
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Contents: |
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| Hill & Holler: | The Caucus - Native American Gift | |
| Announcement: | Manataka Gathering Annoucement | |
| History: | Exemplar of Liberty: Part 3 of a 15-part series | |
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Grandfather Hawk Speaks Speaks: Grandfather King Coke Speaks: |
A Walk Back In Time | |
| Feature Story: | ||
| Elder's Meditations: | Leonard George, Chief Councilor | |
| Women's Council: |
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| Women's Circle: | Onondaga Nation Woman Gets UN Post | |
| Food & Nutrition: |
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| Book Reviews: | Four Books Ya Gotta Read... | |
| Poetry Circle: | Black Hawk | |
| Inspirational Thought:: |
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| Healing Prayer Basket: | Crossing Over, Sickness, and Memorials | |
| Manataka Business: | Positive Moves Forward | |
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By Susan Bates News and Notes From Indian Country
The Caucus - Native
American Gift To The Nation
Susan Bates
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In 2008, Manataka will continue the new policy of requiring an invitation to attend Gatherings. Current members are not required to request an invitation, but former members, guests and visitors must send a written request at least ten days before any event. Manataka will no longer advertise or promote Gatherings, except to members and supporters.
This policy allowed our members and guests in 2007 to enjoy a time of peace, prayer and ceremony without disruptions by tourists and local gawkers. Manataka Gatherings are a time for friends to feast and socialize, but in the past they were mistaken as a form of entertainment.
We hope this policy meets with the acceptance of members and supporters and the understanding of all others.
The March issue features part 3 of a 15-part series on the founding of the United States of America and the previously misunderstood and often discounted, yet tremendous contributions of American Indians in the process.
Exemplar
of Liberty:
Native America and the Evolution of Democracy
Original Artwork by John Kahionhes Fadden
Foreword by Vine Deloria, Jr.
A Walk Back In Time
I wanted to share this with our readers; One summer afternoon as I was returning home after a Gathering at Manataka in the year 2000 (The Millennium). I happen to see a sign which read, 'The Trail Of Tears Rest Area near Cape Giradeau, Illinois.
I found a place to park and I noticed an older gentleman along side the road. He told me that back in the year 1836 or 1838 the Trail Of Tears came right through the area. I remembered stories being told by my grandfather about how his grandmother was among the people that traveled through southern Illinois and how they escaped from the watchful eyes of the army soldiers who were assigned to guard them and how the family followed the Elders fleeing into the wooded area.
My Great Great Grandmother would have been only 16 years old at that time. I began to walk along the path ways and I could hear the wind blowing through the tops of the tall pine trees. As I continued to walk, it was almost as though the wind was talking to me. I looked back and saw that I must have walked over one mile from where I parked my car.
I turned around and started back and as I walked, I could hear the sounds of someone crying. It was the wind in the tops of the trees. I noticed in several areas where there were rose bushes growing and remember reading a story by one of the soldiers assigned to travel with the people. The story was 'Cherokee Rose! I stood still for a while looking at the tops of the pine trees and listening to the wind. I prayed as I walked to my car and tears were falling from my eyes. Each year since then, I return and burn sage and pray for the spirits of the people who died along this trail.
Perhaps you too had ancestors who were on this trail, go to this area and look at the tops of the trees and listen perhaps you will have a wonderful experience.
Be safe and be blessed!
Hawk With Seven Eyes
Daniel Hawk With Seven Eyes Hoffman is a founding member of the Taylorville Black Horse Powwow, Inc,' a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization. He has given presentations at schools in Central Illinois area on the history, culture and religious beliefs of the Native American people for over 27 years. Hawk and members of his group present dance demonstrations for children who along with their teachers are invited to dance. Hawk believes children are the future.
Rigid
Thinking,
Rigid Lifestyles and
Goin' With the Flow...
By Robert Gray Hawk, March 2008
People have often said to me they need more "rigidity" in their lives. That is, they need more "structure", or to become better "organized".
My heart and I do not agree.
Often, I look to Mother Nature as a "truth meter" when deciding human issues of behavior. In this case, Mother Nature says, "observe water."
The character of water teaches us excellent ways we can become more easy-going or fluid in our nature.
Water easily adapts itself to changing conditions. Chemically, water is two parts
hydrogen and one part oxygen. Our bodies are approximately 98% liquids. Water is found in three physical states; first in its liquid state, add cold and it becomes a solid; add heat and it becomes a misty gas. Water, will find a way to leave the surface and go deep into a great aquifer only to later push up through a spring to the surface, where it will vaporize into a cloud and start the whole trip again. Water teaches us to adapt when necessary and to endure when required.
Water always searches for escape when contained -- like holding water in your hands. The tighter you hold water, the quicker it will escape. Water loves freedom.
Warm water feels warm and comfortable to the touch. Water is soft and gentle, yet it is one of the strongest elements on earth. The soft, gentle rain drops in your hand has untold strength. Water is extremely powerful. It flows gently down a stream until it gathers speed over the rocks and flows dangerously fast as it smashes any obstacle in its path. Water breaks seemingly impervious boulders into sand and dust. Flood waters move the earth, large buildings and any obstruction to its freedom.
Water has an abundance of patience. Most of us could use more patience.
Water is eternally persistent. It never gives up in its pursuits. The Grand Canyon was slowly cut over thousands of years to create one of the most spectacular eco-systems on the earth. Let us be unrelenting to create a better world for all those on our path.
Water is not self-serving, but it serves all other things of the earth. It gives the fish a place to live and it gives all plants and other living things of the earth its power and energy. It allows the two and four legged ones, winged ones and creepy crawlers to live. May we learn from water to become more giving in our nature.
Water is a force that flows across the face of the earth at will. Water easily changes course to get to where it wishes to be. This is a good lesson in being more flexible and determined in our pursuits.
We must learn to flow with life. Learn to be more gentle. Know when combined with other forces within you and around you that you can become strong and powerful. Like water, have patience with life as you flow by it.
~Robert Gray Hawk, March 2008
Robert Gray Hawk King Coke, 77,
Cherokee, is the
newest member of the Manataka Elder Council. Coke graduated from the
New Mexico Military Institute in 1952 with a biology degree. He served
in the U.S. Army with a tour in Europe.
After returning home, Robert Coke, entered pre-seminary school Austin College with a major in Philosophy. He continued his education by earning a degree in Bachelor of Science in Engineering and a Bachelor of Business Administration at Southern Methodist University where he later served on the faculty as an instructor. In 1996, Elder Coke was elected Chairman, of the American Indian Heritage Association and served as an ambassador for the American Indian Center of Dallas. Gray Hawk is now a semi-retired consultant.
No offense intended for any individuals or tribes.
Crossing the River...
Three men were hiking through a forest when they came upon a large raging,
Violent river. Needing to get to the other side, the first man prayed:
"God, please give me the strength to cross the river."
Poof! .. God gave him big arms and strong legs and he was able to swim
across in about 2 hours, having almost drowned twice.
After witnessing that, the second man prayed: "God, please give me strength
and the tools to cross the river"
Poof! .. God gave him a rowboat and strong arms and strong legs and he was able
to row across in about an hour after almost capsizing once.
Seeing what happened to the first two men, the third man prayed:
"God, please give me the strength, the tools and the intelligence to
cross the river"
Poof! ... He was turned into a woman. She checked the map, hiked one hundred
yards up stream and walked across the bridge.
"Spiritual Values are an Attitude." ~-Leonard George, Chief Councilor
Attitude is a direction which we follow. If you have a positive attitude, it
means you will lean towards a positive direction. If you have a negative
attitude, it means you will lean away from the Spirit. Therefore, if we
lean towards spiritual values, then our actions will become significant and
important. If we lean away from spiritual values, our actions will become
insignificant or unimportant. For example, if we value love, we will lean
towards it; we will prefer to express and embrace it.
Great Spirit,
teach me the significance of
spiritual values.
By Don Coyhis
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO JOIN
THE MANATAKA WOMEN'S COUNCIL
'CIRCLE OF FRIENDS'
The Women's Council has been lazy this past quarter of winter.
The Manataka Women's Council 'Circle of Friends'; meets the first Saturday of each month at 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Coffee is provided, food and other soft beverages are brought by individuals to share. Please remember to bring your drums or other musical instruments to meetings.
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The Manataka Drum Society is growing with more singers joining. Weekly practice sessions is where new songs, food and laughter are enjoyed by everyone. Contact: Amanda Morningstar:
Donations of nonperishable food items, toiletries, and bio-friendly cleaning suppies will be accepted and are greatly appreciated. Requests for assistance are year-round. Please send or bring.
Please direct any questions our comments to Becky 'Flaming Owl Peacekeeper' Moore at manataka@sbcglobal.net
Join Us!
Tonya is President and founder of the American Indian Law Alliance in New York, a lawyer and activist, whose academic and professional life has been devoted to the pursuit of human rights for Indigenous peoples. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree, magna cum laude, from St. John’s University in NYC, and her Juris Doctor from the City of New York Law School at Queens College, where she is a member of the Board of Visitors. Tonya also sits on the Board of Directors and serves as legal counsel to the Iroquois Nationals lacrosse team, international competitors at the World Cup level representing the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. In 1987, shortly after graduation from law school, she served as a delegate for and was of legal counsel to the Haudenosaunee at the UN Sub-Commission on the Human Rights/Working Group on Indigenous Populations in Geneva, Switzerland. Since that time, Tonya has actively participated in international forums for Indigenous peoples. She has worked closely with elders from the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (especially the Onondaga nation) and the Lakota Nation (through the Teton Sioux Nation Treaty Council). Her most recent efforts were focused on the process of the establishment of the Permanent Forum On Indigenous Issues, and the negotiation processes concerning the draft, “ UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples” and the proposed OAS “Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.” |
How
To Make Cherokee Bean BreadSubmitted by Joann Cordell, Eastern Cherokee
You take wood ashes and pot them in a pot with water. Bring it to heat; add shinny corn, and boil. Every once in awhile you remove a corn and check it to see if the outer part will slip off.
When it's ready, you take it to flowing water, either your spring or now a days to the kitchen tap and rinse off the husk and rinse until water runs clear.
Now you gonna pound that corn, while all this is going on you are cooking some beans. People use pinto beans now instead of the old wild beans that grow here in the East but with no salt. Salt makes it crumble.
So, when you got the corn all pounded and the beans cooked, you either have your hickory leaves or your corn blades ready to use. If you are using corn blades you have dried from harvest, you pour boiling water over them to make them back flexible.
You mix the corn and beans together with a little bean juice and pat them out into a patty sort of a thing and wrap them up in the leaves or the corn blades. Tie the bundle up and drop them into boiling water for about one hour. You serve with a little bear grease over the top.
C
lick on the book of your choice
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The Saga of Noah Collins by Jeremy Morningstar - Children |
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BLACK HAWK
I am Black Hawk, you say who. "Black Hawk," I reply,
You the white man can not hide your shame, Time that’s ever lasting will not erase your guilt, Or the actions of criminals, History books may gather dust, The written word may tell of conquests,
Of victory’s won, You may hide the truth amongst the words, Honesty and truth evaded, Pride and honesty becomes a fallacy,
The spoken word of our fore bearers, Travels with the wind down through time, Exposes and blows the dust off history books, Cobb webs elasticized become electrified,
Shimmer in the draft and catch the lies, That are evicted from books of old, And exposed lies told, Murder committed, at Bad Axe River,
In cold blood by cowards born, Mother’s baby’s easily dispatched, The sand on the beach will always be red,
Never white, The water will always flow, with the spirits of our dead, The cries will drift in the four directions of the wind, The white man thinks time will diminish their dastardly deeds, That the sand ever shifting will cover this killing place, And all will be forgotten and extinguish our seeds, The eagle will come home too roost,
The Great Spirit will raise his fist, The hammer of judgment will come crashing down, America will be the home of the Indian once more, Harmony will return to our Mother Earth again, Forests will stand tall once more, Rivers will flow free and pure with out stain,
The buffalo will be abundant once more, The people who are alien to our Mother Earth will be cast out, I Black Hawk will return with my people, All will emerge out of the darkness, And into the light, All the lost tribes will be again,
The rainbow will become a full circle, The Master of Breath will walk amongst us, The sun will shine on the children of the sun, The rain will still fall, And the seasons four will still decorate the scene, The moon will travel across the night time sky all aglow,
Fractured crystals will capitulate the sun light, They will highlight an empty space, Beauty will envelope all, Our Blue Star will be our home again. My vision my dream.
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"Conscience is the root of all true courage; if a man would be brave let him obey his conscience. Without courage conscience is a wild beast. Our conscience is our chamber of justice."
~Submitted by Romaine Garcia
Prayer and ceremony work. Creator heals and brings peace.
Crossing Over...
Kent 'Wolf Spirit' Leffelman, 43 (St. Louis, MO) passed on March 10 at his home. Kent Wolf Spirit was a long time friend and member of Manataka. He was a kind and gentle soul who will be missed. ~Mike Koeber
John D. Two Eagles Walden (Mountain Pine, AR) passed on December 11 at the Veterans Hospital. He was a member of Manataka since 1999. John was a diabetic with serious heart problems.
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Floyd Red Crow
Westerman
(1936 - 2007) Floyd Red Crow Westerman, Sisseton-Wapheton Dakota musician, actor, and
activist, passed away at 5:00 a.m. PST, at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los
Angeles after an extended illness. He was 71. Westerman, who began his career as a country singer, appeared in over 50
films and televison productions, including Dances with Wolves, Hidalgo, The
Doors, and Poltergeist, and Northern Exposure. He appeared in 12 episodes of
the 1990s TV series, Walker, Texas Ranger, as Uncle Ray Firewalker.
Native
Times 12/13/2007
http://www.nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=9182
Major Fred
Blue Eagle Wilson, (Canadian Mohawk)
Passed away on Oct. 1, 2007. He was one of
the Tuskegee Airmen from World War II.
Blue Eagle was a true hero.
fowilson@legacy.com Steve
Roragen, Commando, Roanoke, VA
11-01-07
Rev. David Salmon (Fairbanks,
AK)
-- The first traditional chief for the
Athabascan people of
Vernon Bellecourt (WaBun-Inini)
Anishinabe/Ojibwe Nation
(Minnesota) Hailed as one of Indian's
greatest champions, Bellecourt, 75, passed today.
Throughout his life he fought to preserve the
integrity of indigenous people. Vernon was
principal spokesman for the American Indian
Movement and a leader in actions ranging from
the 1972 occupation of the Bureau of Indian
Affairs in Washington to the 1992 Redskin
Superbowl demonstrations. He was Co-founder and
first Executive Director of the Denver AIM
Chapter. His involvement at Wounded Knee in 1973
led to a Federal indictment. He was a special
representative of the International Indian
Treaty Council and helped organize the first
Treaty Conference in 1974. He was jailed for
throwing his blood on the Guatemalan Embassy to
protest the killing of 100,000 Indians. He was
elected to a 4-year term in his White Earth
tribal government and developed a model program
for the spiritual education of Indian prisoners.
Vernon was President of the National Coalition
on Racism in Sports & Media and recipient of the
City of Phoenix, Martin Luther King Human Rights
Award 1993.
He is
called one of the finest orators of his time.
Chief Xielolixii 10-13-07
Prayer Needed - Sickness, Injury,
Troubles...
Richard Reay (Phoenix, AZ)
Serious blood clots. Please pray for
this special man. Nina Giordano 01-23-08
Prayers Answered for Tanner, age 3 (Memphis,
TN) Tanner
successfully underwent double eye surgery at
Children's Hospital for a serious condition know
as amblyopia. He is now home a recovering
nicely. Please give your thanks to God for
healing Tanner.
Prayers Answered for
Ms.
Evangeline
Van Lynch
(Memphis, TN)
Tennessee Indian Commissioner
admitted to the hospital suffering from a heart
attack and scheduled to undergo surgery.
Clover
TwoBears Johnson. Suffered a mini-stroke in
April of 2007 and diagnosed with Diabetes and MS. as
well. Duane (Lame Wolf) Rowland 11-01-07
Memorials...
In Memory of Bill Prezwoznik Bill Prezwoznik was one of the four founders of Manataka. His wisdom and
love guided Manataka through its infancy.
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 1,000 grandchildren but never a child. Her memory will live with us
forever. Anonymous Contributor
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 - Standing Bear. Greg Gilliham, Little
Rock
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. FEBRUARY
Elders met on Sunday, February 17 and did not conduct business. David
Quiet Wind Furr and Patty Blue Star Budette were absent due to illness.
Minutes and the Treasurer's reports were read.
Lee Standing Bear Moore reiterated a need for a professional bookkeeper.
The Manataka Trademark certificate was
presented and explanation of its future requirements.
Manataka T-shirts were given out to all elders present.
Business cards were given to Blue Star and Gray Hawk.
Discussion about the upcoming series of
“Survival” seminars. Venues and dates were set.
The March 2008 Member Spirit
Award will be given to Becky Flaming Owl Moore.
Committee Reports were accepted and reviewed. NOTICE 1:
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.
NOTICE 2: REGULAR MEMBERSHIP
MEETINGS -
1:00 p.m., 3rd Sunday each month at Gulpha Gorge. 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 varies from year to year.
NOTICE 3: WOMEN’S COUNCIL MEETINGS -
11:30 a.m., 1st Saturday each month. Contact:
Becky Moore NOTICE 4:
PAID YOUR DUES?
NOTICE 5:
MATERIAL DONATIONS NEEDED BY
MANATAKA
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. THANK
YOU TO EVERYONE WHO DONATED STAMPS, PAPER AND OTHER SUPPLIES!
TO UNSUBSCRIBE: Simply click the reply button, type 'Unsubscribe' in the subject line and send.
Publisher:
Manataka American Indian Council
Editor:
Lee Standing Bear Moore
MAIC
Correspondents:
Jennifer Attaway, Alabama
Sheri Burnett, Georgia
Robert King Coke - Grey Hawk, Texas
Crystal Harvey, Arkansas
Carol Henderson
Hawk With Seven Eyes Hoffman, Illinois
Grandmother Selma, Florida
Bennie LeBeau, Wyoming
Julie Maltagliati, Florida
Magdala Ramirez, Arkansas
Bobby Joe Runninbear, Tennessee
Liora Leah Zack, California
Paula Unega Ulogidv Phillips, Arkansas
Waynonaha Two Worlds
Contributors:
Susan Bates, Missouri
Andrea Crambit, California
Valerie Eagle Heart
Romaine Garcia, Colorado
John James, Arkansas
Mark and Carla Maslin, New Mexico
Elaine Nowell,
Mississippi / Arkansas
Corina Roberts, California
Scott
Treaty
RedWing and Gray Beard Vinson,
Tennessee
Linda VanBibber, Missouri
Disclaimer
and Trademark Information
http://www4.law.cornell.edu
©2007 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)
MARCH 2008 SMOKE SIGNAL - PAGE 1
the Interior died Thursday at his home in
Chalkyitsik. Salmon was 95. 10-16-07
MANATAKA
ORGANIZATIONAL MESSAGES
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
1. 15 - 30 gallon plastic storage boxes
with lids.
PO Box 476
Hot Springs, AR 71902-0476
501-627-0555
manataka@sbcglobal.net
http://www.manataka.org
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.
Non-profit/Teaching/Educational
Tonya
Gonnella Frichner, Esq. 
