Osiyo,

When it comes to Native Indians, non-Indians know little about the Gay and Lesbian Indian communities. Moreover, they know little about the pain and suffering the Two-Spirit people endure. Emmy-winning PBS series Independent lens presented Two-Spirits, the beautiful and  heart-breaking story of Navajo Fred Martinez  who was one of the youngest hate-crime victims in modern history when he was brutally murdered at 16. Two Spirits explores the life and death of a boy who was also a girl, and the essentially spiritual nature of gender.

Fred Martinez as both male and female.

Fred's mom Pauline at her son's death site.

In Remembrance of Fred Martinez… and Peace to the family-
Talking Feather

See Segments of Video Two Spirits Here

Excerpts from the film:

“Two Spirits interweaves the tragic story of a mother’s loss of her son with a revealing look at the largely unknown history of a time when the world wasn’t simply divided into male and female and many Native American cultures held places of honor for people of integrated genders.

Fred Martinez was nádleehí, a male-bodied person with a feminine nature, a special gift according to his ancient Navajo culture. He was one of the youngest hate-crime victims in modern history when he was brutally murdered at 16. Two Spirits explores the life and death of this boy who was also a girl, and the essentially spiritual nature of gender.

The Navajo believe that to maintain harmony, there must be a balanced interrelationship between the feminine and the masculine within the individual, in families, in the culture, and in the natural world. Two Spirits reveals how these beliefs are expressed in a natural range of gender diversity. For the first time on film, it examines the Navajo concept of nádleehí, (one who constantly transforms)…

Two Spirits mourns the young Fred Martinez and the threatened disappearance of the two-spirit tradition, but it also brims with hope and the belief that we all are enriched by multi-gendered people, and that all of us — regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or cultural heritage — benefit from being free to be our truest selves…”

Dancing is an uplifting experience of self-transformation designed to bring the spirits into your life…Dancing to Eagle Spirit Society: Two- Spirits Dancing

“When we’re free to love anyone we choose,

When this worlds big enough for all different views,

When we’re all free to worship from our own kind of pew,

Then we shall be free” ~ Garth Brooks ~ (Song: We Shall Be Free)

To AV & RD — JW & JQ–and to all of our  beautiful Two- Spirit Ones!

Additional Knowledge:

Two Spirit Artists

Paula Gunn Allen (October 24, 1939 – May 29, 2008)  Poet, literary critic, lesbian activist.

Joy Harjo ( May 9, 1951-) Muscogee (Creek) Nation- Author, poet, singer.

Barbara Cameron (May 22, 1954-February 12, 2002) (Hunkpapa) Cofounder of Gay American Indians.

Chrystos ( November  7, 1946-) Menominee tribe- Writer, poet, Lesbian activist.

Books

Two Spirit People: American Indian Lesbian Women and Gay Men, by Lester B. Brown

Read About Zuni Princess Wewa- A Two-Spirit weaver.

Becoming Tw0-Spirit…by Brian Joseph Gilley

Two Spirit Support Organizations

Bay Area American Indian Two Spirits (BAAITS) a six-year-old nonprofit that offers support and activities to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Native Americans. Similar groups exist in Oklahoma, Colorado and Minnesota.

The South Asian Lesbian and Gay Association (SALGA) SALGA has gained prominence within New York City’s Indian American community.

Article:Without Reservations: Native American Lesbians Struggle to Find Their Way by: Diane Anderson-Minshall, Curve Magazine

Rainbow Law-Gay and Lesbian Directory

Mexico gay and lesbian publications… New Mexico gay and lesbian business…realtors, gay travel, gay wedding info, gay and lesbian support groups and much more.

Gay and Lesbians Organizations and Publications (national and international) Listings in alphabetical order to help locate what you need.

Out Loud Radio Loud and Proud about Gay and lesbians! :)

Tags: Gay and Lesbian Rights, Independent Lens, Navajo Fred Martinez, PBS, Two-Spirit

Mohawk Joe Goodleaf

Osiyo,

We are  very pleased to announce that because of the high response from readers  for the  post  The Mohawks: Iron Birds of “Hope” we have created a special and permanent lesson plan specifically for this courageous group of men and their women who played a major role in the history of  The Mohawk Iron Walkers.  It includes  information from the original post, additonal photos,  and activities for students (and everyone) to learn from and to enjoy. Visit Lesson Plan Mohawk Iron Walkers

We would like to thank all of the readers for their wonderful support!

“It takes a thousand voices to tell a single story” – American IndianProverb

Tags: Lesson Plan, Mohawk Iron Walkers

Osiyo,

The infamous 9/11 will be  upon us once again,  and with it sad memories, and pain.  Here at Talking-Feather our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones at that time. We also wanted to acknowledge and thank another group of  Heroes who have been overlooked. The Mohawk Iron Walkers ( aka SkyDancers) who helped remove the tangled iron mass  when the tragedy of 9/11 occurred. These structures were the same ones their ancestors helped to build years ago.  Now, the new generation of Mohawks are instrumental in rebuilding  the structures today. They represent hope for our future and for the future of our children. Photo:  From right: Joe Regis (Mohawk, Kahnawake) and an unidentified ironworker erecting the Chase Manhattan Bank Building in New York, ca. 1960.

The following is an excerpt from the Smithsonian Institution Entitled Mohawk Iron Workers Build New York:

Mohawk Iron Workers-ca. 1960. photo:Courtesy of Bethlehem Steel

Powerful Symbols of America

“A 21st-century Mohawk ironworker might easily be called a real “man of steel.” For more than 100 years, Mohawk people have taken part in the seemingly superhuman task of building skyscrapers and bridges throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad. Working in New York City since the 1920s, these brave and skilled ironworkers built the city’s most prominent landmarks, including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the George Washington Bridge, and the World Trade Center.

The Mohawk tradition of ironworking began in the mid-1880s when they were hired as unskilled laborers to build a bridge over the St. Lawrence River onto Mohawk land. They quickly earned a reputation for being top-notch workers on high steel, and “booming out” from their Native communities in search of the next big job became a fact of life.

During the 1940s and 1950s, many Mohawk ironworking families moved to the New York City area—as many as 700 families into Brooklyn—to aid in the city’s vertical expansion. In the 1960s, when New York City announced plans for the World Trade Center, Mohawk ironworkers eagerly accepted the challenge of erecting the then tallest buildings in the world. In September 2001, after the collapse of the twin towers, Mohawk ironworkers returned to dismantle what their elders had contributed to the Manhattan skyline decades earlier.”

A bricklayer and his Ironworking relatives circa 1956

“A lot of people think Mohawks aren’t afraid of heights; that’s not true. We have as much fear as the next guy. The difference is that we deal with it better. We also have the experience of the old timers to follow and the responsibility to lead the younger guys. There’s pride in ‘walking iron.’” —Kyle Karonhiaktatie Beauvais (Mohawk, Kahnawake)

Many Mohawks from Canada, and from  New York,  were killed building these structures. These brave men should be honored and praised-  Remember them on 9/11…and for always…

Additonal Information for the Mohawk Iron Workers

Documentaries:

The  Film SKYDANCER by Katja Esson, is a feature length documentary that takes a provocative look at the Mohawk Sky Walkers and Indian life in the 21st Century:

The Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, the World Trade Center: for more than 120 years, Mohawk ironworkers have raised America’s modern cityscapes. They are called ‘sky walkers’ because they walk fearlessly atop steel beams just a foot wide, high above the city. Who are these Mohawk sky walkers? What is their secret for overcoming fear? Has ‘sky walking’ replaced an ancient rite of passage? Or is it the pure need to adapt in order to survive? And what is their life really like, when every Friday at quitting time, they jump in their cars and make the eight-hour drive up north to their families on the reservation? SKYDANCER is a feature length documentary that takes a provocative look at Indian life in the 21st Century. more

To Brooklyn and Back: A Mohawk Journey by Reaghan Tarbell

To Brooklyn and Back: A Mohawk Journey is an hour-long documentary about the personal story of Mohawk filmmaker Reaghan Tarbell from Kahnawake, Quebec as she explores her roots and traces the connections of her family to the Mohawk community in Brooklyn, New York. (PBS)

High Steel by Don Own

This short (14minutes)  view of  the Mohawk Indians of Kahnawake who work in New York City  building the steel frames of  skyscrapers.

Books:

Skywalkers: Mohawk Ironworker Build the City, by David Weitman

Apologies to the Iroquois…The Mohawks in High Steel by Joseph Mitchell.

Consciousness of Taino: Explorations of Identity By Jose Barreiro, ICT

Taino Culture

Many believe that the Taino American Indians are extinct. Some go so far as to claim they never existed and are simply legends.  Today, scholars have a very different opinion. On August 23, 2011,  a group of scholars and culture-bearers met at the National Museum of the American Indian, in Washington DC. to discuss a project and museum  presentation of the Taino. The following is an excerpt:

“In the Greater Antilles, Taino is in the mind. Taino is nation and movement, ancestry and identity. Taino, the term, is mentioned in the early chronicles of conquest, recorded to mean “the good people” or the “noble people…Among indigenous descendants in the large islands of Hispaniola (home of the Dominican Republic), Cuba and Puerto Rico, in the past 40 years, the term Taino has been a unifying force…A gathering of scholars and culture-bearers on the subject of Taino and its meanings—convened August 23 at the National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, in Washington, DC… Additionally, the explosion of interest in the Taino past is generating the regrouping of Taino-identified families in associations under the aegis of various local identifications of Taino…Thus “Taino,” in the people and in the consciousness of Caribbean life, calls for a reconsideration of the term “extinction” when describing the fate of the Caribbean indigenous people and cultures that greeted Columbus. As the intense reawakening to indigenous roots increasingly generates interesting and culturally revealing polemics, how is it influencing the popular cultural arts and the public discourse on culture, history and environment?

As classic Caribbeanist scholar, Dr. José Juan Arrom, once put it: “The Taíno is in us and around us.”

Yuiza-The Last Taino Queen by Samuel Lind

Visit our Artist LJ Vargas (of Taino ancestry)

Read the entire article, and for further information about the Taino Indians be sure to read A full-text paper by the Cornell-based Taino scholar, Dr. José Barreiro, originally published in Northeast Indian Quarterly, and focusing on Cuba.”

Taino Indian painting-google image

Taino Indian

Legend of the Talking Feather: Kanati and Asgaya Gigagei Bestow the Gift of The Talking Feather

There are many legends about how the Indians learned about the Talking Feather”. Here is one of them…

Long years ago, when gods walked this earth and the land beyond, Kanati and Asgaya Gigagei, were together enjoying the warm summer day. It was a day when the crickets chirrupted in the waving, green grass,when they noticed a figure moving towards them.

As the figure approached closer Kanati said “Look, that woman is crying, what could be the matter?” “I can not imagine why anyone would cry on such a glorious day.” Replied Asgaya Gigagei. “Let’s ask her.”

As the woman drew nearer, they could see her buckskin was decorated with beautiful designs and colors. She carried a bundle filled with leaves, sage, and colorful stones and feathers. They knew immediately this woman was a holy being.

Kanati asked her “Holy mother, why are you crying so?” The woman looked up in wonder, because she had been walking with her head down. “I’m crying because the men of my village are fighting constantly! Each thinks his ideas for leading the tribe is the best!” Kanati and Asgaya Gigagei glanced at one another, in perplexity. “Why, if there are so many good ideas for leading your tribe, why are the men fighting? And why aren’t you and the other members happy!” The poor woman shook her head sadly and replied, “Yes, you are right, the men do have very good ideas, but every man wants to speak his own ideas, and not listen to anyone else. They all shout and scream at one another so loudly, that it frightens the children who run and hide behind their mothers. The women are sad because their husbands come to the house upset and angry. Furthermore, the tribe is suffering, because no one can seem to make a decision.”  Just then a beautiful Eagle was soaring overhead, Kanati called out “Brother Eagle, may I have one of your feathers, there are poor humans in desperate need!”

Bother Eagle replied “Yes” and shook himself until a single iridescent, large feather fell to the ground. “Many thanks and Blessings on you” said Kanati. Kanati made secret signs and prayers over the Feather. Asgaya Gigagei helped him with the blessings. Kanati then said to the woman “This is the sacred Talking Father, it holds great power for the one who holds it. Go back to your people, hold this feather up in the air, all who see it will fall silent, and listen to what you have to say. Tell all who listen that from now on, who ever holds this feather, all present within the Circle Council must listen to his words. The feather must then be passed on to the next speaker.”

The woman thanked Kanati and Asgaya Gigagei and hurried back to her village where there was total chaos!. Everyone was talking at once, children were crying, men were screaming at each other. As soon as she held the feather over her head, all became quiet! No one could utter a sound! the holy woman proceeded to give the directions given to her by the gods. She then passed the feather to the first man. He called the Talking Circle together, and each man had his say as he held the feather. From that time on that tribe flourished because they now had direction, and each person could hear and understand what their peers said. The people worked together, to build a great nation. Along the way, they shared the wonders of the Talking Feather with other tribes they met. “And that my friends is the true story of  how the Talking Feather came to be!”

Tags: Taino Indians

Sacred N.M. Mountain Remains at Center of Uranium Fight, by R. Reese, The New York Times

It is true that people desperately need jobs, that our historical and sacred places should be maintained,and all  health issues concerning people, and the environment need to be addressed.  This article has all of these elements and more.  The heated debate concerns whether a mining company (Rio Grande Resources Corp.) should be allowed to continue to  delay cleaning up a mine that is dormant. This particular mine is located  on Mount Taylor, in Grants, NM. The mine holds the nation’s largest uranium deposit. Mount Taylor is held sacred by many of the Pueblo tribes in the Southwest. Particularly the Hopi, Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni.   The Navajo Nation also views the mountain as a sacred place.  In addition, there are concerns involving health issues

“At the hearing, held by the New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division, testimony was divided roughly equally between those who support the renewal of the company’s five-year standby permit, with an eye toward the local economic benefits that could come from reopening the mine, and those who oppose it out of concerns that contamination could worsen if the site remains un-remediated for another five years… Eric Jantz, an attorney with the New Mexico Environmental Law Center…noted that the New Mexico Environment Department has found elevated levels of nitrates and uranium in an old underground waste lagoon at the mine site, and expressed concern that delaying a comprehensive cleanup could put the environment further at risk.”

Steve Juanico of Acoma Pueblo stated: “ Everybody’s fighting for survival — we need that economic viability, But it’s short lived. … We really need to protect our water resources. Are we doing the right thing?” One remedy to fight contamination that was offered by the company according to Joe Lister, who manages the Mount Taylor mine site for the company:

“… involves planting salt cedar trees to soak up contaminated water. The trees will then be uprooted and destroyed.”

Nadine Padilla, who is of Navajo and Pueblo ancestry, is also a member of  the Multi-Cultural Alliance for a Safe Environment stated;  “ We’re not only concerned about the quality of the environment and possible contamination of the site; we’re also concerned because it’s a sacred place, a place that tribes regard as holy.”

Read the article and share your thoughts with us.

“Only after the last tree has been cut down, Only after the last river has been poisoned, Only after the last fish has been caught, Only then will you find money cannot be eaten.”   ~ Cree Prophecy ~

Photos:

top: Mt. Taylor at sunset

courtesy of L.Dietershagen-Sanchez

bottom: Ceremony for Mother Earth. photo Google Images.

By Dennis McLellan, Los Angeles Times, Joe Morris Sr. dies at 85; Navajo code talker during World War II

Joe Morris Sr., Navajo Code Talker, photo: Nolen Anderson

On Veterans Day in 2004, speaking in front of a crowd of people, World War II veteran Joe Morris Sr. made the following statement, “ My weapon was my language…We saved a lot of lives.”

Mr. Morris was a member of the Navajo Code Talkers who during WWII developed a code for the United States military that could not be broken by the Japanese. Sadly, Mr. Morris died Sunday of complications of a stroke, he was 85. According to the article,

 

 

“Born on the Navajo reservation in Indian Wells, Ariz., Morris was one of approximately 400 Navajo code talkers who underwent extensive training at a communications school at Camp Pendleton to memorize the undecipherable code based on their complex, unwritten language..”

“In a 2003 interview with the Navajo Times, Morris said they were told if you get captured by the Japanese don’t you ever tell them what you learned here… If captured… their instructions were simple: “Just die for your country.”

During his lifetime, Mr. Morris received many honors along with his fellow Navajo Code Talkers. There are approximately 65 code talkers still alive today. Read the article and learn more.

There is no death, only a change of worlds. -(Duwamish)

Our thoughts and prayers go with Joe Morris Sr., and his family.

-Talking Feather-

Legend of The Talking Feather / Talking Stick

There are legends about how the Talking Feather came to be, and many tribes take credit for these stories, so there are several versions. Traditionally, the American Indians used the Talking Feather or Talking Stick as a method to insure organization during important council meetings among the tribes. The materials used for both Feather and Stick were important. The Sacred Feather was usually from an Eagle representing truth,freedom, wisdom, and keen insight. Some tribes believed in using the Feather from an Owl which represented protection, wisdom, and strong insight into truth. The Sacred Stick was made from the bark of trees such as the Oak (strength) the Elm (wisdom) and others. There were also embellishments and adornments made from the skins or hides from animals such as Elk (physical ability), Deer (gentleness), Buffalo (abundance) and the Rabbit (ears for listening) and several other animals the various tribes felt were sacred. Color played an important role in the creations. This method is still used in many American schools, especially with very young children. Although the object the speaker holds may not always be a Feather, or a Stick, it is something equally symbolic to the children. It is effective as a tool to teach children the benefits of listening to others.As teachers we are constantly listening to our students. It was by listening to my students the idea of this site was created.

Tags: Joe Morris Sr., Navajo Code Talker

Chickasaw Chikasha Saya Camp photo: Chickasaw site

Osiyo,

We are pleased to announce that the Chickasaw Nation is now a member of Tribalpedia. Also, Talking Feather is n the process of adding Tribal Flags for  Indian Nations entered in Tribalpedia. Not all tribes have flags, and some are still in the process of creating theirs. We’ll keep track and announce new additions accordingly.

While  researching, we came across an interesting book about the Chickasaw, and other Native people by Dr. Robbie Ethridge, an anthropologist who teaches at the University of Mississippi.

The title is From Chicaza to Chickasaw: The European Invasion and the Transformation of the Mississippian World, 1540-1715. States Ethridge,

“While the book is very specialized, I’m hoping it will appeal to the general public because of the mostly unknown history of Native Americans that it reveals…For example, few people know that prior to European contact, Southern Indian tribes such as the Creeks, Cherokees and Choctaws did not exist. These groups formed as the survivors of the upheaval at contact and began to regroup and restructure their lives…”

Visit the Chickasaw, read the book and share your thoughts!  A special “thanks” to all of Talking Feather’s readers…we appreciate you and your support!

Remember: Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way.~ Native American saying

Legend of The Talking Feather / Talking Stick

There are legends about how the Talking Feather came to be, and many tribes take credit for these stories, so there are several versions. Traditionally, the American Indians used the Talking Feather or Talking Stick as a method to insure organization during important council meetings among the tribes. The materials used for both Feather and Stick were important. The Sacred Feather was usually from an Eagle representing truth,freedom, wisdom, and keen insight. Some tribes believed in using the Feather from an Owl which represented protection, wisdom, and strong insight into truth. The Sacred Stick was made from the bark of trees such as the Oak (strength) the Elm (wisdom) and others. There were also embellishments and adornments made from the skins or hides from animals such as Elk (physical ability), Deer (gentleness), Buffalo (abundance) and the Rabbit (ears for listening) and several other animals the various tribes felt were sacred. Color played an important role in the creations. This method is still used in many American schools, especially with very young children. Although the object the speaker holds may not always be a Feather, or a Stick, it is something equally symbolic to the children. It is effective as a tool to teach children the benefits of listening to others.As teachers we are constantly listening to our students. It was by listening to my students the idea of this site was created.

Tags: Chickasaw Nation

ICT By Sam Laskaris  Comanche Boy Fighting for WBC Middleweight Title

George (Comanche Boy) Tahdooahnippah

Professional Boxer George (Comanche Boy)Tahdooahnippah is superb.

He has Comanche and Choctaw ancestry, and he is scheduled to battle Indiana’s Jimmy Holmes on July 16 for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas middleweight title. The fight will take place outdoors at the Comanche Nation Casino, located in Lawton, Oklahoma, Tahdooahnippah’s hometown.

“Tahdooahnippah is undefeated in his pro career and sports a 27-0-1 record, which includes 20 knockouts… The 32-year-old, however, sounds more excited about what a victory in this match could possibly do for his career…He believes beating Holmes and earning the WBC’s Continental Americas belt would boost him considerably and possibly give him a Top 30 placing in the organization’s middleweight rankings…”

In addition to being a professional boxer, Tahdooahnippah also helps his people by being a fitness promoter for the Comanche Nation’s diabetes program. He is an inspiration to young people every where. Tahdooahnippah demonstrates the importance of good health, and equally important,  a path that just might lead to a better life. Kudos to Comanch Boy! Read the article, and share your thoughts.

Tags: Boxing, diabetes, George (Comanche Boy) Tahdooahnippah

Welcome Tribalpedia!

Osiyo! We are very proud to present to you “Tribalpedia“, which is an encyclopedia version of information about American Indian tribes. We’ve gathered the information from other sources, including books and websites, and created  legible, easy to understand documents, which also include some  photographs. All sources used are given credit.

We know that you’ll enjoy using this new unique way of learning about the many tribes in the United States, Canada, and South America.

Tribalpedia begins with 21 tribes in the U.S., and others will be announced in the blog as they are added. We’re very pleased and happy about our new addition to Talking Feather, and we know you will find it helpful. A “special”  thanks to those of your who have written positive feedback to us, we appreciate it. “Happy 4th of July!”   ”May you always Walk in Beauty!”

Explore the new site and share your thoughts with us!

Happy 100th Talking Feather!

Happy 100th Talking Feather! Best of Luck with Tribalpedia!

To The "Code Warriors who supported Talking Feather through the 1st 99: "Wa do"

Tribalpedia!

"Happy 100th Talking Feather!"

Tags: history, Tribalpedia

Harvard Gazette

Replica of Wampanoag home-photo: K. Snibbe-Harvard Staff

Harvard University will honor Joel Iacoomes a member of the Wampanoag Tribe with a posthumous degree during the University’s Commencement exercises on May 26, 2011. Iacoomes died in 1665 shortly after completing four years of study at Harvard. Iacoomes was one of  the first two American Indians to graduate from Harvard.
His friend and fellow Wampanoag member, Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck, graduated from Harvard in 1665.

Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, chairwoman of theWampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) stated,

“ Since he was from our island community, it means a great deal to us to see his extraordinary achievement recognized alongside his fellow tribe member, Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck, the first Indian to graduate from Harvard.”

Cedric Cromwell, chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe made this observation,

“ Joel was a gifted scholar and Harvard had a commitment to the Native American community… This posthumous degree brings us full circle. It’s motivational for Wampanoags and I think it’s motivational for Harvard. It builds on our relationship.”

Kudos to Harvard!   Read the article, and share your thoughts.

Tags: Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck, Harvard University, Joel Iacoomes, Wampoanog