American Indian Christmas, by Floyd Looks for Buffalo Hand

Floyd Looks for Buffalo Hand-photo:Manataka American Indian Council

Floyd Looks for Buffalo Hand is a member of the Oglala Sioux, and a spiritual leader, and an artist. He has also written a book entitled, Learning Journey on the Red Road. In addition, he has written one of the best essays about American Indians and the Christmas celebration that we have ever read. Here is an excerpt from his essay:

Painting by Floyd Looks for Buffalo Hand

“Traditional American Indians are raised to respect the Christian Star and the birth of the first Indian Spiritual Leader… His name was Jesus. He was a Hebrew, a Red Man. He received his education from the wilderness. ..
“Everyday is our Christmas. Every meal is our Christmas. At every meal we take a little portion of the food we are eating, and we offer it to the spirit world on behalf of the four legged, and the winged, and the two legged. We pray–not the way most Christians pray– but we thank the Grandfathers, the Spirit, and the Guardian Angel… The life-ways of Roving Angels are actually the way Indian People live. They hold out their hands and help the sick and the needy. They feed and clothe the poor…

Everyday is Christmas in Indian Country. Daily living is centered around the spirit of giving and walking the Red Road. Walking the Red Road means making everything you do a spiritual act. If your neighbor, John Running Deer, needs a potato masher; and you have one that you are not using, you offer him yours in the spirit of giving. It doesn’t matter if it is Christmas or not.”

Please read this wonderful and informative piece in its entirety.

We wish to thank all of our readers, especially those who sent encouraging comments, and valuable information.

Our hope is that in return, we  have  pointed the way to new insights, and information about Natives, their lives, and the people involved with them.

Art by Floyd Looks for Buffalo Hand

Talking Feather wishes you: A Blessed Holiday, and A Prosperous New Year!

Tags: Floyd Looks for Buffalo Hand, Indian Christmas, Oglala Sioux

Indian ‘Shadow Wolves’ stalk smugglers on Arizona reservation, By Brian Bennett, Los Angeles Times

Kevin Carlos,Tohono O'odham "Shadow Wolf" photo- Brian Bennett LATimes

Osiyo,

Members of the Tohono O’odham Nation have always had trouble with their borders that separate the United States and Mexico. Now, members of the tribe are taking steps to protect their lands themselves. Excerpt:  ”They work for the federal government — and also to protect sacred lands of the Tohono O’odham Nation along the border with Mexico. Reporting from the Tohono O’odham Nation,— Kevin Carlos hates how the drug runners tramp through the ancient cemeteries and holy places he holds dear.

That peak up there, he says, speeding toward the reservation’s border with Mexico. That’s where the creator lives. His name is I’itoi, the elder brother. He created the tribe out of wet clay after a summer rain. Tribe members still bring him offerings — shell bracelets, beargrass baskets and family photos — and leave them in his

Kevin Carlos photo Brian Bennett, LA Times

cave scooped out of the peak. But the drug smugglers don’t know that. On their way to supply America’s drug markets, they use these sacred hilltops as lookouts, water holes as toilets and the desert as a trash can. So Carlos hunts them.   The Shadow Wolves use GPS locaters, high-powered radios and other modern tools, but it is their tracking skills and their feel for the hidden box canyons, caves and seasonal watering holes that make them formidable counter-narcotics agents…”It takes patience. These guys think they are out in the middle of nowhere, scot-free,” Carlos says. “Then we find them.” Read this article for more information.

“…Question: How does the boy become a dancer?  He just knows. His mother said he had dreams when he was just a little boy…He has made many sacrifices for his dancing even for just a young boy. The people concur, “Yes, you can see it in his face.

~ Ofelia Zepeda ~ (Tohono O’odham  member) “Deer Dance Exhibiton”

Note: Re: Tribalpedia. In keeping with Talking Feather’s ESL teaching orientation, we will be adding Questions for Comprehension and Discussion to each of the tribal entries; the questions will mostly be drawn from the histories of the tribes. This will provide teachers with additional material for the classroom to help students.

The Tribes with questions thus far:  Acoma, Anasazi, Apache, Arapaho, Blackfeet, Catawba, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Comanche, Crow, Delaware/Lenape, Hawaii, Hopi, Inuit, Iroquois,  Laguna, Navajo,  Seneca, Shawnee,  Sioux,  Zuni,

 

Tags: drug smuggling, Mexico, Shadow Wolves', Tohono O'odham Nation, U.S.

Osiyo,

November is American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month . This is the time for songs, dances, and reflections. Talking Feather features Lesson plans (with teachers’ guide and Answer Keys) Tribalpedia,  featuring the Inuit and Alaskan Nations. Be sure to visit and feel free to utilize the material, especially if you are a teacher.

President Obama at 2010 White House Tribal Nations Conference.

There are many wonderful events taking place. To begin  the celebrations, an article from Domestic Policy Council,  by Kimberly Teehee, the White House Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs. She discusses the upcoming Tribal Nations Conference  2011. Excerpt: …”As you may have already heard, the President, along with members of the Cabinet, Senior Administration officials, and tribal leaders will gather at the 2011 White House Tribal Nations Conference on December 2nd. As part of President Obama’s ongoing outreach to the American people…”

We encourage everyone to read the entire article to learn more about the conference.

Artist James Luna: "Take a picture with a real Indian" exhibit.

Another site of interest is the Smithsonian “Infinity of Nations” The review of the exhibition by  Jess Righthand, explores thousands of years of artwork from the Native nations of North, Central and South America… One “very interesting” artist in the program is James Luna: “Standing at a podium wearing an outfit, I announce: “Take a picture with a real Indian. Take a picture here, in Washington, D.C. on this beautiful Monday morning, on this holiday called Columbus Day…And then I just stand there. Eventually, one person will pose with me. After that they just start lining up. I’ll do that for a while until I get mad enough or humiliated enough….”

Inuit woman's Tuilli, or Parka NMAI.

Another beautiful exhibit are the artifacts and clothing representing the various tribal Nations, such as this Inuit woman’s Tuilli.

R.C. Gorman painting

Included are the wonderful paintings, and drawings of  Navajo artist R.C. Gorman.

The N.C. Museum of History in downtown Raleigh, will hold its celebration Saturday, Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are FREE.

There are many up-coming events, and we will enjoy presenting as many as we can!

If you would like your celebration to be announced on Talking Feather send us an email (see below).  In the meantime, love who you are, and enjoy your life!

“What sets worlds in motion is the interplay of differences…Life is plurality, death is uniformity…Every culture that disappears, diminishes a possibility of life.” ~Octavio Paz~ Mexican poet and writer (1914-1998)
 

Native Foster Care: Lost Children and Shattered Families, NPR, by L. Sullivan and A. Walters

Derrin Yellow Robe-3- Crow Creek Reservation- photo: John Poole:NPR

Osiyo,

Recently NPR has been conducting an investigation into the removal of Native American children from their families and into foster care.  The result of their findings were shocking…

The following is an excerpt from the overview:

“Nearly 700 Native American children in South Dakota are being removed from their homes every year, sometimes under questionable circumstances. An NPR News investigation has found that the state is largely failing to place them according to the law. The vast majority of native kids in foster care in South Dakota are in nonnative homes or group homes, according to an NPR analysis of state records. Years ago, thousands of Native American children were forcibly removed from their homes and sent to boarding schools…Many suffered horrible abuse, leaving entire generations missing from the one place whose future depended on them —their tribes

In 1978, Congress tried to put a stop to it. They passed the Indian Child Welfare Act, which says except in the rarest circumstances, Native American children must be placed with their relatives or tribes. It also says states must do everything it can to keep native families together.

But 32 states are failing to abide by the act in one way or another, and, an NPR investigation has found, nowhere is that more apparent than in South Dakota. “Cousins are disappearing; family members are disappearing,” said Peter Lengkeek, a Crow Creek Tribal Council member. “It’s kidnapping. That’s how we see it.” State officials say they have to do what’s in the best interest of the child, but the state does have a financial incentive to remove the children. The state receives thousands of dollars from the federal government for every child it takes from a family, and in some cases the state gets even more money if the child is Native American. The result is that South Dakota is now removing children at a rate higher than the vast majority of other states in the country…”

We urge you to read (or listen to) the entire NPR series..

Our “heart-felt” thanks to our reader LJ!

Part 1: Incentives And Cultural Bias Fuel Foster System-

Part 2: Tribes Question Foster Group’s Power And Influence

Part 3: Native Survivors Of Foster Care Return Home

Suzanne Crow photo:John Poole/NPR

A Fight For Her Grandchildren Mirrors A Native Past- by Nathan Rott

Grown men can learn from very little children, for the hearts of little children are pure. Therefore, the Great Spirit may show to them many things which older people miss.~Black Elk~

(1863-1950-Holy Man of the Oglala Lakota Sioux)

Pretty Inupat girl with grandmother

Alaskan Traditional Chilkat Dancer.

Orca Totem with snow.

Osiyo,

We are very pleased to have the Alaskan tribes as members of Tribalpedia.

The tribes are listed alphabetically by name,and by the Regional Organization membership. In addition, Tribalpedia has linked  each tribe to its website, the  Alaska Database Community Information Summaries (CIS). Those tribes with (*) in front of  their names have websites. We encourage you to visit and provide support where you can.  (See NYT article about  the traditional Sacred Whale hunt of the Inupiat).

“A culture is made — or destroyed — by its articulate voices.”~Ayn Rand- (Russian born American Writer  and Novelist 1905-1982)~

Also, remember that  October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Take time to visit their site, National coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) to learn more, or to get help and support…You are not alone!

The Blanket Around Her

maybe it is her birth

which she holds close to herself

or her death

which is just as inseparable

and the white wind

that encircles her is a part

just as the blue sky

hanging in turquoise from her neck

oh woman

remember who you are

woman

it is the whole earth

~ Joy Harjo-(Creek Indian-b. 1951-)~

 

 

Tags: Alaskan Tribes

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.

Osiyo!

We are pleased to announce that the 21 pueblos are now a part of Tribalpedia.

There are two parts: Pueblo Indians Part I provides a brief history of  the Anazasi and shows how the Pueblo Tribes of today originated from them.  Pueblo Indians Part II provides information for each individual Pueblo as it stands today.

To make them feel “at home” we’ve highlighted some famous Indians from some of the Pueblos, along with some of the dances the Pueblos are known for.

Note: Lori Piestewa of the  Hopi Pueblo was a U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps soldier, and she has passed over. She was the first  American Indian woman in history to die in combat while serving with the U.S. military and the first woman in the U.S. armed forces killed in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.  We will be forever grateful to her for the sacrifice that  she made for the people of the United States. Please read her bio here

We thank all of the people who have been sending strong and positive emails to Talking Feather!  We are going to continue to present the best information about the Indigenous People from all locations.

Blessings and Peace to those who visit this site–Talking Feather–

Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo Youth Dancer

Lori Piestewa of Hopi Pueblo

Artist Cliff Fragua of Jemez Pueblo

San Ildefonso Pueblo Feast Day

Pojoaque Pueblo Cloud Dance

Photos:

New Mexico Magazine

Photo Gallery

Tribalpedi

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

ICT, Navajo Nation First Lady to Join ‘Stop the Violence Against Women Day’ Walk

Navajo Nation First Lady Martha Shelly

Navajo Nation First Lady Martha Shelly joined others to participate in the “Stop the Violence Against Women Day” walk to show her support for the Violence Against Family Act.

First Lady Shelley stated,

“… We have been actively working on the Violence Against Family Act, which has been in development for the past ten years and we are confident it will be passed by the Navajo Nation Council… I encourage everyone to come out and join us to advocate for the rights of victims and families of domestic violence.”

“As first lady, Martha Shelly has continued her work in women and children’s health care. She focuses on efforts to raise awareness of breast cancer and diabetes and to promote the field of counseling… As an honorary member for the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Coalition to prevent drunk driving among young people, the First Lady has also become an advocate for the prevention of teen suicide and school bullying.”

“Working alongside First Lady Michelle Obama, Mrs. Shelly has become involved with the Let’s Move initiative to bring awareness to unhealthy eating and the high obesity rate among our young people.”

Kudos to those who support the cause and especially to the Navajo Nation first Lady! Read the article and join the fight against domestic violence!   A few thoughts…

“A nation is not conquered until the hearts of its women are on the ground. Then it is finished no matter how brave its warriors or how strong their weapons.”
(Tsistsistas, Cheyenne)

“Every woman who thinks she is the only victim of violence has to know that there are many more.”
– Salma Hayek

Tags: domestic violence, Navajo Nation First Lady Martha Shelly, Violence Against Family Act

Queens Farm Organization

The Thunderbird Indian Dancers

New York City will celebrate  the 33^rd Annual Thunderbird American Mid-Summer Pow Wow which is the city’s oldest and largest American Indian event. The Pow Wow lasts for 3 days from July 29, 30, and 31.

Over 40 Indian Nations will be represented. One of  New York’s most famous dance troupes  The Thunderbird American Indian Dancers will be performing.

“ Wide in appeal, Thunderbird American Indian Dancers have made an enormous contribution to the effort of preserving and perpetuating American Indian culture… Specializing in the songs and dances of the tribes of the Northwest Coast, Woodlands (Iroquois and Winnebago), Plains (Sioux) and the Southwest (Hopi and Santo Domingo), their repertoire includes the traditional “Fancy Dance” and “Hoop Dance,” as well as a variety of other distinct regional tribal dances…” Enjoy these wonderful artists on You Tube

Visit Our New Tribalpedia!

 

By Brooks Baehr, Hawaii News Now- State officially recognizes Hawaii’s indigenous people

Visit Talking Feather’s new  Tribalpedia to learn more about the Hawaiians and the history of these beautiful people.

It appears that the people of Hawaii have received the long awaited bill from the state claiming that “Native Hawaiians are the only indigenous aboriginal, maoli population of Hawaii.” The new law is seen by some Hawaiians as an advancement towards self-governance; by others, a means to separate the people. According to Senator Malama Solomon, an advocate of the bill,

“What this bill does is it helps to formally organize the Hawaiian people…and we’re hoping through convention or whatever other form they may choose…organize themselves for the purpose of creating their own self governance and also to determine their own self determination.”

Not all Hawaiians agree with the new law because not all “Hawaiians” will be included. Pilipo Souza, who identified himself as a member of the Committee of Hawaiian Nationals, had this to say,

“We feel that the whole agenda is to keep the people divided…the new law… enables only people of Hawaiian ancestry to participate in self determination. The law excludes people who through marriage, life experience, or for other reasons consider themselves Hawaiian.”

Read the article and share your thoughts with us!

Tags: aboriginal, Hawaii, law