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Being Indian Is . . . having a large family of over a million brothers and sisters!
Being Indian Is . . . feeling that Little Bear, Prays-for-All, Big Heart are more beautiful names than Jones, Smith or Brown.
Being Indian Is . . . watching cowboys shoot to kill 40 of your kind with a six-shot revolver on the TV late show without getting a scratch.
Being Indian Is . . . observing your children watching a cowboy and Indian TV
western movie and cheer for the cowboys.
Being Indian Is . . . joining the U.S. Army to save your country from the perils of aggression, and against the U.S. Army on your reservation to keep the Army Corp of Engineers from stealing your sacred land.
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Being Indian Is . . . graduating from a government Bureau of Indian Affairs school and not being able to read a 6th grade English book from your white friend's urban school. Being Indian Is . . . having your child come home from school and ask you about the "strange beliefs" of the Indians that his/her teacher mentioned in school today. Being Indian Is . . . never making quick evaluations of people, but reserving judgment until their actions show what kind of people they really are. Being Indian Is . . . feeding anyone and everyone who comes to your door with whatever you have. Being Indian Is . . . knowing the Great Spirit. Being Indian Is . . . having a Christian missionary tell you it is wrong to believe in more than one Divine Being, then listening to him tell you about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. Patrick, St. Christopher, St. Francis, your spirit, your soul, etc. Being Indian Is . . . never giving up the struggle for survival. Being Indian Is . . . standing up for life principles and truths unashamed without having compromised your values. Being Indian Is . . . not only being proud of who you were born from, but mindful of how you conduct yourself in the world. Being Indian Is . . . to have your liberal white friends urge you to follow the same path as your Black brothers to gain some advantage. Being Indian Is . . . having your friends and relatives accuse you of being a traitor if you seek an education, earn more than $7,000 a year, wear a white shirt and tie, drive a car less than three years old, and live in a three bedroom home. Being Indian Is . . . having heard your grandparents and yourself say, "When they honor the treaties and we get our land claim payments"...then suddenly realize your children are saying the same words also. Being Indian Is . . . having your non-Indian friends go on a Vision Quest led by a white man to the mountains, but leaving you home because you can't make the $30 registration fee to attend. Being Indian Is . . . listening to your well-intentioned white brother try to tell you about your native spirituality. Being Indian Is . . . hearing from non-Indians how rotten the government has treated Indians, but still voting them back into office. Being Indian Is . . . listening to people tell you about their grandmother or great grandmother that was a Cherokee Indian Princess. Being Indian Is . . . seeing other Indians in search for an Indian identity. Being Indian Is . . . being greeted by non-Indians with pseudo names from real ancestors of your tribe. Being Indian Is . . . having to prove with documentation that you are one, when other races and people in the country don't have to. Being Indian Is . . . knowing that your ancestors were slaughtered like animals in the name of Christianity, and then being told that Christianity is out to save us. Being Indian Is . . . buying "authentic" Indian jewelry made in Taiwan or Japan Being Indian Is . . . learning of people becoming Indian without having an Indian mother or father. Being Indian Is . . . finding out that people think all Indians lived in tipis. Being Indian Is . . . being told that Columbus discovered America from his ship, when we were watching him from the shore. Being Indian Is . . . trying to relate to people who say they are mathematically 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, etc. degree of blood. Being Indian Is . . . wearing braids and being called a "hippie" by those who object to long hair. Being Indian Is . . . being whipped for speaking your own tribal language when on the school ground premises. Being Indian Is . . . watching your elders boast of Indian pride and leadership, between swigs of liquor from a half-empty bottle. Being Indian Is . . . having your brothers and sisters that are enrolled in the tribe treat you as second class citizen because you and/or your family chose not to walk the government's path. Being Indian Is . . . trying to search for tradition and truths of life when alcoholism and drugs poison the path to the answers. Being Indian Is . . . trying to talk to elders about the "old ways" and having them want to talk more about the rising price of cigarettes. Being Indian Is . . . going to school when you're young and having the teacher skip over the Indian chapter in the history book. Being Indian Is . . . seeing others forget the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Being Indian Is . . . having others make jokes about your heritage and culture. Being Indian Is . . . living in two worlds. Being Indian Is . . . knowing the word, "Indian", is not your true name. Being Indian Is . . . being called "Chief" or "Tonto" by patronizing non-Indians. Being Indian Is . . . being human, with human thoughts and feelings like your non-Indian brothers and sisters. Being Indian Is . . . being constantly on the alert for the government's tactics that will annihilate you and your tribe. Being Indian Is . . . holding onto a piece of paper treaty that was signed, but never honored. Being Indian Is . . . being told of the ten commandments, but see the white man subscribe to them only when convenient and in his favor. Being Indian Is . . . having non-Indians look at a barefoot Indian child that laughs, thinking he or she is poor. Being Indian Is . . . knowing alcohol doesn't make you Indian, just drunk. Being Indian Is . . . seeing elders die and the language & customs with them. Being Indian Is . . . seeing Mother Earth destroyed by those who don't know Her. Being Indian Is . . . seeing history books tell you Columbus discovered America. Being Indian Is . . . hearing others think all Indians wear war bonnets. Being Indian Is . . . having the government treat you like a prisoner of war. Being Indian Is . . . seeing the government spend billions of dollars abroad, but fail to honor the Indian treaties. Being Indian Is . . . sad, Being Indian Is . . . hard, Being Indian Is . . . crying, Being Indian Is . . . laughing, Being Indian Is . . . forever! Ah'Ho Brother/Sister
In the 100 year history of the Olympic Games, only one American has ever won the gold medal in the 10,000 meter run. Billy Mills is the first and only American to ever win this event.
Billy is Oglala Lakota (Sioux) and was born on the Pine Ridge Indian
Reservation in South Dakota. Although rich in culture and spirit, this reservation is continually recognized as one of the most economically disadvantaged in America. Billy was orphaned as a young boy, and he turned towards sports as a way to excel in life. He won a scholarship to the University of Kansas. In 1960, he tried out for the Olympic team but failed. However, he was determined to succeed, and trained 100 miles per week for the next four years. In 1964 he made the U.S. Olympic team in two events: the 10,000 meters (which is about 6.2 miles) and the marathon.
Billy's chances to win either event at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics were slim-about one in one thousand. Then, on October 14, 1964, the 10,000 meter race was a thrilling, come-from-behind victory for Billy and the USA. It has been called one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history.
A Captain in the U.S. Marines, he was honorably discharged in 1965, and he then pursued further honors in track and field. During the later part of the 60's, he held numerous World, American and European records. Among many other honors, he was inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame in 1976 and given the Jackie Robinson Humanitarian Award in 1995.
A movie was made about Billy Mills' life in 1984. Starring Robbie Benson, Running Brave was a major motion picture depicting his life and his Olympic triumph.
Billy Mills travels extensively promoting physical fitness and lecturing, helping many individuals across the country reach within the depths of their capabilities and perform to the greatest of their potential.
On October 14, 1964, Billy Mills stunned the World by winning the most sensational race in Olympic history. But it wasn't how he finished, it was where he started that made him a champion.
The pursuit of excellence that Billy used in his athletic career is the foundation that he uses today in assisting thousands
of corporations and associations throughout America as a keynote speaker. Billy is proud to be National Spokesperson for Running Strong for American Indian Youth, raising over $30 million in 1994-1995, and to be helping Americans change in lifestyles that enhance levels of health and fitness.
Billy Mills is the spokesperson for
Running Strong for American Indian Youth
Wheaties is running a contest of all past athletes who were
You can obtain a voting ballot by buying a box of Wheaties which will have the voting form. Buy MANY boxes and share with your friends and family but don't forget to vote with each box cover!!!
Go here
for more information about Wheaties.
Dear Rick:
I'm a member of a spiritual circle here in Minneapolis whose
members are mostly white, and some Native Americans. Our teachers have all been respected elders and/or NA authors -- Dakota, Lakota, and Ojibway. I'd like to publicly acknowledge and thank these teachers, for their wisdom, the willingness to share the teaching with sincere (very) whites, and also to thank those who have kept the ways, the songs, and the knowledge alive, through every adversity that we, the whites, could inflict upon them.
We are sorry for all that has happened to the Native People of this beautiful land, and would undo it if we could. But we cannot, so we do our best to honor those people who suffered and are suffering, as a result of bad laws and discrimination, thank them, and by our actions show love and brotherhood and sisterhood to them.
Our teachers have said that the Creator did not make any path for one people only, and that is why they are willing to teach people who come with good hearts & sincerity, the old ways.
So, to the Wisdomkeepers, the Grandmothers and Grandfathers, we offer our humble gratitude.
Mitakuye Oyasin,
Alice Hess
Ani Rick,
I am an Odawa from Michigan, currently my place and space is in West Virginia. My search or new journey began almost 18 years ago. This path I began to follow and relearn about the original people as we have been entitled. Many questions have been asked. All of
the terminology is rather confusing, traditionalist
and non-traditionalist. There is only one who has the right to judge.
I really don't or would not like to get off on this tangent. I would like to visit with the elders or wisdom keepers, so maybe I can have a clearer understanding of all the sayings, stories, original instructions, and prophecies.
There are so many, many, questions. So Rick I hope to here from you. In closing may the great spirit guide you and watch over you and yours.
Bah-Mah
Hi! I wrote to you in the first place because I've been reading your
fine, impressive and inspirational book, TRAVELS IN A STONE CANOE. In the Olympia, Wa. area are two people,
Native Americans, sister and brother, who live at Frank's Landing, the reservation. It is a quite interesting place, with much action that goes on there, mainly, leading in the struggle/organizing for fishing rights. But, they also have established a wonderful school for Native American children, which just had to be rebuilt because of floods last spring. The establishment of the school is a story unto itselfl! It was in 1975, and I was the first teacher, of which I feel very proud. Maiselle Bridges and Billy Frank are the two main leaders at the Landing. Both are activists to the hilt! And, I thought you should know about them. I've already written to Maiselle, but she's a bit slow on the correspondence end so it will probably be a while before I hear from her. She's over 70, so I do get concerned when it takes too long for a response.
The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee sent me an e-mail telling of all the atrocities which have befallen Mr. Peltier. It is disgraceful, outrageous and downright dangerous to his health that he is being treated in the way he is. His life is really on the line and he's getting no help for improvement. I've been reading The Rape of Nanking, a wonderful book and quite an expose of Japan's treatment of China in the late 30's...information which has been withheld, as is typical! The more I read, however, the more I think of
the atrocities committed against Native peoples and political prisoners right here in our own country. There is a holocaust going on right here that is not being attended to. It would be terrible for Clinton to be impeached because he's the 'playboy of the western world.' We thought Sen. Packwood was bad, he can't even hold a candle to Bill Clinton! But his crime is not being foolish and having weird sexual appetities. That's a problem between him and Hilary, who would herself be foolish to retain this man!
Clinton's real crime is what's going on in the middle east; his failure to do something about Chiapas, his failure to come to the aid of the people of East Timor; his role in the blockade of Cuba and not acting on the case of political prisoners such as Mr. Peltier. Only the most inhumane person would deny Leonard Peltier the attention he deserves, that his health warrants. I know that you are quite familiar with what's going on...that you've written a book with Leonard Peltier, which we are very anxious to read!
I am involved with the Gray Panthers in Portland. I put out the newsletter, and other productions! We meet on 16 January next and one point of our discussion will be on health care. This is a great, grave, health care concern and I will be sure to bring it up.
This letter is in response to the notice that you sent me recently.
So close to 2000 and so far away from justice,
freedom, self-determination and world peace! I just found an article from Freedomways dated 1981, telling about storage of plutonium on Laguna Pueblo land in New Mexico which has had devestating affects on the people and made an article from that for a report at the Gray Panthers meeting.. In 1999, conditions have not changed or
improved; they have considerably worsened and Indian health continues to be threatened by these worsening conditions. Leonard Peltier is a good example.
Goodbye for now. Greetings for the new year. Perhaps in spite of it all, we can, with our families and dear friends, enjoy a happy and peaceful and productive New Year! We'll try!
Warm regards!
Shalom
Dear Rick,
I am wanting to find out how I can locate information about my
grandfather's mother. My family has no pictures nor do they have much
information to go by. I do have my grandfather's name and his siblings names and I believe his father's name. His father was from Spain but his mother full Indian. I truly do not know what tribe or much of anything else. My grandfather says I look exactly like her. No one else in my family have my traits or gifts that I possess. For years I have tried to find out any information I could. Something inside me tells me I need to pursue this strongly.
Could you please help or direct me to where I can get assistance?
Thank you,
You may reach me at ShirleyJRhodes@Strosslawaol.com
Or
2626 Blossom Lake Drive
Dear Rick,
On June 21st, my 21 year old son took his own life. Since then I have been involved in research and a self-education process in depression. Along the way I spoke with an old friend who knew my son as a young boy. She had written a sympathy card saying that he had died a warrior's death, brave and with a mission for humanity. I was intrigued. A later meeting with her revealed that she was a healer and apprentice medicine woman. She said that she was informed of my son's death the day before she was leaving for Snowflake, AZ to partake in sundance ceimonies there. Upon hearing the news she knew that she would be dancing with my son's spirit and that his spirit
was that of a rainbow light warrior. If I understood her correctly,
these spirits, or souls are the guardians of the pathway way to the next level of soul evolution which is taking place now and until the year 2005-6.
She knows this and lives this belief. I will be speaking with her again for a clearer understanding. However, we have had very powerful signs through rainbows. The day after my son's passing his bride-to-be along with her family witnessed two rainbows horizon to horizon totally brilliant one on top of the other. My friend said that there had to be two to show substance and light (spirit) which my son had been and become. Also, there is a constant reflection in her room of a rainbow from a special gift my daughter gave to my son's intended. As long as a window is open the rainbow
is present from this special gift.
Do you know anything of this belief and tradition? If not, do you have any suggestions as to who I might contact regarding this?
Thank you for your help. I'll look forward to hearing from you.
Tom Bonine
Dear Rick,
Myself, I am an elder. That's much better than senior citizen...white
person's language. Elder has more dignity! And, it's better than Old
Person, which I'm not really. I do like to think of myself as a
WisdomKeeper . . . and, with a mother aged almost 94, perhaps Wisdom's Daughter! I edit the local Gray Panther Newsletter, The Pulse and often use the expression 'wisdomkeeper' when discussing us elderly.
Thanks for making us aware of this word. I have
read Wisdomkeepers* and Wisdom's Daughters**
and Shadowcatchers.** All wonderful, moving and
inspiring books!
Years ago, I lived close to the Nisqually Reservation in Olympia, Washington and helped set up the first Native American Indian school on the West coast. If you are still gathering material, two people who would be helpful and who are most interesting are Elders, sister and brother, Maiselle Bridges and Billy Frank. Their father, who I believe was the chief, or who was at least a great and honored elder, and a fine storyteller, died a few years ago at the age of over 100!
Located on the Reservation is perhaps the biggest Native American Indian school, Wa-He-Lute School, that probably now includes a High School. It is a unique and wonderful school. The reservation itself is well worth a visit and Maiselle Bridges is a fine hostess and a beautiful person. She is the person responsible for the school.
Thanks for all these wonderful books. I've not only enjoyed them, but have learned much from them as well. I have heard both Harvey Arden and Steve Wall speak at Powells . . . two separate but great events. Yes, indeed, Thank You!
I also wanted to add how moving is the preface of Travels In A Stone Canoe.** And, lastly, Harvey Arden, I eagerly look forward to your book with Leonard Peltier. I did write about the case in the Newsletter that just went out. I hope Gray Panthers will be motivated to take some action.
Gerri Peck, Portland, Oregon
* Wisdomkeepers and
Travels In A Stone Canoe ** Wisdom's Daughters and Shadowcatchers. were authored by Steve Wall.
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