Wyandotte company named Manufacturer of the Year

Wyandotte Nation company named 'Manufacturer of the Year'Wyandotte Precision Products (WPP) was named “Manufacturer of the Year” during Oklahoma Minority Enterprise Development Week. The celebration of success of minority entrepreneurs was coordinated by the REI Native American Business Centers.

“It is an honor for our team at Wyandotte Precision Products to receive the award from the MED organization and REI of Oklahoma,” said WPP President Ron Brown. “We still have a tremendous amount of work to do to meet our goals, but the award is an unexpected and welcome recognition of our efforts so far. As with all of our WTOK businesses, it is a team effort and a team recognition. We could not do what we do without the support of the Wyandotte Nation and all the departments of WTOK.”

The company was formed in June 2011, with the acquisition and workforce transition of an existing machine shop by the Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Department. WPP is a precision machine shop, located at the Joplin, Mo., airport, that produces maintenance and repair parts for manufacturing companies in the food processing, printing, oil and gas, military, explosives and automotive industries.

Experts in the reverse engineering process, the workforce consists of nine full-time employees, in addition to a contract worker. WPP also utilizes the Wyandotte Nation’s intern program to augment its customer service staff.Comment:  For more on Native business honors, see Northrop Wins Warrior Award and Minority Construction Firm of the Year.

Highway stretch honors Choctaw codetalkers

Oklahoma highway stretch to honor Choctaw Code TalkersOklahoma is honoring a group of World War I Choctaw Code Talkers by renaming a stretch of highway near where many of the men lived.

The Choctaw Nation and the Choctaw Code Talkers Association are hosting a dedication ceremony for the event on Friday.

The state is renaming 55 miles of Highway 3 between Antlers and Broken Bow in their honor.

Fourteen of the 19 original Choctaw Code Talkers lived in the area and often walked along the highway, and many family members still live in the area.Comment:  For more on the codetalkers, see Muscogee Creek Codetalker Medal and Radio Marathon for Comanche Codetalkers.

Leonard Peltier Day proclaimed

Leonard Peltier Day Honors Imprisoned Native Icon

By Gale Courey ToensingLeaders of the Oglala Lakota Nation have declared June 26 Leonard Peltier Day in honor of the American Indian Movement activist who has been in prison for 36 years, convicted of murdering two FBI agents in a trial that leading social justice organizations say was unfair and tainted by political influence.

Peltier (Anishinaabe-Lakota) was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences in 1977 for the death of two FBI agents during a confrontation with American Indian Movement (AIM) members on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota June 26, 1975. Peltier admits to being present, but denied at his trial and ever since that he shot the agents. Amnesty International calls Peltier a political prisoner.

Oglala Lakota Nation President Bryan Brewer and Vice-President Thomas Poor Bear issued a proclamation June 24 naming June 26th Leonard Peltier Day.Comment:  For more on Leonard Peltier, see The Book that Inspired Beach and Common, Moore Speak for Peltier.

California Assembly honors Testament's Billy

TESTAMENT's Chuck Billy Honored By California State AssemblyYesterday, Assembly member Jim Frazier (D-Oakley) honored Chuck Billy, an Antioch resident and the vocalist for Bay Area thrash metal legends TESTAMENT, on the State Assembly floor for the positive influence he has made in the Native American community and on the general public.

Chuck Billy, a descendent of the Pomo Native Americans, was born in Oakland and spent much of his youth on the Hopland Indian Reservation north of San Francisco. He is best known as the vocalist for TESTAMENT, where he plays several songs including “Trail of Tears”, “Allegiance”, and “Native Blood”, in honor of his ancestral lineage.Comment:  For more on Chuck Billy, see Native Blood wins Best Music Video and Gaming Saved Billy's Tribe.

Native activist wins peace prize

First Nations activist receives international peace prize

Judy DaSilva is a key player in Grassy Narrow's decade-long logging blockadeA First Nations rights activist from Grassy Narrows is getting international recognition.

Judy DaSilva received the Michael Sattler Peace Prize from the German Mennonite Peace Committee this week.

In a news release Lorens Theissen van Esch of the German Mennonite Peace Committee said: "We want to award the prize to Judy DaSilva in order to honour the nonviolent resistance of the Grassy Narrows First Nation against the destruction of nature and for the preservation of their Indigenous culture."Comment:  For more on Native honors, see Muscogee Creek Codetalker Medal and 2013 NAMMY Winners.

Below:  "Grassy Narrows First Nation activist Judy DaSilva received the Michael Sattler Peace Prize in Germany this week." (David Parsons)

Muscogee Creek codetalker medal

Muscogee Creek Tribe Code Talkers Medal Designs Reviewed

By Michael ZielinskiThe Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) and Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) recently reviewed design alternatives for a Congressional Gold Medal to be issued honoring the Code Talkers of the Muscogee Creek Nation.

Under the Navajo Code Talkers Congressional Gold Medal Act passed in 2000, the Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to Navajo Code Talkers for their contributions during World War II. Under the Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008, additional tribes will be recognized for their contributions during World War I and World War II. As of late January 2013, an updated list of Native American Code Talkers who served in the armed forces during both wars has grown to include 32 different tribes. So far, the CFA and CCAC have reviewed design alternatives for medals honoring 12 of these tribes.Comment:  I gather the Treasury hasn't decided on a design yet. The article shows the alternatives for the obverse and reverse sides.

Two groups voted on these designs. The groups recommended a different design for each side. I'd go with the CCAC's choices--the ones described as getting the highest vote totals. They're shown below.

For more on the codetalkers, see Codetalker Congressional Gold Medals.

2013 NAMMY winners

A chronology of this year's NAMMY award show along with a partial list of winners.

2013 Native American Music Awards

By Sherrill FulghumActor Kevin Costner hosted a program called "500 Nations" that documented the many Native nations that inhabit North America. On May 10 the Native American Music Awards honoured Native musicians from many of those Nations for their contributions to the world of music.

The NAMAs held their 14th annual Awards gala at the Seneca Niagara Events Center in Niagara Falls, New York. This marked the sixth consecutive year that the Seneca Nation hosted the event.

Set to be held last November, the NAMA's were delayed after Hurricane Sandy destroyed the NAMA headquarters in New York City.

The sold out event was hosted by Canadian comedian Don Kelly.14th Annual Native American Music Awards WinnersARTIST OF THE YEAR
Tony Duncan
Earth Warrior

GROUP OF THE YEAR
Tuwa
Big City Indians

BEST POP RECORDING
Stay With Me Baby
Jana Mashonee

RECORD OF THE YEAR
Shi Keyah Songs For The People
Radmilla Cody

SONG/SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Hear My Cry
Frank Waln & Cody Blackbird

LIVING LEGEND
Nelly Furtado

HALL OF FAME
Russell MeansComment:  Go to either article for a complete list of the winners.

For more on the NAMMYs, see 2013 NAMMY Nominations and Russell Means Honored for "Rap-ajo."

2013 NAMMY nominations

Nelly Furtado, Tony Duncan, Rickey Medlocke, Radmilla Cody to Boost NAMA 2013On Friday, May 10, when the Native American Music Awards are handed out in some 35 categories, the cast of leading Native musicians will be joined on stage by pop star Nelly Furtado and Chinese singer Ayi Jihu, who was described by the BBC as "China's Madonna."

Rickey Medlocke, founder of Blackfoot and current guitarist for Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Grammy Award–winner Joanne Shenandoah will induct the late Russell Means into the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame. Though primarily known as an actor and activist, Means released two discs that married his words to diverse styles of music. Means described the material on Electric Warrior (1993) and The Radical (1995) as "rap-ajo."

Acts scheduled to perform include Big River Cree, Buddy Big Mountain, Edmund Bull, Indian Elvis, Fawn Wood, CC Murdock, Jana, Joseph FireCrow, and Blackfoot. Grammy nominee Radmilla Cody, who is nominated for three NAMA awards, will sing solo, and also perform with Artist of the Year nominee Tony Duncan and his group Estun-Bah.

Furtado, who brought the hoop dancing skills of Tony Duncan to international prominence with her "Big Hoops" video, will receive the Living Legend Award. Duncan has become a regular presence on stage with Furtado, dancing to "Big Hoops" at high-profile performances that include MTV’s Video Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, The Tonight Show. Ayi Jihu will join fashion designer Angela DeMontigny and musician Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson in presenting an award.Comment:  For more on the NAMMYs, see Russell Means Honored for "Rap-ajo" and Edwards and Secola in NAMA Hall of Fame.

Below:  "Nelly Furtado with Tony Duncan in 2012. The two-time Grammy winner holds Duncan's 'Earth Warrior,' nominated for the NAMA Record of the Year."

Navajo Nation names poet laureate

Luci Tapahonso Named as Navajo Nation's First Poet LaureateThe Navajo Nation’s first-ever Poet Laureate has been named and will be officially introduced to the public on May 17.

On April 24, Elmer Guy, president of Navajo Technical College, announced the appointment of Luci Tapahonso as the Navajo Nation’s first Poet Laureate. Tapahonso will officially assume her role for the two-year position at the college’s commencement ceremonies on May 17, Guy said in revealing the award.

The goal of designating a chief poet is “to encourage other Navajo poets, writers, film makers and artists to realize how important their work is to the continuance and growth of Navajo contemporary culture,” Guy said at a press conference announcing Tapahonso’s honor. “Luci represents the best of what it is to be Diné, honoring our traditions, while at the same time forming a contemporary voice that speaks beautifully to all people.”

Tapahonso has written five books of poetry and stories, as well as a children’s book. Saánii Dahataal (1993) and Blue Horses Rush In (1997) are two of her better-known collections, both published by the University of Arizona Press. She also holds the distinction of being named Storyteller of the Year by the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers in 1999, a year after being recognized with the Region Book Award from the Mountains & Plains Booksellers Association, the Navajo Nation said in a press release.Comment:  I imagine it would surprise most non-Natives to learn Indians have poets, not to mention poet laureates.

For more on Native poetry, see First American Indian Poet and Indigenous American Poetry Symposium.

Pala documentary nominated for Emmy

Pala Documentary About Tribe's History of Military Service in U.S. Nominated for Emmy AwardThe Pala Band of Mission Indians is proud to announce that their documentary, "Defending the Homeland: Native American Veterans in the United States Armed Forces," has been nominated for a 2013 Emmy Award by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Pacific Southwest Chapter.

In the documentary, Chairman Robert Smith and members of the Pala Band of Mission Indians share intimate details of the Tribe’s history of military service in the United States Armed Forces.

"This documentary was dedicated to the many Pala Tribal members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service and we are proud it has been nominated for this very distinguished award," said Smith. "Our Tribe has a prominent tradition of participation in the United States military, so developing this documentary was a way for us to both preserve the stories of our courageous military leaders and share those stories with the world."

The documentary was nominated in the Military–Program/Special category. The Emmy Award winners will be announced on June 15 at the 39th Annual National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Pacific Southwest Chapter Emmy Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada.Comment:  For more on Native documentaries, see Docudrama About Hominy Indians and LaDonna Harris as a "Maker."

Russell Means honored for "rap-ajo"

The Late Russell Means to be Inducted into the Native American Music Awards Hall of FameAs a musician, Russell Means released two national recordings, the 16 track Electric Warrior, on Warrior Records in 1993, and The Radical, released on the American Indian Music Company, Inc., in 1995. He described his music as a Tribal Experience that included all genres of music; Classical, Country & Western Rock-n-Roll, Hard Rock, Hip-Hop, R&B, Jazz and the Blues. He called his own music and words, Rap-ajo because he said, “It's my version of Rap.”

The 14th Annual Native American Music Awards will be inducting the late American Indian activist, actor, and musician, Russell Means, into the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame on May 10 at the Seneca Niagara Hotel & Casino in Niagara Falls, New York.

The New York Times described him as, "the charismatic Oglala Sioux who helped revive the warrior image of the American Indian in the 1970s with protests that called attention to the nation's history of injustices against its indigenous peoples". The LA Times called him, "the most famous American Indian since Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse." Means is remembered as an "Oglala Lakota patriot and freedom fighter" by his family.

An inspirational visionary, Russell Means, passed away in October of 2012 at his ranch in Porcupine, South Dakota at the age of 72.Comment:  For more on Russell Means, see Russell Means Was a Fighter and Russell Means's Funeral.

Below:  "Russell Means with Senator Ted Kennedy."

Studi named "Great Western Performer"

American Indian actor Wes Studi to be inducted into Western ‘Hall of Greats’Actor Wes Studi is set to become the second Native American inducted into the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Hall of Great Western Performers in Oklahoma City.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that the “Dances with Wolves” and “The Last of the Mohicans” star will be inducted Saturday with the late-film noir actor, Robert Mitchum.

The Arroyo Hondo resident is also known for his roles as the Apache leader in “Geronimo: An American Legend” and Navajo detective Joe Leaphorn in the made-for-TV movies based on mysteries by the late New Mexican writer Tony Hillerman.

The only other American Indian in the Hall of Great Western Performers is Jay Silverheels, a Canadian Mohawk First Nations actor known for playing Tonto in the 1950s television series “The Lone Ranger.”Studi to be in Western 'Hall of Greats'

By Tom SharpeGrowing up in northeastern Oklahoma, Studi spoke only the Cherokee language until he went to boarding school. He remains an advocate of preserving native languages. After serving in the Army in Vietnam—in what he has described as a form of catharsis—he joined the American Indian Movement. That led to him participating in the Trail of Broken Treaties protest march and the occupation of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs building in Washington, D.C., in 1972 and the occupation of Wounded Knee, S.D., in 1973.

He returned to the Cherokee reservation in Oklahoma, attended college on the GI Bill, helped start a Cherokee newspaper and then ran his own horse ranch and became a professional horse trainer. It wasn’t until the 1980s that Studi turned to acting—live theater in Oklahoma, television and then his first feature film role in Powwow Highway, partly filmed in New Mexico.

A small roll in the ABC-TV movie Longarm brought him to Santa Fe in 1988, and a few years later, he and his wife, Maura Dhu Studi, a singer and actress whom he had met in Los Angeles, decided to make Santa Fe their home. They lived in town for the first two years, then moved to Arroyo Hondo. He said he no longer keeps horses, but many of his neighbors do.

“We’ve been here for 20 years,” Studi said. “The big reason is I like the area. I like the lack of humidity. My family lives in northeastern Oklahoma … and then my wife’s family lives in Los Angeles, and this is like halfway between the two. So it’s good logistics.”Comment:  For more on Wes Studi, see Studi Films Diabetes Prevention Commercial and "Fashion Heat" at Indian Market.

Tim Giago Day

Native American journalist recognized for 30-year career

By Daniel Simmons-RitchieStanding before a crowd of 20 well-wishers in City Hall, a stalwart of Native American journalism was honored Friday by Rapid City councilors.

Tim Giago, the owner of the Native Sun News, was recognized by City Hall for 30 years of dedicated service to indigenous issues.

Under an executive proclamation, Mayor Sam Kooiker declared April 5 "Tim Giago Day."

The accolade comes after a decision by Giago to step back from the Native Sun News. While he will remain owner, he said he will be less involved in the paper's day-to-day management.Tim Giago Day celebrated in Rapid City

Comment:  For more on Tim Giago, see Means Is "Riddle Wrapped in Enigma" and Giago Receives Lifetime Achievement Award.

Erdrich wins Rough Rider Award

Author Erdrich named Rough Rider winner

By Helmut SchmidtAward-winning author and Wahpeton native Louise Erdrich was today named the 39th recipient of the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest commendation. Gov. Jack Dalrymple will officially present Erdrich with the award April 19 in Wahpeton. Dalrymple praised Erdrich’s body of work. “Her prolific compilation of novels, poetry and children’s books has earned national and international acclaim and success, including a National Book Award and being selected a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Throughout her career, Louise has maintained strong ties to North Dakota, often featuring her home state in her books. She has proudly represented our great state and it is my privilege to honor her with this prestigious recognition,” Dalrymple said in a news release.Comment:  For more on Louise Erdrich, see Erdrich Wins National Book Award and Louise Erdrich's Birchbark Books.

Navajo archers sweep awards

Navajo Tech Archery Team Sweeps Awards in the Western Region of the U.S. Collegiate National Indoor Championships

By Navajo Technical CollegeIn its first participation in the United States Collegiate Archery Association (USCAA), the Navajo Technical College (NTC) archery team swept the award stand in the Basic Bow division in the Western Region of the U.S. Collegiate National Indoor Championships.

NTC was paced by first place medalists Collins Woody of Crownpoint, New Mexico in the men’s division and Deanna Charley of Thoreau, New Mexico, of the women’s division but also received second place medals by Ryan Whitehair of Kayenta, Arizona and Lakoda Joey of Crownpoint.

The tournament took place March 1-3 at Southern Utah University and included competition from schools throughout the western portion of the United States. Navajo Tech has been competing in archery since 2010, but this was their first appearance in collegiate competition.

“At first I was nervous for our archers not knowing how the range was going to be and some of the formats,” explained NTC archery coach, Clyde Henderson. “But after we got an introduction to the shooting format things went a lot smoother. By the time we left I felt pleased with our performance and proud of the archers we brought.”Comment:  Hey, no fair! Indians have an unfair advantage! They've been practicing the bow and arrow for hundreds of years! (Stereotype jokes--just kidding.)

For more on Native sports, see Jacoby Ellsbury's Native Baseball Camp and Marathon Cancellation Dissapoints Lakota Runners.

Below:  "NTC’s archers display their medals after sweeping the awards stand in the Western Region of the U.S. Collegiate National Indoor Championships. Pictured: (l-r) Coach Clyde Henderson; Men’s division 2nd place medalist, Ryan Whitehair, Women’s division 1st place medalist, Deanna Charley; Men’s division 1st place medalist, Collins Woody; and Women’s division 2nd place finisher, Lakoda Joey."

Star Nayea's wellness tour

Grammy winner brings Wellness Tour to Oklahoma

By Karen ShadeAs winter pushes out to make way for warmer temperatures, spring cleaning rituals abound like wild onion dinners. The timing is perfect for a tour coming to Oklahoma aimed at helping children and youth live better inside and out.

The 7th Annual Spring Into Wellness Tour will be in Oklahoma March 18-30. Founder and presenter Star Nayea said the goal is to reach as many Native communities as possible with a message of healthful, positive living.And:Spring Into Wellness began in Santa Fe, N.M., when she lived there and taught music. Now a Seattle resident, Nayea is a speaker and mentor. She may be best known as a recording artist with several solo albums to her name. She also was part of the album Sacred Ground: A Tribute to Mother Earth, which won the Grammy Award for Best Native American Music Album in 2006. Sacred Ground, a compilation album, also includes singers Robert Mirabal and Joanne Shenandoah. In 2008, Nayea was named the Native American Music Award’s Songwriter of the Year. She is of Canada’s First Nations people known as the Anishinabe tribe (commonly referred to as Ojibwe or Chippewa).

Ten years ago, Nayea began speaking with children in the schools in New Mexico and Arizona about living free of alcohol and drugs and that having good health is essential to a good life. A few years later, she officially dubbed her efforts Spring Into Wellness. The message is one share by Chance Lee Rush, who will be also tour this month.Comment:  For more on Native music and health, see Concert for a Cure and Healing Natives Through Hip Hop.

Radmilla Cody at the Grammys

Navajo Singer Radmilla Cody: Grammys-Bound and GratefulNavajo recording artist Radmilla Cody, a former Miss Navajo Nation, is nominated for a Grammy Award in the Regional Roots Album category for Shi Kéyah—Songs For The People, a disc she made with her uncle Herman Cody and released on Canyon Records. Radmilla is the first Native American artist to be recognized in the catch-all rubric that was created two years ago when the Recording Academy decided to discontinue the Native American Album category. (The Regional Roots Album category has not been totally free of indigenous sounds, as Hawaiian music albums received nominations in both years.)

For Cody, the chance to win a Grammy is undoubtedly a highlight of her career, but even if she doesn't come home with the hardware she will have made her presence known at the gala event. She will join several other nominees as a presenter at the Pre-Telecast Ceremony, which takes place on Sunday, February 10, from 1 to 3:30 PM Pacific (4 to 6:30 PM Eastern). That event will be hosted by David Alan Grier (nominated for Best Musical Theater Album for The Gershwins' Porgy And Bess) and Cody's presenting colleagues include Janis Ian (Best Spoken Word Album for Society's Child: My Autobiography), Kaskade (Best Dance/Electronica Album for Fire & Ice), Britt Nicole (Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for Gold) and Manuel Valera (Best Latin Jazz Album, for Manuel Valera New Cuban Express' New Cuban Express). The ceremony will be streamed live internationally at GRAMMY.com/live and CBS.com.Former Miss Navajo introduces herself at the Grammy AwardsThe Navajo singer, Radmilla Cody introduced herself at the Grammy last night before celebrities and singers in Navajo. As her sparkled turquoise necklace shine on the crowd, she spoke with great gratitude.

The former Miss Navajo Nation, kicked off the 55th Grammy Awards.

Comment:  Alas, Cody didn't win.

For more on the Grammys, see Radmilla Cody Nominated for Grammy and No Grammys for Indians in 2012.

Billy Mills receives presidential medal

Lakota Olympic Gold Medalist to Receive Presidential Citizens Medal

By Levi RickertBilly Mills, 1964 Olympic Gold Medalist, will receive the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation's second highest civilian honor by President Barack Obama at a White House event next Friday, February 15.

Mills is a tribal member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe is the only American to win the gold medal in the 10,000 meters. Billy Mills' win in the 10,000 meters is considered one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history.

He is one of 18 people who will receive the Presidential Citizens Medal. Each year some 6,000 applications are received by the White House for consideration to receive the Medal.

“It is my distinguished honor to award these individuals the 2012 Citizens Medal for their commitment to public service,” said President Obama.Billy Mills to receive medal from President Obama

Comment:  For more on the subject, see The Best Indian Movies. Below:  "Billy Mills, 1964 Olympic Gold Medalist, with Shawndiin Church in 2012."

Zia pottery football trophy

The New Mexico Bowl Trophy: A Pot for Peak Performance

By Lee AllenThe Gildan New Mexico Bowl trophy is a Zia Pueblo clay pot featuring depictions of football players and team logos, made especially for the game by husband-and-wife team Marcellus and Elizabeth Medina. "While I'm not knocking some of the standard brass or glass trophies, this isn't one of the typical treasures," says Simbieda. "It's unique art, one of the most unusual trophies in all of sports. Our intent was to create something unusual and because New Mexico is unique, we wanted to be able to grab some of the flavor of the state and encapsulate some of that regional culture in trophy form."

Knowing that accuracy was more important than speed in this case, Siembieda urged holding off on the inscribing procedure, warning: "Don't put the winners name on the trophy just yet because this one isn't over until the clock expires."

In staying the engraver's hand, Siembieda made the right call--and in fact, without Siembieda there wouldn’t be such a trophy.

Knowing the symbol was sacred to the tribe, it was he who traveled to the Zia Pueblo in 2006 to seek permission for the use of the Zia sun in the bowl logo. Tribal leaders not only gave their blessing, they asked that Zia art be used for the awards. And, says Siembieda, "We've shown our gratitude by commissioning their artists to create these unique trophies given every year since the bowl’s start."Comment:  For more on Indians and sports trophies, see Eight Native Players on Stanley Cup and Chief Caddo Football Trophy.

Below:  "A detail of the artwork on the permanent Gildan New Mexico Bowl trophy created by Elizabeth and Marcus Medina." (Kim Jew Sports Photography)

Pu’eska Mountain Day

Temecula City Council proclaims ‘Pu’eska Mountain Day,’ celebrates community milestones

By Kerri S. Mabee[I]t was a full house—many donning the orange shirts of those with the anti-quarry movement—that cheered the council’s official proclamation that Nov. 15, 2012—and every Nov. 15 thereafter—was officially Pechanga Pu’eska Mountain Day.

The decree was made in honor of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indian’s stunning announcement on Nov. 15 it had purchased the Liberty Quarry land, effectively putting an end to the years-long battle to repel the proposed construction site from Temecula.

Expressing relief that the battle was over, Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro, joined by other Pechanga tribe members and representatives, accepted the thanks of the council.

“All of us that live here in the valley are special. Our histories are intertwined,” Macarro said.

Councilwoman Maryann Edwards added: “We occupy the same space, we breath the same air. We are one community.”Comment:  For more on the Pechanga tribe, see Pechanga to Sponsor LA Film Festival and Bill Walton Basketball Camp at Pechanga.

Below:  "Temecula City Council members offer praise and thanks to Pechanga tribe leaders at Tuesday’s meeting." (Kerri S. Mabee/SWRNN)