Chickasaw tourism center

Chickasaw Nation to open Bricktown tourism center

The Chickasaw Nation is getting ready to open a tourism office and information center in the century-old Bunte Candy Factory Building at 1 E Sheridan.

By Steve LackmeyerBricktown is set to become the "northern gateway” for the Chickasaw Nation as it prepares to open a tourism office and information center in the Bunte Candy Factory Building.

"Bricktown exemplifies the increasingly important role tourism is playing in Oklahoma's economy,” Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby said. "Tourism is also becoming increasingly important in our tribe's business diversification efforts. We believe our presence in Bricktown will provide tremendous economic benefits for the Chickasaw Nation and the state of Oklahoma.”

"We're asked about American Indian culture a lot,” Huntington said. "As Oklahomans, we sometimes take for granted the rich tribal and American Indian culture we have, but it's not lost on our out-of-state and international visitors. And we have those in Bricktown on a regular basis. Our European and Asian visitors in particular are very interested in American Indian culture and history.”Some background information in a note attached to the article:The Chickasaw Nation is the 13th-largest federally recognized tribe in the United States. Its jurisdictional territory includes more than 7,600 square miles of south-central Oklahoma and features dozens of recreational and tourist attractions. The tribe's newest attraction, which will be featured at the new Bricktown office, is the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur. The venue offers interpretive exhibits and displays of Chickasaw art, culture and history on 109 acres of rolling hills and woodlands adjacent to the mineral waters of Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Other tribal attractions include Riverwind Casino, WinStar World Casinos, numerous smaller casinos, Remington Park racetrack, theaters, golf courses, campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks.Comment:  Interesting that the Cherokees emphasize historical monuments and cultural activities while the Chickasaws emphasize casinos and outdoors activities. Don't the Chickasaws have a strong historical presence in Oklahoma? If not, why not? Because they were merged with the Choctaw Nation for their first few decades in Oklahoma?

To compare Chickasaw tourism with Cherokee tourism, see Tahlequah Named Top 10 True Western Town and Cherokee Capitol is Historic Landmark.

Testament frontman on Pomo heritage

Where heavy metal and American Indians meet

By Tom LanhamStallion-maned thrash-metal rocker Chuck Billy ... was just rewarded by no less than the Smithsonian Institution, which is featuring the Pomo tribesman in its new exhibit “Up Where We Belong: Native Americans In Popular Culture.”

What’s happening with your tribe these days? Our reservation is up in Hopland, so I spend a lot of time up there. Right now, our tribe has come a long way. In the past, we didn’t have much money for schools, transportation or even keeping up the land. But, 10 years ago, they built a casino there and started generating revenue for themselves, then started improving the schools, roads, everything. And now, here comes the government with its hand out, suddenly wanting a piece of it, which upsets me a bit.

How have your Pomo beliefs informed your music with Testament? Back in 2001, I had cancer. And, I was born and raised a Catholic, went to church and the whole bit, so it wasn’t like I was really turned on to my Native American side at all. But, it got to where I really turned to my Native American spirituality and went through the process of healing ceremonies, sweat lodges and just—just believing. Being focused on the power of the Earth, as well as the power of the mind. And, here I am. Back on tour, doing what I love.Comment:  For more on the subject, see Inside Up Where We Belong and Up Where We Belong at NMAI.

Below:  "Big honor: Testament frontman Chuck Billy, center, a member of the Pomo tribe, is represented in an exhibit at the Smithsonian." (Courtesy photo)

Paterson criticizes Bloomberg's remarks

Gov. Paterson slams Mayor Bloomberg over 'inappropriate' comments on getting cig taxes from Indians

By Kenneth LovettGov. Paterson this morning shot down as "inappropriate" a recent controversial comment by Mayor Bloomberg over the state's effort to collect taxes on the sale of cigarettes by Indian tribes.

Bloomberg suggested that Paterson stare down threats of Indian violence by standing on the state Thruway with a cowboy hat and shotgun while delivering the message the taxes will be collected.

"I love the mayor, but this is a very dangerous situation," Paterson said during his weekly appearance on the John Gambling show on WOR-AM'.

Paterson, who plans to begin collecting taxes on cigarettes sold by Indian nations on Sept. 1, said he is not looking to "raise the tension of a potentially dangerous situation with any kind of rhetoric."Comment:  For more on the subject, see Indians Rally Against Bloomberg and Senecas Denounce Bloomberg's Remarks.

Prime minister joins Inuvik dancers

Dancing PM wows Inuvik

By Bruce Campion-SmithIt’s not often the nation sees Prime Minister Stephen Harper unscripted.

But thanks to the persuasive powers of the Inuvik Drummers and Dancers, there was Harper taking part in a traditional Inuvialuit dance here Wednesday, thrusting fur-trimmed cowhide gloves high in the air.Comment:  For more on Harper's take on Natives, see No History of Canadian Colonialism?! and Canada Says It's Sorry.

Below:  "Prime Minister Stephen Harper took new steps in his campaign to promote sovereignty in the Arctic--by dancing. On Wednesday night, he took to the floor and joined in during a performance by the Inuvik Drummers and Dancers."

The value of indigenous knowledge

Last of Their Kind:  What Is Lost When Cultures Die?

The world's cultures have been disappearing, taking valuable knowledge with them, but there is reason to hope

By Wade DavisPeople often ask why it matters if these exotic cultures and their belief systems and rituals disappear. What does a family in New York care if some distant tribe in Africa is extinguished? In truth it probably matters little, no more than the loss of New York would directly affect a tribe in Africa. I would argue that the loss of either way of life does matter to humanity as a whole.

Consider the achievements of the Polynesians. Ten centuries before Christ—at a time when European sailors, incapable of measuring longitude and fearful of the open ocean, hugged the shores of continents—the Polynesians set sail across the Pacific, a diaspora that would eventually bring them to every island from Hawaii to Rapa Nui, the Marquesas to New Zealand. They had no written word. They only knew where they were by remembering how they had got there. Over the length of a long voyage the navigator had to remember every shift of wind, every change of current and speed, every impression from sea, sky and cloud. Even today Polynesian sailors, with whom I have voyaged, readily name 250 stars in the night sky. Their navigators can sense the presence of distant atolls of islands beyond the visible horizon by watching the reverberation of waves across the hull of their vessels, knowing that every island group had its own reflective pattern that can be read with the ease with which a forensic scientist reads a fingerprint. In the darkness they can discern five distinct ocean swells, distinguishing those caused by local weather disturbances from the deep currents that pulsate across the Pacific and can be followed as readily as a terrestrial explorer would follow a river to the sea.

There are many such examples of ancient wisdom. Among the Barasana people of the northwest Amazon in Colombia, for whom all the elements of the natural world are inextricably linked, complex mythologies about the land and its plants and animals have given rise to highly effective land-management practices that serve as a model for how humans can live in the Amazon basin without destroying its forests.Comments from the peanut gallery

Some comments on this article:Zi at 09:44 AM on 08/23/10

All of human history and nature to this point say that for new and better things to come into being old ones have to die. It is true that language, architecture, and much more is part of the human legacy. I and most others will not, however, return to living in log cabins without plumbing, use Latin as a mother tongue, sail to China to do business, and on and on and on. The death of old ways, languages, and views is not an end. It is a new beginning. Nothing lasts forever...the hope is that what replaces it is better.

SDahal at 12:09 PM on 08/23/10

I am not sure whether "old ones [always] have to die" for the birth of "new" things. Don't we always build on the old to get across or to arrive at the new? To pick on your example, we may not return to caves or log cabins, but they were a bridge to the today's air-conditioned houses. In this particular case, the basic idea (or, in certain sense Plato's notion of Idea) of survival under a harsh weather condition remains the same in a modified, technologized version. What we call new things today will become "old" tomorrow. Sure everything has a life span, but there are certain old things, if not all, worthy of preserving and retrieving. Some of the old things can find new usage. Not everything new is necessarily better, so after certain experimentation we may have to return to old ways on some occasions. Return to or retrieval of the original or first form or any earlier stage as it is may not be possible, but reconfiguration of the past to suit and perfect the present is what we do. Neither can we terminate everything old to start anew from scratch nor is it necessary to do so.

Most importantly, everything new may not solve all the problems that we confront today. Some of the old ways are better equipped to tackle today's problems. Take for instance, analog computation. Should we terminate it in the name of digital computation? That would be a loss. An old language as a program may decode something that a new may not be able to. Past is the evolutionary milestone that we build our future upon. It is better to add something new to the old without destroying the old. This is where the example of the Barasana people makes sense: Their cultural practice of interconnection with nature has reduced the adverse human impact on the environment in the Northwest Amazon of Colombia.

Zi at 03:01 PM on 08/23/10

Get a grip & don't read things into simple statements that aren't there SDahal. No implications that babies should be thrown out with the bathwater were there. Simply put there is a growth process regarding human beings that continually matures the medium in which we exist and we must mature to exist in that medium as well. We can't 'packrat' everything into the future whether we like it or not. Get use to it.

outsidethebox at 05:57 PM on 08/23/10

Ask yourself why these cultures died. They were failures at surviving. That is also true of far more advanced ones (think the Soviet Union). Let's stop being romantic about failure.

frgough at 06:47 PM on 08/23/10

This is nothing more than a conclusion based on the flawed premise that all cultures are equally valuable. Superior cultures will dominate and eliminate inferior cultures, after assimilating the better elements. Get over it.

Kneeslapper at 08:35 PM on 08/23/10

Superior cultures?? I'm not calling u a racist frgough but that idea is very ignorant in itself. To think that ur culture is better than someone else's is pretty close minded. Look up culture relativism. N yes i do understand that western societies r more developed but our culture (as in American culture) has led to the demise of many things, our environment being one of them. So just because we live in air conditioned houses n not in huts doesn't make us any better than our fellow world citizens because every culture has it's good n bad.

tichead at 12:21 AM on 08/24/10

To all who may deny the value of ancient cultures: throw the main circuit breaker on your house to the OFF position. Live on your wits within your defined 'owned' space for a week. Let me know how that works out.

That any seemingly 'primitive' cultures survived the advent of modern contact is a testament to their resilience. And, that some didn't, does not diminish their culture. Could any of us digital communicators survive in the places that those people lived in for hundreds, maybe even thousands of generations, and do so without destroying the source of our sustenance?

Their science is/was their religion. The shaman, the keeper of the knowledge, was the priest, physicist, doctor, record keeper, artist, musician, grocer, and etc. I would not hesitate to hypothesize that we need their knowledge more than they need ours.Rob weighs in

The Barasana's knowledge has proved its worth. I imagine the Polynesian knowledge could contribute to oceanographic research, meteorology, navigation, and related fields.

A few comments on the comments:

Zi says old things "have to die." But when SDahal challenges him on this, Zi backtracks and says babies shouldn't be thrown out with the bathwater. In other words, old things must go unless they're valuable, in which case they can stay. So Zi foolishly misspoke and SDahal rightly corrected him on it.

We can't "packrat" everything into the future? Hasn't Zi heard of libraries and databases? With lour terabytes of data storage nowadays, we certainly can packrat everything. It's idiocy to suggest that we can't or shouldn't study the past and preserve the results. "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

Outsidethebox's comment about cultures--"They were failures at surviving"--may be the stupidest thing here. Does that also apply to the 9/11 victims? They didn't protect themselves from a murderous attack, so they were failures. Survival of the fittest means Al Qaeda, not the losers in their ivory Twin Towers.

If "surviving" is your criterion, the civilizations of Egypt, China, and India have survived the longest. Unless you count the indigenous cultures that have survived for 10,000 years or more. They've all survived much longer than the United States, which is an infant among nations.

Moreover, the US couldn't defeat Vietnam, was terrorized on 9/11, and is failing in Afghanistan. Maybe we should switch to an Egyptian or indigenous model pronto since the evidence of our failures is all around us.

Frgough's "superior cultures will dominate and eliminate inferior cultures" is equally stupid. So the Nazis dominated and eliminated the Jews because the Jews were inferior? Great, let's all become Nazis. We can toss the Constitution and enshrine "might makes right" as our guiding principle.

For more on the subject, see Victor or Victim:  Our New National Anthem?, The Myth of Western Superiority, and Multicultural Origins of Civilization.

Below:  "Barasana people of the Northwest Amazon of Colombia believe that man and nature are one. Their philosophy of interconnectedness has given rise to land management practices that minimize the impact of the Barasana on the environment. In 1991 the Colombian government granted the Indian peoples of the Northwest Amazon legal land rights to an area the size of the U.K. Thanks to that decision, the once endangered Barasana are experiencing a powerful rebirth. They are among the rare lucky ones." (Wade Davis)

Prison "medicine man" ad canceled

A followup to my posting Prison Seeks Generic Medicine Man. First they changed the ad:

The Department of Justice Is No Longer Looking to Hire a Medicine Man[A]fter the Drudge Report this afternoon linked to the page on the FedBizOpps.gov web site, the job title was quickly switched to “Native American Services/Spiritual Guide.”

Prospective candidates will still need to be familiar with topics such as medicine wheel, sweat lodge, the sacred pipe, and eagle feathers.

Then they canceled it:

Another job lost:  Medicine man

By Barbara HollingsworthIt took just two days for the Duluth, Minn. Office of the Federal Bureau of Prisons to cancel its August 17 solicitation for bids “from a responsible entity” for a “Native American Medicine Man“to conduct “sacred pipe,” “sweat lodge” and “smudging” ceremonies for federal inmates. Taxpayers would, of course, foot the bill for the spiritual guide.

The abrupt cancellation was perhaps due to a link on the Drudge Report. But sensitive prison officials might also have been stung by criticism that the job description was too generic, and that its blatant stereotyping would offend Minnesota’s Chippewa, Ojibwe and Sioux communities.

“What if a Navajo, Haida, Penobscot, or Miccosukee medicine man applies? (Assuming all these tribes have medicine men.),” one blogger asked. “What will the prison say? ‘Yes, you’ll do, because all Native religions are the same’? Or ‘No, sorry, our ad was misleading and we’ll understand if you sue us’?”Comment:  That blogger was me! Glad to see more evidence that Newspaper Rock is having an effect.

A quick search didn't reveal any evidence that Drudge knew of my blog or had quoted it. Hollingsworth obviously knew of it. I don't know if she reads it...if she found it via Google...or if someone forwarded it to her.

Another point I just thought of is that the ad specified a medicine man. Some tribes have medicine women too. What if one had responded to the ad? The DOJ would face a sex discrimination suit or some inmates would rebel, saying, "My tribe doesn't allow women to do that."

I get the impression that Drudge and Hollingsworth were annoyed because the DOJ was paying for a medicine man. They probably think that's something like a fitness guru or a yoga instructor. But since prisons have chaplains and rabbis, a Native spiritual guide is a legitimate expense, in theory. The problem again is that each tribe has its own religion and spirituality.

Book features Cherokee art

‘Building One Fire’:  Culture through art

The Cherokee Nation published a book featuring 200 works from 80 different Cherokee artists.

By Teddye SnellSince the beginning of time, people have gained a better understanding of different cultures through art.

The Cherokee Nation recently released “Building One Fire: Art and World View in Cherokee Life,” featuring 200 works from 80 different Cherokee artists.

The hard-bound, coffee-table book was compiled by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith, Dr. Rennard Strickland, and Benny Smith.

The trio provide the narrative for the book, which includes an opening message from Chief Smith, teachings from Benny Smith, a Cherokee philosopher, as well as observations from Strickland, an expert in Indian law and an avid collector and authority on Cherokee art.

“It appeared to me a few years ago that there was a need to publish a book that captured the Cherokee way of life through art and history--something that would distinguish southeast art and Cherokee people from other tribal art and cultures,” said Chief Smith. “The idea was something like an art history book that focuses on the Cherokee art style and the historical underpinnings for it.”Comment:  This posting contradictions the notion that the Cherokee are a bunch of wannabes who have no art or culture.

For more on the subject, see Tahlequah as Art Destination.

Mi’kmaq chief in Plains headdress

Donald Marshall Sr. forever remembered in Membertou

By Erin PottieThe same sculptor who chiselled the marble carvings of aboriginal heroes Chief Sitting Bull and Chief Red Cloud, has created a likeness of a long-standing Cape Breton Mi’kmaq leader.

Strong and pensive, muted and sturdy, a bust to depict the late Donald Marshall Sr. was unveiled Wednesday at a dedication ceremony in his home community of Membertou.

The Mi’kmaq leader was the grand chief of the Mi’kmaq in Atlantic Canada for 27 years until his death in 1991.Comment:  I don't particularly care if Marshall was a revered Mi’kmaq leader. The headdress on the statue looks like a stereotype to me.

For more on the subject, see Kiowa Gordon in a Headdress and Q'orianka Kilcher in a Headdress.

Below:  "Caroline Marshall of Membertou stands solemnly near the statue of her late husband Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr., during a dedication ceremony in Membertou on Wednesday." (Erin Pottie/Cape Breton Post)

Indians in Porky Pig Show #3

I recently watched the third episode of The Porky Pig Show on DVD. Here's the scoop:

The Porky Pig ShowThe Porky Pig Show is an American (airing also in Australia) television anthology series hosted by Porky Pig, that was composed of uncut Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons made between 1935 and 1963. Winston Sharples composed the title song.

It aired on network run from 1964 to 1967, and again in repeats on non-network syndication from 1971 to 1990 as Porky Pig and Friends.Porky Pig Show #3First Aired: Oct. 04, 1964

Cartoons Shown: "Scaredy Cat" with Porky Pig and Sylvester. "Baton Bunny" with Bugs Bunny and the Bothersome Fly. "Feather Dusted" with Foghorn Leghorn, Miss Prissy, and Egghead Jr.Comment:  In Baton Bunny, Bugs conducts a symphony orchestra with his usual exaggerated antics. At one point he coaxes the trumpeting by alternately imitating an Indian and a cavalryman.

As the Indian with his ears forming a feather, Bugs looks angry. He fires an arrow at an imaginary opponent.

As the cavalryman, Bugs fires a gun over his shoulder as he flees. He looks determined.

There you have America's historical narrative in a nutshell. Savage Indians attack. Civilized cowboys defend. They're bad. We're good.

Then Bugs the Indian appears to be shot. He dies in a dramatic whirl. So the Indian threat is over. The good guys have prevailed.

Bugs has acted out the fate of millions of Indians--many of them arguably homicide victims. Imagine a slaveowner lynching a black man or a Nazi incinerating a Jew and you'll get the idea. But it's only a cartoon, so it's okay.

Besides, everyone knows "the only good Indians is a dead Indian." Jesus, the popes, and our presidents have told us so, so it must be true. And all the Indians are gone so it doesn't matter anymore. Right?

But wait, there's more

In Feather Dusted, Foghorn Leghorn tries to teach Egghead Jr. to loosen up and have fun. At one point Foghorn dons a feather and warpaint, waves a tomahawk, and whoops like a savage Indian. Egghead watches him from a fort-like shed with a coonskin cap on his head. When Foghorn taunts him for playing Daniel Boone, Egghead pulls out a pistol and shoots him.

This is basically the same message as in Baton Bunny. The only difference is that Foghorn doesn't go through an exaggerated death scene. He simply turns gunpowder black, as cartoon victims usually do.

Let's see. This show aired for 24 years. Twenty-six episodes shown once every Saturday would be two airings per episode a year or 48 airings per episode total. ABC may have broadcast this anti-Indian propaganda almost 50 times...but constantly repeating the message didn't influence anybody? Children didn't get the idea of savage Indians from seeing savage Indians in front of their faces?!

These cartoons have aired many times beyond The Porky Pig Show. And they were only two of dozens of similar cartoons. And hundreds of similar TV shows and movies. Few if any cartoons singled out blacks, Latinos, Asians, or Jews for racial messages, but Indians were fair game. They were like cavemen, demigods, pirates, monsters, or spacemen: semi-mythical creatures that exist mainly in our imaginations.

For more on the subject, see:

Tom and Jerry in Two Little Indians
Cool Cat in Injun Trouble
Lippy and Hardy in Injun Trouble
Porky Pig in Wagon Heels

P.S. Was this a case of "people simply didn't know any better"? No, as you can tell from Gumby in Indian Trouble, a much better cartoon from the same period. If one cartoon could avoid racist stereotypes, they all could.

Below:  "I'm not a racist, but some of my cartoon friends are."

Navajo mural in Van Gogh style

Acclaimed Navajo artist donates mural to Williams

Unique collaboration by youth, artists on 'Sacred Hunt'

By Ryan WilliamsMuch like a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, one wall at the east end of downtown Williams was transformed from plain brick to the host of a vibrant multi-colored mural.

The mural, started July 3, is the work of Flagstaff-based Navajo artist Shonto Begay in collaboration with Cy Wagoner.And:The mural features a Navajo hunter and a young boy preparing for a hunt.

"The image itself is totally from my head," Begay said. "I sketched it out ahead of time. It's an image of a hunter paying tribute to the animals that he is going to go hunt. To give that prayer, that honor before hand. Blessing it. So that's why the animals are coming out of the woods. All the ones we use as food. There are a lot of lessons and stories about the animals in the beginning. Creation. They know the purposes. How we sustain one another. Inhabiting the fourth world. I wanted to bring that. Also, the young boy learning the way."And:Many of Begay's works exhibit impressionistic qualities, bringing the paintings of Van Gogh and his contemporaries to mind.

Begay acknowledged some similarities but never really studied Van Gogh's work.

"I would call myself a Neo-Impressionist situated in my own unconventional reality," he said. "As a Native, we always work from the lens that we're born with, the things that we know. Basically, it's mainly about recreating that and of course education being a major part of it. When I do murals I always have young people help me."Comment:  For more on Native murals, see Mural Commemorates Ojibwe Rescuer, Mural in Window Rock Post Office and Indian Land Dancing Mural.

Below:  "Navajo artist Shonto Begay paints scenery on a mural entitled Sacred Hunt that was donated to the city of Williams last month. Begay worked on the mural in collaboration with fellow artist Cy Wagoner and an area youth group." (Ryan Williams/NHO)

"9/11 mosque" = "devil worship"

In one of many attempts to summarize the prejudice against the Ground Zero community center ("mosque"), I posted the following notes on Facebook:"9/11 mosque" = "death panels" = "Swift Boat" = Monica Lewinsky = damn hippies = Red scare.

They (the socialist One-World brown-skins) are coming to get us (the white Christian freedom-lovers). Somehow they elected one of their own (Hussein Obama) and are now implementing their devilish agenda.

I presume American Indians--the original socialist One-World brown-skins who attacked white Christian freedom-lovers--are in on the plot.

Where's Joseph McCarthy when you need him? He'd be able to ferret out the terrorist sleeper agents and terror babies threatening America. You betcha!

I could go on, but I trust you get the point. This is the same bigotry Columbus brought to the "New World." The message is even the same: "They worship something strange and incomprehensible. Kill the devil worshipers before they corrupt, degrade, and destroy us!"For more on the subject, see Time's "Brief History of Intolerance" and Yesterday's Cherokees = Today's Muslims.

Below:  A savage, devil-worshiping terrorist, according to many Americans.

US praises itself on Native rights

US releases watered-down, generic report to UN on human rights

Native American testimony at 'Listening Conferences,' ignored in final report of US Periodic Review to UN

By Brenda NorrellThe United States has sent its report card for itself on human rights to the United Nations Human Rights Council. The US Periodic Review on Human Rights released today shows the Obama Administration giving itself a glossy, positive review on the issue of Native Americans and human rights.

However, it appears that no one was actually listening at the US State Department's Listening Conferences, held to gather testimony for the report from Native Americans.

The US report fails to describe the ongoing environmental genocide, where corporations in collusion with the US government target Indian country with power plants, coal mines, oil and gas wells and experimental technology.Some of what the US report did say:

Report of the United States of America
Submitted to the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights
In Conjunction with the Universal Periodic Review39. In November of last year, President Obama hosted a historic summit with nearly 400 tribal leaders to develop a policy agenda for Native Americans where he emphasized his commitment to regular and meaningful consultation with tribal officials regarding federal policy decisions that have tribal implications. In March, the President signed into law important health provisions for American Indians and Alaska Natives. In addition, President Obama recognizes the importance of enhancing the role of tribes in Indian education and supports Native language immersion and Native language restoration programs.

40. Addressing crimes involving violence against women and children on tribal lands is a priority. After extensive consultations with tribal leaders, Attorney General Eric Holder announced significant reform to increase prosecution of crimes committed on tribal lands. He hired more Assistant U.S. Attorneys and more victim-witness specialists. He created a new position, the National Indian Country Training Coordinator, who will work with prosecutors and law enforcement officers in tribal communities. The Attorney General is establishing a Tribal Nations Leadership Council to provide ongoing advice on issues critical to tribal communities.

41. On July 29, 2010, President Obama signed the Tribal Law and Order Act, requiring the Justice Department to disclose data on cases in Indian Country that it declines to prosecute and granting tribes greater authority to prosecute and punish criminals. The Act also expands support for Bureau of Indian Affairs and Tribal officers. It includes new provisions to prevent counterfeiting of Indian-produced crafts and new guidelines and training for domestic violence and sex crimes, and it strengthens tribal courts and police departments and enhances programs to combat drug and alcohol abuse and help at-risk youth. These are significant measures that will empower tribal governments and make a difference in people's lives.Nice, but that's only a fraction of the issues facing Indian country. Some of what the report didn't say, according to Norrell:There is no mention of the remains of radioactive spills, radioactive tailings and scattered bombs strewn across Indian country from the Navajo Nation to the Badlands on Lakotas' Pine Ridge.

The US report fails to address the widespread abuses by the US Border Patrol of Indigenous Peoples traveling in their own territories, or the violations of NAGPRA and other federal laws during construction of the US/Mexico border wall. This included Boeing digging up the ancestors of the O'odham.

There is no mention of the abuse of Haudenosaunee and others on the northern border by border agents. The US fails to describe the racial profiling that has become acceptable for police and border agents in the US.

The US does not address the violations of fishing and hunting rights of Native Americans in violations of Treaties.

The report fails to describe the targeting of American Indians by police during traffic stops, the longer prison sentences issued by courts for American Indians or the ongoing hate crimes in Indian country bordertowns. It fails to reveal the extent of the denial of rights for American Indian religious freedom in US prisons.Russell Means chimed in with his opinion of the so-called listening sessions:

Statement by Russell Means, Republic of Lakotah
on the Occasion of the United States State Department “Listening Session” in Albuquerque, New Mexico, 16 March 2010Once again, the occupation government of the United States of America has trotted out its dogs and ponies to provide a smokescreen and diversion from its continuing crimes against the indigenous peoples and nations of the Western Hemisphere. The reason for today’s media spectacle is supposedly for the US State Department to “listen” to input from indigenous peoples and nations for inclusion in the U.S.’s report to the United Nations Human Rights Council, universal periodic review process.

As we can see, many indigenous people have been duped to participate, yet again, in a lying and duplicitous process of the United States. The United States has absolutely no interest or intention of admitting to the world its human rights record that is neither justifiable nor defensible. In particular, the record of the United States with regard to historical, and ongoing, violations of over 370 treaties that were negotiated and signed with indigenous nations must be, but will not be, addressed by the United States. Instead, as is its ongoing practice, the United States will use this session, and the one tomorrow on the territory of the Diné (Navajo) Nation, as its justification that indigenous peoples were “consulted,” and “listened to,” while the U.S. simultaneously lies to the world about its disgraceful human rights record.Comment:  I don't know if I'd agree with some of the inflammatory language above. But the basic point is a good one. Any US report about Native rights should talk about the treaty violations up front.

In other words, an analysis of the US government's troubled trust relationship with America's Indian nations should be the subject of Chapter 1. Talk about what Obama recognizes, emphasizes, or supports should be in Chapter 5 or 10--i.e., in the back of the report. Tough talk about actual problems should come first and pie-in-the sky hopes should come last.

For more on the subject, see Obama Refuses to Use G-Word, Where Are Obama's Cabinet Reports?, and Obama's Invisible Apology.

Steve Miller's guitarist helps Visions

An advisor to a Native program called Visions recently sent me a note. Here's what the program does:

About VISIONSThis program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), provides Parent Training and Information (PTI) services to Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Alaskan Native families across the country.

VISIONS helps to ensure that Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Alaskan Native families of children with the full range of disabilities have the training and information they need to prepare their children for not only school, but to be able to lead productive, independent lives to the fullest extent possible.

VISIONS offers free help, information, and training across the country to Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Alaskan Native families of students with disabilities and the professionals that serve them. Our main focus is on the educational needs of students with disabilities.

We believe informed parents are a child’s best advocate, and that parents and professionals working together provide the best resources for our children.And here's what she said about it:It's the only program that services Indian children with disabilities. The program teaches Indian parents how to advocate for their children with public schools.

Recently, Kenny Lee Lewis, a guitarist with the Steve Miller Band, helped Visions receive the donation of an autographed guitar to auction in benefit for the kids. Kenny has documented Mohawk and Cherokee ancestry of which he is very proud. He has been with Steve Miller Band since the early '80s. He also has another band and works as a solo musician.

I wanted to suggest that you write an article on Mr. Lewis. He is a member of a well known classic rock band and is trying to give back to the Indian community. It would certainly help raise awareness about the needs of Indian children with disabilities. At 27%, Indians have the highest rate of disability than any other ethnic group.Comment:  Way to go, Mr. Lewis!

For more on Native guitarists, see Blackfoot Guitarist in Lynyrd Skynyrd and Guitarist Kabotie's Trilingual Lyrics.

NB3 Foundation fights obesity

NB3 Foundation to expand programs to fight obesity among Native youth

By Will ChavezA major health issue for Native people today is obesity and poor fitness levels, especially among the youth. In 2005, the NB3 Foundation led by pro golfer Notah Begay (Navajo/San Felipe/Isleta) began to work on addressing health issues such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes facing Native American youth on reservations by building awareness and raising funds.

The funds were used to fund golf and soccer teams for Native youth including the sponsorship of a soccer club for children on the San Felipe reservation north of Albuquerque.And:Statistics gathered by the NB3 Foundation show 60 percent of children at San Felipe are overweight.

“So statistically, we are fighting some serious numbers at San Felipe, and unfortunately it’s not just San Felipe-specific,” Echo Hawk said. “We are seeing similar rates of children being overweight and/or obese in tribal communities. The average now is well over a third of our children in tribal communities are obese.”

However, at San Felipe the soccer programs are making a difference because the NB3 Foundation with help from the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health has seen “significant” improvement in children in their overall physical fitness after 10 weeks in the program.Comment:  For more on the subject, see 2nd NB3 Challenge Raises $1 Million and Tiger Wins 2nd NB3 Challenge.

Below:  "San Felipe Pueblo leaders take part in a May 6 groundbreaking ceremony for a youth soccer field with NB3 founder Notah Begay, far right. The collegiate-size field was recently completed and will serve the pueblo’s youth soccer club." (Photo courtesy of the NB3 Foundation)

First urban Indian destination

Franklin Avenue plan would create urban Indian cultural corridor

By Rupa ShenoyOrange banners that say "American Indian cultural corridor" recently went up along a small stretch of Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis. They're the first step in a project that organizers hope will change the street's tough reputation, and make it a national attraction.

The goal is to re-brand the traditional heart of the city's Native American community as a place where both Indians and tourists can enjoy Native American food, art, and culture.And:Huenemann brought community members together to create a blueprint for a new Franklin Avenue, with sculpture- and tree-lined streets, Indian-owned boutiques and restaurants, and a planetarium that focuses on indigenous cosmology.

People arriving by car, bike or light rail might see a play at an American Indian theater or stay at an Indian-owned hotel. Along the way they may pass a pow-wow in a park or a new school for Indian youth. They could also stop in at Indian cafes, where elders gather to tell stories.

"That is what, in essence, we're sort of thinking about--little Italy, Chinatown," he said. "This would be the first we know of--the first urban Indian destination corridor in the country."Comment:  For more on Native tourism, see Aboriginal Kiosk at Tourism Center and Tahlequah as Art Destination.

Below:  "A view of the one-mile stretch of Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis that organizers hope to turn into the country's first Indian cultural corridor." (MPR Photo/Rupa Shenoy)

Indians rally against Bloomberg

Oneidas protest Bloomberg’s ‘cowboy’ comments in NYCMembers of the Oneida Indian Nation were among those rallying on the steps of New York’s City Hall on Monday protesting comments made by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Two weeks ago, the mayor had urged Gov. David Paterson to “get yourself a cowboy hat and a shotgun” and enforce the state cigarette tax law that hasn’t been enforced for years.

On Friday, the Oneida Indian Nation called Bloomberg’s phrasing “offensive and hurtful” to Native Americans, who in many cases were driven off their land across America during a series of battles in the 19th century.

Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter said Bloomberg’s imagery was as distasteful to his tribe as if someone urged Nazis to take action against Jews.Comment:  As with the Dudesons protests, I'm not sure this is the best way to actually change Bloomberg's mind. But it's a great way to show America that Indians aren't going to take racism and stereotyping any more.

For more on the subject, see Senecas Denounce Bloomberg's Remarks and Bloomberg Suggests Shooting Senecas.

Below:  "Representatives of Native American tribes and organizations call on New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to apologize for racially insensitive remarks he made on John Gambling's Aug. 13 radio show. Local Onieda Nation members joined Monday's rally on the steps of City Hall." (Bryan Smith/N.Y. Daily News)

DJs lampooned Makah whalers

We get e-mail:Ran into a particularly heinous stereotype some time ago. Local radio station would do little skits on the news of the day, at that time the Makah Whale Hunt. The DJ who apparently wrote the skit, Johnny Manson (a vile little creep if ever there were one), obviously hates Natives...well, anyone not white. I'd already warned the station once before about their Native stereotyping (don't remember the details now), but this skit was over the top...featured "Natives" in a Three-Stooges style behavior, "Light Cloud" and "Little Feather" talking about being drunk, using shotguns instead of harpoons, which was not "traditional"—"tradition, schmadition, I just want me some of that blubbah!!!!" I recorded it, as they were dumb enough to play it several more times over a few days. I wrote a letter and CC'd it to every tribe on the Washington Coast, and warned the station I was doing so. Soon, the DJ was no longer employed there. BUT...the other DJ, Pat Anderson, should have at least been reprimanded, since he was in on the sketch, as well.The e-mailer adds:It was KDUX FM in Aberdeen, WA. I'd e-mailed the station director once before about racist skits...another was a CK One spoof, "The Scent of Juan," about how you could sniff out those filthy illegal Mexicans.Comment:  For previous radio controversies, see DJs Whoop Over Running Bear and NCAI Denounces Radio Jocks.

Below:  The controversial Makah whale hunt of 2008.

Berenstain Bears cartoons in Lakota

Nonprofit Lakota Language Consortium to produce Berenstain Bears cartoons in Lakota, distribute them to schools via DVD. Read all about it in my Pictographs blog.

Time's "Brief History of Intolerance"

A Brief History of Intolerance in America

This photo essay contains 13 images. There are four references to Catholics, three to Jews, two to Asians and Indians, and one each to blacks, Mormons, and quasi-religious groups.

The two references to Indians are:1883
The Department of Interior declares many Native American rituals to be "offenses" punishable by jail sentences of up to 30 years. Chief Duck, above, was a member the Blackfoot tribe.

1890
On Dec. 29, soldiers massacred more than 150 Lakota Sioux, including Chief Big Foot, near Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota.I guess the gallery is slanted toward religious intolerance to show that bigotry against Muslims is nothing new. If you consider Wounded Knee a response to the Ghost Dance movement, the Indian references are religious also.

Odd that Time didn't mention Latinos or immigrants such as the Irish, since those are huge examples of historical prejudice. But okay.



Someone on Facebook said she was "honestly shocked + awed that Indians were included **at all**." My response:Interesting that the first Indian example was in 1883. TIME could've done a whole essay on intolerance against Indians. Broken treaties, land grabs, massacres, the Trail of Tears, the Long Walk, etc. Not to mention the Spanish oppression of Indians in California, the Southwest, and the Caribbean. (If you're going to cover British America before 1776, why not Spanish America also?)Another person's response:The Euro-encounter with "Africans" and "Indians" is the racial script that informs so much of today's neoracial politics :-(More thoughts

Before it was Indians, blacks, immigrants, Jews, and Commies. Now it's gays, welfare recipients, illegal immigrants, Muslims, and socialists. The labels change but the hate remains the same.

The people in the first group are still hated, of course. As are women, a perennial target.

How about if we round up all the Muslim Americans and put them in concentration camps? That worked for all the Japanese Americans who were terrorizing us during World War II, right? Same problem, same solution.

Don't like that idea? Okay, how about if we march them all to Alaska and hope they die along the way? It worked in the case of the Trail of Tears, right?

For more on the subject, see Yesterday's Cherokees = Today's Muslims and Mosque Celebrates Multiculturalism.

Below:  Custer's valiant troops make a last stand against the heathen savages. (This is the illustration for Wounded Knee, but I think it's Custer's Last Stand. The victims at Wounded Knee weren't on horseback.)

Indians evolve in textbooks

A new book shows the changing depiction of Indians in textbooks:

"Not Written in Stone: Learning and Unlearning American History Through 200 Years of Textbooks"

By Eleanor J. Bader"Not Written in Stone" opens with a chapter called "Images of Native Americans." He begins with a selection from a book penned by Noah Webster in 1831: "In general, a savage is governed by his passions ... He is remarkably hospitable to strangers, offering them the best accommodation he has and always serving them first ... Their religion was idolatry, for they worshipped the sun, the moon, the earth, fire, images and the like."

William Backus Guitteau's 1930 text, "Our United States," moved the focus from cultural exoticism to present Native Americans as brutal antagonists. "Their warfare was cruel almost beyond belief," he wrote. "The warrior scalped his dead foe and wore the scalp as a trophy and proof of his prowess. Captives were tortured with every cruelty that human ingenuity could devise."

By 1991, however, Clarence L. Ver Steeg's and Carol Ann Skinner's "Exploring America's Heritage" downplayed violence and instead focused on communal living and nurturance. "In almost every group," they wrote, "children learned without school buildings, books, or hired teacher. Parents, grandparents and elders were the teachers. The world was the classroom."Comment:  Funny that these books are describing the same peoples and cultures but using radically different terms. This demonstrates how biased a supposedly objective and factual source can be.

It's why I question our default beliefs and cultural mindset here in Newspaper Rock. Even if you don't agree with my conclusions, you have to think critically to address them. Once you start thinking critically, it's hard to stop. ;-)

For more on the subject, see Indians in Christian Textbooks and "A Savage People" in 1996 Encyclopedia.