By: Alison Knezevich
A federal committee has delayed recommending whether Putnam County commissioners can rebury the skeletal remains of about 600 American Indians from Buffalo, saying there are too many unanswered questions.
In March, commissioners received legal control of the skeletal remains, which had been stored at Ohio State University since the mid-1990s. They intend to rebury the remains at a site near the original graves.
But at a two-day meeting in Wisconsin that ended Friday, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act review committee tabled the issue, said Tim McKeown, a program coordinator for the national NAGPRA office.
Questions arose about whether Ohio State ever technically had legal control of the remains, McKeown said. Some archaeologists say the remains belong to the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, and were on loan to other institutions and then never returned.
"The county commission and the state need to work that out, and I don't know the answer to that," McKeown said.
NAGPRA, passed in 1990, allows federally recognized tribes to reclaim Indian remains and artifacts from museums and universities. No federally recognized tribes have claimed the Buffalo remains.
The Buffalo remains, which are about 400 to 500 years old, have been deemed "culturally unidentifiable," meaning they cannot be linked to modern-day tribes.
Get the rest of the story here: http://sundaygazettemail.com/News/200805190560
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
UAIC Tribal School Receives International Accreditation
Press Release
The United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC) School is pleased to announce its accreditation by the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA).
“This has been a goal for the UAIC Tribal School since we first opened our door,” said Roger Bordeuax, Superintendent of UAIC Tribal Schools. “It validates all of the sacrifices that have been made by so many people to create this school and the many programs and services that it houses. It shows that we are doing all the right things to help create a better future for our children by helping to give them the best education possible, which is really what this is all about.”
The UAIC School has a hands-on learning philosophy that helps teach children in grades K-12 key aspects of Indian culture and foster critical thinking to prepare tribal members to face future challenges. The school houses one of California’s most extensive collections of Native American Literature, which is available to all children at the school and other tribal members. The school also offers Occupational Therapy, private instruction, homework clubs and several career and personal development opportunities and services.
“There is no question that the education of our children is a top priority,” said UAIC Tribal Chairwoman, Jessica Tavarez. “The official accreditation of our tribal school is another milestone to ensuring our children have the necessary opportunities to reach their full potential.”
To achieve accreditation, the school completed a self-study as well as an evaluation by several CITA officials. To maintain the accreditation the school will have to continue to meet those standards and stay on the cutting edge of the education process through monitoring visits and interim reports during the five-year accreditation cycle.
CITA provides systems of accreditation to promote quality schools and continuous improvement, which enhances student success. It is an international accrediting authority that is responsible for accrediting over 32,000 schools in over 100 countries.
The tribal school has been operated for just under three years and was accredited this year on its first year of eligibility.
The United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC) School is pleased to announce its accreditation by the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA).
“This has been a goal for the UAIC Tribal School since we first opened our door,” said Roger Bordeuax, Superintendent of UAIC Tribal Schools. “It validates all of the sacrifices that have been made by so many people to create this school and the many programs and services that it houses. It shows that we are doing all the right things to help create a better future for our children by helping to give them the best education possible, which is really what this is all about.”
The UAIC School has a hands-on learning philosophy that helps teach children in grades K-12 key aspects of Indian culture and foster critical thinking to prepare tribal members to face future challenges. The school houses one of California’s most extensive collections of Native American Literature, which is available to all children at the school and other tribal members. The school also offers Occupational Therapy, private instruction, homework clubs and several career and personal development opportunities and services.
“There is no question that the education of our children is a top priority,” said UAIC Tribal Chairwoman, Jessica Tavarez. “The official accreditation of our tribal school is another milestone to ensuring our children have the necessary opportunities to reach their full potential.”
To achieve accreditation, the school completed a self-study as well as an evaluation by several CITA officials. To maintain the accreditation the school will have to continue to meet those standards and stay on the cutting edge of the education process through monitoring visits and interim reports during the five-year accreditation cycle.
CITA provides systems of accreditation to promote quality schools and continuous improvement, which enhances student success. It is an international accrediting authority that is responsible for accrediting over 32,000 schools in over 100 countries.
The tribal school has been operated for just under three years and was accredited this year on its first year of eligibility.
Mole Lake Chief Dedication
By: Rebecca Solomon
MOLE LAKE - A late tribal chief here in the Northwoods is remembered with a seven foot high bronze statue.
The Sokaogon Chippewa Community Tribal Council and Elder's Council are putting this 5000 pound statue of Chief Williard Leroy Ackley on the front yard of the home where he once lived.
The councils are also restoring Ackley's house, which is located across from the Mole Lake Casino and Lodge. The house will eventually be a museum.
Community members say this project is fitting for former Chief Ackley because he dedicated his life to helping his people and establishing the Mole Lake Indian Reservation in the 1930's.
Tribal Chairman, Arlyn Ackley, says, "He started working with other tribes to have the Reorganization Act passed through Congress and we wouldn't have our reservation status if it wasn't for him.
"Elderly's Council Member, Peter Mcgeshick Jr., says, "We need to remember that he was here and the one that got us this area.
"Once this statue is standing on its platform, the tribe will begin restoring Chief Ackley's old home.
The overall project should be complete in two to three years.
MOLE LAKE - A late tribal chief here in the Northwoods is remembered with a seven foot high bronze statue.
The Sokaogon Chippewa Community Tribal Council and Elder's Council are putting this 5000 pound statue of Chief Williard Leroy Ackley on the front yard of the home where he once lived.
The councils are also restoring Ackley's house, which is located across from the Mole Lake Casino and Lodge. The house will eventually be a museum.
Community members say this project is fitting for former Chief Ackley because he dedicated his life to helping his people and establishing the Mole Lake Indian Reservation in the 1930's.
Tribal Chairman, Arlyn Ackley, says, "He started working with other tribes to have the Reorganization Act passed through Congress and we wouldn't have our reservation status if it wasn't for him.
"Elderly's Council Member, Peter Mcgeshick Jr., says, "We need to remember that he was here and the one that got us this area.
"Once this statue is standing on its platform, the tribe will begin restoring Chief Ackley's old home.
The overall project should be complete in two to three years.
Indian educator lauded
By: Diane Fowler
GRANTS - Gloria Hale, Director of Indian Education for the Grants/Cibola County School District, has been honored as 2008 New Mexico Indian Educator of the Year.
The state's Public Education Department bestowed the award.
During her four years with the district, Hale has initiated the K-6 Navajo oral language program at two elementary schools, obtained continued funding for the K-12 Acoma Keresan language program at Laguna-Acoma High School and plans to work with the Pueblo of Laguna to introduce the Laguna Keresan language program.
The district has approximately 41 percent Native American students enrolled in its ten schools. The three largest Native American tribal representations are from the Pueblo of Acoma, the Pueblo of Laguna and students from the Navajo Baca Chapter. Other tribal representations include Zuni, Mescalero Apache and other tribes.
Since the implementation of the New Mexico Indian Education Act of 2003, Hale has initiated programs which has brought the district into compliance. Other aspects of the legislation include stressing the study of New Mexican Indian history and government, increase Native American parental involvement in the schools and partnerships with local tribes to establish curriculum and assessments of the language and culture.
Hale, who is of Navajo descent, came to New Mexico after retiring as a public school superintendent in Arizona. “When Arizona became an “English Only” state in 2003, I realized it was time to retire and seek other educational opportunities that support indigenous language and culture,” she related.
Keep reading here: http://www.cibolabeacon.com/articles/2008/05/19/news/news2.txt
GRANTS - Gloria Hale, Director of Indian Education for the Grants/Cibola County School District, has been honored as 2008 New Mexico Indian Educator of the Year.
The state's Public Education Department bestowed the award.
During her four years with the district, Hale has initiated the K-6 Navajo oral language program at two elementary schools, obtained continued funding for the K-12 Acoma Keresan language program at Laguna-Acoma High School and plans to work with the Pueblo of Laguna to introduce the Laguna Keresan language program.
The district has approximately 41 percent Native American students enrolled in its ten schools. The three largest Native American tribal representations are from the Pueblo of Acoma, the Pueblo of Laguna and students from the Navajo Baca Chapter. Other tribal representations include Zuni, Mescalero Apache and other tribes.
Since the implementation of the New Mexico Indian Education Act of 2003, Hale has initiated programs which has brought the district into compliance. Other aspects of the legislation include stressing the study of New Mexican Indian history and government, increase Native American parental involvement in the schools and partnerships with local tribes to establish curriculum and assessments of the language and culture.
Hale, who is of Navajo descent, came to New Mexico after retiring as a public school superintendent in Arizona. “When Arizona became an “English Only” state in 2003, I realized it was time to retire and seek other educational opportunities that support indigenous language and culture,” she related.
Keep reading here: http://www.cibolabeacon.com/articles/2008/05/19/news/news2.txt
Monday, May 19, 2008
Do you know...
Molly Brant is very typical of the difficulties in identifying true facts in research materials printed about Native women. There is no question that Molly was by far the most powerful and influential woman in the Mohawk Nation. She single-handedly is credited with maintaining British loyalty throughout the Iroquois Confederacy.
Her date of birth is given as both 1735 and 1736. Her Mohawk name was either Gonwatsijayenni, Degonwadonti or Tekonwatonti depending upon your resource. She died in Brantford, Ontario, Canada in 1795, OR in Kingston, Ontario, Canada in 1796. There is even disagreement over whether she was Mohawk or Iroquois.
We do have some fascinating facts about Molly that are not in dispute. She was born to a Mohawk father and an Iroquois mother in Conajoharie, New York, the older sister of the famed Mohawk leader Joseph Brant. Following the death of her natural father, Molly's mother married an Iroquois man who had been given an English name - Nicklaus Brant - and thus the English last name. She apparently had an uneventful childhood, and received an education that was unusual for any woman of that time period.
It was at the age of 17 that Molly's destiny began to take shape when she met William Johnson, a famous British trader who later became Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the British Indian Department's Northern District. Johnson was clearly quite taken with Molly for, by the time she was 23, she had moved into his home and was fulfilling all the duties of wife, political consort, and hostess of his considerable estate. She went on to bear Johnson 9 children.
Some accounts hold that Molly and Johnson were married in Native tradition, but it is established that they were never married in a white ceremony. Even though she was considered only Johnson's mistress by white leaders, she was nonetheless accepted as their peer and equal. Her skill as a diplomat was admired by the political leaders of the day. Her grace and dignity as a hostess made the Johnson estate a major destination to visitors from this country, Canada and Europe who could find an excuse to"stop by". In return for her hospitality, Molly received many gifts of every type and description. The personal items such as clothing, she carefully packed away. Other items were proudly displayed for all to see.
Never shy, Molly used her considerable influence with the British to see that her people were well cared for. In times of disagreement, it was she who traveled into the villages and met with the Sachems (chiefs) to urge their continuing loyalty to the Crown. So effective was she that provisions were made by the British to support her financially for her entire life! Her yearly pension even exceeded that of her famous brother.
Prior to his death in 1774, Johnson had the foresight to make a will which left all of his wealth and property to Molly. Additionally, he set out political appointments for the children and for Molly's brother, Joseph. As the armies of the American Revolution drew closer to her home, Molly knew that word of her loyalties to the British were too well known for her to be safe there. She gathered her worldly goods and moved into Canada. Even so, the invading armies reported digging up several barrels of dresses which had been left behind......buried in the backyard.
Molly remained safe in Canada until her death. Even there, her efforts to keep the Iroquois loyal to the British never weakened. Molly Brant's life, and her influence over events of her time, are indeed legendary.
She is also listed in 100 Native Americans Who Shaped American History.
By: Julia White
Her date of birth is given as both 1735 and 1736. Her Mohawk name was either Gonwatsijayenni, Degonwadonti or Tekonwatonti depending upon your resource. She died in Brantford, Ontario, Canada in 1795, OR in Kingston, Ontario, Canada in 1796. There is even disagreement over whether she was Mohawk or Iroquois.
We do have some fascinating facts about Molly that are not in dispute. She was born to a Mohawk father and an Iroquois mother in Conajoharie, New York, the older sister of the famed Mohawk leader Joseph Brant. Following the death of her natural father, Molly's mother married an Iroquois man who had been given an English name - Nicklaus Brant - and thus the English last name. She apparently had an uneventful childhood, and received an education that was unusual for any woman of that time period.
It was at the age of 17 that Molly's destiny began to take shape when she met William Johnson, a famous British trader who later became Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the British Indian Department's Northern District. Johnson was clearly quite taken with Molly for, by the time she was 23, she had moved into his home and was fulfilling all the duties of wife, political consort, and hostess of his considerable estate. She went on to bear Johnson 9 children.
Some accounts hold that Molly and Johnson were married in Native tradition, but it is established that they were never married in a white ceremony. Even though she was considered only Johnson's mistress by white leaders, she was nonetheless accepted as their peer and equal. Her skill as a diplomat was admired by the political leaders of the day. Her grace and dignity as a hostess made the Johnson estate a major destination to visitors from this country, Canada and Europe who could find an excuse to"stop by". In return for her hospitality, Molly received many gifts of every type and description. The personal items such as clothing, she carefully packed away. Other items were proudly displayed for all to see.
Never shy, Molly used her considerable influence with the British to see that her people were well cared for. In times of disagreement, it was she who traveled into the villages and met with the Sachems (chiefs) to urge their continuing loyalty to the Crown. So effective was she that provisions were made by the British to support her financially for her entire life! Her yearly pension even exceeded that of her famous brother.
Prior to his death in 1774, Johnson had the foresight to make a will which left all of his wealth and property to Molly. Additionally, he set out political appointments for the children and for Molly's brother, Joseph. As the armies of the American Revolution drew closer to her home, Molly knew that word of her loyalties to the British were too well known for her to be safe there. She gathered her worldly goods and moved into Canada. Even so, the invading armies reported digging up several barrels of dresses which had been left behind......buried in the backyard.
Molly remained safe in Canada until her death. Even there, her efforts to keep the Iroquois loyal to the British never weakened. Molly Brant's life, and her influence over events of her time, are indeed legendary.
She is also listed in 100 Native Americans Who Shaped American History.
By: Julia White
Actor Adam Beach has plan to back First Nations films and TV
CBC News
One of Canada's most prominent First Nations film stars has a plan to get more aboriginal stories into movie theatres and onto the airwaves.
Adam Beach, the Manitoba-born actor most recently known for his role on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, has announced he is setting up a new film company and will take a high-profile role in a new internet cable company.
He announced details Wednesday at an aboriginal economic development conference in Winnipeg.
His new company will produce feature films created by First Nations filmmakers.
He has also been hired by a new internet cable company to head its aboriginal division and will start reviewing proposals for the network in January.
"The content will be delivered by [everything from] an individual on the corner of a street telling us his life to the biggest politician we have complaining about the government, but the world will now hear our voice," he said.
Beach also has teamed up with rapper Ice-T, who also starred in Law and Order: SVU, to get more coverage for First Nations music.
"We're going to make the first native American pop star," he said, drawing whistling and clapping from the crowd of nearly 700.
Hebron Sinclair, a 19-year-old from Pinaymootang, in the Interlake area of Manitoba, was excited about the prospect of working with Beach.
"Holy Cow! Now I've got to get involved in this," he told CBC News. Sinclair creates hip hop music under the name Junebug.
"I've got to do something … that's like another open door for me."
Beach plans to leave Law and Order: SVU at the end of the season to concentrate on these projects.
Beach is also known for his recent performances in films such as Flags of Our Fathers, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee and Windtalkers.
One of Canada's most prominent First Nations film stars has a plan to get more aboriginal stories into movie theatres and onto the airwaves.
Adam Beach, the Manitoba-born actor most recently known for his role on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, has announced he is setting up a new film company and will take a high-profile role in a new internet cable company.
He announced details Wednesday at an aboriginal economic development conference in Winnipeg.
His new company will produce feature films created by First Nations filmmakers.
He has also been hired by a new internet cable company to head its aboriginal division and will start reviewing proposals for the network in January.
"The content will be delivered by [everything from] an individual on the corner of a street telling us his life to the biggest politician we have complaining about the government, but the world will now hear our voice," he said.
Beach also has teamed up with rapper Ice-T, who also starred in Law and Order: SVU, to get more coverage for First Nations music.
"We're going to make the first native American pop star," he said, drawing whistling and clapping from the crowd of nearly 700.
Hebron Sinclair, a 19-year-old from Pinaymootang, in the Interlake area of Manitoba, was excited about the prospect of working with Beach.
"Holy Cow! Now I've got to get involved in this," he told CBC News. Sinclair creates hip hop music under the name Junebug.
"I've got to do something … that's like another open door for me."
Beach plans to leave Law and Order: SVU at the end of the season to concentrate on these projects.
Beach is also known for his recent performances in films such as Flags of Our Fathers, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee and Windtalkers.
A hero’s welcome for Whitehorse
By: Karen Francis
WINDOW ROCK — An injured soldier who recently arrived home was given a hero’s welcome Thursday evening at the Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Park .
U.S. Army Pfc. Jason Whitehorse, a graduate of Gallup High School, will be the recipient of two Purple Hearts. The Purple Heart is a combat decoration awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces “who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy.”
Though he was still on crutches because of injuries sustained in Iraq on March 27, he rode in with the Navajo/Hopi Honor Run motorcycle riders from Shiprock.Whitehorse, 19, arrived in Albuquerque on May 10, where his mother, Lorene Yazzie, awaited him.
“It feels pretty good,” he said about being back. He added about the bike ride from Shiprock, “It was nice seeing all the scenery on the way here.”
His plan now, he said, is to “spend some time at home and try to see everybody before I head back to my station.”
Get the rest of the story here: http://www.gallupindependent.com/2008/May/051708hero.html
WINDOW ROCK — An injured soldier who recently arrived home was given a hero’s welcome Thursday evening at the Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Park .
U.S. Army Pfc. Jason Whitehorse, a graduate of Gallup High School, will be the recipient of two Purple Hearts. The Purple Heart is a combat decoration awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces “who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy.”
Though he was still on crutches because of injuries sustained in Iraq on March 27, he rode in with the Navajo/Hopi Honor Run motorcycle riders from Shiprock.Whitehorse, 19, arrived in Albuquerque on May 10, where his mother, Lorene Yazzie, awaited him.
“It feels pretty good,” he said about being back. He added about the bike ride from Shiprock, “It was nice seeing all the scenery on the way here.”
His plan now, he said, is to “spend some time at home and try to see everybody before I head back to my station.”
Get the rest of the story here: http://www.gallupindependent.com/2008/May/051708hero.html
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