Friday, October 27, 2006
Welcome Back Zack
When Zack Brown announced he was hanging up his spurs there were lots of teary eyed fans as the surfing cowboy had made a major impression.Well,surprise because just like Garth Brooks Zack is back;and he is back with a vengeance in the CBR this time.Zack just took third place in the CBR's YMBL Beaumont,TX event with 148.5 on two head.And to think I had to miss Beaumont!Be sure to catch Zack's return when this event is televised on The Outdoor Channel.Check www.cbrbull.com for the schedule..
Thursday, October 26, 2006
BFTS Rocky Boots Invitational
PBR's Rocky Boots Invitational
by Sheila Totten
It was a close race between PBR World Champions in Columbus,Ohio as the last event of the BFTS played out before the fans.The first round was won by 2004 World Champion Mike Lee who rode Page and Teague's Rattler for 89.25 points .The bull spun to the right while traveling and belly kicking.Mike had to be helped out after the bull horned him in the leg during the dismount.It looked like his knee was injured but Mike came back to ride Boyd,Floyd and Paradise Farms' Big Show in the Mossy Oak Shoot Out.Big Show took one leap out then made one spin to the right then jumped out of it and faked left then went back to the right.Mike stayed on and won the $15,000.He later explained that his leg was just bruised.
Brian Herman found out he had suffered a broken neck at the last event.He was heading to Columbus to ride when Tandy called him with the report.Brian underwent surgery on the 17th and will be out for at least three months.
J.B.Mauney was second in the round aboard Berger/Loe's Gold Bell Wine with 87 points while Justin McBride was in hot pursuit of Mike Lee,finishing third aboard Frontier/Teague's Shock The Monkey with 86 points. Mauney's traveling partner Brian Canter was fourth with 85 points aboard Frontier Rodeo's Freedom.
In round two it was reigning PBR World Champion Justin McBride who took the round with 89.25 aboard Frontier's Crooked Tooth who spun to the left away from Justin's hand, bucking hard with lots of change ups.That gave Justin 175.25 on two.]
Kody Lostroh was second in the round with 89 aboard Page/Teague's Wild One and Mike White was back in form as he finished third aboard Berger/Struvic's Kamo Kat. Dustin Hall and Paolo Crimber shared 4/5 with 87.50 points.
Our local hero Cory Rasch scored 84.75 in the first round which carried Cory back for the short go as he bucked off of Jeopardy in round two.
Fan Favorite Adriano Moraes scored 86.25 aboard Copperhead Slinger in round two as the bull spun away from Adriano's hand with lots of speed and action.It was a great looking ride but it was easy to see that Adriano was in lots of pain.
Mossy Oak Mudslinger looked great and it was almost as if the bull was saying don't retire me as he bucked Cory Rasch off .The bull score was 45.25. Cory tied for 15/17 in the average.It was all bulls as the first five riders bit the dust.J.B.Mauney topped Cordell and Loudamy's Uncle Charlie with a scor eof 89.It was a great ride as the bull spun to the left into Mauney's hand with lots of rear,drop and kick.J.B. was fourth in the round and tied for 4/5 in the average. Mike white is looking good although he has to improve his get -offs. He drew Hot Licks who spun to the right into his hand for 90.75 points while Mike remained in complete control. The dismount was ugly as he was thrown into the chute and was stepped on but the report was simply a bruise.Mike was third in the round and in the average.
Brian Canter made a great ride aboard Here's Your Sign for 91.75 points as the bull spun to the left into his hand in a fast drifting spin down the arena.It looks like Brian may have broke his thumb on his free hand. Brian had the lead with 260.50 on three head until Justin McBride rode Big Bucks for 93 points.It was a great ride and a battle of champions.The bull spun to the right into Justin's hand and rocked him forward and back. Justin became the first PBR rider to ride Big Bucks.This was Justin's second tour title in a row and his third for the season.That's a great way to head into the finals .
by Sheila Totten
It was a close race between PBR World Champions in Columbus,Ohio as the last event of the BFTS played out before the fans.The first round was won by 2004 World Champion Mike Lee who rode Page and Teague's Rattler for 89.25 points .The bull spun to the right while traveling and belly kicking.Mike had to be helped out after the bull horned him in the leg during the dismount.It looked like his knee was injured but Mike came back to ride Boyd,Floyd and Paradise Farms' Big Show in the Mossy Oak Shoot Out.Big Show took one leap out then made one spin to the right then jumped out of it and faked left then went back to the right.Mike stayed on and won the $15,000.He later explained that his leg was just bruised.
Brian Herman found out he had suffered a broken neck at the last event.He was heading to Columbus to ride when Tandy called him with the report.Brian underwent surgery on the 17th and will be out for at least three months.
J.B.Mauney was second in the round aboard Berger/Loe's Gold Bell Wine with 87 points while Justin McBride was in hot pursuit of Mike Lee,finishing third aboard Frontier/Teague's Shock The Monkey with 86 points. Mauney's traveling partner Brian Canter was fourth with 85 points aboard Frontier Rodeo's Freedom.
In round two it was reigning PBR World Champion Justin McBride who took the round with 89.25 aboard Frontier's Crooked Tooth who spun to the left away from Justin's hand, bucking hard with lots of change ups.That gave Justin 175.25 on two.]
Kody Lostroh was second in the round with 89 aboard Page/Teague's Wild One and Mike White was back in form as he finished third aboard Berger/Struvic's Kamo Kat. Dustin Hall and Paolo Crimber shared 4/5 with 87.50 points.
Our local hero Cory Rasch scored 84.75 in the first round which carried Cory back for the short go as he bucked off of Jeopardy in round two.
Fan Favorite Adriano Moraes scored 86.25 aboard Copperhead Slinger in round two as the bull spun away from Adriano's hand with lots of speed and action.It was a great looking ride but it was easy to see that Adriano was in lots of pain.
Mossy Oak Mudslinger looked great and it was almost as if the bull was saying don't retire me as he bucked Cory Rasch off .The bull score was 45.25. Cory tied for 15/17 in the average.It was all bulls as the first five riders bit the dust.J.B.Mauney topped Cordell and Loudamy's Uncle Charlie with a scor eof 89.It was a great ride as the bull spun to the left into Mauney's hand with lots of rear,drop and kick.J.B. was fourth in the round and tied for 4/5 in the average. Mike white is looking good although he has to improve his get -offs. He drew Hot Licks who spun to the right into his hand for 90.75 points while Mike remained in complete control. The dismount was ugly as he was thrown into the chute and was stepped on but the report was simply a bruise.Mike was third in the round and in the average.
Brian Canter made a great ride aboard Here's Your Sign for 91.75 points as the bull spun to the left into his hand in a fast drifting spin down the arena.It looks like Brian may have broke his thumb on his free hand. Brian had the lead with 260.50 on three head until Justin McBride rode Big Bucks for 93 points.It was a great ride and a battle of champions.The bull spun to the right into Justin's hand and rocked him forward and back. Justin became the first PBR rider to ride Big Bucks.This was Justin's second tour title in a row and his third for the season.That's a great way to head into the finals .
Carrillo Twins Hang Up Their Spurs
Adam and Gilbert Carrillo Announce Their Retirement
by Sheila Totten
In answer to the fans question"Where are the twins?" Adam and Gilbert Carrillo,two of the most popular bull riders of mainly the PBR and two of the original founders announced their retirement on October 19th.The twins competed in 11 straight BFTS Finals from 1994-2004 plus earned over $1 million dollars between them and won 12 event titles.In the article on Josh Peters' Fried Twinkies Blog Gilbert was quoted as saying:"I feel like we're at the age to retire. I think we've accomplished more than any other twin brothers in bull riding history. We've decided to retire from the sport rather than have the sport retire us.
Gilbert and Adam have beautiful families at home and their desire to be at home with their wives and children has become greater than their desire to travel and compete.The twins will celebrate their 35th birthday this coming Sunday,October 29th.
In the same article Adam was quoted:"I'm comfortable with what I've done in bull riding. I'm really happy with what I've accomplished. I just don't have the same drive, fire and desire to compete that I once had.”
I remember Adam battling a flu like bug in 1998 that turned out to be tick borne Lyme disease but he persevered and won an event title in Guthrie,OK. in 1998 and while still battling the disease in 1999 he won back to back titles in Tunica ,MS. and Louisville,KY. I do have to disagree with the article on the blog in its description of Lyme disease.It is not considered incurable by most medical professionals. .Proper antibiotic therapy can cure the disease although the person affected could get a relapse any time just as with any bacterial or flu-like illness.Adam had to battle fatigue,fever,joint and muscle pain and stiffness,headache,chills and a stiff neck while under treatment.The problem with Lyme disease is many times it mimics other common illnesses and does not get treated or discovered until it has been in a person's system for several years.That is why it takes a long time to get over it.If I remember correctly Adam thought he was battling the flu when we saw him on tour in 1998- a flu bug he just could not shake. Having known other people who suffered from this I can tell you that once the titer is normal they are considered cured but warned they could relapse from another tick bite.One friend had Lyme fever over five years before she was tested and diagnosed. If you have the symptoms described above and they linger longer than a flu bug should make sure your doctor runs a test for Lyme Fever. Heavy duty antibiotics will knock it out.
In the course of his career Adam has suffered two broken right ankles,a fractured left arm and a broken left eye socket and cheek.But it was not all injuries as some of the highlights of Adam's PBR career included a great ride upon Mossy Oak Mudslinger for 94.5 when he won the 2001 BFTS event in Columbus,GA and his 94.5 ride upon James harper's Jit in his Louisville,KY title win in 1999..His 2001 win brought him a PBR career high earnings of $68,389.His career earnings in the PBR were $367,002.
Injuries plagued Adam over the past two years and once down in the CT tour like so many top riders who ended up there due to injuries it was a hard road to climb back up. During his long career though Adam made many great looking rides aboard the rankest bulls in the PRCA,BRO,CBR and PBR. Adam went to the NFR in 1993 and 1995 and was fourth in the PRCA that year. Gilbert was 1992 PRCA Rookie of the Year and went to the NFR that year and again in 1998. He holds a World Championship title from BRO which he won in 1994,a year after nearly dying from injuries he suffered at Calgary in 1993.
It was thanks to one of my favorite people, legendary bullfighter Roach Hedeman that the twins were discovered at age 13 in El Paso.. Roach took them under his wing to give them a start . Roach who retired several years ago always rated the twins high. I know they were also high in the eyes of two other Hedemans,CBR President 4X World Champion Tuff Hedeman and his wonderful mother Clarissa.A strong friendship ensued between the Carrillo twins and the Hedeman clan which goes on even now.
The twins went on to ride in high school rodeo first then in the Wranglers College Rodeo Tour for two years(Odessa Junior College) before turning pro.The 5'4" , 140 pound twins topped some of the biggest,rankest bulls along with some of the smallest ones on tour. One of Gilbert's greatest rides came in 2002 at the Ty Murray Invitational in Albuquerque ,NM aboard fan favorite Herrington Cattle Company's Blueberry Wine.You had two of the smallest competitors with the most heart battling one another and Gilbert topped Blueberry Wine for 96 points to win second in the event.
I will never forget Bullnanza ,Nashville in 2003. The twins were also into team roping and had planned to come out to look at some good roping prospects out of our 100% foundation bred stud Black Arrow Joe after the event.They had seen one of his sons work and were impressed. Unfortunately this never came about because it was there at the event that Gilbert ended up hospitalized with a broken neck. I remember standing in the alleyway as Gilbert came out with Tandy and heard Gilbert tell Tandy he thought he broke his arm or dislocated his shoulder as he had no feeling in the arm. Gilbert actually walked out of the arena holding his arm.The next thing we knew Gilbert was in the ambulance and headed to the hospital. We kept tabs on him through Adam the rest of the weekend. Before retiring Gilbert rode in one BFTS event this season,one CT event (winning $209) and three Enterprise events where he won Bridgeport,Conn.
Gilbert,during his PBR career won eight event titles and we were there for some of them. In 1995 he won San Antonio and the prestigious Tuff Hedeman Challenge in Ft Worth,TX. In 1998 he won Charlotte,NC; Phoenix,AZ in 1999,New Orleans in 2001,Worcester,Mass. 2002 and OKC in 2003.I remember how thrilled he and Julie were when he won that event and the new Ford F-150 Super duty prototype. Julie and Gilbert told my husband and myself that they were going to drive that truck home .Gilbert was determined to win it and I'll never forget that huge grin when he was presented the keys .Unfortunately after all the hype he and Julie found out their win was really like a 6 month prepaid lease.They had won the use of the truck only for 6 months and just as if they had leased it they were restricted in mileage and what they could do with the truck so it was what I call a tarnished win or a prize with many strings attached.If they wanted to keep the truck they could buy it after the six months were up at a reduced price.. Wonder how many other trucks awarded by the PBR and Ford were like this?But then that's like the million dollars paid to the World Champions-that is paid as an annuity of $100,000 / year.
Gilbert has earned $683,436 just in his PBR career. Prior to the PBR, and during its first few years the twins rode in PRCA,BRO and other stand alone bull ridings.Also prior to the PBR becoming an association they rode in the early Bullnanza series owned by the Lazy E.It was through Shaw Stevens televised BRO tour mainly that bull riding fans all over the country came to know the twins.
Gilbert set a few records in the PBR.His $57,895 earnings in New Orleans set the mark for top money earned at a one day PBR event.He also recorded the highest point ride in 2001 with his 96 points aboard Herrington's Perfect Storm.Then in 2002 he tied that aboard the famed and beloved Blueberry Wine with both rides tying for second place in the highest scores in PBR history.
I have so many nice memories of the twins. I remember how they and their families drove all night from Stephenville,TX. to New Orleans only to find out that they would be unable to check into the hotel until after three PM in the afternoon.All the riders who arrived early on Saturday had the same problem. That weekend was a fiasco because New Orleans was booked up with pro and college football fans and teams plus Basketball fans,crews and teams. Rather than the usual hotel which was across from the Super Dome rooms were booked in two hotels by the waterfront.Hmm wonder if they are standing now?At anyrate we were all sitting at a table and Adam asked me to tell Heidi about dream catchers and their legend. The twins told me that the Navajo legend was the same as the Lakota which differs from the Cherokee legend.Let me say that Heidi and Adam and Gilbert and Julie are two great couples.
Over the past few years aside from the PBR events, Adam and Gilbert have appeared at CBR events also and they were featured in one of Pam Minick's first CBR PRO-files show on Outdoor2 HD.They have also brought their bulls to Pam and Billy Minick's Billy Bob's events and to the CBR aside from the ABBI futurities.
Adam does some TV promotions,breeds and raises bulls and has gone into the welding and construction field with his and Heidi's Super C Welding and Construction Co. He and Heidi also have fishing and hunting trips on their ranch where Adam serves as a guide for both deer and duck hunting. When not helping with the family businesses and taking care of their two children Heidi works in Stephenville as a Yoga and Fitness instructor.Both couples have a son and a daughter.
Julie and Gilbert have their 4C's Bucking Bulls & Training Facility on their Stephenville ranch(www.4cbuckingbulls.com). Julie who has studied genetics sells bucking stock and equine insurance. My best wishes go out to the twins and their families for continued successes in life and I hope we will see them down the trail at an event.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Wesley Silcox Takes The Title At Longview ,TX Budlight CBR Bull Bash
Wesley Silcox Wins The Budlight CBR Bull Bash 2006]
It was a wild and wooly night with some spectacular displays of power from both bulls and riders Saturday in Longview,TX.It came down to the very last ride in the B&W Trailer Hitch Championship Round when Wesley Silcox had the crowd on its feet as he stayed aboard the airborne Sticks N' Stones from Jesse Hill .Wesley rode Scott Burruss's Coffee Bean for 88.5 points in round one and had the lead entering the championship round.He had to wait with baited breath as the round started off with several good rides. Pistol Robinson who made the short go on a draw back scored 87 aboard Robertson/Wilson's Foolish Man to start the round off and finish fourth in the round. Then one of my favorite bulls , Wes Bruce's Cherokee Fiddler gave up an 87.5 ride to Sonny Murphy (who also had made the round on a draw back) and he was third in the round.Tye Odden was the third qualified ride in a row with 85 aboard Jesse Hill's Big Sexy and led the event with 164 on two head.Tye was 6th in the round and fourth in the average.It wasn't until Jarrod Craig's 86.5 ride aboard R/W's Sidewinder that there was another qualified ride. Jarrod was fifth in the round and finished third in the average with 172.5 aboard two head. Bonner Bolton took over the lead when he rode R/W's Mercury Rising for 88.5 in another great looking ride. Bolton finished second in the round and second in the average with 175.5 on two.And then came Wesley Silcox aboard Sticks N' Stones.The bull put on an incredible show that had fans gasping as he leaped high in the air with all fours off of the ground while Wesley managed to hold on to make the whistle. When it was all said and done Wesley scored 89.5 and took both the round and the title.
Congratulations to Harlan Robertson and Henry Wilson on their great bull Biloxi Blues being named PRCA Bull Of The Year.He took the honors last year in the CBR.
Jarrod Craig started the event off with his 86 point ride aboard Jesse Hill's Skitso and was fifth in the round.He was followed by Tye Odden's 79 point ride on Mile High.Then came Logan Knibbe aboard Wes Bruce's Wocka-Wocka with 86.5 to finish third in the round. The second section began with Wesley Silcox's 88.5 ride aboard Scott Burruss's Coffee Bean and that lead held for Wesley through the round. Bonner Bolton scored 87 aboard Captain Jack and finished second in the round. Bonner was the bridesmaid in both rounds and the average Saturday.
Steve Woosley who has been riding hot scored 85.5 aboard Black Ape to finish seventh in the round and eighth in the average.
In the third section it was Kenny Westrope aboard Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo's Timbuk2 for 86 points. Kenny finished sixth in the long go and seventh in the average. John Jacobs scored 83 aboard LRR's Torque. Jake Littlefield scored 86.5 aboard John McDonald's Cigar and was fourth in the round and sixth in the average. Dusty Higgins rode Charles for 80.5 to end the section.
In the last section Layne McCasland rode JM's Johnny Rotten for 79 while Shawn Coleman rode R/W's Vestle for 84. Clint Craig rode R/W's El Paso for 84.5 and was eighth in the round. The average results are:
WESLEY SILCOX,Payson,UT 178 $6,734.00
BONNER BOLTON,Gardendale,TX 175.5 $3,450.00
JARROD CRAIG,Hillisboro,TX 172.5 $2,070.00
TYE ODDEN,Miller,SD 164 $1,380.00
LOGAN KNIBBE,Rockdale,TX 86.5 $828.00
JAKE LITTLEFIELD,West Point,MS 86.5 $552.00
KENNY WESTROPE,West Point,MS 86 $414.00
STEVE WOOSLEY,Spanish Fork,UT 85.5 $276.00
The next CBR event will be Beaumont,TX
The next CBR event will be the YMBL
Championship Bull Riding at Ford Arena on I-10 in Beaumont ,TX on Oct. 20th & 21st at the South Texas State Fair.Its a great bargain.Where else can you see such stars as PRCA/CBR World Champion Matt Austin,PRCA World Champion Cody Hancock, 4X World Champion Tuff Hedeman,Miss Pam Minick and so many others at the really low ticket prices of $12 or $24 with the added free admission to the fair if tickets are purchased in advance? World Champions with World class bulls in exciting action for no more than a small local event.Take the entire family.And remember to watch the CBR on Outdoor Channel every week.
It was a wild and wooly night with some spectacular displays of power from both bulls and riders Saturday in Longview,TX.It came down to the very last ride in the B&W Trailer Hitch Championship Round when Wesley Silcox had the crowd on its feet as he stayed aboard the airborne Sticks N' Stones from Jesse Hill .Wesley rode Scott Burruss's Coffee Bean for 88.5 points in round one and had the lead entering the championship round.He had to wait with baited breath as the round started off with several good rides. Pistol Robinson who made the short go on a draw back scored 87 aboard Robertson/Wilson's Foolish Man to start the round off and finish fourth in the round. Then one of my favorite bulls , Wes Bruce's Cherokee Fiddler gave up an 87.5 ride to Sonny Murphy (who also had made the round on a draw back) and he was third in the round.Tye Odden was the third qualified ride in a row with 85 aboard Jesse Hill's Big Sexy and led the event with 164 on two head.Tye was 6th in the round and fourth in the average.It wasn't until Jarrod Craig's 86.5 ride aboard R/W's Sidewinder that there was another qualified ride. Jarrod was fifth in the round and finished third in the average with 172.5 aboard two head. Bonner Bolton took over the lead when he rode R/W's Mercury Rising for 88.5 in another great looking ride. Bolton finished second in the round and second in the average with 175.5 on two.And then came Wesley Silcox aboard Sticks N' Stones.The bull put on an incredible show that had fans gasping as he leaped high in the air with all fours off of the ground while Wesley managed to hold on to make the whistle. When it was all said and done Wesley scored 89.5 and took both the round and the title.
Congratulations to Harlan Robertson and Henry Wilson on their great bull Biloxi Blues being named PRCA Bull Of The Year.He took the honors last year in the CBR.
Jarrod Craig started the event off with his 86 point ride aboard Jesse Hill's Skitso and was fifth in the round.He was followed by Tye Odden's 79 point ride on Mile High.Then came Logan Knibbe aboard Wes Bruce's Wocka-Wocka with 86.5 to finish third in the round. The second section began with Wesley Silcox's 88.5 ride aboard Scott Burruss's Coffee Bean and that lead held for Wesley through the round. Bonner Bolton scored 87 aboard Captain Jack and finished second in the round. Bonner was the bridesmaid in both rounds and the average Saturday.
Steve Woosley who has been riding hot scored 85.5 aboard Black Ape to finish seventh in the round and eighth in the average.
In the third section it was Kenny Westrope aboard Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo's Timbuk2 for 86 points. Kenny finished sixth in the long go and seventh in the average. John Jacobs scored 83 aboard LRR's Torque. Jake Littlefield scored 86.5 aboard John McDonald's Cigar and was fourth in the round and sixth in the average. Dusty Higgins rode Charles for 80.5 to end the section.
In the last section Layne McCasland rode JM's Johnny Rotten for 79 while Shawn Coleman rode R/W's Vestle for 84. Clint Craig rode R/W's El Paso for 84.5 and was eighth in the round. The average results are:
WESLEY SILCOX,Payson,UT 178 $6,734.00
BONNER BOLTON,Gardendale,TX 175.5 $3,450.00
JARROD CRAIG,Hillisboro,TX 172.5 $2,070.00
TYE ODDEN,Miller,SD 164 $1,380.00
LOGAN KNIBBE,Rockdale,TX 86.5 $828.00
JAKE LITTLEFIELD,West Point,MS 86.5 $552.00
KENNY WESTROPE,West Point,MS 86 $414.00
STEVE WOOSLEY,Spanish Fork,UT 85.5 $276.00
The next CBR event will be Beaumont,TX
The next CBR event will be the YMBL
Championship Bull Riding at Ford Arena on I-10 in Beaumont ,TX on Oct. 20th & 21st at the South Texas State Fair.Its a great bargain.Where else can you see such stars as PRCA/CBR World Champion Matt Austin,PRCA World Champion Cody Hancock, 4X World Champion Tuff Hedeman,Miss Pam Minick and so many others at the really low ticket prices of $12 or $24 with the added free admission to the fair if tickets are purchased in advance? World Champions with World class bulls in exciting action for no more than a small local event.Take the entire family.And remember to watch the CBR on Outdoor Channel every week.
Guest Article From Stephanie M.Schwartz-The Arrogance Of Ignorance
from steph - The Arrogance of Ignorance
Posted by: "SilvrDrach@aol.com" SilvrDrach@aol.com silvrdrach
Sun Oct 15, 2006 2:59 pm (PST)
This and other articles may be viewed on the internet at the website,
The Writings of Stephanie M. Schwartz
_www.SilvrDrach.homestead.com_ (http://www.silvrdrach.homestead.com/)
A Special Resource Report:
Regarding life, conditions, and hope on the Pine Ridge Oglala Lakota (Sioux)
Reservation of SD
_www.SilvrDrach.homestead.com/Schwartz_2006_Oct_15.html_
(http://www.silvrdrach.homestead.com/Schwartz_2006_Oct_15.html)
The Arrogance of Ignorance;
Hidden Away, Out of Sight and Out of Mind
By Stephanie M. Schwartz,
Freelance Writer
Member, Native American Journalists Association
© October 15, 2006 Brighton, Colorado
This is an article of facts about the lives of modern-day American Indians,
a topic most mainstream American news organizations will not discuss. It is
not a plea for charity. It is not a promotion for non-profit organizations.
It is not aimed for pity. It is not even an effort to detail cause and
effect. It is, however, an effort to dispel ignorance…. a massive, pervasive,
societal ignorance filled with illusions and caricatures which, ultimately,
serve only to corrupt the intelligence and decent intent of the average
mainstream citizen. Only through knowledge and understanding can solutions be found.
But facts must be known first. Then, it is the reader’s choice what to do
with those facts.
Hidden away, out of sight but dotting the landscape of America, are the
little known or forgotten Reservations of the Indigenous People of our land.
Sadly, the average U.S. mainstream resident knows almost nothing about the
people of the Native American reservations other than what romanticized or
caricaturized versions they see on film or as the print media stereotypes of oil
or casino-rich Indians. Most assume that whatever poverty exists on a
reservation is most certainly comparable to that which they might experience
themselves. Further, they assume it is curable by the same means they would use.
But that is the arrogance of ignorance.
Our dominant society is accustomed to being exposed to poverty. It’s nearly
invisible because it is everywhere. We drive through our cities with a blind
eye, numb to the suffering on the streets, or we shake our heads and turn
away, assuming help is on the way. After all, it’s known that the government
and the big charities are helping the needy in nearly every corner of the
world.
But the question begs: What about the sovereign nations on America’s own
soil, within this country, a part and yet apart from mainstream society? What
about these Reservations that few people ever see?
Oddly enough, the case could be made that more Europeans and Australians
know and understand the cultures and conditions of our Indigenous people better
Americans do.
Moreover, what the Europeans and Australians know is that there are a number
of very fortunate Native American Nations whose people are able to earn a
very good living due to casino income, natural resource income, a good job
market from nearby cities, or from some other source. They also know, however,
that a staggering number of residents on Native American reservations live in
abject, incomprehensible conditions rivaling, or even surpassing, that of
many Third World countries.
This article chronicles just one Nation: the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Nation of
the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Yet the name and only a few
details could easily be changed to describe a host of others…. the Dineh
(Navajo), Ute Mountain Ute, Tohono O’odham, Pima, Yaqui, Apache, the Brule’ Lakota
(Sioux) ….the list is long.
But this is not an article of hopelessness. Despite nearly-insurmountable
conditions, few resources, and against unbelievable odds, Nation after Nation
of Indigenous leaders and their people are working hard to counteract
decades of oppression and forced destruction of their cultures, to bring their
citizens back to a life of self-respect and self-sufficiency in today’s world.
In the meantime, these words will serve simply to dispel a few illusions and
make public part of that which is hidden away, out of sight, out of mind, in
the richest country in the world. It seeks to dispel the arrogance of
ignorance.
Demographic Information
§ The Pine Ridge Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Indian Reservation sits in
Bennett, Jackson, and Shannon Counties and is located in the southwest corner
of South Dakota, fifty miles east of the Wyoming border.
§ The 11,000-square mile (approximately 2.7 million acres) Pine
Ridge Reservation is the second-largest Native American Reservation within the
United States. It is roughly the size of the State of Connecticut. According
to the Oglala Sioux tribal statistics, approximately 1.7 million acres of
this land are owned by the Tribe or by tribal members.
§ The Reservation is divided into eight districts: Eagle Nest, Pass
Creek, Wakpamni, LaCreek, Pine Ridge, White Clay, Medicine Root, Porcupine,
and Wounded Knee.
§ The topography of the Pine Ridge Reservation includes the barren
Badlands, rolling grassland hills, dryland prairie, and areas dotted with pine
trees.
§ The Pine Ridge Reservation is home to approximately 40,000
persons, 35% of which are under the age of 18. The latest Federal Census shows the
median age to be 20.6 years. Approximately half the residents of the
Reservation are registered tribal members of the Oglala Lakota Sioux Nation.
§ According to the most recent Federal Census, 58.7% of the
grandparents on the Reservation are responsible for raising their own grandchildren.
§ The population is slowly but steadily rising, despite the severe
conditions on the Reservation, as more and more Oglala Lakota return home from
far-away cities to live within their societal values, be with their
families, and assist with the revitalization of their culture and their Nation.
Employment Information
§ Recent reports vary but many point out that the median income on
the Pine Ridge Reservation is approximately $2,600 to $3,500 per year.
§
§ The unemployment rate on Pine Ridge is said to be approximately
83-85% and can be higher during the winter months when travel is difficult or
often impossible.
§ According to 2006 resources, about 97% of the population lives
below Federal poverty levels.
§ There is little industry, technology, or commercial infrastructure
on the Reservation to provide employment.
§ Rapid City, South Dakota is the nearest town of size (population
approximately 57,700) for those who can travel to find work. It is located
120 miles from the Reservation. The nearest large city to Pine Ridge is
Denver, Colorado located some 350 miles away.
Life Expectancy and Health Conditions
§ Some figures state that the life expectancy on the Reservation is
48 years old for men and 52 for women. Other reports state that the average
life expectancy on the Reservation is 45 years old. These statistics are far
from the 77.5 years of age life expectancy average found in the United States
as a whole. According to current USDA Rural Development documents, the
Lakota have the lowest life expectancy of any group in America.
§ Teenage suicide rate on the Pine Ridge Reservation is 150% higher
than the U.S. national average for this age group.
§ The infant mortality rate is the highest on this continent and is
about 300% higher than the U.S. national average.
§ More than half the Reservation's adults battle addiction and
disease. Alcoholism, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and malnutrition are
pervasive.
§ The rate of diabetes on the Reservation is reported to be 800%
higher than the U.S. national average.
§ Recent reports indicate that almost 50% of the adults on the
Reservation over the age of 40 have diabetes.
§ As a result of the high rate of diabetes on the Reservation,
diabetic-related blindness, amputations, and kidney failure are common.
§ The tuberculosis rate on the Pine Ridge Reservation is
approximately 800% higher than the U.S. national average.
§ Cervical cancer is 500% higher than the U.S. national average.
§ It is reported that at least 60% of the homes on the Pine Ridge
Reservation are infested with Black Mold, Stachybotrys. This infestation causes
an often-fatal condition with infants, children, elderly, those with damaged
immune systems, and those with lung and pulmonary conditions at the highest
risk. Exposure to this mold can cause hemorrhaging of the lungs andbrain as
well as cancer.
§ A Federal Commodity Food Program is active but supplies mostly
inappropriate foods (high in carbohydrate and/or sugar) for the largely diabetic
population of the Reservation.
§ A small non-profit Food Co-op is in operation on the Reservation
but is available only for those with funds to participate.
Health Care
§ Many Reservation residents live without health care due to vast
travel distances involved in accessing that care. Additional factors include
under-funded, under-staffed medical facilities and outdated or non-existent
medical equipment.
§ Preventive healthcare programs are rare.
§ In most of the treaties between the U.S. Government and Indian
Nations, the U.S. government agreed to provide adequate medical care for
Indians in return for vast quantities of land. The Indian Health Services (IHS)
was set up to administer the health care for Indians under these treaties and
receives an appropriation each year to fund Indian health care.
Unfortunately, the appropriation is very small compared to the need and there is little
hope for increased funding from Congress. The IHS is understaffed and
ill-equipped and can’t possibly address the needs of Indian communities. Nowhere is
this more apparent than on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Education Issues
§ School drop-out rate is over 70%.
§ According to a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) report, the Pine
Ridge Reservation schools are in the bottom 10% of school funding by U.S.
Department of Education and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
§ Teacher turnover is 800% that of the U.S. national average
Housing Conditions and Homelessness
§ The small BIA/Tribal Housing Authority homes on the Pine Ridge
Reservation are overcrowded and scarce, resulting in many homeless families who
often use tents or cars for shelter. Many families live in old cabins or
dilapidated mobile homes and trailers.
§ According to a 2003 report from South Dakota State University, the
majority of the current Tribal Housing Authority homes were built from
1970-1979. The report brings to light that a great percentage of that original
construction by the BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) was “shoddy and substandard.”
The report also states that 26% of the housing units on the Reservation
are mobile homes, often purchased or obtained (through donations) as used,
low-value unitswith negative-value equity.
§ Even though there is a large homeless population on the
Reservation, most families never turn away a relative no matter how distant the blood
relation. Consequently, many homes often have large numbers of people living
in them.
§ In a recent case study, the Tribal Council estimated a need for at
least 4,000 new homes in order to combat the homeless situation.
§ There is an estimated average of 17 people living in each family
home (a home which may only have two to three rooms). Some larger homes, built
for 6 to 8 people, have up to 30 people living in them.
§ Over-all, 59% of the Reservation homes are substandard.
§ Over 33% of the Reservation homes lack basic water and sewage
systems as well as electricity.
§ Many residents must carry (often contaminated) water from the
local rivers daily for their personal needs.
§ Some Reservation families are forced to sleep on dirt floors.
§ Without basic insulation or central heating in their homes, many
residents on the Pine Ridge Reservation use their ovens to heat their homes.
§ Many Reservation homes lack adequate insulation. Even more homes
lack central heating.
§ Periodically, Reservation residents are found dead from
hypothermia (freezing).
§ It is reported that at least 60% of the homes on the Pine Ridge
Reservation need to be burned to the ground and replaced with new housing due
to infestation of the potentially-fatal Black Mold, Stachybotrys. There is no
insurance or government program to assist families in replacing their homes.
§ 39% of the homes on the Pine Ridge Reservation have no
electricity.
§ The most common form of heating fuel is propane. Wood-burning is
the second most common form of heating a home although wood supplies are often
expensive or difficult to obtain.
§ Many Reservation homes lack basic furniture and appliances such as
beds, refrigerators, and stoves.
§ 60% of Reservation families have no land-line telephone. The
Tribe has recently issued basic cell phones to the residents. However, these
cell phones (commonly called commodity phones) do not operate off the
Reservation at all and are often inoperable in the rural areas on the Reservation or
during storms or wind.
§ Computers and internet connections are very rare.
§ Federal and tribal heat assistance programs (such as LLEAP) are
limited by theirfunding. In the winter of 2005-2006, the average one-time
only payment to a family was said to be approximately $250-$300 to cover the
entire winter. For many, that amount did not even fill their propane heating
tanks one time.
Life on the Reservation
§ Most Reservation families live in rural and often isolated areas.
§ The largest town on the Reservation is the village of Pine Ridge
which has a population of approximately 5,720 people and is the
administrative center for the Reservation.
§ There are few improved (paved) roads on the Reservation and most
of the rural homes are inaccessible during times of rain or snow.
§ Weather is extreme on the Reservation. Severe winds are always a
factor. Traditionally, summer temperatures reach well over 110*F and winters
bring bitter cold with temperatures that can reach -50*F below zero or worse.
Flooding, tornados, or wildfires are always a risk.
§ The Pine Ridge Reservation still has no banks, discount stores, or
movie theaters. It has only one grocery store of any moderate size and it
is located in the village of Pine Ridge on the Reservation. A motel just
opened in 2006 near the Oglala Lakota College at Kyle, South Dakota. There
are said to be about 8 Bed and Breakfast or campsite locations found across
the Reservation but that number varies from time to time since most are part
of a private home.
§ Several of the banks and lending institutions nearest to the
Reservation have been targeted for investigation of fraudulent or predatory
lending practices, with the citizens of the Pine Ridge Reservation as their
victims.
§ There are no public libraries except one at the Oglala Lakota
College.
§ There is one radio station on the Pine Ridge Reservation. KILI
90.1FM is located near the town of Porcupine on the Reservation.
Transportation
§ There is no public transportation available on the Reservation.
§ Only a minority of Reservation residents own an operable
automobile.
§ Predominant form of travel for all ages on the Reservation is
walking or hitchhiking.
§ There is one very small airport on the Reservation servicing both
the Pine Ridge Reservation and Shannon County. It's longest, paved runway
extends 4,969 feet. There are no commercial flights available. The majority
of flights using the airport are Federal, State, or County
Government-related.
§ The nearest commercial airport and/or commercial bus line is
located in Rapid City, South Dakota (approximately 120 miles away).
Alcoholism
§ Alcoholism affects eight out of ten families on the Reservation.
§ The death rate from alcohol-related problems on the Reservation is
300% higher than the remaining US population.
§ The Oglala Lakota Nation has prohibited the sale and possession of
alcohol on the Pine Ridge Reservation since the early 1970's. However, the
town of Whiteclay, Nebraska (which sits 400 yards off the Reservation border
in a contested "buffer" zone) has approximately 14 residents and four liquor
stores which sell over 4.1 million cans of beer each year resulting in a
$3million annual trade. Unlike other Nebraska communities, Whiteclay exists
only to sell liquor and make money. It has no schools, no churches, no civic
organizations, no parks, no benches, no public bathrooms, no fire service and
no law enforcement. Tribal officials have repeatedly pleaded with the State
of Nebraska to close these liquor stores or enforce the State laws regulating
liquor stores but have been consistently refused.
Water and Aquifer Contamination
§ Many wells and much of the water and land on the Reservation is
contaminated with pesticides and other poisons from farming, mining, open
dumps, and commercial and governmental mining operations outside the Reservation.
A further source of contamination is buried ordnance and hazardous materials
from closed U.S. military bombing ranges on the Reservation.
§ Scientific studies show that the High Plains/Oglala Aquifer which
begins underneath the Pine Ridge Reservation is predicted to run dry in less
than 30 years due to commercial interest use and dryland farming in numerous
states south of the Reservation. This critical North American underground
water resource is not renewable at anything near the present consumption rate.
The recent years of drought have simply accelerated the problem.
§ Scientific studies show that much of the High Plains/Oglala
Aquifer has been contaminated with farming pesticides and commercial, factory,
mining, and industrial contaminants in the States of South Dakota, Wyoming,
Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Sovereignty and Tribal Government
§ By Treaty, the Tribal nations are considered to have sovereign
governmental status. They have a special government to government relationship
with the United States. Interactions with the U.S. Government and the
Department of Interior (and its Bureau of Indian Affairs) are supposed to be
through Treaty negotiations and most Federal programs (such as Indian Health
Services) were purchased by the Tribal nations (usually with land) and guaranteed
by Treaty. This is specifically true for the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Nation of
the Pine Ridge Reservation.
§ The Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Tribal government operates under a
constitution consistent with the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 and approved by
the Tribal membership and Tribal Council of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Tribe.
The Tribe is governed by an elected body consisting of a 5 member Executive
Committee and an 18 member Tribal Council, all of whom serve a four year
term.
Hope
§ Currently, there are various efforts underway to implement
innovative techniques and solutions to Reservation problems. These projects include
community volunteer groups, alternative education programs, wind or water
energy initiatives, substance abuse programs, cultural and language programs,
employment opportunities, cottage industries, promotion of artists and
musicians, small co-op businesses, etc. However, funding for these programs is
highly limited.
§ There are several very small projects now working to help with the
housing shortage. Some of these involve using donated mobile homes,
community-built sod housing, other community-built housing (such as Habitat for
Humanity), exploring possible use of unused FEMA mobile homes, and other
alternate solutions. Unfortunately, funding is highly limited.
§ The Tribal Council Housing Authority is working as hard as it can
to build new homes and repair existing structures but it is limited by the
small, limited amount of funding available.
§ There are a few reputable small non-profit organizations
attempting to sincerely assist the people of the Pine Ridge Reservation in their
efforts to resolve and mitigate existing problems. However, funding for these
programs is currently highly limited.
§ There is one small independent (non-IHS) clinic on the Reservation
at the community of Porcupine. It was founded and is controlled by the
Lakota community. It just recently obtained its first dialysis machine and runs
an aggressive program to combat diabetes. However, funding is very limited and
is obtained locally and through grants.
§ The Oglala Lakota are a determined, intelligent, and proud People
who are working hard to over-come their Reservation problems. Against all
odds, with minimal resources, they are slowly working to re-claim their
self-sufficiency, their culture, and their life.
These statistics concerning the Pine Ridge Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Reservation
were compiled from recent Political, Educational, Government, Non-Profit,
and Tribal Publications. An earlier version was published by the same author
in 2002 entitled, “Hidden Away, in the Land of Plenty.”
Contact the author if you wish a list of the resources and publications used
for this report.
Stephanie M. Schwartz may be reached at _SilvrDrach@Gmail.com_
(mailto:SilvrDrach@Gmail.com)
This and other articles may be viewed on the internet at the website,
The Writings of Stephanie M. Schwartz
_www.SilvrDrach.homestead.com_ (http://www.silvrdrach.homestead.com/)
This article may be reprinted and reproduced unedited with proper
attribution and sourcing for non-profit, educational, news, or archival purposes.
This and other articles may be viewed on the internet at the website,
The Writings of Stephanie M. Schwartz
_www.SilvrDrach.homestead.com_ (http://www.silvrdrach.homestead.com/)
A Special Resource Report:
Regarding life, conditions, and hope on the Pine Ridge Oglala Lakota (Sioux)
Reservation of SD
_www.SilvrDrach.homestead.com/Schwartz_2006_Oct_15.html_
(http://www.silvrdrach.homestead.com/Schwartz_2006_Oct_15.html)
The Arrogance of Ignorance;
Hidden Away, Out of Sight and Out of Mind
By Stephanie M. Schwartz,
Freelance Writer
Member, Native American Journalists Association
© October 15, 2006 Brighton, Colorado
This is an article of facts about the lives of modern-day American Indians,
a topic most mainstream American news organizations will not discuss. It is
not a plea for charity. It is not a promotion for non-profit organizations.
It is not aimed for pity. It is not even an effort to detail cause and
effect. It is, however, an effort to dispel ignorance…. a massive, pervasive,
societal ignorance filled with illusions and caricatures which, ultimately,
serve only to corrupt the intelligence and decent intent of the average
mainstream citizen. Only through knowledge and understanding can solutions be found.
But facts must be known first. Then, it is the reader’s choice what to do
with those facts.
Hidden away, out of sight but dotting the landscape of America, are the
little known or forgotten Reservations of the Indigenous People of our land.
Sadly, the average U.S. mainstream resident knows almost nothing about the
people of the Native American reservations other than what romanticized or
caricaturized versions they see on film or as the print media stereotypes of oil
or casino-rich Indians. Most assume that whatever poverty exists on a
reservation is most certainly comparable to that which they might experience
themselves. Further, they assume it is curable by the same means they would use.
But that is the arrogance of ignorance.
Our dominant society is accustomed to being exposed to poverty. It’s nearly
invisible because it is everywhere. We drive through our cities with a blind
eye, numb to the suffering on the streets, or we shake our heads and turn
away, assuming help is on the way. After all, it’s known that the government
and the big charities are helping the needy in nearly every corner of the
world.
But the question begs: What about the sovereign nations on America’s own
soil, within this country, a part and yet apart from mainstream society? What
about these Reservations that few people ever see?
Oddly enough, the case could be made that more Europeans and Australians
know and understand the cultures and conditions of our Indigenous people better
Americans do.
Moreover, what the Europeans and Australians know is that there are a number
of very fortunate Native American Nations whose people are able to earn a
very good living due to casino income, natural resource income, a good job
market from nearby cities, or from some other source. They also know, however,
that a staggering number of residents on Native American reservations live in
abject, incomprehensible conditions rivaling, or even surpassing, that of
many Third World countries.
This article chronicles just one Nation: the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Nation of
the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Yet the name and only a few
details could easily be changed to describe a host of others…. the Dineh
(Navajo), Ute Mountain Ute, Tohono O’odham, Pima, Yaqui, Apache, the Brule’ Lakota
(Sioux) ….the list is long.
But this is not an article of hopelessness. Despite nearly-insurmountable
conditions, few resources, and against unbelievable odds, Nation after Nation
of Indigenous leaders and their people are working hard to counteract
decades of oppression and forced destruction of their cultures, to bring their
citizens back to a life of self-respect and self-sufficiency in today’s world.
In the meantime, these words will serve simply to dispel a few illusions and
make public part of that which is hidden away, out of sight, out of mind, in
the richest country in the world. It seeks to dispel the arrogance of
ignorance.
Demographic Information
§ The Pine Ridge Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Indian Reservation sits in
Bennett, Jackson, and Shannon Counties and is located in the southwest corner
of South Dakota, fifty miles east of the Wyoming border.
§ The 11,000-square mile (approximately 2.7 million acres) Pine
Ridge Reservation is the second-largest Native American Reservation within the
United States. It is roughly the size of the State of Connecticut. According
to the Oglala Sioux tribal statistics, approximately 1.7 million acres of
this land are owned by the Tribe or by tribal members.
§ The Reservation is divided into eight districts: Eagle Nest, Pass
Creek, Wakpamni, LaCreek, Pine Ridge, White Clay, Medicine Root, Porcupine,
and Wounded Knee.
§ The topography of the Pine Ridge Reservation includes the barren
Badlands, rolling grassland hills, dryland prairie, and areas dotted with pine
trees.
§ The Pine Ridge Reservation is home to approximately 40,000
persons, 35% of which are under the age of 18. The latest Federal Census shows the
median age to be 20.6 years. Approximately half the residents of the
Reservation are registered tribal members of the Oglala Lakota Sioux Nation.
§ According to the most recent Federal Census, 58.7% of the
grandparents on the Reservation are responsible for raising their own grandchildren.
§ The population is slowly but steadily rising, despite the severe
conditions on the Reservation, as more and more Oglala Lakota return home from
far-away cities to live within their societal values, be with their
families, and assist with the revitalization of their culture and their Nation.
Employment Information
§ Recent reports vary but many point out that the median income on
the Pine Ridge Reservation is approximately $2,600 to $3,500 per year.
§
§ The unemployment rate on Pine Ridge is said to be approximately
83-85% and can be higher during the winter months when travel is difficult or
often impossible.
§ According to 2006 resources, about 97% of the population lives
below Federal poverty levels.
§ There is little industry, technology, or commercial infrastructure
on the Reservation to provide employment.
§ Rapid City, South Dakota is the nearest town of size (population
approximately 57,700) for those who can travel to find work. It is located
120 miles from the Reservation. The nearest large city to Pine Ridge is
Denver, Colorado located some 350 miles away.
Life Expectancy and Health Conditions
§ Some figures state that the life expectancy on the Reservation is
48 years old for men and 52 for women. Other reports state that the average
life expectancy on the Reservation is 45 years old. These statistics are far
from the 77.5 years of age life expectancy average found in the United States
as a whole. According to current USDA Rural Development documents, the
Lakota have the lowest life expectancy of any group in America.
§ Teenage suicide rate on the Pine Ridge Reservation is 150% higher
than the U.S. national average for this age group.
§ The infant mortality rate is the highest on this continent and is
about 300% higher than the U.S. national average.
§ More than half the Reservation's adults battle addiction and
disease. Alcoholism, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and malnutrition are
pervasive.
§ The rate of diabetes on the Reservation is reported to be 800%
higher than the U.S. national average.
§ Recent reports indicate that almost 50% of the adults on the
Reservation over the age of 40 have diabetes.
§ As a result of the high rate of diabetes on the Reservation,
diabetic-related blindness, amputations, and kidney failure are common.
§ The tuberculosis rate on the Pine Ridge Reservation is
approximately 800% higher than the U.S. national average.
§ Cervical cancer is 500% higher than the U.S. national average.
§ It is reported that at least 60% of the homes on the Pine Ridge
Reservation are infested with Black Mold, Stachybotrys. This infestation causes
an often-fatal condition with infants, children, elderly, those with damaged
immune systems, and those with lung and pulmonary conditions at the highest
risk. Exposure to this mold can cause hemorrhaging of the lungs andbrain as
well as cancer.
§ A Federal Commodity Food Program is active but supplies mostly
inappropriate foods (high in carbohydrate and/or sugar) for the largely diabetic
population of the Reservation.
§ A small non-profit Food Co-op is in operation on the Reservation
but is available only for those with funds to participate.
Health Care
§ Many Reservation residents live without health care due to vast
travel distances involved in accessing that care. Additional factors include
under-funded, under-staffed medical facilities and outdated or non-existent
medical equipment.
§ Preventive healthcare programs are rare.
§ In most of the treaties between the U.S. Government and Indian
Nations, the U.S. government agreed to provide adequate medical care for
Indians in return for vast quantities of land. The Indian Health Services (IHS)
was set up to administer the health care for Indians under these treaties and
receives an appropriation each year to fund Indian health care.
Unfortunately, the appropriation is very small compared to the need and there is little
hope for increased funding from Congress. The IHS is understaffed and
ill-equipped and can’t possibly address the needs of Indian communities. Nowhere is
this more apparent than on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Education Issues
§ School drop-out rate is over 70%.
§ According to a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) report, the Pine
Ridge Reservation schools are in the bottom 10% of school funding by U.S.
Department of Education and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
§ Teacher turnover is 800% that of the U.S. national average
Housing Conditions and Homelessness
§ The small BIA/Tribal Housing Authority homes on the Pine Ridge
Reservation are overcrowded and scarce, resulting in many homeless families who
often use tents or cars for shelter. Many families live in old cabins or
dilapidated mobile homes and trailers.
§ According to a 2003 report from South Dakota State University, the
majority of the current Tribal Housing Authority homes were built from
1970-1979. The report brings to light that a great percentage of that original
construction by the BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) was “shoddy and substandard.”
The report also states that 26% of the housing units on the Reservation
are mobile homes, often purchased or obtained (through donations) as used,
low-value unitswith negative-value equity.
§ Even though there is a large homeless population on the
Reservation, most families never turn away a relative no matter how distant the blood
relation. Consequently, many homes often have large numbers of people living
in them.
§ In a recent case study, the Tribal Council estimated a need for at
least 4,000 new homes in order to combat the homeless situation.
§ There is an estimated average of 17 people living in each family
home (a home which may only have two to three rooms). Some larger homes, built
for 6 to 8 people, have up to 30 people living in them.
§ Over-all, 59% of the Reservation homes are substandard.
§ Over 33% of the Reservation homes lack basic water and sewage
systems as well as electricity.
§ Many residents must carry (often contaminated) water from the
local rivers daily for their personal needs.
§ Some Reservation families are forced to sleep on dirt floors.
§ Without basic insulation or central heating in their homes, many
residents on the Pine Ridge Reservation use their ovens to heat their homes.
§ Many Reservation homes lack adequate insulation. Even more homes
lack central heating.
§ Periodically, Reservation residents are found dead from
hypothermia (freezing).
§ It is reported that at least 60% of the homes on the Pine Ridge
Reservation need to be burned to the ground and replaced with new housing due
to infestation of the potentially-fatal Black Mold, Stachybotrys. There is no
insurance or government program to assist families in replacing their homes.
§ 39% of the homes on the Pine Ridge Reservation have no
electricity.
§ The most common form of heating fuel is propane. Wood-burning is
the second most common form of heating a home although wood supplies are often
expensive or difficult to obtain.
§ Many Reservation homes lack basic furniture and appliances such as
beds, refrigerators, and stoves.
§ 60% of Reservation families have no land-line telephone. The
Tribe has recently issued basic cell phones to the residents. However, these
cell phones (commonly called commodity phones) do not operate off the
Reservation at all and are often inoperable in the rural areas on the Reservation or
during storms or wind.
§ Computers and internet connections are very rare.
§ Federal and tribal heat assistance programs (such as LLEAP) are
limited by theirfunding. In the winter of 2005-2006, the average one-time
only payment to a family was said to be approximately $250-$300 to cover the
entire winter. For many, that amount did not even fill their propane heating
tanks one time.
Life on the Reservation
§ Most Reservation families live in rural and often isolated areas.
§ The largest town on the Reservation is the village of Pine Ridge
which has a population of approximately 5,720 people and is the
administrative center for the Reservation.
§ There are few improved (paved) roads on the Reservation and most
of the rural homes are inaccessible during times of rain or snow.
§ Weather is extreme on the Reservation. Severe winds are always a
factor. Traditionally, summer temperatures reach well over 110*F and winters
bring bitter cold with temperatures that can reach -50*F below zero or worse.
Flooding, tornados, or wildfires are always a risk.
§ The Pine Ridge Reservation still has no banks, discount stores, or
movie theaters. It has only one grocery store of any moderate size and it
is located in the village of Pine Ridge on the Reservation. A motel just
opened in 2006 near the Oglala Lakota College at Kyle, South Dakota. There
are said to be about 8 Bed and Breakfast or campsite locations found across
the Reservation but that number varies from time to time since most are part
of a private home.
§ Several of the banks and lending institutions nearest to the
Reservation have been targeted for investigation of fraudulent or predatory
lending practices, with the citizens of the Pine Ridge Reservation as their
victims.
§ There are no public libraries except one at the Oglala Lakota
College.
§ There is one radio station on the Pine Ridge Reservation. KILI
90.1FM is located near the town of Porcupine on the Reservation.
Transportation
§ There is no public transportation available on the Reservation.
§ Only a minority of Reservation residents own an operable
automobile.
§ Predominant form of travel for all ages on the Reservation is
walking or hitchhiking.
§ There is one very small airport on the Reservation servicing both
the Pine Ridge Reservation and Shannon County. It's longest, paved runway
extends 4,969 feet. There are no commercial flights available. The majority
of flights using the airport are Federal, State, or County
Government-related.
§ The nearest commercial airport and/or commercial bus line is
located in Rapid City, South Dakota (approximately 120 miles away).
Alcoholism
§ Alcoholism affects eight out of ten families on the Reservation.
§ The death rate from alcohol-related problems on the Reservation is
300% higher than the remaining US population.
§ The Oglala Lakota Nation has prohibited the sale and possession of
alcohol on the Pine Ridge Reservation since the early 1970's. However, the
town of Whiteclay, Nebraska (which sits 400 yards off the Reservation border
in a contested "buffer" zone) has approximately 14 residents and four liquor
stores which sell over 4.1 million cans of beer each year resulting in a
$3million annual trade. Unlike other Nebraska communities, Whiteclay exists
only to sell liquor and make money. It has no schools, no churches, no civic
organizations, no parks, no benches, no public bathrooms, no fire service and
no law enforcement. Tribal officials have repeatedly pleaded with the State
of Nebraska to close these liquor stores or enforce the State laws regulating
liquor stores but have been consistently refused.
Water and Aquifer Contamination
§ Many wells and much of the water and land on the Reservation is
contaminated with pesticides and other poisons from farming, mining, open
dumps, and commercial and governmental mining operations outside the Reservation.
A further source of contamination is buried ordnance and hazardous materials
from closed U.S. military bombing ranges on the Reservation.
§ Scientific studies show that the High Plains/Oglala Aquifer which
begins underneath the Pine Ridge Reservation is predicted to run dry in less
than 30 years due to commercial interest use and dryland farming in numerous
states south of the Reservation. This critical North American underground
water resource is not renewable at anything near the present consumption rate.
The recent years of drought have simply accelerated the problem.
§ Scientific studies show that much of the High Plains/Oglala
Aquifer has been contaminated with farming pesticides and commercial, factory,
mining, and industrial contaminants in the States of South Dakota, Wyoming,
Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Sovereignty and Tribal Government
§ By Treaty, the Tribal nations are considered to have sovereign
governmental status. They have a special government to government relationship
with the United States. Interactions with the U.S. Government and the
Department of Interior (and its Bureau of Indian Affairs) are supposed to be
through Treaty negotiations and most Federal programs (such as Indian Health
Services) were purchased by the Tribal nations (usually with land) and guaranteed
by Treaty. This is specifically true for the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Nation of
the Pine Ridge Reservation.
§ The Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Tribal government operates under a
constitution consistent with the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 and approved by
the Tribal membership and Tribal Council of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Tribe.
The Tribe is governed by an elected body consisting of a 5 member Executive
Committee and an 18 member Tribal Council, all of whom serve a four year
term.
Hope
§ Currently, there are various efforts underway to implement
innovative techniques and solutions to Reservation problems. These projects include
community volunteer groups, alternative education programs, wind or water
energy initiatives, substance abuse programs, cultural and language programs,
employment opportunities, cottage industries, promotion of artists and
musicians, small co-op businesses, etc. However, funding for these programs is
highly limited.
§ There are several very small projects now working to help with the
housing shortage. Some of these involve using donated mobile homes,
community-built sod housing, other community-built housing (such as Habitat for
Humanity), exploring possible use of unused FEMA mobile homes, and other
alternate solutions. Unfortunately, funding is highly limited.
§ The Tribal Council Housing Authority is working as hard as it can
to build new homes and repair existing structures but it is limited by the
small, limited amount of funding available.
§ There are a few reputable small non-profit organizations
attempting to sincerely assist the people of the Pine Ridge Reservation in their
efforts to resolve and mitigate existing problems. However, funding for these
programs is currently highly limited.
§ There is one small independent (non-IHS) clinic on the Reservation
at the community of Porcupine. It was founded and is controlled by the
Lakota community. It just recently obtained its first dialysis machine and runs
an aggressive program to combat diabetes. However, funding is very limited and
is obtained locally and through grants.
§ The Oglala Lakota are a determined, intelligent, and proud People
who are working hard to over-come their Reservation problems. Against all
odds, with minimal resources, they are slowly working to re-claim their
self-sufficiency, their culture, and their life.
These statistics concerning the Pine Ridge Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Reservation
were compiled from recent Political, Educational, Government, Non-Profit,
and Tribal Publications. An earlier version was published by the same author
in 2002 entitled, “Hidden Away, in the Land of Plenty.”
Contact the author if you wish a list of the resources and publications used
for this report.
Stephanie M. Schwartz may be reached at _SilvrDrach@Gmail.com_
(mailto:SilvrDrach@Gmail.com)
This and other articles may be viewed on the internet at the website,
The Writings of Stephanie M. Schwartz
_www.SilvrDrach.homestead.com_ (http://www.silvrdrach.homestead.com/)
This article may be reprinted and reproduced unedited with proper
attribution and sourcing for non-profit, educational, news, or archival purposes.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Steve Woosley Wins CBR's Event In Tulsa,OK.
The results are in from the CBR's event in Tulsa and it was Spanish Fork,Utah's Steve Woosley who won the event. There were only eleven qualified rides in the long go and three in the short go thanks to the super pen of bulls the CBR always has due to CBR President Tuff Hedeman and CBR CEO Terry Williams.
In the first section Jay Morrow rode Wes Bruce's Snoopy for 84.5 while McKennon Wimberley rode BB's Mindfreak for 87.5 to take an early lead. Apologies to the stock contractors if I miss their names as I do not have all of the new abreviations for them as yet.I sure liked the old ones better than this new system when RH stood for Herrington Cattle Company for example rather than BJ which is the new systen's initials.Sorry everyone but I like using the right initials for the right names.This is like trying to figure out codes now. If I don't have the correct name then all you will see for now would be the initials from the judges;' sheets.Sorry!
Steve Woosley scored 81 on Wes Bruce's Dusty while brother Lee rode Paul Mendell's Border Town for 82 and both were was on their way to the short go.
The bulls got the best of riders in that section as Clint Craig,Jake Littlefield,Cord McCoy,Corey Maier and Danell Tipton fell victim to Rono,Red Bone, Tiger Paw,Smokey Joe and Bobby.Lots of action.
In the second section Ronnie Kitchens rode PM's Shy Town for 80.5 and was the only qualified ride in the section.JC's Lotsa Spots beat World Champion Matt Austin while D Bar X's Cheap Trick got the best of Kolt Miller.Poncho Beat Chad Castillo while Full Circle beat out D J Shields.Luke Williams was on the losing end of his match with Play Maker as was Trent Cormier with Go For Broke.Head Hunter got Shawn Coleman while Night Cap beat Jeff Assman and Douglas Duncan lost out to Ringo.
In section three Danny Ted McDowell rode David Bailey's Guess Who for 85.5 while D J Domangue made a great ride aboard Mighty Mouse for 89 and took over the lead.Layne McCasland,Cooper Kanngiesser, Pistol Robinson, J C Bean, Will Sargent,John Jacobs, Ardie Maier and Josh Carter all fell victim to the wiles of some really "Tuff" bulls as JR Blk,Hells Bells,Smirnoff Ice, Play Spin,Big and Rich, Time out, J-O 4 Spot and Diamond EXE.
In section four Wesley Silcox rode John McDonald's Chosen One for 78 while Jerry Shepherd scored 82 aboard Diamond K's Gator Back. Garrett Vig scored 77 aboard Black Out and Tag Elliott scored 84 aboard Tater Salad. Although he was on the losing end of the match with Short Circuit it was good to see Jody Newberry riding in the CBR again. Turkey Track beat out Streling Yancy while Gusto beat Bonner Bolton.Tye Odden lost out to Jack Shadow and Mickey Stevens lost out to Wynnewood Flash. Rodeo Attitude beat Brandon Wesson.
In the short go Jody Newberry,Tye Odden,Pistol Robinson and Mickey Stevens were all drawn back.Here Kitty Kitty was the cat's meow as he beat Stevens to the punch and Red man beat out Jody Newberry.Rotten Cotton beat Pistol Robinson .Meanwhile Tye Odden rode Copperhead Stinger for 84.5. Bomber got Garrett Vig but Wesley Silcox made a strong ride on Chigger for 87 giving him 165 on two and he took over the lead.Wesley finished first in the short go and second in the event
Jack Hammer beat Ronnie Kitchens out.Then Steve Woosley made his event winning ride aboard Mighty Mike for 84.5 as he took over the lead with 165.5.
Rock On beat out Steve's brother Lee while Can rock got Jerry Shepherd.Looney Tunes got the best of Tag Elliott while Lucky Strike blanked Jay Morrow.Mr Gun smoked Danny Ted McDowell, Hillbilly beat McKennon Wimberley and Tar Baby beat out first round winner D J Domangue. The order of finish in the average was :
STEVE WOOSLEY,Spanish Fork,UT 165.5 $3,780.00
WESLEY SILCOX,Payson,UT 165 $2,700.00
D J DOMANGUE,Wharton,TX 89 $1,620.00
MCKENNON WIMBERLY,Cool,TX 87.5 $1,080.00
DANNY MCDOWELL,Jena,LA 85.5 $648.00
JAY MORROW,Wayland,IA 84.5 $432.00
TAG ELLIOTT,Thermonton,UT 84 $324.00
JERRY SHEPHERD,Levan,UT 82 $216.00
WESLEY SILCOX,Payson,UT 165 $2,700.00
D J DOMANGUE,Wharton,TX 89 $1,620.00
MCKENNON WIMBERLY,Cool,TX 87.5 $1,080.00
DANNY MCDOWELL,Jena,LA 85.5 $648.00
JAY MORROW,Wayland,IA 84.5 $432.00
TAG ELLIOTT,Thermonton,UT 84 $324.00
JERRY SHEPHERD,Levan,UT 82 $216.00
In round one the order of finish was:
Round: Long Go
D J DOMANGUE,Wharton,TX 89 $1,260.00
MCKENNON WIMBERLY,Cool,TX 87.5 $900.00
DANNY MCDOWELL,Jena,LA 85.5 $540.00
JAY MORROW,Wayland,IA 84.5 $360.00
TAG ELLIOTT,Thermonton,UT 84 $216.00
JERRY SHEPHERD,Levan,UT 82 $144.00
LEE WOOSLEY,Spanish Fort,UT 82 $108.00
STEVE WOOSLEY,Spanish Fork,UT 81 $72.00
Short Go:
D J DOMANGUE,Wharton,TX 89 $1,260.00
MCKENNON WIMBERLY,Cool,TX 87.5 $900.00
DANNY MCDOWELL,Jena,LA 85.5 $540.00
JAY MORROW,Wayland,IA 84.5 $360.00
TAG ELLIOTT,Thermonton,UT 84 $216.00
JERRY SHEPHERD,Levan,UT 82 $144.00
LEE WOOSLEY,Spanish Fort,UT 82 $108.00
STEVE WOOSLEY,Spanish Fork,UT 81 $72.00
Short Go:
WESLEY SILCOX,Payson,UT 87 $1,800.00
TYE ODDEN,Miller,SD 84.5 $1,080.00
STEVE WOOSLEY,Spanish Fork,UT 84.5 $720.00
The CBR's next event will be Longview ,TX on October 14th where Cody Hancock and B J Schumacher return to CBR action.
TYE ODDEN,Miller,SD 84.5 $1,080.00
STEVE WOOSLEY,Spanish Fork,UT 84.5 $720.00
The CBR's next event will be Longview ,TX on October 14th where Cody Hancock and B J Schumacher return to CBR action.
Thursday, October 5, 2006
Mohawks Join Tohono O’odham in Solidarity at Border Summit
The following is a guest article by former ICT Writer Brenda Norrell
Mohawks Join Tohono O’odham in Solidarity at Border Summit
notes Brenda Norrell
SAN XAVIER DISTRICT, TOHONO O’ODHAM NATION, Ariz. -- Indigenous at the Border Summit of the Americas opposed a border fence that will separate Indian communities in their ancestral territories and contribute to the Bush administration’s plan for corporate profiteering.
Without compromise, Indigenous called for a halt to the militarization, oppression and psychological terrorism created by the military industrial complex along the US/Mexico border.
Mohawks from the northern border united with Tohono O’odham from the southern border and demanded a halt to the militarization of their lands by the US Border Patrol, National Guard and federal agents.
Mohawk Mark Maracle, representing the Women Title Holders, said Mohawks from the north are ready to support the Tohono O’odham in the south “by any means necessary”.
“We are directed under our law to go to the aid of others and not just sit back and watch the devastation”, Maracle said, adding that the proposed border fence would upset the natural order.
“If this fence goes up, this nation will see natural disasters like it has not seen before. It will disrupt nature and the natural order.”
The Border Summit of the Americas opposed the border fence and the US Senate’s passage of the multi-billion dollar Secure Fence Act of 2006, during the Border Summit Aug. 29 – Oct. 1.
Calling it another “Berlin Wall”, International Indian Treaty Council member Bill Means said Indian people would not allow the United States to violate federal laws protecting American Indians, sacred sites and the environment. Those include the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act and American Indian Religious Freedom Act.
If the U.S. attempts to continue with its policy of ignoring federal law to build the fence, Means said the government of Mexico will be called on to demand that the US follow its own laws and issue an environmental impact statement before building the fence.
Means said Indian people would not sit by and allow the U.S. to carry out the mandate of the U.S. to disregard laws to violate Indian lands.
(Homeland Security waived environmental and other laws in 2005 to complete the border fence in Southern California. Kumeyaay said it would allow the U.S. to “plow though” the burial places of their ancestors.)
During the summit, Angelita Ramon, mother of Bennett Patricio, Jr., 18-year-old Tohono O’odham, described how her son was run over and killed by the Border Patrol. Ramon described the harassment that followed when they began to investigate the details of his death and whether it was an accident. The family has filed suit against the Border Patrol and United States. Ramon said the case was transferred to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, since Justice was impossible in the high court in Tucson, Arizona.
Mike Wilson, Tohono O’odham who puts out water for migrants on tribal lands, challenged the Tohono O’odham Nation to become morally responsible and not continue to allow migrants to die in the desert from dehydration. On tribal land, Baboquivari District has one of the highest rates of deaths for migrants.
“No one should be allowed to die for want of a drink of water”, Wilson said, pointing out that his individual effort comes after humanitarian groups were halted by the tribe from coming on tribal land to render aid.
Indigenous at the summit called for a halt to corporate welfare, including contracts to Boeing to build the border fence and contracts to Halliburton’s Kellogg, Brown and Root to build migrant prisons.
During the testimony, Indigenous said the militarization and occupation of Indigenous lands are in direct violation of Indigenous Peoples’ rights to economic, political, social and cultural control of their lands.
Urging a halt to trade policies, which are leading to mass starvation and unemployment in the Americas, the summit called for reforms of the North American Free Trade Agreement and other trade agreements.
During the summit, Tohono O’odham described how Border Patrol intrude into the homes of elderly O’odham without permission, hold people at gunpoint and ask for papers and occupy and throw garbage in sacred sites, including Baboquivari Peaks, the sacred place of the Creator I’itoi.
Floyd Westerman Red Crow sang the all-time favorite, “Custer Died for Your Sins”, and Keith Secola performed another crowd favorite, “Indian Kars”, during their outdoor concert on tribal land.
Westerman showed a film work in progress of the genocide of American Indians. Thefirst in the series is focused on the genocide by missions and gold miners in the state of California. It also describes the militia who collected bounties paid by the state and federal governments for Indian scalps and Indian heads. It further documents how small pox blankets were given to Indians in California during the ongoing era of Genocide.
The summit called for a halt to subsidized and genetically modified seeds, including corn and grain that have decimated Indigenous economies.
Further, local, state and federal governments were told to recognize the international rights of Indigenous Peoples as upheld by the United Nations, treaty rights, and the sovereignty of American Indians. Further, governments were told to obtain prior permission before entering onto or engaging in construction or development on Indigenous lands.
Pointing out that the fragile desert ecosystem and all of its creatures will be impacted, Maracle said, “The environmentalists should be up in arms.”
Maracle said he was directed by the Women Title Holders to attend the summit as a representative, because Native people face the same intrusions and violations of human rights at the northern border.
The Women Title Holders said in a statement, “The colonial government has imposed tribal and band council systems which are not supported by our people. Under international law we have a right to our nationality and cannot be arbitrarily denied that right.”
While supporting the right of passage of Indigenous Peoples at the Southern Border, the statement of the Women Title Holders said Native people, by traditional and federal law, have the right of passage at the Northern Border.
“Whereas the Red Card indicates that a person is a Haudenosaunee/Six Nations Iroquois of Turtle Island. According to the Two Row Wampum Agreement, at all times we are free to pass and repass by land or inland navigation [or by air] onto our territories, that we are free to carry on trade and commerce with each other, that we shall not pay any duty or import whatever, that we are free to hunt and fish anywhere on our vast territory and that we shall have free passage over all toll roads and bridges.”
The Border Summit opposed anti-Indian legislation in Arizona, including Prop. 103 English-only, Prop. 200 voter identification and Prop 300 proof of citizenship for services.
The summit was organized by Tohono O’odham Mike Flores and facilitated by the International Indian Treaty Council members, including Bill Means, Tony Gonzales and Jimbo Simmons.
The testimony was live on the radio in the Tucson area, and live on the Internet, with listeners responding around the world. After processing, the audio files will be available in the archives of Earth Cycles: http://www.earthcycles.net
Brenda Norrell
Wednesday, October 4, 2006
Its Off To Las Vegas For The CBR
CBR News
by Sheila Totten
The CBR World Championship Dates And Location Have Been Announced.
The 2006 CBR World Championship will actually be held on the first weekend of 2007 as Championship Bull Riding roars into Las Vegas,Nevada on January 5th and 6th.Presented by B& W Trailer Hitches the Finals will be held at Las Vegas' newest attraction The South Point Hotel and Casino's Event Center which is one of the best indoor equestrian centers in the country.
This year there is over $200,000 in prize money along with the world title.Reigning PRCA/ CBR World Champion Matt Austin is out in front again and I am saying it looks like back to back titles for him.The top 45 qualifiers who will be there include Matt,PRCA World Champion Dustin Elliott,Dannell Tipton,Wesley Silcox, B.J.Schumacher and former College World Champion Tate Stratton.
CBR President Tuff Hedeman was quoted in Mary Ramos' Press Release as saying:The opportunity to present the CBR World Championship in Las Vegas' newest attraction, The South Point Hotel & Casino is quite an honor," said Tuff Hedeman, "It is one of the finest indoor equestrian facilities in the country."
The festivities will kick off on Thursday,January 4th with a Kick-Off party and end with the Championship banquet on Sunday, January 7th.
It sounds like it will be a great event as CBR CEO 6 time Stock Contractor of the Year Terry Williams has stated that the CBR will have the best bulls ever to have been at one event at one time at the CBR World Championship.As quoted in the press release, Terry said: "With this much money on the line, we are determined to provide the greatest collection of bulls from the best stock contractors in the industry." Tuff and Terry have always put great pens of bulls together but this will be by far the cream of the crop! When you take the experience and knowledge that Terry and Tuff share you cannot go wrong!They are committed to putting on the best events for both the fans and riders. Its a little thing we know as "heart."
The World Championship will be broadcast on Outdoor Channel.
Tuesday, October 3, 2006
Upcoming PowWows
This coming weekend there will be a major PowWow in Town Creek ,Ala.Jessie Rogers from West TN will be the Jr Head Lady Dancer. Jessie is a Fancy Shawl Dancer who is not only beautiful but does danc elike the butterfly.And she is the first one to help others in their dance techniques. When not on the PowWow trail Jessie barrel races.
The annual NCC Port Royal PowWow will have the Red Hawk Singers as their host drum and Warrior's Path Singers as the guest drum. Hope to see everyone at both of these PowWows.
NATIVE CULTURAL CIRCLE PRESENTS THE NINTH ANNUAL Clarksville, TN Area
Intertribal Powwow
All Drums & Public Welcome
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
OCTOBER 14TH & 15TH 2006
Powwow Grounds outside Port Royal State Park,
I-24 Exit 11
Come share our Culture, foods, and crafts. Shop the vendors
for Arts & Crafts. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the dancing.
All vendors by invitations only…
Gate Opens
Saturday 9am-6pm
Sunday 10am-5pm
ADMISSION
Adults $5 Children & Seniors $2
Active Duty Military with ID FREE
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
For Information contact
Paul Slaughter 931-358-4187 email: pdslaughter60@bellsouth.net
Or
Debi McDaris 931-232-6612 email: doublesd@bellsouth.net
Website: http://www.nccircle.org
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Directions:
I-24 Exit 11 TN HWY 76E
From Clarksville: Left on old Clarksville Springfield Rd. Left on Hwy 238/Port Royal Road.
From Nashville: Right on Old Clarksville Springfield Rd. Left on Hwy 238/Port Royal Road.
In Memory of Barbara Pecor
Many people may not know who barbara Pecor is but she had a great effect on th elives of everyone who knew her.Barbara was my "adopted" big sister and best friend- the one I always confided in. She left on her journey to "Grandfather" at 3 AM on Sept.30th.Her visitations and Memorial Service were held the first week of Sept and she had a true American Indian ceremony.My husband Norman was one of several who eulogized our friend and tears streamed from his eyes as he did the Eagle Call to all four directions.
Barbara touched so many people.She was there to listen to everyone's problems,to dry tears and to tease and poke fun.Always a prankster she loved using play on words. jokes. She was a great lady who had a huge heart;and maybe it was physically too big as it finally gave out that sad morning.
Barb was unselfish.She spent the last twenty years raising her granddaughter Burnie with Joy Pecor her step-mother and soul mate.Both of these wonderful women put their lives on hold to raise this child who was the smallest premie born in Rochester,NY.Burnie had so many birth defects that Barb,Joy and Barb's dad were told Burnie would be blind,deaf and dumb,severely retarded and never walk.Burnie proved those doctors wrong;and just maybe part of the reason was the devotion and love her family gave her.Burnie has Cerebral palsy and long QT syndrome but she graduated from High School this year.She can see,hear ,speak and walk but is mildly retarded.Barbara put her own life on hold as did Joy after Barbara's dad died to give Burnie every chance possible to grow into a fine young woman.Barbara made sure Burnie was taught about her heritageand they helped out at and attended many PowWows.
In the past few months Barbara's health went downhill and she spent more time in her wheelchair than on her feet. During this same period our horse Shadow,whom she adored became crippled from two right hind leg snake bites.As Barbara went downhill so did this great horse.As her legs got worse so did his.She lost a lot of weight,Shadow who was an easy keeper lost weight on his right hind quarter as if the muscles atrophied.Were they connected by a bond -I feel so for the day after Barbara's Funeral our 100% foundation bred quarter horse Black Arrow Joe(Shadow) took a massive heart attack and died. At the time he passed at least four of us in different places saw a vision of Barbara looking younger and healthier riding a healthyShadow across the sky.They went on their journey together.So this weekend at the NAIC PowWow in Paris Landing,TN a great woman was honored and we danced to the drums singing her memorial song. And as we danced she was there with us and in the sky above a cloud formation resembled a woman on a horse.Goodbye my sister and good bye my four legged best friend.may you always ride the skies together.
Justin McBride Wins His Second Event This Season
Justin McBride Wins The U.S. Army's Invitational In Reading ,PA.
by Sheila Totten
Reigning PBR World Champion showed the fans why he is a champion this weekend with a stunning win at the U.S. Army Invitational in Reading ,PA. McBride topped the field with 179.5 on two head this weekend and went home with $34,470 . I am sorry I missed the event but I had to be at the N.A.I.C. PowWow as they honored the memory of my best friend and adopted big sister Barbara Pecor there.And like so many I missed the Fox broadcast on Sunday.
Justin was third in round one on Nevada Berger's Red Jacket.Just love that bull.Justin scored 89.25 while the LYJ son scored 44.50. In round two Justin bucked off of Black label who scored 41.50 but Justin came back in the short go aboard Bad Company's Walk This Way with a great ride for 90.50 while the bull scored 44.75. Justin had the only qualified ride in the short go. This was his second event win of the season and he also became the second man in the PBR to earn over three million.
Paolo Crimber was second in the average with 175 points and had led going into the short go where Cow Pix got the best of him.The bull scored 45.25.He finished second in the first round aboard Berger/Ryken's Copperhead Slinger with 90.25 while the bull scored 44.50.In round two Paolo was seventh on Satan's Own with 84.75 while the bull scored 42.
It was two time World Champion Chris Shivers who won round one with a great 90.50 ride aboard Kingpen's Cat Man Do who scored 44.25. Chris was on the losing end with his ride aboard Jack Hammer in round two and again in the short go aboard Smiley. Chris was 6th in the average. Chris faced Chumley/Katich's Dr. Proctor in the Mossy Oak Shoot Out and lost the match.
Brazil's Robson Palermo won round two aboard Berger/Ryken's Rockin Robin with 87.75 points while the bull scored 43.50. Palermo finished third in the average.
For Clarksville,TN fans I am sorry to say that out favorite local PBR rider Cory Rasch had a bad weekend but the good news is he did not get hurt.
Although there were a few scary moments the only injuries listed were Cody Hart with a strained right groin who is questionable to compete;J.B.Mauney who is out with a broken hand; Cody Whitney who is out with a probable right(free arm) forearm fracture and is expected to be at the Finals competing in a cast. Onthe injured list were also notables as:
Mike White who has a sprained lower back bruised his left knee and is probable for Columbus while his traveling buddy Chris Shivers is competing with several injuries.Chris has a herniated disc in his neck,a sprained left wrist(riding hand) and a sprained left knee.Adriano Moraes has a sprained lower back while Allan has been out with a torn posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee but is probable for Columbus.Also probable for Columbus is J.W.Hart who has been out with a herniated disc in his lower back.
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