Please Aid Porcupine Clinic At Pine Ridge

Porcupine Clinic Needs Your Help

 by Sheila Totten

Once again my fellow NAJA journalist Steffi Schwartz has alerted me about a major problem at Pine Ridge that needs immediate attention; and takes  me away from reporting on rodeo and bullriding momentarily so for the ABA and PBR fans awaiting the reports please bear with me while I address this important issue. I hope in this season of giving many readers will read this and find it in their hearts to help the Lakota people and this wonderful clinic out.

Pine Ridge is the home of The Porcupine Clinic,named for the district it is in in S.D. It is the only independent Indian run clinic in the country and receives no aid or benefits from the  Federal Indian Health Services. As winter approaches ,the clinic  currently has no money for the needed propane deliveries for heat.This much needed clinic  has had to close its doors for lack of funds and this is a crime. So many elders and sick people  depend upon it but without propane  there is nothing else that can be done.

The clinic serves not only the reservation but the entire Porcupine district where it is located.Many people are treated free  especially elders and children while others are  treated on a sliding scale.Porcupine is 15 years old and has a Dialysis unit  that is 3 years old.Lives depend on this unit.We must do something to help.

Let me explain something about the size of Pine Ridge. It  is estimated at 2.7 million square acres or11,000 square  miles of territory.From the remote areas where Porcupine is located to the IHS  Hospital at Pine Ridge itself is  a 100 mile drive. patients needing dialysis three times /week just cannot  travel that distance.And what of emergencies? The IHS hospital can't treat all the patients needing dialysis;and the next closest hospital is in Rapid City which is 120 miles away. Walk a mile in the mocassins of the people affected here.Stop and think for a moment of what you would do if the help you need to stay alive was taken away from you. Basically  this is what has happened here. Even if its just $5, I ask you to help bring heat to the Porcupine Clinic. You would be saving lives.Many of the people who have no heat in their substandard homes come to the clinic daily to stay warm so it really serves a dual purpose.With the doors closed pneumonia  along with flu and other life threatening illnessescould run rampant there as winter sets in. Please read on and help bring heat to Porcupine. And if you are a rodeo or bull riding promoter maybe you could do a benefit for  the people this clinic serves.They are in need of all the help they can get.Thank you and please continue on to Stephi's article below.

Porcupine Clinic Out of Heat<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

By Stephanie M. Schwartz, Freelance Writer

Member, Native American Journalists Association

October 26, 2007  Firestone, Colorado

 

Porcupine Clinic, located in the small community of Porcupine, South Dakota on the Pine Ridge Oglala Lakota [Sioux] Reservation is out of heat.  According to Stella White Eyes, Administrative Assistant for the Clinic, the Clinic has closed its doors until it can find resources to fund their heating costs.

 

Porcupine Clinic is the only independent Indian community-controlled health clinic in the United States.  It is not connected with the Federal Indian Health Services (IHS) program and is funded primarily by grants and donations.  Unfortunately, those resources have become exceptionally rare this year.

 

Porcupine Clinic opened its doors in 1992 and serves the entire Reservation as well as the Porcupine District in which it is located.  Patients are billed according to their ability to pay and many patients, including low-income Elders and children, receive free health care there.

 

In 2004, the Porcupine Clinic opened its dialysis unit, saving countless lives of those diabetic patients who couldnot journey 120 miles away to Rapid City for needed dialysis treatment several times a week.  The only other dialysis treatment available on the 11,000 square mile (2.7 million acres) Reservation is located in the small IHS Hospital in the community of Pine Ridge.  But that facility hosts only a handful of dialysis beds, is up to 100 miles away from the more remote areas of the Reservation, and is completely unable to treat the vast need of the entire Reservation.

 

Recent statistics state that the diabetes rate on Pine Ridge is 800% that of the National average and the life expectancy rate is 52 to 58 years old.  It is said that 55% of the adults on Pine Ridge over the age of 40 have diabetes.

 

Ms. White Eyes states that the Clinic has been unable to pay their annual propane tank rental fees of $245 (for both the Clinic and dialysis unit tanks) or for the propane to fill them.  They have three tanks: a thousand gallon tank which services the main clinic and two five hundred gallon tanks servicing the dialysis unit.  The minimum propane delivery from their provider, Western Cooperative (WESTCO) out of Chadron and Hay Springs, Nebraska, is $360.

 

If all the tanks were filled, at $1.69 per gallon, it would cost well over $3,000.  Further, that will need to happen more than once this winter.  While the dialysis unit helps to fund at least part of its own propane use, the Clinic is out of funding now, just as winter is approaching fast.

 

Harvey Iron Boy, Porcupine District Vice President and Head Man, spoke of the vital role that the Clinic plays in the local district as well as the Reservation as a whole.  Not only are the health care services, bi-lingual assistance, diabetic education, anddialysis treatments all meeting critical needs on the Reservation but there are more basic needs met by the Clinic as well.  He pointed out that locals often come into the Clinic simply to get warm on days when they have no heat in their own homes.

 

Ms. White Eyes has contacted various non-profits and assistance organizations but has largely gone unanswered.  Link Center Foundation, a small all-volunteer non-profit organization out of Longmont, Colorado, was contacted this week and was also unable to help.  With their own heating assistance program for the elders and disabled on the Reservation struggling due to lack of donations, there simply was no funding available to help the Clinic.

 

However, Audrey Link, Founder/President of the Link Center Foundation (www.LinkCenterFoundation.org), personally paid the $245 out of her own pocket for the annual tank rental fees for the Porcupine Clinic and dialysis unit on Friday.  Largely retired and on limited income herself, Link stated that “She couldn’t go to sleep tonight if she thought the dialysis patients and Clinic were going to lose their propane tanks.  At least now, if they can raise any money at all elsewhere, they can use the money for propane to fill them.”

 

Anyone wishing to donate towards propane fuel for the Porcupine Clinic may do so directly to the propane company.  Please contact:

Loretta at Western Cooperative (WESTCO)

170 Bordeaux St – Chadron, NE 69337-2342

Call Toll Free 800-762-9906

Credit Card and Bank Card donations by phone will be accepted.  Small donations are also welcome and will accumulate until the minimum delivery has been reached and then the company will makea delivery of propane to the Clinic.  Please clearly mark any donation “For Porcupine Clinic.”

 

Donations may also be sent directly to the Clinic.  For more information, please contact:

Porcupine Clinic

Stella White Eyes, Administrative Assistant

P.O. Box 99 – Porcupine, SD 57772

Internet Information: http://www.lakotamall.com/porcupine/

Phone:  605-867-5655

Note:  Due to lack of heat, there may or may not be anyone available to answer the phone at the Clinic at this time.  Please leave a message.

 

Stephanie M. Schwartz may be reached at SilvrDrach@Gmail.com

Visit other writings of Stephanie M. Schwartz at  www.SilvrDrach.homestead.com

 

This article may be reprinted, reproduced, and/or re-distributed unedited with proper attribution and sourcing for non-profit, educational, news, or archival purposes.

Tags: Indian issues

Statement From Michael Hicks, Principal Chief Of The Eastern Cherokee nation

Intro by Sheila Totten

Recently , Asheville,NC's councilman Carl Mumpower made some very derogatory statements about  the Eastern Cherokee.This man who is running for office in the area  which would make the members of the Eastern Cherokee Nation  and their employees his constituents obviously must be unaware that Cherokee people vote! Maybe he is just wanting to alienate potential constituents so that he will lose the election.I do not know .I take offense at his remarks and  pity the current constituents this man represents because of his prejudiced remarks. I have visited his election site(he is a candidate for Congress) and read  his words. This is a Republican running as an independant who follows his own guidelines. He  contradicts himself about Iraq. Bottom line is he has tried to paint the Eastern Cherokee nation not as a Sovereign Nation but as a special interest group only.  Here is the rebuttal to Mumpower from Chief Michael Hicks, and I am proud to place it here.

Eastern Band of Cherokee is and will remain a sovereign nation


by Michell Hicks


published October 22, 2007 12:15 am


As the Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, I felt compelled to respond to the recent disturbing press release issued by Asheville Councilman Carl Mumpower belittling our Nation as a special-interest group.

Mumpower would not be the first American politician advocating for the destruction of our tribe and for the dissolution of our rights to exist as a distinct Nation.

Many advocate for our demise out of ignorance about our historic government-to-government relationship with the United States.

Look at history

First and foremost our Nation existed in this land long before Europeans and then Euro-Americans sought to establish themselves as sovereigns.

Our people peacefully sought diplomatic relations with the governments of England and France long before there was an American government, and so it was that the new United States recognized our right to continue to exist as a distinct Nation.

This sovereign right was established nearly 200 years ago, not just with the rise of our ability to legally operate a gaming enterprise.

We will fight until the bitter end to maintain and defend our sovereignty, no matter what the circumstance.

Field still not level

I do, however, agree with Mumpower that the current playing field is uneven.

Thank goodness someone finally understands that.

We have not been on a level playing field for the 200 years of our relationship with the United States.

Our people have historically been among the most destitute in the country, and we have worked tirelessly to provide our people with opportunities that many other Americans take for granted.

Our Tribe continues to avail ourselves of federal grant money, which is available to many communities. It is our right as citizens to do so.

What is most disturbing about Mumpower’s view is that he so readily dismisses the rights of those constituents he hopes to represent.

Is he so dismissive of our ability to operate a business within the legal limits of the law that he would accuse our people of being corrupt?

Jealous of success?

If our business is so “counterproductive to the interests of Western North Carolina,” why are we one of the largest employers west of Asheville?

Why are we the most visited destination in North Carolina?

Is it that Mumpower has no idea of the huge unemployment rates prior to the opening of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Hotel, or is it that he doesn’t care about the constituents in the counties that provide the majority of our work force?

I think Mumpower would better serve this district if he actually knew who he wants to represent west of Buncombe County.

Michell Hicks is Principal Chief, Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.

Tags: Indian News

The CBR Bull Bash In Longview ,TX

               

Logan Knibbe Aboard Deuce Bigalo

 Logan Knibbe Tops The Field In Longview, TX

Pictures by Teri Lann

by Sheila Totten

As the temperature dropped in Longview, TX the excitement grew; and the fans were on the edges of their seats in this SRO There were even fans crowded around us where photographer Teri Lann and I were working by the arena fence. What a crowd!

. As the race for the event title went down to the wire the excitement grew. When the dust had finally cleared it was Stephenville, TX’s Logan Knibbe who won his first event title. CBR President, 4X World Champion Tuff Hedeman presented Logan with his winner’s check and Resistol hat; and also interviewed him. Logan told Tuff:” I’ve been waiting a long time to win one of these deals.” Tuff called the winning ride “awesome” which it was.

 Logan rode in the second section of the long go and took the lead with a great looking 89.5 ride aboard Lonnie Brown’s Copan Cat. The bull came out with power, spinning to the left into Logan’s hand with high kicks then reversed right towards the end of the ride. Some of the best four-year-old bulls in the country were here as this was a NBBA Classic event.

Logan held on to his long go lead until Ardie Maier (Twin Lakes, S.D. [which is on the Cheyenne River Reservation]) the 28th rider out made an incredible 91 point ride aboard the Lyndal Hurst/Cody Ohl/Garrett/Dyess bull Carney Man who made a fast spin to the left away from Ardie’s hand with lots of high kicking and power. Ardie, was perfect and exhibited complete control. Ardie went into the championship round in the lead with Logan right behind him.

Logan had his work cut out for him as first Navajo Nation World Champion Bull Rider Spud Jones (Twin Lakes, AZ) took the lead in the short go with a solid ride aboard Double R Bucking Bulls’ Sharp Shooter for 88.5 points. Spud is the first Native American to win a CBR event (Window Rock) and we were rooting for him. There have been many riders who are of Native American descent, but Spud is one from Indian Rodeo who is carving out a name for himself not only there but also in the CBR and the PRCA. The bull spun to the left away from Spud’s hand then jumped out of the spin before reversing to the right into Spud’s hand. In the long go Spud rode Zorro’s number one rated son Derringer for 85.5.Derringer took one leap out of the chute with high kicks before spinning to the right into Spud’s hand in a fast though low spin. Spud was out of position towards the 8 second mark but held on to his rope till the buzzer sounded. Derringer is currently in first place in the NBBA Classics standings for 4 year olds. Spud’s lead of 174 was quickly overcome when Livingston, Alabama’s Luke Kelly rode Scott Burruss’ Georgia Son for 90 points as the bull took one leap out before spinning to the left with lots of power and action. Luke made a textbook ride with good free arm action and high spurring. Luke had come out aboard Ben Brown’s Bee-Be-Gone in the long go who spun to the left away from Luke’s hand with high kicks and it looked like a buck-off but the bull had fouled Luke at the gate throwing him out of position. Luke got the option of a reride and this time the bull took one long leap out before spinning away from Luke’s hand to the left in a low spin. Luke scored 86 so added to his short go’s 90 that gave him 175 on two head and the lead. That held until Muskogee, OK rider Bronson Butcher rode Henry Wilson’s Black Gold in the short go for 88 points. Bronson rode him jump for jump, as the bull spun to the left with high kicks. Butcher is a young rider to watch. He had been called in as an alternative rider for Cody Hancock. Butcher made a good long go ride aboard Dan Duncan’s Big Red for 88.5 points in his first ever CBR event The bull spun to the left into Butcher’s hand then reversed right at the end of the ride. His score of 176.5 on two took over the lead. Logan Knibbe quickly ended that with his ride aboard Alan Murphy’s Deuce Bigalo for 89 points who took two leaps out of the chute before spinning to the right away from Logan’s hand with lots of rear and drop then jumped out of it and bucked straight. Logan had the lead with 178.5 on two head and it was nail-biting time for the fans. Only Ardie Maier remained to ride and he would need 88 points to win. He had drawn Scott Burruss’ Pole Cat who spun to the right into Ardie’s hand then jumped out of the spin and bucked straight before returning to a right spin. It just was not strong enough and Ardie scored 85 to end up third in the event while the long awaited win went to Logan Knibbe.

There were a lot of good bulls in the event with the best four year olds in the country in the NBBA portion of the event. The winning bull was Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo’s Maverick; another of the great young sons of my all time favorite Zorro. Maverick bucked Skeeter Kingsolver off in the long go. I spoke with Chuck Griffith before the event and he pointed out to me which of their bulls are Zorro’s sons. I can relate to Chuck’s pride in these babies as I feel the same way about my own bulls who buck in the ABA To me Zorro is another Blueberry Wine; maybe even better when he comes out with his rear and drop. Then again I am prejudiced as I have three young bulls that come out like Zorro although they are no relation to him.

In the long go Ardie Maier was first while Logan Knibbe finished second. Bronson Butcher was third in the long go while Houma, LA’s Trent Cormier finished fourth with his 87.5 ride aboard Wes Bruce’s Train Robber who is a little spinner with lots of action who spun to the right into Trent’s hand real fast. Pistol Robinson (Burelson, TX) was fifth with 87 points aboard Harlan Robertson’s Rusty who spun to the left into Pistol’s hand with a roll and lots of high kicking. Pistol stayed up front and looked good. He’s currently in first place in the CBR standings. New Bloomfield, MO’s Corey Davis tied for 6th  /7th in the long go with Jena, LA’s Danny McDowell at 86 points. Corey rode Lyndal Hurst’s Rehab who took one leap out then spun to the left into Corey’s hand before jumping out of the spin and bucking straight. Danny rode Terrell Sullivan’s Fat Boy who took one leap forward then spun to the right into Danny’s hand with high kicking while Danny spurred him high. Luke Kelly was 8th in the round with his 85.5 ride aboard Bee-Be-Gone. Luke who finished fourth in the event was #1 in the short go with 90 on Georgia Son while event winner Logan Knibbe was second on Deuce Bigalo. Spud Jones who was fifth in the average was third in the round with his 88.5 on Sharp Shooter while Bronson Butcher who was second in the average was fourth in the round aboard Black Gold. Jarrod Craig who scored 83 in the long go aboard Bryce Cooper’s Chipaway tied for fifth in the short go aboard Alan Murphy’s Buckshot with Danny McDowell aboard Scott Burruss’ Evil Eye with 87 points. Jarrod was 7th in the average while Danny was 6th.Trent Cornier was eight in the average with his 87.5 ride from the long go.

There was so much to see and do this weekend as the event was held in conjunction with Longview Heritage Days. There were autograph signings,vendors,concerts just so much. We saw old friends and met new people .I finally met Alan Murphy and he told me he had just bought Train Robber, Rampage’s Ghost and Mr. Slim from Wes Bruce before the event began. Alan also bought some good bulls from Wes at the Finals and now owns Cherokee Fiddler and Cowboy Cut.

I want to thank Mary Ramos for all her help. That is one hard working woman and I hope to profile her and Scott Davis soon. Scott was a big help to us also and deserves thanks. The fans were lined up Saturday morning at Jack O’ Diamonds Dodge to meet Tuff Hedeman, Matt Baldwin, Layne McCasland.Cody Sousby and Ray Clary.KYFX 105.7 Country was there along with the drum line from the Longview High School Marching band. Danny Tyler Danny and Drew Morning Show) had Teri Lann spin the KYFX  “Spin To Win” wheel but alas, our photographer didn’t win a prize. She did get to take Danny’s picture though and also Barbara Biggs who is with the station. Thanks also to David Carter, the sales manager at Jack O’ Diamonds who allowed us to take pictures for Tanasi Journal there. Teri took some shots of the Drum Line (Adonis Centers, Jonathan Marshall, Shawndell McGee, Kyle Stinson, Cameron Peoples, Daniel Pierce, Orey Love, Rosa Sanchez and Melissa Preston) thanks to assistant director Grant Woodson.The band was there doing a car wash to raise money for a spring break trip to Disney World where they get to march and play in the parade there. Teri got pictures of fans and their heroes including Tuff Hedeman.Thanks also to Eli Lux for watching over us. Eli is one of Tuff’s golf buddies and Teri got a good shot of the two of them together.

For those who wonder where Pam Minnick is her obligations to RFD-TV have kept her away from the CBR broadcasts and she is missed by all but we wish her well with her new position.

Tuff is wearing his CBR credentials on a beautiful piece of beadwork, which was given to him in Gallup.  He is probably the busiest man I have ever seen. He rushes from appearance to appearance, then works behind the chutes making sure everything goes right; and also greets the fans and does the presentation and interview with the winner! I get tired just watching him. It was good to see Andy Stewart .I think he is one of the better announcers in bull riding and rodeo.

It was good to talk with Jody Newberry who is doing well in the CBR.His wife Amanda is currently taking her clinicals and will be done with college soon for all the Bullriding Fans who have missed Amanda’s posts on the lists.

The CBR now has cheerleaders of a sort-the CBR Bull Babes. They were helpful also. I love these outdoor events but maybe one day I will learn that in some places the heat turns to cold temps at night!

It was great to see CBR Founder Terry Williams. To see the big guy looking healthy and wearing that great smile of his was a prayer come true. I give my thanks to Grandfather for that. During intermission they had a miniature bull riding with junior rodeo riders and a calf scramble for the kids. After the event there was a really good country music concert with Rich McCready and his band. I was really impressed with him.

If I have forgotten anyone I sure am sorry. Watch for my interview with Spud Jones, and try and make it to the CBR’s next event in Jackson, MS on November 17th.Teri and I will be there. Hope to see some of our readers there.

 

Tags: Bull Riding, CBR

Pistol Robinson Makes It Two In A Row

Pistol Robinson Wins  The Tuff Hedeman Louisiana Shootout At Bossier City

by Sheila Totten

Pistol Robinson continued his winning ways as he  had a "Grand Slam" at Bossier City. He won the long go,short go and the event as he put together two great rides to edge out Jody Newberry.Pistol is on a roll right now.This is his third event win of the season and his second in a row.Could Longview be a third in a row? Come out there and see.

In the long go Pistol rode the Bruce/Martinez bull 45 Turbo Charger for 90 points during the second section of the long go.The suspense was carried right to the very end of the event as Pistol,having the lead entering the short go was the last to ride.He had to score at least 88 to take the lead over Jody Newberry who had 177 points on two head. Once again it was a Bruce/Martinez bull,Apache Warrior who brought the victory home for Pistol.Pistol scored 92 and the crowd went wild.

Jody Newberry,one of the original CBR riders  came in second with 177 points .He rode the Bruce /Martinez bull 427 Black Mamba for 88 in the long go and  Scott Burruss' White Chocolate for 89 in the short go.Its good to see Jody doing so well.

In the first section of the long go there were three qualified rides.Bonner Bolton scored 87 aboard Harlan Robertson's  King Arthur while Kolt Miller scored 86 aboard Robertson's Pecos.BJ Schumacher scored 84.5 aboard Robertson's Mr.G.

The second section started with Jody Newberry's great ride for 88 points aboard Bruce/Martinez's  Black Mamba only to be eclipsed by Pistol Robinson's great 90 point ride aboard Turbo Charger.He was followed by Danny McDowell's 83.5 ride aboard Alan Murphy's Ghost Road with Seth Reynold's  making the last qualified ride of the section aboard Murphy's Rocky for 85.5.

In the third section between Alan Murphy's,Robbie Herrington's and Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo's bulls it looked like it was going to  the bulls over the cowboys  until Kenny Westrope rode Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo's Quickstart for 83 points.He was followed by Mike Moore who scored 86 on LRR's Moonshine and by Cody White who rode Alan Murphy's Cherokee Fiddler for 87.

Round four began with Vernon Guidry's bulls blanking their riders. Jake Littlefield rode Mutt Neuman'sBlues Man for 81 while Travis Sellers rode Neuman's Mutt for 85.Hmm and I thought our teenage stock contractor friend Marv Littrell of Circle 13 was the only one who named a bull after himself(49% Marvelous Marv).Jay Morrow rode Henry Wilson's red rooster for 87 and Danell Tipton finished the round with 82 on Wilson's Groopy.

The final section of the long go had Howdy Cloud scoring 88.5 aboard Scott Burruss' Brass Apache followed by J.W.Harris aboard Scott Burruss' Windmill for 85.5. Cody Whitney rode  Burruss' One Horn Willie for 84 to end the qualified rides in the long go.

Several of my favorite bulls were in the short go and they blanked their riders.Vernon Guidry's Snuff's Hot Damn,Alan Murphy's  Smokin Joe and Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo's Zorro all had their way with the riders.Cody Whitney was the first to  score  in the round with 88.5 aboard Scott Burruss' Evil Eye giving him 172.5 on two head.He was fourth in the event and third in the short go.B.J.Schumacher scored 75 aboard Harlan Robertson's Graceland to finsih fifth in the short go and fifth in the event with 159.5. Bonner Bolton scored 86 aboard another of my favorite bulls,Vernon Guidry's Dippin XS Energy to finsih fourth in the round and third in the event with 173 on two head. The only other two qualified rides were Newberry and Robinson and we already know where they finished. Pistol Robinson has lengthened his lead in the Crown Royal World Standings while B J Schumacher jumped into second place .

There were several injuries to report.Kolt Miller was ko'd in the chute while trying to mount Harlan Robertson's Solitaire.Kolt was thrown into  the metal frame of the slide gate , taking a bad hit on his head.He was taken to the hospital where all tests thankfully came backnormal but he did sustain a concussion and was held overnight.

CBR bullfighter Sid McKissick had a bad wreck when a bull slammed him into an arena wall.He was also taken to the hospital  and had a trauma team work on him all night.He had 5 broken ribs,a pneumothorax and a bruised lung. Sid stayed in the ICU overnight and was moved to a regular room on Sunday where he will remain under observation for his lung status.

I hope to have a full report for everyone next week as I will be at the CBR's Longview ,TX event.If you canpossibly ge tthere,this is going to be a great event and a really fun time for families.Hope to see you there.

Tags: Bull Riding News

Utility And Heat Assistance Is Needed On South Dakota Lakota Reservations

Too many people today think that all tribes and nations living on reservations are rich thanks to money from Casino operations,oil leases ,etc, but that is so far from the truth that it is not funny.The once feared and proud Lakota Nation is now among the poorest  of all  in this country which gives aid to illegal immigrants before taking care of its own.Why? Is the government still afraid of the once mighty Lakota? Do they fear the prophecies of the long dead leader and hero Crazy Horse.? It makes me wonder. More than any other tribe or nation it seems as if the federal government has bent over backwards to keep the Lakota downtrodden. Look at the following article by Stephanie M. Schwartz and read about conditions  on the 9 Siouian reservations in South Dakota. The thought of people freezing to death once again because they have no heat  is not the stuff of westerns depicting  conditions of the 1800's but it is fact .It is life! It is what is happening on these reservations;especially Pine Ridge,home to nearly 40,000 Oglala Lakota-the people of Crazy Horse.Look at the figures .Could you live  on $3500 a year?What if Nashville or NYC or Boston or LA had unemployment ranging at 85%?That is the figure for Pine Ridge-well if you are Indian.There are non Lakota towns on the reservations where white people live in comfort. They have work.They have pride .It is the Lakota who do not have this .

People living in urban ghetto areas have better housing than the Lakota where over 60% of the homes are substandard Even the roughest inner city ghetto would not allow legal housing to  be rented without running water or electricity.I am not talking about homeless  living in abandoned buildings .How many illegals live here without running water or electricity? Many Lakota lack both.This is messed up!

Last year before it was known that the FEMA  trailers were toxic  the reservations begged for their use so that elders would not freeze to death but FEMA's director refused them.The trailers had to be moved east in case of winter storms.Funny,I never knew them to move trailers in after a Blizzard or Nor'easter; and I lived through many!Funny also that once they became aware of the toxic problems with the trailers and of the illnesses people living in them along the gulf coast had developed the offer to make them available to Pine Ridge  came about.Reminds me of the genocide  in the old west when blankets from soldiers dying of smallpox and other diseases were distributed along with tainted meat to the reservations. Sorry if I sound bitter.I am not  as I cannot change history but I can ask for help in changing the present. Please read Steph's     article that follows.
For the Lakota Siouxan Elders, the Disabled or the Sick

Who Live On the Reservations of South Dakota

                                                     

2007-2008 is the third winter in which Link Center Foundation has strived to make a difference in the lives of the Elders, disabled, and ill of the South Dakota Lakota Reservations.

 9 Siouxan Reservations in South Dakota:  Pine Ridge Reservation, Cheyenne River Reservation, Crow Creek Reservation, Lower Brule Reservation, Rosebud Reservation, Sisseton-Wahpeton Reservation, Yankton Reservation, Flandreau Santee Reservation, Standing Rock Reservation
Among the poorest indigenous people in the United States.  As example, the average income on the Oglala Lakota Sioux Pine Ridge Reservation is only approximately $3500.00 per YEAR with unemployment hovering around 85% on this 2.7 million acre Reservation housing approximately 35-40,000 people
Over 60% of the homes are severely sub-standard, many without running water or electricity

Winter low temperatures in South Dakota average 9* F (November through February)
Made worse with bitter wind-chill factors and Record Temperatures reaching -44* below 0*F (1996)

Lakota have died from hypothermia due to inability to pay for heating
The majority of funding goes to help the Elders only.  However, there are those occasions when the disabled or sick are in crisis situations and critically in need of heat.  Even though they may not be actual Elders, Link Center Foundation finds it cannot, and will not, turn away from them.  Therefore, this project will now also include those rare and reasonable instances of severe need by those who are disabled and/or sick.
Help Us Help The Elderly,Disbled And Sick
All applicants screened and documented

Payments made directly to utility, propane, wood, or heat equipment companies

Donations carefully tracked and accountable
Link Center Foundation Financial Statements Available for Viewing at

www.LinkCenterFoundation.org

Your donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.  Please consult your tax advisor. 

 

Please mark your check: "Utility and Heating Fund"

Otherwise, all donations will be placed in the General Operating Fund which supports all projects of the organization and operating expenses.Please send donations to:
Link Center Foundation  P.O. Box 2253 ~ Longmont, CO 80502-2253
Or Visit Our Website for Credit or Bank Card Donation at www.LinkCenterFoundation.org

 

This is not spam. You have received this email because of some indication you have given me that you wish to be on my mailing lists. If you no longer wish to be included, simply reply to this email with "Remove" in the subject line. No hard feelings.

-Stephanie M. Schwartz
Freelance Writer www.SilvrDrach.homestead.com
Member, Native American Journalists Association (NAJA)

Volunteer, Link Center Foundation www.linkcenterfoundation.org



Tags: Indian News

It Takes A Big Person To Apologize For Dropping The Ball

By Sheila Totten

So many people shift blame for their shortcomings to others that we are always passing the proverbial buck rather than saying.I messed up.I dropped the ball.Taking responsibility for our actions or inactions should be an everyday part of life but to so many its  a "Not me.I would never do that." type of thing.Well,I want to praise my editor at Tanasi Journal,Val  Ohle because her is a woman who can face all of us and say "I really messed up."Val is not afraid to face facts and when she dropped the ball for setting up the Day of Healing she did not pass the buck.She came right out  and said "I did it." The following  paragraphs  contain the letter she sent to all.I also aplaud her for her ideas.She has hit the nail on the head for healing needs to start within each and every one of us.We need to first forgive ourselves for our own shortcomings be they temper tantrums,laziness or other bad habits.Then we need to forgive those who touch our lives  friends and enemies,all our relations .From there we can go on and forgive those who historically trespassed against us.If we let go of the negative energy we feel when we think of Columbus Day or Little Big Horn,Custer,Sherman,etc. and replace that with positive energy the world around us becomes a better place.And just maybe we will see unity and peace. Please read Val's letter and take to heart her ideas.Lets make Monday a true Day of Healing.

Failing a Test of Faith, or Finding a Starting Point?

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Last March, I asked the Tennessee Commission on Indian Affairs to establish an annual community-wide Day of Healing. It was a grand plan, really. In my head, I saw people gathering across the state to shed themselves of frustrations, fears, animosities, angst, resentments … all those things that keep us divided as a community … in some symbolic gesture.

The commission supported the idea. It was recommended the Day of Healing be set for Columbus Day, also a grand idea. What better day to begin a process of healing ourselves than a day that has inadvertantly caused us so much pain for hundreds of years?

A committee was appointed consisting of me and Ms. Van Lynch, and to which was to be added traditional spiritual elders. Those elders we were aware of were contacted and agreeable to the idea. After that the ball got dropped. Ms. Van didn’t drop it and the elders didn’t drop it.

I did. I let the roadblocks that put themselves in front of me prevent me from moving the project forward. I let political issues absorb my concentration and time. I let everyday life get in the way. I let personal economics stop me.

Key words being “I let.”

It’s easy to make excuses for not feeding the Spirit, not staying centered on Spirit, not putting Spirit first. It happens in all faiths, all spiritualities. Sadly, it happens to the majority of the people. It’s even easy to be faithful in keeping spiritual traditions, but not keep those traditions in a good way.

If someone were to say to me, “Well that never happens to me,” I’d probably tell them they were liars. I’m relatively sure my elders would.

At any rate, “I let” this project fall by the wayside. It would be difficult now, at best, to put together a plan, distribute it out to the public who would then be faced with trying to organize something, inform their local communities and make it happen. To do so would be foisting my mistake onto others. I’m not going to do that.

So here is the 2007 Day of Healing plan:

Since “I” (meaning self, individual) is the one most responsible for “letting” Spirit be pushed aside, the focus of this year’s Day of Healing is “I.” We need to individually heal ourselves before we can ever hope to heal an entire community.

Wherever you are on Columbus Day morning (October 8, 2007), take a moment of time to speak to that highest power you accept as the Creator/Spirit. If you offer, offer. If you send smoke, send smoke. If you kneel, kneel. Whatever your daily ceremony is or should be, make it be, do it.

• Give thanks for a new day and a new opportunity. 
• Give thanks for the blessings you’ve received and recognized.
• Give special thanks for the blessings you’ve received and not recognized.
• Give thanks for your elders, family, friends and community.
• Ask that the day become the first Day of Healing for you, personally.
• Ask Creator for spiritual strength, guidance, forgiveness and humility.
• Ask that Creator help you find a way to let go of those things that allow you to “let yourself” put the Creator/Spirit on a side or back burner.
• Ask that Creator help you find a way to let go of any anger, animosity, resentment or jealousy you may feel toward others.
• Ask that Creator help you understand and be tolerant of others.
• Ask that - when you are faced with opposition - you are guided to face that opposition in an honorable and forthright manner.
• And ask that, the next time you meet or interact or even hear about someone you consider to be an enemy or the opposition, you are given the strength and guidance to try to understand their perspective, to form your words, actions or reactions toward them in a good way and become an example for the Seventh Generation.

And if you’re in need of that symbolic gesture, write down the names of all your enemies, all those you feel have done you wrong, all the “things” that you feel are harming you or holding you back. Take the list you make, read it one time, then wad it up and throw it in the nearest trash can. Stop carrying the burden of all that negative energy right there at the other side of that mental river (to paraphrase Tom’s story of the woman and the two monks). Look at the Day of Healing as a new day, a new opportunity, a new way of being.

I apologize to those traditional spiritual elders I had contacted who agreed to help us plan this year’s Day of Healing.  The blame, the failure to follow through is mine and mine alone.

I won’t promise the Day of Healing 2008 will be any closer to that “grand idea” I originally had. It wouldn’t matter if I did. The Day of Healing only does its job if “I” … and you, and you, and you over there … if “we” let it.

Respectfully,
Valerie

PS - please feel free to forward to other lists, message boards, and individuals in the Tennessee Indian community who may not subscribe or view same.

Tags: Indian News

Press release NCC Port Royal Powwow

The following is a press release for this year's NCC Powwow at Port Royal. It is always a great event to attend;and I would be there dancing in the circle if I were not going to be in Texas covering the CBR event in Longview.All I can say is here you will see  authentic dancing,great drums and good people who are doing their Powwow for all the right reasons.You can feel the spirit of the Powwow  in your heart when you approach the grounds.Please attend and  have a great time there.Thanks to Philonese Slaughter for  sending this.

 

 

The Native Cultural Circle will be hosting their 10th Annual Clarksville Area Intertribal Powwow at the Powwow Grounds across the Red River from the Port Royal State Historic Site in Adams, Tennessee on Saturday and Sunday, October 13 & 14, 2007. 

 

This year we are proud to welcome White Horse Singers from Alabama as our host drum and Shades of Red from North Carolina as our guest drum.  There will be special activities both days of the powwow.  Saturday’s events will include honoring the walkers who participate in the Port Royal Trail of Tears Commemorative Walk and a world class Hoop Dancer.  On Sunday there will be a dance presentation by Juanetta Jones’ folkloric dance troop.

The powwow is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, October13 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.  Admission each day is $5 for adults and $2 for children and seniors.  Active Duty Military with an ID will be admitted for free.

 

Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the dancing.  Come enjoy sharing our culture, trying the food, and enjoying the demonstrations.  Explore the vendor booths for interesting crafts that make wonderful gifts for yourself, family members or friends.  

 

For additional information contact: Paul Slaughter at 931-358-4187 or “Red” Kirby at 931-368-1246. 

Tags: Powwow

CBR News

Pistol Robinson Wins The L’Auberge du Lac Tuff Hedeman Louisiana Shootout

by Sheila Totten

 Pistol Robinson had two reasons to celebrate in Lake Charles, Louisiana on September 23rd. He not only won the event title with his great 93 point ride in the short go aboard Harlan Robertson’s Livewire but Pistol also jumped ahead of Zack brown to lead the CBR Crown Royal Standings. Harlan Robertson’s bulls were the key for Pistol as he combined his short go ride with a good, solid 89.5 ride in the long go aboard CC Mr. G to end up with 182.5 on two head. According to the CBR if you travel with Pistol you best be prepared to do the driving as  he tends to sleep. He claims he needs his rest so he can ride well!

Kenny Westrope led the way into the short go with his long go winning ride for 91 aboard Scott Burruss’ 20 Polecat but bucked off of Robertson’s Little Wicked in the short go Pistol Robinson was second in the long go; and the race was on.

Bonner Bolton was third in the long go with 89 points aboard Martinez Bucking Bulls El Patron while Wesley Silcox tied with Luke Kelly, Jesse Bail and Ardie Maier for places 4-7.Jody Newberry finished 8th in the round with 85.5 points.

Wesley Silcox joined the 90 point club with his 91 point ride aboard Martinez’s 60 Border Patrol. Luke Kelly did the same with his 90-point ride aboard the great Biloxi Blues. Along with Robinson, they were the only qualified rides in the short go as bulls as Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo’s Zorro, Scott Burruss’ Cowboy Cut and Alan Murphy’s Smokin Joe sent their riders flying off early. It was another great event with great bulls, great cowboys and great personnel The CBR heads to northwest Louisiana on October 6th for The Eldorado Resort Casino Tuff Hedeman Louisiana Shootout-Bossier City, LA. It’s going to be another fun filled, exciting event. Try and be there. There were some injuries at Lake Charles, which is the norm when you have such a great pen of rank bulls. Ardie Maier who hails from Timber Lake. S.D., which is on the border of the Cheyenne River and Standing Rock reservations, was knocked out in the short go as his head hit Cowboy Cut’s horn. Ardie went airborne, landing face down in the dirt. He regained consciousness after being carried out of the arena but had momentary memory loss and a cut above his right eye. He has regained his memory since then, Making a save, Matt Baldwin injured his foot which was first thought to be broken .He actually had severe tissue swelling with a hematoma on the top of his foot but should be back in action by Bossier City this coming weekend. Beau Schroeder will be out for 6-8 weeks with a broken leg he sustained when he got hung up on Martinez’s Lil Wayne<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Wesley Silcox was injured on October 1st in the semifinals of the Omaha Nebraska River City roundup. A bull I always considered to be dangerous, Crossfire Hurricane slammed his head into Wesley’s jaw as he bucked Wesley off. Wesley took a bad bump, breaking his jaw, suffering a concussion and some lacerations. He’s going to be in pain for a while so please keep him in your prayers.

Meanwhile also knocked out of the competition at Bossier City is reigning CBR World Champion Matt Austin who was to make his return to action there. Matt was getting geared up in the practice pen on Tuesday night and broke his ankle. According to Dr. Tandy Freeman, Matt ought to be able to ride when the CBR goes to Jackson, MS in November. I hope to be at that one.

Country singer and photographer Teri Lann will be going to Longview, TX with me for the CBR’s Oct.13th event there and it looks like a real fun time for the fans. There will be autograph signings on Friday and Saturday. Gates open Saturday morning at the Fairgrounds at 9AM; and the fans will have a great time with such entertainment as a concert with Rich McCready, Minature Bucking Bulls and a Kids Corral. There will be lots of vendors also and the tickets for the event are a real bargain. Where else can you see World Champion Bulls, Cowboys and Bullfighters for $15 reserved seats in advance ($20 at the gate) General admission is only $10 in advance ($12 at the gate) and children 4-12 are $4 in advance and $6 at the  gate. This is a family bargain. Check out the CBR site online for more information Don’t forget to watch the CBR on the Outdoor Channel. As of today the new schedule begins with the CBR coming on at 11:00 PM Eastern. Beginning next week you will see all new shows beginning with the Red Wilk Construction CBR Bull Bash. Hope to see everyone in Longview. And if you cannot make the trip as we are doing from TN please support the NCC Powwow at Port Royal   in Montgomery County. There will be great vendors, food, drums and dancing there along with Spirit.

 

Tags: Bull Riding