Saturday, May 24, 2008

Stealing The Sacred Black Hills

Here we are in 2008 and once again through fakery and manipulation  they are trying to steal the Sacred Black Hills  from my Lakota brethren. Just as  centiries ago when they fooled leaders and elders with worthless treaties again here comes  the whiteman and the government to try again to take the sacred Indian land for a handful of beeds. Please read the  article that was forwarded to me .My heart is sick over this.

Mission, SD (Rosebud Reservation)    ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !   NOTICE ! ! ! ! ! ! !


Today May 22, 2008 between 1-3p.m. CST at the Harold Jones Hall on the Episcopalian Church grounds in Mission SD on the Rosebud Reservation a meeting was held  by attorney Douglas R. Kettering to push the sale of the Black Hills.  People were encouraged to sign Contingency Fee Agreements that had as a header "Greater Sioux Nations Oyate, a not for profit corporation" (to add legitimacy to an illegitimate situation) and pay $20 per agreement to the Law firm with additional hourly fees forthwith.  Edna Guereu fromerly of Denver and currently of Rosebud reservation was encouraging duped elders and anyone who would listen to sign Contingency Fee Agreements along with power of attorney statements, using Minnesota statutes.


Pass the word around because apparently most people are unaware of this with the exception of hang around the forts who are more than eager to sign in the hopes of making a meager $12,000, which will not last one day in a casino and is a pittance compared to both the spiritual and monetary value of this land,  while  Kettering stands to make millions if he is succesful, and vast amounts of money win or lose.

Kettering plans to have a meeting at Prairie Wind Casino on the Pine Ridge Reservation, much like the one he held in Early May in Sioux City Iowa, and now today  in Mission.  There is no scheduled time as of yet, however this sneaky rat is doing his best to only expose his money grubbing, land stealing plan to non Traditionals because he thinks in that way he can slither through the back door.

This only proves that we do still own  the Black Hills and that the US govt is scared and is sending slick slimeballs like Kettering (not Ketterling) to do his dirty work.  It seems Kettering is teaming up with the Law firm of Mohrman and Kaardal, P.A. the law office (612-341-1074) that is trying to make money off of the Shakopee Claim of the Mdewakanton Dakota Oyate litigation (Minnesota/ Prairie Island ) (http://www.mklaw.com/mdewakanton.htm)

Kettering Law Office
714 Douglas
Yankton, SD 57078-4008
605-665-1000

All Kettering is offering is a handful of glass beads and small pox blankets.  Our ancestors did not die fighting for this.

THE BLACK HILLS ARE NOT FOR SALE!   Pass the word far and wide that these people are not playing around and will do everything they can to con anyone so they can make a buck off the suffering of our people and land, The Heart of our Mother, that our Ancestors had  the courage to fight and die for!

A copy of the packet handed out at these meetings is being faxed to me, and I will be posting an update with  that information as soon as I receive it.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

American Indians And Skiing

When we think of skiers we think of Austrians ,Swiss and Swedish stars  but so few who follow  skiing  know that many of our North American skiing stars are Native American.How many have known that the Olympian  Billy Kidd is Abenaki. I remember as a child meeting him in Boston at Jordan Marsh where he was signing autographs and I knew right off that he was American Indian  just like me. I remember grinning from ear to ear about that.
 Another Olympian and World Class Champion skier is Idaho's Picabo Street  whose name means Shining Waters  There is Ross Anderson( Cheyenne, 2005 Bronze Medalist in World Ski Speed Championships), Stew Young(Tulalip,World Cup Veteran Speed Skier),.Gene  Tagaban(Tlinkit-Cherokee, X-treme skier) and Ron Alred(Telluride's Native Ski Pioneer). Add to this Olympian  Suzy "Chapstick" Chaffee who has been very instrumental in developing ski programs for native youth and who now co-chairs Native Voices Foundation.
Billy Kidd is the captain of the Native American Olympic Ski Team.Yes,everyone,we now have our own ski team! I am really thrilled about this.Kidd and  Suzy Chaffee are working with Native American youth through NVF.They are coaching them and assisting them  with opportunities to compete in the Olympics.
Currently two of the youth they are working with in Steamboat Springs,Co . are 6 year old Delaney Tyon who is Lakota from Pine Ridge. and 14 year old Mariah Cooper  who is Lac Court Oreille from Wisconsin.
Delaney ,who just won the gold at  Nastar's National Ski Championships said he was able to win because of the help he received from so many which included his Grandpa Lou, Derren Derosier(director of Terry Peaks Ski School); and by observing others on the slopes. Delaney's mother Misty found NVF through www.Snow-Riders.Org after Delaney had been hailed by Rapid City TV for skiing like a pro at his young age.
Billy Kidd is very proud of his young protege who is the fastest 6 year old on skis.Kidd even found jobs for Delaney's grandparents to help them while he coaches Delaney. Kidd calls both Delaney and Mariah a joy to work with while being good students and just all around great kids.
Mariah has "prayer signed" at two Wisconsin Governor's events; and after Delaney's victory Mariah honored him with a ceremony. Mariah's love of skiing was born after Billy Kidd and Suzy Chaffee were able to  persuade ski industry leaders  to donate 60 pair of skis for Indian youth in Wisconsin which enabled them to compete in the 2003 Birkebeiner X-Country Race. Mariah placed second in her age group in 2007.
Suzy and Billy  have worked hard not just to obtain donations as these skis  but as coaches for these Native American youth ;and also as lodging and job locators for their families. Mariah credits them for making it possible for her parents , Dale and Nancy, and herself to get to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Mariah also runs track and will compete in September's North American Indigenous Games in Vancouver. She has been voted to represent the voice of Indian youth on the NVF board. NVF is a Colorado based non-profit  partnership of U.S. Tribal Leaders,Elders and Olympians  dedicated to Croat unity through sports and education while  helping to heal Mother Earth. Please visit Snow Riders of The American Indian Nations for more news about this.
 

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Making It In The CBR-Spud Jones

Spud Jones-Living His Dream
I was very impressed when I met Spud Jones at the CBR  event in Longview ,TX this past fall.  He was a pleasure to interview; and I was really glad that Teri Lann and I got the chance to meet him.Teri got some good pictures of him during the interview and during the event.Spud can really ride. He stays centered and has picture perfect leg and free arm movement even when he draws a small bull.Spud is one tall cowboy.
Spud who is from Tohatchi,NM  told me he began riding  at the tender age of three( mutton bustin ) and he went on to compete  in Indian Junior Rodeo. He graduated from mutton bustin to steers  and then to bulls  and broncs.He became an all around cowboy and he added calf roping and team roping to his  events and like the great Arby Little Soldier he excels at all. Spud is a Navajo Nation Champion,AIRCA World Champion and 2007 IIFR World Champion Bull Rider.
Spud went on to tell me that he made it to the 2005 National High School Finals Rodeo in Gillette,Wyoming. I had hoped to see Spud at the 2006 NHSFR in 2006 but neither he nor I made it to Springfield ,Ill.Spud  who was the AIRCA 2006 All Around Champion had a broken leg and I had bulls bucking at Finals in KY.
I asked Spud how he stayed centered and focused  he told me"Always go after your dream." That is his method . He also said "I'm living my dream now .I am making it to the CBR  Finals in Las Vegas.He had the biggest smile on his face . Spud had won the CBR event in Window Rock,AZ which was held in conjunction with the Navajo Nation Fair and that qualified Spud for the Finals . 
When I asked about goals there was of course the wish to not just make it to the CBR Finals but to become a CBR World Champion.He also wants to qualify for the NFR.as since he turned 18 Spud has been in the PRCA. I can see Spud not just as a Word Champion bull rider in both the CBR and PRCA, but also as  a World Champion All Around Cowboy.
Spud's role models in life are his mother and father.You could see the devotion for family in his eyes as he spoke about that. As far as bull riding idols and all around cowboys he said  his idols are Denny Flynn, Gary Toole,Marty Staneart and of course Tuff Hedeman.His advice to American Indian youth:"Keep trying. Keep going after your goal.That's what you got to do." When I asked him "Hold on till the end?" He grinned and said yes. We both agreed that  today's Indian youth on troubled reservations need to find a dream and go for it.Once again Spud said:"Never give up."
I am not alone in seeing Spud as a future World Champion.4X World Champion and CBR President Tuff Hedeman is really high on Spud and has even called himself Spud's numb one fan  during a recent CBR broadcast on RFD-TV.I guess Tuff and I will have to go round  and round for that title!
 You can find more information on Spud at the CBR website www.cbrbull.com where he is currently their "King of the Month'.A healthy Spud Jones will someday rival Donny Gay's  record of 8 PRCA World Champion Bull Rider titles and if he continues in the all around category he will eclipse  Ty Murray's record. Spud has become a rising star in bull riding on the PRCA circuit since winning the event title in Denver this winter at the National Western Rodeo . He rode Locomotion, the toughest bull in the draw during the Final round to edge out Kanin Asay and Tyler  Johnston. Congratulations to Spud on his first  PRCA event title and also to other Indian riders who are making good inroads into the PRCA.  including PRCA #22  Bronc Rider Rollie Wilson(Indian World Champion)PRCA # 13 Team Roper  Derrick Begay and #39 Bull Rider Justin Gopher.
 Go for the gold Spud!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Cooper Kanngeisser Wins 31st Annual George Paul Memorial Bull Ride

Cooper Kanngiesser Wins The 31st Annual George Paul Memorial Bull Riding While Taking The Lead In The CBR’s 2008 Standings

 The George Paul Memorial Bull Riding is the oldest stand-alone bull riding event. This year the prestigious event became a part of the CBR’s 2008 season and played to standing room only crowds this past weekend. The best bulls challenged the best riders from the CBR and the PRCA; and when the dust had settled it was Zenda, KS’ Cooper Kanngiesser who stood victorious.

Records were made as during the two day event there were 15 rides which scored 90 points or above. Five of those came in the short go and they were the only qualified rides in it. That had to have kept the fans roaring.

Trent Cormier of Houma, LA won the first round with 93.5 on Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo’s Maverick who is one of Zorro’s sons. He had to pass up his chance at the Bounty Bull Walk The Line (Bad Company) due to a minor but aggravating injury.

Super Dave Samsel (Haslet, TX) got the nod to face the Bodacious grandson because of his second place finish in the round. He rode Rich Bumbaca’s Hasta Luego for 93 points in round one. Dave who at age 37 is one of the oldest riders on tour has really seemed to blossom during the past two years as he rides both CBR and PRCA.While other riders seem to be slowing down Dave only gets better with time. Unfortunately for him Walk This Way also gets better with each out and he bucked Dave off right out of the chute with his power, rear and drop. Dave gave the crowd that great Samsel grin and told them he was still happy to be a part of this great event.

Clint Craig of Mena, AR was third in the round with 92.5 aboard Bumbaca’s Auger while CBR 2007 World Champion Bonner Bolton was fourth in the round with 92 points aboard Hurst/Dyess& Garrett’s Carney Man. Danny McDowell was fifth with 90 points aboard Alan Murphy’s Coffee Bean.

Corey Davis rode Alan Murphy’s Smokin Joe for 82.5 and Cody White rode Murphy’s Border Patrol for 81.5 in the first section.

In the second section of the round it was Cooper Kanngiesser with 86.5 aboard Bad Company’s Born To Boogie and PRCA World Champion Wesley Silcox aboard Benny Cude’s Mama’s Boy for 90.

Luke Haught rode Carl Wilburn’s Chuckar for 83 while Seth Reynolds rode Scott Burruss’ Mojo for 85. Steve Woolsey aboard Lyndal Hurst’s Chino with 86.5 followed him

IIRA World Champion Bull Rider and Navajo Nation World Champion Spud Jones made a good ride aboard Mike Johnson’s McCrazy for 89.5. CBR President 4X World Champion Tuff Hedeman is really proud of Spud and sees a future World Champion of the CBR in him.

Travis Sellers rode Johnson’s Hood Figure for 89 to end the round.

  Bonner Bolton rode Bad Company’s Funcky Cole Medina for 86.5 in the second round giving him the lead with178.5. That was short lived as Spud Jones took it over with yet another 89.5 ride. This time he rode Bad Company’s Pretty Vegas and had 179 on two head. Luke Haught rode Born To Boogie for 86 and he had two under his belt for 169.

Logan Knibbe made a great ride aboard Johnson’s Mighty Dirty for 92   while two time CBR World Champion Matt Austin rode Alan Murphy’s Coffee Bean for 90.5. Then it was Cooper Kanngiesser aboard Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo’s Dirty Demon for 87 to give Cooper 173.5 on two head.

Jay Morrow rode LRR’s Top Gun for 85.5 for a solid ride. The Friday Wright scored 89 aboard Glen Southwick’s Red Eye for another thrilling ride. Trent Cormier added to his first round winning score with 86 points aboard Jesse Hill’s parachute to give him a total of 179.5 and he took over the lead.

Steve Woolsey scored 87 on Rosin’s B20 and had 173.5 on two head. Dave Samsel added to his score with another solid ride aboard Billy Jones’ Doc Holiday for 87.5.that gave Dave the lead with 180.5 on two.

Luke Kelly rode Murphy’s Hookin Bull for 88.5 while Bronson Butcher was great upon Murphy’s Mr. Incredible for 91.

The last two qualified rides of the round were Corey Davis aboard Scott Burruss’ Looney Toon for 85.5 and Douglas Duncan aboard Lyndal Hurst’s Twister for 87.5. Corey had 168 on two.

 In the championship round there were five riders out of fifteen who made qualified rides and all were above 90. Cooper Kanngiesser scored 91 aboard McCrazy (Mike Johnson) to tie for 4/5 in the round and win the event with 264.5 on three head.

It was Corey Davis who tied with Cooper. Corey rode Bumbaca’s Easy Street and had 259 on three head.

Danny McDowell scored 93 when he made a great ride aboard Burruss’ Standoff to tie with Wesley Silcox for 1/2 in the round. Wesley rode Bumbaca’s Auger. The last ride was Travis Sellers aboard Murphy’s Buckshot for 91.5.

The fans really got their money’s worth will all those great rides in the short go.

When he was interviewed after winning the event Cooper thanked the George Paul family and the CBR for helping him make a dream come true. Of all the events he has won this was one of the best. Everyone wants to win this legendary event.

Bobby Paul said that the CBR’s production of the annual George Paul Memorial was the best in 20 years. The event means a lot to all riders but it has a special place in CBR President Tuff Hedeman’s heart. Tuff is one of just two riders to ever win this event three times. For Tuff this was a thrill to be able to bring the best riders and bull sin for this event.

You can see this event on RFD-TV on May21st, May 28th and June 4th. The CBR is televised every Wednesday night at 9 PM CT.

 

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Guilherme Marchi Wins Third PBR Event Of 2008

The first time BFTS event held in Des Moines Iowa kept fans on the edges of their seats as it was filled with great rides and some terrible wrecks. After the dust had settled   the event title went to number one in the standings, Guilherme Marchi.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

 In round one Guilherme made a good ride aboard #10 Bucking Bulls’ Bad Brad for 86 points and 13th position in the round. The bull who scored 42.25 was not that impressive as he went around to the left away from Guilherme's hand then jumped out of the spin and faked right and faked left. In round two he rode Chad Berger/Clay Struve's Spiderman for 84.75 and 15th place in the round. The bull only scored 41.50 and like in round one was unimpressive as he took two leaps out then went around to the left with no timing. In the short go Guilherme rode D&H's Bad Yeller for 88.25 and third place in the round. The bull whoa scored 44   was not as good as he should have been for that bull score. He went around to the left away from Guilherme's hand after having taken three leaps out of the chute with belly kicks alternating with cow kicks. I guess I just don't agree with the judges much since Cody Custer has left. Personally I would not have scored that bull over 42, if that. Still it gave Guilherme 259 points on three head and the win. Guilherme had to wait for the last rider before he knew that he was the winner as Adriano Moraes was leading the pack going into the short go and if he rode he would have won the event as all he needed was 82 points to take the lead back. Instead Sam's Town blew out of the chute with Adriano with so much power faking right in a long jump then faking left to throw Adriano off that Adriano’s chaps blew apart. The bull scored a well-deserved 44.50

There were 14 rides in round one with Colby Yates being the first one out on Just A Dream. Colby scored 86.75 and was 11th in the round while the bull, which scored 42.25, went around to the left into Colby's hand and flattened out.

The next four riders (Vince Northrup, Pistol Robinson, Kolt Donaldson and Ned Cross all lost out to the bulls they had drawn. Finally Clayton Foltyn broke that mode as he rode Frosty for 88.25 and a tie for 5/7 in the round. The bull is a good spinner and went around to the right into Clayton's hand

By the time Leah updated us on the injuries there had been 13 riders bucked off and only two qualified rides. Leah let us know that Chris' surgery was put off until Friday and he will be out several weeks.

I don't know what kind of bull score Marcus got but Wiley Petersen got a re-ride option when the bull just faked right along the chutes then reversed left with little action. Unfortunately Wiley's re-ride did not work out well as Fire and Flame faked right and left then pulled Wiley off over his head. That bull scored 42.50.

Zack Brown looked good aboard Splat Cat who went around to the right away from Zack's hand. Zack tied for 5/7 with 88.25 while the bull scored 43.50.

Bells Blue might have bucked Ednei Caminhas off but his bull score was only 39.25 as he loped.

Austin Meier looked good aboard Texas who went around to the left into Austin's hand with good action. Austin scored 88.50 and was 4th in the round while Texas scored 43.

During the event we learned that although Reese Cates made little of his broken finger, the hand surgeon decided that he did need surgery and Reese will be out for a while.

Dustin Hall rode Savage for 86.25 and 12th place in the round as the bull was around to the left away from Dustin's hand and Dustin was out of shape and nearly off to the side as the bull reversed to the right into Dustin's hand. Savage scored 42.75.

On the whole the bull scores were better this week although some of them did seem inflated.

Bryan Richardson looked good aboard Why Not Minot who scored 43 as Bryan scored 87.50 and finished 8th in the round. Bryan stayed out over his rope as the bull went around to the right away from Bryan's hand.

Aaron Pass has it! This 15 year old looking 19 year old reminds me of Chris Shivers. As Bo Alameda went around to the left into Aaron's hand, Aaron remained in perfect position and complete control .I thought the judges were a little stingy when they scored him at 87(10th place) and the bull at 43.Aar on made a textbook ride and it should have been at least an 88. Welcome to the big leagues, Aaron.

Papa Smurf fouled himself at the gate so Mike White got the option of a re-ride. JW Hart made it sound as if Mike purposely fouls some of the bulls by spurring them as they leap out. I guess I will have to watch more closely. Mike drew Three Alarm for the re-ride who went around to the right into Mike's hand then reversed left away while Mike made a good spur ride but there was a judge's review and they got Mike for a slap at 7.75.Mike didn't get the Enterprise bonus of $5000 but the bull's owner Jerry Nelson did.

Kasey Hayes will be out of action because Page 499 yard darted Kasey and although he was able to get up and walk Kasey did fracture C6 and will undergo fusion surgery at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. I knew Kasey had most likely fractured C6 or C5 when I saw the way he was yard darted. It reminded me of the wreck I had seen several years ago here in Nashville when Gilbert Carrillo did the same thing. Here's wishing you a speedy recovery, Kasey.

Adriano Moraes looked great aboard Evil Forces who went around to the left into Adriano's hand in a drifting fast spin with lots of kick. Adriano scored 90.25 and was second in the round.

He was followed by Renato Nunes aboard Crossroads who went around to the left into Renato's hand then reversed right at the end. Renato spurred the bull for extra needed points, as the bull was kind of flat. Renato scored 88.25 to tie for 5/7 and the bull scored 43.25.

Luke Snyder was next aboard Frontier Rodeo's Flash who spun around to the right into Luke's hand with rear and drop. Luke remained centered and in perfect position and made another great looking ride. He’s been doing great this season and I sure am glad. Luke scored 90.75 and won the round while the bull scored 44.50.

 Ross Coleman finished 9th in the round with a solid ride aboard The Geetus who was around to the left away from Ross' hand with lots of kick. Ross cored 87.25 and the bull scored.

Another good ride was Kody Lostroh aboard Montego Bay who scored 43.50, as he was around to the left into Kody’s hand with high kicks in a good spin. Kody was 3rd in the round with 88.75.

 

Round Two began with a really high score as LJ Jenkins rode Chad Berger/Denny Hawks' Scaredy Cat for 92 points as the bull who scored 45 went around to the right onto Kody's hand with high kicks. Kody remained in complete control and also made a good spur ride. His score held and he won the round.

Clayton Foltyn rode Why Not Minot for 88.75 and 5th place in the round. The bull that scored 43.75 took one huge leap forward before going around to the right into Clayton's hand. He was followed by Colby Yates' 13/14th place tie aboard Hoosier Daddy. The bull took one leap out with good rear and drop then went into a fast but flat spin into Colby's hand while Colby made a good spur ride. His score was 86 while the bull scored 41.25.

Guilherme Marchi scored 84.75 on Spiderman who took two leaps out then went around to the left with no timing.

Kolt Donaldson who is riding with a broken rib scored 87.75 aboard Mean Machine who scored 43.The bull was into his hand to the right with good timing.

 Dustin Elliott was second in the round with 91.75 aboard Walk The Line who scored 45.25. The bull faked right then went into a tight left spin with good action.

Renato Nunes aboard Montego Bay followed him. Renato was 6th in the round with 88.50 while the bull scored 43.Rena to didn't spur till the end of the ride as the bull was around to he left into Renato's hand.

Austin Meier rode Big Rig for 86.25 points and 12th place in the round while Big Rig scored 42.25.The bull took three leaps forward before seagoing around to the left into Austin's hand while Austin made a good spur ride.

 It was good to see Matt Bohon make a solid ride aboard Keep Wishin who faked left then spun right then reversed back left. Matt tied for 16/17 with his score of 84.50 while the bull scored 42.25.

Brian Canter looked good when he scored 89.75 aboard Flash who was around to the right away from Brian's hand. Brian tied for 3/4 while the bull scored 44.

Adriano Moraes rode Mataska for 87.25 and a tie for 9/11 in the round. Mataska was around to the right away from Adriano's hand with good action. Adriano looked great and they best remember its not over till the fat lady sings and the way Adriano is riding now..... I think it would be great for him to go out as a four time PBR World Champion! The bull scored 43.

JB Mauney scored 86 aboard Wildfire who has lost a step and scored 42.25. The bull was around to the left into JB's hand then jumped forward before reversing right. JB tied for 13/14.

I still haven't seen Mike White cause a bull to foul. He scored 89.75 to tie with Brian Canter for 3/4 in the round. Mike rode Splat Kat who was around to he right into Mike's hand then reversed left away while Mike made a good spur ride. The bull scored 43.75.

Harve Stewart looked good aboard Malibu who was around to the right into Harve's hand while Harve also made a good spur ride. He scored 88 and finished 7th in the round while the bull scored 43.75.

Valdiron de Oliveira scored 84.50 to tie for 16/17 as Two Spot didn't have his usual trip and took two long lunges out then faked right before going around to the left away from Valdiron's hand. The bull scored 41.75.

 Some rides not shown on the broadcast were Ned Cross' 87.25 aboard Husker's Terror who scored 43.25. Cross was tied for 9/11 in the round with brain Hermann aboard Little Coyote and Adriano.

Harve Stewart keeps looking better each ride. He scored 90.50 in the short go aboard Nervous Waters who was around to the left away from Harve's hand in a drifting spin then reversed right and Harve hung on to the end. He finished second in the round and third in the event. The bull scored 45.75.

Zack Brown won the short go with a great ride aboard Sir Patrick who went into a fast spin to the right away from Zack's hand after faking left. Zack never bobbled and scored 90.75, which pushed him into second place in the event. The bull score 44.50.

It looked like Kody Lostroh was going to get a good score aboard Harlan Robertson's Big Rig who was around to the left into Kody's hand with high kicks while Kody made a good spur ride. It would have taken the lead but the judges reviewed the ride and said NS; that Kody was off at 7.8.

Mike White got another re-ride option when God's Gift hipped himself so.... His re-ride aboard Say I Won't Gunner was a buck off.

It was all in the bulls favor until Guilherme Marchi rode Bad Yeller for 88.25 and third place in the round.

The worst wreck of the night came when Little Slim threw Austin Meier out the back door and as he hung up the bull's foot stepped on his shoulder slamming his head to the ground. Austin was knocked out and carried out after regaining consciousness. He does have a concussion but might need to have his shoulder and/or neck x-rayed. He was going to be re-evaluated later on.

Congratulations to Guilherme Marchi.