OOPS! Another example of inaccurate information from the news source famous for misinformation, misrepresentation and–now-mis-location. OOPS! Who needs social studies classes? Where in the world IS Egypt???? Not “here”…..OOOPS!
Where in the world?
These are serious times, deadly serious times and yet–yet there are moments of sublime humor. Though the degree of sublimity depends upon your own individual subjective sense of humor. Btw, if anyone is interested, there is a little town called Sublimity in Oregon. Really, I’ve been there. Sublimity has a beautiful park of OLD trees, a post office built in 1890 and a few cemeteries for your touring pleasure. Now back to the main menu:
Oh lordy, lordy, lordy! I first heard about Fox’s inability to find Egypt via KKFI radio–but I thought they were being sarcastic and facetious–until a friend shared the image. I just could not keep it all to myself. Have to share it with everyone else who missed this priceless piece of world news coverage.
Where’s a geography teacher when Fox News desperately needs one? Mapquest anyone? Got a 3D globe? Rand McNally wall map? Hey, they only report “news”, right? What do we expect from journalists? Who needs geographic accuracy? Might be useful for a “smart bomb” programmer—or not. Just send out the drones.
Oh hey, ABC is on the ball–or the “CAN” as in this case. Yes, if you haven’t had the dubious pleasure of tear gas in person, this is its package. complete with Made in the USA. Click the can to read more news coverage–American style. OOPS! WE make this stuff? Export it? Our economy needs some serious greening from the looks of things.
ABC: Made in America
OOPS! And a major OOOOUCH! to everyone enjoying unemployment in America. What can one billion American dollars buy? Depends on where you’re spending it. It could house a few people made homeless by the ongoing foreclosure crisis. It would buy A LOT of propane for folks on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota –which, btw, contains THE POOREST county in the USA–Ziebach. What would you spend a BILLION dollars on? According to Democracy Now! the American government has been “donating” at least a billion dollars a year to the Egyptian government for the last 30 years. Click on the bundled buckeroos to learn more about this artwork–and view other visual aids. You can visit Democracy Now! for more about what H. Clinton did and didn’t say about Egypt at http://www.democracynow.org/2011/1/27/egyptian_american_activist_hillary_clinton_forget
Visual Aid: One Billion American Dollars
Come on, don’t be shy–what would you do with a BILLION dollars every year?
A little touch of Joy Harjo on the “disappearing” of First Nations People in America along with some clearly not disappeared poetry and music of her own. I have actually encountered people who think that there are no Native Americans. It’s an odd notion to hear from the mouths of educated, intelligent people. But it’s not really that surprising considering how seldom anyone references American Indians in the media.
So who wants to talk about the poorest county in the United States according to the recent census data?
Tune into to KiLi online at http://www.kiliradio.org/ to hear the voice of the Lakota people. Kills Straight is being interviewed now about the history of the ride.
Heads up–this coverage ended at 1pm cst on Dec. 27. But you can still discover Kili’s community coverage via the link.
These documents from the National Archives in Kansas City, Missouri are in the public domain. They can be found in Record Group 75. Content reflects the mindset of the currently unidentified 1922 Social Survey taker in 1922. Information is posted in order to make it available to those to whom it would otherwise be inaccessible. Documents are also posted in an effort to inform and educate people about the living conditions on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, South Dakota, 1922.
Here’s a big HELLO to all the viewers of the 1915 newspaper photograph of Lost Bird aka Margaret Elizabeth Colby–et al. Okay folks, you’ve been silently coming and going for months and months without ever asking a question or leaving a comment. Now is your chance to break silence and post your questions. Seriously–what do you want to know about this mysterious young woman? Hmm? What keeps you all returning time and time again to view the clipping from the San Francisco Examiner? Oh yes, I really really want to know your thoughts and queries about this complex personality known as Zintkala for much of her life.
Oh and yes, those of you who frequently view my photograph of her gravestone on Cemetery Hill, Wounded Knee, you’re also invited to speak your minds. I’ll even help out a tad: anyone have an issue with the information on that headstone?
These documents are from Record Group 75, National Archives, Kansas City, Missouri. All materials are in the public domain. These are posted in order to provide access to the information that would otherwise be unavailable to some people. It is also posted in order to educate and inform others about the living conditions on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, South Dakota, in 1922. The attitudes conveyed in the writings are the sole responsiblity of the authors–who are currently unknown.
I’ve posted this for Rudy Little Shield who recently ventured into my blogcasa and ‘waved’ with his words. Sorry but there is no photo to accompany the text. Considering that this is from the Cherry Creek District the lack will probably be no surprise to Little Shield. If I discover a photograph in the future, I will post it.
Bigfoot Memorial Riders image by Sarah Penman –click on photo for more information.
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
October 29, 2010
Presidential Proclamation–National Native American Heritage Month
——-
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
For millennia before Europeans settled in North America, the indigenous peoples of this continent flourished with vibrant cultures and were the original stewards of the land. From generation to generation, they handed down invaluable cultural knowledge and rich traditions, which continue to thrive in Native American communities across our country today. During National Native American Heritage Month, we honor and celebrate their importance to our great Nation and our world.
America’s journey has been marked both by bright times of progress and dark moments of injustice for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Since the birth of America, they have contributed immeasurably to our country and our heritage, distinguishing themselves as scholars, artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders in all aspects of our society. Native Americans have also served in the United States Armed Forces with honor and distinction, defending the security of our Nation with their lives. Yet, our tribal communities face stark realities, including disproportionately high rates of poverty, unemployment, crime, and disease. These disparities are unacceptable, and we must acknowledge both our history and our current challenges if we are to ensure that all of our children have an equal opportunity to pursue the American dream. From upholding the tribal sovereignty recognized and reaffirmed in our Constitution and laws to strengthening our unique nation-to- nation relationship, my Administration stands firm in fulfilling our Nation’s commitments.
Over the past 2 years, we have made important steps towards working as partners with Native Americans to build sustainable and healthy native communities. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act continues to impact the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives, including through important projects to improve, rebuild, and renovate schools so our children can get the education and skills they will need to compete in the global economy. At last year’s White House Tribal Nations Conference, I also announced a new consultation process to improve communication and coordination between the Federal Government and tribal governments.
This year, I was proud to sign the landmark Affordable Care Act, which permanently reauthorized the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, a cornerstone of health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives. This vital legislation will help modernize the Indian health care system and improve health care for 1.9 million American Indians and Alaska Natives. To combat the high rates of crime and sexual violence in Native communities, I signed the Tribal Law and Order Act in July to bolster tribal law enforcement and enhance their abilities to prosecute and fight crime more effectively. And, recently, my Administration reached a settlement in a lawsuit brought by Native American farmers against the United States Department of Agriculture that underscores our commitment to treat all our citizens fairly.
As we celebrate the contributions and heritage of Native Americans during this month, we also recommit to supporting tribal self-determination, security, and prosperity for all Native Americans. While we cannot erase the scourges or broken promises of our past, we will move ahead together in writing a new, brighter chapter in our joint history.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2010 as National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate November 26, 2010, as Native American Heritage Day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA
Elouise Cobell vs the USA for years and years–and still no payment.
Many of you have read and viewed the photographs posted from a 1922 Social Survey done on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. I’ve repeatedly stated my purpose of informing and educating others about the living conditions on the reservation in 1922. A variety of images and texts have motivated comments about this ‘history.’ Well this ‘history’ is ongoing, it has not ended as a some of you have noted via the Cheyenne River Youth Project links and posts. Maria Yellow Horse Brave Heart-Jordan has written extensively about the ongoing consequences of historical events upon Lakota people. In ”Return to the Sacred Path” she outlined her theory of intergenerational unresolved trauma and continuous grief within Lakota culture. She also created and implemented a culturally centered method to attempt to effectively address these ongoing issues. But the breadth and depth of the issues involved is vast and there are no quick fixes.
Today I’d like to share the ‘scribblings’ of a friend currently living on Pine Ridge. What follows is a small portion of shared current experiences from a caring individual with no agenda for any personal gain.
J’s ”Scribblings”:
Accidents involving loose animals are very common on the rez. ”John” once totaled a car when he hit and killed a horse sending its blood and guts through the broken windshield all over him. Do I make you feel that you would like to visit me???!! Why am I so drawn to this place with all its problems? All I know is that I am and that I will try my hardest to make a difference if and when I can.
Last week I discovered that a Lakota friend was about to have her electricity cut off. She had just returned to work after months of recovering from an accident in which her leg was run over by a car and fractured badly. There was no sick leave or unemployment benefit. She has children at home and also takes care of several young grandchildren, two of whom require electric nebulizers to help them breathe. I heard her on the phone trying and failing to get help. Lacreek, the white-owned electricity company, is notorious for its unwillingness to work with people and the tribal groups she contacted said they had no resources to help her. I already knew that her partner had died in her arms during an asthma attack a few weeks ago. She had given him CPR, but when she called 911 the ambulance was responding to another emergency and did not make it to her house in time. Eventually I got up the courage to ask her what was happening and she was willing to talk. She told me that she owed money, but had had no income while recuperating in order to pay that and other bills. I spent the next day contacting non-profits and foundations and managed to get her power bill paid by two groups and a promise to fill her empty propane tank from another. What is really sad is that I know she is only the tip of an iceberg and there are many others in dire need that have already been cut off. And winter hasn’t even begun yet!
Yesterday I found out that my friend’s propane tank was still empty. She had called the company (white-owned again) repeatedly and the customer service person insisted that there was no payment on record. This was entirely untrue as money had been sent electronically. After a lot of back and forth the president of the non-profit finally got someone on the phone who agreed that the money had been received and said that they would deliver the gas later in the day. I will have to check today that it actually happened. Apparently the charity has had this problem with the Lakota Plains Propane Company on several occasions. What is wrong with everyone here? There is no choice for utility providers and no-one at the existing ones seems to care at all.
My Lakota friend asked if the charities could also help also her relative. It turns out that her relative has had no power for seven months. The children are having to stay with their grandparents as the house is too cold.
Several people have asked me how they can help. A number of charities purporting to support Native Americans are actually only self-serving and get very bad ratings on the independent watchdog service www.charitynavigator.com. One of these is National Relief Charities. It operates under several different entities, most notably American Indian Relief Council and American Indian Education Fund (I think the latter is its correct title). This organization has fantastic sob-story marketing and sends out massive quantities of worthwhile sounding appeals, but more than 50% of its $20 million plus annual income is spent on fundraising, the executive staff salaries are very high, and only a tiny fraction actually makes it to fund their programs. It is not right that they and other similar groups attract people who want to help relieve this crippling poverty and then misuse their donations. The wasted money is desperately needed by those simply trying to survive in conditions that should be totally unacceptable in modern America .
The two groups that helped my Lakota friend are ONE Spirit (www.nativeprogress.org) and Hearts of the Sacred Spirit (www.heartsofthesacredspirit.org). Both are 501(c)(3) organizations and donations to them are tax-deductible. Neither is large – in fact the latter is run by a husband and wife out of their home. Both are all volunteer groups and no-one gets paid a salary. Both work only on the Pine Ridge Reservation and have contacts here that inform them of the local needs. Money goes directly to the needy without red tape or delays.
There is another organization that lists many Lakota-run groups and the reservation schools and runs donation drives for their specific needs. (www.friendsofpineridgereservation.org. It does an amazing job of providing school supplies, clothing, books, sewing supplies, etc., etc.
A big organization that is very active on this and other reservations is Running Strong for American Indian Youth, which has a top rating from BBB. Their spokesman is Billy Mills, a Lakota man who won an Olympic gold medal in long distance running. I saw him and met a number of the group’s officials at a community garden run by Roots and Shoots a couple of months ago. They were visiting the reservation to check on the programs that they fund.
Life is uncertain from day to day. I love the children that I work with and try to give them the attention that they crave. People (especially teenagers) commit suicide at an alarming rate and desperately need jobs and hope. Both are in very short supply. Change must come from within, but those trying to improve the situation (and I have come across a number of them) need help and support (without religious or other outside agendas attached) so that they can implement the good ideas that they have.
Clicking on the photograph will take you to the Eagle Nest Center’s website for more information about Pine Ridge.
For another persepective consider viewing the work of Aaron Huey.
As with all other such documents posted here, this is from the National Archives in Kansas City, Missouri. All materials are in the public domain. This information is from Record Group 75. Material is posted in order to make it available to those who would not otherwise have access. It is also posted, with respect for the people portrayed, in order to educate and inform others about the living conditions on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, South Dakota, in 1922. The attitudes and perspectives presented in such documents are solely those of the ‘writers’ of the documents–who are so far unknown to me. I am willing to attempt to answer any questions about the materials to the best of my ability.
Violating copyright births bad karma---imagine a mad hacker you'll never see coming--nor catch going. Respect = my work is my work and your work is your work.
Everything posted here is my work, copyrighted, unless otherwise noted. Comments aside. Om
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om mani padme hum jewel in the lotus wahupa qi prana universal life energy
