Honoring Native Americans on Thanksgiving « Transition Times

http://bethechange2012.wordpress.com/2011/11/24/honoring-native-americans-on-thanksgiving/

by Jennifer Browdy de Hernandez on November 24, 2011 •



Thanksgiving in the U.S. is about gathering together with friends and family and giving thanks for being able to stuff oneself with a huge meal.

It’s one of the most important holidays of the American capitalist religion, second only to “Christmas.”

Its founding myth is the fateful meal shared by the indigenous peoples of Massachusetts with the starving English Pilgrims.  The Pilgrims “gave thanks” at that meal for the generosity of their hosts, and thus was born the tradition of a November Thanksgiving feast.

To my way of thinking, Thanksgiving should actually be a day of atonement marked by fasting, in the spirit of Yom Kippur, Lent or Ramadan.

We Euramericans should be reflecting and repenting on this day for the way our ancestors turned on their Native hosts, once the time of starvation was past.

We repaid their kind welcome with a shameful record of stealing, swindling, enslavement, displacement and deliberate infection.

We waged vicious war that slaughtered children and old people along with warriors both male and female.

We occupied their lands without a second thought, and proceeded to cut the primeval forests to make room for our livestock, roads and cities.

This pattern started with the Puritan Pilgrims in Massachusetts, and spread inexorably West, all the way to California and Texas, where indeed the brutal work had already been begun by the Spanish.

I don’t really expect Americans to give up the tradition of the jolly Thanksgiving feast.

But we do need to be mindful of the real historical background behind the custom of gathering to celebrate with family and friends.

American Thanksgiving is a holiday that honors the spirit of sharing the bounty.  When we dig into that heaped plate today, we should be giving thanks to the rich Earth that has nourished human beings for millennia, and for the Native peoples of this continent, who learned how to live in harmony with the flora and fauna of this place, cultivating the first corn, beans and squash, and craftily culling the abundant indigenous turkeys.

And we should pause in our feast to reflect on the ignoble history that unfolded after that original Thanksgiving in Plymouth MA, where America repaid her hosts not with honor, but with persecution, scorn and hate.

In the act of repentance springs redemption.  The indigenous people of this continent are not gone–they are alive and well and living among us.  Let us raise a glass to them today and give them the honor and thanks they deserve.

___________________________

I do not know Jennifer Browdy de Hernandez, nor do I believe i have ever read any of her other entries.
I plan to change that fact as soon as possible.

XOXO
Me

Please feel free to do any of the 'clicks' above. This is an amazing mindset; one we would all benefit from having within our hearts, every day.

Two questions for me...

Q's.
Why do you celebrate Thanksgiving?
Why a Turkey?

A's.
We really don't.. (And certainly not only because Casey can't eat much)...

But do not misunderstand either-  IMHO, there are plenty of days to be thankful each year- (365 or 366 days as a matter of fact...)-

http://flintville.multiply.com/journal/item/877/An_Ethical_Responsibility_to_Teachers_Parents_and_Students
Odd, there are same number of days for family to be together too.
for that article, please scroll down to "Now on to the topic at hand..."

And please, as always, place special and precious stock in the comments/replies.

________

Then here too: http://flintville.multiply.com/links/item/273/

Lots is repetitious Mr Bill-  But, ALL IS IMPORTANT- (which is why some of those blogs have been reposted).

NOTICE THE OBVIOUS LACK OF COMMENTS ON SOME OF THOSE?! (You must tell me *why* that is)?!
I think it is because too many people are afraid of something 'different'...
(Sad that).
___________________________________________

Pertinent too- from here: Link: http://lrrpslady.multiply.com/journal/item/937

“We have a biological father and mother, but our real father is Tunkashila [Creator] and our real Mother is the Earth.”
Wallace Black Elk,
LAKOTA

Who really gives us our life?
Who really gives us our food and nurturing?
Who really allows us to be born?

We are born through our parents who act as the vehicle of life for the Creator and Mother Earth. Our parents take care of us for a little while and when we are ready we must leave them and be faithful to our true Father, the Creator, and our true Mother, the Earth. Then we need to be of service to the Creator and be respectful to Mother Earth.

Great Spirit, thank you for being my Father. Teach me to honor the Earth.
By: Don Coyhis
_________________________________

Then you asked...  "Why a turkey?"

Not sure... <------ That will be YOUR assignment today! hehehe
Possibly there were no buffalo in those parts?
_________________________________

My turn to ask YOU  something...
Where did your questions come from?

XOXO
Me


Please check some of the tags below too-
There may just be a few things you haven't read before...


Also,
For EVERYONE:
Do feel free to ask anything you would like to know. There are very few things that I will not answer.

Polling Places Removed From Native Reservation

Tribe deprived of rights

By Rob Capriccioso

If this doesn't scream discrimination, what does?
Special recognition and thanks to Tammi and Care2.






From here:
http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/home/content/Tribe-deprived-of-rights-105034464.html



DEVILS LAKE, N.D. –
Tribal citizens are no stranger to having their rights trampled on. Now, members of the Spirit Lake Reservation say their right to vote is also being taken away – to the alarm of some state and federal policymakers.

The Benson County Board of Commissioners, which oversees the county that includes reservation lands, decided this election season to close three polling places in the tribe’s three-precinct vicinity.

Commissioners rationalized their decision, saying there is a high cost to operating the polling places, including training and paying staff.

In response, tribal leaders offered to provide funds to recruit and train workers, and said the county could use facilities that would be rent-free.

The commission refused the tribe’s offer, saying that costs would still be too high, and that mailed ballots would be cheaper.

Many tribal members would therefore have to travel longer distances to cast a vote in person, as only one polling location would be available in the county. Almost half of the total votes cast in the county in the 2008 presidential election were cast by Native American citizens.

In early October, the tribe filed suit against the board’s decision.

Benson County State Attorney Jim Wang said in a local radio interview that the lawsuit would have to be resolved within three weeks. At the time of his interview, Election Day was three weeks away.

“Whether this is intentional discrimination or not, the bottom line is that closing polling locations located within the Spirit Lake Nation will disenfranchise American Indian voters on the reservation, and this injustice cannot stand,” said Myra Pearson, Spirit Lake Nation chairperson.

Tribal officials have noted that the county has previously tried to hamper Indian voter participation, pointing to statistics from the 2000 election.

Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., had asked that the county keep the polls open, and he now feels disenfranchisement is possible.

As a result of his concern, Dorgan has asked U.S. Attorney Tim Purdon to review the decision. His office noted that all other Indian reservations in North Dakota will have polling locations during Election Day.

“I think this decision by Benson County officials will disenfranchise American Indians,” Dorgan said in a statement. “I want the U.S. attorney to review with the Justice Department the decision and determine whether there are actions that can be taken to compel the county to have a polling place on the reservation where people can cast their votes.

“In addition, there are other areas of the state where people will find fewer opportunities to cast their votes with fewer polling places. I believe the state should reverse course on these election law changes and find ways to make it easier to vote rather than harder to vote.”

Some state officials are also concerned, with the chairman of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party urging the Benson County Commission to open an Election Day polling place in Fort Totten, N.D., to make voting easier for residents of the Spirit Lake Reservation.


****
Also from Care2 website comes this story-
Link http://www.care2.com/causes/civil-rights/blog/polling-places-removed-from-native-reservation/


Residents of Spirit Lake Reservation in North Dakota are protesting the county's decision to remove three polling places from the tribe's three precinct vicinity.

The Benson County Board of Commissioners cited the high costs of running the polls and training staff as reasons for their decision. Spirit Lake leaders offered to front the costs for recruiting and training poll workers as well as provide rent-free facilities, but the board declined, saying the costs would still be too high and that mail-in ballots are cheaper.

In a county where Natives account for 50 percent of all voters, this move will most certainly disenfranchise them. With only one poll location in the entire county, they will have to travel further and have a longer waiting time to cast their vote. While mail-in ballots may be cheaper, every voter should have the same methods available to cast their vote as every other voter in the U.S.

The tribe filed a lawsuit against the board earlier this month, but the judicial system will have to act quickly considering Election Day is near.

Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) has publicly condemned the Benson County Board's decision, commenting, "I want the U.S. attorney to review with the Justice Department the decision and determine whether there are actions that can be taken to compel the county to have a polling place on the reservation where people can cast their votes...I believe the state should reverse course on these election law changes and find ways to make it easier to vote rather than harder to vote.”

****


Are you angered and sad yet? If not, what's it going to take?

Is this a pathetic attempt to rig the election?

How about a deep criminal investigation into this, and other antics of the Benson County Board? (Why would it not surprise me to see a very high percentage of Republican, white men on that board)?

This screams to get the attention of The BIA, and The White House.

XOXO
Me

PLEASE SHARE THIS!  On your website and in your email.

Cille's Refuge - Meditations with Native American Elders-Oct. 7

http://lrrpslady.multiply.com/journal/item/937
“We have a biological father and mother, but our real father is Tunkashila [Creator] and our real Mother is the Earth.”
Wallace Black Elk,
LAKOTA

Who really gives us our life?
Who really gives us our food and nurturing?
Who really allows us to be born?

We are born through our parents who act as the vehicle of life for the Creator and Mother Earth. Our parents take care of us for a little while and when we are ready we must leave them and be faithful to our true Father, the Creator, and our true Mother, the Earth. Then we need to be of service to the Creator and be respectful to Mother Earth.

Great Spirit, thank you for being my Father. Teach me to honor the Earth.
By: Don Coyhis

_____

With many thanks to my sweet Snotball.

XOXO
Me

Columbus Day- An Ethical Responsibility to Teachers, Parents and Students

http://flintville.multiply.com/journal/item/877/An_Ethical_Responsibility_to_Teachers_Parents_and_Students
Re: Columbus Day- and Thanksgiving.
Teaching the Young about Native Americans


"Much remains to be done to counter stereotypes of Native Americans learned by young children in our society."

Teachers must provide accurate instruction not only about history; but also about the contemporary lives of Native Americans. '

.

"Teachers must teach"

-without prejudice, bias, or duress.

.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Please take a moment to click the link above. Some have already seen it. Too many have not.
Also, please comment there- if you wish-

XOXO
Anne

To God, I hope you don't mind

To God,
I hope you don't mind, but we would like to talk to you-
There are some things we need to straighten out-

It is about these Christians.
They claim to be from your nation. But man, you should see the things they do all the time- blaming it on you-
Raping the Earth.
Lying.
Taking more than they need -in all the forms of the greed.
They say it's God's will

I don't mean to be disrespectful, but you know how it is. My people have their own ways. We never even heard of you until not long ago.
Your representative spoke magnificent things of you, which I was willing to believe.
And the way they acted.

We know you.
We were being deceived.
It is time for you to decide what life is worth.
We already remember, but maybe you forgot.

At times they were kind, they were polite in their sophistication, smiling, but never too loudly, acting in a civilized manner; an illusion of gentleness- always fighting to get their way.
... while the people see, the people know, the people wait, the people say the closing of your doors will never shut use out, the closing of your doors can only shut you in.

We know the predator, we see them feed on us, we are aware to starve the beast is our destiny. At times they were kind, they were polite, but never honest.

We see your technological society devour you before your very eyes- we hear your anguished cries exalting greed through progress while you seek material advances -the sound of flowers dying carry messages through the wind. trying to tell you about balance and your safety

But your minds are chained to your machines -and the strings dangling from your puppeteers hands turning you, twisting you into forms and confusions beyond your control

Your mind for a job, your mind for a t.v., your mind for a hair dryer, your mind for consumption.

With your atom bombs, your material bombs, your drug bombs, your racial bombs, your class bombs, your sexist bombs, your ageist bombs

Devastating your natural shelters making you homeless on earth chasing you into illusions fooling you, making you pretend you can run away from the ravishing of your spirit

While the sound of flowers dying carry messages through the wind trying to tell you about balance and your safety.

Trying to isolate us in a dimension called loneliness- leading us into the trap believe in their power; but not in ourselves- piling us with guilt- always taking the blame- greed chasing out the balance- trying to isolate us in a dimension called loneliness

economic deities seizing power through illusions created armies- are justified class systems are democracy- god listens to warmongers prayers- tyranny is here, divide and conquer- trying to isolate us in a dimension called loneliness

greed- a parent insecurity- the happiness- companion- genocide conceived in sophistication technologic material- civilization a rationalization, replacing a way to live- trying to isolate us in a dimension called loneliness

To god we hope you don’t mind but we would like to talk to you; there are some things we need to straighten out, it’s about these Christians they claim to be from your nation but man you should see the things they do all the time blaming it on you:
manifest destiny, genocide, maximized profit, sterilization, raping the earth, lying taking more than they need in all the forms of the greed.
We ask them why, they say it’s god’s will.

Damn god, they make it so hard.
Remember Jesus?
Would you send him back to them, tell them how to kill him, rather they should listen stop abusing his name, and yours.

We do not mean to be disrespectful but you know how it is, our people have their own ways we never even heard of you until not long ago, your representatives spoke magnificent things of you which we were willing to believe, but from the way they acted we know we and you were being deceived.

We do not mean you and your christian children any bad, but you all came to take all we had -we have not seen you but we have heard so much it is time for you to decide what life is worth
we already remember but maybe you forgot.

Look at us, look at us, we are of Earth and Water
Look at them, it is the same
Look at us, we are suffering all these years
Look at them, they are connected.
Look at us, we are in pain
Look at them, surprised at our anger
Look at us, we are struggling to survive
Look at them, expecting sorrow be benign
Look at us, we were the ones called pagan
Look at them, on their arrival
Look at us, we are called subversive
Look at them, descending from name callers
Look at us, we wept sadly in the long dark
Look at them, hiding in tech no logic light
Look at us, we buried the generations
Look at them, inventing the body count
Look at us, we are older than America
Look at them, chasing a fountain of youth
Look at us, we are embracing Earth
Look at them, clutching today
Look at us, we are living in the generations
Look at them, existing in jobs and debts
Look at us, we have escaped many times
Look at them, they cannot remember
Look at us, we are healing
Look at them, their medicine is patented
Look at us, we are trying
Look at them, what are they doing
Look at us, we are children of Earth
Look at them, who are they?

John Trudell
"I don't think the cause is lost," Trudell says of the current political activist climate. "But I think we're in great danger, not as citizens but as human beings."

Think.
Be rational.
Be kind.

XOXO
Me

American Indian reservation reaping oil benefits - Yahoo! News

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100224/ap_on_bi_ge/us_tribal_oil;_ylt=AlC8LqzL9ctRXJ7vKkhxFdF0fNdF
Good Morning All;
As I have read my news, I found this wonderful news story.
I believe this to be the very best case of Native American recovery that I have ever heard of!
DC has nothing better than this!  hehehe







Hats off to the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara tribes! I am thrilled for you all.
Best of luck.

XOXO
Me

__________________________________

American Indian reservation reaping oil benefits

By JAMES MacPHERSON,

Wed Feb 24, 5:45 pm ET

NEW TOWN, N.D. – An oil boom on American Indian land has brought jobs, millions of dollars and hope to long-impoverished tribal members who have struggled for more than a century on the million-acre Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.

In little more than a year, oil companies have put dozens of money-producing rigs on remote rolling prairie and sprawling badlands that are home to small cattle ranches and scattered settlements of modular housing. Although other tribes around the nation have oil interests, industry officials said none has likely experienced a recent windfall of this scale.

The reservation is occupied by the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara tribes, known as the Three Affiliated Tribes, who were placed in west-central North Dakota by the federal government in the 1800s — long before anyone knew of the oil.

"If they knew there was billions of barrels of oil here, they would never have put us here," said Spencer Wilkinson Jr., general manager of the Four Bears Casino on the reservation.

"There is probably more opportunity here than people have had in their lifetimes," said Marcus Levings, chairman of the Three Affiliated Tribes. Roads are now sometimes clogged with traffic, including Hummers and expensive pickup trucks. The local casino is buzzing with free-spending locals. And tribal members who had moved away to find work are now moving back for the abundant good-paying jobs.

Tribal officials say the oil has helped right a wrong done to the tribes in the 1950s, when more than a tenth of the reservation was flooded by the federal government to create Lake Sakakawea, a 180-mile-long reservoir.

Oil companies are now drilling beneath the big lake, using an advanced horizontal drill technique. Recently completed regulatory paperwork removed the last obstacle.

Since the boom began, lease payments of more than $179 million have been paid to the tribe and its members on about half of the reservation land, tribal record show. Millions of dollars more in royalties and tax revenue are also rolling in.

Levings said the tribe will use its money to pay off debt, and bankroll such things as roads, health care and law enforcement.

The reservation contains portions of six counties, covering more than 1,500 square miles. It lies atop a portion the oil-rich Bakken shale formation, which the U.S. Geological Survey estimates holds 4.3 billion barrels of oil that can be recovered using current technology. The agency said the Bakken was the largest oil deposit it has ever assessed.

In addition to the oil money, the tribes get $60 million to $70 million in federal aid annually from the federal government.

"This is an opportunity for us to help ourselves as much as we get help," Levings said. About 4,500 of the approximately 12,000 tribal members live on the reservation, one of about 300 in the United States.

State demographer Richard Rathge said 28 percent of people on the reservation were living in poverty in 2000, the latest figures available. More than 40 percent did not have a job at that time.

The opening of the casino in the 1990s added about 200 jobs. But oil's impact has been huge. "Anybody who wants to work can work," said Levings, with jobs available on rigs and in support industries such as oil supplies and trucking.

The reservation was the last area to be targeted by companies in the state's oil patch because of onerous federal requirements. But a 2008 tax agreement standardized the rules for oil drilling.

Dozens of wells have been drilled and more than 500 could be operating within five years.

Lovina Fox hopes at least one winds up on her land near Mandaree, a town of about 500 on the reservation. Lights from nearby drill rigs and flares burning off excess gas already illuminate her home.

"Everybody knows everybody here," she said. "If people are getting rich they're not saying anything and keeping it hush-hush. But it's not hard to figure out who's getting money — it's the people who have haven't worked in years and all the sudden, they're driving new vehicles."

Tribal member Rose Marie Mandan, who admits to earning "a nice little cushion" from oil payments, said she moved away from the reservation more than 50 years ago to find a job, then returned after retiring. "In the 1950s there were no jobs here," said Mandan, 80. Now she's seeing tribal members moving to the reservation for work.

Chuck Hale worked as a roughneck in other states before returning to his home near New Town to take a good-paying oilfield job. "It's tough work and it's damn cold," Hale said. "But it's worth it."

Mandan worries about the effects of the instant wealth. "It can be good but only if people know how to use the money," she said.

Wilkinson Jr., the casino general manager, said casino revenue jumped from $4.5 million in 2008 to $7.2 million in 2009.

He said he had advised tribal elders "to have fun at the casino but don't spend it all there. I've told them to invest it in something useful, like ... their house and kids and grandkids, and send them to college."

***

say  "YAY!"

An Ethical Responsibility to Teachers, Parents and Students

Columbus Day?! You have got to be kidding!
Christopher Columbus never even MADE it to the U.S. of A. !

This, for all parents and teachers of every nation, race and creed...
Please feel free to link and to borrow the enclosed text.

The following, because of our proximity to "Columbus Day" (WHAT?!)?!?!?
...and to Thanksgiving as well.

Good Morning All!
Snow today.
It hasn't gotten here yet, but I did wake up to the watches on my weather.

"...ACCUMULATING SNOWS POSSIBLE COLUMBUS DAY...
AN UPPER LEVEL DISTURBANCE PASSING OVER THE STATE TODAY 
WILL COMBINE WITH AN UNSEASONABLY COLD AIR 
TO PRODUCE A MIX OF RAIN AND SNOW ACROSS EAST CENTRAL WISCONSIN.

SOME MINOR ACCUMULATION WILL BE POSSIBLE TODAY...
HOWEVER MOTORISTS TRAVELING NORTH OR WEST MAY RUN INTO MORE SNOW. 
ACCUMULATION FROM 1 TO 3 INCHES OF SNOW IS POSSIBLE 
MAINLY NORTH OF LINE FROM
WISCONSIN RAPIDS TO CLINTONVILLE TO OCONTO.

Terribly unfunny. (Note the word "unseasonably" above). 
Know too this should be North and West of where I am.

If you live around here, and are anything like me, those winter coats are still packed away. -Not for long. Even Punk was all balled up on the couch earlier. Now she is tucked behind the blanket. As I type, the furnace is running. Must be Winter? It feels like December- Not October.

This is for Mother Nature. --->

.

Say YAY too!  Casey has blogged!    TWICE!
For her updates, click here for health, or here for school.

Now on to the topic at hand...

The following artwork was done by my niece, Meghan Dorand Keirs.
She is a highly talented and respected artist.
(Click on her name if you might like to see more of what she has done).
She takes many beautiful photos as well.

.

.

Still my favorite of all her wonderful works...

.

Having been trying to catch up on a few blogs, and being reminded that apathy and ignorance run rampant among some of us, I searched my computer for hours to find where I had stashed the following words...

Please feel free to share this with others.
I am sorry that I cannot give credit to the author (Originally I had read it at one of my Native Groups on Yahoo 360).

Of interest is that every group of people can actually 'use' these ideas... whether of Native/Indigenous descent or not.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Teaching the Young about Native Americans

Young children's conceptions of Native Americans often develop out of media portrayals and classroom role playing of the events of the First Thanksgiving. The conception of Native Americans gained from such early exposure is both inaccurate and potentially damaging to others.

For example, a visitor to a child care center heard a four-year-old saying, "Indians aren't people. They're all dead." ...This child had already acquired an inaccurate view of Native Americans, even though her classmates were children of many cultures, including a Native American child!

Derman-Sparks (1989) asserts that by failing to challenge existing biases we allow children to adopt attitudes based on inaccuracies. Her book is a guide for developing curriculum materials that reflect cultural diversity.
This digest seeks to build on this effort by focusing on teaching children in early childhood classrooms about Native Americans.

• Note that this digest, though it uses the term "Native American," recognizes and respects the common use of the term "American Indian" to describe the indigenous people of North America.
  
  • While it is most accurate to use the tribal name when speaking of a specific tribe, there is no definitive preference for the use of "Native American" or "American Indian" among tribes or in the general literature.

STEREOTYPES CHILDREN SEE

Most young children are familiar with stereotypes of the Native American. Stereotypes are perpetuated by television, movies, and children's literature when they depict Native Americans negatively, as uncivilized, simple, superstitious, blood-thirsty savages, or positively, as romanticized heroes living in harmony with nature (Grant & Gillespie, 1992).
The Disney Company presents both images in its films for children. For example, in the film PETER PAN, Princess Tiger Lily's father represents the negative stereotype as he holds Wendy's brothers hostage, while in the film POCAHONTAS, Pocahontas represents the positive stereotype who respects the earth and communicates with the trees and animals.

Many popular children's authors unwittingly perpetuate stereotypes. Richard Scarry's books frequently contain illustrations of animals dressed in buckskin and feathers, while Mercer Mayer's alphabet book includes an alligator dressed as an Indian. Both authors present a dehumanized image, in which anyone or anything can become Native American simply by putting on certain clothes. TEN LITTLE RABBITS, although beautifully illustrated, dehumanizes Native Americans by turning them into objects for counting. BROTHER EAGLE, SISTER SKY (Harris, 1993) contains a speech delivered by Chief Seattle of the Squamish tribe in the northwestern United States. However, Susan Jeffers' illustrations are of the Plains Indians, and include fringed buckskin clothes and teepees, rather than Squamish clothing and homes.

AN ACCURATE PICTURE OF NATIVE AMERICANS

Native Americans make up less than one percent of the total U.S. population; yet represent HALF the languages and cultures in the nation.

The term "Native American" includes over 500 different groups and reflects great diversity of geographic location, language, socioeconomic conditions, school experience, and retention of traditional spiritual and cultural practices. However, most of the commercially prepared teaching materials available present a generalized image of Native American people with little or no regard for differences that exist from tribe to tribe.

TEACHING SUGGESTIONS

When teachers engage children in project work, teachers should choose concrete topics in order to enable children to draw on their own understanding.

In teaching about Native Americans, the most relevant, interactive experience would be to have Native American children in the classroom. Such experience makes feasible implementing anti-bias curriculum suggestions.
Teachers may want to implement the project approach (Katz & Chard, 1989), as it will allow children to carry on an in-depth investigation of a culture they have direct experience with.

In these situations, teachers may prepare themselves for working with Native American families by engaging in what Emberton (1994) calls "cultural homework":

• reading current information about the families' tribe, tribal history, and traditional recreational and spiritual activities;

• learning the correct pronunciation of personal names.

POSITIVE STRATEGIES

A number of positive strategies can be used in classrooms, regardless of whether Native American children are members of the class.

1. PROVIDE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT CONTEMPORARY NATIVE AMERICANS to balance historical information.

• Teaching about Native Americans exclusively from a historical perspective may perpetuate the idea that they exist only in the past.

2. PREPARE UNITS ABOUT SPECIFIC TRIBES, rather than units about "Native Americans." For example, develop a unit about the people of Nambe Pueblo, the Turtle Mountain Chippewa, the Potawotami.

• Ideally, choose a tribe with a historical or contemporary role in the local community.
  
  • Such a unit will provide children with culturally specific knowledge (pertaining to a single group) rather than overgeneralized stereotypes.

3. LOCATE AND USE BOOKS THAT SHOW CONTEMPORARY CHILDREN OF ALL COLORS ENGAGED IN THEIR USUAL, DAILY ACTIVITIES playing basketball, riding bicycles as well as traditional activities. Make the books easily accessible to children throughout the school year.

Three excellent titles on the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico are:
PUEBLO STORYTELLER, by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith;
PUEBLO BOY: GROWING UP IN TWO WORLDS, by Marcia Keegan; and
CHILDREN OF CLAY, by Rina Swentzell.

Many titles are available at the Smoke Shops in Green Bay and Shawano.
Oneida, Ojibway (Chippewa), Winnebago- to name a few tribes in Wisconsin.

.

  ~Baby Sam just received his tribal card!

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.

4. OBTAIN POSTERS THAT SHOW NATIVE AMERICAN CHILDREN IN CONTEMPORARY CONTEXTS, especially when teaching younger elementary children.

• When selecting historical posters for use with older children, make certain that the posters are culturally authentic and that you know enough about the tribe depicted to share authentic information with your students.

5. USE "PERSONA" DOLLS (dolls with different skin colors) in the dramatic play area of the classroom on a daily basis.

• Dress them in the same clothing (t-shirts, jeans) children in the United States typically wear and bring out special clothing (for example, manta, shawl, moccasins, turquoise jewelry for Pueblo girls) for dolls only on special days.

6. COOK ETHNIC FOODS but be careful not to imply that all members of a particular group eat a specific food.

7. BE SPECIFIC ABOUT WHICH TRIBES USE PARTICULAR ITEMS.
when discussing cultural artifacts (such as clothing or housing) and traditional foods. The Plains tribes use feathered headdresses, for example, but not all other tribes use them.

8. CRITIQUE A THANKSGIVING POSTER DEPICTING THE TRADITIONAL, STEREOTYPED PILGRIM AND INDIAN FIGURES.... especially when teaching older elementary school children.

• Take care to select a picture that most children are familiar with, such as those shown on grocery bags or holiday greeting cards.
  
  • Critically analyze the poster, noting the many tribes the artist has combined into one general image that fails to provide accurate information about any single tribe. (Stutzman, 1993).

9. AT THANKSGIVING, SHIFT THE FOCUS AWAY FROM RE~ENACTING THE "FIRST THANKSGIVING."
Instead, focus on items children can be thankful for in their own lives, and on their families' celebrations of Thanksgiving at home.

Besides using these strategies in their classrooms, teachers need to educate themselves.

MacCann (1993) notes that stereotyping is not always obvious to people surrounded by mainstream culture. Numerous guidelines have been prepared to aid in the selection of materials that work against stereotypes (for example, see Slapin and Seale [1992]).

PRACTICES TO AVOID:

• AVOID USING OVER-GENERALIZED BOOKS, curriculum guides, and lesson plans; and teaching kits with a "Native American" theme.
  
  • Although the goal of these materials is to teach about other cultures in positive ways, most of the materials group Native Americans too broadly. When seeking out materials, look for those which focus on a single tribe.
  
  
  
• AVOID THE "TOURIST CURRICULUM" as described by Derman-Sparks.
  This kind of curriculum teaches predominantly through celebrations and seasonal holidays, and through traditional food and artifacts.
  
  • It teaches in isolated units rather than in an integrated way and emphasizes exotic differences, focusing on specific events rather than on daily life.
  
  
  
• AVOID PRESENTING SACRED ACTIVITIES IN TRIVIAL WAYS. In early childhood classrooms, for example, a popular activity involves children in making headbands with feathers, even though feathers are highly religious articles for some tribes.
  
  • By way of example, consider how a devout Catholic might feel about children making a chalice out of paper cups and glitter.
    
    
    
• AVOID INTRODUCING THE TOPIC OF NATIVE AMERICANS ON COLUMBUS DAY OR AT THANKSGIVING.
  
  • Doing so perpetuates the idea that Native Americans do not exist in the present.

CONCLUSION:

Much remains to be done to counter stereotypes of Native Americans learned by young children in our society.

Teachers must provide accurate instruction not only about history; but also about the contemporary lives of Native Americans. '

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"Teachers must teach"

-without prejudice, bias, or duress.

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Sunset at Flintville... 9~9~2007

Yes, I must have a pretty nasty camera when a painting looks so much better than a photo!

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Hope you all have a wonderful Monday!

XOXO
Anne
Yes, this is a repost from September 2007

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Updated: Organized Labor Urges U.S. House to Pass HR 4115 to Create 3,000 Good Jobs for Michigan

http://www.saulttribe.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1020&Itemid=1
Updated on 6/26/08
120-Year-Old Illegal Land Taking Left Unresolved By U.S. House Vote
Written by Communications Department
Wednesday, 25 June 2008

SAULT STE. MARIE— This statement is from Chairperson Aaron Payment of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He is commenting on the U.S. House of Representatives’ vote on H.R. 2176, a bill that would have settled a 120-year-old illegal land taking from ancestors of the Sault Tribe and Bay Mills Indian Community. The bill was defeated on the House floor today by a 298-121 vote.

“Obviously, the Sault Tribe is disappointed by the U.S. House of Representatives’ action today.

“We want to thank the bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives (as well as Members Stupak, Dingell, Kildee, Miller, Rahall, and Young) and organized labor groups who have been fighting to pass this historic piece of legislation that would have ended a sad chapter in Michigan’s history and created more than 6,000 good jobs."

“Though our efforts have not succeeded at this point, this is the farthest we have traveled on our bill to settle our century old land claim and to pursue an Indian casino in Romulus. I was deeply disappointed to hear the testimony during debate on our bill and Bay Mills’ bill - from former Chairperson Bernard Bouschor as quoted from Shelley Berkley (D-Nevada) 1st Congressional District saying, ‘The Chairman from their own Tribe (Bernard Bouschor) called it a scam!’”

“We will continue to fight to resolve this illegal land taking and bring thousands of much-needed jobs to our state.”

The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians Official Web Site -

I am sure you all know what this could have meant for Casey, and myself.
Please write your congressman.

Congress to vote yet this month.
Take Action TODAY!
Sault Tribe members living in the United States, please telephone and write your member of Congress today.
To locate your member of Congress, visit http://goodjobsformichigan.com/takeaction.html .

Respectfully tell them: "Representative, please fight for passage of H.R. 4115 - to settle the Sault Tribe's Charlotte Beach land claim and to create 3,000 good jobs for Michigan."

Compiled and presented by Nathan Wright, Sault Tribe Web site Administrator
Sault Tribe Of Chippewa Indians

"I Believe" ~Still~

Good Morning All;

There are many newcomers to my pages that may not have read this, to know these things about me; or to really think about these things from my heart.
I am only me. (But I am a pretty great "me" too). hehehe

Though I have added a comment or two within, the beliefs I hold dear remain the very same now, as then. (Yeah, I am kind of boring that way).

As stated, please keep in mind that you need not agree with me on it all. I have a tendency to celebrate our differences, and not whine about them...

And yeah, I really AM the person I have written about below... (kinda boring that way too)!

Here goes...

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"I BELIEVE"....

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Good Morning to all;

...Before you push that button to ask to add me as a friend, there are a few things you need to know about me...

*Should you still want to be my friend at the end of this, please feel free to send me an invitation.
I cannot promise to be able to correspond, but I do promise to try.

I am finding it very hard to be keeping up with everyone, and apologize for this- Yet I do wish to be thanking everyone that has asked to be added as my friend too.

I have denied but a few people- on the grounds that I will never add an empty/closed page, or one without a photo; save for my personal friends and relatives.  I am not the subject of anyone's fantasies (save for my own)- Nor do I wish to be added to be gawked at, or laughed at. I do not think I am that kind of "gods gift" or anything. I am not that kind of person.

I am not afraid to call a spade a spade. I believe this ability to be a positive thing- (although the situations I have lived through to be able to do this were not always thus)...

I do not care for nudity on my site or yours- .I will not be having a naked friend on my site- .I do not believe that to be necessary for friendship. Please keep your nudity in your clothes.

I am Indian, (Native American). Proud.

I am Irish too.

..

I am hoping that you will know me as kind, compassionate, caring; (and halfway creative ~most times anyway)-

I have many positive energies- as well as a few negative ones- (we all possess those and work on them daily).

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In the course of my life, I have been someones daughter, I have been someones friend, someones sister, and someones enemy.

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I am someones mother.

I am someones grandmother.

I am someones heart. (Just that I don't yet know who that is)...

Yet even with all of this, I am always and forever a woman.

I am active, though not as active as I was after having fractured my back- (in too many places).

I am not afraid to sweat or to get my hands dirty- (although I wish never to get my name dirty).

I love and respect animals, (and yes, I abhor spiders).

I can run hot, cold, ---and every conceivable degree inbetween--- (I reserve my hottest for the most appropriate times-, and know when to be absolutely cold also).

I do NOT tolerate immorality.

I do NOT tolerate drunks, druggies, liars, thieves, or cheats.

I do NOT tolerate gossips for the sake of 'malicious' gossip alone. Although I have been known to gossip myself on occasion.

I do NOT abide suffering or pain; especially that kind brought on by someone who is supposed to love you with all their being- heart and soul. Nor whether it is physical, mental, psychological, (or even just imagined).

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Simply put-
Pain is pain. ..
.. Suffering is suffering.

..

I have panic and anxiety attacks- sometimes fierce in their intensity- but yes, I have lived through them all, (duh?)- and I am *still* learning how to help myself through them.

I am in awe of thunderstorms, and reserve my utmost respect for the forces of Mother Nature; whether she is spews forth in in Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter.

I do not like to be too cold- or too hot.

I enjoy beauty- and all the wonders of nature- (except for those damnable spiders).

I really do enjoy mowing the lawns- I can be almost hypnotized when mowing, and my thought world can go anywhere. As in the shower, I sing while I cut.

I do not like to shovel snow, (but appreciate the added exercise it affords me in the dead of winter; as a few more calories bite the dust).

I am a Christian-

I believe in the Bible; although I do not practice reading it each day.

I believe too, that the ONLY words actually written by the hand of God are "The 10 Commandments".
I try to live by them.

I am neither fanatic, nor judge.  You live your life. I live mine. (Although I do have a personal issue with those that do not believe that there is someone, something, greater than ourselves).

I believe in the Afterlife.

I believe in Heaven.

I believe in Spirits.

I believe I have been here before, and that I will be back again- (especially if I don't get it right this time).

I believe our lives on Earth might be Hell itself; or at the very least, a purgatory of sorts.

I do NOT believe in the devil, or whatever you choose to call him/it. Although I do believe that there are some very dark spirits and entities living amongst, and near, to us all.

I believe in Angels- of every phylum.

I believe I have chosen this path long before I was even conceived.

I believe in karma.

I believe there are good, bad, and downright ugly people in this world.
I believe because I know a few of them.
(I believe because I truly love a few of them too).

I believe in honesty; and in friendship.

I believe there is an innate and basic goodness in almost everyone.

I believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I believe that dogs and little children are the very best judges of character and integrity. I further believe that these same creatures clearly, and absolutely, see and understand things that I do not.

I believe that there is nothing that is absolutely black or white in this world;
 - except for, well, black and white.

And I believe I should have said that first...

Have a good one.

XOXO
Anna~Anna

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.**1030 Views on Original Blog as of this writing...

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So there you have it Folks.

*For those of you who have already read this, maybe think of it as a refresher course?

*For those of you who are reading it for the first time, please let me know what you think...

And for that, I thank you ALL;   all over again.

Have a "wunnaful" day!

XOXO
Me

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.Originally posted, Y360, Wednesday August 16, 2006 - 07:24am

LAST Post on this matter...

Good Morning;

Whoops. I see a few of you didn't know that I am Native...

Some have asked me to put that previous blog "out there" for the public to see, and because you have wanted to revisit it yourselves, and "understand the comments".

The reason I will not do this is two~fold. #1. I do not know how much 'publicity' this actually deserves... and # 2. I did not write it.

Now as far as the comments go, I took the liberty ahead of time to copy your comments down. I will post them now. Unidentified. I will also post a few details of letters I have received in my mailbox. (And my apologies if you tried to send anything and got it back that my mailbox was full)! ... I have cleaned it out now, so as always your letters are appreciated!

OK... Here goes nothing!!!

...I figured there was a point to it. It didn't seem like a 'you' kind of thing.

...Sorry hon. I so agree with you and I have no problem if you use my name to back you up. I have broad shoulders and have no issue with whatever you choose to do hon. It is very sad that they can not even see that they are playing into all the crap (excuse my language).

...don't worry about the responses you received. you have a good heart and intend only the best for others, which is why you commented about the thing to begin with... i loved your blog with the exception of the feeling that i got that you felt hurt or attacked by some of the responses you received. no worries Anne.

...you are truly a 'brave heart' in every sense and have no need to question yourself or worry. all good things to you always

...Anyway I am still appalled about people downing you for not ignoring those so called jokes!

...Stuff like that makes me uncomforable. When I was younger, I didn't clue in on things like that. My folks were pretty hard working people and stuff like that they didn't think to tell me that it was wrong. Well my mother did tell me that the N word when I did use it in kindergarden to describe one of my classmates was wrong. Anyway, I know this has you bummed out. If it were me I would be too.

...I did not think you were like "that"... Hope your saturday is going well!

...it would seem we do think the same way! i hope you did have the time to read my blog entry. i hoped it would open some eyes. bless you anna and keep those blogs coming!

...Oh, I know you didn't write it! I've read stuff like this before, and I just can't figure out what purpose it serves; except it does make people stop and think about things a little bit. And that's not a bad thing!

...I don't think i am a snob, but I just feel they are being disrespectful to themselves , in my humble opinion. This most likely comes from my belief that words have great power. Choose your words with love and respect. Even when you have to say something that is critical, there is a "better" way to do it. I truly wish people could realize how much they can wound someone with a "simple" word.

...I never wanted my kids when growing up to use certain words. I tried very hard to not use them myself. I never grew up around any Indians, and I don't know any personally. (Oh, YES, you do now)! I have met people who really don't care for the Natives and don't mind speaking harshly about them or anyone they perceive differently. Needless to say I don't have that much to do with them.

...you always have something great to say, and I thank you for taking the time to do it,

...I'm glad that you shared your thoughts and feelings about that dictionary with us. You know, in my life I try really hard not to say or do anything that will offend anyone else and it's a shame that others sometimes don't see that words and actions can hurt other people.

...So if I get this right... anybody that doesnt see eye to eye with you has less than half a brain? I never get into political discussions bout rights and wrongs on 360's.. because they usually end up with insults and intolence.BUT your request was followed with "Oh and just so you know, there are no right/wrong ways to comment." So Im left a lil perplexed by the insult that followed. Every nation has been discriminated on... and it will be our responsibility, as the evolved generation to change views on certain topics. Humor might do the trick for some.. the arts might appease other souls.. others, just choose to IGNORE and move on. Hey whatever works right? But I dont think fighting ignorance with more ignorance will lead us anywhere. Personally? I think the blog was very hypocritical.
in·tol·er·ant :1. not tolerating or respecting beliefs, opinions, usages, manners, etc., different from one's own, as in political or religious matters; bigoted
Calling me (and others) half brains was very bigoted. Goes to show the problems on this planet are farrrrrr from resolved.

...I really didn't think you feel that way.you wanted everyone to see it to get our reactions.I couldn't tell what your opinion was about itI read all the comments before mine and some of them did sound harsh.There is an audience for dark humour. If there wasn't,Don Rickles wouldn't have been popular,or the honeymooners tv show or All in the family.

...HI Anne, I am so impressed that you took the time to ask your friends to comment on this issue. But at the same time, you seem like you already know what the answer would be. You are pretty down to earth about alot of issues.

...i am so glad to hear that you didn't write it. i didn't think you would from what i can tell about you. honestly it sounds like something my husband would say but i blame his parents for the way he thinks. i was raised in a racist home and so was he. for god's sake we live in the country and that's how most of us were raised but i think it's wonderful that a few of us can go outside what we were taught and be open minded. i want to thank you for being open minded and loving all people. you are a wonderful person and i hope nothing in this world will ever change that. have a wonderful night.

...I didn't think you would (write it). Don't let what others think about you get you down. Say what you think and how you feel and if the shoe fits then we will have to wear it. My grandma would always say what she thought, and said if they don't like they can get over it ...or if the shoe fits they can wear it.

...Personally, I can see both sides of the fence, it all rests on one's perception. Everyone makes jokes of everyone else. I remember going to Germany and hearing jokes about the Turks. Yet no one was joking about the Polish like people do here. It's everywhere. It just depends on how each person chooses to look at it. Life is too short to take everything personally. The person telling the jokes needs to be very sensitive to the ears they fall on.

...I never thought for a minute that you wrote that! Its just not you! Besides it would be worthy of reading with tasteful laughs if you wrote anything similar I am sure of that! Hugs my friend, can't wait to read tomorrow's entry! Headline: Native tounge should be tied! Ugh!

...I misunderstood, and thought you liked it. Never mind. I thought you posted it in the spirit of poking fun at your own ethnicity, in which case I thought you'd know better than I would whether or not it is offensive.

...I'm sorry to hear that it has made you so angry. That's never fun. Why would you be chastised by other Native Americans? Regardless of our nationalities, we all have the right to our own opinions and the common decency to have those opinions respected without fear of backlash.

...Dear Anna, I never thought that you wrote it. I have trouble finding the words to say. I thought you where asking what we thought about it. It made me uncomfortable. My grandmother was part Indian from Maine, so that makes me a small part and my daughter in law almost 1/2 Indian from Washington state. I didn't take offence because of the Indian part but because it could have been written on any subject or any race. I just don't like that style of humor.

...i think there is a fine line between humorous and offensive...and that sometimes people can be oversensitive. as a nation, we have become so afraid of offending others and trying to be "politically correct". this may be in another direction totally, but i personally find the term "african american" offensive...i think we're americans, plain and simple. if we have african americans, we should have european americans, and so forth, but that once again just puts a line of division between the races. if we are equal, let's be equal, and therefore, americans. same w/ these type of jokes...sure, they're stereotypical, but to say they are racial, to me, would be a bit much. if you can't have indian jokes, then stop the redneck jokes, and the pollock jokes, and the blonde jokes, etc. the thing is, anyone can find something offensive in anything if they want to. i am the type person who would never want to offend anyone intentionally, but i also feel that people do need to lighten up a bit. so i guess in answer to your question, i would be among the "don't care" group.

...I wanted to check and see that you were doing okay. I hope you didn't get a unexpected response from someone that you are connected to today. I hope you will add YOUR thoughts on those Indian words you had posted as well.

...It read as if several people wrote these and just put them all together! Someone stayed clean and fun while the other just couldnt really come up with anything witty or appropriate! Oh well hope they don't give up their day job!

...they are both funny and could be offensive to some. This is also true, but why take offence...had better just shrug them off as people usually make jokes of others as well. BESIDES, THEY ARE MEANT TO HUMOR AND TICKLE ONE'S MIND...

...The rule of thumb I try to live by is: if it's something that I question, then it must be "questionable" and therefore could potentially harm or offend someone else.

...I believe that stereotypical jokes are just that. Like blonde jokes or polish jokes or anything else it is making fun of a single group just for being a member of that group. I think that done in good taste and good humor it is fine but one must be careful not to be offensive. But not all of those above apply just to Indians... Besides that, you yourself, are part indian and can poke fun at yourself if you want knowing that they may potentially offend some other people. I tend to find that although it is amusing to tell East Indian jokes to other indians, not everyone enjoys them and when said by someone not of the same race it can be viewed as offensvie but much of that is the joker/jokee and the perception of the hearer. I try to never use stereotypical jokes outside of that which pokes fun at me.

...I am glad I am not blonde, polish and easily offended....

...Laugh and world laughs with you...cry and you cry alone...Write bad humor and well, it's not funny.. I'm FAR from the PC crowd, but this just isn't funny even for stereotypical humor (or perhaps I don't get the JOKE, though I consider myself a fairly witty person)...

...I had a mouth full of gingerale and almost spat it out reading the first one. I was laughing to hard otherwise to do anything else.

...Usually I think humorous definitions are pretty funny but this time I'm NOT laughing! Whoever wrote these was either trying too hard, or doesn't have a very good command of the language.

...There were several there that I just didnt get. Is my brain out to lunch or maybe I would've understood them more if I were Indian. I think there is a very narrow path that you walk when you choose to laugh at any one particular group whether it be divided by race, sex, hair color, religion or even age group especially when you, yourself do not belong to that group. Some will find it offensive, others will find it hilarious and then those who will be every shade in between.

...I let things pretty much roll off my back if it's about me but . . . I have relatives that are part Indian and I know that they would be offended.

...To be honest I didn't care for them at all. I (have) spent many hours during my youth hunting and fishing with Natives... even now when the big Pow wow is in town I go. Something about the native americans I can't learn enough. Believe me I have seen how they have lived before all the casinos etc. Being polish I have listened to many jokes about my heritage this just doesn't turn my crank.

...Political correctness... what cost us the right to wish people MERRY XMAS and put up Xmas tree's in Airports!!! pffffttt If you cant laugh at differences and see a lil humor in all things... then its time to join the buncho Islamist movements that got offended at caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad. We laugh at ourselves day in day out.. we just call it *the daily show with Jon Stewart*! I was raised on the Mohawk reserve and actually related to a few of these jokes (just like I relate to PEPSI jokes bout us frenchmen). To bad these jokes werent a lil funnyer! ~ waves her freedom of speech flag~

...Once I realize I was reading a racially inspired attempt at being humorous, I quit reading.

...NOT FUNNY

...Definitely a good idea to keep this private.

...I suppose I did not find the definitions above very funny because whoever wrote them did not know very much about Native Indians, their culture or their way of living.... During the years of 1850-1920 (5) million Native Americans were killed in American...I find nothing funny about that! Answer is: I believe in being kind to everyone, no matter what walk of life they come from....Making fun of someone's way of life, culture or beliefs is not kind!

...Sorry I dont find them very funny.

...It has the potential to deeply wound and be taken personally.

...I'm living on a reservation right now, and I'm pretty sure the jokes would not go over well. . I would only post the jokes if I was Native American (and willing to take some flaming comments)!

...I, myself find humor in almost anything. However, I didn't find these funny. Not because I think they were "racist" or "PC", but ....because I didn't think they were funny. I, myself am Cherokee Indian, and Italian

...There are many positives and negatives walking around and you know what happens in the clouds when a postive and a negative come together? You get much THUNDER!

...A don't think generalizing any race is funny. I have the philosophy of love they neighbor and that means more that just your neighbor, that means everyone. I'm not against humor, but I tfelt that your jokes were racist and know they would offend and hurt...not only Indians but other races as well. It's honorable of you to ask the input of your friends and open yourself up to their replies. That takes a special person to let down their safety net and take what may come their way. ~~hugs to you~~

...jokes of such to me just continue a racist attitude.

...I didn't find it funny and I have a great sense of humour.

...at the risk of offending some of your friends (and of course some of your friends are my friends also) here is the truth of the matter . . . some of you truly did not get the point of annas blog. knowing anna as i believe i do - and as anna stated she did not write that email joke - anna wanted our opinion on it, simply to find out if she was being overly sensitive toward that ill mannered email. it is not a matter of freedom of speech - it is a matter of political correctness. the word political stands for "concerned with or pertaining to government; involved in politics." correct - "to make free from fault or mistakes." freedom of speech is the right to express your opinion, not the right to offend someone... As an individual, you have the right not to be exposed to that kind of harassment. Political incorrectness is at the very heart of every war or military police action. now with that said - anna, you have every right to be offended, because it was offensive and in poor taste. chalk it up to ignorance...

...Mom, I honestly didn't "get" these. I don't understand why a native would choose to portray themselves as less than they are. I am not angry though, cuz to get angry and argue with these people is to give them credit and that is something they don't deserve. Ignore bad behavior. See? Parenting has taught me something! (Thank you Jennifer)! XOXO

...With an indian heritage I enjoyed these. Some may not.

...Not even close to being funny. These comments (not jokes) were just plain stupid. So stupid that I didn't even get them or have any desire to laugh at them. They were probably compiled by some unrespectful simple person with nothing better to do with their time. If you can't say anything intelligent or respectful to others then don't say anything at all. All I can say to the person('s) who composed these comments is, (as I walk away in silence), HaHaHa; LOSER.

And so, there you have letters, comments etc etc etc... Some for. Some against. And some middle~of~the~road.

As I stated in my note, there were no right/wrong answers as I was only asking for your opinion.

Maybe I did not explain myself well enough in yesterdays blog? I don't know (and am not sure about that)- Only know please, that I gave it a LOT of thought, and that it came straight from my heart... Even when I had written the following...

"And yes, it is an affront to any parenting abilities, (and survival skills too). AS I STILL BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE to EVERY SINGLE PARENT, and to EVERY SINGLE HUNGRY PERSON OF ANY CREED, SKIN, OR NATIONALITY WHO MIGHT POSSESS EVEN HALF A BRAIN!"

I did not mean to insult anyone. "AS I STILL BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE" This would reflect only my own opinion, (as I did take much of the dictionary as a personal affront)...

I think if you break that entire sentence down you may know what I meant by it too. (I have never claimed to be an English expert or anything even close... The "Grammar Police" would have locked me up and thrown away the key a very long time ago if I had)! hehehe

I took the test below, and was rewarded with this conclusion: "Congratulations! Your Native IQ is in the gifted range. You appear to be very well versed on Native American history and politics. For links on other Native American topics, see Links on Prejudice."

Test your Native I.Q. CLICK HERE

A very special thanks too; to my friend Mamica who felt strongly enough about this issue to comment within her own blog! please CLICK HERE for her blog.

On that note, I believe it is high time for me to put this matter to rest, and to get onward and upward with writing my own little boring life~news blog!

XOXO
Anne

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