NDN News - Daily Headlines in Indian Country

Census Bureau Releases Findings on American Indian and Alaska Native Population During Forum at National Museum of the American Indian

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — The U.S. Census Bureau will release a 2010 Census brief on the American Indian and Alaska Native population at a forum held with the National Museum of the American Indian. This event will highlight statistics from the 2010 Census, providing a portrait of the American Indian and Alaska Native population in the U.S. and its size and growth at various geographic levels. Following a presentation of statistics, an expert panel will address the current social and economic impact of the American Indian and Alaska Native population.

When: Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012; 1 to 4 p.m. (EST)

Who: Robert Groves, director, U.S. Census BureauNicholas Jones, chief, Racial Statistics Branch, U.S. Census BureauTina Norris, Racial Statistics Branch, U.S. Census Bureau Kevin Gover, director, National Museum of the American IndianClara Pratte, executive director, Navajo Nation Washington OfficeColin Kippen, executive director, National Indian Education AssociationMalia Villegas, director, Policy Research Center, National Congress of American IndiansMellor Willie, executive director, National American Indian Housing Council

Where: National Museum of the American IndianFourth Street & Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 20560

RSVP to pio@census.gov and please specify if you have an interview request.

Follow @uscensusbureau on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube and Ustream.

Vicki Glasier Public Information Office 301-763-3030 e-mail: pio@census.gov

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau

Discover Haskell’s Medicine Wheel

History of Haskell Indian Nations University’s Medicine Wheel Haskell’s Medicine Wheel was created in 1992 in response to Native Americans 500 year survival since the arrival of western civilization. It is art work produced by various students, artists, and teachers who attend Haskell and other community members interested in helping. Traditionally, a Medicine Wheel represents a threshold for Spiritual energy. It is a circle that includes the four sacred directions (North, South, East, and West), but it also incorporates the other three directions (Up, Down, and within). Today students at Haskell use the Medicine Wheel for a place to pray, study, exercise, and appreciation. We appreciate all the hard work and energy that went into creating the Medicine Wheel and the effort put forth to maintain its original intent. Our Vision This year at Haskell Indian Nations University a group of students will be offering the Lawrence community free tours of the Medicine Wheel. This will give attendees an opportunity to learn more about Haskell’s Medicine Wheel. What does it mean to us individually? In addition, it will give people willing to tour the Medicine Wheel an opportunity to meet with Haskell students. Who are we and why do we attend Haskell? In turn the students will be given the opportunity to meet with outside community members and in this way our intent will be circular.

Moreover, our intention is to educate participants about the Medicine Wheel. A lot of people, including Haskell students, have no idea what Haskell’s Medicine Wheel is. Some people don’t even know it exist; others have heard about it but are unclear as to its exact location. We believe it is important to inform those who are uninformed. This will protect our holy site. We will also show people it is used for prayer; safeguarding it from desecration.

Address 155 Indian Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone (480) 258-2930

Free tour every Saturday at 9 am!!

Contact

Millicent M. Pepion
Phone: (480) 258-2930
Email: Minipah@msn.com
Millicent.Pepion@haskell.edu

More information on the Discover Haskell Medicine Wheel Facebook Page

Cherokee Father and Son Duo Incorporate Native Legends in Magic Show

Lost City, Oklahoma. — Bobby and Jeramy Neugin, a father and son professional magic duo have performed throughout Oklahoma since making their debut two years ago. Located in Historic Lost City Oklahoma, They are the only Father and son professional magic act as well as being the only Cherokee performers. Having learned the Cherokee lore they use growing up in Lost City while tracing their family tree one day, they discovered they weren’t the only members of their family with a love of magic. They learned they had various Cherokee practitioners of different types of magic including fortune tellers and rainmakers going all the way back to their ancestor Rebecca Neugin, the last surviving member of the Trail of Tears, who was known to dabble in magic and speak to helpful spirits known to the Cherokee as ‘the little people’. After retiring from police work, Bobby Neugin had several professions, including plumber, blacksmith, buggy-builder and artist. He’s been pleased with the response he and his son get from the wide variety of groups they perform for. “We just like to perform something unique and different that people have never seen,” he said. “Part of the magic is that we can do some of those up close.”

(more…)

Jim Thorpe’s sons win ruling in legal effort to retrieve remains

By RANDY KREHBIEL World Staff Writer
Published: 11/25/2011 2:26 AM
Last Modified: 11/25/2011 5:17 AM

A lawsuit to return Jim Thorpe’s remains to his two living children and the Sac and Fox Nation can go forward, a federal judge in Scranton, Pa., has ruled.

On Wednesday, District Judge A. Richard Caputo denied a motion to dismiss the case by the borough of Jim Thorpe, Pa., which essentially bought the famed athlete’s remains from his widow in 1953.

“This is really a significant decision,” said Stephen Ward, the Tulsa attorney for brothers William and Richard Thorpe, Jim Thorpe’s last surviving children.

Specifically, Caputo ruled that the Thorpes’ claim to their father’s remains could go forward under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. The law has most commonly been applied to American Indian remains held by museums, but Ward said it was not meant to be limited to such cases.

Read full article on Tulsa World

Census Bureau Releases Findings on American Indian and Alaska Native Population During Forum at National Museum of the American Indian

Posted by admin on January 18th, 2012

When: Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012; 1 to 4 p.m. (EST)

Where: National Museum of the American IndianFourth Street & Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 20560

RSVP to pio@census.gov and please specify if you have an interview request.

Follow @uscensusbureau on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube and Ustream.

Vicki Glasier Public Information Office 301-763-3030 e-mail: pio@census.gov

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau

Prairie Band Pottawatomie Nation and Environmental Groups File Appeal Over South Lawrence Trafficway

Posted by admin on January 13th, 2012

PRESS RELEASE: 1.13.12 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jessica Lackey: President of the Wetlands Preservation Organization, 925.408.3495, jessica.lackey@haskell.edu Kelda Britton: Secretary of the Wetlands Preservation Organization, 707.272.6770, kelda.britton@haskell.edu Who: Prairie Band Pottawatomie Nation, Wetlands Preservation Organization, Jayhawk Audubon Society, Kansas Sierra Club, Environs at KU, KU Ecojustice, and Save the Wakarusa Wetlands Inc.

What: Oral hearings begin for the Prairie Band Pottawatomie Nation, Wetlands Preservation Organization, Jayhawk Audubon Society, Kansas Sierra Club, Environs at KU, KU Ecojustice and Save The Wakarusa Wetlands Inc. vs. Federal Highway Administration and Kansas Department of Transportation

When: On the morning of January 19th, 2012

Where: Byron White Courthouse: 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, Colorado

Battle Over South Lawrence Trafficway Reaches Circuit Court in Denver

Since the Kansas Department of Transportation proposed the South Lawrence Trafficway (SLT) in the mid 1980’s, the status of this project has been contested in court. Most recently the Prairie Band Pottawatomie Nation and supporting plaintiffs (as listed above) filed an appeal with the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals on the basis of ongoing serious reservations we have about the Environmental Impact Statement process, along with misgivings also echoed by the ruling judge in her statement.

Native Arts Center Celebrates 7 Years With Musicians, Artists and Fashion Show

Posted by admin on January 13th, 2012

Trickster Gallery-Native American Arts will mark its 7th Anniversary with a big celebration March 3rd, 2012 at 190 S. Roselle Rd. Schaumburg, Illinois. Three Native American Music Award winners will be performing, including Folk & Blues rocker Keith Secola (Ojibwe), Classical Guitarist Gabriel Ayala (Yaqui), and Flutist/Singer Cody Blackbird (Dakota/Cherokee). Joining them with a Hoopdance performance will be Samsoche and Lumhe Sampson (Seminole/Creek), sons of the late actor and artist Will Sampson (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Poltergeist II). Local Navajo designer LeAnn Hascon Ward will be presenting her one of a kind designs during her All Native Fashion Show, modeled by Native youth.

New exhibits will be opening featuring the work of Jodi Webster from the Ho-Chunk and Prairie Band Potawatomi Nations. The other, a group show entitled “Misplaced Generations”, will be a visual/multi-media exhibit that will convey and articulate cultural loss (i.e. dissipating tribal languages, disconnection, devoid of identity, Native diaspora, etc.). Misplaced Generations serves as a catalyst in an effort to revitalize cultural identity in urban communities.

“The Gallery and these events are important for all generations, to learn about our past and to inspire future generations to follow in the footsteps we leave behind”, says Vietnam veteran artist Joe L.Yazzie (Navajo).

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for children 6-12, and free for children under 5. Tickets can be purchased at Trickster Gallery or by calling 847-301-2090 Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm.

Tickets will also be available by visiting the American Indian Center of Chicago at 1630 W. Wilson Ave. Chicago.

Trickster Gallery opened in 2005 as an extension of the American Indian Center of Chicago’s Arts Program. The American Indian Center is the oldest urban Indian Center in the country, with Trickster Gallery being the only Native owned and operated arts institution in the state. The Gallery is dedicated to providing space for first-voice arts and features contemporary Native art, augmenting exhibits with film screenings, featured speakers, panel discussions, school tours and educator workshops. Trickster Gallery programs raise public awareness and advance ideals of tolerance and diversity by combating stereotypes and deconstructing predetermined imagery that has long defined Native Americans. They are created by rural and urban-based Native American communities for the larger community. This provides a necessary inclusive platform for cultural exchange as we continue to celebrate Native America in Illinois.

TRICKSTER GALLERY Native American Arts 190 S. Roselle Rd. Schaumburg, IL 60193 trickstergallery@aic-chicago.org 847-301-2090

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Secretary Salazar Announces Decision to Withdraw Public Lands near Grand Canyon from New Mining Claims

Posted by admin on January 13th, 2012

Allows for monitoring to determine impact of uranium mining on vital watershed 01/09/2012 Contact: Adam Fetcher, (DOI) 202-208-6416

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced his decision to protect the iconic Grand Canyon and its vital watershed from the potential adverse effects of additional uranium and other hardrock mining on over 1 million acres of federal land for the next 20 years. Secretary Salazar’s decision will provide adequate time for monitoring to inform future land use decisions in this treasured area, while allowing currently approved mining operations to continue as well as new operations on valid existing mining claims.

“A withdrawal is the right approach for this priceless American landscape,” Salazar said. “People from all over the country and around the world come to visit the Grand Canyon. Numerous American Indian tribes regard this magnificent icon as a sacred place and millions of people in the Colorado River Basin depend on the river for drinking water, irrigation, industrial and environmental use. We have been entrusted to care for and protect our precious environmental and cultural resources, and we have chosen a responsible path that makes sense for this and future generations.” The Public Land Order to withdraw these acres for 20 years from new mining claims and sites under the 1872 Mining Law, subject to valid existing rights, is authorized by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. A Record of Decision was signed by the Secretary today during a ceremony held at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C.

Flandreau Indian School Looks To Teenagers To Revive Bison Demand

Posted by admin on January 13th, 2012

by The Associated Press

FLANDREAU, S.D. (AP) — It seems an unlikely concept: teenagers forgoing the immediacy of a McDonald’s Big Mac to don an apron, grab a meat patty and learn how to cook their own lower-fat version in the kitchen.

But for a group of students at the Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota, they’re doing just that while learning about bison, an animal considered sacred in their Native American culture.

The students are part of a pilot project started by the Flandreau Santee Sioux tribe and South Dakota State University researchers to restore the cultural significance of the animal, also called buffalo, and consumption of its meat among community members, particularly young people. Through cooking demonstrations and educational outreach opportunities, the students are learning that there are healthier, tasty options that also connect them to their ancestors more than any prepackaged meat or drive-thru order could.

“You can’t go to Hy-Vee and just pick up ground buffalo to actually get the spiritual connection. I think that’s kind of been lost,” said Geriann Headrick, acting food service manager at the Flandreau Indian School, referring to a regional supermarket chain.

The school began preparing school meals with fresh bison meat last year as part of the pilot project.

Nearly 20 professors across five departments at SDSU are involved in the project, which they hope will be used as a model among other tribes trying to revive the demand for bison.

Although bison tastes a bit different — some think it has a sweeter, richer flavor than beef — Flandreau Indian School senior Dillon Blackbird said he prefers school meals served with bison because it’s “real meat.”

One of more than 30 students from the Flandreau Indian School to take part in cooking workshops with bison as the main ingredient, Blackbird said he now knows how to whip up his own dishes with bison, which has less fat and fewer calories than beef.

76-year-old Sioux man to run Boston Marathon

Posted by admin on January 7th, 2012

HOPKINTON —

Taking a break from crossing America on foot, runner no. 26,737 is scheduled to step to the Boston Marathon starting line Monday for another journey of the soul.

Before departing, he hopes to make a small tobacco offering to the ancestors and the spirits. He plans to tuck sage under each heel for good luck and will likely don his bear-claw necklace, a symbol of courage.

Then 76-year-old Emmett “His Many Lightnings” Eastman will run. Run to mark another milestone in his life. Run in memory of a dead friend. And run to inspire his Dakota Sioux tribe and other American Indians.

“It’s more than just running,” he said during a visit to the starting area yesterday. “It’s like carrying a message and representing our people.”

Conference: Tribal Leader Education Roundtable

Posted by admin on January 7th, 2012

Register Now

On Dec. 2, 2011, during the Third Annual White House Tribal Nation’s Conference, President Obama signed Executive Order 13592 establishing the White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education (Initiative). The mission of the Initiative is to help expand educational opportunities and improve educational outcomes for all American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) students, including opportunities to learn their Native languages, cultures, and histories and receive complete and competitive educations that prepare them for college, careers, and productive and satisfying lives.

Among other mandates, the Executive Order directs that “To facilitate a new partnership between the Department of Education and the Department of the Interior, to improve AI/AN education, the Executive Director shall work with the BIE Director and develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two Departments that will take advantage of both Departments’ expertise, resources, and facilities. The MOU shall be completed within 120 days of the date of this order. Among other things, the MOU shall address how the Departments will collaborate in carrying out the policy set out in section 1 of this order.”

Accordingly, Secretary of Education Duncan and Secretary of Interior Salazar have organized these Tribal Leader Education Roundtables regarding the Initiative’s strategic efforts to engage tribal and community leaders, Indian education stakeholders, and the public on the development of the MOU and Tribal Leaders’ Education Task Force. Additional roundtables may be scheduled and held at a later date.

1-20-12

Best Western Ramkota Hotel

2111 North Lacrosse Street Rapid City, SD 57701 Map Agenda

1-23-12

Embassy Suite Hotel

2501 Conference Dr Norman, OK 73069 Map

1-25-12

Sheraton Uptown

2600 Louisiana Boulevard Northeast Albuquerque, NM 87110 Map

To submit written comments on Indian education or education matters more generally, email info@indianeducation.org.

To view other Indian education resources:

Tribal Leaders Speak: The State of Indian Education, 2010 – Report

Executive Order 13592

Information on the National Advisory Council on Indian Education (NACIE)

Jan 8-9: Upcoming Local Events to Save the San Francisco Peaks!

Posted by admin on January 6th, 2012

Please spread the word about these important upcoming events! A strong turn-out is especially needed for the march and court hearing on Monday January 9, 2012! A complete schedule of events follows the announcement. Environmental justice groups are specifically asked to come aboard to educate their followers about the grave impacts of this situation. —-

On January 9, 2012 the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, CA will hear arguments in a legal battle that may decide the ecological integrity of Arizona’s San Francisco Peaks, a mountain near Flagstaff, AZ held sacred by over 13 Native American nations.

The Save the Peaks Coalition is planning a Caravan from Flagstaff, AZ to San Francisco where they will be contesting the environmental & human health impacts of wastewater snowmaking.

The Save the Peaks Coalition are fighting the United States Forest Service in a legal battle to protect children from hazardous endocrine disruptors and to protect this sacred site from desecration. On January 9th, 2012 The Save the Peaks Coalition et al vs. the United States Forest Service will be heard by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, CA.

The case argues that under the National Environmental Policy Act and the Administrative Procedure Act, the Forest Service failed to adequately consider the impacts associated with ingestion of snow made from reclaimed sewer water in its Environmental Impact Statement.

The Forest Service approved reclaimed sewer water for the use of snowmaking at a local Northern Arizona ski resort in 2004. The reclaimed sewer water in question is from Flagstaff’s Rio de Flag Sewage Plant that has proven to contain harmful bacteria, and endocrine disruptors such as pharmaceuticals and hormones amongst other known toxins.

Schedule of Events:

Sunday January 8, 2012; 6PM – 9PM. Evening dinner, welcoming reception, & discussion on environmental injustice impacts and how they affect sacred sites. The Women’s Building; San Francisco, CA RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/195603233865761/

Monday January 9, 2012: 7AM: Sunrise Prayer Vigil Ceremonial gathering at a park located near the courthouse in downtown SF- TBA! Stay posted by visiting here: https://www.facebook.com/events/195603233865761/

8AM: Protect Sacred Sites, Defend Human Rights March from the nearby park going to the James R.Browning US Courthouse – 9th Circuit; 95 Seventh Street; San Francisco, CA

9AM: Rally & Prayers outside the Courthouse.

9:30AM: Court Hearing. The Save the Peaks Coalition et al vs. the United States Forest Service.

10:15 – 11:00 (Estimated) Press Conference on the steps of the 9th Circuit courthouse afterwards.

Klamath Tribes’ water rights confirmed in the Klamath Basin Water Rights Adjudication

Posted by admin on January 6th, 2012

After more than 35 years of litigation the Klamath Tribes’ time-immemorial water rights to support their treaty-reserved hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering rights on the former Klamath Reservation have finally been quantified in the Klamath Basin Adjudication (KBA), for six of the Tribes’ eight claimed water sources – the Williamson River, the Sycan River, the Sprague River, the Wood River, the Klamath Marsh, and some 140 seeps and springs throughout the former Reservation. The journey began in 1975 with the filing of the Adair litigation, a federal court case which declared the existence of the Tribes’ water rights but deferred quantification of those rights to the State of Oregon’s processes in the KBA. On December 1, 2011, the Oregon Office of Administrative Hearings issued Proposed Orders in the six cases quantifying the Tribal water rights claims in the amounts claimed by the Tribes and the United States, Bureau of Indian Affairs, as trustee for the Tribes. The rulings were a resounding victory for the Tribal and federal Claimants, as they adopted, across-the-board, the flow amounts or water levels in each case sought by the Tribes, and confirmed, once again, that the Tribal water rights are the most senior in the Basin. Tribal Vice-chairman, Don Gentry stated, “This is a great day for the Klamath Tribes. It is a milestone in the Tribes’ struggle to protect their water, fishing, hunting and other Treaty rights.”

Read full article on NARF Blog

Discover Haskell’s Medicine Wheel

Posted by admin on January 6th, 2012

Address 155 Indian Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone (480) 258-2930

Free tour every Saturday at 9 am!!

Contact

Millicent M. Pepion
Phone: (480) 258-2930
Email: Minipah@msn.com
Millicent.Pepion@haskell.edu

More information on the Discover Haskell Medicine Wheel Facebook Page

NDN News – Daily Headlines in Indian Country

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Census Bureau Releases Findings on American Indian and Alaska Native Population During Forum at National Museum of the American Indian

Discover Haskell’s Medicine Wheel

Cherokee Father and Son Duo Incorporate Native Legends in Magic Show

Jim Thorpe’s sons win ruling in legal effort to retrieve remains

Census Bureau Releases Findings on American Indian and Alaska Native Population During Forum at National Museum of the American Indian

Prairie Band Pottawatomie Nation and Environmental Groups File Appeal Over South Lawrence Trafficway

Native Arts Center Celebrates 7 Years With Musicians, Artists and Fashion Show

Secretary Salazar Announces Decision to Withdraw Public Lands near Grand Canyon from New Mining Claims

Flandreau Indian School Looks To Teenagers To Revive Bison Demand

76-year-old Sioux man to run Boston Marathon

Conference: Tribal Leader Education Roundtable

Register Now

Jan 8-9: Upcoming Local Events to Save the San Francisco Peaks!

Klamath Tribes’ water rights confirmed in the Klamath Basin Water Rights Adjudication

Discover Haskell’s Medicine Wheel

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