Monday, September 19, 2011

Boy am I late with this one!!!!  Hurricane Irene really messed me up and I’m having a hard time getting back on an even keel!

We were lucky other than not having power for a week.  All around us it was bad.  Where we are its nothing but trees which means lots of them down on power lines..nineteen telephone poles down, fourty roads closed due to trees crossing them.  I count my blessings every day after what I saw on television the problems other towns in the state had.

Anyway, I am back on the level again. (I hope)  :>)  Other than the fact that it is getting cold way to fast and I am not ready for winter, things are looking pretty good.  I hope you all weathered the storm okay.. my prayers go out to all of you that were affected by Irene.

Many Blessings,

Shi

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All offensive place names in Maine changed after lengthy effort
Tuesday, September 6, 2011

The last six offensive place names in Maine have been changed.


The last six names were in Aroostook County. Commissioners consulted tribes and came up with Scopan, Scopan Inlet, Scopan Knob, Scopan Lake, Scopan Mountain and Scopan Stream.

The new names incorporate “sco” to replace the letters “squa,” a homonym of “squaw” that roughly translates to “whore” in the native dialects of Maine’s Native American tribes.

It was a long time coming,” John Dieffenbacher-Krall, the executive director of the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission, told The Bangor Daily News. “I think that reflects the relative importance — or lack of importance — non-natives put on issues concerning [native] people.”

The effort began in 2000 with a bill to require the state to change all offensive place names. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names has approved all of the changes.

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Tribute to Ralph Sawmick of Saginaw Chippewa Tribe
Monday, September 5, 2011

"His peers credit him for his critical role in the development of the modern-day Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police Department and for facilitating a high level of cooperation with the other area police agencies.


Retired Tribal Police Captain Ralph Sawmick, who died Aug. 20, left an indelible impact on his fellow police administrators.

“He has not been given the credit he deserves,” said retired Mt. Pleasant Police Chief Martin Trombley following Sawmick’s recent memorial service.

Sawmick began his law enforcement career in 1976 as the second ever Tribal cop in a one-room office at the east end of the Tribal Operations building. After certification he went on to captain the department for 22 years, retiring due to ill health in 2000 shortly after the new tribal police and court facility was officially completed.

“His whole heart was into bettering the legal protection of Tribal members,” said former Tribal Judge Doug Gurski, now of Portland. “He wanted their respect, and he gave respect. That is what he was all about in a nutshell.”"
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Deadline approaching for residential school settlement payout
Monday, September 5, 2011

Former residential school students have until September 19 to apply for a share in the $1.9 billion settlement in Canada.


As part of the Common Experience Payment, every student will receive $10,000 for their first year of attendance. An additional $3,000 will be provided for any additional years.

So far, about 70,000 people have applied for a payment. Outreach workers are looking for more former students as the deadline approaches.

Former students can also seek additional money for sexual, physical and other abuse under the Independent Assessment Process.

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Major pot farm discovered inside Bandelier National Monument
Friday, September 2, 2011

The Los Conchas Fire wreaked havoc on at least three reservations in New Mexico this summer but it spared a major marijuana farm inside Bandelier National Monument.

In the wake of the fire, agents discovered 5,000 pot plants inside the national park. Although drug cartels have used federal land in other parts of the country to grow marijuana, this is the first incident of its kind in New Mexico.

Agents removed the plants yesterday, took them to an undisclosed location and burned them. The drugs were valued at $5 million.

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Mohegan Tribe opens gas station just for employees of casino                                                       September 2, 2011

The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut opened a gas station solely for employees of its casino.

Mohegan Sun employees pay $3.69 a gallon, medium grade for $3.73, super for $3.82 and diesel for $3.91. That's lower than prices in the area, The New London Day reported.

"This is another way to add to the benefits for our employees," Jeffrey Hartmann, the casino's chief executive officer told the paper.

The gas station is located on land in the town of Montville. It is not held in trust. 
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BLOOD QUANTUM

Blood quantum a dead end for tribal enrollment
Thursday, September 1, 2011

"What does it mean to be an American Indian? For some, the answer is simple: one is American Indian if they possess a specific degree of Indian blood. This standard definition originates in the federal government’s enactment of blood quantum law. Under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, the U.S. government used blood quantum, the degree of Indian blood a given individual possessed, to establish not only who was American Indian, but who was eligible for benefits under treaty law. Since then, Tribes have modified rules of membership under their inherent powers as sovereign nations. While degree of blood required for enrollment by Tribe may vary, the majority of Tribes still adhere to some form of blood quantum law.

In order for the standard ‘blood quantum law’ definition of who is American Indian to hold up, one must accept that identifying as an American Indian is based on blood as it pertains to race. Here, the ‘blood quantum law’ characterization of who is American Indian falls apart, because it is possible for one to be American Indian by blood and race, but not be a Tribal member, and therefore not be legally recognized as an American Indian. By definition, only federally recognized Tribes are legally recognized by the federal government; consequently, one who is not a member of a federally recognized Tribe, despite bona fide native ancestry, may not necessarily be defined as American Indian by the federal government. Furthermore, blood quantum law used in the determination of membership in federally-recognized Tribes has been defined by the U.S. Supreme Court as a political classification, not a racial one."
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HISTORY and TODAY

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

"United States history classes may teach the injustices brought upon Native Americans by Europeans hundreds of years ago, but most do not take the initiative to find out how those acts are still largely affecting Native Americans today.

Native Americans living on American Indian reservations experience some of the highest rates of poverty, unemployment, disease, teen pregnancy and the worst housing conditions in our nation. Poverty is a recurring problem for Native Americans, but especially for those living on Native American lands.

An Indian reservation is an area of land managed by a Native American tribe under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs. Although the federal government recognizes more than 550 tribes in the country, there are only 326 Indian reservations.

Federal officials said violent crime rates on reservations are more than twice the national rate and epidemics of domestic and sexual violence exist, along with high instances of child abuse, teen suicide and substance abuse. There is also a proliferation of gang activity on reservations, yet law enforcement recruitment and retention across reservations lag far behind the rest of the nation."

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BIA to reconsider Stockbridge-Munsee off-reservation casino                                                    September 5, 2011

The Obama administration will reconsider an off-reservation casino for the Stockbridge Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, The Albany Times-Union reports.

The tribe, based in Wisconsin, wants to build a casino in the Catskills region of New York. The Bush administration rejected the proposal in 2008.

But now that Assistant Secretary Larry Echo Hawk has rescinded a policy that restricted off-reservation gaming, the Bureau of Indian Affairs is taking another look at the proposal. Local leaders and politicians from New York support gaming in the Catskills. 

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Senate Indian Affairs Committee to talk housing, infrastructure
Friday, September 2, 2011

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee will hold an event next Thursday, September 8, to discuss housing and infrastructure in Indian Country.


Loretta A. Tuell, the Majority Staff Director/Chief Counsel of the committee, will lead the session. It will take place at 1pm in Room 628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

RSVP is requested at Christiane Cardoza at 202-224-2251, or by email at roundtable@indian.senate.gov

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Joe Sando, historian from Jemez Pueblo, passes on at age 88
Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Joe Sando, an author, educator and historian from Jemez Pueblo in New Mexico, died on Tuesday. He was 88.
Sando was born and raised on the reservation. He left to attend Santa Fe Indian School, where he learned English.

Sando enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. Following his return to the U.S., he earned degrees from Eastern New Mexico University and Vanderbilt University and embarked on a lifelong mission to educate the world about his tribe and the Pueblo people.

“Mr. Sando knew people from every one of the pueblos. He would ask who you were, who your parents were, who your grandparents were and inevitably he could tie back to someone he knew from the pueblo,” Lela Kaskalla, the president of the board of directors at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, told The Albuquerque Journal. “An individual like Mr. Sando is so rare. You meet a handful of them in your lifetime. He was the life in the Institute for Pueblo Indian Studies. He believed in it; he wanted us to tell our own story.”
Sando went on to author numerous books about Pueblo government, history and culture. He frequently examined tribal relations with Spain, Mexico and the U.S.

“His vision, his wisdom, and his knowledge that he drew from his love of reading and writing our history, provided the message that we – meaning all of us from all walks of life – can understand and enjoy how in the end we’re all part of the same family,” Regis Pecos of Cochiti Pueblo told the Journal. “He was one of the greatest ambassadors of our people to the world.”

Funeral services will be held this coming Monday at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe.
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When it comes time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home.
Chief Aupumut – Mohican
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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Have you ever wondered if the dollar bills in your purse or wallet were ever in a stripper's butt crack?
If not, you're wondering now. Have a nice day!

Always remember to wash your hands after handling money!
That's my public service announcement for the day. Thank you very much

FUNNIES:

 A tough looking group of bikers were riding when they saw a girl about to jump off a bridge, so they stopped.

The leader, a big burly man, gets off his bike and says, "What are you doing?" "I'm going to commit suicide," she says.

While he did not want to appear insensitive, he didn't want to miss an opportunity so he asked... "Well, before you jump, why don't you give me a kiss?"

So she does... And it was a long, deep, lingering kiss.

After she's finished, the biker says, "Wow! That was the best kiss I have ever had! That's a real talent you are wasting. You could be famous. Why are you committing suicide?"

"My parents don't like me dressing up like a girl........"        

~          ~          ~          ~          ~
Sometimes, when I look at my children, I say to myself, 'Lillian, you should have remained a virgin..'

-   Lillian Carter (mother of Jimmy Carter)
<><>   
I had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: - 'No good in a bed, but fine against a wall.'   

- Eleanor Roosevelt   
<><>
Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. 

- Mark Twain 
<><>   
My wife has a slight impediment in her speech. Every now and then she stops to breathe. 

- Jimmy Durante 
<><>   
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and fat. 

- Alex Levine 
<><>   
My luck is so bad that if I bought a cemetery, people would stop dying. 

- Rodney Dangerfield 
<><>    
Until I was thirteen, I thought my name was SHUT UP . 

- Joe Namath 
<><>   
I don't feel old. I don't feel anything until noon. Then it's time for my nap. 

- Bob Hope 
<><>   
I never drink water because of the disgusting things that fish do in it.. 

- W. C. Fields 
<><>     
We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress.

- Will Rogers
<><>   
Don't worry about avoiding temptation.   As you grow older, it will avoid you. 

- Winston Churchill 
<><>   
Maybe it's true that life begins at fifty .. But everything else starts to wear out, fall out, or spread out.. 

- Phyllis Diller 
<><>   
By the time a man is wise enough to watch his step, he's too old to go anywhere. 

- Billy Crystal 
<><>    
And the cardiologist's diet: -  If it tastes good, spit it out.     

~          ~          ~          ~
To all the girls who are in a hurry to have a boyfriend or get married, a piece of Biblical advice:

Ruth patiently waited for her mate Boaz."
While you are waiting on YOUR Boaz, don't settle for any of his relatives;

Broke-az,

Po-az,

Lyin-az,

Cheatin-az,

Dumb-az,

Drunk-az,

Cheap-az,

Lockedup-az,

Goodfornothin-az,

Lazy-az, and especially his third cousin

Beatinyo-az.

Wait on your Boaz and make sure he respects Yoaz.... Share this if it made you Smile...

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A 50ish woman is home, NAKED, happily jumping on her bed & squealing with delight. Husband watches & asks "Do u have any idea how ridiculous u look? What's the matter with u?" The woman continues to bounce on the bed & says, "I don't care what u think. I just had a mammogram, & the doctor says that not only am I healthy, but I have the breasts of an 18 year old." The husband replies, "What did he say about your 55-year-old ass?" " YOUR name never came up," she replied

~          ~         ~         ~
I have a stalker named Bill! You know who you are! I absolutely hate YOU! He keeps hanging around my house despite my best efforts to be rid of him. I think he likes me! And when I finally get rid of him, he keeps coming back. I think he loves me! He comes in many forms...telephone bill, cable bill, electric bill & gas bill, heating bill, and so on... If u drive by my house and see him feel free to shoot his ass on site! Re-post if Bill haunts you too..

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Friends are like underwear. Some crawl up your ass, some snap under pressure, some don't have the strength to hold you up, some get a little twisted, some are your favorite, some are holy, some are cheap and just plain nasty and some actually cover your ass when you need them to.

~          ~          ~          ~
One morning, a grandmother was surprised to find that her 7-year-old grandson had made her coffee! Smiling, she choked down the worst cup of her life. When she finished, she found three little green Army men at the bottom. Puzzled, she asked, "Honey, what are these Army men doing in my coffee?" Her grandson answered, "Like it says on TV, Grandma. 'The best part of waking up is soldiers in you're cup"

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Remember.....The moment you give up, is the moment you let someone else win....

Like someone I know says " Life is tough...get a helmet!!!

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RECIPES

Mashed squash (serves 4)

                1 1/2 lbs butternut squash

                        1/4 tsp mace

                        1/4 tsp allspice

                        1 tsp ground cardamom

                        1 tablespoon maple syrup

                        1/2 tsp salt

                        2 tsp melted butter

Cut squash in half, scrape out seeds and fiber. Chunk in 2" pieces. Boil or steam (steaming preserves its high amounts of vitamin C and A better) 20 minutes (boil) or 30 (steam) until tender. Cool slightly, and slip skin off pieces. Spoon flesh into blender, add remaining ingredients and process till smooth. Goes well with roast birds. NOTE: I like to put a lot of coarse, fresh-ground black pepper into mine.

~         ~          ~          ~

Indian cornmeal pudding serves 4-6

There must be several hundred recipes for this. East coast tribal people taught settlers how to make it. Settlers sometimes calld it "Hasty pudding" kind of a joke, because the stone-ground cornmeal required many hours of baking. This recipe adds a small amount of soy grits -- precooked soy beans ground up to a fine quick-cooking meal. Through protein complementarity, that greatly increases the availability of proteins in this dessert.

                4 cups milk

                1 cup yellow cornmeal

                1/4 cup soy grits soaked in 1/2 cup water

                1/3 cup butter

                1/2 cup brown sugar

                2/3 cup light molasses

                3/4 tsp salt

                1/2 tsp cinnamon

                1/4 tsp cloves

                1/4 tsp ginger

                1/8 tsp allspice

                1/8 tsp nutmeg

                1/2 cup fine-chopped dried apples (optional)

                2 eggs

In a big pan, bring the milk to a boil, then add the cornmeal and soy grits gradually stirring rapidly to keep lumps from forming. Lower heat and beat vigorously until it starts to get thick (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat. Add butter, sugar, molasses (can use maple syrup) and spices, let cool somewhat. Stir in 2 beaten eggs. Pour into buttered baking dish, bake 50-60 minutes at 325°, until pudding is firm. Serve warm with cream, vanilla icecream, or plain yoghurt.

If soy grits is used: one serving is about 30% of a day's protein requirement. Some kinds of cornmeal (stone ground) have more protein and other minerals and vitamins, though it depends on where/how it was grown.

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PRAY FOR:
Chief Strong Horse...health
Tony Cricket...health
Bob C...health and healing
Bobbie C...health and strength
Sarah Spirit...health, healing, wisdom and strength
Leonard Peltier...health and spiritual strength
Lora Lee...health and healing
Pray for all that are incarcerated that they find peace and a new way.
Pray for wisdom for our Spiritual Leaders so they can help others find their way
Pray for our troops fighting for our freedom
Pray for UTAN... to keep us strong and always together
Pray for all Clan Mothers and Chiefs...to show the right way and to lead with strength and wisdom
All our ancestors and relations
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WISDOM:

The True Peace

The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize that at the center of the universe dwells Wakan-Taka (the Great Spirit), and that this center is really everywhere, it is within each of us.

This is the real peace, and the others are but reflections of this. The second peace is that which is made between two individuals, and the third is that which is made between two nations. But above all you should understand that there can never be peace between nations until there is known that true peace, which, as I have often said, is within the souls of men.

Black Elk - Oglala Sioux

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You who are so wise must know that different nations have different conception of things. You will not therefore take it amiss if our ideas of the white man's kind of education happens not to be the same as yours. We have had some experience of it.

Several of our young people were brought up in your colleges. They were instructed in all your sciences; but, when they came back to us, they were all bad runners, ignorant of every means of living in the woods, unable to bear either cold or hunger. They didn't know how to build a cabin, take a deer, or kill an enemy. They spoke our language imperfectly.

They were therefore unfit to be hunters, warriors, or counsellors; they were good for nothing.

We are, however, not the less obliged for your kind offer, though we decline accepting it. To show our gratefulness, it the gentleman of Virginia shall send us a dozen of their sons, we will take great care with their education, instruct them in all we know, and make men of them.

Canassatego - Treaty of Lancaster

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COMMON COLD REMEDYs:

Its that time of year again.  Here are some natural ways to treat your cold and help you back on your feet.

~     ~     ~      ~

  The common cold and influenza are viral infections that affect almost everyone one or more times every year. When you catch a cold or the flu, the virus attaches itself to the cells of the mucous membranes in your respiratory tract. The virus destroys cells, which causes you to feel sick and experience symptoms like a sore throat and stuffy nose. Colds most often involve the upper respiratory tract, and flu viruses attack your lower respiratory tract producing more severe symptoms such as fever and body aches. Colds can be severe and lead to secondary infections including ear infections, bronchitis, sinusitis and influenza. Herbal and vitamin supplements can make you feel more comfortable, control fever, improve the body's recovery time, and provide protection.

Herbal supplements and tonics can strengthen the immune system and aid in balancing your body's biochemical and physiological systems. The immune system functions by producing antibodies and stimulating specialized cells, which destroy foreign cells or organisms and neutralize their toxic products. The immune system also recognizes and eliminates damaged or dying cells. The immunity process involves the production of white blood cells and other chemical and physical barriers in the body. Herbs help maintain the immune system and make it responsive to changing circumstances, and strengthen the body when under attack. When your various systems are in balance, you are less likely to get colds, flu and other infections.

Not all colds and flu can be prevented. If you have a viral infection, anything you do to stimulate your immune system can help reduce the severity and duration of your illness. There are several herbs that may offer protection or relief for you this cold and flu season.


This herb activates the immune system to counter both bacterial and viral infections. It inhibits the ability of viruses and bacteria to take over cells thus exposing the body to infection. Echinacea is a mild natural antibiotic and has a stimulating effect on the body's immune defenses. It is best taken at the onset of symptoms and can protect against staph and strep infections and help relieve swollen lymph nodes.


Commonly found in combination formulas, goldenseal has antibacterial properties and is a potent remedy for disorders affecting mucous membranes. It is a valuable immune system enhancer and a cold and flu fighter. Goldenseal is valuable in fighting sinus and lung congestion, sore throats, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.


Garlic is an excellent remedy for all types of chest infections. It is good for colds, flu, ear infections and it helps to reduce mucous. It may be taken with conventional antibiotics to support their action and ward off side effects. Garlic discourages the growth of many bacteria and viruses. It is especially good for persistent coughs and bronchitis. Garlic also contains vitamins A, C, and E, which also support the immune system.



This valuable herb increases mental and physical efficiency and resistance to stress and disease. It is an adaptogen that can balance the body's systems, depending on the individual needs. For example, if the white blood cell count is low the herb will increase the white blood cell count. Furthermore, when the body requires sleep it can produce a sedative effect. Ginseng increases immune function and resistance to infection and can help improve energy and stamina.

Hyssop

Hyssop has healing effects in the treatment of respiratory infections, lung conditions and bronchitis. Used as a tea, it is a strong expectorant, which acts by loosening phlegm, thus relieving symptoms such as congestion, coughs, and hoarseness. As an antiviral it also helps rid the body of toxins that are produced by viruses. Hyssop can sooth the digestive tract and mucous membranes offering relief for sore throats. It also has natural sedative effects and can help to reduce fevers.


Licorice root works both by supporting the immune system and by directly inhibiting various viruses. It reduces throat irritations, lung congestion, and is used for coughs and bronchial problems. Licorice produces a protective lining for the stomach, making it a useful remedy in inflammatory stomach conditions. Licorice is one of the most prescribed herbs in Europe for the treatment of colds and flu.


Like echinacea, elderberry is a powerful immune system stimulant and can relieve several cold and flu symptoms. Elderberry tea is an old and effective remedy for relieving coughs, treating sinus congestion, and reducing the pain and swelling of a sore throat. It is also beneficial for respiratory conditions and promotes the removal of waste products from the body. The tea is relaxing and produces a mild perspiration that helps to reduce fever. Elderberries are rich in vitamins A and C.

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*****ALERT*****


From: "LPDOC" <contact@whoisleonardpeltier.info>
Subject: Leonard Peltier In Transit
Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:53:23 -0700 (PDT)


Leonard Peltier has been moved from USP-Lewisburg. At this time, he is at the Federal Transfer Center (FTC) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This is an administrative and "holdover" facility. That means he will be held in Oklahoma temporarily -- although "temporarily" could mean months -- after which he will be transferred to another facility.

Please continue your efforts on Leonard's behalf. Keep calling the White House -- 202-456-1111. Obama must free Leonard Peltier.

Keep demanding a transfer for Leonard that is within 500 miles of his home. Tell the Federal Bureau of Prisons that the only acceptable transfer is one to a medium security facility in close proximity to his family and Nation.

Please send e-mails, write letters and call BOP every single day. Make reference to Leonard Peltier #89637-132 and contact:

Dr. Thomas Kane, Acting Director
Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
320 1st Street, NW
Washington, DC 20534
E-Mail: info@bop.gov
Phone: (202) 307-3250 (Director); (202) 307-3198 (Switchboard)
Fax: (202) 514-6620


 Find out what more you can do to help:        http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/  

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Blood quantum and membership in tribal nations
September 16, 2011


"A colleague and I were discussing tribes that use blood quantum to determine their membership. She said, "Tribes that do this are setting themselves up for extinction. Eventually intermarriage will wipe fixed blood quantum out.” I totally agree with her: under the current blood quantum of my own tribal membership, my future grandchildren will not qualify to be members. As an American Indian and tribal member, this concerns me.

My colleague said her tribe recently opened up their membership for new members including new babies, people who moved out of state, etc. In order to become a new member each person seeking enrollment had to answer, historical, cultural, and family questions that pertained to the tribe's identity. For newborns, their parents had to answer these questions.

It was this tribe’s belief that if prospective members were connected to their community roots, they would know the answers to the tribe’s questions. Individuals who moved away and did not maintain any connection to their tribal community were not able to answer the questions and were refused membership, regardless of blood quantum. Perhaps this is one alternative that tribes will consider to replace blood quantum requirements."

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WHITE HOUSE BLOG

Supporting law and order in Indian Country
Thursday, September 15, 2011


"In line with Attorney General Holder’s commitment to enhancing public safety in Indian Country, Assistant Attorney General Tom Perrelli announced grants totaling $118.4 million to support law enforcement practices and sustain crime prevention and intervention efforts.

Tribal governments received awards in areas including public safety and community policing; methamphetamine enforcement; justice systems and alcohol and substance abuse; corrections and correctional alternatives; violence against women; elder abuse; juvenile justice; and tribal youth programs.

“This year, we encouraged comprehensive safety planning– because we know innovative and holistic approaches work,” said Perrelli, who made the announcement at the department’s Four Corners Indian Conference in Ignacio, Colorado.

Perrelli also spoke about the department’s streamlined grant application for federal funding. Now in its second year, the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) serves as a single application for existing tribal government-specific grant programs administered by the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)."

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By JIM MYERS World Washington Bureau
Published: 9/15/2011 2:37 AM

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama announced Wednesday that he will nominate former U.S. Rep. Brad Carson, D-Okla., to become the next general counsel of the Army.


Obama's announcement covered a number of nominations to be sent to the U.S. Senate for confirmation.

"I am pleased to announce that these experienced and committed individuals have agreed to join this administration, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead," the president said.

Carson served in Congress from 2001 until 2005.

He gave up a safe seat in 2004 to launch an unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Senate, a race he lost to Republican Sen. Tom Coburn.

After leaving Congress, he joined a Navy Reserve Unit and served in Iraq with the Army on active military duty.

He received the Bronze Star for that service.

A Rhodes Scholar, Carson was a White House Fellow from 1997 to 1998 and worked as a special assistant to the defense secretary.

Several months ago, Carson took a serious look at re-entering elective politics and running at his old House seat, which is being vacated by incumbent Rep. Dan Boren, D-Okla.

Carson unexpectedly decided against running for that post again.

He now is an associate professor of business law at the University of Tulsa, where he also is director of the National Energy Policy Institute.

Neither Coburn nor the state's senior U.S. senator, Republican Jim Inhofe, commented on Obama's decision to nominate Carson for the key defense post.

Inhofe is a veteran member of the Senate Armed Service Committee, which will handle the nomination.

Jared Young, a spokesman for Inhofe, said the senator plans to look at Carson's record in Congress on military issues.

"After analyzing his positions, Sen. Inhofe will determine whether or not he believes Carson's record is one that is detrimental to the military or not," Young said.

"If it is one that is detrimental to the military, then he will oppose his nomination."

Boren, the only Democrat in Oklahoma's congressional delegation, welcomed the announcement.

"I was pleased to hear the announcement today from the White House concerning Brad Carson's nomination," he said. "Brad has rendered exceptional service throughout his career in both the Congress and while in uniform. I wish him well in his confirmation process."
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TRIBE OFFERS TO TAKE OVER CEMETERY

Letter from United Auburn Indian Community indicates desire to care for property

A proposal to convey ownership of the Colfax Indian Cemetery property has been presented to the Colfax Cemetery District.

At the Aug. 31 meeting of the Colfax Cemetery District, Gregory S. Baker, Tribal Administrator for the United Auburn Indian Community, presented a letter from the UAIC indicating the UAIC’s desire to “enter into a preliminary agreement to acquire, for the ‘trust and care,’ the property known as the Colfax Indian Cemetery.”

The UAIC will also provide “financial resources for the upkeep, utility costs, liability insurance, and various operational needs for the property,” Baker said in the letter.

According to Nancy Hagman, Colfax Cemetery District trustee and district board executive secretary, the cemetery district is following a recommendation by the 2008 Placer County Grand Jury that the district divest itself of the Indian Cemetery property because of the liability.

In February 2011 the cemetery district issued a resolution recognizing the Colfax-Todds Valley Consolidated Tribe as volunteers, allowing them to maintain the facility and gravesites, as they had done in the past. The tribe was also required to obtain liability insurance to cover burial ceremonies, specifically hand digging of graves.

Foresthill resident Pamela Cubbler, chairman of the Colfax-Todds Valley Consolidated Tribe, said her group has not yet met with the UAIC.

“The only comment we can make is that their offer to purchase the land for the local Indian community is a very generous offer,” Cubbler said.

Judy Marks, of the Burial Grounds Committee that maintains the cemetery for the Colfax-Todds Valley Consolidated Tribe, said she was aware of the UAIC’s proposal.

Speaking for the Burial Grounds Committee only, Marks said, “We just appreciate their offer very much and look forward to working with them … We are hopeful that things will eventually work out.”

Doug Elmets, spokesman for the UAIC, said the UAIC would reimburse the Colfax Cemetery District for expenses they may have incurred over the last several years … including such things as water and maintenance … Moving forward the UAIC would have the responsibility for water, maintenance, insurance.”

Elmets said there are numerous members of the UAIC who have relatives who are buried in the cemetery and the UAIC would like to maintain and preserve the cemetery for the ancestors of tribal members buried there.

The UAIC is intent on maintaining open access to the Indian cemetery, Elmets stressed.

“Provided that the cemetery district conveys the property to the UAIC, the Tribe will maintain open access for family members of other tribes in the region who have relatives buried there,” Elmets said.

According to Hagman, a public hearing on the issue will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, at Colfax City Hall, 33 S. Main St.

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WHAT LOVE MEANS TO 4-8 YEAR OLDS

Touching words from the mouth of babes.

 A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8
year-olds, 'What does love mean?' The answers they got were broader and
deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:


Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.'

Terri - age 4

> >  >  >

'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip
before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.'

Danny - age 7

>  >  >  >

Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening
presents and listen.'

Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)

>  >  >  >

'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend
who you hate,'

Nikka - age 6

(we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)

> >  >  >

'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still
friends even after they know each other so well.'

Tommy - age 6

>  >  >  >

'My mommy loves me more than anybody
You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.'

Clare - age 6

>  >  >  >

'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.'

Elaine-age 5

> >  >  >

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is
 handsomer than Robert Redford.'

 Chris - age 7

>  >  >  >

 'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone
all day.'

Mary Ann - age 4

>  >  >  >

'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars
come out of you.' (what an image)

Karen - age 7

>  >  >  >

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's
gross.'

Mark - age 6

>  >  >  >

'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you
mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.'

 Jessica - age 8

>  >  >  >

And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked
about a contest he was asked to judge.

The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an
elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.

Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's
yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.

When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy
said,

'Nothing, I just helped him cry'

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Weird Body Quirks: From Brain Freeze to Hiccupping

The Brain Freeze

Oh no, not again! Another frozen treat, another brain freeze. “Ice cream headaches” happen when something cold touches nerves in the roof of the mouth, triggering blood vessels in the front of your head to swell. This rapid swelling causes the familiar, jabbing pain of a brain freeze. An easy solution? Try eating ice cream or other cold foods more slowly to avoid getting a headache.

Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

Sure, it’s a mood killer, but this problem is very common and happens to completely healthy people. While it can occur on the face, sweating is usually worse on the palms, soles, and in the armpits. Treatment may include aluminum chloride antiperspirants, Botox injections, oral medications, mild electrical currents, or even surgery.

Vertigo

Whoa! If it feels like the room’s moving when it’s not, it could be vertigo. Sometimes caused by inner ear problems or nerve damage, vertigo can last minutes, even hours. To distinguish vertigo from dizziness, there must be a feeling of motion; other symptoms that may occur include hearing loss, ear discomfort, and unusual eye movements. Treating vertigo depends on the cause.

Arm or Leg Goes to Sleep

Ever get that dull feeling in your arm or leg like it’s asleep? This temporary and harmless sensation is caused by constant pressure on nerves, leaving them unable to transmit messages to your brain. The cure is simple: change positions. As feeling starts to come back to the area, you may experience tingling (“pins and needles”) for a little while. Chronic tingling indicates a more serious underlying condition that should be evaluated.

Hiccups

Hiccups are an uncontrollable contraction of the diaphragm (the breathing muscle under the lungs). Eating too much or too fast, overdoing alcohol, or swallowing air can all cause the hiccups. They usually go away on their own, but you can try remedies like holding your breath, quickly drinking water, and breathing in a bag to help hasten hiccups away.

Tonsil Stones

Although those bad smelling lumps can be uncomfortable, tonsil stones (also called tonsilloliths) are generally harmless. Hanging out in the tonsil pockets, they form when bacteria and debris get trapped, forming a hard piece of matter and a bad taste in your throat. You can remove small stones with a swab, but if they’re not bothering you, no treatment is necessary.

Ear Popping

We’ve all yawned on a plane trip to “pop” our ears. What we’re doing is equalizing the pressure between the inside and the outside of our eardrum as the altitude changes. That “pop” means a tube connecting your middle ear to the back of your throat has opened, relieving pressure. To help, you can also close your mouth, hold your nose, and blow gently; or try chewing gum or yawning.

Charley Horse

This startling muscle spasm can last a few seconds, even several minutes. Dehydration, muscle overuse, nerve irritation, and low levels of certain minerals -- like potassium and calcium -- can be culprits. Walk around to relieve the pain, or shake your leg and stretch the muscle. If cramps persist, see your doctor.

Black Hairy Tongue

No, this isn’t something from a creature feature. Black hairy tongue occurs when the little bumps on your tongue grow long (instead of shedding), and bacteria grow on them. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, some mouthwashes, radiation therapy to the head and neck, and certain medications can play a role. To help, brush your teeth and tongue twice a day, use a tongue scraper, and avoid aggravating factors.

Eye Twitching

Eyelid spasms are unpredictable, bothersome, and harmless. Eye twitching can be caused by stress, fatigue, eyestrain, caffeine, and dry eyes, though more serious twitching may be caused by neurological disorders, like Tourette’s syndrome. Eyelid spasms usually go away on their own, but if they are severe, Botox injections may be recommended.

Overdevelopment of Male Breasts

Gynecomastia is usually caused by normal changes in hormone levels at birth, puberty, and later in life. For newborns and boys, the ratio of estrogens (female hormones) to androgens (male hormones) balances out in time. It’s also seen in men as they age, often related to certain medications, liver or kidney problems, or tumors. A physician’s evaluation can get at the root cause, but by itself, the condition is usually harmless.

Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Got raccoon eyes? People blame age or fatigue for these dark circles and they’re right. Lack of sleep makes your skin pale, emphasizing the dark circles, while age means thinner skin around the eyes, making it easier to see any discoloration. Allergies can also lead to dark circles, and heredity plays a role as well.

Excessive Hair Growth

Few women enjoy excess hair on their face and body, but while hirsutism can be embarrassing, it’s generally harmless. Hirsutism affects about 5% of women. It may be genetic or caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition characterized by an excess of androgens (male hormones). In rare cases, hirsutism is caused by hormone-secreting tumors. Treatment depends on the cause and can include bleaching, electrolysis, hormone therapies, and laser hair removal.

Discolored Nails

Curious about color changes in your nails? About 50% of nail problems are caused by fungal infections. Greenish nails may come from pseudomonas bacteria and are easily treated with antibiotics. Yellowish nails are often a sign of fungus. And red, purple, or black under nails may be caused by blood resulting from injury. Changes can also be related to medical treatments or signal a more serious condition. Unsure? Get those nails checked!

Red Nose From Rosacea

Rosacea often causes red patches on the sensitive skin of the face. In rare cases the nose becomes thickened and bumpy, a condition called rhinophyma. This is more common in men than women, and genetics do play a role. Treatments at this stage can include lasers and other light therapies, dermabrasion, and electrocautery.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are small ulcers inside the mouth. They are also called aphthous ulcers. Unlike cold sores, which appear as painful, small blisters and are very contagious, canker sores are not caused by a virus. Certain foods or nutritional deficiencies may trigger a canker sore, as can emotional stress and a mouth injury. When needed, treatments include topical medication and mouthwash solutions.


ITS NOT EASY BEING A SENIOR CITIZEN

Yesterday my daughter asked why I didn't do something useful with my time.  She suggested I go down to the senior center and hang out with the guys.  I did this and when I got home last night I told her that I had joined a parachute club.

She said "Are you nuts? You're almost 74 years old and you're going to start jumping out of airplanes?"

I proudly showed her that I even got a membership card.

She said to me, "For heaven's sake, where are your glasses! This is a membership to a Prostitute Club, not a Parachute Club!"

I'm in trouble again and don't know what to do!  I signed up for five jumps a week!

Life as a senior citizen is not getting any easier.

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU EAT!

A dietitian was addressing a large audience in Chicago: “The material we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most of us sitting here, years ago. Red meat is awful. Soft drinks erode your stomach lining. Chinese food is loaded with MSG. Vegetables can be disastrous to some and none of us realize the long term harm caused by the germs in our drinking water. But there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all and we all have eaten or will eat it. Can anyone here tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and suffering for years after eating it?”

A 75 year old man in the front row stood up and said, “Wedding cake

THE KISS

A tough-looking group of bikers were riding when they saw a girl about to jump off a bridge,
so they stopped. The leader, a big burly man, gets off his bike and says, "What are you doing?" 

"I'm going to commit suicide," she says.

He wants to distract her, so he says the first thing that pops into his head.

"Well, before you jump, why don't you give me a kiss?
At least you go out with a nice memory, eh?"

She thinks for a moment and then she gives him a long, deep, lingering kiss.
After she's finished, the biker says, "Wow! That was the best kiss I have ever had. That's a real talent you are wasting. You could be famous. Why are you committing suicide?"

"My parents don't like me dressing up like a girl."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BIRDS AND WHAT LESSON THEY BRING US;

Blackbird:

Blackbird awakens the mind with awareness as changes of perceptions are unfolding. He stirs psychic abilities and brings to consciousness latent healing gifts and creativity. Blackbird shows how to move with determination, focus and tenacity and how to use your power to its fullest potential. At this time there is a magic of the unseen worlds coming forth that is paired with the balance of grounding within the earth as you walk your path. Blackbird will guide in this new awakening. Blackbird teaches use of intuition that will aid in understanding Mother Nature and the connection to all things. Are you listening carefully to the seen and unseen worlds? Are you grounding and balancing your energy appropriately? Blackbird will teach much and bring new surprises when you least expect it. Pay attention and listen carefully.

Blue Jay:

Blue Jay is highly adaptive and will teach knowledge of survival in this world and in others. He will guide in the proper use of power to utilize abilities to their fullest potential. Blue Jay will aid in this discovery and developing personal power, awareness and higher knowledge. Blue Jay helps balance the earthy realm with Spiritual, teaches courage and tenacity along with ingenuity and resourcefulness. Are you listening to your intuition and instincts? Are you balancing your gifts? Blue Jay will teach much for he will show how to master the abilities you are learning.

Crow:

Crow is a harbinger of change; spiritual, mental and emotional. Life, death, rebirth, transition magic, watchfulness, look for opportunities coming up, aids in ability to move spiritually and physically. They teach the power and balance of light/dark and spiritual/physical. He teaches to create and manifest things in our lives, all of life is waiting. Crow announces a newness on the horizon. Are you aware of the nuances in life? Are you listening to signs around you? Crow can give strength and show you how to maneuver in intuitions and insights.

Duck:

Duck shows emotional comfort and protection. She teaches how to move with grace and comfort in actions, emotions and thoughts. Shes aids in balancing the mind and emotions - the physical and spiritual and discerning when to move while easing the transitions between the worlds. Is it time to be vocal or quiet? Let Duck guide in how to express oneself. She shows emotional strength that you may need at this time. She teaches quick and speedy movements for ideas to take flight. Duck will show new opportunities so be alert. She will also help filter out what is not needed, what is important and discern what is true. It is a good time to try new foods and flavors as tastes may be changing. She helps to drudge up the past - old patterns and behaviors, people and situations in order to heal them. The time period for Duck's lessons is about 28 days. Pay attention to the variety of colors of Duck for further insight.

Egret:

Egret teaches to stand in the physical and spiritual worlds. He teaches healing of the emotions in order to bridge the heart and mind. This also correlates to grounding properties in order to receive and process spiritual and emotional insights for clarity. Egret helps look deeper into aspects of life, brings out innate wisdom and shows how to become self-reliant. Egret is sharp, direct and to the point. Determination, balance, follow your own path. He aids in seeing the bigger picture as a whole instead of the small parts. He will instill security and confidence in exploring the mind and emotions.

Flicker:

Flicker demonstrates a new rhythm and cycle of growth. She shows the importance of healing love and the power of forgiveness. Insights and intuitions are activated and perceptions are changing. She teaches us how to connect with the earth and how to ground ourselves in nature with a vibrate vitality. Flicker aids in our ability to find deeper meanings and hidden qualities of patterns and coincidences. She teaches balance and harmony in the spiritual and mental realms. Flicker shows tenacity, patience and straightforward actions to accomplish endeavors at this time. Listen carefully to Flicker medicine for she will guide in perfect timing.

Gulls:

Subtle lessons in behavior and communication, teaches to read people more effectively. Seagulls are spiritual messengers that demonstrate that a higher communication with guides is taking place. He shows how to see above situations with a higher clarity and teaches that there are many perspectives to consider. Seagull shows a sense friendship and community and the cooperation that is needed for the whole to operate successfully. He teaches how to ride the currents of the mental, emotional and physical worlds. Are you going with the flow or fighting it? Are you cooperating with others? Are you open to your guides? Seagull can teach you many lessons of looking, living and being. It is time to listen and watch for the nuances and timing of action
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Hope life is treating you well.  May Creator keep you healthy and safe.  May your problems be on their way out..

Until next month…be safe

Shiakoda Autumn Wolf Moon Q.