The Bridge's topics - tribe.net

U.S. Government to Steal 19.5 BILLION from American Indians

fatherwolf — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 18:25:57 GMT

The U.S. Government is set to steal 19.5 billion dollars from American Indians. The Indian Trust Fund is valued at $27 million dollars. The funds in this account have been a source of mismanagement, fraud and theft by the U.S. Government for years.

Once again, in its usual way of dealing with the American Indians, the Federal Government will break it's word. For nearly 200 years the U.S. Government has been breaking its word to the American Indian, stealing their land and money, committing acts of genocide and cultural destruction. The most amazing thing of all - the government and it's people find this behaviour acceptable.

http://www.indiantrust.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Overview.Home to read more about this moral atrocity.

Just in case you'd like to write your Senators or Representatives on this issue, you can find who they are here.

http://www.senate.gov/ | http://www.house.gov/

Shantiho,

Father Wolf

posted in The Bridge - 4 replies

New on The Bridge

WabanakiWmn — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 04:28:39 GMT

>Those of us who stand on the bridge are never truly accepted into either world, either seen as too different for the white world, or as outsiders to the Native world.<

Aint dat the truth? Hi I'm nanci~ Hard road to walk this bridge, that's for sure.

I am a mixed blood of Mi'kmaq and French descent, wife of a blood chief and sagamore of the Wabanaki confederacy. Being the wife of a chief affords me no special consideration on this bridge either...it is such a hard road to navigate, always having to prove myself above and beyond for the 'bloods'.

Nice to meet you all and hope to get to know you better!~

posted in The Bridge - 1 reply

Mixed up?

WabanakiWmn — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:44:13 GMT

Excellent article about the perpetuation of genocide...

http://www.imdiversity.com/villages/native/history_heritage/whitehead_mixedbloods_genocide.asp

posted in The Bridge - 0 replies

A Native Story

Bonuksha — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 19:33:27 GMT

A young boy sitting on his grandfather's knee. He listens as his grandfather tells him how all races, Black, White, Red, and Yellow are related and that we are all brothers in the eyes of our Creator. After his grandfather is finished, the young boy sits quietly and thinks of what his grandfather has told him. After a bit he asks his grandfather if he might ask him a question.
" Of course grandson" answered Grandfather " What is it you wish to ask?"
"Grandfather, you also tell me that the Four Legged Tribes and the Winged Tribes are also our brothers."
" Yes, that is so." answered Grandfather.
" What Race are are they then?" the boy asked.
Grandfather chuckled and answered, " Every day more and more of their land is being taken from them. Every day they are forced to live in smaller and smaller areas. They are forced to live in ways that are not natural to them and they are criticized and punished if they do not do so. They are punished for being as the Creator made them!" Grandfather paused to let this sink in and let his grandson think on it. Finally Grandfather asked, " So what race do you think they are grandson?"
Without hesitation the little boy answered, " I think they are Indians just like us."
Grandfather smiled. He placed his hand on his grandson's shoulder and said," Yes, I think it is so." .....

posted in The Bridge - 0 replies

Virginia's Monacan Indian Nation Seeks Recognition

Bonuksha — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 21:02:10 GMT

-All Things Considered, NPR, March 25, 2007:

Virginia's Monacan Indian Nation Seeks Recognition

Monacan Indians were in Virginia when the first white settlers arrived,
and thousands of years before that.

But as the year 2007 brings the 400th anniversary celebration of the
Jamestown settlement, the Monacans are not recognized as an Indian tribe
by the federal government.

They're one of six tribes seeking to reclaim their Indian identities
through congressional action that would offset decades of deliberate
discrimination.

The Monacan Indian Nation lies in the foothills of the Blue Ridge
Mountains, in Virginia's rural Amherst County. They were recognized by
Capt. John Smith on the Jamestown settlement map, says Monacan
genealogist Diane Johns Shields.

But none of the 700 or so people who form the modern-day Monacan nation
have grown up steeped in Indian tradition.

That's because for much of the last century, the state of Virginia
stripped the tribe of its identity, Shields says.

In 1924, Virginia passed the Racial Integrity Act to prevent
miscegenation. It did away with the "Indian" classification on official
records. Indians could now be designated only as "white" or "colored."

The law was zealously enforced by a physician named Walter Plecker, a
white supremacist who ran Virginia's Bureau of Vital Statistics from
1912 to 1946.

Plecker systematically changed the racial designations of the Monacan
ancestors, says Shields, erasing their Indian identity and classifying
them as "negro" or "mulatto."

In Amherst County, Plecker singled out certain last names associated
with the Monacan people * Branhams, Johns, Adocks, Clarks, Woods and
Sorrels.

Those names he sent to local registrars, which prevented them from
legally marrying a white person * or from burial in community
cemeteries. Nor could they attend public schools.

Plecker's faulty documents have made it hard for the Virginia tribe to
prove its continuous existence since 1900, which is one of the key
requirements for federal recognition.

"That's paper genocide, that's what that did to our people," Shields
says. "What he set himself up to do was to erase a whole set of people,
our people."

Lacy Branham, 78, didn't even know she was a Monacan until Kenneth
Branham * her son and the tribe's current chief * began exploring
his roots.

Kenneth Branham says he asked his grandmother why the Indian culture
wasn't passed on. She explained that in earlier days, it was safer to
keep it a secret.

"She told me with tears in her eyes if the wrong person heard her
talking or teaching us those ways, she might not have a place to live
the next day," says Kenneth Branham.

He helped change that, after getting his grandmother's blessing. "I'm
very proud of what you're doing," she said, through more tears.

"Once she told me that, I knew I was doing the right thing," Kenneth
Branham says. "There was no turning back. You know, I couldn't stop
after that if I wanted to."

A bill now in Congress would give the Monacans and five other Virginia
tribes federal recognition. But the legislation faces an uphill battle
because of concerns it could open the door to Indian casinos in the
state.

Chief Branham isn't interested in gambling, he says, but would like the
resources that tribal status would bring, along with the ability to
reclaim ancestral remains, now housed in museums.

posted in The Bridge - 1 reply

Womens Prayers and Teachings?

Jamie — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 05:02:20 GMT

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this...but I was wondering if anyone could help me? I am 20 yrs old, Metis and I work with Aboriginal girls that are struggling with addictions, being exploited, family abuse...the list goes on. I was just wondering if any of you could help me find some really nice prayers or teachings that these young women could learn from...
Meegwetch
Jamie

posted in The Bridge - 2 replies

Don't try and sell me crap

Rainweaver — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 19:20:16 GMT

Maybe I'm being a little harsh, but any and all posts trying to sell me your line of religion, esp when I find multiple web links ending in .biz tossed at the end of your rambling novel, will be deleted. Not appropriate here. Move along.

posted in The Bridge - 4 replies

any good books/websites on this subject?

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 23:33:56 GMT

Hi there,

new to this tribe. I'm wondering where I can read more stories about folks who have been able to weave their native ancestory/spirituality into their modern/mixed blood lifestyles.

Thanks!
-Hope Walking Tree

posted in The Bridge - 6 replies

Island of seven cities

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:23:04 GMT

I am a half breed from the eastern edge of Turtle Island. My ancestors guarded the eastern door for thousands of years and greeted all travelers who came by boat to their islands and coves- there were many.
my distant relative Paul Chaisson has wrote a book about this. It is disputed by many people.
The claim is that the Chinese people had visited Cape Breton well before Columbus and there was actually a trade route.
Check it out.
Half of my relatives who don't believe they are native scoff at this.
the truth is clear.
Turtle island has always been the bridge for the transformation of all cultures.

posted in The Bridge - 0 replies

Thank you

Wendy — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 21:58:09 GMT

Am new to this tribe, thank you for the chance to listen and be part of it. Hope to meet you all. Blessings *****

posted in The Bridge - 0 replies

Annual Holiday Toy Drive for Pine Ridge reservation

Bonuksha — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:55:32 GMT

Here is a way for some of us to "give back" to those who may be our relatives.
anyway, We are ALL related.

Subject: Update on Leonard Peltier Annual Holiday Toy Drive

Dear Supporters,

On behalf of Leonard Peltier and the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee we
would like to thank you for your ongoing support and donations to the
Leonard Peltier Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Once again, Leonard Peltier and
the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee respectfully request your help making
these holidays a little brighter for the children at the Pine Ridge Indian
Reservation.

We recently received the following update from Eileen Janis, volunteer for
The Leonard Peltier Annual Holiday Toy Drive/Pine Ridge:

Hello Everybody,
So far I have received many boxes of used clothing and four boxes of new
clothing. The used clothing I can not use for Christmas, but what we did
get, I gave to a family who lost their home to a fire. They lost everything
and those clothes came in handy because they also had a nephew die in the
fire. It was a lady who has one daughter but raises her six nephews and
nieces. The new clothing will go to teenagers for Christmas, but I have not
gotten any toys yet, Oh wait I did get an art kit from a four year old girl
who said she really enjoyed a kit like that and wanted to help. This year is
one of the hardest and it is like that all over I know, but with so many
programs getting cut, the people will make choices of presents or food. As
you know we have the highest unemployment rate of anywhere in the United
States. After Thanksgiving this year, I have seen more people asking for
food vouchers just to get to the end of the month. I looked everywhere and
some got lucky others did not. It is very sad, I try to do what I can but
the need is too great. I think the parents will think about what is needed
the most this month and food and utilities will top the list. Presents will
be last. I talked to Roslyn also and she said she did not get any toys yet
either. I am just thinking about the little kids for toys anything for
teenagers will help to but so far no toys have gotten here yet. The people
on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation appreciate the kindness that the
Leonard Peltier Gift drive does for them every year.

Even though Leonard is locked up unjustly, he should feel real good about the
way his supporters give to his people every year. With the support you
give him, he does more for the people than any politician, tribal, state, and
federal. I want to thank all of you for the things already sent to us,
and if anyone is going to send something please include a toy or two.

You are all in my prayers,

IN THE SPIRIT OF CRAZY HORSE.

Sincerely,
Eileen Janis

In a phone call conversation with Leonard, yesterday he expressed his
appreciation to everyone for the ongoing work, effort, and donations to
make this Holiday Season a happy occasion for the children at Pine Ridge.

Please send gifts, clothing, donations and/ or toys to the following
address:

We thank you and appreciate your continued support!

Leonard Peltier Holiday Gift Drive

C/O Eileen Janis

Po Box 525

Pine Ridge South Dakota 57770

(For FedEx or UPS please include Highway 18 Crazy
Horse Drive)

Note: Due to the high volume of mail during the
Holiday Season please send
your items before December 14, 2006 to ensure delivery
in time for Christmas.
Thank you,

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee-

posted in The Bridge - 0 replies

Hello members of The Bridge.

Mike "Grizzly" Adams — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 13:57:42 GMT

I'm new to the tribe and just wanted to make an intro. I do have a bio posted so you can get some info on me...My computer is horrible and I'm having trouble loading up pics. As soon as the problem is corrected I'll update it all. Again, Hello and I look forward to keeping in touch.

posted in The Bridge - 1 reply

New Here!

Jennifer — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 20:36:40 GMT

Just wanted to say hello - My great grandparents were full blooded Haudenoshonee - Oneida, Turtle clan. When the assimilated into society and applied for their social security numbers (I have the applications) they checked "white" so they wouldn't be discriminated against.

My father and my sisters and I know very little about our heritage through our family. I majored in Physical Anthropology in college and have since learned quite a bit more about our tribe(s).

It's wonderful to have a place to connect with others who have the same experience!

posted in The Bridge - 3 replies

Welcome!

Rainweaver — Wed, 16 Feb 2005 09:06:10 GMT

Well, a good way to start us out is to introduce ourselves =)

I'm Wendy, and I've been on the bridge for 29 years this March 1st. It's been a stressful journey, to say the least. I was raised by my grandmother, and even though it was her own father and grandparents that, during the Depression, rejected thier heritage to avoid the cultural shame for their children, she liked to flaunt this heritage with jewelry and carrying me off to Nanticoke powpows and such as a small child. Very confusing when at the same time she was trying to mold me into this perfect image of white southern Christianess. Needless to say, it's taken this long to repair THAT damage.

I now have a degree in religion and am working on a masters in applied theology. I am in training with a shaman who focuses on women reclaiming their spiritual power. She was trained by the Lakota. I fled the high tech field after 8 years and have refused to continue prostituting my energies with jobs that drain me and are literally toxic to my system. I am looking for work and have applied for a handful of positions as an interfaith care provider and coordinator. I am crossing my fingers and toes that one of them finally gives me the chance.

I'm drawn strongly to diversity and spontinaity, and tend to attract animals like a critter magnet. Apparently I have a big neon sign over my head that only animals can read that says SUCKER!

And I think that's enough about me and why I created this tribe =)

posted in The Bridge - 9 replies

Racism in Navajo Country

fatherwolf — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 18:09:01 GMT

"This all started with a beating in Farmington in June. A 47-year-old Navajo man who was offered a ride by three white teenagers in Farmington was driven to the outskirts of town, beaten with a stick and punched and kicked. He said they used racial slurs as they pummeled him." - Salon .com

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2006/09/02/navajo/index_np.html

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_4044405

posted in The Bridge - 0 replies

Lets get something started

Wed, 05 Jul 2006 08:29:00 GMT

Osiyo, Y'all,
I joined this tribe even though I saw that it had been awhile since the last post on topic, because the subject interests me. Is there anyone here? How about getting new discussions going?
Donadagohvi
--
Namaste,
Rev. John

posted in The Bridge - 4 replies

Petition

BonnieMargay — Fri, 13 Jan 2006 21:34:26 GMT

This was posted in my Feminist Activists tribe, and appears to be appropriate here: http://www.petitiononline.com/Geronimo/petition.html

posted in The Bridge - 0 replies

Frustration

Rainweaver — Thu, 04 Aug 2005 05:01:55 GMT

Good intentions aside, even I get frustrated.

I've tried contacting my mother, which is a pretty big deal for me seeing our history. She's made no attempt to return my calls. I'm tempted to ask her adoptive mother if she knows anything about mom's tribe.

As well, after my cycle of classes ended with my Shaman, she basically stopped contacting me, even though I've made efforts to keep in contact, and she lives oh MAYBE 500 feet away from me. She's a white woman with native blood as well, so you'd think she'd understand what it feels like to not have community, but it's apparently not striking her that this is basically the place I'm in. She has her own community with the people who share HER teacher, so... yeah. Yay. *sigh*

OKay so... that's my frustrated venting for today.

posted in The Bridge - 1 reply

Trophy hunter heads US Fish and Wildlife Service

BonnieMargay — Thu, 07 Apr 2005 09:44:06 GMT

Interior Secretary Gale Norton named Matthew J. Hogan to be acting director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service last month.

Hogan was formerly the chief lobbyist for an extreme trophy hunting organization that advocates the killing of rare species worldwide.

If you think this is insane, please sign my petition at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/511597808

posted in The Bridge - 1 reply

New tribe for women

Rainweaver — Thu, 03 Mar 2005 04:23:47 GMT

http://womanstrength.tribe.net/

Feminism is the radical idea that women are people too.

Did you grow up hearing how a woman's place was in the home? Do people react when you don't fit into their narrow defination of what a woman should be? Do you refuse to let society or, better yet, a man, define who you are, who you should be, what you should do, what you should think, what you should say? Do you bristle in public when you hear a man or another woman shut down a girl or a woman who dares to speak her mind, tell her truth, and dare to be who she is?

Then this is the tribe for you.

This is NOT a mature tribe. Please leave the overt sexual topics and pornographic discussions to the dozens of tribes created for that genre. This tribe is for women to speak their truth without being treated like sex objects.

posted in The Bridge - 0 replies