"Confiscated Identities" Excerpt:Whisper n Thunder

‎"The audacity of these young Native men and women assuming militant and unyielding positions not only embarrassed and angered the federal government, but it shocked other Native people who felt that they were going to ruin everything they felt they had worked for. They were proud to be Americans and had no problem reciting the pledge of allegiance and saluting the flag. However, the traditional elders, Chiefs and spiritual leaders stood with them..." Read more of Ben Carnes' article in this issue of Whisper n Thunder by clicking on the link below. Hope you'll sign our Guest Book and look around the ezine while you're there..."

This is from an article I wrote for Whisper n Thunder sharing my thoughts on a subject that has divided Native people through the assimilation process. Read more at this link: http://whispernthunder.org/Confiscated_Identities.html

Are you Choctaw, then lets connect!

I have a blog at http://eaglemanz.blogspot.com/ where I'll begin to publish articles relating to the Chahta people. There are more than 200,000 of us and I know it is a challenging task since not each of us use the computer, but I'd like to begin developing demographics as we go on, share articles and news with you about other Chahta's and the business of the Nation.


As a writer, I often have a different perception and if it is my opinion, I'll state so. If it is fact, then I'll provide you with a source, but I'll also share with you the opinions of others. As Choctaw and Native people, we all have a common bond with one another. I hold the belief that from the past we can begin to plan our future from today, and from where I sit, our future looks pretty good.


You can do two things to help me start, one is to send me an email with "Chahta" in the subject line, and subscribe to my blog so you will receive automatic updates. The email is to help me begin organizing a database of Chahta people from around the world. Eventually, I'll begin to break it down by states, registered voters, and ages. This will help to give us a picture of where we are and what we can do for one another. So whatever social network you are on, please feel free to share this and we'll see how fast we can grow over the coming weeks. I anticipate my first article will come after the council meeting in February so hurry and pass this around! Yakoke!

Online Choctaw Language Classes starting in February

Registration for the spring class has begun. First class for the online community will be February.20.2012. Send names, ages, mailing address for all that will be participating in your house hold to : yannashushis@yahoo.com 
DEADLINE IS JANUARY 22.2012. IT'S YOUR LANGUAGE. OWN IT!

Yannash Scott, a certified Choctaw Language instructor, conducts this course and it allows you to work at your own pace. http://www.chahtaanumpa.org/page1.aspx

He has several Youtube videos’ demonstrating the use of the language, even in contemporary music, such as this one. http://youtu.be/tUCNai3Ydx8 

And an aid to pronounce our words http://youtu.be/nDLsJ6LeGxI

We have over 200,000 Choctaws around the world, 10 in Rhode Island, and even one in Iran! So feel free to share, some Choctaw might appreciate it!

Remembering Frances Wise: a proud Indian woman

RIP 1943-2011

When I heard you went home to be with our ancestors, I was stunned. Its going to be hard knowing my Sister isn’t here with us anymore, although I know you will be here in spirit. I was looking forward to coming to pay my respects, but circumstances arose that I could not make the trip across the state to spend this time with you and your family.

So many thoughts went through my mind as I reminisced. I remember your words when the Norman Chamber of Commerce asked the students at OU to come in regalia and dance at their 89’er centennial Land Run Celebration. You cut right through when you said, “How dare they ask us to come and dance upon the graves of our ancestors!” I remember sacrificing my semester on academic probation to travel around to make our counter-demonstration happen. Then on the morning we were to begin our walk from Capitol Hill to the state capitol, I was content to stand back and let you and others take the lead, but you stuck the bullhorn in my hand and said “We’re ready when you are!” It was a proud day for Indian people in Oklahoma! We started off with about 60 people, but by the time we completed the 5-mile trek to the capitol, we were at 500+.

I can’t even begin to remember how many times we went to the capitol to deal with the governor, legislative bills or something. It was always something we were there for to speak up for Indian people. You were there long before I ever got my act together, coordinating for the warriors in Wounded Knee in 73, fighting for women and children in Oklahoma City, and on and on. As I look back on the years, you gave and sacrificed a lot for the people. You were an example and role model for so many, I hope they remember and help to carry on.

There is no way I can even begin to tell your story, you shared so many with me over the years. I am very thankful for the education. I am forever grateful that I can call you family among so many others from this place called Oklahoma, such as Carter Camp & family, Richard Ray Whitman, David Hill, Pat Moss, Jackie Warledo, Glenda Deer and so many others. Your stories are important for all of us to know, and I hope that the stories will be shared many times so that our children and their children will know the sacrifices that were made for them.

I just wanted to thank you for being the proud Indian woman that you are, and what you have done for us. Now, we’ll warrior up and tighten our ranks until a young woman or man comes with that fighting spirit that you shared with many. I'll see you later and I loved you a lot!

http://swoknews.com/main.asp?SectionID=11&SubSectionID=100&ArticleID=39964&TM=72161.47