Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune

Ts i s t s i s t a s Hinonoei`
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TRIBAL TRIB UNE
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Nov. 1, 2016 -Volume 12, Issue 21
Follow us on twitter #CATribalTribune www.c-a-tribes.org/tribal-news

Justice Center and Water
Treatment Plant announced by
the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes
(CONCHO, OK) Tribal citizens and the public are invit- Indian Health Services.
ed to join together for a double-header groundbreaking on a The Cheyenne and Arapaho foot facility that will treat and soften the water system that
combined $3.3 million Justice Center and new Water Treat- serves the Concho campus (which includes Lucky Star Casi-
ment plant on Nov. 1, 2016. Tribes are proud to announce nos and Travel Stop). Its expected completion is the Summer
these two projects that were 2017.
The first groundbreaking will take place for the Water both passed by the Tribal Legis-
Treatment Center at 11 a.m. just west of the Concho Head lature. Construction for the two
Start building in Concho, Okla., followed by a luncheon at projects are expected to start im-
the Native American Church Building. mediately.

The second groundbreaking for the new state of the art The $2.1 million Justice Cen-
Justice Center will be held at 1 p.m., southwest of the Concho ter will be a 7,900 square foot
Post Office. facility. Phase I of a three-part
project will include a courtroom and judicial offices. It’s ex-
Hosting the groundbreaking will be Cheyenne Arapaho pected to be completed in one year.
Governor Eddie Hamilton, Lt. Governor Cornell Sankey,
Westfahl Construction, Inc., Downey Contracting LLC and The $1.2 million Water Treatment Plant is a 2,501 square

Southwestern Oklahoma State University Honor Chiefs 2016 Sand Creek
Massacre
Eagle Honoring Chief Black Kettle and Little Raven
Spiritual Healing
Valley Express Oct. 15 was a day of remembrance for Cheyenne Chief By Latoya Lonelodge, Staff Reporter Run
Black Kettle and Arapaho Chief Little Raven.
Youth Project Rita Black, third generation descendant of Cheyenne Nov. 23-28, 2016
Family and friends gathered and celebrated with excite- Chief Black Kettle, stands next to the Black Kettle memorial
gets off to an ment the legacy and history that Black Kettle and Little Ra- wall. (Photos by Latoya Lonelodge) Calling all
ven left behind at Southwestern Oklahoma State University the honorable dedication of their long line of family history. Runners
enthusiastic (SWOSU). Others came together to commemorate the dedi- 7th grade & up
cation of Black Kettle Hall, a three-story dormitory building “Just knowing that his name and pictures of him and what SIGN UP
start named after the Cheyenne Chief. he’s done and his life is being brought out more for everybody DEADLINE:
By Darrell Rice to see is honoring. We’re very honored and proud of what he NOON, NOV. 10
“We had had a building on campus, it was originally built did for his people, we wouldn’t be here today. His grandchil-
A packed house in Wa- as a dormitory, consisting of two buildings it was called the Eligibility Require-
tonga’s Liberty Theatre on Parker Center and was named after the Comanche leader See Black Kettle Hall pg. 5 ments: Completed Appli-
the final evening of the 2016 Quanah Parker. As we closed that down for several years cation & must be able to
Cheese Festival on Oct. and then opened it back up, it became two different purpos- run one mile.
15 showed strong support es, the North Tower was academics or School of Nursing so
for the first public event of we continue to call it the Parker Home, but the South Tower, Applications can be
the Eagle Valley Express we turned it into a renovated dormitory and we believed that picked up at the Culture &
Youth Project spearheaded since this was historically Cheyenne and Arapaho reservation Heritage Program offices
by Cheyenne tribal member area that we should rename the building for someone who ex- in Concho, Okla.
Lewis (Keith) Tall Bear. emplified the great things of the Cheyenne and Arapaho peo-
ple and so we decided on Black Kettle. And also to include in For more information
Tall Bear is reviving the that hall a display to the Arapaho Chief Little Raven, so today call 405-422-7433 or 405-
Eagle Valley Express Youth and from now on that renovated hall will be known as Black 422-7443.
Center that mentored him Kettle Hall,” Randy Beutler, SWOSU president, said.
when it was started by two Member Oklahoma Press
high school teachers back in The dedication hall named after Black Kettle will be a dor- Association
1979. mitory for students living on campus. Inside the dormitory is
also a memorial wall displaying the biography and history “2012-2016 Winner of the
One of those teachers, behind the Black Kettle and Little Raven legacy. Tribal mem- OPA Better Newspaper Awards”
Carle King, is among the bers, along with the school officials, dedicated a Saturday af-
supporters of the new ver- ternoon to honoring the Black Kettle Hall. Family members Member Native American
sion. King was among those of Black Kettle and Little Raven were also present to witness Journalist Association
recognized by Tall Bear
during the Oct. 15 concert. “2010-2016 Native American Journalist
Association Award Winner”
After Tall Bear welcomed
the crowd, spiritual advisors NAJA
Cheyenne Chief Larry Ro- Native American Journalist Association
man Nose and John White
Eagle Jr. conducted a tradi- Member Society of
tional sweetgrass blessing Professional Journalists
ceremony, and then Rev.
Geraldine Jenkins of Christ
Gospel Church offered
prayer. King, who is now as-
sociate pastor at New Hope
Missionary Baptist Church,
spoke on the need for the
program to help youths avoid
problems that harm the lives
of too many.

Several dances to con-

See Youth project pg. 5

Page 2 www.c-a-tribes.org/tribal-news Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Tribune, Nov. 1, 2016

C-A tribes and Tribal Nations
collaborate with VA to host
InterTribal Veterans Stand Down
(OKLAHOMA CITY) On Nov. 4, approximately 11 Trib- cuts and a clothing room focused on cold weather items will
al Nations, in collaboration with the Cheyenne and Arapaho also be available.    Coming Soon!
Tribes, Veteran Affairs (VA) Office of Tribal Government Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal
Relations, Oklahoma City VA Health Care System, and East- If you have served in the military, in any capacity, this
ern Oklahoma VA Health Care System, are coming together event is for you. If you are the widow of a Veteran and are not Veteran ID Cards
for the fourth annual Inter-Tribal Homeless Veterans Stand sure if you would qualify to receive benefits or services, you Projected Date:
Down to service Native American homeless Veterans from are highly encouraged to come to the event. Widows are en- Veterans Day 2016
the state of Oklahoma. couraged to bring a copy of their marriage certificate, a copy For more info:
of their spouses DD Form 214 (if they have one) and a copy Department of Enrollment
A myriad of services focusing on health care, mental of the death certificate (if applicable). Veterans should bring a
health, housing, vocational rehabilitation, flu shots, job and copy of their DD form 214 and any other documentation they 405-422-7600
employment, social security, community and tribal services might need to be presented the day of the event. While the fo-
will all be available.  Federal, state and non-profit agencies cus of the event is on the Native American Homeless Veteran
will be available to include the Office of Special Trustee and population, all Veterans who attend will be served.
Oklahoma Indian Legal Services to provide information to
tribal members.  Barbers will be on hand to provide free hair- The event will begin at 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4
at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.

AARP continues tradition
recognizing Native Elders at
annual Indian Elder Honors
(OKLAHOMA CITY) One by one, veterans and their families
the names and accomplishments of 50 (John Wayne Cloud, Chero- Viola Sutton Hatch
Indian Elders were shared with an au- kee Nation) and; Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes
dience of more than 700 at AARP Okla-
homa’s eighth annual Indian Elder Hon- A role model for multi- needs and cultural preservation. She
ors celebration at the National Cowboy ple generations who led by invites anyone interested to join the
& Western Heritage Museum Oct. 10 example as a teacher, ac- AARP Oklahoma Inter-Tribal Com-
in Oklahoma City. As the distinguished claimed coach, veteran as munity Group by sending an e-mail to:
honorees were announced, they stood to well as the roles he served ok@aarp.org. More information about
applause and a medallion was present- in tribal appointments AARP Oklahoma’s Native American
ed. (Charles Coleman, Thlopth- outreach can be found at www.aarp.org/
locco Tribal Town). ok.
AARP State Director Sean Voskuhl
said, “This event celebrates a lifetime Presenting the medal- Viola Sutton Hatch - Cheyenne &
of service from these distinguished el- lions to the honorees were Arapaho Tribes
ders who have positively impacted their Joe Ann Vermillion, AARP
community, family, tribe and nation. State President, and Mi- Hatch is a founding member of the
Tonight, we honored teachers, veterans, chael Bird, AARP Advisor National Indian Youth Council and was
nurses, artists, tribal leaders, language of Multicultural Leader- a member of the Red Power Movement
and culture preservationists and even ship and Mashell Sourjohn, and American Indian Movement at
a Pulitzer prize-winning author. One AARP Associate State Di- Wounded Knee. She attended school in
common thread between the honorees, rector Outreach. Canton and the Concho Indian Board-
regardless of the contributions, is the ing School where she successfully sued
commitment to community and ser- Reverend Dr. David Canton schools regarding the right of
vice.” Wilson, Conference Super- students to obtain an education. She
intendent of the Oklahoma served on the national 1970 Special
During her remarks, AARP Oklaho- Indian Missionary Confer- Recommendation on Indian Affairs
ma State President Joe Ann Vermillion ence of the United Method- delivered by President Nixon and the
said, “Tonight, in this place, as Oklaho- ist Church, was awarded the 1976 American Indian Policy Review
ma tribes and nations join together in a Dr. John Edwards Memorial Leadership Commission to address civil rights, fed-
spirit of harmony and peace, we reflect Award. Wilson, a member of the Choc- eral programs, and sovereignty. She has
and give thanks for the lives they have taw Nation of Oklahoma, remarked opened senior and youth centers to ad-
lived and the innumerable ways they during his acceptance speech that, dress high Indian drop-out rates, home-
have passed on their legacies to future “Whatever you do, you should do your lessness, Native economic development
generations.” best with your heart and mind.” programs, and tribal human services.
She volunteers her time as a cultural,
Among this year’s 50 Indian Elder The Dr. John Edwards Memorial heritage and activist speaker. She serves
Honorees from 29 Oklahoma tribes and Leadership Award honors an individu- on the Southern Arapaho Language
nations were: al whose positive impact embodies the Advisory Board and is a Cheyenne and
spirit of Dr. Edwards, who passed away Arapaho tribes board member.
The first registrar for the Seminole in 2014.
Nation who, singlehandedly, enrolled
8,500 members by handwritten records. Vermillion said the AARP Oklahoma
(Jane McGiesey, Seminole Nation) Indian Elder Honors, which has recog-
nized 400 elders from all 39-federally
A Pulitzer Prize winning author and recognized tribes and nations in Okla-
winner of the White House Medal of homa since its inception in 2009, is the
Arts and acclaimed professor. (Dr. N. largest gathering of its kind in the state
Scott Momaday, Kiowa Tribe) and perhaps in the nation.

One of the last remaining speakers of “All Oklahomans are standing on the
the Quapaw language, this elder made shoulders of people like tonight’s hon-
it a life goal to preserve the culture and orees,” she said. “Whether they are well
language for future generations by de- known or exhibit the quiet devotion to
veloping an educational curriculum. family and community, collectively, this
(Ardina Revard Moore, Quapaw Tribe year’s AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder
and Osage Nation) Honorees represent what is best about
Native American people in Oklahoma:
A founding member of the National love of family, dedication to culture and
Indian Youth Council and member of respect for all people.”
the Red Power Movement and Amer-
ican Indian Movement at Wounded Vermillion noted that AARP Okla-
Knee (Viola Sutton Hatch, Cheyenne & homa continues to expand its work on
Arapaho); issues affecting Native Americans in
the state, particularly working to ad-
A respected Vietnam veteran who dress health disparities, transportation
committed to bettering the lives of

Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Tribune, Nov. 1, 2016 www.c-a-tribes.org/tribal-news Page 3

There Will Be Oil

Texas locals are joining a national movement against the Dakota Access pipelineWater protectors stand their ground in Cannonball, N.D. Ongoing violence on behalf of law enforcement continues to rise as 126 arrests were made over the weekend of Oct. 22-23.

By Karen Gavis, Freelance journalist

Pen in hand, Tucker Dean stopped to sign his name. “When that goes across the land,” he continued, “it is bad.”

“I want to help out any way I can,” said the University of Texas-Arlington (UTA) drama The “black snake” begins in North Texas. Dallas, specifically. That’s the location of Energy

major. “I just disagree with it in general.” Transfer Partners. The 21-year-old company co-founded by Kelcy Warren with Ray Davis,

The “it” he doesn’t like is the Dakota Access pipeline, proposed to transport about half a which is responsible for the pipeline was the sight of another pipeline protest. Led by the

million barrels of crude oil daily across four states and more than 1,000 miles. American Indian Movement of Central Texas, a group whose members work to protect and

Dean was one of about 50 people, students and non-students, who had stopped by UTA’s preserve the American Indian way of life, the water protectors in front of ETP’s Dallas head-

University Center Mall during a pipeline protest. To show support for the Standing Rock quarters recently numbered around 200 and, in addition to Willis and Dewey, included actors

Sioux, a 16,000-member North Dakota tribe affected by the pipeline, all 12 active members Arthur Redcloud (The Revenant) and A. Martinez from the TV series Longmire. The water

of UTA’s Native American Student Association ar- “Everyone needs drinking wa- protectors, some dressed in full traditional Amer-
rived (at different times) to help collect signatures ter. Not only this generation, but ican Indian clothing, carried signs, chatted with
to add to a petition. The 22-year-old campus orga- generations to come. one another, and shook hands with supporters.
nization is out to amass 500,000 names as soon as
possible to send to key decision makers, including Around midday, several of the men had encir-
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the 241-year-old cled a drum on the sidewalk and beat out sacred
department that provides public and military engi- songs as business people gazed from their office
neering services to lessen the risk of disasters. windows above. Police officers had stood by ca-
sually as native children toddled in the grassy
The association’s petition has about 175,000 areas along the sidewalk. It was a peaceful gath-

signatures so far, according to Sampson Dewey, a “Kristy Willis, Choctaw ering.
sophomore mechanical engineering major at UTA But by morning, the earth had shaken.
and vice-president of the association. Willis, a member of the Choctaw Nation,

Standing Rock Sioux, believing the pipeline had camped that night in Oklahoma, she said,
could jeopardize their water source, have garnered and around 7 a.m., the largest earthquake in that

national attention over the past several months, state’s recorded history struck.

since construction on the pipeline began. The New “I thought it was a dream,” she said.

York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today The 5.8 quake originated in North Central

have been covering the movement closely. Oklahoma but reverberated all the way to North Texas and beyond. Technically, no one, in-

Along with everyone else worried about the pipeline, members of the association refer to cluding the United States Geological Survey, can determine what caused the tremors. Less

themselves not as “protestors” but “water protectors.” technically, Oklahoma officials quickly closed a number of nearby wastewater wells. These

“It’s not just a Native issue,” said Kristy Willis, a junior communications major at UTA and reserves of briny water are used by natural gas developers during fracking, a method of re-

president of the association. “It’s vital for us to come together no matter what race, color, or leasing natural gas from shale rock deep underground and a highly possible cause of all of this

religion you are. We are ultimately still looking for a way to stop the whole thing.” region’s recent seismic activity.

The water protector movement also has a spiritual aspect. Some Native Americans believe Yolanda Bluehorse, a representative of the American Indian Movement in North Texas who

past prophecies are coming to reality. helped organize the pipeline protest in Dallas, said that while she does not speak for all Native

One involves a “black snake,” said Roberto Lujan, who also has been involved in ongoing Americans, because each tribe has its own beliefs and spiritual interpretations, she believes,

efforts to fend off a pipeline near his home in the Big Bend area. “Mother Earth is trying to tell us something.” See DAPL movement pg. 5

New organization highlight mental health issues
and suicide prevention awareness
By Latoya Lonelodge, Staff Reporter

Mental health and suicide. Two topics many shy away from. “The purpose of this event is to educate our youth on very im-
But in Indian Country the talk has to be bold to find solutions.
portant topics: mental health, suicide prevention and discussing
On Wednesday, Oct. 12 Native youth were invited to address
mental health issues and suicide prevention at the Chi Gallery in symptoms, signs and providing resources and education where we
Oklahoma City. Youth entered the gallery with siblings and family
members by their side, making it a family event. feel there’s a big need in a void in both of those areas,” Kendra

Matriarch, a newly formed organization hosted the event to Wilson Clements, also a co-creator of Matriarch said.
bring awareness to mental health issues, the danger signs and sui-
cide prevention. Native youth were invited to a meal and partake in activities

“Matriarch is an organization that is really about empowering that involved awareness, educational information and aide to tribal Above Kendra Wilson Clements, co-creator of
women and we bring our children with us too so they’re receiving
the same information. We have a different speaker every time that youth in regards to mental health and suicide prevention. Matriarch, discusses mental health and suicide
hits on a different topic that impacts Indian country. We talk about
everything from budgeting to domestic violence, to voting, to ad- “I think that number one, we do have a lack of education and awareness.
diction, we cover it all. But they are all Native women speakers
and they’re from our area but they’re all subject matter experts, resources, that we’re able to provide. Number two, I think the way Below Tribal youth and family members at the
which is super cool. The idea is that you empower the women and
then you’re empowering the children too, so it will change some of that we are set up in Oklahoma, because we are allotments, we mental health and suicide prevention awareness
these things that we see in Indian country with our children, to help
them too,” Sarah Adams-Cornell, co-creator of Matriarch said. do not have reservations, per se, therefore we have a lot of rural event held Oct. 12 at the Chi Gallery in Oklahoma

The Matriarch organization strives to promote awareness in communities, people just spread out all around. It’s very difficult City. (Photos by Latoya Lonelodge)
communities, particularly the youth, of the challenges faced by
mental illness and suicide. to seek the help or get the help. Number three, I don’t think there

is enough culturally centered treatment, resources or education. I

think there are a lot of resources out there, but they are somewhat

biased. They’re not focusing in on our particular cultures and tra-

ditions and how we once have healed and addressed these types

of issues. I think there’s many answers to a lot of challenges that

we face and we are here to try and fill those gaps by hosting these

types of events,” Clements said.

Log onto www.facebook.com/matriarchok to find out more

about the organization.

Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief Cheyenne and Arapaho Latoya Lonelodge, Reporter/Advertising Sales
405-422-7446 / rmstephens@c-a-tribes.org Tribal Tribune 405-422-7608 / llonelodge@c-a-tribes.org

P. O. Box 38, Concho, OK 73022 Fax: 405-422-8204

Society of Professional Journalists members Oklahoma Press Association member Native American Journalist Association member

DISCLAIMER: Letters to the editor, opinions and commentaries do not reflect the views of the Tribune unless specified. Correspondence must be signed, and include a return address and telephone number for
verification, otherwise it will not be published. The Tribune reserves the right to edit letters, for clarity and length. Submission of a letter does not guarantee its publication. Photographs, news stories or other materials

in this publication may not be reprinted without prior permission. Printed by Lindsay Web Press, Lindsay, Okla.

2010-2016 NATIVE AMERICAN JOURNALIST ASSOCIATION MEDIA AWARD WINNER & 2012-2016 AWARD WINNER OF THE OPA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Page 4 www.c-a-tribes.org/tribal-news Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Tribune, Nov. 1, 2016

PUBLIC NOTICE & AGENDA
TO: ALL CHEYENNE & ARAPAHO TRIBAL MEMBERS

(18 YEARS AND OLDER ON OR BEFORE
DECEMBER 3, 2016)

SPECIAL TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING
10 AM SATURDAY, DEC. 3, 2016

CLINTON COMMUNITY CENTER / CLINTON, OK

In accordance with the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes’ Constitution, pursuant to Article V, 1. Tribal Council Resolution adopting a policy that requires all positions that use tribal
Sec. 3(b) Special Meetings of the Tribal Council may be called by five members of the Legis- funds shall be reserved for the employment of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Members.
lature or by petition signed by one-hundred and fifty members of the Tribes. All requests for
a Special Meeting of the Tribal Council shall be submitted to the Coordinator of the Office 2. Tribal Council Resolution to stop Eddie Rollin Hamilton from utilizing tribal funds for
of the Tribal Council. Upon receipt of a valid petition, the Coordinator of the Office of Tribal his defense when sued in his individual capacity.
Council shall call the Special Meeting. The purpose of the Special Meeting shall be indicated
in the request for the Special Meeting and no other business shall be conducted at the Special 3. Tribal Council Resolution authorizing the additional responsibilities of the Tribal Coun-
Meeting. cil Coordinator.

The Special Tribal Council Meeting is being held 10 a.m., Saturday Dec. 3, 2016 at the 4. Tribal Council Resolution identifying tribal entities on tribal land.
Clinton Community Center in Clinton, Okla. The agenda of the Special Tribal Council Meet- 5. Tribal Council Resolution setting policy of transparency for tribal trust lands.
ing is listed below. Any resolution is available to the public and please contact the Office of the Tribal Council
if you have any questions.
The purpose of this meeting shall be to vote on the following resolutions: Office of the Tribal Council, Jennifer Wilkinson, Tribal Council Coordinator, 405-246-
8175, office phone 405-422-7430, P.O. Box 38, Concho, OK 73022.

Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Tribune, Nov. 1, 2016 www.c-a-tribes.org/tribal-news Page 5

DAPL movement Black
Kettle
continued from pg. 3
continued from pg. 1
Willis said she wonders what might happen if a An arrest warrant for criminal tres-
big earthquake were to happen along the route of dren, his great-great-grand-
the Dakota Access pipeline. passing was issued for Amy Goodman, children and so on would
not be here. We’re just very
“Everyone needs drinking water,” she said, “not an executive producer and host at De- proud of Southwestern Okla-
only this generation but generations to come.” homa State University for
mocracy Now. honoring him in this way,”
The pipeline is proposed to travel under the Rory Little Raven, great-
Missouri River, and that’s what has the Standing Although Warren declined to be inter- great-grandson of Arapaho
Rock Sioux so concerned. The Missouri is their Chief Little Raven, said.
chief source of water. viewed for this story, his spokesperson
The dedication hall at
In a September 13 memo to Energy Transfer produced a memo that the ETP CEO had SWOSU was not only a
Partner’s 10,000 employees, Warren said the con- time for bringing family
cerns are baseless. written to his employees after the com- and friends together but also
served as commemoration to
“Concerns about the pipeline’s impact on the pany got swept up in the media firestorm the great chiefs of the past.
local water supply are unfounded,” he wrote.
“Multiple pipelines, railways, and highways cross following the dog attacks. “I think the great thing is
the Missouri River today, carrying hundreds of that it brings attention now to
thousands of barrels of oil. Dakota Access was de- “We respect the Constitutional right Black Kettle, who he was and
signed with tremendous safety factors and redun- what unfortunately happened
dancies, including compliance with and exceeding of all assembled in North Dakota to at the Washita, but also the
all safety and environmental regulations.” great peace chief that he was
voice their opinions for or against proj- and also Little Raven. So it
Yet the Standing Rock Sioux are standing their tells a story and people now
ground, and their concerns have prompted thou- ects like ours,” Warren wrote. “Howev- will refer to Black Kettle Hall
sands of American Indians to join them and their and they’ll know who Black
allies in North Dakota at the Sacred Stone Camp. er, threats and attacks on our employees, Kettle was, so we intend it to
be an enduring legacy of the
“This is a prayer camp movement to save our their families, and our contractors as Cheyenne and Arapaho peo-
sacred land and water and has been entirely sup- ple,” Beutler said.
ported by the people and the campers,” reads Go- well as the destruction of equipment and
fundme.com/sacredstonecamp. “This pipeline will Youth
cross the Missouri River and the Cannonball River encroachment on private property must project
[a tributary of the Missouri River] … is the lifeline
to many tribes and non-native[s]. When this pipe- not be tolerated.” continued from pg. 1
line leaks, it will destroy water and land.” temporary Christian mu-
Warren went on to say that the right sic were then dramatically
UTA English professor Kenneth Roemer, the and energetically presented
adviser to UTA’s Native American Student Asso- of way for the entire pipeline has already by youths from New Hope
ciation, said he cannot recall another time when so Baptist. After intermission,
many tribes have come together. been obtained and that the states of North when some locally-spon-
sored door prizes were giv-
Hawste Wakiyan Wicasa, an organizer at the Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, and Iowa en, Cheyenne tribal mem-
camp, told BBC on September 2 that this is “the ber Dwight WhiteBuffalo,
first time the seven bands of the Sioux have come have issued satisfactory permits and ap- a former world champion
together since Little Bighorn.” fancy dancer, gave a rousing
provals. Warren also pointed to several demonstration of his moves
Through their donation page,  Gofundme.com/ and skills. Though now in
sacredstonecamp/donate, Sacred Stone has raised studies indicating that no historically his later 40’s, WhiteBuffalo
nearly $800,000 for the thousands of men, women, showed no signs of slowing
and children at Sacred Stone camps. significant sites existed along the North down, ending his perfor-
mance on the final drumbeat
Bluehorse believes it is not a matter of if the Dakota section of the pipeline’s route. Dean, a drama major at the University of Texas-Arlington with a somersault and split!
pipeline will leak but when. “If any potentially sacred objects were stopped to sign a petition against the Dakota Access pipeline Long-time Watonga trio
stating, “I just disagreed with it in general.” (Photo by Karen “The Hampton Brothers”
Although the protest that Willis and Dewey at- to be found, archaeologists, environmen- Gavis) moved the crowd with five
tended at ETP’s Big D headquarters was peaceful, tal inspectors, or trained construction of their bluesy gospel songs,
American Indians near the Sacred Stone Camp staff are onsite throughout construction starting with “Don’t Let the
experienced something entirely different the fol- Devil Ride.” The final per-
lowing day. Water protectors trying to stop pipe- to ensure their proper care and that prop- But for Robert Rivera, the bigger picture has formers were the Native
line workers from bulldozing the remains of sacred American Christian rap duo,
tribal burial grounds were met by private security er notifications are made,” he wrote. just started to come into focus. “Mike Bone.” The Pawnee
guards and fang-bearing guard dogs. According to tribal members, who had ap-
news reports, six people were bitten, including a Contrary to Warren’s memo, 4-traders.com, a The Arlington city councilperson said that the peared on “America’s Got
small child. Talent,” not only roused the
stock exchange information site, reported that “a record-setting Oklahoma quake caused him to take audience with their high-en-
Former NASA president Stephanie Vielle, a ergy raps but also involved
member of the Blackfeet Nation, said the move coalition of more than 1,200 archeologists, mu- a broader perspective of the oil and gas industry. some of the local youths.
was an effort to intimidate her people. The dam-
age, she believes, will never go away. seum directors, and historians from institutions Although Rivera made it clear that he is not mak- Eagle Valley Express
has been approved by the
“It not only destroys us on the inside,” she said, including the Smithsonian and the Association of ing any assumptions about fracking and earth- Watonga school board for a
“but the [ancestral] history, we won’t be able to six-month trial contract on
share that with our kids one day.” Academic Museums and Galleries has written to quakes, he did say that the method was the first the middle school property
that includes a gym for af-
However, the security force’s strategy back- the Obama administration to criticize the bulldoz- thing he thought of after North Texas was jarred by ter-school programs and oth-
fired. The dog handlers were caught on video by er activities for students and
Democracy Now, an independent news program. ing.” the quake’s rippling effects. also for young adults. Plans
In addition, the number of water protectors and are to start those programs
their allies at the Sacred Stone Camp swelled fol- A second round of pipeline protests at ETP’s “It got me thinking more of the bigger picture,” about Nov. 1.
lowing the skirmish.
headquarters took place on September 24. Social he said. Keith Tall Bear, who is
director of Eagle Valley Ex-
media posts show water protectors marching to Rivera said there are more aspects of oil and press, revived it because
of the profound effect the
Warren’s multimillion-dollar Dallas mansion that gas issues than earthquakes and that his main re- earlier program had on his
life.”Mr. King inspired me
day. Some carried signs that spelled out “Arrest gret during his 10 years as an Arlington city coun- by bringing me into the
program -- tutoring me and
Kelcy Warren, Not Journalists” when placed to- cilmember is voting yes on all of the oil and gas helping me build on my
strengths,” Tall Bear said.
gether. issues that came before him. “I wanted to be in the mov-
ies and on TV and also be a
Lujan comes from the Big Bend area, where “I wish I could go back and change them all deejay. He allowed me and
my cousin, Kevin, to dee-
most people use propane, he said. He wants to to ‘no,’ ” he said. “Back then, it was an economic jay at Eagle Valley Express
and gave me an early boost
keep the area pipeline-free and thinks people issue.” of confidence. That’s what
I want to do now for other
should step back and “look at the bigger picture.” Alan Saxe, a UTA political science professor, younger people to try to be
a positive influence in their
Here’s part of it. said economics is also a major factor in the Dakota lives.” Tall Bear went on to
appear in movies, includ-
Over the course of 12 years, Warren and partner Access pipeline controversy. ing “Last of the Mohicans,”
“Drop Zone,” “Blast from
Davis built Energy Transfer Partners into one of “It is a classical struggle, seen many times be- the Past,” “Invasion of the
Body Snatchers” and TNT’s
the nation’s largest pipeline companies, according fore,” he said. “The Indian tribes have the sym- “Geronimo” and “Broken
Chain.” He had a recurring
to Texas Monthly. However, Davis retired from the pathy vote, but pipeline interests cannot be easily role on the TV series, “Dr.
Quinn Medicine Woman,”
energy goliath in 2007 and is now a co-owner of disposed of. There is sympathy, but the law and and appeared on “Walker,
Texas Ranger.” He also has
the Texas Rangers baseball team. land rights also must be considered.” done radio spots, including
for the UNITY tribal youth
Since last year, Warren has been serving on the Saxe also said the use of dogs was a flashback program. He announced this
year’s Cheese Festival pa-
Parks and Wildlife Commission as an appointee to the Civil Rights era. rade.

of Gov. Greg Abbott, and former Gov. Rick Per- “But this time,” he said, “it is not government

ry serves on ETP’s board. Also on the ETP board against protesters but private entity.”

is Ted Collins Jr., past president of Enron Oil and Following the hired-guns-with-dogs incident, a

Gas, the Houston company ravaged by a widely federal judge ruled that the Dakota Access pipeline

publicized accounting scandal in 2001. The politi- could proceed, forcing the Standing Rock Sioux

cal powerhouses are part of the big picture of land

protection versus oil and gas interests. See DAPL movement continued on next page

Engaging and educating parents at Calumet public
schools on parent engagement night
By Latoya Lonelodge, Staff Reporter

Parent involvement has become can develop stron-
a topic of interest within the lives
of Native students. On Oct. 18 the ger relationships,”
Cheyenne and Arapaho State Trib-
al Education Partnerships (STEP) Mahgan Muskett,
Program hosted Parent Engage-
ment night at Calumet Public STEP director said.
School in Calumet, Okla.
The parent en-
Children and parents, along
with school officials were invited gagement workshop
to interact with one another and be
informed of ways they can actively included informa-
contribute towards their student’s
education. tional slides pre-

“One of the main concerns that sented by STEP ed-
we have in our schools and com-
munities is that our schools have ucation specialists
really kind of conveyed to us that
we don’t have a lot of parent in- pertaining to im-
teraction with our Indian students.
Our children are behind in reading, portant information
they’re behind in math, we have
some of the lowest test scores in about the school,
the nation and so just trying to help
these parents realize that they can such as attendance
take an active role in their child’s
education and in their child’s and other school re-
learning and help them through
that and build better relationships quirements. Along
with the school. We’re pretty ex-
cited that we had some school with informational
personnel here tonight because of
the fact that they need to see our presentations, one
Indian people, they need to see our
Indian students, they need to know form of engaging Ashlynn Spain, 4, and Bretlynn Spain, 2, enjoy their 20 minute board game with their moth-
who we are and through that we with one another er during parent engagement night in Calumet, Okla. (Photo by Latoya Lonelodge)
was demonstrated

by playing family they can have with their children and get to know their school. Get

board games. Nine families were in 20 minutes,” Muskett said. to know the school’s personnel

present and all participated in the The STEP program hopes to get because a principle came tonight.

activities provided by the STEP more parent and student involve- That would’ve been a great oppor-

program. ment with their school through tunity for parents to come meet

“That’s the whole idea behind hosting the parent engagement him if they haven’t yet,” Maria

parent engagement workshops, workshops. Prior to the Calumet Thorpe, STEP coordinator said.

just to get them here and the whole parent engagement night, a work- Along with gaining insightful

idea of the 20 minutes, we only shop in Canton was held, with information, children were also

played that game for 20 minutes, future workshops planned for the given the chance to win board

that’s how long that we played Hammon, Watonga, Kingfisher games of their own to take home.

those board games and so they’re and El Reno areas. For the STEP staff, the night served

able to see what an actual 20 min- “Hopefully a lot more parents as a successful resource for parents

utes looks like and how much they come, more families come, and and children alike to engage with

can get done and how much fun get comfortable with their school their public school.

Page 6 www.c-a-tribes.org/tribal-news Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Tribune, Nov. 1, 2016

DAPL movement

continued from pg. 5

to take the matter to the United Nations –– and in April 2014, a Jackson Browne tribute Coast helped win World War
Warren has voluntarily halted work on the album.
project. For now. II.
All proceeds from Looking into You: A
In his September 13 memo, Warren stated Tribute to Jackson Browne, Browne told In- In his September 13 memo,
that he plans to meet with government offi- dian Country Today last month, will go to the
cials since the Department of Justice, the De- American Indian tribes opposing the pipe- Warren wrote that he hopes
partment of the Army, and the Department of line.
the Interior said that the U.S. Army Corps of his company can strengthen
Engineers is looking into whether it will need “I do not play for companies who defile
to “reconsider” any of its previous decisions. nature or companies who attack demon- its “relationship with the Na-
strators with trained attack dogs and pepper
“We intend to meet with officials in Wash- spray,” Browne said. tive American communities”
ington to understand their position and reiter-
ate our commitment to bring the Dakota Ac- Browne’s statement has been echoed by as it moves forward with the
cess pipeline into operation,” Warren wrote. other musicians, who also say they will not
“I am confident that as long as the govern- perform at Warren’s Cherokee Crossroads, project. He also said ETP
ment ultimately decides the fate of the project an annual music festival in the Hill Country,
based on science and engineering, the Dako- even though festival proceeds go to children’s plans to play by the rules and
ta Access pipeline will become operational, charities and public service organizations.
bringing a safer means of transportation to a will trust the governmental
much needed supply of oil to communities And several Denton bands recently played
across the country.” a fundraiser for water protector efforts. process.

UTA’s Roemer said waterway issues with “After a final counting of the donations, Yet for some, government
tribes along the Missouri River have been go- we are extremely proud to say that we raised
ing on for more than half a century. Roemer $372.76,” Keara Soller posted on the group’s processes and trust are not
spent some time as a kid on a Crow/Creek Facebook events page: “All of the donations
reservation in South Dakota. He talked about will be going to support the legal defense of synonymous.
how he had once walked with Ruth Fire, who the warriors protecting land, water, and hu-
lived to be 104, to the top of a hill to gather man rights.” “Even if they did poison
firewood, but there wasn’t any. Instead, Fire
pointed out over the Missouri to where she American Indians aren’t the only groups the whole reservation, prob-
said trees and the homes of many American struggling to preserve their culture.
Indians once stood. The Army Corps wiped ably nothing would happen,”
them out during the construction of dams to According to Texas Monthly, Warren grew
control natural flooding along the river. The up in oil-rich East Texas. About a two-and- former NASA chief Vielle
result was that many Native-owned lands a-half-hour drive from Fort Worth, the East
were flooded. Texas Oil Museum can be found at Kilgore said. “It’s almost like you can
College. A wooden oil derrick stands next to
“Often there wasn’t enough thought about the building that boasts more than a million get away with anything the
of the consequences,” he said. “There’s a annual visitors. Inside, a life-size statue of
whole history of problems related to the Mis- oilman H.L. Hunt greets them. According to way the laws are on the res-
souri River, which is the lifeblood to many the museum, petroleum is used in more than
tribes.” 6,000 products, including golf balls, duct ervation.”
tape, linoleum, and ballpoint pens. Further-
While ETP’s pipeline may succeed, one of more, the museum “is a tribute to indepen- Vielle, who served in the
the tradeoffs has been that he has drawn the dent oil producers and wildcatters, to the men
ire of American Indians as well as numerous and women who dared to dream as they pur- U.S. Army, said her trust
environmental groups. And at least one leg- sued the fruits of free enterprise.”
endary musician. was further strained when
Tour guide Bobby Zager, 89, seems to
According to Forbes magazine, Warren possess an uncanny ability to size someone she learned that the National
was so inspired by ’70s singer-songwriter up, to determine if he or she has worked in
Jackson Browne that the energy titan named the oilfields. Zager worked in oil himself, Guard had been activated by
his only son Klyde. “Jackson” is Browne’s he said, conducting fracking at one time. He
middle name. His first is Clyde. talked about how a man visiting the muse- North Dakota Gov. Jack Dal-
um once told him, “I think you people are the
Browne, however, is disassociating him- ones causing the earthquakes.” In response, rymple prior to the federal
self from Warren. How do they know each Zager told the man he was surprised his
other? Browne told Indian Country Today he pastor had not approached the subject from judge’s ruling that the pipe- Nearly 200 water protectors gathered in front of Energy
met Warren once while playing at his ranch. the pulpit, since the Bible talks about earth- line could continue. Transfer Partners’ Dallas headquarters recently. (Photo by
In 2007, Warren launched a record label. Mu- quakes in the last days throughout the land. Karen Gavis)
sic Road Records has released albums by Hal “I’ve been in the mili-
Ketchum, Levi Parham, and Jimmy Lafave, “I’m glad I addressed it that way,” he said. tary,” she said. “In my opin- may need flashlights and blankets since tem-
Zager also said that oil reserves shipped
from East Texas to refineries on the East ion, bringing in the military
against civilian people, especially protestors, peratures have dipped into the 30s at night
recently.
violates the First Amendment.”
Vielle has visited North Dakota, and she “It is not like a campground,” she said.
talked about the pristine beauty of the land as “This is a plot of ground. They don’t have
big cities that light up the sky. It is dark.”
well as the purity of the water.
“That is something that should be as valu- Dewey, who is from the Paiute Indian
tribe, said UTA’s Native American Student
able as oil,” she said.
Vielle also talked about how the govern- Association wants to raise more awareness
ment had placed her tribe on land that was about the Dakota Access pipeline project.
difficult for them to survive on. She said af- “We are not a big group,” he said. “But
ter their small water source became polluted, when we come together, it just shows that we
they have had to rely on a municipal water have all this pride to go out there and stand
for what we believe in.”
supply.
“Water is the new oil,” she said. “It’s ex- Sunday, according to NBC, a federal court
pensive to pay a water bill for people who are denied a request by the Standing Rock Sioux
for a permanent injunction to halt the pipe-
living day to day.”
Vielle will join others at the Sacred Stone line, tsaying that while “the tribe hadn’t met
Camp next week along with her boyfriend the strict requirements of the act to force a
and a friend. She said she will report her ex- halt to construction, the three-judge panel
periences via YouTube. Vielle also has a Go- said it ‘can only hope that the spirit’ of the act
fundme page, and she hopes to raise $3,000 ‘may yet prevail.’ ”
to help with the trip and buy supplies for Karen Gavis is a freelance writer and can
other campers. She is concerned that they be reached at karen.gavis@mavs.uta.edu.

Eating November is
National Diabetes
healthy AwarenessMonth

DIABETESfor celebration centered on advocating on behalf of those
(and their families) impacted by diabetes (Types I &
Tara Conway, MS, RD, LD, CDE 11). For purposes locally, this includes these persons
C&A Diabetes Wellness Program having access to resources (information, financial as-
sistance, resource networks, health and social services,
In 2014, 415 million adults worldwide were living etc.) that will improve, individually and collectively,
with Type 2 Diabetes and the number is expected to in- their health and opportunities for a productive, equita-
crease to an estimated 642 million, or one in ten adults, ble and quality life. It is aimed at drawing attention to
by the year 2040. the diabetes epidemic, including the need for screening,
available treatments and the role healthy eating and life-
According to the Centers for Disease Control and style choices play in managing and preventing diabetes.
Prevention (CDC), 451,888 people in Oklahoma have
diabetes. Of those an estimated 100,000 Oklahomans World Diabetes Day is also centered on educating
have diabetes and don’t even know it. An additional, state and local policymakers in their decision-making
1,036,000 Oklahomans have pre-diabetes and don’t on allocating resources, or passing rules, legislation
know it. or ordinances that would have a productive impact on
those with diabetes. This includes the strategic dissemi-
In 2015, five million people died from diabetes, mak- nation of information and personal testimony to policy-
ing it the seventh leading cause of death in the United makers that will positively influence their decisions on
States. behalf of persons with diabetes.

Native Americans have the highest prevalence of di- Visit the Clinton Indian Health Services on Nov. 14
abetes at 15.9 percent, followed by non-Hispanic blacks for a cooking demonstration by Kristie Purdy, Clinton
13.2 percent, Hispanics 12.8 percent, Asians Americans IHS, and snacks will be available.
9 percent and non-Hispanic whites 7.6 percent. Compli-
cations from diabetes include hypoglycemia, hyperten-
sion, dyslipidemia, stroke, heart attacks, blindness and
eye problems, kidney diseases and amputations.

NOVEMBER 14 is World Diabetes Day!
World Diabetes Day is an annual global and local

BRIEFS AT A GLANCE

Tribal Interior Budget al-budget-advisory-council. The seventh annual Na- or to register visit www.con- The fourth annual Na- Robert’s Rules of Order
Counsel tive American Healthcare ference.aises.org tive American Leadership Dec. 13-15, 2016 in An-
The 17th annual Tribal- Conference Forum-West chorage, Alaska. For more
Nov. 7-9, 2016 at Wash- Net Conference Federal Grants and information or to register
ington Plaza, 10 Thomas Cir- Nov. 14-15, 2016 at the Contracts Accounting for Dec. 1-2, 2016 at the visit www.falmouthinstitute.
cle in Washington, D.C. Nov. 7-10, 2016 at the Viejas Hotel and Casino in Tribes and Tribal Organi- Monte Carlo in Las Vegas, com.
Sheraton Hotel and Mari- Alpine, Calif. For more in- zations Nev. For more information
The mission of the TIBC na in San Diego, Calif. For formation or to register visit or to register visit www.na- The seventh annual Na-
is to provide an advisory more information or to reg- www.nativenationevents. Nov. 15-16, 2016 at the tienationevents.org. tive American Human Re-
government-to-government ister visit www. tribalneton- org. Tropicana Hotel in Las Ve- sources Conference
forum and process for Tribes line.com/registration_2016. gas, Nev. Topics include reg- Tribal Transportation
and the Department to devel- php. The American Indian ulations and compliance, ba- Infrastructure Develop- Jan. 22-24, 2017 at the
op budgets that allow for the Science and Engineering sic cost principles, elements ment and Program Man- Disneyland Hotel in Ana-
fulfillment of tribes’ self-de- RES New Mexico Socity’s 2016 National of grant accounting system agement heim, Calif. For more infor-
termination, self-gover- Nov. 14-17, 2016 at the Conference and more. mation or to register visit
nance, sovereignty and treaty Buffalo Thunder Resort & Dec. 8-9, 2016 in Las Ve- www.nativenationevents.
rights. Casino in Santa Fe, N.M. For Nov. 10-12, 2016 at For more information or gas, Nev. For more informa- org.
more information or to regis- the Minneapolis Conven- to register visit www.fal- tion or to register visit www.
For more information ter visit www.ncaied.org. tion Center in Minneapolis, mouthinstitute.com. falmouthinstitute.com.
or to register visit www. Minn. For more information
ncai.org/initiatives/bia-trib-

Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Tribune, Nov. 1, 2016 www.c-a-tribes.org/tribal-news Page 7

Domestic Violence awareness

event shines light on a dark topic

By Latoya Lonelodge, Staff Reporter

Alisa Kristine Sage and Vanessa Michelle Youngbear lost their lives to domestic violence.

Domestic violence is never an easy topic to discuss. How- now in our community that
ever, on Oct. 19 at the Concho Community Center in Concho,
Okla., three speakers from the Hope: To Heal a Community need to be addressed, need to
event brought awareness to the realities of domestic violence
today by sharing their personal tragedies. be spoken about and it’s hard

One in four women will experience domestic violence in to get people to come out and
their lifetime. Sobering statistics. One common aspect among
the speakers sharing their stories was to shine a light on the speak about those things. A
dark violent behavior that led to such tragic outcomes in each
of their lives. lot of it, for the victims, is to

Alvin Deer, Minister at the Methodist Church, spoke about be anonymous and those who
his daughter he lost due to domestic violence by her boyfriend
at the time. can speak from a different

“I think it’s very important because I have seen the vio- view point. I was brought in
lence in Indian homes, especially young people and some-
times it gets out of hand and things happen. I’m glad they’re because of my daughter …
having this conference on domestic violence to make bring
awareness. One of the things that I mentioned here, which it didn’t happen to me. So
was a revelation to me, was that we were going to have a
prayer walk a couple years ago at the Washita Battlefield and there’s a difference but it’s
I researched the battle and discovered that when Custer at-
tacked the first village, they captured women and put them a different angle at domestic
on horses in front of them and went and attacked the second
village. The history that I read said that the Cheyenne war- violence where I’m at and it
riors would not fire on the soldiers because they didn’t want
to hurt their women,” Deer said. “It was noted 150 years after did affect my whole family.
the battle that our warriors are now hurting our women, so
we want to, in some way, reinstall the true meaning of being My whole family lives here in
a warrior. It doesn’t mean being macho, it means you are a
protector.” this community and domestic

Personal stories about the horrors of domestic violence violence reaches and touches
were shared not only to bring awareness but to also serve as
a tool to help bring healing to those who spoke of losing their people you wouldn’t expect it
loved ones. Being able to talk about their stories also does
justice in the healing process, as Anna Sage, another speaker, to, their friends, their families
commented.
and those that they associated
“I kind of think the reason I’m here today because of some
closure to my daughter’s case. We had a long court case after with. So my kids are still out
her death in 2014. We just got sentencing back in January. We
had a victim’s impact at that time, which didn’t really serve to there and people are afraid to
me as closure. I believe that by speaking out and coming out
and telling her story, I’m able to help out in the community in ask them, it might upset them,
some way,” Sage said.
but I’m getting my voice to
Sage also lost her daughter, Alisa Sage, to domestic vio-
lence. talk more about it and her

“To me this awareness, domestic violence month in Octo- being my only daughter, a lot Sharon All Runner shares the story of her niece Vanessa Youngbear, killed as a direct result
ber is supporting because there is so many things going on right
of women can relate to that. of domestic violence. Currently one out of four women will be a victim of domestic violence.

That you miss your daughter, (Photos by Latoya Lonelodge)

she was my buddy, she went over here at Concho and they came to our house, my best
places with me. So a part of friend Donna and told us we needed to get home something
my life is missing now, but to go out and be able to talk to happened to Vanessa. I thought maybe it was childbirth or
other’s daughters is very important to me. I’m so grateful that something. I didn’t realize that she was shot and had died. All
I can reach people that have daughters that will listen, that’s those days were just really a hazy daze for us, I couldn’t cope
important for me,” said Sage. with anything,” All Runner said.

Domestic violence awareness continues to be a rising is- Domestic violence has been proven to occur in any area,
sue within communities and the speakers hope that through at any moment, regardless of economic standing, race or fi-
sharing stories and promoting awareness, the tragedies and nancial status.
horrors of the violence will be spread for prevention.
“I thought she was in a safe place, that I didn’t have to
Sharon All Runner, another speaker, spoke about her niece, worry, that everything would be okay but her life was taken
Vanessa Youngbear, who was killed as the result of domestic from us so short. It’s hard to go on and talk about her like this
violence. but if I can help somebody else that’s going through this, I
think that I can do this,” All Runner said.
“She was 16 when she passed away and got killed … she
was pregnant at the time. The guy that killed her shot her If you are experiencing domestic violence or know of
along with his brother and another guy. They found her the someone who is, there is help. Call the Cheyenne & Arapaho
next morning and I was living in Oklahoma City at the time. Domestic Violence at 405-422-7486 or the Domestic Vio-
I was working in the health field. My daughter was working lence Hotline at 800-373-5608.

Hitting the bullseye on

substance abuse
By Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief

What better way to combat alcohol and tober. Culture & Heritage Project Manager, placing the quiver
drug use among tribal members than to host Greg Spottedbird demonstrated the making
hands on cultural learning classes, bring- of a bow, while Bear gave the history behind over his shoulder.
ing youth and their families together. It is a the art of bow and arrow making, the uses of
win-win situation, building strong support the bow and the importance to the Cheyenne Following the
systems for the youth and adults, as well as and Arapaho people.
teaching valuable history about the Cheyenne history presenta-
and Arapaho culture. The latest series of cul- “Here you see a standard bow used in the
tural classes were on target, teaching tradi- old days, they were made out of Native wood tion, everyone was
tional archery and the importance of the bow you can find here locally, a certain kind of
and arrow to Cheyenne and Arapaho people. wood that is dense and not prone to break invited outside to
such as juniper, hickory or ash,” Bear said
“Archery is very important to us as the holding up a hand made wooden bow. give his or her try
Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes because before
we were warriors, we were hunters. We were Picking up a different bow, to all appear- at hitting that bull-
skilled artists in bow making, archery and ev- ances appeared to be made out of wood but as
erything involved in that process,” Max Bear, Bear explained, was actually PVC pipe. seye. There were
Culture & Heritage program director said.
“Greg made these out of PVC and made four targets set up,
Hosting the archery classes, along with it to look like wood and they are as tough as
many other cultural classes has been a team the wooden ones. Most warriors only had one with groups of four
effort among tribal programs, including the bow that pretty much lasted them their entire
R.E.Sp.E.C.T., Culture & Heritage and SPF- lifetime,” he said. guests shooting at
TIG programs. The idea is to promote living
life substance free, still having fun and bring- Spottedbird has been shooting and making a time. Some ob- Culture & Heritage Program Director Max Bear shows Tommy Cau-
ing families together for quality time. bows since the age of 9, being taught by his viously was very ley how to hold his arrow before shooting at the targets. (Photos by
grandpa Gilbert in Kingfisher, Okla. familiar with han- Rosemary Stephens)
“We want our youth and our families to dling a bow and ar-
live a healthy full lifestyle, and to show them “I painted my bow to look like cedar but
there is so much more out there to do than it is really PVC pipe that I melted and fash- row as their arrows
drugs and alcohol,” Clara Bushyhead, SPF- ioned by hand. This quiver you see was made
TIG coordinator said. in a certain style so when warriors wore it he soar through the air and hitting the targets
could maneuver it around up on his shoulder
The archery classes were held in Cinton, or when got onto his horse he would move it dead on, while others who were first time be-
Concho and Canton during the month of Oc- down to his back making it very easy to get
his arrows out,” Spottedbird demonstrated ginners made progress with each arrow they

released.

What stood out the most during the event

was the comrade between kids, their family

members and program staff, and as evident

by the laughter, everyone not only learned the

history behind bow making and the impor-

tance of the bow, but had fun actually experi-

encing shooting the bow as well.

To learn more about upcoming cultural Donna Sage, 13, draws back and
classes call 405-422-7428. lets it fly on her first try.

Page 8 www.c-a-tribes.org/tribal-news Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Tribune, Nov. 1, 2016

A candidate for
change in Oklahoma
House District 60
By Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief

Election day is right around the corner. business as usual. If you want more of the
Many of us have been inundated with same don’t vote for me because I am a candi-
the nightly commercials touting ‘Vote Re- date for change. Because if you want change,
publican,’ or ‘Vote Democrat.’ And let’s not we have to send different people to the leg-
forget the three entertaining, and somewhat islature,” Purifoy said. “Nothing against my
sad, presidential debates between Republican opponent, Rhonda Baker, but she isn’t about
Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clin- wanting change. I am the candidate that’s
ton. willing to say we need to look at corporate
Yes, we all know who our presidential tax breaks. I am the candidate willing to say
candidates are, but do you know anything we need to suspend the 2018 tax cuts and
about your state and local candidates? these are not easy stands to take because no
There are many seats up for grabs in the one wants to have tax cuts taken away, but we
Oklahoma House this year and if Oklaho- have to have change in the legislature.”
mans want to see change, than Oklahomans
will need to suit up and show up at the polls Purifoy was asked about his stance on
this year armed with information and facts several issues. Below are some of those ques-
about the candidates running. tions and his answers.
Many residents are stepping up for the
first time to run for the Oklahoma House, What do you have to offer to Native Amer-
such as first timer Dennis Purifoy. Purifoy, icans living in District 60?
both Democrat and Native American is run-
ning for House District 60. For one thing I understand tribal sover-
“I just got dissatisfied with the legislature eignty and most Oklahoma politicians don’t
and I thought somebody had to step up and understand what that means. They think they
that’s why I decided to step up and run. For do, but they don’t. I understand our water
a while I thought someone else was going to rights and treaty rights. I am also attuned to
run but nobody else stepped up and finally I things like the gaming compacts will be com-
decided that that somebody to step up would ing up for renewal in 2020 and I understand
be me. I have gotten so dissatisfied with our how important that is to tribes. I think I am
legislature that I thought I could do better be- more attuned to tribal nations and a better
cause I know I can’t do any worse,” Purifoy understanding of tribal sovereignty. For most
said. of our politicians today Natives are not even
Purifoy, a voting member of the Choctaw on their radar. I believe I also have a better
Nation, and his wife Cassie have lived in understanding of the economic struggles that
the Yukon community for over 24 years. He Native people face in this state.
graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University
in 1973 and has had a 40-year career with the What problems do you see in the Oklaho-
Social Security Administration. He is a sur- ma Legislature currently?
vivor of the Murrah Federal building bomb-
ing in 1995 and participated in the planning One of the problems we have right now
of the Memorial and the Museum. He also the state legislature, both houses now are su-
served for six years on the Memorial Board per majority Republicans. Now if I am elect-
of Trustees. ed I want to work with both Republicans and
“Oklahoma is in crisis. It’s not the kind of Democrats to get things done but the way
crisis where you see something on TV where it has been working is they know they have
something has been blown up or a natural di- a super majority and they know they don’t
saster but it is a crisis. We need to stop have to talk to democrats.

Right now they don’t even work with all
the Republican members on the budget. The
budget, the way it has been done this year and
the last several years, is a small group of peo-

See Purifoy for Dist. 60 pg. 10

A taste of Native cuisine at your fingertips

Miko’s Native Cuisine is
rolling across Oklahoma
By Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief
What do you do when you get laid off
from a job you hated? opened on July 20th of this year,” Bar-
ber’s said, his smile evident of the joy he
You open a business. Challenging? feels in owning his own business.
Yes. Rewarding? Absolutely.
Barber’s passion for cooking, along
At least that’s what Miko Barber has side his interest in the role of food in Na-
found out since diving into Miko’s Na- tive history, combined together has mo-
tive Cuisine, his own mobile Native food tivated him to utilize many ingredients
truck. Oklahoma tribes used on a regular basis.

“I am the first Native American food One of Barber’s regular menu items is,
truck around and it’s kind of cool to be in of course, the NDN taco, “I have a green
my own lane right now, not really com- chili I make with pork that I debuted for
peting against anyone for business,” Bar- the first time a few weeks ago and every-
ber stated. one loved it, so will be making that a reg-
ular item,” he said.
At the age of 23, Barber, Choctaw/
Comanche, said he has always loved to Growing up Barber didn’t see many
cook. His favorite television shows are Native American business owners and he
about cooking and he is the chef in his hopes he inspires others when they see a
home. Native American living his dream.

“My wife and I, Terra, we would talk “I have a 6 year old son, Christopher,
about having a Native food truck, you (Topher) who goes with me to set up and
know, like a wish list something that watches me, and without my wife and
you talk about, but don’t ever think it him, I don’t know if I could have done
will happen, but it did. When I got laid all this … they have been behind me 100
off in February my wife encouraged and percent and has really encouraged me to
supported me to go after my dream. I
See Miko’s Native Cuisine pg. 10

Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Tribune, Nov. 1, 2016 www.c-a-tribes.org/tribal-news Page 9

Reaching for the stars
First African American woman to turn
professional beach body in GBO

By Rosemary Stephens, Editor-in-Chief

When 45-year-old Cydne Fuston graduated El Reno cided they were not for her, but continued to train and work-
High School in 1989 it is doubtful she imagined herself on out with Thomas in Oklahoma City.
the main stage as the lead female competitor for the Global
Bodybuilding Organization (GBO) in the Mr. & Ms. Atlas “The Weight Room had this photo wall of fame where
competition. Or that she would make history by becoming there were pictures of all these people up there … even my
the first African American woman to turn professional in the cousin, that compete from bodybuilding to figure to bikini
beach body category. and so forth. I kept looking at that wall, thinking to myself
I want my picture up there. One day I pointed to the wall
But that’s exactly where she will be on Dec. 3 in Arling- and told Zandra, ‘I want my picture up there.’ She looked at
ton, Texas. me and said, ‘I’ve been waiting on you to say something, so
let’s get to work.’ And that’s how it all got started in 2012,”
The months of grueling workouts, strict diets, self-sacri- Cydne said.
ficing and self-discipline all pays off the moment she steps
into those spotlights and struts across that stage. She would compete in her first show in May 2012 at the
National Physique Committee’s (NPC) Battle of Bodies.
“A lot of people don’t get to see what we have to go She would not place, but it was the hook that reeled her into
through to get ready for a show, what we have to go through wanting to compete in the world of bodybuilding.
for months and months prior. They only know what they see
when we step on that stage,” Cydne said. “I decided to switch to physique for my next competition.
I had only three weeks to learn the different poses and a rou-
At 5’4-3/4 inches tall, Cydne exudes a passion far bigger tine just in case I placed in the top five. My second show
than her lean frame for healthy living. She was always active was the June 2012 NPC Oklahoma where I placed second
in cross-country and track, continuing her love of running far in women’s physique. I qualified for a national show and
after graduating high school. wasn’t going to stop until I hit one. In June 2013 I competed
in the Junior Nationals in Chicago where I placed 13th. At
“As children our parents encouraged us to be involved in that point in competing, I decided I wanted to have fun as
multiple different sports such as soccer, football, basketball, well as competing, so I dropped down into the bikini class at
cross-country or track and field. They would always tell us, the November 2013 NPC Grand Prix and won first place in
‘you will either play sports or have an after school job, but the Masters Bikini category. I was shocked and smiling from
you are not going to be lying around the house doing noth- ear to ear and I believed I found my niche,” Cydne stated.
ing,’” Cydne said.
Cydne would compete once more in the NPC Nationals in
She chose to do both. Florida before deciding to take a break. A break from com-
After high school she went on to obtain her bachelor’s peting in bodybuilding, that is. Not in staying fit. She set a
degree in sociology from the University of Central Oklaho- goal for herself to run in five 5K runs last year … and with
ma. During her time in college, Cydne gave birth to her only every other goal Cydne has set … she reached.
son, Codie Nolan, whom she said became the reason for ev-
erything she set out to accomplish in life. Being content to “I took a break but then this year around March, the man-
build her life around her son, his sports, and her running, the ager of the Weight Room contacted me and said, ‘Cydne you
years flowed by until one day she looked up and her son was need to compete in this show because it’s the last show in
a senior graduating high school. Oklahoma to go pro in this industry.’ So I was like okay when
“It was 2012, my son’s last year in high school and I is it and she said, ‘July’. So in March that’s when I started
thought what am I going to do now. I had built my entire prepping and hitting it really hard,” she said.
life around my son, going to all of his sporting events. I am
a single mother and I always told him, ‘I may be a little late, And once again all her hard work and dedication has paid
but there will always be someone there in place of me until I off, giving her the opportunity to step on the national stage in
can get there.’ So I was like, dang what I am going to do with Arlington, Texas to compete for the Ms. Atlas title.
no more Friday night football games in the snow and rain,”
Cydne laughed. “My ultimate goal is to be a trainer for the elderly and
She was in her late 30s, still actively running and staying the youth because there are far too many elderly people and
fit, but felt the tugging of wanting to go a step further. About youth just sitting on their butts not doing anything and not
that time her employer announced a biggest loser competi- moving,” Cydne said. “I am going to do this for as long as I
tion and she was intrigued. She decided to compete. What’s can and the Lord is willing. I always told myself as long as I
the first thing you do? Get a trainer of course. can breathe and wake up and walk around, I am going to do
Cydne called her cousin, Vince Wright, who was once a this, with God’s blessing. Because when you lay down to that
personal trainer himself, asking if he knew of anyone that deep sleep you’re not coming back, so do what you love and
could help her get to the next level. And that’s when Zandra love what you do.”
(Star) Thomas walked into her life.
Thomas was a trainer at the Weight Room in Oklahoma Cydne is an employee of the Cheyenne Arapaho Head
City. Start Program. To help Cydne on her journey to the National
After a couple of biggest loser competitions, Cydne de- Ms. Atlas title, donate at www.gofundme/The Road to Mr. &
Mrs. Atlas.

Photo & interview by Latoya Lonelodge

Born and raised in King- What actions are you tak- Being in shape and shoot- If you could change one El Reno’s Jolie Woods fights for control of a loose ball in
fisher, Okla., Jolie Woods, ing to reach these goals? ing, just being strong with thing in the world, what a summer league game with Mustang. (Photo by Glen Miller)
17, gears up for her senior everything I do so I don’t get would it be?
year of varsity basketball. At I come to school and I al- thrown around. nology. I’d rather go to col- forever once its over.
5’10 she is a center forward ways get all my work done. The amount of youth still lege somewhere outside of Jolie’s parents are Chiara
for the El Reno High School What is your favorite doing drugs and drinking Oklahoma.
basketball team. What has been the most meal before or after a game? RomanNose and Michael
exciting game you have What would be a dream What would be your ad- Woods. Her grandparents
When did you first begin played in? Any kind of fruit come true for you in your vice to younger kids coming are Virginia Woods and
playing and how? Who has had the biggest life? up behind you? Robert Woods. She has one
Buzzer beater against impact on your life? brother, Mickey Woods, and
Around fifth grade when Midwest City this past sum- My mom To win state with my high To always go to school two sisters, Micah Woods
my friends mom asked me mer for team camp. What are some of your school basketball team even though its not fun, and Talyn Black.
to play with her for a league hobbies (what do you like to you’re not going to be there
team. I just kind of got What is the best advice do when not playing sports)? Who is your favorite ath-
thrown out there. you have ever been given and Besides working out and lete of all time?
who gave you that advice? practicing, I like watching
What is it about the sport Netflix. Jackie Robinson, he made
that you love the best? My coach in seventh or What kinds of music do an impact with being the
eighth grade, just to keep you enjoy listening to? only black man to play with
Being a team and having a working at everything you Christian music, my fa- an all white baseball team.
team that’s like family. do and just do your hardest vorite band is Hillsong Unit-
because you never know ed. Which team is your favor-
What has been your big- when its going to be your last What is one thing about ite team?
gest accomplishment in the game. you that no one else knows?
sport so far? I have a soft spot and I’m OU softball, they make it
Do you have a saying or not always mean. look so fun and easy while
It would have to be hit- motto that you live your life Were you ever bullied in they’re playing.
ting the buzzer beater against by? school? What steps do you
Midwest City. feel should be taken to pro- What are your immediate
Move forward by hope tect those being bullied in plans after graduating high
What is your biggest ac- and not backwards by fear. schools today? school?
complishment in the class- Just to stand up for your-
room so far? Who or what inspires you self and do what you can for To know what I’m going
the most? the person to leave you alone to study in college and get
Getting all A’s through and if not, go talk to some- ready for college, I either
high school. My mom because she just body. want to study early child-
pushes me to do everything I How do you combat drug hood development or crimi-
What is your GPA (if need to get done & alcohol use by peer pres-
known)? sure?
What does your routine Not put myself in a bad
3.8 workout consist of to stay fit situation to where they can
What goals have you for your sport? How often? pressure me into doing
set for yourself in sports, something like that.
school? Running a lot and stretch-
I want to be able to be ing, I do weight lifting with
#1 in at least one thing or the school. I go to the gym
getting my average points on Saturday nights to shoot
per game at a high amount. around with my friends.
For school, I want to get all
A’s through high school and What are one or two
graduate with a 4.0 things in your training, that
you feel are keys to you being
successful in your sport?

Page 10 www.c-a-tribes.org/tribal-news Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Tribune, Nov. 1, 2016

Purifoy for Dist. 60

continued from pg. 8

ple, somebody from the governor’s fect 2018 will also cost $100 mil- bill 779 because it is an aggressive have sent them and we can get that quakes going on and being tough-
office, somebody from the speak- lion or more. The legislature last tax and hurts the poor the most, we back home here in Oklahoma and er on that and shutting down some
er’s office, somebody from the sen- year would not even put that to a already tax groceries in Oklahoma, we would pay $100 million to get of those wells. I realize it is a big
ate office, they get together and de- vote. Instead, what they did do unlike other states, and cities don’t $900 million and it would cover part of Oklahoma’s economy and it
cide what the budget is going to be is increase fees and fines. For ex- like it because the sales tax is their more people under Sooner Care and is going to a big part of our econ-
and they present it in the last week ample, if you get a speeding tick- only form of revenue. But, I will some of them would be eventually omy and right now we really can’t
of the session for the members to et, you’re going 10 miles over the put it this way, if I had any faith or moved to Insure Oklahoma. survive without it. We do need the
vote on. So most of the Republi- limit. The actual amount of the fine trust that the Oklahoma legislature jobs the oilfield provides and we do
cans don’t even know what’s in the may be $10 or $20 but the entire would do the right thing, I would Now I realize there are some need the taxes the oilfield provides,
budget until that last week. Most fine is over $190 because they tack not vote for 779, but I am voting for concerns with that, but the prospect but we need to certainly do it in an
other legislation has to go through on all these fees and fines on there. 779 because I don’t trust them (the of being able to prevent more cuts environmentally responsible way
committee process, but the budget legislature). They have had several in the Sooner Care reimbursement and I am concerned that the state
doesn’t. It should but according to They are also going to mandate years to do something about this rates, which has really wreaked has not been proactive enough with
the rules they have been operating that everyone get new license plates problem and haven’t done a thing, hardships on a lot of people because the earthquakes for instance.
under it doesn’t and that’s how that cost $5 more, and that’s another so I don’t trust they will do any- there are doctors who now won’t
they have been getting the budget way to increase fees and fines. The thing next year. So I am going to accept Sooner Care because their I do look forward to a time when
through the last few years. legislature did not increase higher vote for 779, but then I hope I get reimbursement rates are so low we have a more diversified econo-
education, so any family that has to the legislature to do more work and three rural hospitals that have my so that when oil and gas goes
You say you are for doing away a kid in college or going into col- on education to make things work already closed down in Oklahoma down, our economy doesn’t take a
with a state tax cut? Could you lege in Oklahoma is paying a much better. in rural towns and seven others in hit like it does. Such as clean en-
explain why you would be against higher tuition. So they can say we bankruptcy. So we’ve got to get the ergy.
cutting taxes? didn’t increase income taxes, but Health care is a hot topic all the reimbursement rates up and if we
believe me we are still paying. away around, especially with pro- cover more people under Medicaid One of the things we need to do
There is one big state income posed health care costs predicted to that will certainly help a lot of peo- is to look harder at corporate tax
tax cut that I want to see done away On Nov. 8 voters will decide bill skyrocket in the coming year. What, ple who are uninsured. breaks, such as the Wind Energy
with. It was a law passed several 779, a one-cent sales tax increase if any, plan would you propose for companies operating in Oklahoma,
years ago, one went into effect this to fund teachers salaries. What is health care in Oklahoma? The Dakota Access Pipeline, are which I support wind energy, but
year. The problem with it is, it only your stance on bill 779? you aware of the situation in North we are facing $200 million in tax
puts $30 to $40 back into the tax- A law that has been proposed, Dakota and what is your stand on breaks and exemptions for wind
payers’ pockets a year, but it cost On the bill of 779, which is the which I support, is called the Med- the oil and gas industry? energy between now and 2020 and
us over a $100 million. Now $100 one-cent sales tax increase, it will icaid Rebalancing Act. What that that needs to be re-examined and
million, it’s a lot of money, and with give teachers a raise, which they would do, is it’s not full-fledge Choctaws have been supporting other tax breaks such as oil and gas.
other things the legislature could definitely need, but we will need to Obamacare, which some people the fight against the pipeline from
have done, it would have meant we do more. But its not going to give hear that word and they go nuts. going under rivers and violating To learn more about Purifoy and
wouldn’t have had to cut education more money to the schools, so it The federal government would tribal rights and I support it too. his family visit www.PurifoyFor-
so much and other things. won’t help class sizes or cuts in bus give us $900 million dollars of House.com or you can call him at
routes, so we have to do more. our own tax money back that we As far as the oil and gas industry, 405-640-1760.
The tax cut that will go into ef- Oklahoma is built on oil and gas.
I have some reservations about I have concerns about the earth-
Miko’s
Native
Cuisine

continued from pg. 8

pursue my dream,” Barber
said.

Although the idea of a
brick and mortar restaurant
is something Barber will
keep open for consideration,
for now he enjoys traveling
to different places, meeting
different people, and hopes
to expand his Native Cuisine
Food truck fleet as time goes
by.

So if you are in downtown
Oklahoma City some Fri-
day or Saturday night, from
11 p.m. – 2 a.m., look for
Miko’s Native Cuisine Food
Truck. He is a regular at Ed-
na’s, 5137 Classen Circle in
Oklahoma City.

Miko’s Native Cuisine
Food Truck is available for
events and catering. Call
405-924-2398 or email him
at mikonativecuisine@
gmail.com.

Calendar
gion Post 401, Honored Vet-
Prostates and Pan- The 14th annual El- Deacon Gerald Chavez tin Powwow & American Dance eran George Sykes, US Army
cakes der’s Conference - Em- Nov. 5 at the Concho Indian Heritage Festival 2 p.m. - 10 p.m., Nov. 12 and Color Guard Cheyenne
powering Native Elders & Arapaho American Legion
5 p.m. - 7 p.m., Nov. 1 at to Thrive in a Changing Community Center in Con- Nov. 5 at the Travis Coun- at the Concho Community Post 401.
the Y.M.C.A. Healthy Living Society cho, Okla. ty Expo Center, 7311 Decker Center in Concho, Okla. Pot
Center, 5520 N. Indepen- Lane in Austin, Texas. Be- luck supper 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Three-Fold Celebra-
dence Avenue in Oklahoma 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Nov. 4 at MC Burl Buffalomeat, HS gins at 10 a.m. tion: Revival/WhiteCrow
City. the Frisco Center in Clinton, Fred Mosqueda, HGD Henry Honoring Cheyenne & Family Reunion/Delbert
Okla. Open to all Tribal el- Harjo, HL Karen Miles, Hon- MC Tim Tallchief, AD Arapaho tribes’ last surviv- WhiteCrow’s 72nd Birth-
Breakfast dinner, health ders 55 years and older. ored Veteran Cody Ayon, AD Bill Takes Horse, Co-AD ing WWII Veterans, Frank day
screenings, PSA screening James Sleeper and Honored Emiliano Flores, HMD Dijay Seger, US Army, Kenneth
criteria for men age 50-70 or Health related topics, Family Deswood and Louel- Yarholar, HLD Alva Fiddler, Haury, US Army and Law- Nov. 18-20 at the Clinton
men 40-70 who have a fam- health screenings, arts & la Koshiway. HGD Lowell Nibbs, Head rence Shortman, US Navy. Community Center in Clin-
ily history of prostate cancer crafts and much more. For Judge Juaquin Hamilton, ton Okla. Revival starts 7
or who are African Ameri- more information call 405- Special invitation to the Northern Drum Sage Point MC Eddie Wilson and p.m. Nov. 18 led by Delfred
can. 422-7723. Redmoon Gourd Clan. For and Southern Drum Otter Charles Fletcher, US Army, ‘Bunny’ WhiteCrow.
more information call 405- Trail. HMD Darrell Flyingman,
To register call 888-951- Memorial Gourd 694-5324. US Marines, HLD Marie
2277. Veteran’s Day Gourd Whiteman, HS Moses Starr,
The 25th annual Aus- US Army, AD American Le-
Dance in Memory of

Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Tribune, Nov. 1, 2016 www.c-a-tribes.org/tribal-news Page 11

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU CONGRATULATIONS!

We’Are So Proud of You

Wishing We are so proud of you Cedar and Brynlee Fletcher on
Avery Lane your first Rodeo season!
Catagas a
Happy 1st From mutton busting to bull riding and training on bare-
birthday! back and ranch bronc riding, you guys are the best! Just
Love Mom, wanted you to know how proud I am of you guys riding
Bestie & horses for us and my grandpa Bill Fedderson.
family.
Love always, mom and dad, Stephen & Latoya Fletcher
Congratulations, Tommy Lonelodge, for swearing into the
November 18 Happy Birthday United States National Guard on Mon. Oct. 17. We are so
Happy Birthday Nov. 10 proud of you and hope to see you accomplish everything you
and appreciation put your mind to, you will do great things in your life.
to my Morning Edwerlie Garcia AKA Hopez
“Lemur” Pedro! I’m Thank you for all you have done for me We know dad would be very proud of you and your choice
very proud of the to serve in the Armed Forces. We will always support you and
stunning young lady through out my life we hope you continue to keep the positive mindset that you
you are becoming, Mahaoe has made you a strong woman. do, keep doing great things! Love, mom, Toya, Quacks and
your excellence in the rest of the family.
your academics, Live life to the fullest “sis”!
and involvement in Love your lil brother In Loving Memory
the extra curricular “Lil Elk Garcia”
Happy Birthday Camren activities. Continue Love you forever!
“Boodah” Curtis the great work and
always just be you. Happy Birthday to you!
November 10, 2016 Love you tons, November 5
I love you brother! mom
Holla, your brother “Lil Elk Isabel Ledezma AKA “Oklas”
Ethan Redbird & Kellie Take care of yourself and our family!
Garcia” Alexander
Keep your head up and
November 20th may God bless you with

Wish you Happy many more years!
Birthday and have a Love and loyalty, your uncle

great day! “Lil Elk Garcia”
-From all the family
Rose Mary Brassfield Larry Jack Sanders
Sept. 7, 1952 July 13, 1947
Oct. 16, 2016 Oct. 4, 2016

Funeral services were Funeral services were
held for Rose Mary Brass- held for Larry Jack Sanders
field on Oct. 20 at the Paoli on Oct. 10 at the St Mary’s
United Pentecostal Church in Church in Grand Rapids, MI.
Paoli, Okla., followed by an
Interment at the Paoli Cem-
etery.

Dear Editor:
This last couple of days drill instructors came up to way of education and a lot by cle and they started jump- were through, the calves A lot of times I look at our
it’s been hard. I lost a good me and called me down. All ceremony. What path a per- ing up and down snorting came and did the same thing. tribe and I think we have lost
friend of mine named Alex the words were derogatory son chooses is good, if we all and when they stopped they When it was through they something and Alex said its
Warden and when Alex and and I thought he didn’t like respect the person’s choice. walked away to the side, then again went single file back respect that we have lost and
I talked he used to tell me me, but he was just training the cows came and went into into the pasture. I believe him.
about how our tribes are me to be a soldier. I know I was visiting my friend that circle where the blood
losing respect from the little all vets will understand what Vic Robideaux over in Per- was. They smelled the blood I told Vic that’s probably I go to the tribe some-
kids, because we are not giv- I mean, be it a Marine, an kins, Oklahoma when he told on the ground and started where we get the buffalo times and I get buffalo meat
ing the little kids the respect Airman or a Sailor. When me a story of respect shown going up and down, straight dance. He said, ‘yes that’s when they give it out, and
they need. Everything is go- my training was over in boot to him by buffalo. In his legged, like the bulls did. respect shown to the one we if they don’t have any I am
ing crazy in our tribe. camp my sergeant came up words I will tell the story and When they were through, the put down, the oldest of the still grateful I can get it when
to me, “How you doing to- maybe this is how one of my calves, who were watching herd.” it comes. I seen a couple of
Alex always talked about day soldier?” Which made favorite dances got started. how the cows did it, went people get really mad be-
respect and I wanted to write me feel like I had earned his into that circle, smelled the It just tripped me out and cause it wasn’t there. It is
a story about respect. In this respect and that was a major Vic said they kept buf- blood and started jumping I asked him if I could put it given to us free. We get free
life we are all given the right word in my life. falo in their pasture over at up and down like they seen into a story and he said yes. shoes, glasses and per cap
to live our lives the way we the eagle sanctuary where the cows do. Then they all This is why I wanted to put payments, I see other tribes
choose. A lot of us choose A lot of my family and they keep eagles. One time stopped and went into single this into a story form because and they don’t receive a lot
the military way of life be- friends are not military and the tribe wanted him to put file back into their pasture. it was showing respect. And of the free things we do and
cause of the family influ- I love them for being behind a buffalo down so they could respect in this life, even by we need to be thankful, not
ence, fathers, mothers, aunts me and for the respect. I dispense the meat so ev- Vic said it was strange buffalo, amazes me. get mad. I don’t see how any-
and uncles. One can say trib- don’t know of any tribes that eryone could eat. When he because he had never seen one can get mad about things
al traditions, as most tribes, have looked down on any killed the buffalo and called anything like that. Then four A lot of things we have in that are given to us for free.
have Warrior Societies. For of its warriors as in my life- for them to pick it up, they days later they came back, all this life we don’t show re- We should show respect.
me, I joined the military be- time I have seen this country picked it up with a hoist and the buffalo in single file and spect for. Our tribe is losing
cause of friends and family look down on Viet Nam vets they drove it off and all the did the same thing. This time respect. Our tribe is going I pray in the future that
and the reason I am writing coming home. It made me other buffalo came, in sin- they didn’t hit each other or down and maybe we could maybe our tribe will under-
this is for everyone to think ashamed of how they were gle file, out of the pasture bang each other, this time come back again and show stand what Alex and I talked
about a time in their life treated. I am a vet, but I was and seven of the bulls got they were showing respect each other respect again. about. Respect.
when one word made them a state side Viet Nam era around where the blood was when the six went in and When we have dinners or
feel as if they accomplished vet. When I seen all the vets spilled. One stood over to the smelled the blood, jumped dances and we eat, we could Our tribe lost a good
something major in their life. coming home I felt ashamed side and the others went into up and down, as if they were go out and have an offering friend in Alex Warden. I
of the way they were treated. a frenzy hitting each other dancing and the other one to the earth and come back lost a brother and he will be
When I was young, and with their horns and their stood to the side. When they and then eat … showing re- missed.
most vets may agree with A lot of people have tra- heads and knocking each got through the cows did the spect to Mother Earth. May-
me, I finished Basic Training ditions as with our tribes, a other down. When those six same thing, and when they be we’ll start getting the re- Mathison Hamilton
but during basic training my lot go to military, a lot go the got done they got into a cir- spect back from the younger Mustang, Okla.
people.

Page 12 www.c-a-tribes.org/tribal-news Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Tribune, Nov. 1, 2016

PUBLIC NOTICES EMPLOYMENT
Deadline for Change of Address and W9 forms is Nov. 10, 2016
Employment: Submit a tribal application, resume, diploma(s), transcripts, valid copy of
Adult Change of Address of Address and W9 forms to counts to determine if any Oklahoma state driver’s license and a copy of CDIB (if applidable) to Personnel Department,
and W9 Process: the Enrollment Department past due checks are available PO Box 38, Concho, OK 73022 or email atisdale@c-a-tribes.org.
by Nov. 10, 2016. Forms can for reissue.
Please read instructions be mailed to you by calling Operations & Maint. Transit Driver II-On Call Security Officers (2)
on the Change of Address Enrollment Department at Minor Change of Address Housing Authority Tribal Transportation FT/PT/On Call
form and W9. The Change 405-422-7600 or 1-800-247- forms need to be notarized Closing: Until Filled Closing: Until Filled
of Address form requires 4612 ext. 27600 or printed and signed by legal guard- Qualifications: Closing: Until Filled
all areas to be filled out ac- off on our website at www.c- ian. All original guardianship Must have high school di-
cording to instructions and a-tribes.org/content/depart- documents should be turned ploma or GED certification. Qualifications: Qualifications:
to be notarized. If all areas ment-enrollment. in with Minor Change of Ad- Must have at least one-year Must have valid Oklaho- High school diploma or
are not filled out according dress forms if needed. experience in facility opera-
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Sundance Institute’s Native programCheyenne and ArapahoTribalTribune, Nov. 1, 2016 Page 13

director believes in the power of stories

By Lynette Lobban
Sooner Magazine/University of Oklahoma Foundation

Reprinted with Permission

Wrong place, wrong time.  were taking every native course possible,” Kelly Damphousse, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, congratulates Bird Running-
That’s how N. Bird Running- he says. water, left, on being honored as a Distinguished Graduate during ceremonies last spring.
water describes turning points in (Photo by Jawanza Bassue)
a life that traversed three cultures Runningwater took so many native cours-
and put him at the center of ra- es that shortly before he was to graduate he plying for available grants.  ing to convey these intriciacies and nuances
cial tensions as a University of was approached by Barbara Hobson, coordi- In 1998, the Sundance Institute invited in a scenario that was unfortunate, but still
Oklahoma student twenty years nator of Native American Studies. She told trying to reach the broadest audience possible
ago. Instead of setbacks, the him that NAS was about to become a de- top-ranking executives at the Ford Founda- and strike a common chord. It’s very much
wrongs added up to the right path gree-granting program and added, “You’re tion to attend its annual film festival in Park what we do at Sundance.”
for Runningwater to give voice going to be our first graduate.”  City, Utah. None of them could go. “I was
to others as director of the Sun- sent against my will,” he says. “I was whin- The institute, founded by actor Robert
dance Institute’s Native Ameri- “Ok,” said Runningwater. “What does that ing that it was winter; it was Utah; it would Redford, has supported many native filmmak-
can and Indigenous Program.  mean?”  be cold.”   ers, including Sterlin Harjo (Seminole-Mus-
As the first graduate of OU’s cogee), Randi LeClair (Pawnee) and Blake
Native American Studies pro- It meant the fifth-year senior would have That was the year “Smoke Signals” pre- Pickens (Chickasaw). All attended OU. 
gram, Runningwater returned to to postpone graduation another year to fin- miered at Sundance.  Runningwater had met
Norman earlier this year to be ish requirements. This “wrong place, wrong director Chris Eyre in New York when Eyre “OU’s Crossroads Film Festival is a great
honored as a distinguished alum- time” moment was life-changing, he says. and screenwriter Sherman Alexie were strug- supporter of our work, as is deadCenter in
nus of the College of Arts and gling to make their first feature film.  Oklahoma City. I attended the premiere of
Sciences and to celebrate the ele- “If I hadn’t stayed, I wouldn’t have been a Sterlin’s film ‘Mekko’ at deadCenter, which
vation of NAS to department sta- columnist for the OU paper when something “I had witnessed their struggle and then I was the only experience I’ve ever had sitting
tus.  He shared candid stories of quite definitive happened to our native com- was there at the world premiere and it won in an audience of 99.9% Creek people,” he
his childhood — a blended heri- munity on campus,” he recalls. all the top awards,” recalls Runningwater. says. 
tage that began when a Cheyenne “Miramax bought it and it ended up being the
prom queen at Chilocco Indian The year was 1994, and Runningwater second highest-grossing independent film of “You could have heard a pin drop. You
High School met a Mescalero had nothing more on his mind than finishing that year. Sundance had supported Chris and could also feel the pride and emotion. I think
Apache “bad boy.” His family up, accepting his Woodrow Wilson Fellow- Sherman and helped them through.”  that was one of the highlights of any world
tree is ringed with his ancestors’ ship and starting grad school in Texas when premiere ever attended.”
sacred titles: chief, Sundance a tepee on the south oval was vandalized and Back in New York, Runningwater had
priest, keeper of arrows.  its occupants harassed by members of a fra- taken a new job with the Rockefeller Foun- Runningwater has long worked to support
“I don’t know how many of ternity.  dation, but was growing restless in the city. native filmmakers on a global scale, includ-
your grandparents wore match- He was packing his office when the phone ing New Zealand, Hawaii, the Arctic Circle
ing outfits, but mine did,” says “Had we had cellphones back then, we rang. It was Heather Rae, director of the Na- and British Columbia. He is also turning his
Runningwater, offering a faded might have been able to capture it and justice tive American program at Sundance, offering attention to what he calls the “fourth genera-
portrait of a handsome couple might have been more swift,” says Running- him a job in Los Angeles.  His response: “I’ll tion” of native filmmakers, those in the 18- to
with a distinct style. “I was about water.  “But the incident was barely men- be right there.” 24-year-old range. Who will they be? How
two when we left New Mexico will they work? Will they make films on their
and my parents started college tioned even though our students had filed The job in native programming suited iPhones? 
in Oklahoma.  I went to live complaints about being attacked.” Runningwater as much as the California
with my maternal grandparents sun.  Every wrong place and time coalesced No matter the medium, Runningwater
in Clinton. My grandfather was a Cheyenne That week the journalist used his col- into precisely the right background for some- offers a piece of advice to those starting out
chief, so we lived a very ceremonial life.”  umn to explore the vandalism and its one who wanted to help others tell their sto- in film: “Embrace those moments when you
Runningwater remembers bumping along aftermath. And that’s when “a nuclear ries from a native persepctive.  think you’re in the wrong place at the wrong
to tribal meetings and social gatherings in his bomb kind of went off.” The column time. You just have to stay open. There are so
grandfather’s pickup. Cheyenne was spoken sparked a debate among students, faculty “It reminds me of writing for the Daily at many great stories yet to be told.”
in the home. Preserving native culture was and administration, both supporters and OU,” he says. “I had this story that I needed
not an academic pursuit to his grandparents; opponents.  For the first time, Running- to tell and that I was trying to articulate. Try-
it was everyday life.  When his parents com- water discovered the power of his voice.
pleted their college education—his mom with
an OU nursing degree—they retrieved Run- “I began to use my column week after
ningwater on their way back to New Mexico, week to document what was happening,”
to “reintroduce me to the wild Apaches of the he says. 
Mescalero Reservation.”
“I was about six and I remember going “There was no Facebook or Insta-
onto the playground and everybody was gram or Twitter. I started to authenticate
speaking Apache. I thought, ‘Oh, my God, I my own voice as a writer. I also learned
have to figure this out! I should have been speaking a truth can put you in danger.”
here when everyone else was learning.’ ” 
His first feelings of “wrong place, wrong Runningwater started receiving hate
time” were mitigated by a loving family with mail at the Daily office, death threats on his
blended traditions, languages and cultures. “I voice mail at home.  While unnerving, it was
learned that some people only spoke one lan- also gratifying that people were listening.
guage, whether it was English or Cheyenne Justice “somewhat” prevailed, he says. Al-
or Apache, but I had this fortune of having a though criminal charges were never filed, na-
home that spoke all three.”  tive students began having meetings with the
Runningwater grew up assuming there administration and other groups on campus.
were three different ways of saying things, Acrimony gave way to inspiration. 
three different ways of doing things, three
different ways to consider before a taking “I left for Austin with a feeling of relief,”
step forward to honor whatever protocol he says. “So much had been happening emo-
tionally and spiritually.”
Embrace those
moments when you After earning his master’s in public pol-
think you’re in the icy, he moved to New York for a job at the
wrong place at the Ford Foundation, where he helped build its
wrong time ... There arts and culture program.  He noticed during
are so many great the ’90s that Native American directors had
yet to make feature films. The paperwork,
stories y—et tBoirbde told. non-profit status and legal requirements pre-
cluded many aspiring filmmakers from ap-
Runningwater

might be in place at the time. 
In 1988, he entered OU as a 17-year-old

freshman wondering what to do with his life.
After a trial and error of majors, he decided
to look objectively at his strengths. “In fourth
grade, we had to write books, and I was al-
ways telling stories about my grandparents in
Oklahoma, about my horses and my cousins.
My teacher loved them,” he recalls. “So I
thought, yeah, journalism.” 

During college, Runningwater worked as
a writer and columnist for The Oklahoma
Daily. He also took every Native American
course he could find in any department, in-
cluding literature, history, aesthetics and
cross-cultural communication.

“I wasn’t alone. Native students are so
hungry for exposure to our own sense of be-
ing. No matter what the theme or subject, we

Page 14 www.c-a-tribes.org/tribal-news Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Tribune, Nov. 1, 2016