<+>=<+>KOLA Newslist<+>=<+>
 

From: "HBGHARRY" <HBGHARRY@email.msn.com>
To: <kolahq@skynet.be>
Subject: Remembering Carlisle Indian School Powwow 2000
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 17:13:35 -0500
 

CAN ANYBODY HEAR ME?
 Every year we gathered at the small cemetery.  At first only five or so,
then as the community grew we became a sizable force.  Traffic would stop
and peer at us wondering what we were doing. +ACI-Remembering the Carlisle
Indian School Powow-2000+ACI- finally evolved under the political umbrella of
the 250th counties birthday.  Technically the Carlisle Indian School was
part of the county's history.  The war college succeeded and we were in.
However, I am extremely concerned about the outcome of this event now
because the representing steering committee is comprised mostly of
non-Indians.  We Indians tried to explain the ceremonial and memorial
occasion but the non-Indian faction outvoted us.  It will be a competition
powwow with as many drums and dancers from far off nations as possible.
Normally this should be no problem, however, in the last minutes I received,
one portion reads, the +ACI-gathering (s) is to honor the Indian contingencies
with the dignitaries of the dominant culture hosting/welcoming Indians back
to Carlisle+ACI-.
Do you see anything wrong with this?  As an Indian who comes from a reserve
where stickers are prominently displayed on bumpers that read +ACI-Save a
Walleye, Kill a pregnant Squaw+ACI-, I do.
 Is the Dominant culture +ACI-welcoming/honoring+ACI- Indians back?  Local history
dictates that we were never welcome.  This attitude prevailed even during
the years the Carlisle School was officially open to enrollment.  We
originally met on Memorial day in honor of our young warriors who went
before us into the Americanization process.
As a committee member I have continued to try to relate Indian attitudes to
those involved, but my words are spoken in another language.  In the East
non-Indians think of Indians as being these majestic creatures who are one
with nature and dance at every Powwow available.  They do not think of us as
being ordinary individuals with ordinary lives and ordinary feelings.  And,
they certainly do not understand the racism that still exists on and
surrounding reservation areas.
In fact, here in the East it is a white custom when upon meeting an Indian
that the Indian's fullness be determined, usually within the first two
questions.  On the reservations we have mixed-bloods as do African Americans
and other races throughout the nation.  It is not, however, a custom to ask
a black man, +ACI-how much black are you, or a Jew, or a Swede or any other
nationality+ACI-?  It is a normal to question to an Indian however.  Why?  This
is the America +ACI-Melting Pot+ACI- making you no +ACI-less+ACI- Indian.  Being less Indian
is a choice or a lack of cultural teaching.  Just as an Amish may decide it
is not for him, so an Indian may decide his culture is not important.
I have invited local friends and relatives as well as friends and relatives
from all five Chippewa reservations affiliated with my Tribe to the Powwow
this May.  Quite honestly, my concerns are that the intentions of the
committee are misconstrued, however sincere, and their ability to create an
acceptable atmosphere surrounding this momentous occasion is one of
self-righteousness.
 The first three times I visited the cemetery where small gravestones stand
with +ACI-unknown+ACI- carved into them or +ACI-infant+ACI-, I cried.  My people will too.
Tears will flow on this Memorial Day.  Ceremonies will be performed.
Prayers will be raised.  We will dance and the old ones will sing the old
songs.  Sage will fill the nostrils and tobacco and bread will be spread.
The drum will beat the heart-beat of our people.  These are our ways.  These
are our beliefs.  These are the things that will be done.
 The people running the organization think only of the circus of the event:
The hullabaloo of it all.  The white party to bring the Indians back.  Only
far away in the lands where these children where taken from and from which
many did not return the grim story is one of hatred, domination, submission,
and doom.  It is a sad part of American history.
 Next shall we make grand parties for the +ACI-Darkies+ACI- down in Dixie so they
can revisit the unmarked grave sights of their ancestors fallen under the
whip of the +ACI-dominant culture+ACI-?  Then perhaps set up a tea party at
Auschwitz for the Jews, where they can rub elbows with the European victors
and the dignitaries of the +ACI-dominant culture+ACI- Germany?
 Am I the only one who sees the misguided naivet+IBo- of these organizers?  No.
I speak to the elders of my reservation and my cousin an apprenticing Medi.
They say, +ACI-stay among them and make them understand+ACI-.  How do you speak to
deaf men?  How can you motion to the blind?
 Since I was thirteen I have visited the cemetery on Memorial Day with only
a few years of absence in between.  This event started when there were only
a hand full of us.  It has grown over the years as the Indian community and
Indian awareness has grown.  It is an important and special event, but it
should not be taken lightly.  It will not be by those coming from far away
reservations.
 When you come these non-Indians will ask you for your registration card as
if they are now KGB EYING OUR CREDENTIALS.  I say to all Indians come.
Bring all your families.  We have the space for you to camp we have the
facilities for bathing and toiletries.  Come one and all, but bring with you
only your heritage. Come to remember and to honor the youthful souls of our
ancestors.  The dignity comes from formally honoring the students of the
Carlisle Indian School not by winning a competition.
Migwesh,
Nadine West
Can you help?
2171 Paxton Drive
Harrisburg, Pa. 17110
717 541 8538
 

<+>=<+>
Information Pages: http://users.skynet.be/kola/index.htm
Online Petition: http://kola-hq.hypermart.net
Greeting Cards: http://users.skynet.be/kola/cards.htm
<+>=<+>
if you want to be removed from the KOLA
Email Newslist, just send us a message with
"unsub" in the subject or text body
<+>=<+>