Ihanktonwan Warriors Stand with Standing Rock #NODAPL

     IHANKTONWAN WARRIORS 

STAND WITH STANDING ROCK #NODAPL

During my first visit to Standing Rock I reunited with close friends from the Yankton Sioux community from Lake Andes, South Dakota. It's been about 6 years since I last seen them. My friends Roger Houseman Jr. and Alphonse Leroy, were the men of the Ihanktonwan Sioux who taught this Northeastern Shinnecock woman the history about the Missouri River and their tribe's historical connection to their neighboring tribes. 6 years ago they took me throughout their lands and community. I lived in their community for several months.

As water protectors, we camped right along side the Missouri River. I must say I am blessed to have reconnected with them during this time. A time when the spirit of the Missouri River called on all who believe to be connected to the water to protect and stand in solidarity with Standing Rock against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. 

If you read my last post you will be able to read more about the events occurring at Standing Rock. PRAYER AND UNITY #NODAPL

Many of the men in this camp are working security of the entire encampment. There are over 7,000+ people in the encampment. This requires them to take long shifts outside away from shelter and fires many times. There isn't any cell service in the camps, so Roger asked me to help raise funds for their camp when I returned home. It's important we raise these funds to help keep them warm, and nourished throughout the entire winter. Without the security, our communities would not be protected and provided for properly. 

THANK YOU TO THE IHANKTONWAN WARRIORS for helping to protect and provide for the encampment of the water protectors. 

The Ihanktonwan camp has been set up since the first call for warriors to come and protect the sacred lands of the Oyate People, and they plan to be camped until the final ruling of the Dakota Access Pipeline is passed February 14th, 2017.

The money raised from is linked to a direct account for the Ihanktonwan camp. With the funds they will be able to more the purchases for their specific needs to help them get through this year's North Dakota Winter. 

Winters in North Dakota are harsh. Our priority is ensuring the safety of the people who will be staying throughout this winter. Shelter and protection is needed from the freezing weather. 

CLICK HERE 

The following is a list of what will be purchased from the funds raised.

Military tents
Wood Stoves
Canvas tents
Kitchen shacks
Snow boots 
Chainsaws 
axes 
arctic coats
arctic boots
arctic bibs 
liner jackets 
base layers
wool socks
face masks
heavyweight gloves
lightweight backpack
solar lighting
snow blowers
snowmobiles
generators
etc...

Prayer and Unity #NODAPL

"From the north a black snake will come. It will cross our lands slowly killing all that it touches, and in its passing the water will become poison."

-Lakota end of times prophecy

The environment in which we call "Mother Earth" is in need of our protection, and from her cry 10,000+ indigenous people came to pray and protect her from what is known to many of the aboriginal people of these lands as the "Black Snake"

Indigenous people from all around the world have come together to stand in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to resist to the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). If completed, the $3.5 billion pipeline would carry 500,000 barrels of crude per day from North Dakota's Bakken oilfield to Illinois. The project faced months of resistance from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and members of nearly 300 more tribes across the U.S. and Canada. Mainstream media has not covered much of this historical event. If you are unfamiliar on this historical event taking please take sometime to research what is happening. 

Local and state police have used brutal force against this peaceful resistance. There have even been numerous arrests of innocent people without bail. Women and children were attached by dogs directed by a private security that the pipeline company hired. In addition, sacred sites and ancestral remains have been disturbed by DAPL and the indigenous people of the area have not been able to properly care for their ancestors.

“Water Protectors” have been camped in the valley alongside the Missouri River by the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Currently there are over 7,000 people in this encampment. As it gets colder the Seven Council Fires of the Sioux People with few visiting communities will remain until the final ruling on the Dakota Access Pipeline dated February 14^th, 2017.

As an indigenous woman to the aboriginal lands of this country,and a member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, a tribe of first contact--my role is to sustain, nurture and give life to our traditional communities. After returning from a 2 week stay at Standing Rock, I was able to begin to strategic plan with several colleagues on building traditional winter structures and helping to secure the camps for winter in Standing Rock for those who are on the front lines protecting the water and mother earth. In my 2 week visit I was able to make a list of the urgent needs for the camps. With winter approaching there are camps who are not equipped with the right gear to get through the winter. North Dakota winters encourage all living in the state to prepare homes and vehicles for the winter weather.  

We are all in this together, and I am hoping to connect with organizations and individuals who are looking to work together and pull resources for the betterment of not only our culture but all our communities. 

DONATE TO HELP PREP FOR WINTER 

GO FUND ME

#EASTCOASTALHEALING

On July 24th, 2016 10-12 paddlers from the Coastal Algonquin indigenous communities will participate in the 2016 Paddle to Nisqually Tribal Canoe Journey, to help in the coastal healing for awareness of environmental Community need. 

Our coastal tribes utilize the waterways as ancient highways for thousands of years. As the original population of the American Northeastern region, we have faced European assimilation. Traditional culture is difficult to practice. Unity of the Indigenous groups and communities continues to strengthen through cultural customs being encouraged and expected. Much of the American History and “Native American” history begins with our geographical Northeastern Coastal Algonquin history through the waterways. It is important to share the history to continue to educate. 

Over 15 years the Northeastern indigenous communities continue to hold paddle ceremonies in honor of our ancestors. 

Falmouth to Martha's Vineyard Paddle

For example, the Wampanoag Paddle at Falmouth to Martha’s Vineyard, Passamaquoddy Paddle, Sly Fox Canoe Race, Nimpuck Sacred Paddle from Deer Island through the Boston Harbor, include historical paddles from Shinnecock territory of Long Island, New York.

Deer Island Paddle 

Mystic River Paddle

Long Island to Connecticut Paddle 

Recently created was the largest Mishoon made in over 400 year. 14 paddlers launched the Mishoon within the Mystic River holding fourteen tribal members of the Wampanoag, Shinnecock, Narragansett, Schaghticoke, and Pequot tribes. Unity amongst this year’s tribal groups includes greeting the Hokulea Voyage crew arrival to the northeastern Algonquin coastal territory. 

Paddle events are large and exhilarating experiences, assisting the resurgence of our responsibility as indigenous people to the water for all humanity. Global water crisis’s such as the NAVAJO WATER CRISIS and the FLINT WATER CRISIS are examples to pray for during paddle gatherings. 

Traditional Canoe Protocol from Shinnecock 2011

Traditional Canoe Protocol from Shinnecock 2016 

This year’s Tribal Canoe Journey theme is “Don’t forget about the Water”. As coastal people, we were placed on the coast to protect and serve the water and the land. Many of our sister tribal communities NO LONGER HAVE WATER RIGHTS and are fighting for indigenous water rights. Water crisis happens in Indigenous communities far more than none native communities. These rights have been taken away from them as early as 1636. 

Once landed in Seattle, WA on July 24, the paddlers will be transported to the first launch where they will paddle from and set camp. At each stop canoe families will follow common protocols, asking permission to come ashore, often in their native languages. Once ashore, they are invited to set camp. At night in the longhouses, there is gift giving, honoring, and the sharing of traditional prayer, drumming, songs, and dances. Meals, including evening dinner of traditional foods, are provided by host nations.

This canoe journey allows the continuous survival of our threatened heritage as coastal people. We hope to travel and take part in the 2016 Paddle to Nisqually Tribal Canoe Journey’s to learn how regional coastal communities are working towards truth and reconciliation within their towns, cities, and states. We are seeking to create a stewardship to compare and learn how assimilation has impacted indigenous coastal communities. It is our goal as paddlers to foster the restoration of our traditional practice. 

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

 

Costs will cover

•    Flights for 10-12 people round trip 

•    Fuel for transportation from airport to destinations

•    Camping gear for 10-12 people 

•    Food for nine days for 10-12 people 

•    Paddle supplies for 10-12 people

We kindly seek your support in hopes to provide water unity of the native communities. Youth and young adults are participating in bringing back the medicine for our communities. We request your assistance in helping us and our fundraiser to go viral not only for sponsorship but to create awareness around the world that the indigenous communities here on the Northeast coast not only are still here but continue to practice the custom of heritage.  

 

Kuttabutash wutche kenauau annumau, (thank you for your support)

Sagkompanau Mishoon Netooeusqua (I lead canoe I am butterfly woman)

IFAM(E)

IFAM(E)

INDIGENOUS FINE ART MARKET EAST

May 20 - 22

AT MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT MUSEUM AND RESEARCH CENTER 

As an artist, it is an honor to be able to open up the Nation's largest Indigenous Fine Art Market. Friday night is the kick off for the Indigenous Fine Arts Market IFAM(E) here in the dawnlands of turtle island. I was asked to open the event up with a traditional eastern style dance to represent my people here in the east. As indigenous people, our artwork is crafted into everything we physically make. From the tools, to vessel of transportation, to our homes, to the clothes we wear, it is an extension of identity. It's inspiring to be able to see the work put into each piece. I am also excited to see my relatives, teachers, and close friends from the Northeast Indigenous Arts Alliance representing the identity of our eastern shores. 

One thing that is important to highlight is the people who are tremendously working behind the scenes for this event. From the tribal members, to the museum staff, to the IFAM(E) staff, to the artists. It's amazing how hard everyone is working together to bring such medicine to the communities.  

IFAM(E) is expected to be the largest 3-day juried Native American art show and celebration on the east coast host by the Mashantucket Pequot Museum in partnership with IFAM(E) and the Northeast Indigenous Arts Alliance taking place May 20-22. 

90 artist representing 50 nations, 40% of the artist are from the Northeastern territory will show and sell contemporary and traditional fine art in the museum's Gathering Space. The unique aspect of IFAM(E) in this inclusion of not only visual but performing and culinary indigenous artists to include hip hop and reggae bands, singer-songwriters, traditional music and dance, film, fashion, installation art, mural painting, youth art, and traditional and contemporary foods. 

GLOW PARTY 

FASHION SHOW

LIVE MURAL

STORYTELLING

FILM FESTIVAL

YOUTH CREATION STATION

BUFFET BRUNCH

 PERFORMANCES

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS 

I'm back and I'm better!!!!

Aquene,
Kuttobotanimish for taking the time to check out my blog. It has been quite sometime since my last post; however, the work behind the scenes hasn't stopped or even slowed down! There is much to catch you all up on.

Shinnecock Legal Team Member Kelly Dennis,
John Dossett NCAI General Counsel at
Havard Law Native People's Native Politics Conference 

I am currently working at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center and am working closely with the nation's top researchers. It's important we (as indigenous people) become literate on the terms used in the academia world as well as the legal world. Interestingly enough they speak the same language

I am also doing executive work for the National Association for Cultural and Heritage Preservation; which is a newly founded organization that vests its best interest in preserving the culture and heritage of indigenous peoples nationally. After returning from the 2015 Justice or Else Million Man March I was asked to sit on the board of the Unite or Die Campaign  as the Native American Liaison. Communities from all around the world have many similarities in not only history but in today's society. Unite or Die's mission is to unite these communities. (nearly running out of breathe)...and of course there are over 7 social media platforms I manage and create content for...

Lead Organizer for #HIPHOP4FLINTPVD 

For my new followers, most of the posts are focused on what others are doing throughout the world, not so much myself...lol I just was hoping to give some insight of what's happening behind the scenes. As you can see, I haven't much time to post like I was before, but I will do my best to post here and there because there are some amazing things happening in "Indian Country". The more positive energy that can be spread throughout our communities the stronger we will become.

My intentions with the posts going forward are to help in the awakening on the conscious mind of the rising leadership in our communities as well as spark transparent communication with our current leadership. Who is "leadership" you may ask? The content in which I am using the term leadership is referring to "any" type of role in our communities, political, spiritual, household, peer to peer, educational, governmental, diplomatic, legal, historically,state, or federally recognized tribes. Often times when the term tribal leadership is used it tends to be only used for those who are in the tribal governmental structures, but our tribal life ways are lead by many individuals throughout our tribal communities. The intent to awaken the consciousness of our communities is in hopes to bring back our traditional ways of community. As a collective we have began to become so far assimilated we are losing the wellness of our communities. We must resurrect the traditional ways to maintain our well-being.

#FIGHT4ALLNATIONS

K.O.-Kali Reis

Previously in this blog I have written a post about Kali Reis. The 1st Native American Female Pro Boxer and #1 US Female Middleweight Boxer and #2 Worldwide! Within that timespan she has asked me to be her PR/Marketing Manager, and let me tell you we have been working hard day and night 7 days a week. Her current record is 7-3-1 and 3 Knockouts. She puts in as much work in the ring as she does outside the ring. 

For those who aren't familiar with Kali let me introduce her; however, before I do that be sure to read my last post about her. Woman Warrior.

Kali has a rich Native American hertiage that includes Cherokee, Nipmuc, and Seaconke Wampanoag; however she fights for ALL NATIONS. (Hence the hashtag #FIGHT4ALLNATIONS) She is orignally from Providence, Rhode Island, and grew up in tough neighborhoods that lead her seek an interest in boxing. I am sure most of us know the harsh temptation that we face in our youthful years, and without the proper role models we become lost in our sense of direction. Kali walked in to a boxing gym and felt in her heart she was in the right place, and from there she remained. 

In the eyes of Native American people she far more than just a boxer. +sam laskaris wrote an article on Kali in Indian Country Today "Despite being a world champion, boxer Kali Reis is hardly a household name..." Native America or "Indian Country" as most people know it as, sees her as a HERO and a warrior. There are so many struggles people of all nations face and to have someone so determined and so focused on fighting for those who cannot takes a lot of strength. +Dawn Karima  wrote an article in Powwows.com and titled it "NATIVE KNOCKOUT" Word has spread like wild fire about the war path Kali is on. 

On November 21, 2014 she fought Teresa Perozzi in Bermuda and won the IBA Middleweight Title. The fight lasted only 3 rounds check it out ( K.O. Kali Reis vs Teresa Perozzi ) As a matter of fact only a week after the fight, Perozzi retired. Collin Thompson a writer for the "The Royal Gazette",states "Perozzi's retirement decision comes after losing against Kali Reis." Now that is saying something about Kali. Not even just as a skilled World Champion, but as an ambassador for our people! To my readers that are my friends on facebook may have seen one of my recent posts about how she not only brought back the IBA Middleweight title home, but how she also prepared herself spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally to bring back the souls of her Wampanoag and sister tribal ancestors to the Northeast Coast. 

Photo Credit The Royal Gazette

Just a tid-bit of history for those who are unfamiliar, during and after the King Phillips War that took place in Southern New England about 1675-1678 New England Natives we taken as slaves and shipped to Berumda as well as several other islands in the Atlantic Slave trade. So for Kali to have fought in Berumda as a descendant of our ancestors is far more powerful than most will imagine. It took a lot of strength to focus on her purpose in fighting. 

Kali Reis trains in the mist of her camp with Floyd Mayweather Sr. 

From working with her on on strategically developing her brand she is exactly who is destined to be Mequinonoag "Many Feathers". She is versatile in and outside of the ring. She can dance, act, play several different instruments, speak to a huge crowd of people. write, paint, bead, teach, ride motorcycles and knows how to fix them, model, and box. Boxing is just a platform to grow from for her. 

Kali Reis had the received wisdom from Shane Mosely 

Kali's next will be to become the #1 WORLD FEMALE MIDDLEWEIGHT BOXER! She will be fighting Christina Hammer (THE CURRENT WBO CHAMP)  who is the currently #1 in the WORLD, and Kali currently being #2 at the Maritim Hotel in Magdenburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany on March 7th for the WBO and vacant WBC titles. 




This is the BIGGEST FIGHT in Kali's life and she is focused and driven to bring home those titles. Not for just her and her tribe but for all nations, all women, and children, all people who are not able to fight and be heard and recognized in their struggles. 




#FIGHT4ALLNATIONS 

Cholena (Snow Bird) Smith

Photo Credit: Matthew Ballard (450nm Photography and Design) 

Today we highlight one humble and traditional young lady, Cholena (Snow Bird) Smith . She is from and resides on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. The Shinnecock Indian Nation is a federally recognized tribe of historically Algonquian speaking people based at the east end of Long Island, New York. 

Stony Brook University Graduation Day 

She recently graduated from Stony Brook University in May 2014 Magna Cum Laude distinction B.A. Sociology and Anthropology. Cholena is also a member of Sigma Beta Honor Society and Golden Key International Honor Society. Since she stated college she has put in community service hours for the Indian Education, Cultural Enrichment Program, and the environmental program (all programs are within the Shinnecock community) 

This takes tremendous strength for any young adult to dedicate so much time to the community. So much pressure and stress can come from our communities themselves. To stay so focused on goals and aspirations with the amount of distractions we young people encounter is what has increased substance abuse, violence, and suicide rates. It is young and determined adults who serve as role models to those who have difficulty focusing. She is an example that proves it can be done! 

Cholena Marches in Indigenous Peoples' Climate March 2014 

Cholena plans on using the skills she developed in college as well as experience with the Shinnecock programs for Tribal Historical Preservation. She is on the American Indian College Fund NY Gala committee. The gala took place October, 20, 2014 with the headline entertainment by Idina Menzel 

Recently Cholena has been asked to be the Project Director of a project collaborating the Shinnecock Nation, the Unkechaug Nation,, the Macaulay Honors College of the City University of New York, and the New York Botanical Garden in a community development corporation. This project will

Cholena marching with her mother Josephine Smith

collaboratively pursue programs in education and research with an emphasis in Enthonbotany. The programs could include educations programs about the cultural use of plants, use of sustainable resources, and the creations of teaching and displaying gardens and exchange information. 

She is also interested in another opportunity related to the preservation of Shinnecock history through photography and will include a cultural exchange between the Shinnecock and the Ngarrindjeri in Southern Australia. This community also has a special connection to the water and has similar history to the Shinnecock.

As traditional women we are raised to learn how to sustain and give life to our community. We as descendents of our ancestors struggle in having a balance in today's society that still allows us to do as we are supposed to. Cholena is coming into this balance by sustaining the life of her community through historical preservation. It is not an easy road to stay on because so much tries to pull you in every direction but the right one. 

Ordained in Sigma Beta Honor Society 

Keep up the hard work and dedication Cholena. No matter what obstacles challenge you look how far your have already gone in getting closer to your dreams. Stay guided by the creator and your inner strength. Tabutne for all of your work!