[ The Way I See It 1
* by Dr. Dean Chavera, Preaident
QC' -) or" " ~)Q Native American Scholarship Ku*i
( ^Albuquerque, NM* M
A tribute to Michael Dorr is
;1 have not slept a good night's
slopp in a long time. Sometimes 1
\s cmder why 1 can't sleep Then 1
think it must be hundreds of people 1
killed in Viet Nam. Or it could be my
unfulfilled desire to be a "serious"
writer. It could even be my guilt at
leaving home at 16 1 don't know. It
could be demons.
My friend Michael Dorris, with
enormous talent, also had demons,
the media say. His father committed
suicide shortly after coming home
from World War II and starting a
family. Michael. I suspect, had a lot
of sleepless nights over this He allegedly
covered il up for decades, and
only admitted it recently.
I met Michael through letters in
1972. I was teaching at California
. State University al Hayward. and he
was teaching al Dartmouth. He was
new to the whole business of developing
an Indian Studies program, as
wc all were. But I had been through
the ropes al UC Berkeley three years
earlier and look part of what I had
learned there, and some of the curriculum.
to the job at Hayward.
Michael and I only talked on the
phone and wrote letters back and
forth for almost ten years. We never
met. Then, in the 1970's or early
1980's, I don't remember which year.
I met Michael. I wasexpectinga laidback,
tweedy, pipe-smoking. Volvodriving
kind of guy. Instead. I met an
angry young man.
It was at one of the national research
planning meetings of the National
Institute of Education that I
met him. I still remember, and can
not put it into words, the edge he had
about him. He seemed to be mad
about something the whole time. He
seemed to be irritated about being
there. It seemed that he could not
calm down.
I had carried around this picture
of him for la decade, and my picture
and his reality did not match. I have
never forgotten the impression, and
the dissimilarity. Dr. Henri
Whiteman was at the two-day meeting,
and I remember asking her if
something was wrong with Michael.
I thought she would know, because
she had spent a year teaching with
him at Dartmouth, and knew pretty
well. . :
Her answer, and i can not remember
it exactly, was something like,
"Oh.^hm'rjUst how MitKaelis"
Ten yea*4bAe0 that, ffl rcad-hls
amazing book "The Broken Cord"
and gained some insight into the
struggle Michael had gone through.
He had. shortly allcr he went to
Dartmouth, as a single parent.
.adoptedaLakota baby boy. He learned
several years later that the baby had
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Before
he was born, while he was still in
the womb, Adam's mother had been
a steady, regular, every-day drinker.,
The baby was almost swimming in
alcohol when he was born. The alcohol
did permanent brain damage to
the baby, damage from which he
could never recover.
I read the book from cover to
cover, practically without putting it
down. The book was a revelation It
reported on a phenomenon which
instantly became a cause of national
concern, a big concern for indians.
but a concern for everyone. Women
who drink are doing real damage to
their unborn children, the message
said.
1 don't know when the makers of
wines, beers, and spirits started putting
warning labels on their products
for pregnant women. But all of a
sudden millions of people because
aware of the dangers of pregnant
women drinking alcohol Michael
did a real service to them and to
untold millions of future babies
He had gone through hell and
confusion with Adam He did not
want other parents to have to do the
same things he had to do
I wrote to michacl the last time in
1990, according to my files. 1 had
asked him to be the keynote speaker
at a conference. He wrote back and
said "Unfortunately 1 am already
committed to be somewhere else on
the dates in question. 1 appreciate
your thinking of mc and wish you
and your organization a very successful
conference "
1 have a picture of Michacl in my
file, from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
from 1989. 1 looked at it the
' other day and imagined i could sec
the pain in his arched brows, his
concerned expression, it is not as
severe as the hurt I felt on our first
meeting, but it is there.
I wish I knew why Michacl committed
suicide. 1 wish 1 knew why he
had committed himself to a rehabilitation
program several weeks before
he committed suicide. 1 wish 1 knew
why he had so much pain. We all
have pain. I have had little pains all
my life, but never nearly enough to
make me think about suicide. The
pain that would cause that has to be
awful.
"Newsweek" thinks his father's
suicide, when he was a baby, might
have been the cause of his suicide,
and cause of his pain in life. Other
pcoplcthink it wasthcallegcd charges
of some kind of child abuse which
i>r? r- ? - "
were filed aaainsl hini in Minneapolis
It could nave been the accumulation
of all the pain of raising not just
oneFASchild.buttwo Itcouldhavc
been Adam's death caused b> him
being hit by a car a couple of years
ago It could have been all these
things together."
Michael was fours year younger
than I. only 52 w hen he died. He had
given a lot to the world, and had a lot
more to give. His program at
Dart mouth always mai ntai ncd a high
completion rale while he was there,
and still docs Over 85% of their
students finished their college degrees.
compared to as few as 8% at
some other colleges.
I wish his widow, wjiom 1 have
never met. all the best as she and their
children grieve for Michael Her
name is Louise Erdrich. and she is
the most talented Indian writer of
this generation From all the reports
I have read, she tried valiantly to help
Michael live with his pain She succeeded
for a long time Finally, the
pain was too much for Michael to
bear.
I hope you have eternal rest.
Michael. 1 hope the pain you had is
gone. Your legacy will live on. 1 just
wish you were still here.
Dartmouth College has started a
scholarship fund in you honor. Let us
hope that many people of good will ,
can support it and help deserving
Native students to realize their
dreams. That is your legacy. There
are hundreds of Indianyoung people
who arc far better on, with their
college degrees and their law degrees,
than they would have been
without them. And all the hundreds
of lives you touched will be there as
your legacy. All the hundreds oflndian
children bom without FAS, because
their mothers did not drink
while they were pregnant, are your
legacy.
subscribe^?
call 521-2826
lvianiyre to Most Forum on
Agriculture/Rural Development
. Washington, D.C. ? Congressman
Mike Mclntyre announced that
" Tie will be hosting a "Forum on Agriculture/Rural
Development" in
Fayetteville, NC, on June 16, 1997.
The event is lobe held at6:30 p.m. at
the Charlie Rose Agri-Expo Center
Joining Congressman Mclntyre will
be his colleague on the House Agriculture
Committee. Congresswoman
Eva Clayton from North Carolina's
1st District.
Congressman Mclntyre stated.
"Agriculture is a vital component of
the economy of southeastern North
Carolina. Therefore, it is important
for me to hear the yiewsandconcerns
of those who work in this industry. I
encourage farmers, agri-businesses,
and anyone else affected by agriculture
to attend this forum. We will ^
M
-.have full discussion on many or (he
important issues- the future of the
tobacco program, proposed Farm
Service Agency closings, and incentives
for enhanced rural development."
Joining Congressman Mclntyrc
and Congrcsswoman Clayton will be
Sam Colcy, Stale Director of the
Farm Service Agency, Jim Kearney.
State Di rector ofRural Development
and several other key agriculture leaders!
The Charlie rose Agri-Expo Center
is located at 121 East Mountain
Drive in Faycttevillc. The forum will
be held in the Cooperative Extension
Service Auditorium. Prior to the forum,
a barbecue dinner will be provided
by Cape Fear Farm Credit Bank
beginning at 5:30 p.m.
PeDimmc Pointsrs
i
by Dr. Joseph T. Boll i
Podiotrkion with Roboson HooUh Coro *
It always scent like this lime of the
year is bus> in ihc pediatric clinics
One reason for ihc increase number
of sick palicnls. besides thcchangc in
weather, is that kidsarc still in school
Of course any time children arc
around one another, germs will be
spread This issue we w ill talk about
how germs are spread and some ways
to help decrease the spread of infectious
diseases Nose, mouth and eye
secretions arc the most common
sources of respiratoryinfections. such
as the common cold These secretions
arc usually spread by contaminated
hands of sometimes by kissing
Young children arc especially prone
to spreading these infections because
they handle and mouth everything
they can gel their hands on
Droplets that spread through the
ai r by coughing or sncc/.ing arc a less
common means of transmitting respiratory
infections. Droplets can
travel up to sis feel. Fecal contamination
of hands or other objects accounts
for the spread of most diarrhea.
as well as infectious hepatitis
unlike urine, which is usually sterile,
bowel movements arc composed of
up to 50% bacteria
The discharge from sores such as
chickcnpo\ ;ind fever blisters can be
eonlagious Most red raslics without
a discharge do not spread by skin
contact
Contaminated food or water accounted
for mans epidemics in earlier
limes. Even today some foods
commonly contain bacteria that cause
diarrhea Around 50% of all raw
turkey and chicken contains germs
that can cause this illness E Coli. a
germ that can cause bloody diarrhea,
can be found in about 20% of ground
beef By contrast, despite all the media
hype, less than 1% raw eggs arc
contaminated with the salmonella
germ
Contaminated utensils such as
bottles and dishes can occasionally
spread respiratory or intestinal infections
Contaminated objects such
as combs, brushes, and hats can
spread lice, ringworm ofthc scalp or
impetigo
Willi all these ways to contact
infectious agents, it is a wonder we
all aren't sick all the time! Next week
we will talk about ways to help prevent
the spread of infectious diseases
Take care and we'll talk again
next week!
Eight Robeson County Volunteers
Nominated for 1997 Governor's Award
for Outstanding Volunteer Service
Imagine for a moment there were
no volunteers in Robeson County.
What part of your life would be missing?
Recreational activities for you
and your family? The hot meal your
parentscancounton? Sunday school?
The basket of food which helped out
that Christ mas youhit on hard times?
Volunteers work everyday, giving
sclflessly to all of us. All loo
often, their efforts go unnoticed or
appreciated. The Governor's Award
for Outstanding Volunteer Service is
one small way we can let volunteers
know how much they mean to us and
Robeson County.
Nominated for the state-wide
award is: Larry Johnson, for years of
community and youth oriented volunteer
activities; Steve Riggio for
eleven years of service to Lumbcrton
Christian Care Center both as a board
member and as a center volunteer.
Dickson McLean. Jr., for his work
with the Lumber River Conservancy '.
i
James and Frances Tisdalc. for many
years of service to the Lumbcrton
Christian Care Center: Wilton
Wilkcrson. for his personal mission
to promote the "Keep Robeson Clean
and Green" campaign: Doris .
Edwards Mcl-can for her many volunteer
projects which benefit the St.
Pauls community: Young Leaders 4H
Club, for the many ways in which
the club helps young people grow
and contribute to their community:
Ted Calicndo. for volunteer service
to Southeastern Industrial Ccntcrand
their clients.
All eight nominations w ill be sent
to the Governor's olTicc for review
and hopefully further recognition.
On behalf of the agencies and lives
touched by these and other volunteers.
thank you
For more information about nominations
or to be put on a mailing list
to receive a nomination form nc\l
year, please call Margaret Critcs at
the Rape Crisis Center 7?-<>27X
Catch the Spirit of the West!
Adopt a Wild Horse or Burro
from the Federal Government.
For an information packet call
1-800-417-9647
A public service of this publication
r\ **
Pembroke Housing
Authority Activities
On Mond;i> night. June 2. Ms
Dufrcna loeklcar from Union Chapel
Holiness Methodist Church ircalcd
her "Kids Time For Christ" youth to
;i special night at Pt//a Hut in Pembroke
Thecscnt was a reward for the
\omli attending the program and an
end of school celebration
Mrs tocklcar sponsors the "Kids
I imc For Christ" on Monday nights
at May nor Manor Youth Center,
something that she loses doing sen
much The south also enjoy hasing
Ms Locklcnrteach Ihcmaboiil Christ
The Pembroke Housing Authorit)
would like to send a big thank you
to Ms Dufrcna Locklcar for taking
an interest in our youth and for gi\ ing
her time so unsclfishl)
Drug A Hi/reness Day
Pembroke Housing Authority
Drug Elimination Program will be
has ing us annual Drug Awareness
Day on June 11. 19*27 The c\ cut will
lake place in the art at Strickland
Heights Actisilicswillbcginat 10:30
a m with speakers, food, games and
more We hope the public will join
w ith us in sending a strong anti drug
awareness message throughout the
community.
March Against Drugs
On June 14.1997 Pembroke Housing
Authority along w ith other organizations
and elected officials in the
County will be coming together to
March Against Drugs The March
will start at 9 a m. at Pembroke Elementary
School and end at UNCP
Acli\ ilics and food will follow Come
join us in the March Against Drugs
in Robeson County . For more information
call 521-IO.lt).
Carolina Indian Voice
is published every Thursday by
First American Publications
304 Normal St. - College Plaza
Post Office Box I07S
Pembroke. North Carolina 28372
Phone (919) 521-2826
Fax (919) 521-1975
Connee Brayboy, Editor
Subscriptions
One year in NC, $20.00
I Out of state. $25.00
Second Class Postage Paid at
Pembroke. NC
The Law Office of
RONNIE SUTTON
208 Union Chapel Road
Pembroke
Monday - Friday
8:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M.
While the General Assembly is in session
My Legal Assistant and I stand ready to assist with your
PERSONAL INJURY
and other matters.
Do you have injuries from a car wreck or slip & fall?
Call (910) 521-4797 for an appointment.
No cost folr initial interview.
Social Security Disability
Who should collect Social Security Disability Benefits?
People of any age who can't work because of a physical
I or mental condition. But -paying you should receive
benefits doesn't mean youv will, without experienced
l&gal help. Put our experience to work for you.
Hall & Joneth, P.C.
Attorneys at Law
4850 Fayetteville Road
Lumberton, N.C.
1-800-662-8702
' By Appointment Only
Additional Offices in Raleigh, Fayetteville,
Goldsboro, Rocky Mount and Smithfield
Representing Social Security Claimants Since 1979
n
SALE Carpet
Union Chapel Road, P.O. Box 1497
^ Pembroke, nc 28372 ,
r?: \
Quality Jcwcry at
Affordable Prices
Cyna's Diamonds and Jewelry
'OK & I4K Gold Sterling Silver
Watch Repair * Ear Piercing * Repairs * Scrap Gold Engraving
jVr'^=!r>4 (910) 521-3690
?^KQ^7r> CIO) 521-3668
t ? Owners *
\/ Tun, Cynthia. Tiininn.
^tos to"1 Tim II Locklcnr
707 C-2 Union Chapel Road
Pembroke. NC 28372
V
??
\
BB & C Body Shoppe
Full Service Styling Salon
Manicures, Pedicures, Facial Waxing
Two Wolfe Tanning Systems A More
707 Union Chapel Rd. Oreem Makers MM MaM
/
"your complete body shoppe " *
(910)521-1155 ()|hw
* ill 4
PROGRESSIVE
SAVINGS & LOAN, LTD.
f tesj"SMGACMUCNT
# ' ~ Charge for Chtf j
' This $100 Minimum Balance Checking Account Allows You To
Write Checks WITHOUT A SERVICE CHARGE As Long As The
Balance Does Not Fall Below $100.00.
If The Balance Does Fall below $100 00. A $6.00 Monthly Charge
And 30? Per Check Is Necessary This Account Does Not Pay
Interest
DEPOSITS FEDERALLY INSURED TO $100,000.00
Substantial Penalty For parly Withdrawal Rate Subject To Change Without Notice
PROGRESSIVE
SAVINGS & LOAN, LTD.
900 N. Cheautut 4400 Fayettevmo Rnaa 720 Harris Arsnua 410 R. tr4 Stmt
Uunberlon, N. C. I.umberton. N. C. Ratford. N. C. Pembroke, N. C.
71*1478 710 1416 070 2408 611-4200
s
"a
SALE Mattresses
in stock
rS/o<i//ictn ^yii/ettotA
Union Chapel Road, P.O. Box 1497
^ Pembroke, NC 28372 j
r5
1
Pembroke Senior High
Class of 1976 Reunion
Location: Old Pembroke Senior High
(now Pembroke Middle School)
Price: $20.00 per couple
(late fe4:$25.00 after deadline of May 30)
Dress: Semi-formal
When: June 14,1997
C 'ontact persons:
Dollar Ifill Oxendine 422-H1 29
Rantona l.ocklear 521-0579
Iris //. l.ocklear 521-117?
V