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Tfl CAROLINA 1ID1AN VOICE J ed each Thursday by First American Publications, Pembroke, NC _ _ . ; r-?-- | VOLUME 25 NUMB ^ .u | , i i ? ~ -'l J f Indians meet with Wildlife Officials relative to wildlife regulations and how they impact Native Americans by John "Tall Bird" Marshall, Lumbee On Wednesday, August 5th, 1998 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., history was made in he purple room located at the Museum of History Building in Raleigh, NC. For the first time, Indian representatives from the North Carolina Federal and State Recognized tribes, including the Federally Recognized Catawba Tribe of South Carolina and members of the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs, sat down face-to-face with an agent of the U.S. Department of the Interior and Wildlife Officers. The primary purpose of this meeting was to discuss wild life regulations and how current regulations impact Native Americans today. Dignitaries, officials and guest speakers included: N.C. State Repre| sentative Ron Sutton; Tom Bennett, Senior Resident Agent for the U.S. Department of Interior; Fishand Wildlife Service Colonel, Roger Lequire; Major Kenneth Everhart of the N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission; Dale Deese; Attorney with Lumbee River Legal Services; Ray Littleturtle, N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs/ ReliI . v t . * - . - . I gious and Cultural Committee; Gregory Richardson, Executive Director of the North Carolina Commission of Indians Affairs; and others. The meeting was opened and moderated by Gregory Richardson. Mr. Richardson stated that "This day has been set aside t;; discuss wildlife issues; the use of feathers, furs and other animal parts by Native Americans; and to express the concerns of our people to state officials." Following Richardson's-openingcomment, Rep. Ron Sutton briefly addressed the group commenting that he was glad that these concerns and issues were being brought to state officials as he continues to receive many phone calls regarding these matters. Rep. Sutton stated, "I stand ready to do all that I can, and will assist in any way I can legislatively." After Rep. Sutton's comments, Richardson introduced Wildlife Officers and opened with this question: "When concerns come up regarding wildlife issues and Native Americans, what process should be used to relate one's concerns?" Colonel Lequire said to contact your local district captain. When Richardson asked: "What relationship do you have with the Chero kee Reservation?'" Major Everhart stated that the Wildlife Commission has a very good relationship with the Cherokee, however, they have no jurisdiction on the reservation. Tom Bennett was then introduced. He began speaking about eagle feathers and acknowledged his understanding of the special significance of the eagle feather to the Native Americans. He stated that the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) defines who is eligible to obtain and possess this sacred feathercherished by ourpeople. Only Federally recognized tribes may obtain and possess these feathers. When asked What was their position in regard to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Regulations pertaining to the use of migratory and birds of prey feathers being illegal, and the American Indian Religious Freedom Act authorizing American Indians to use the same in their religious ceremonies, Bennett stated that this would require the use of discretion on the part of the Wildlife official. He added that they would not come to a pow wow and confiscate such feathers attached to one's regalia. However, the sale or bartering of said feathers is illegal, and those caught doing so would be prosecuted. Bennett added, "Our job is to protect wildlife." When asked about bear parts, i.e. claws, bones, etc.. Bennett said it was illegal to bus or sell any bear part in North Carolina. However it is not illegal to display said part or wear accessories, i.e. rings, bracelets, necklaces. etc. w ith bear parts. The next speaker introduced by Richardson was Dale Deese, Executive Director of Lutnbee River Legal Services of Pembroke. Deese stated that a^reat deal of time had been put into the research of both the safe'and federal wildlife regulations. And. after doing so, Legal Services has rewritten the regulations in a simple, easy to understand language. Upon receipt of funding, this work will be published, hopefully, within the next two months and be rnade available to all interested. Deese stated that Legal Services' priority in regard to wildlife parts is to eliminate commercialization. while acquiring greater freedom of the use of wildlife items in our cultural and religious beliefs. During the afternoon session. Ray Littleturtle addressed numerous issues and concerns from the NC Commission of Indian Affairs. One topic of discussion was concerning the i " wannabes, those non Indian people who are trying to infiltrate our cultural activities, claiming that they re Indian. Another issue was that of organizations or city municipalities conducting pow wows by those who are not Native American. Littleturtle closed his comments with a challenge stating, "we need to take a more pro active stance in supporting our culture and our rights." At the end of the day a summary of items were written down to recap our thoughts and course of action. They included: expand upon the recruitment of Native Americans in both state end federal wildlife divisions; can articles pertaining to regulations and Native Americans be placed in the N.C. Wildlife Magazine? How can we as Native Americans utilize illegally taken game to disburse to non profits, etc.? Proposed collaborative efforts to work with wildlife officials on issues involving Native Americans,. Get educational support and participation from wildlife officials at pow wows. Economic impact versus regulations. Collaborative effort to provide brochures to pow wow participants. Revision of regulations governing use of feathers, fiirs, ant lers, etc. Creation of a sub-committee, Indian Affairs and Wildlife Agency. Review, study and implementation of the Archeological Resource Protection Agency. Special meetings. Clarify feathers used by dancers. Waive fishing and hunting fees for all Native Americans. Seek funding to publish booklet on regulations. The meting was closed with the suggestion by Littleturtle that our next meeting be scheduled during the Unity Conference in March of 1999. In my opinion, the day's meeting was a positive step in the right direction and marks the beginning of our communications with state and federal wildlife officials. It is our hope that as we continue these meetings, expressing our concerns, that proper actions will be taken to revise existing wildlife regulations currently forbidding our people from owning and wearing certain feathers. All in attendance were in one accord with positive attitudes and respect for one another. We are most appreciative for the State and Federal representatives' participation, and look forward to developing a closer working relationship in future meetings. N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs to host 49th Governors' Interstate Indian Council Raleigh? The N C. Commission of Indian Affairs will host the 49th Annual Conference of the Governors' Interstate Indian Council, scheduled for August 23-27 at the North Raleigh Hilton in Raleigh. The event will attract hundreds of participants, mainly leaders from American Indian tribes from across the United States. Conference topics are expected 16 include tribal sovereignty, garni ngand compacting with slate governments, Indian health issues, Indian education, the Native American Housing and Sclf-Dctcrmination Act of 1996, Year 2000 Census, tribal water rights and tribal justice issues Each governor throughout the United States was invited to appoint up to three conference delegates, one of whom must be an American I ndian. Alaska Native Hawaiian. Joining the delegates will be other Native Americans and others interested in Indian issues. Pre-registralion fee is $195. Onsite registration is $250 for the entire conference and $75 for one day. For more information, write N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs. 217 W. Jones St., Raleigh. N.C 27603 or call (919)733-5998. The commission has been an active member of the Governors' Interstate Indian Council (GIIC) since 1976, w ith the commission's director representing the governor at the annual conference and for other GIIC activities. Gregory A Richardson. executive director of the N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs, is serving currently as GIIC treasurer "Through our active participation a nd membership in the GIIC. the commission has been able to forge close, valuable working relationships with our counterparts In other states with Indian populations and has kept itself abreast of state and national issues affecting American Indians." said Richardson The GIIC began in 1947 when Governor Luther W Youngdahl of Minnesota expressed concern about federal government involvement in Indian affairs. As an alternative, he recommended that Native Americans in the state work together to address common concerns In 1949. Governor Youngdahl presented his ideas to the National Governor's Conference (now the National Governors' Association) which passed a resolution requesting the new GIIC be concerned with five major areas: bringing about equitable settlement of Indian affairs: encouraging social and economic self-sufficiency: improving education and training opportunities for Indian people; encouraging Indian people to preserve, as individuals, their best traditions, values and cultures; brining about an early end to federal wardships and taking the federal government out of . local Indian affairs For almost 50 years now. the GIIC has worked to promote good relations bclwccn stale governments and Indian tribes on the national level, a relationship which at times has not been harmonious according to Director Richardson. Some states have very limited experience in the intricacies or Indian law and slate-tribal relations and have encountered legal and regulatory difficulties in dealing with tribes In addition, in the past many state governments have relied on the federal government to provide services and programs for its Indian citizens. However, the federal government appears to be moving away from the direct funding of programs and services to Indian tribes and toward fundi ng these programs through block grants to states, Richardson pointed out. "Now. more than ever before. Indian tribes need to maintain good relations with state governments," Richardson said "The GIID supports these efforts by sponsoring this annual national conference to address Indian issues and to develop strategies that will ensure good relations bclwccn stale governments and Indian tribes." The N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs, a division of the Department | of Administration, wascrcated by the General Assembly in 1971. More than 80,000 Indians live in North Carolina. giving the state the largest Indian population east of the Mississippi and the seventh largest Indian population in the nation. Will Goins Returns from England after Signing Treaty London, England- Internationally renownedconcertrecordingartist, Dr. Will Moreau Goins, an Eastern Band Cherokee Indian and Lumbee Indian of North Carolina Cherokee, Tuscarora and Cheraw ancestry, was presented to the Lord Mayor of London in the opening proceedings ofthe first Native American Festival in England from July 10-22. The festival sponsored by the American Indian Trust, Inc., an international not-forprofit organization in Bristol, England began w|th this formal presentation and "treaty" between the sovereign Citizens of London and the Cherokees of South Carolina, Inc. Dr. Will Moreau Goins whose grandfather, William Goins, was born in the Red Banks area near Pembroke in 1900 and whose father was bom in Fayetteville, NC, presently serves as the Chief Executive Offices for the Eastern Cherokee, Southern Iroquois and United Tribes of South Carolina, Inc. which is a tax-exempt corporation in the suite of South Carolina which serves as the tribal governance for the Indian tribe, the Cherokees of Sough Carolina. Representing the Cherokees of South Carolina Tribe, Dr. Goins was on hand for the Treaty exchange in the presence of members of the City Council of England, the US Embassy and the Canadian High Commission. This commemorates the 268th year Anniversary of the Cherokee delegation that was brought to England in 1730. The festival, which included cultural presentations of Native Americans at the Natural History Museum of London and the Chelsea Physic Gardens on Scottish Radio, the BBC, ITV Network and a Native American Film Festival. The Festival culminated with The 500 Nations Award Ceremony at the Porchester Center Queensway, London with appearances by Ted Turner of TNT Television Network, many TNT network executives, Robert Redford of Sundance Institute. The 500 Nations band performed and the audience was graced with a concert performance set by Native American contemporary and traditional singer, Dr. Will Moreau Goins. Ted Turner was awarded the Golden Feather Award, a Humanitarian award, for his service to Native American film. In addition, he best film award, known as the TNT Classic Movie Award was presented to Director Chris Eyre for "Smoke Signals." "Smoke Signals" the Sundance Film Festival acclaim, was made by a entire Native American production crew including screenwriter Sherman Alexie and its star Native American heart throb actor Adam Beach. The Lord Mayor of London Enland and Dr. Will Moreau Coins are shown signing Treaty Indigenous signs exclusive world wide recording contract Pachyderm Records announces the signing of Indigenous, a blues/rock powerhouse from Marty. South Dakota, an exclusive worldwide recording contract. Indigenous is three brothers, Mato Naji, Pte, Horse, and sister, Wanbdi. the in-store-date for Indigenous' first national ly distributed CD release, "Thipgs We Do," is September 1, 1998,. Alive in-studio performance will be broadcast from world famous Pachyderm Recording Studio via satellite, to radio, on September 1 to help kick off the release. Christ Eyre, director of the hit movie Smoke Signals. will be directing the Indigenous music video. Confirmed press coverage includes: Details, Spin,. Request, USA Today, Billboard and CNN,. Pachyderm Records President, Mason Munoz states "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to present this immensely talented group to the global marketplace. Indigenous is an act that can have a long term career and build a successful, Tasting catalog of music." Mr. Munoz has worked with Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Santana, Journey, Michael Bolton, Midnight Oil and many other artists of international stature. To Subscribe To The Carolina Indian Voice Call (910) 521-2826. Scholarship Gala for Native Americans to be held in Raleigh Triangle Native American Society (TNAS) is holding their Fourteenth Annual Indian Heritage Scholarship Gala on August 22 at the North Raleigh Hilton in Raleigh. The organization provides educational scholarships from the proceeds ofthis annual event. The Mark U Itner Native American Scholarship Fund was created as an effort to support the needs of Native Americans in education. Two $500 assistance grants will be made available to Native American students in their sophomore, junior and senior years. In addition to the presentations of the Mark Ulmer scholarships, a scholarship will be presented to a Native American student in memory of Michael Bell-Nichols, alongstanding, well loved and respected member of TNAS. The night is designed for eating, socializing and entertainment. This year's activities include a silent auction and an art reception featuring Gloria "Tara"" Lowery. Music enter tainment is provided by Ricky Lowry. Sponsorships include Platinum, ($ 1000); Gold ($300); Silver ($250); and Bronze ($100). Also, an invitation has been extended to members of the Governor's Indian Interstate council as part of their conference activities scheduled for August 23-27/ Incorporated in 1985, Triangle Native American Society is a non profit, tax exempt organization whose primary goal is to increase public awareness of the cultural and economic contributions made by North Carolina's Native citizens. Currently the society's community activities include participation in the Annual NC Indian Unity Conference, co-sponsoring an annual Native American Celebration with the NC Museums of Natural Science and History and Raleigh's annual International Festival. For more information please call Darlene Jacobs, secretary at 919-7335998, Gwen Locklear, treasurer, 919779-5936 or Clarice Dial, vice president, 919-387-0956. Chickahominy Tribe to hold Fall Fetival and Wow The Chickahominy Indian Tribe announces its 47th annual Fall Festival and Pow Wow to be held on Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27 on the Chickahominy Tribal Grounds in Charles City County, Virginian; 10 a.m. untir 6 p.m. The Festival will feature Native American dancing, singing, and drumming; Indian jewelry, pottery, and arts and crafts; Indian fry bread, fish sandwiches, chicken dinners, and other great food. The Host Drum will be Red Wolf from Hollister, NC. Master of Ceremonies will be Bob Tenequer and the Arena Director will be Max Little. VEVITA, Washington, D.C. Chapter will serve as the Color Guard. Grand Entry will be at 12:00 noon on both days. Special guest Delano Cummings, author of "Moon Dash Warrior," the story of an American Indian in Viet Nam; a Marine from the land of the Lumbee, will appear and be present for a book signing on both days of the Pow Wow. The public is invited to share in this event, which features activities and educational opportunities for all ages. There is no admission charge; donations are welcome. Special seating is available for senior citizens. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Please, no pets. No alcohol or drugs permitted. For more information or a flyer with directions, please call (804) 8296333, (804) 829-2186, or (804) 9667043. Local tobacco farmers meet with White House officials Washington, D.C. - Congressman Mike Mclntyre, along with Robeson County tobacco farmers Jimmy Pate and Larry Sampson, recently met at the White House with Erskinc Bowles, Chief of Staff to the President. Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman, and Dallas Smith from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to discuss ways in which the administration could assist tobacco farmers. Mclntyre stated, "As it is becoming less and less likely that Congress will make another attempt at comprehensive tobacco legislation, it is critical that we explore other avenues in order to address issues facing tobacco farmers. If nothing is done this year, farmers could face another substantial drop in tobacco quota for the 1999 growing season, and I refuse to ignore that scenario simply because Congress cannot agree on tobacco legislation." "One of the biggest problems facing our growers is the flood of imported foreign-grown leaf which the companies have boon buying in place of domestic tobacco. I raised the import issue with Erskinc Bowles and Secretary Glickman, and they committed to look into possible intervention in this problem by the administration. Ianticipatccontinuing to work closely with tne White House and Department of Agriculture on administrative fixes to stem the tide of imports and ensure that more U.S. tobacco is purchased off tlic warehouse floor."
The Carolina Indian Voice (Pembroke, N.C.)
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