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About Siletz news letter. (Siletz, Oregon) 1989-1997 | View Entire Issue (May 1, 1995)
t Lett&w fo t& EMfai: Dear Editor, I write this letter on behalf of many of us new/old to the Red Road. We want to thank a man and Elder and a friend to many of us. For this man gives more than ever asked. He shares, cares, is kind and gentle and most important helps us in need, back to the Red Road. This man loves to tell stories, about the coyote, raven, and bear. He takes a coyote rattle draped with elk hoofs, to sweat with him. He shares songs and his ups/downs. He shows us, by his actions how to be humble, strong and free spiritually. This man is looked up to and honored by many, and his heart runs red, as he leads many back to creator. We Inipi Oyate Ki of Oregon State Correctional Institute thank our brother/uncle / grand father - Walt Klamath. All my relations Inipi Oyate Ki To the Editor: What is Indian? The color of one's skin? The length of one’s hair? A song? A dance? What is Indian? When I hear the word Indian my thoughts are of a person living a natural existence. Living at peace with a natural world, that is Indian! It's a natural way of life. And that way of life is the extreme opposite from civilization. Civilization leaves a path of destruction everywhere it goes. The end result of civilization is destruction. Books cannot teach experience or wisdom. These come only thru practice and prayer. Culture cannot survive thru books. Books can only keep the memory of culture alive, they can't keep the culture itself alive. The old ways must be taught and LIVED for culture to survive. Nature is probably the greatest of all teachers. We could learn much from the coyote. The coyote is hated by many. And despite the bounty the government offers for killing the coyote, and the constant spread of civilization across the land, the coyote still remains wild and free. Living the old ways as all the countless generations before have lived. Wild people don't need money nor any part of civilization to exist. Such people the government has difficulty in controlling. That is why in times past, the Indians were feared and hated. Man seeks to destroy what he fears. When people are dependant on money and civilization, they become weak, and the government can easily control them. I pray to the Maker of all things for help and guidance. That I may learn to live the old ways, as the Indians of olden times lived. Words have no value unless actions bring them to life. What is Indian? I'ts a way of life. A natural way of life. Tim Sutherland Nee-o-hee Dear Mary Loy: We want to thank you with all our hearts for all your help, kindness and love that you showed to Bob and me as a dear friend and CHR during our crisis. We love you and you are in our prayers - We will miss you. Your Friends, Pauline & Bob Montana v w v r » v v w v w < On the up-coming vote I would like to talk with those who would listen. It's long past time to accept the children of our people. Some will say we don't have the funds available, but we already take care of our dependents. An Indian does not shun his people so he can have more for himself. He'd divide what there was so all his people got a share. Some act like "I'm Indian give me money." No one deserves money for being Indian. They do deserve their heritage. The talk of keeping our blood line strong is true. But the blood is in the heart, not select breeding. Indian marry ing Indian is special, but it doesn't happen that much. Besides, you marry for love not to please some racist few. What if the only Indian available for marriage is a jerk? Do you marry them any way? Or should we remove any one on the roll who does not have dark hair or dark eyes? Or any one who marries someone like that, or has a child like that. Let's get real and think of surviving thousand's of year to our future. Let's accept our people, young 8s old and not cast them out. How much Indian you are is what you do and how you act. Indians are not beggars, they are surviv ors. Let's survive. Blood quantum to me was the white man's crowd control that got way out of hand. Vote Indian, vote yes. Don't vote for the hope of more money in your pocket without them. The young have the answers we are so desperately seeking. Daachu Newtaya Naa- ghit'dul Shu'ashihiila Phil Rilatos Jr. May 1995 3 Tribal Members: May I remind you that on May 23 you are going to vote on the lowering of the blood quantum. I am asking that you vote YES! I am one of the young Indians that will be affected by the outcome of the vote in May. I strongly suggest that you vote yes. Who will keep the traditions alive, who will be the young warriors? It is up to you as a people to decide the future of the Tribe. I feel sad when I'm called a "non-Indian". Well I have news for the people who believe that: I am Greyelk, Siletz warrior and I am a full blood Indian in my heart. Even if the vote doesn't pass, I will still go to sweats, I will still dance in honor of my people, and I will keep the traditions alive as long as I live. And as a warrior, I will never let the "white man take over our tribe". Siletz Warrior Phil "Greyelk" Rilatos III 1/16 and proud. Willie Towner, Thank You from our family, Laverne, Lavonne, Loraine, Snowball, Pewee, 8 b Spudnick, for fixing mom's electricity. Great big THANKS - We love you! Robert Williams, On behalf o f the children who use the bus shed, we would like to thank Robert Williams of Rogue River Ct. for cleaning and painting the shed. Good Job!!! From the gang on Rogue river Court!
