NEWS FROM Ojibwe Bands ask for halt ILTF’s Will in a Box helps Native Book Review: The Brave A NATIVE on Line 3 construction Americans with land transfers is compelling, but... AMERICAN PERSPECTIVE 40 YEARS OF SERVING THE NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITY

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Indigenous organizations collaborate to feed their most vulnerable Biden to pick Rep. Haaland as interior secretary BY ASSOCIATED PRESS Her selection was confirmed by two people familiar with the resident-elect Joe decision who wasn’t authorized Biden plans to nomi- to speak about it publicly and P nate New Mexico Rep. spoke to the Associated Press Deb Haaland as interior secre- on condition of anonymity. tary, according to two people Navajo Nation President familiar with the decision, a his- Jonathan Nez described himself toric pick that would make her as “overjoyed” and said in a the first Native American to statement, “It is truly a historic lead the powerful federal and unprecedented day for all agency that has wielded influ- Indigenous people.” ence over the nation’s tribes for Biden’s pick could further generations. deplete, at least temporarily, the Tribal leaders and activists narrow majority Democrats around the country, along with maintain in the House. Biden many Democratic figures, has already selected several law- cheered Haaland’s selection makers from the chamber, Linus Yellowhorse cooks bison prime rib on Dec. 24 at the Minneapolis American Indian Center. Yellowhorse after urging Biden for weeks to including Louisiana Rep. cooked more than 200 pounds of bison for several hundred delivered meals. (Christine T. Nguyen/MPR News) choose Haaland. They stood Cedric Richmond and Ohio BY KATHRYN STYER MARTINEZ/MPR NEWS behind her candidacy even Rep. Marcia Fudge, to serve in when concerns that Democrats his administration. t’s the first big snowstorm of winter. Bob bers have diet-related health issues and makes might risk their majority in the Some on Biden’s transition Rice and Angel Swann are out running the connection between what we eat and our House if Haaland yielded her team had expressed concerns errands and picking up food in Rice’s mini- overall health. seat in Congress appeared to about dipping further into the I threaten her nomination. already thinned out Democratic van. Even though the weather reports advise “When we are fueling our bodies with against driving, Rice, an enrolled member of the Indigenous foods, our bodies remember those With Haaland’s nomination, House majority for another sen- White Earth Nation and a born-and-raised tastes. They remember that they make us feel Indigenous people will for the ior administration posting. But Minnesotan, says there are no snow days for him. good. It’s a part of us,” said Swann. “It’s very first time see a Native Biden decided that the barrier- And besides, he has more than 400 people healing, not only for your physical health to American at the table where breaking aspect of her nomina- to feed during a life-changing pandemic. eat healthy food, but it’s also healing to your the highest decisions are made tion and her experience as vice Rice is the owner of Pow Wow Grounds cof- spirit.” – and so will everyone else, said chair of the House committee fee shop, situated between the American Indian Swann and Dream of Wild Health helped OJ Semans, a Rosebud Sioux. on natural resources made her Center and the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe source local, organic food options. All their “It’s made people aware that the right pick for the moment. building on Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis. produce came from the Good Acre farm in Indians still exist,” he said. The president-elect has been Together with Dream of Wild Health, where Falcon Heights. Haaland, 60, is a member of methodically filling the posts Swann works, and the Minnesota Two-Spirit The Dec. 24 meals consisted of traditional the Laguna Pueblo and, as she in his Cabinet, adding North society, Rice and crew set out to cook and indigenous fare: buffalo prime rib, squash, likes to say, a 35th-generation Carolina environmental official deliver holiday meals to community members roasted carrots and potatoes, wild rice and resident of New Mexico. The Michael Regan as his nominee in need. Rice stresses that this event is a collab- apple cobbler and wild rice balls for desert. Fry role as interior secretary would to lead the Environmental oration of organizations, funders and volunteers bread – not a traditional staple, but beloved put her in charge of an agency Protection Agency, according – a real community effort. nonetheless – was a last-minute addition to that not only has tremendous to two people familiar with the For Thanksgiving, Rice and other volunteers the menu. sway over the nearly 600 feder- selection process. Earlier this and organizations came together to cook and The day before delivery, Linus Yellowhorse ally recognized tribes but also week, Biden introduced former deliver about 400 meals to people, and on was busy cooking more than 250 meals at the over much of the nation’s vast South Bend, Indiana, mayor Christmas Eve, another 429 meals went out American Indian Center and didn’t miss a beat public lands, waterways, Pete Buttigieg as his transporta- the door. The effort was designed to help peo- transitioning from feeding elders in the morn- wildlife, national parks and tion secretary, and he intends ple save money on food in order to spend it on ing to picking up supplies and prepping for mineral wealth. to make former Michigan Gov. things like rent or medical bills, while also the next day in the kitchen. Yellowhorse The pick breaks a 245-year Jennifer Granholm his energy encouraging them to stay home because of the worked through the night cutting up three record of non-Native officials, secretary. coronavirus. bushels of apples. mostly male, serving as the very House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Swann, a member of the White Earth Band top federal official over made it clear that Biden had of Ojibwe, notes that a lot of community mem- – CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 – American Indian affairs. The her blessing to choose Haaland, federal government often saying she would make an worked to dispossess them of “excellent choice” as interior 3 – Winter Count: Mississippi River 7 – Commentary: Restoring our connections their land and, until recently, secretary. 5 – State programs help Native warriors 10 – Native Americans in Sports 11 – Political Matters to assimilate them into white 6 – New Briefs 15 – It Ain’t Easy Being Indian culture. – CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 – Health care can be expensive, especially as we age.

If you have trouble paying for your Medicare, you may be able to get help.

Medicare Savings Programs can help pay some health care costs, and the Extra Help program can cover some prescription drug costs.

Save money for yourself and for your tribe. Call Minnesota’s Senior LinkAge Line® to find out more.

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2 January 2021 The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective http://www.thecirclenews.org NEW Winter Count: Mississippi River

BY WINONA LADUKE Poudin and Representative Elect “And I’m here to honor this treaty Heather Keeler come to Palisade. because we’re here to protect the land,” ovember 20. 2020: Army Another delegation comes a week later. Joe tells us. “ We’re here to protect the Corps of Engineers issues All to see what is going on. water. And more of our people will N 404 permits to cross waters come.” of Minnesota, based on the findings of December Solstice Gathering: Then we eat beaver tail hominy soup, the Minnesota Pollution Control Renewal of the One Dish, One Spoon and our treaty is reaffirmed. This time, Agency. The Army Corps did not do an Treaty between the Anishinaabe and there are a hundred others observing, environmental impact statement on the the Haudenausaunee. Joe Hill of the and they too eat the soup and affirm the water crossings, or potential of a spill Seneca Nation is presenting a wampum One Dish One Spoon Treaty. into Lake Superior, instead relying upon belt to the Anishinaabe women who the state’s review. have gathered to protect the water – December 24: Minnesota Public The company is ready, it has been for today it’s me, Tania Aubid and Morning Utilities Commission denies the Red years. Staged on the edge of Ojibwe ter- Star Goodsky. The wampum became Lake and White Earth Nation’s motion ritory are piles of pipes, many of them part of our Great Law of Peace, the to ask for a stay of construction based sitting there for four or five years. Next Haudenosaunee, People of the on the numerous challenges to the reg- to those pipes are now matting yards, Longhouse. The last time the treaty was ulatory decisions and the pandemic. that’s the big 8 by l0 inch wood planks renewed that I know of was in l706 near that big trucks drive on in wetlands. what is now Montreal. It’s called the December 24: Red Lake, White And then there’s the equipment yards. dish with one spoon, also known as the Earth, Honor the Earth and Sierra Club Every kind of machine which can gouge, one dish, one spoon, what it means is appeal to Minnesota Court of Appeals eat forests, or drag bigger equipment is we can all take from the dish, we can all mothers and the officials from other and federal court. sitting in yards. That’s to say, equipment share the bounty that mother provides nations would sit and eat a dish of December 28: Water Protectors, and yards span from Their River Falls to us. beavertail soup, all using one spoon. local citizens face off with Cass County Floodwood, and then some, full of With that, comes a responsibility. A The the Iroquois delegation gives the Sheriff. And there are friends in front things which destroy ecosystems. They responsibility to protect mother earth. Ojibwe women the belt. And explains, of the Enbridge Pipe yard in Backus. all sit and wait. Hotel rooms are filing The spoon is used because we can all “These are a clay bead, but the beads Emma the Water Protector is high aloft up, the word is out on the street. reach into the dish, but we don’t want that represent the spoon are from the in a tripod. It’s 10 degrees out and the to reach into the dish with a sharp a 17th century. So these beads would have three hours is punctuated by music and December 2: Enbridge begins con- sharp instrument, because if there’s a existed before you left and came out chants in abundance. More people come struction on Line 3. 4200 workers begin knife there and someone gets cut, then here on your migration to where the and bring Christmas cookies. to pour into the state, most of them out that person will have bad feelings food grows on the water.” Joe looks to of state union pipeline workers. Palisade, towards the others that are taking from the Mississippi then, we are on the shore Learn more about Line 3 at: a small town of l00 looks like it’s occu- the dish. of the Mississippi River. https://www.stopline3.org pied: 400 pipeliners and 200 water pro- The times were epic then as they are tectors. now. The European colonists took many of the wampum belts, “They were taken December 5: Tania Aubid and from us, many of them were held for a Winona LaDuke visit the ceremonial month for over one hundred years, and THE CIRCLE SPONSORS lodge on the shore of the Mississsippi they thought that we would forget,” Hill River. There’s a survey stake for the explains. “What they meant, but they pipeline project in the middle of the didn’t realize that the oral tradition is lodge. Fond du Lac has the contract for so strong among our people. There was a cultural monitor who is supposed to no way we would forget. So I was there be out ahead of any destruction by when many of our belts came back to Enbridge. There’s no cultural monitor the Onondaga Nation, where they’re the around. We sit there with Aitken caretakers of our most sacred belts. The County Sheriff Dan Guida and Hiawatha Belt being one of them, but Department of Natural Resources you see that became a flag in 1990 when (DNR) Captain Proctor, waiting for the Iroquois nationals needed a flag to Fond du Lac’s Cultural Monitor, to fly, when they went to play on the inter- inform us “if we are sacred are not.” We national level of the game, lacrosse, are told that they will be at the which we gave to the world, you know, Mississippi River in l5 minutes, then 30 our games alternative to war. That’s how minutes and then, not today. We never we settle our disagreements, because saw a cultural monitor from the Fond with the Great Law of Peace, we buried du Lac Band. Our Tribal Historic our reasons for war, for killing each Preservation Officer was told she would other. So we settled it with a game of be arrested if she went to the lodge. Still lacrosse.” no word from Fond du Lac or Enbridge. Before I came out here. I asked a man I was cited for trespassing on “public in western New York who recreates lands” to be at my lodge by Aitken these belts if he had a replica of the one County. disk with one spoon and he said, I do. And then he said, as he was making it, December 6: five more people cited had to make one a little bit better. So by DNR for going to the lodge. the belt that I have. The white beads represent peace. The December 12: Arrests. A delegation purple beads represent the dish or the of Minnesota State Representatives – beavertail because of the part of this led by Senator Elect Mary Kunesh agreement, the chiefs and the grand- THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE CIRCLE

http://www.thecirclenews.org The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective January 2021 3 ENVIRONMENT Ojibwe bands ask for halt on Line 3 construction

BY DAN KRAKER/MPR

he Red Lake and White Earth Bands of Ojibwe have asked T the Minnesota Court of Appeals to pause the ongoing construc- tion of the Line 3 oil pipeline replace- ment project until lawsuits challenging the project’s approval can be heard. The bands, along with several non- profit groups and the Minnesota Department of Commerce, have filed lawsuits challenging the project in both federal and state court. But construction has already begun in earnest on the pipeline, which stretches for more than 300 miles across northern Minnesota. More than 3,000 people from around the country are cur- rently working on the project, with another thousand expected to join them soon. The tribes argue that if a stay is not granted to temporarily stop construc- tion, then their lawsuits will be “point- less and moot,” because they anticipate that the state appeals court would not issue a final order on their legal chal- lenges until July 2021. At that point, construction on Line 3 would likely be largely completed. Enbridge began work on the pipeline on Dec. 1, and has said it anticipates Deb Topping of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa protests the planned Line 3 oil pipeline replacement project outside that construction will take six to nine Bagley, Minn., where the pipeline route crosses the Clearwater River, Dec. 10, 2020. (Photo by Dan Kraker/MPR News.) months. Even if pipeline opponents prevailed for a second time – earlier this year, Earlier this month the PUC rejected But the route still traverses territory in court, and state utility regulators were when it approved a revised environmen- a similar request from project opponents where tribal members exercise treaty required to hold additional proceedings tal analysis of the pipeline’s impacts, for a construction stay, concluding that rights, including hunting, fishing and on the merits of the project, “the out- and granted the project a Certificate of “the risks of continuing to transport oil gathering of wild rice, maple syrup, and come of new hearings to determine the Need and route permit. through existing Line 3 are greater than medicinal plants. need for the pipeline, or to properly ana- “There is no legitimate basis for this those caused by construction and oper- The Red Lake and White Earth bands lyze its environmental effects before filing which fails to recognize the ation of the project.” argue that construction of Line 3 would selection of a route, would have no prac- exhaustive and meticulous review [by The current pipeline is corroding and destroy their “treaty-protected interest” tical purpose,” the tribes say in their the PUC], and only seeks to delay an requires extensive maintenance. in the land, waters, plants and animals, brief to the court. essential maintenance and safety replace- Enbridge has argued – and regulators as well as their “cultural and religious The Minnesota Public Utilities ment project,” Enbridge said in a state- have agreed – that it’s safer for the envi- rights.” Commission (PUC) approved Line 3 – ment. ronment, and will reduce the risk of Meanwhile, work on the project has potential oil spills, to replace the pipeline quickly accelerated since construction THE CIRCLE is a 501(c)3 non-profit newspaper and is governed by with a new pipe along a different route began on Dec. 1. Miles of right-of-way across northern Minnesota. have been cleared, and workers have a board of directors from the American Indian community. The new pipeline will also allow begun connecting sections of pipe BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Circle is dedicated to presenting news from a Native American Enbridge to nearly double the amount together in certain areas in preparation of oil it currently transports through for installing it in the ground. CHAIRPERSON perspective, while granting an equal opportunity to community voices. JOY PERSALL The Circle is published monthly by The Circle Corporation, Line 3. Activists have also continued efforts PO Box 7506, 3045 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407. But opponents argue the project to physically stall construction. In BOARD MEMBERS Editorials and articles are the sole responsibility of the authors, exposes new areas of water-rich northern December, a self-described “water pro- MELISSA BUFFALO and do not necessarily reflect the opinion, attitude, or philosophy of The Circle. The Circle does not endorse any product or service Minnesota to risks of an oil spill, and tector” suspended herself from a giant ROBERT LARSEN accepted as advertising, and reserves the right to reject any also would greatly exacerbate the tripod to limit access to a work site near NOAH MIWA advertising, material, or letters. The Circle encourages the submission impacts of climate change by transport- Backus, Minn. SHIRLEY SNEVE of Letters to the Editor, which must include the writer’s name and ing nearly 800,000 barrels of heavy Protesters have also repeatedly blocked JANE STEFFEN address. Letters may be edited for language and length. Canadian oil every day to refineries in work on a section of the pipeline route

HONORARY MEMBER NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED the Midwest and Gulf Coast. in Aitkin County, near a point where it ROBERT ALBEE WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER. The new pipeline corridor winds crosses the Mississippi River.

around tribal reservations in northern MANAGING EDITOR Member of Minnesota American IndianChamber of Commerce and Minnesota, except for the Fond du Lac Minnesota Public Radio News can be heard CAT WHIPPLE the Minnesota Newspaper Association. Circulation: 10,000 reservation, whose leadership reached on MPR’s statewide radio network or online.

THE CIRCLE ADVISORY BOARD: DAVID BICE, BRENDA CHILD, KELLY DRUMMER, a deal with Enbridge to route the new HEID ERDRICH, JIM LENFESTEY, LAURA WATERMAN WITTSTOCK line through its lands after it was approved by the PUC. 612-722-3686 • www.thecirclenews.org • [email protected]

4 January 2021 The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective http://www.thecirclenews.org NEWS State programs help Native warriors become employed civilians

BY LEE EGERSTROM the federal and state benefits they have earned. JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 7, 2021 State officials working on veterans' or Jeff Isachsen, like for a lot of employment services said helping vet- Native Minnesotans, it was far erans in general and especially Native Celebrating cold, creative winters through ten days F easier to become a member of veterans has become more difficult with of programming that invigorate mind and body the armed services than an employed the pandemic. civilian in the midst of a pandemic and “We pivoted to virtual services (on the recession. With the help of state pro- Internet) with the COVID. We are grams, the transition can be made even doing it now safely and virtually,” said in these trying times. Ray Douha, a Navy veteran who is direc- Isachsen, 46, worked for several years tor of the Veterans Employment at Mystic Lake Casino for the Shakopee Program at DEED, during a conference Mdewakanton Sioux Community after call interview. “But we are not reaching Marlena Myles: Climate Action Films: Climate Justice: The leaving the Marine Corps in 2003. A everyone we would like.” Innerworld Prism Earth, Water, Air, Fire People’s Role disabled veteran, he used veterans’ ben- Computer access is difficult for veter- efits to attend the University of ans now that most libraries are closed. JAN 27, “festival eve” JAN 28 – FEB 7 FEB 4 Minnesota. Providing virtual services for the home- Large-scale digital A series of films that speak A virtual panel featuring a “I graduated in May. It was scary. I less is really a stretch, said Douha and animated artwork by to essential issues in the mix of national and local wondered what I was going to next,” he Barry Platt, an Army veteran who is Marlena Myles, projected climate conversation activists and organizers said. field operations manager for the pro- onto Highlight Tower in based around the 4 sharing perspectives on Most everyone knew the magnitude gram. Social distancing to stay safe keeps Northeast Minneapolis. elements: The Biggest climate justice through of the COVID-19 pandemic at that people from using friend’s computers Little Farm, First Daughter stories of “We the People” point. The Minnesota and national and even telephone service. and the Black Snake, climate action. With economies were quickly falling into 2040, and Rebuilding Winona LaDuke (Honor The COVID pandemic causing veter- Paradise. the Earth), Catherine recession. People were losing jobs and ans to remain isolated and being unem- In partnership with MSP Fleming (Project Sweetie businesses were closing shops. ployed both expand the need for health Film Society Pie), and Bruce Morlan Employers held back in hiring while services in tandem with employment (Conservative Climate watching economic developments and services, said Montry. Caucus). Moderated surging numbers of virus infections. Despite such challenges, Douha, Platt A Conversation on by Carmen Sirianni A state employee with the Minnesota and Montry can point to successes dur- Climate Science, (CivicGreen). Department of Veterans Affairs, a mem- ing the past year. Policy and Justice with In partnership with the ber of the White Earth Nation, got Reviews of joint DEED and Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Minnesota Humanities Isachsen connected with Yogi (Terrence) Department of Human Services (DHS) Johnson Center and Climate Montry, a veteran employment repre- Generation veterans’ programs for the fiscal year JAN 28 sentative with the Department of ending on June 30, which doesn’t Northern Foraging Employment and Economic account for the past six months, showed Copresented with JAN 28, podcast release Westminster Town Hall Development (DEED). He works within 703 veterans receiving case-managed Dialogue with Sean DEED’s Native American Project that services. Of them, 16 percent were Forum, kicking off a week of climate solutions Sherman (The Sioux Chef, bundles various programs to help Native Native veterans or other people of color. “lunchtime learning.” Minneapolis) and Mikkel veterans find work. Nearly half of these veterans (47 per- In partnership with Lau Mikkelsen (VILD MAD, Isachsen became one of Montry’s cent) had a disability or other barrier to Minnesota Public Radio Copenhagen) on getting cases. It worked. He is now a Wells employment, 54 percent were between outside and connecting Diane Wilson: The Fargo loan officer. the age of 25 and 49, 13 percent were with nature through Seedkeeper foraging. Montry is a member of the Cheyenne women, 16 percent were ex-offenders, FEB 7 River Sioux Community in South and 12 percent were homeless. In partnership with Dakota and the White Earth Ojibwe Of these veterans served by state pro- Meal Magazine Issue 2, An exclusive book preview Nation. He is a Marine veteran as well. grams, 15 percent had only had only featuring two long-form and virtual conversation articles commissioned All 26 caseworkers and employment high school or GED diplomas while 40 hosted by MPR’s Brandt by The Great Northern Williams, Diane Wilson’s representatives working the Native pro- percent had bachelor or higher degrees. Faribault Woolen Mill highlighting the work and The Seed Keeper is a grams at DEED are Native American Granted, the fiscal year review doesn’t perspectives of Sherman, limited run blanket by work of historical fiction veterans, Montry said. This helps to show what has happened in the last half Mikkelsen, Yia Vang and centered on the forced Dyani White Hawk for assure that relationships during training, of year 2020. There was, however, favor- Wendy Geniusz march of Dakota women preparations for seeking employment, able results heading into the virus surge. The Great Northern: and children in Minnesota and finding various other services the The review showed that 86 percent of Guided in 1862. veteran might need are culturally sensi- veterans receiving case-managed services JAN 28 – FEB 7 In partnership with Milkweed Editions tive, he said. successfully exited the programs with In partnership with “If a women veteran is uncomfortable an average wage of $22.18 per hour. American Craft Council working with me, we have Native That is $7 an hour more than the gen- women here as well.” erally accepted cost of living rate for Statistics kept by the Minnesota Minnesota, and $4 more that the cost View the full schedule of events at www.thegreatnorthernfestival.com. Department of Veterans Affairs show of living for a family of four. why that is important. Keeping alive a warrior tradition, 25 percent of able- For information on available veteran bodied Native Americans enlist in the services, see www.mnworkforceone.com armed services compared to only 3 per- and https://careerforcemn.com/veter- cent of the general U.S. population. ans-resources. Minnesota’s other veteran Despite this service, less than 50 percent services and benefits can be found of American Indian veterans apply for at https://mn.gov/mdva. http://www.thecirclenews.org The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective January 2021 5 NEW BRIEFS

provide a more comfortable educational journey.” the university to take action. WETCC signs Articulation White Earth Tribal and Community College is a UW-Stevens Point Chancellor Bernie Patterson said Agreements with seven two-year institution located in Mahnomen, Minn. The the university is committed to establishing a permanent colleges and universities College is dedicated to academic excellence grounded memorial on the site. Mahnomen, MN – White Earth Tribal and in Anishinaabe culture, values, and traditions. Community College (WETCC) has entered into WETCC has one of the lowest tuition rates in the Articulation Agreements with Bemidji State entire state and has an open enrollment policy, pro- Archeological find halts proposed University, Metropolitan State University, Minnesota road improvement project viding accessibility for anyone to earn their AA degree. NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (AP) – The discovery of State University Mankato, Minnesota State University WETCC serves PSEO options allowing high school Moorhead, Southwest Minnesota State University, Native American artifacts that appear thousands of students to start their college journey and is open to years old has prompted Massachusetts officials to St. Cloud State University, and Winona State tribal members and non-tribal members with a high University, all who are institutions within the pump the brakes on a planned road improvement proj- school diploma. ect. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system (MnSCU), the largest system within Minnesota. The state Office of Energy and Environmental By entering into the Articulation Agreements, UW-Stevens Point marks Native Affairs said that a traffic roundabout proposed in WETCC will provide eligible students an opportunity American burial site on campus Northampton has been pulled from the state’s to be dually admitted in both WETCC and one of the STEVENS POINT, Wis. (AP) – A memorial on Environmental Policy Act review without prejudice, universities listed. One great feature of the dual admis- the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus the the Republican newspaper of Springfield sions program that is included in the agreements, will now marks the land as a gravesite for Native reported. allow students who attend WETCC the opportunity Americans buried there in 1863. The agency said the state Department of to be admitted into the university as a junior after Karen Ann Hoffman helped lead the effort and told Transportation will conduct public outreach in completing their AA degree at WETCC. Wisconsin Public Radio it’s a “hard-won first step.” response to an outpouring of comments during the This agreement is a huge accomplishment for By 1863, hundreds of Indigenous people of several review process. Energy officials say the transportation administration at WETCC and will open the door tribes were living in a camp in what is now Stevens agency eventually intends to re-submit its proposal. for students to easily transfer to a four-year college Point. The members of the group were essentially The more than $3 million project was slated to start or university. “We thank Chancellor Devinder refugees displaced by American settlers. last summer, but tens of thousands of people signed Malhotra and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic As many as 100 Indigenous people died when the a petition calling for the site’s preservation. and Student Affairs Ron Anderson for the efforts scarlet fever swept through the camp. About 30 years Archaeologists hired by the state to survey the site made to bridge the divide between our colleges and later, the university purchased the land where its cam- before construction uncovered stone blades, tools and make the transition to the Minnesota University sys- pus is today. other evidence of an ancient human settlement in tem seamless for our students” said WETCC The plaque installed last month on campus recog- 2019. President Lorna LaGue. nizes that history. It comes after years of work by A local property owner has also sued seeking to stop “We are creating pathways that our students can fol- Hoffman, Stevens Point anthropologist and researcher the project, which supporters say will improve traffic low by establishing these partnerships,” said WETCC Ray Reser and others. In September, they led a com- and pedestrian travel. Academic Dean Brian Dingmann, “and hopefully, munity letter-writing campaign aimed at convincing

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6 January 2021 The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective http://www.thecirclenews.org COMMENTARY Restoring our connections to each other and the natural world

BY RICKY DEFOE AND JANET KEOUGH natural places. We need many types of will also be found in the connection If we don't understand that we knowledge: intergenerational, dream with other beings who share our natural s the year gets ready to renew are related to the rocks, the state, ceremonial, and contemporary world. This year, let us come together itself, we have a chance to knowledge of science – not just power for renewal as a community and for A heal ourselves, our human water, the plants, and the and profit. We need the rivers, the wild restoration of a world view where communities, and the larger community rice, and the animals. And they need us human beings are both part of the nat- animals in all their forms, it is of all beings in the natural world. to come together as a community to ural world and its staunch protectors. We have a chance to restore our rela- easy to see only hierarchy and share the same objectives – clean water, tionships to the environment and to air, and land, and preserving life now “Gwiiwizens” Ricky W. DeFoe is a each other. We can rid ourselves of the dominion. That allows us to and in the future. Fond du Lac Band Elder and Water arrogance and ignorance that comes out destroy and allow destruction. This year has been a time of isolation, Legacy Board Member. in violence. and people long for relationships. We Janet Keough is President of Water We’ve experienced stress from living are a social people. We can change the Legacy. in an abusive environment, not just in world. For all those who enjoy and pro- way we relate to each other and rebuild This commentary was first published some of our families, but in our society tect our natural world, we need to the sense of working together for the in the Duluth News Tribune on December as a whole. This has brought negativity remember and regain those spiritual and welfare of all the people. 8, 2020. to the forefront of our community in emotional feelings we have for waters, Our spiritual and emotional medicine the form of competition, aggression, lands, and wildlife, a commonality and and selfishness. Our community is out world view that brought us all to our of balance and harmony. work and creates our well-being. In order to heal our differences and We and the other beings on our planet renew our spirits and our world, we first have the right to exist, the right to flour- Skyline Tower need to name these problems. If we ish, and the right to be sustained and 1247 St. Anthony Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104 can’t relate to our own community in sustainable. 651-999-7500 a positive fashion, how can we relate to In traditional Ojibwe culture, we are the environment? each part of our own healing. We can’t NOTICE: OPENING THE 2 BEDROOM WAIT LIST. Project just go to a doctor or another person We must start with mutuality, solidar- based Section 8, rent based on income for qualified applicants. ity, and community. American culture and expect them to do the healing for has socialized us to see group divisions us. We go to the waterways and forests Download applications at www.commonbond.org – Black, White, Native, Other. Add to find healing medicines. We partici- starting at 9AM January 11th until 4PM January 15th. privilege to that mix, and it makes a vio- pate in our own healing. lent society, with racial and social divi- Now is the time for us all to take Completed applications must be received by mail sion. As Americans we are also told that responsibility for our own healing – on or before January 22nd, 2021. we can fend for ourselves. So we see physically, spiritually, mentally, emo- All qualified applicants will be placed on the Waiting List power, money, dominance, prestige, and tionally, and socially. We all need to go, in the order they are received. credit work against relationships and both physically and in spirit, to wild and CommonBond Communities Equal Housing Opportunity drive negativity within and among even elements of our communities who share similar goals and values. Healing begins by doing good work for others. If we turn away from selfish- ness and, instead, lift others’ spirits and burdens it takes away our own hurts and divisions. Healing means a holistic renewal that is physical, emotional, men- tal, spiritual, and social for both the individual and the community. The Ojibwe language speaks about you before me. In English, we say “I’ll see you later.” In Ojibwe, we say “giga- waabam-in naagaj,” which means “you will be seen by me later.” In English, we say, “I love you.” In Ojibwe, we say “Gi-zaagi-in,” which means, “you are loved by me.” When we speak about you before me, we also seek to think about you before me. Institutions are manifestations of actions that stem from our cosmology, philosophy and values. If we don't understand that we are related to the rocks, the water, the plants, and the ani- mals in all their forms, it is easy to see only hierarchy and dominion. That allows us to destroy and allow destruc- tion. We experience societal devaluation of nature, the demand for short-term profit, and regulatory capture in our government. It is important to re-spiritualize the

http://www.thecirclenews.org The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective January 2021 7 “Indigenous Organizations” continued from cover Yellowhorse works as a chef at the Gatherings Cafe in the American Indian Center. He cooks meals that are delivered to community elders so they can stay safe at home. The pandemic and food insecurity have disproportionately affected Indigenous communities, according to Second Harvest Heartland, the Twin Cities food bank. Sometimes the hours in the kitchen are difficult, and after putting in a long day, Yellowhorse walked home in a blizzard. Originally from the Tohono O’odham Nation in southern Arizona, he moved to Minneapolis two years ago and has been cooking for his community ever since. “I’m here not for me, I’m here for the elders,” he said. Elders play an important role in Indigenous commu- nities. They are storykeepers and teachers of tradition. When it comes to meal time, Rice says, “Elders always eat first.” On Christmas Eve, when meals were packaged to be delivered, the first 100 meals – along with medicines and pharmaceuticals – went to the community eld- Top: Siblings Liz and Bob Rice ers. make fry bread to deliver to The volunteer crew gathered around foldout tables elders on Dec. 24 at the assembling medicine bags. They filled the handmade Minnesota Chippewa Tribes cloth bags with traditional plant medicines: cedar, sage office in Minneapolis. Three Indigenous groups cooked and and sweetgrass for protection and red willow bark or delivered more than 400 meals tobacco as an offering to the ancestors. People together on Christmas Eve. from southern and northern tribes chatted and laughed while music played. Left: Fry bread sits in pans ready to be packed as three In addition to the food, plant medicines and medical Indigenous groups prepared kits, the volunteers also shared another kind of med- several hundred meals to be icine: laughter. It is scarce medicine these days, but delivered on Christmas Eve. on this day, it was a salve for the spirit and made sure (Photos by Christine T. that the holiday meals fed more souls than intended. Nguyen/MPR News.)

Fresh air, long hikes and a brand new year.

Find your winter hiking spot at mnDNR.gov/ParksAndTrails

8 January 2021 The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective http://www.thecirclenews.org “Deb Haaland” continued from cover The speaker called the New Mexico congresswoman “one of the most respected and one of the best mem- Haaland was born in Winslow, Arizona in 1960 bers of Congress” with whom she has served. and is a member of the Laguna Pueblo Native South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn, the No. 3 American people. Her mother, Mary Toya, is a Democrat in the House and a close Biden ally, also Native American women and US Navy veteran. supported Haaland for the job. Her father, J.D. Haaland, was a Norwegian American veteran of the US Marine Corps. Haaland, one of the first two Native American women elected to the House, said she could see the Haaland earned her Bachelor’s degree in difference her position made for ordinary Native Americans who came to her with business before the English from the University of New Mexico in federal government. 1994, at the age of 34. She earned her J.D. in “They felt comfortable just launching into the issues Indian law from University of New Mexico they wanted,” Haaland told The Associated Press in School of Law in 2006 and served as the tribal an interview before her appointment. They would say, administrator for the San Felipe Pueblo from for example, “Oh, we don’t have to explain tribal sov- January 2013 to November 2015. ereignty to you,” meaning tribes’ constitutionally guar- anteed status as independent nations. Scores of tribal officials around the country and Interior’s broad authority includes managing federal dozens of Democrats had written letters urging relations with tribes, administering tens of millions Haaland’s appointment. of acres of land and mineral rights held in trust for Haaland, is vice chair of the House Committee for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, running Natural Resources. She previously worked as head of national parks and making decisions affecting millions New Mexico’s Democratic Party, as tribal administra- of miles of U.S. lands and waterways, wildlife, endan- tor and as an administrator for an organization pro- gered species, and oil and gas and mining. viding services for adults with developmental Biden has promised the nation’s broadest effort yet disabilities. to curb the oil, gas and coal emissions that are causing Born to a Marine veteran father and Navy veteran the rapid deterioration of the climate, and Interior mother, Haaland describes herself as a single mother would play an important part in that. who sometimes had to rely on food stamps. She says Representative Deb Haaland, D-NM 1st District. (Photo by Previously, the highest-ranking administration official Franmarie Metzler/commons.wikimedia.org.) she is still paying off student loans after college and known to have Native American heritage was Charles law school for herself and college for her daughter. Curtis, who served as Herbert Hoover’s vice president When Democrats mentioned former Interior Mexico Democrat. and whose mother was one-quarter Kaw tribe. Department officials who were male and Native Haaland told the AP before her selection that regard- American as alternatives to Haaland, her supporters less of what job she had, she’d be working to “promote Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani in charged sexism and classism, and stuck with the New clean energy and protect our public lands.” Wilmington, Del., contributed to this report.

We all have our own unique styles. But this year there’s one thing we can come together as one on – controlling the fl u. With one little fl u shot and one little bandage, you can band together against the fl u for us all. TOGETHER 


e

All bandage art created by Minnesota artists. Learn more at health.mn.gov/bandagainstfl u.

http://www.thecirclenews.org The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective January 2021 9 P ROFILES: N ATIVE A MERICANS IN S PORTS – BY D AN N INHAM LeRoy Staples Fairbanks IV: Bringing AAU Summer Season to Cass Lake-Bena he wave of top level Minnesota LeRoy. “I was also named Prep Hoops Section 8 basketball talent is Big Jump Stock Riser for the 16U AAU T continuing to rise at Cass season.” Lake-Bena High School. One of the “We are a basketball family, so it was team leaders is making potential adver- naturally expected for LeRoy IV to pick sity into his strength. up a basketball,” said dad LeRoy Staples LeRoy Staples Fairbanks IV, 16, is Fairbanks III. “He grew up watching from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Cass Lake-Bena’s run of state tourna- and his clan is Makwa (Bear). He is a ments, and traveled the region watching junior at Cass Lake-Bena HS. His par- his uncle Brady play ball during his col- ents are LeRoy Staples-Fairbanks III lege career.” and Becky Fairbanks. Leech Lake Tribal College Head LeRoy’s credentials include being a Men’s basketball coach and uncle Brady gold medalist for Team Minnesota 14U Fairbanks talked about his nephew: at the 2017 North American Indian “LeRoy always had love for the game Games. He was to play for the 16U team and always worked extremely hard. Each this past summer but Covid-19 arrived. year he had to prove himself and each “I have been playing varsity basketball year he’s improved his game.” since eighth grade,” said LeRoy. “In “Last summer Playmakers North had eighth grade in 2018 we made it to state 18 teams for boys and girls and I’d give and took fourth place. We made it to my most improved award to LeRoy,” the section championship the last three said Phil Roe, Playmakers North pro- years. We had a great chance to make it gram director. “In one year LeRoy dra- back to state this past year but the sea- matically got stronger taking it to the son got cancelled.” basket, shooting the ball and making LeRoy played AAU ball with the WI the right play at the right time. He works Playmakers North program. “Last sum- extremely hard and it shows.” mer I was recognized by Prep Hoops “I prepare myself to perform physically Minnesota as the Top Preseason small … by keeping my blood sugars level and forward in my section and top Breakout staying good for long and short term,” Player candidate for Section 8A,” said said LeRoy.

LeRoy Staples Fairbanks IV is a junior at Cass Lake-Bena HS. (Photo courtesy of Holden Phillip Law.)

“Something most people don’t know the day we found out, LeRoy IV has about me is that I have Type 1 diabetes,” been awesome about how he deals with said LeRoy. “I’m not shy or ashamed of it.” it but I just don’t tell a lot of people. “My mother is probably like the best This could be the first time I have said diabetic mother in the world and she something publicly about it. I was diag- helps out so much with this it’s crazy,” nosed two years ago, and I wear a full said LeRoy. time Dexcom blood sugar monitor in “LeRoy was cool, calm and collective my arm that I use to keep track of my about the whole situation,” said mom blood sugar numbers. I take insulin Becky Fairbanks. “Still to this day he through a shot every time I eat or need never gets upset or too emotional about to correct. I do this because my pancreas his situation, he just does what he has no longer produces insulin in my body to do to continue to live a healthy life. so I have to do it for myself. It has been I believe that these traits show how he a huge learning experience and lifestyle is a great leader at such a young age to change, living with diabetes.” be in control of this disease and not let- “Two years ago we learned that LeRoy ting this disease control his life.” was a Type 1 diabetic, and was a huge “I have been watching him since he shock to our family,” said dad LeRoy was a little bitty guy, playing the sports III. “We had to learn the differences he loves so much,” said Becky. “On the between relatives we knew with Type 2 court, I watch how he leads the team and now how to live with Type 1. Since with playing in an unselfish manner.”

10 January 2021 The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective http://www.thecirclenews.org POLITICAL MATTERS: Native Issues in the Halls of Government – by Mordecai Specktor

Cancelling Henry Sibley the year 2020 was another time for a Unlike the Washington NFL fran- chises that still need a nudge to do the As I mentioned in the December sea change in consciousness – a rethink- chise, which lurched forward in response right and decent thing. issue of The Circle, I attended Sibley ing wrought by the Minneapolis police to financial pressure, the Cleveland club Getting back to my alma mater, on High School. In gym class, we wore killing of George Floyd, on May 25. As studied the issue in a deliberative way. Dec. 7, the board of West St. Paul- jerseys that were adorned with the statues of Confederate generals were “One of the experts the team con- Mendota Heights-Eagan Area Schools, image of an American Indian in a full- pulled from their pedestals (along with sulted over the summer was Stephanie aka School District 197, voted unani- feather bonnet. The school nickname the Columbus statue at the Minnesota Fryberg, a professor of psychology at the mously to change the name of Henry was Warriors and, in the late ’60s, it Capitol), a reconsideration of history University of Michigan and a member Sibley High School. clearly referred to Native culture. Our and cultural touchstones was taking of the Tulalip tribes in western Minnesota’s first governor led U.S. yearbook was titled Keewaydin, a vari- place. Washington State,” according to a story troops in the 1862 war against the ant on Giiwedin, Ojibwe for “north Pro sports executives – even those in in the Times. “Her research illustrates Dakota, and then convened the military wind” or “north.” the hidebound NFL that shunned the damaging effects the use of Native commission that condemned 303 I was a member of the Class of 1968, Colin Kaepernick for taking a knee in American sports mascots have on Dakota men to death. Pres. Abraham and that fateful year of world revolu- support of Black lives – were moved Indigenous people, particularly chil- Lincoln later reduced the list of con- tion has reverberated through the by the global reckoning on racial jus- dren.” demned men to 38; and they were decades. The 73-day U.S. government tice that was triggered by a cop crush- Fryberg “presented her research, gave hanged together on a scaffold on Dec. siege of the village of Wounded Knee, ing the life out of Big Floyd, by Cup her opinions and answered their ques- 26, 1862, in Mankato, Minn., in the in 1973, was another turning point, as Foods, Chicago Avenue and 38th tions. She believes the team should be largest mass execution in U.S. history. the American Indian Movement Street, South Minneapolis. The lauded for its open-minded and genuine In an Aug. 25, 1862 letter to Gov. (AIM) and traditional Oglala Lakota Washington NFL franchise, which was approach to a sensitive matter.” Alexander Ramsey, who was then at Pine Ridge took a stand against facing pressure from its corporate “It wasn’t at all like the Washington Minnesota’s second governor, Sibley repression and tribal corruption. sponsors, announced that it would Football Team, which did it kicking and betrayed his implacable enmity toward On another track, Native people cam- ditch the “R”-word; its squad is now crying,” Fryberg told the newspaper. “It the Dakota: “My heart is steeled against paigned against the appropriation of called the Washington Football Team. was a really thoughtful process, and it them, and if I have the means, and can their sacred symbols and rituals for And in mid-December, Major League was obvious they cared about it. They catch them, I will sweep them with the America’s sports-industrial complex. Baseball’s Cleveland franchise listened and asked good questions. They besom [a broom made of twigs tied On the prep and collegiate levels, announced that it will no longer be the said: ‘Look, many of our fans really like around a stick] of death.” numerous schools changed the names Indians, as of the 2022 season. “We have this name. Is there any way to make it The District 197 school board made of sports teams known as the Indians, decided to move forward with changing work?’ But they understood there is no the correct decision, finally. I’ll be a Braves, Fighting Sioux, etc. the current team name and determining way to keep the name without doing proud alumnus of a school not named In the professional ranks, it seemed a new, non-Native American based harm.” after a villainous character in Minnesota like the team owners would hold fast to name for the franchise,” the club said Of course, there’s still the matter of history. their nicknames and demeaning sym- in a statement reported in the New York the Atlanta Braves and the Kansas City bols derived from Native lifeways; but Times. Chiefs, to cite two examples of pro fran-

A New Temporary Home for MIGIZI!

MIGIZI will be located temporarily at 2610 E. 32nd St, Mpls, MN 55406 starting in February.

We're glad to be able to have our staff and community comfortably situated in this space while our new permanent space is acquire.

SUPPORT OUR NATIVE YOUTH! Donate at: www.migizi.org/support-us

Our new space that we are renovating and hope to be in by late summer of this year.

http://www.thecirclenews.org The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective January 2021 11 NEWS ILTF’s Will In A Box helps Native Americans with land transfers BY HANNAH BROADBENT on, and it could take years to decide.” Tribal members who own trust land in Minnesota, Montana and Oklahoma ike many American Indians, my can take advantage of this service free family has land in our district of charge. L on the Sisseton Whapeton There is a checklist of items you need Oyate Reservation (in South Dakota). to have on hand before you begin the Also, like many families, my grand- Will in a Box process. A few of the basic mother’s land went to her oldest son. items include: Government ID, name Sometimes it’s that simple and some- of tribe you are enrolled in, and tribal times it’s not. enrollment number. If you own real When it’s not, we need a plan. Our estate (land, farm, house) you will need family’s land can provide resources and a copy of your title and a copy of your space to continue a traditional way of mortgage documents. There are a several life. Planning the outcome can be a com- other items to checkoff so be sure to plex thing to do and usually means we visit the website so you can be fully pre- are planning for someone’s journey to pared. the next life. The Indian Will in a Box, is laid out How do we start? as an interview, you will find an outline The Indian Land Tenure Foundation of everything that will be covered at the recently launched a program for Natives very beginning. The will-writing process to write their own will to aid in the safe is incredibly detailed and simplified, transfer of lands from one generation there is even a “legal terms” section that to the next. It’s called “Will in a Box”. has a definition for each legal phrase On their website they state: “Your land that is included. When it is a completed The Indian Land Tenure Foundation recently launched a program for Native Americans to may be the most important thing you you will be able to download your Will. write their own will to aid in the safe transfer of lands. (Image from: www.iltf.org.) own, but you won’t be able to leave it Before you begin, ITLF wants you to to your children if you don’t take action understand a very important aspect. options for writing your Will. You will and managed by Indian people – in this now. If you die without a will, it will be “The product is designed for you to still be able to name your heirs and say case, that person is you. up to a federal probate judge – not you write a Simple Will. The Simple Will is what happens in case of future events,” The goal is to have this service avail- or your kids – to determine who will designed for simple estates. This inter- they write on the platform. “This Will able for more and more tribal members inherit your land after you have passed view doesn’t give you all available does not take the place of legal advice in the future. from an attorney. It is always a good idea “By providing services that reduce frac- to consult with an attorney about your tionation, and training that informs Will.” Indian people about the laws governing ILTF says, for more than a century, land ownership and transfer, ILTF Indian families have seen valuable land empowers tribes and individual resources diminish as fractionated own- landowners to protect their land assets ership increases with each passing gen- and preserve economic and cultural eration. On their website they state that resources for future generations.” they support estate planning as one of the most effective ways to stop the con- For information, see their website at: tinued division of Indian land titles and www.iltf.org/special-initiatives/estate- ensure that Indian lands are controlled planning

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http://www.thecirclenews.org The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective January 2021 13 ARTS “The Brave” is compelling, but could do without the stereotypes

BY DEBORAH LOCKE third. The story starts in California with A few things here. First, Collin’s obser- Collin Couch, 12, who has an obsessive- vations are often insightful and touch- compulsive disorder (OCD) that isolates ing, like this: “My dad drinks a lot. I his book, “The Brave” by him from classmates and frustrates the guess that is what happens when you James Bird, about a boy who adults in his life. He calculates the num- have to work a nine-to-five job you hate T overcomes a disability and ber of letters in sentences spoken to him, just to put food on the table for a son hard start in life, could have been great. and then repeats the number. Specialists you don’t necessarily like. And as hard It’s not great. Granted, the book was attempt to treat Collin, but no one can as I tried to make him like me, it’s pretty written for middle school-age children, help. Collin’s father is an alcoholic who hard making an alcoholic happy.” and has strengths including a com- has trouble keeping jobs, and must send At the Duluth airport, Collin waits at pelling premise of overcoming fear and Collin to live with his Ojibwe mother the baggage claim with Seven and notes finding true love. Another plus: for in Minnesota. that no one sees or speaks to him. those who enjoy geographical familiarity, Collin’s mother, Cecelia, meets Collin Instead, people look at their cell phones most of the story is set on the Fond du and his dog, Seven, at the Duluth air- or watch the conveyer belt, “searching Lac Reservation in northeastern port, and drives the boy and dog to her for their stuff like it’s a race to see who Minnesota. Other reviewers pronounced home at the Fond du Lac Reservation. can get out of the airport the fastest.” “The Brave” as “endearingly earnest,” He is welcomed by a grandmother who He watches family members embrace “an amazing debut,” “bighearted,” and comes and goes, and by a next door each other, “and parents scooping up “a novel to cherish.” neighbor – Orenda – who spends most their little traveling children. It’s like Huh? How closely did they read? of her time in a treehouse. Orenda, wise one of those commercials on TV where Granted, the story is make believe and beyond her years, teaches Collin to be everyone is paid to be overly happy.” brimming with magic and mystery and brave when faced with adversity. Sick They drive to Fond du Lac and I pic- with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s ture a truck at night tooling down ghosts, but this magic and mystery The Brave depicts wooden caricatures in a fake disease, Orenda predicts that one day Interstate 35 North to State Highway By James Bird reservation setting. Insight into why she will turn into a butterfly. As Orenda 33 South to Big Lake Road to the reser- Feiwel & Friends adults do what they do is rarely offered. loses strength, Collin gains strength both vation. This is where the similarity to June 2020 mentally and physically. With the help the actual reservation and its people Grade level : 4 - 7 All we learn is that one drinks too much 320 pages alcohol, another is always getting into of some kind of medicine man and after ends. Cecelia’s home is deep, deep in or out of her truck, and a wise, spooky turning into a wolf and killing a boogey- the woods where peach trees grow that grandmother appears and disappears. man, or dreaming that, Collin is mostly feed Orenda’s butterflies. Spoiler alert: Ojibwe. (Granted, choice words may be The best part of the book is the first free from his OCD. peach trees don’t grow in northern directed to a non-working vehicle engine Minnesota. Apples do. What’s with the on a sub-zero morning, but the intent peaches? is not conversational.) Another gripe: Collin enrolls in a One may argue that these points are SUBSCRIBE TO THE CIRCLE Duluth school where he is bullied for hypercritical of fiction that’s merely that: his disability, and no teacher or admin- stuff that’s all made up. True enough. K CHECK IF THIS IS A RENEWAL istrator seems interested in helping him. And the book’s overall premise that I have not attended school in Duluth, humans may gain strength and courage PLEASE CIRCLE YOUR CHOICE * 1 YEAR 2 YEAR but am pretty sure that Collin’s OCD in the face of hardship is a good one. FIRST CLASS MAIL (ARRIVES IN 2-3 DAYS, ENVELOPED) $37 $70 would have been at the very least, Still, we should be past stereotypes of INTERNATIONAL (FIRST CLASS, ENVELOPED) $42 $80 acknowledged. Ideally, he would receive stoic, wise Indians who speak little and SUPPORTING (FIRST CLASS, FOR LARGE ORGANIZATIONS) $70 $140 coping skills and treatment. are abnormally attached to the great out- Finally, Collin sees his mother talking doors. * CHECKS SENT FOR LESS THEN THE CORRECT AMOUNT WILL BE RETURNED. to her truck and wonders if all Native Americans have a connection with “The Brave” (Feiwel and Friends, everything around them, or is it just in Macmillan, $16.99, 2020) is James Bird’s K I have enclosed $______for the subscription circled above. his family? Note: I have lived on and first book. A screenwriter and director, he K Please charge my credit card account: K Visa K American Express K Discover worked at the Fond du Lac Reservation lives in New England with his wife and son. and am unaware of truck-talking Card# Expiration

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14 January 2021 The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective http://www.thecirclenews.org IT AIN’T EASY BEING INDIAN – BY RICEY WILD sjdfzxjmeAipunbjm/dpn

I just want them all gone. I am in ther- There are now over 360,000 unnec- inant culture but still have ours from apy trying to help myself and I know essary deaths of loved ones in the U.S. the time the Star Beings put us here. many others are, too. What a night- and millions globally. It is easy to wear From those ancestors we get our mare shared by all. a mask for protection for oneself and strength and resilience – dream on I had a lot of awful things happen for others. Plz, I entreat you. that. We were not supposed to still be to me in the recent past but I know I I’m excited for January 20 when the here as a reminder of a failed geno- don’t have ‘Rona (as yet). Last July world laughs out the old Orange Guy cide. while in the hospital, after I shattered and greets the new old white guy as My New Year’s vows include learn- my left ankle, they gave me two tests POTUS. There is a big difference. ing to make frybread but I’m not by shoving a three-foot Qtip up my Biden has a young, Jamaican, India gonna tell anyone how it goes. I will nose to test me for Covid. They Indian woman as vice president who dance again without a cane even if it’s seemed to enjoy my discomfort. Most was born in Oakland, CA. So drop the just in a chair. The light at the end of recently I woke up all miserable and rhetoric about her. the Tunnel of Misery is just around creaky having a sore throat and aches- I cried when it was announced that the corner, I can see it glimmering. n-pains. Sen. Kamala Harris would be in I shall love again and freely, with no I called the Indian clinic and they office. Just as with Michelle, as I call projections as to the outcome. I’ve advised I have a ‘Rona test done. I her, she will be the new, brown face missed you all soo much! Just know A thought to share with yooz. By explained that I could not go there so topping every pasty pale one we’ve had that I am ba-ack and happy to be here. this time in my middle age I thought they sent out a nurse; a big, beefy guy so far. Let’s hear it for the Sistahs!!! And, even though I’m not a Christian that I would ‘get it’ by now, whatever who came in my house dressed in PPE Not only that but Rep. Deb Haaland I got gifts and cards from loved ones that state of being is. Truth is I don’t and asked whether I had blown my will be Secretary of the Interior. who celebrate this season. I celebrate ‘get it’ and by that I mean life in gen- nose? I always blow my nose, it’s one What?! IKR? I cried then, too. Lot’sa the Solstice. Same thing really, with eral as opposed to what I think it’s of my most endearing qualities, any- crying going on this year but all was all the pagan customs disguised as supposed to be. Geddit? No? Exactly. way he meant boogers. not bad. When I was a child, I wanted Christianity. That said, it is now another year of I braced myself for the rude intru- to be Maria TallChief, Buffy St.Marie, My hugs will be weird, long ones a lot of what nobody knows or can sion sitting in my wheelchair as he and any of the many authors of books when I can finally hold you in my predict. All I know for sure is that the approached. He just did a little, very by Indigenous women. Now our arms and close to my heart, just know current squatter in the White House gentle swirl in each nostril and was daughters and granddaughters can yooz have it coming. I’m saving them will be gone from public housing. IT done. All that self-imposed drama for aspire to create change in mainstream all up in prayers that I get to see you needs to pull itself up by its bootstraps naught! Best news is I do not have it, culture and politics (aka colonial or meet you again. Cheers to a new and immigrate to Russia where IT and and that I need to stop watching so rules). day! A day that it is good to be kind family will have the best quarters liv- much news. Well, error on the side of Hey! We are now what I call modern to others, and also take care of oneself. ing in the Gulag. Me not being a hater, caution, ennit? Indians in that we live within the dom- We’re all we’ve got.

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