the Talking Leaves A Publication of the Southeastern Cherokee Council

	the Talking Leaves A Publication of the Southeastern Cherokee Council, Inc. www.secci.com December 2003
As the printed version of the Talking Leaves may be delayed past the end of this year, this partial copy is being made available. It is not a complete copy.

SeCCI - IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT Note: Please see that every Chief reads this in each of our 50 Bands during the months of October and November. This notice will appear in the Talking Leaves. THE PROBLEM As Registrar I have an official notice from the Indian Arts and Crafts Board of the United States Department of the Interior stating: 1. The Southeastern Cherokee Council, Incorporated has come to the attention of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board. They report that the Indian Arts and Crafts Act (June 2003) is ?essentially a truth-in-advertising law." 2. After an investigation (in-house) they state, "we would like to bring to your attention that your group, the Southeastern Cherokee Council, Incorporated, does NOT meet the definition of Indian Tribe under the Act (law). 3. Members are to be informed that "if they produce and market their art or craft work or market the art and craft work of their fellow members, as Indian, Native Americans, or as a member of a particular Indian Tribe, they should immediately refrain from doing so." 4. Further, this letter states that, "with the sale or display for sale of an 'Indian', 'Native American' or of a particular tribe it must be produced by an enrolled member of a federally or officially State recognized Tribe, or by an individual who has been formally certified as a non-member Indian artisan by the federally or officially State recognized Tribe of their descent. 5. All questions, on a case by case basis, should be directed to Ms Meridith Z. Stanton, Director Indian Arts and Crafts Board at (202) 208-3773. A separate document titled "Indian Arts and Craft Act" states the civil and criminal penalties as: For a first time violation of the Act, an individual can face civil penalties up to a $250,000 fine or a 5 year prison term, or both. If a business violates the Act, it can face civil penalties or can be prosecuted and fined up to $1,000,000. OFFICIAL RESPONSE As the Registrar and CFO of the Tribal Corporation, and with the permission of the Principal Chief, and in consultation with the Tribal Secretary, I will write to assure the Indian Arts and Crafts Board of the following: 1. No craftsmen's certificates have been issued from my Office in the past four years. Certificates issued during the time when Red Bear was Principal Chief are now ten years out of date. Anyone with any past certificate that might indicate that they are an approved SeCCI Artist or Craftsperson should return the certificate to me immediately. Only materials with the present SeCCI Logo are to be considered ?Official.? 2. Your Council will be asked to: A. Continue, when the mourning period of the Principal Chief is completed, to look into State Recognition. A letter from the Governor of the State of Georgia has suggested that we are encouraged to re-start the process with local legislators. 1. We will, once again, face opposition from the three recognized tribes in Georgia, as we faced it in the past. 2. We will also have to make sure that the legislators understand that we do not plan to open a casino, that we prohibit drinking of alcohol and the use of drugs on our grounds and at all of our meetings. B. It is reported that the Bureau of Indian Affairs has in the past six months begun to draft new procedures for the recognition of Tribes. 1. We will, once again, face the hurdle that an application from Chief Rattlesnake Jackson about 30 years ago was rejected with the provision that the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy and/or any of the offshoot groups would not be considered again. C. We will need to form a PAC (Political Action Corporation) separate from SeCCI to hire a lobbyist to represent us in the Georgia State House and the Congress of the United States in Washington, DC. A skilled lobbyist had been contacted by Vice Chief Barnes in the past who reported that he would need a start-up fee of $25,000.00 and that the process (with no guarantees) might actually cost up to $100,000.00 and take five to ten years. We have $8,000.00 set aside for this purpose. With the recent financial crunch, all funds raised have been directed toward the budgeted needs and none have been added to the recognition funds (Hope Fund) as set aside. D. We would probably need to declare the Spring Meeting (2004) for the purpose of accepting Annual Reports (treasurer for the IRS) and Membership, and for the study of the recognition issue. E. We have never considered merging with a State Recognized Tribe (as suggested by one legislator) and we will not join with the one group that would assist individual members to become BIA carded, but would not assist all SeCCI members to be carded. ARGUMENTS FOR RECOGNITION A. If recognized, we would be able to certify artists and crafts-persons. B. If recognized, those states who do not recognize us when dealing with Cherokee children, who are members of SeCCI, would have to do so. C. If recognized, we could stop further invasion on our rights in three areas: 1)Native American Religion, Native American Children, and Arts and Crafts. That is, if only State Recognized and federally Recognized Tribes are Indian, they our ceremonies might be interrupted and persons fined for the possession of ceremonial feathers, etc. D. In some states health benefits may become available to our members. E. In some states educational benefits may become available to our members. F. In some states hunting and fishing rights may be restored to our people. ARGUMENTS AGAINST RECOGNITION A. We have never asked for help from the federal or state government. We must remember as descendants of Native Americans, that whatever we get from the federal government has typically had serious strings attached. B. We pay taxes, we are productive members of society. C. We know in our hearts who we are, and that is what counts! D. The Council will have a difficult time raising the needed funds for this project. I have one person that I write who has a plan whereby we might be able to do this, but still after a great deal of work, there can be no guarantees. WHAT DO YOU WANT US TO DO FOR YOU? It is time for the members to write the Tribal Secretary and express their opinion concerning these issues: A. Should the Spring Meeting be a Council Work Day? If so, other than Council Members are welcome to attend, but this would be a Saturday where the whole day is spent with the Council in a small room around tables working on the issues at hand (probably in the Elder's trailer)? B. Should we pursue recognition at the State or Federal levels? C. How many of you are willing to make sacrificial gifts for the process (organize a PAC, hire a lobbyist)? D. What other items do you want us to work on now, in the next five years, and the next ten years. Thank you for your kind attention to this matter. Please observe the notice of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board at all gathering and Pow-Wows. I will ask the Tribal Secretary to report the findings of your responses to the Talking Leaves. Her address can be found on the list of Officers at www.Secci.com. Be aware that great deal of mtime and work by a variety of members has already been given to the issue of recognition and we are no closer now that ten years ago. But we work for you and if this is what you wish us to do, then we will be guided by your wishes. Wado, Night Eagle
Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2003 1:13 PM Subject: Registrars reply - A & C Board Ms. Maridith Z. Stanton, Director Indian Arts and Crafts Board United States Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Ms. Stanton: Your informational packet concerning the enforcement of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act has been received. As loyal Americans, indeed First Americans, the Southeastern Cherokee Council Incorporated (the Tribe and Corporation) does not wish to be in violation of any law. In response to your letter, I have: 1. Sent via e-mail, 325 copies of the document titled 'Important Announcement' (see enclosed copy for your files). 2. Asked that the document 'Important Announcement' be read at each of the fifty Band meetings in October or November. 3. Sent a copy to the Cherokee Talking Leaves, our National Newspaper for publication nationwide in its next edition. I hope that each individual member of the Tribe will comply with the Indian Arts and Crafts law. For individual information, I have referred them to you as per the instructions in your letter. Please allow this personal note, speaking as a Citizen of the United States: While it is your job, I regret that the law has defined our 3,850 plus people as 'non-Indian.' My great-grandmother was Mary Holt who walked the Trail Where We Cried and is listed in the Dawes Report. Her daughter, Docia, intermarried so that my family is officially of 'mixed blood? as are most in our Council. We continue to endure the taunts of being 'wannabees' by those who collect their casino checks and other mandated benefits while we celebrate the Seven Sacred Ceremonies. While legislation as the Indian Arts and Crafts Law appears to be a 'truth-in-advertising' piece of legislation, is also a 'turf protection system' endorsed by the federal government that further disenfranchise the mixed-bloods of First American - Native American-Indian descent and limits our right to work in the crafts industry. Sadly, even at Cherokee, North Carolina where many Cherokee crafts are sold, some shops carry plastic merchandise clearly marked, ?made in China?. How is it that the foreign importers are free to produce Indian-like crafts and arts when the mixed-bloods are not? Or should we label our arts and crafts as ?mixed-blood crafts -- not BIA approved.?? Please do not see this as a stinging criticism. It is a 'heart thing? with our people. We are proud to be who we are. We have proven our blood lines. We are Cherokee! And no matter what legislation is passed, we are Indians, Native Americans, First Americans forever. Moreover, many of our children are equally proud of their heritage and will carry our ways into the years yet to come. It is my duty to uphold the laws of my country as it is of every citizen, and this law in particular, but I also hope that someday Congress will see the injustice in it and overturn all such laws. Sincerely, John Night Eagle Curtis, Ph.D.
SeCCI T-shirts $15 SeCCI car magnets $50 / pair ($25 / each) SeCCI license plates $10 / each SeCCI patches $15 / each + $1 postage and handling BWWS caps (members only) $10 / each
SeCCI Tribal Secretary Jan Wolf Dance Hicks 2003 Fall Membership / Council Meeting M I N U T E S September 20, 2003 Ochlocknee, GA Council Members Present: Principal Chief, Vivian Panther Lawson (present at the West Gate) Meeting Leader / Facilitator, Jim Singing Elk Hale, en lieu of Chief Panther’s mourning period Tribal Secretary, Jan Wolf Dance Hicks Treasurer, John Night Eagle Curtis Orator, David Three Feathers Hull Parliamentarian, James Black Wolf Hansen Tribal Marshal, Frank Many Feathers Lawson Call to Order by Jim Singing Elk Hale *Opening Prayer: Chief Edward Rainbowman Grooms, MO Hummingbird Medicine Band Time: 1:30 pm Location: Council House A G E N D A / M I N U T E S *Approve 2002* Fall Membership and 2003 Spring Council Meeting minutes** (Wolf Dance Hicks) Jan Wolf Dance Hicks asked that the 2002 Fall Membership and 2003 Spring Council Meeting Minutes be accepted as read on the SeCCI website at www.secci.com. The motion was made to accept the minutes, seconded, and accepted unanimously. * Reports: * Treasurer (Night Eagle Curtis) * Tribal Budget (Night Eagle Curtis) * Scholarship Awards / Honor Roll (Night Eagle Curtis) * Membership (Night Eagle Curtis) John Night Eagle Curtis presented the reports to the Council and Membership and asked that they be accepted as read. Wolf Dance asked the Council and Membership that, in order to save time during the meeting, they be accepted as is. The motion was carried, seconded, and accepted unanimously. Night Eagle also asked that if anyone were able to locate those on the Lost List to please contact Whispering Winds Curtis (nycurtis@secc-reg.com). * Grounds Committee (Wind Warrior Clark) * Nomination of Barry Shriver Jr Wind Warrior Clark announced that he was not prepared to report at this time. However, he announced a reminder that, as previously voted by the Council, members are not to leave their trailers on the National Tribal Grounds in order to comply with the County ordinances. Night Eagle reminded the Council and Membership that the Council amended this, saying that during work weekends the members would be allowed to park their trailers on the Grounds. Wind Warrior announced that he could give an apology (to unsaid member) only for the Chief and Membership but it would be given without his own consent. Various members, including Night Eagle, declared that if this could not be a heartfelt apology then it should be left unsaid. The Council and Membership agreed and the issue was dropped. Wolf Dance asked about the nomination of Barry Shriver to the Grounds Committee and Wind Warrior Clark reported that he had not had a chance to ask him yet. Therefore, the acceptance of the nomination is pending. * Bands * Resignation of Chief of Bands position Wolf Dance Hicks announced the resignation of Jack Medicine Bear Ready, Chief of Bands, to the Council. Principal Chief Panther Lawson has not appointed a replacement at the time while respecting her mourning period. * New Districts & reorganization: Keetoowah – (New England) Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island Four Corners – Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, California (transferred from Great Bear District to Four Corners) *Great Bear* – now consists of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana New World – added Delaware Echota – added West Virginia Ochlocknee – added South Carolina Great Lakes – added Iowa and Wisconsin * States to be assigned: Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota Wolf Dance Hicks read the reorganization and assignment of new Districts as prepared by Night Eagle Curtis and as accepted by the Council. * Historian (Brother Wolf Gilland) Randy Brother Wolf Gilland was not present due to Hurricane Isabel. Our Prayers are with him and his family. * Parliamentarian (Black Wolf Hansen) Black Wolf Hansen had no report. * Old Business: * Council House cleansing pail (Night Eagle Curtis) Night Eagle announced the purchase of the cleansing pail for ceremonials in the Council House. * *BWWS’ Wisdom Keepers* and Blanket/Gourd Societies are now under the auspice of the SeCCI, the Tribe Black Wolf explained that the Black Wolf Warriors Society (BWWS) had previously decided that it was a good idea to build the membership of these Societies first before being turned-over to the Tribe (SeCCI). After the morning’s BWWS meeting, the decision was reached and these two Societies were Gifted to the Tribe and will now be under the auspice of the Tribe rather than the BWWS. A motion was made to accept this decision, seconded, and unanimously accepted. David Three Feathers Hull, Tribal Orator and lifetime Leader of the Red Feather Society, discussed the Red Feather Society*, reporting that it is an honor society, comprised of persons who have consistently demonstrated the ideal Warrior characteristics, have gone above and beyond the accepted norm of service to the People, have heard the sounds of battle, have placed their life in danger to save the life of another, or have taken a life and shed blood in defense of their People. Night Eagle also noted that those who are asked into the Red Feather Society are asked in private rather than publicly, and that this is a high honor. Three Feathers asked that if the membership knew of any members worthy of recognition to this Society to please notify him. You may contact David Three Feathers Hull at: 1718 N. Cardinal Rd., Azle, TX 76020 (817-444-0598), email: Nellghl@aol.com. New Business: * Cherokee Mourning (Wolf Dance Hicks) Wolf Dance announced that many of our members have crossed this year and asked that they and their family be remembered in Prayers. She then discussed Cherokee Traditions of Mourning, clarifying that those who have declared themselves in mourning due to the loss of a loved one, whoever that may be 1) maintain their mourning period for one full year, from the time of crossing to a full year afterwards, 2) not wear regalia for any reason, whether or not it is dance, warrior, or any other regalia, 3) not enter the dance or ceremony Circle for any ceremonials or dancing whatsoever, whether or not it is performing ceremonies and/or participation in ceremonies, 4) not conduct or hold meetings or counseling of/with/for others, and 5) not perform duties of a Black Wolf Warrior, including Color Guard or security functions. Those wishing to come out of their mourning period must present their request to the Principal Chief, prior to ending their mourning period. NOTE: Principal Chief Panther will not be granting the release of anyone’s mourning period until she ends her own mourning on December 29^th, 2003. We ask that you be patient and respect this personal and sacred time. * Rules amended to allow for the Gaduga Society (Wolf Dance Hicks) Wolf Dance discussed what the Gaduga Society is. She reported that is NOT a “secret society” but simply a “helping society”. The members do NOT announce who they are, speak of this society to others, are never spoken about / praised / or acknowledged for their service, and come & go quietly when needed. They are basically “SHADOWS” of assistance. These needs may be examples of Elders needing assistance, someone to sit with a loved one while hospitalized, sit with sick family members, comfort those in mourning, etc. There are a multitude of reasons and needs. Night Eagle announced that Wolf Dance is the Gaduga Society Leader. Wolf Dance reported that there have been members assigned to the GA Gaduga Society and that she will be assigning members in each District of the SeCCI, in order to reach out nationally. The amendment of the Rules was not discussed at this time. * Honorary Memberships of the NY Nuyagi Keetoowah community (Wolf Dance Hicks) Wolf Dance announced the majority vote of 'yes', with one abstention of the Council to accept the Honorary Memberships of the entire New York Nuyagi Keetoowah community. She further noted that it would truly be an honor for us to have them as members. Their Keetoowah Medicine Priest, Star Singer Harrell, came to our National Tribal Grounds last year and honored us with our Sister Fire and Sacred Mound, and has since trained Jeff Shadow Hawk Banks as our own Firekeeper. In addition, the SeCCI Ceremonial Team recently visited this community where they were given the utmost respect, hospitality, and knowledge. Chief Panther reported that the Keetoowah community would be taking the invitation to their Council and have not yet responded with a reply. Wolf Dance reported that several of their community will be coming to the re-matriation of the Traveler this coming November, planned for the the Saturday following Thanksgiving, November 29th. * District Deputy Marshals - appointments, role clarification (Many Feathers Lawson) Frank Many Feathers Lawson, Tribal Marshal, presented the appointed District Deputy Marshals as approved by Principal Chief Panther, announced the adoption of their rules, and clarified their roles. Some of these roles include acting as Control Guards at SeCCI functions / meetings, assisting the Black Wolf Warriors as needed, visiting communities and organizing security in our Bands, protecting PowWow grounds from illicit use of alcohol, drugs (other than prescription use), and firearms, presenting quarterly reports on their Districts (functions / activities) to the Tribal Marshal, and investigating allegations, etc. and reporting results / findings to the Tribal Marshal and Council. Many Feathers added that each District has been assigned a Deputy Marshal except one, and he is currently addressing this. * Clarification of member registration (Night Eagle Curtis) Night Eagle clarified rules for member registration: 1) any members of any SeCCI Band MUST be a SeCCI member – all Band members must 1^st be SeCCI members, as registered with the Tribal Registrar, 2) any Band Leader / Chief CAN NOT hold their members’ applications in order to “prove” themselves 1^st – no one has to “prove” themselves worthy of membership to belong to any Band as the only requirements are a heartfelt desire to learn of Cherokee heritage/tradition and one drop of Cherokee blood, and 3) those wishing to become members do the following: a) write a cover letter to the Registrar, and b) send the application in ASAP. Please send to: John Night Eagle Curtis, 1100 Williams Street, Valdosta, GA 31601. (229-244-5721) email: nighteagle@secc-reg.com. He asked that we use the applications with the new logo. Night Eagle also clarified that we are not the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy, as some have us confused with that affiliation. * *OR Myrtlewood Band* request to full band status (Night Eagle Curtis) Night Eagle announced the appointment to FULL Band status, as voted by the Council, of the Oregon Myrtlewood Band. Congratulations and welcome! * *MO Hummingbird Medicine Band* request to full band status (Night Eagle Curtis) Night Eagle announced Jack White Eagle Shyrock, Deputy Marshal of the Stands Tall and Old Settlers District, who then announced the Chief of the Missouri Hummingbird Medicine Band, Edward Rainbowman Grooms. Rainbowman, requesting FULL Band status, reported their Band’s activities and meeting of all requirements. Among these were the starting of many programs for the needy, “Operation We Care” in order to correspond with Native American brothers & sisters in the military, clothing drives, and teachings to the young and Elderly. A motion was made to accept this Band into FULL Band status, was seconded, and accepted unanimously as such. NOTE: Several of this Band’s members were present for the meeting and contributed greatly to the harmony and gathering of hearts throughout the weekend. WADO! Congratulations and welcome! * *NC Uwharie Band* request to full band status (Night Eagle Curtis) Night Eagle announced the appointment to FULL Band status, as voted by the Council, of the North Carolina Uwharie Band. Congratulations and welcome! Night Eagle requested the appointment to FULL Band status of the Florida Nighthawk Band, which is an extension of the retired Spirit Wolf Watches Band, who was already in FULL Band status. Their elected Chief is Don Standing Bear Schreiner, a notable and well-respected member of the SeCCI. The motion was made to accept this Band, seconded, and accepted unanimously as FULL Band status. NOTE: The name Spirit Wolf Watches has been retired and will not again be used by the SeCCI. Wind Warrior nominated Randy Carter as Honorary Member of the SeCCI for his commitment and tireless labor on the Tribal Grounds buildings. Randy was called to the Council House and introduced to the Council and Membership and was generously applauded for his contributions. A motion was made to accept this membership, seconded, and accepted unanimously. Congratulations and welcome Randy! Cherokee John Barfield reported a recent visit to the Cherokee Village in North Carolina, recalling how he was impressed by the fact that they had put names on each of the species of trees (where they came from, what they were called, etc) around the Village, so that those who came to visit would recognize and learn about them. He asked if we could perhaps do that at the National Tribal Grounds. A motion was made to accept the suggestion, seconded, and accepted unanimously. Cherokee John reported that he would mark all of the plants / trees himself and pay for the costs of doing so. Wado Cherokee John! * Presentations / Gifts For Lee Spotted Pony Billingsley of Michigan, Night Eagle presented Spirit Bags to Principal Chief Panther for the re-matriation ceremonial of the Traveler. WADO Spotted Pony! Black Wolf Hansen presented to the Museum a beautifully framed 3^rd Place Ribbon for parade marching of the BWWS Color Guard, won 3 years ago in Florida. He also asked that all get involved with their Bands and communities in various parades. WADO Black Wolf! Black Wolf presented gifts to James Black Wolf Barfield and his girlfriend, Pam, for the endless and unconditional gift of labor given in the building of the handicapped bathroom, currently located on the National Tribal Grounds. WADO Black Wolf Barfield and Pam! * Announcements: (Night Eagle Curtis) The Naming Ceremony is scheduled for tonight at 7:00 pm in the Council House. He asked that anyone needing to be smudged to please do so first. There will be three (3) naming performed at the East Gate for those in mourning and reasons for not entering the Circle. Others will be performed within the Circle in the Council House. NOTE: Those in mourning and on their moon are respecting the tradition of not entering the Circle and Council House. There will be story-telling and dancing later on in the evening; place to be determined. There will be no Sunrise Ceremony in the morning. Those wishing to make their Morning Prayers may do so in the Council House (there will be tobacco available). The re-matriation ceremonial for Principal Chief Panther’s sister, Linda, will begin at 10:30 in the morning at the Council House. Night Eagle explained the term “re-matriation” is the returning of her ashes to Earth Mother. Atahuna (Reconciliation or the Friends Made ceremony) will be celebrated on October 4, 2003 at the National Tribal Grounds. Those wishing to attend are most welcome. This is a ceremony for making apologies, releasing resentments, and various adoptions. For example, if one wanted to make an apology to someone, he would place a Prayer bag under his chair until the apology was offered. Those receiving apologies would simply wait for the apology. Afterwards, there is a feast. This is also the time when the Apprentices are officially made (adopted) and others are adopted into the Tribe. The Firekeeper will make Gifts of matchboxes containing a small part of the Sacred Fire (usually a tiny piece of coal) in order to start all Sacred Fires the next year. At the Firekeeper’s discretion, these are either given away personally or placed at the base of the Sacred Mound. NOTE: The Ceremonial Team will meet at approximately 1:00 pm and begin the ceremony at approximately 4:00 pm on October 4^th. * Re-matriation ceremonial for the Traveler (Sat., 11/29, time to be arranged) Night Eagle reiterated that the Nuyagi Keetoowah community will be attending. We are asking for Spirit Bags / Bundles, which may be made of 4” squares of red felt / cotton, filled with Tobacco and Prayer. We ask that the children be reminded not to touch them or to remove them. Black Wolf Hansen reported the need for an assigned wall in the Museum, available specifically for the BWWS awards, recognition, etc. He announced the upcoming National American Indian Heritage PowWow, sponsored by the Ochlocknee Band, on November 7^th, 8^th, & 9^th in honor of Principal Chief Panther’s husband, Raymond Gray Wolf Lawson, the Traveler. This will be held at the National Tribal Grounds in Ochlocknee, GA and all are invited to attend. There will be dancing, arts & crafts by vendors, demonstrations of archery, blow gun, and tomahawk throwing, flute playing, our Cherokee Village, and story telling. There will be programs available containing historical Cherokee information, articles, pictures, etc., and if you would like advertisement space please contact Black Wolf Hansen. The Emcee will be Cherokee John Barfield. Head Man Dancer will be Black Wolf Hansen and the Head Lady Dancer will be Wolf Dance Hicks. Please take a look at the brochure advertised on the website (www.secci.com) under the “Announcements” section. We still have the following for purchase: SeCCI T-shirts $15 SeCCI car magnets $50 / pair ($25 / each) SeCCI license plates $10 / each SeCCI patches $15 / each + $1 postage and handling BWWS caps (members only) $10 / each Night Eagle reminded the Financial Warriors of their $10 / month commitment and that we can consider our Council House our place of worship, now that we have our Sacred Mound and Fire. Adjournment at 3:10 pm Respectfully submitted September 22, 2003 Jan Wolf Dance Hicks, SeCCI Tribal Secretary
Southeastern Cherokee Council, Inc. Registrar/Treasurer/Scholarship Chairperson John NIGHT EAGLE Curtis, Ph.D. 1100 Williams Street Valdosta, Georgia 31601-4041 Phone/Fax (229) 244-5721 e-mail nighteagle@secc-reg.com A 501.C3 non-profit corporation 1. Anticipated Income -- A. New Memberships $4,000. We will probably receive between 350 and 400 members this year. Think of a rough estimate of $10.00 for each or a maximum total of $4,000. B. 12 x 3 #1 and #2 1,250. C. Financial Warriors 1,800. D. Gifts (including special designated moneys) 2,500. E. Sales, Electricity, grounds fees, etc. 500. TOTAL $10,050. 2. Program Needs A. Fire-keeper B. Marshall None C. Historian D. Trustees (Grounds Committee) $500 E. Secretary F. Chief of Bands G. Principal Chief - Petty Cash $200 H. Cook Shack (2 meetings small meals) 100. 3. Revolving costs: A. Property 1. Minnesota Taxes $150. 2. Ochlocknee Taxes Insurance 600. Power 1,600. Phone 500. Repair/Propane 200. Museum Security 450 B. Medicine/Ceremonial Items (raised by gifts as needed) C. Registrar/Membership Costs 1. Copier 700. 2. Office Supplies 550. 3. Postage 640. D. Talking Leaves (4 issues) 4,000. E. Good of the Order 1. Clothes transportation costs, special member needs, etc. Total (minimal) 9,410. We have license plates to sell. We can order patches (100) to sell. We can have a little more latitude if we can enroll 100 members in the FINANCIAL WARRIORS at $10.00 or more per month. This has to be your budget. We will need your leadership financial support to make it work. May we not have any financial campaigns that are not going to benefit the budget. We need to support the budget first and then add extras.
MID-YEAR MEMBERSHIP REPORT January-August, 2003 1. Members, Associates, and Honoraries (January1) 3672 2. Losses A. Member’s Death 14 B. Members - to Withdrawn 74 C. Associates - to Withdrawn 6 Total Losses 94 Members less Losses 3578 3. Additions A. New Members 250 B. New Associates 8 Total Additions 258 4. New Total Members, Associates, and Honoraries 3836 5. Please help find those whose mail is reported as undeliverable by the USPS. See list below. Night Eagle, Registrar
SCHOLARSHIP REPORT 2003 Congratulations to all the applicants for the 2003 Scholarship Program. There were so many and all were outstanding in many ways. The committee had to really work to find the four that it deemed the best. Those selected for 2003 are: Dorothy LAUGHING RED FLOWER Olsen – Oregon Sherby Jean Brown – Florida Kristina LITTLE READ FOX Knipstein – Indiana Kerri SHINING HEART Beasley – Alabama These names will be added to the SeCCI ROLL OF HONOR at the close of the September Membership Meeting. During this year a members of the Many Rivers Band participated in a profit sharing program with SAMS Incorporated. One of the SAMS checks was designated as the SPECIAL MANY RIVERS AWARD, to be granted to a previous recipient who continues to earn high grades and continue his/her studies. This recipient is: Joshua WISDOM SEEKER Buchholtz – Oklahoma. Jeff STARHAWK Leader of the Black Wolf Warrior Society requested that the Scholarship Committee try to follow former recipients in their education. The BWWS donated a gift to the Scholarship Committee. The Committee created a second special award named the BLACK WOLF WARRIOR SOCIETY AWARD. The first recipient of this award is: Charles WHITE SUN MAN Knipstein – Kentucky. These special awards may or may not be given again as the committee sees fit. John NIGHT EAGLE Curtis Scholarship Chairperson

An Ode to America~ Why are Americans so united? They would not resemble one another even if you painted them all one color! They speak all the languages of the world and form an astonishing mixture of civilizations and religious beliefs. Still, the American tragedy turned three hundred million people into a hand put on the heart. Nobody rushed to accuse the White House, the army, and the secret services that they are only a bunch of losers. Nobody rushed to empty their bank accounts. Nobody rushed out onto the streets nearby to gape about. The Americans volunteered to donate blood and to give a helping hand. After the first moments of panic, they raised their flag over the smoking ruins, putting on T-shirts, caps and ties in the colors of the national flag. They placed flags on buildings and cars as if in every place and on every car a government official or the president was passing. On every occasion, they started singing their traditional song: "God Bless America!" I watched the live broadcast and rerun after rerun for hours listening to the story of the guy who went down one hundred floors with a woman in a wheelchair without knowing who she was, or of the Californian hockey player, who gave his life fighting with the terrorists and prevented the plane from hitting a target that could have killed other hundreds or thousands of people. How on earth were they able to respond united as one human being? Imperceptibly, with every word and musical note, the memory of some turned into a modern myth of tragic heroes. And with every phone call, millions and millions of dollars were put in a collection aimed at rewarding not a man or a family, but a spirit, which no money can buy. What on earth can unite the Americans in such a way? Their land? Their galloping history? Their economic Power? Money? I tried for hours to find an answer, humming songs and murmuring phrases with the risk of sounding commonplace. I thought things over, but I reached only one conclusion... Only freedom can work such miracles.
Cherokee Dance Steps Stomp Step: Starting with the right foot, the foot is kept flat as it is raised and then stomped down to the ground. The weight of the body is dropped down with it. Then the same step is done with the left foot, letting the weight of the body drop to the left. These steps are alternated until the dance is finished. This is also the most common step. Double Stomp: Both feet are kept side by side jumping forward in rhythm with the drum to land flat together. Next, jumping forward another step, both feet land flat again with the right foot slightly ahead. The next jump, the feet land together side by side. Finally, on the next jump the left foot lands slightly ahead of the right. This step is repeated until the end of the song. Trot Step: This is a running step in which long or short paces can be done. With the ankle stiff and the foot flat, the right foot trots, landing flat to the ground. The same step is done with the left foot. This step is repeated until the end of the song. Medicine Spirit Walker
Cherokee Common Dance (Stomp Dance) The chief was usually the one to set the time and place for this dance that would begin after dark. People would whoop and yell as they came to and from this dance. A certain beat was made on the drum to signal the dancers that the dance was beginning. The priest or leader would then enter the dance circle and walk around the fire counter-clockwise. After circling one or two times he would signal a woman wearing leg rattles to join in behind him. The other dancers would then follow with men going first. While the leader would chant and stomp his feet to the drum, the men would imitate him while the women joined in. There was usually an equal amount of men and women and the females would fall in behind their male partners. Some people do the stomp step with one foot, while others use both feet. As the leader dances he performs various movements which the dancers attempt to mimic. He may clap his hands, raise his arms, turn, twist, or bow. As the dance comes to a close, the dancers join hands. The leader will then lead them in a twisting and winding motion like a snake crawling. After this he may suddenly start moving backwards creating confusion and laughs. This ends the dance. Most of the stomp dance songs have a fast tempo and range from high to low in pitch. As the leader sings, the dancers respond to his words. Medicine Spirit Walker
Cherokee Round Dance The Round Dance, sometimes called the Running Dance is usually done as the last dance before daylight. Both men and women took part. A drummer sets the beat and sings. The lead woman dancer wearing leg rattles is followed by other women to form a circle moving counter-clockwise. The women use slow dance steps as the drummer sings four verses. The drumbeat changes to a fast beat and the male dancers join the dance circle. The circle is then made of alternating male and female dancers. The circle then makes a winding snake-like motion. As the song ends and the dance stops, the dancers shout which brings the dance to a final close. Medicine Spirit Walker
(A women's dance) The Gathering Wood Dance The Gathering Wood dance was done by the women among the first of the evening dances. This dance could be given in any season and symbolizes the women's contribution of providing wood for the fire. This was the only dance in which the women would take the lead. The women wore leg rattles and danced counter-clockwise in a single file circle moving back and forth pretending to gather wood for the fire. They did not sing during this dance. A male singer would beat a drum off to one side of the circle. Medicine Spirit Walker
Taken from the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma website Tsalagi Historical Facts 1. At one time, the Blood Law system was used to punish Cherokees who committed the act of murder. If you murdered a person, the life of any member of your clan was at risk. 2. The first treaty entered into by the Cherokees resulted in the cession of 2600 square miles in the area of what is present-day South Carolina. The treaty was between the Cherokee and England, who recognized Cherokee Nation as a world government before there was a United States. The year was 1721. 3. In 1827, the first Cherokee Constitution was enacted. This was considered a copy of the U.S. Government's format, although the U.S. Government had derived this from the Iroquois Confederacy, who at that time, was the only democracy in the world. Cherokee Clan System The Cherokee society is historically a matrilineal society. Meaning clanship is attained through the mother. Prior to Oklahoma statehood, the women were considered the Head of Household, with the home and children belonging to her should she separate from a husband. The knowledge of a person's clan is important for many reasons. Historically, and still today among Cherokee traditionalists, it is forbidden to marry within your clan. Clan members are considered brother and sisters. In addition, when seeking spiritual guidance and Indian doctoring, it is necessary to name your clan. Seating at ceremonial stomp dances is by clan, as well. There are seven clans in Cherokee Society. A-ni-gi-lo-hi (Long Hair); A-ni-sa-ho-ni (Blue); A-ni-wa-ya (Wolf); A-ni-go-te-ge-wi (Wild Potato); A-ni-a-wi (Deer); A-ni-tsi-s-qua (Bird); A-ni-wo-di (Paint). ANI-GI-LO-HI The Long Hair Clan, whose subdivisions are Twister, Wind and Strangers, are known to be a very peaceful clan. In the times of the Peace Chief and War Chief government, the Peace Chief would come from this clan. Prisoners of war, orphans of other tribes, and others with no Cherokee tribe were often adopted into this clan, thus the name 'Strangers.' At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Long Hair arbor is on the East side, and also houses the Chiefs and other leaders of the ground. A-NI-SA-HO-NI The Blue Clan's subdivisions are Panther, or Wildcat and Bear (which is considered the oldest clan). Historically, this clan produced many people who were able to make special medicines for the children. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Blue arbor is to the left of the Long Hair arbor. A-NI-WA-YA The Wolf has been known throughout time to be the largest clan. During the time of the Peace Chief and War Chief government setting, the War Chief would come from this clan. Wolves are known as protectors. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Wolf arbor is to the left of the Blue arbor. A-NI-GO-TE-GE-WI The Wild Potato Clan's subdivision is Blind Savannah . Historically, members of this clan were known to be 'keepers of the land,' and gatherers The wild potato was a main staple of the older Cherokee life back east (Tsa-la-gi U-we-ti). At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Wild Potato arbor is to the left of the Wolf arbor. A-NI-A-WI Members of the Deer Clan were historically known as fast runners and hunters. Even though they hunted game for subsistence, they respected and cared for the animals while they were living amongst them. They were also known as messengers on an earthly level, delivering messages from village to village, or person to person. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Deer arbor is to the left of the Wild Potato arbor. A-NI-TSI-S-QUA Members of the Bird Clan were historically known as messengers. The belief that birds are messengers between earth and heaven, or the People and Creator, gave the members of this clan the responsibility of caring for the birds. The subdivisions are Raven, Turtle Dove and Eagle. Our earned Eagle feathers were originally presented by the members of this clan, as they were the only ones able to collect them. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Bird arbor is to the left of the Deer arbor. AN-I-WO-DI Members of the Paint Clan were historically known as a prominent medicine people. Medicine is often 'painted' on a patient after harvesting, mixing and performing other aspects of the ceremony. At some Cherokee ceremonial grounds, the Paint arbor is to the left of the Bird arbor. Medicine Spirit Walker
Addresses are Needed For these Members Allen, Muriel MISTY EYES Allman, Melonie te-we-was Anderson, Joyce Armstrong, Candace Bagley, Michael Patricia TALKING EYES Bailey, Andrea Hunter LITTLE BIG MEDICINE Ronnie Barnes, Stacie Barnhart, Emily John Sherry Timothy Baugh, Patricia SUMMER FLOWER Bear, Chelsia Darien Elizabeth Michaella Ronald SHADOW WALKER Beauchamp, Kimberly WHITE DOVE Benjamin, Anthony BLUE WOLF Carol LITTLE WOLF Martin SHADOW WALKER Berg, Lilly ta-wa-na Berriochoa, Al NIGHT WALKER Larry LITTLE EAGLE Martie LITTLE DOVE Biggerstaff, Brandee Billedeauz, Arlene Billingsley, Erin Borkowski, Carol MORNING EAGLE Bowman, Aimee Michael Jr Brewer, Kevin MAN WITH WINGS Brock, Tim Brookover, Katherine DANCING PONY Wesley BLUE FOX Brown, Charles IRON HAWK Julianne DOVE Vincent Burgess, Curtis Steven Burns, Thelma RED BIRD Butler, Jarel LITTLE FEATHER Jed ONE FEATHER Jenna LITTLE FAWN Jesse PONY BOY Joshua Caddell, Michael EAGLE EYES Cagle, Michael LONEWOLF Carroll, Paul WATER DUCK Chase, Barri LIGHT DANCING Clark, Nicholle Clarke, Jennifer Cofield, Nicki RUNNING DOE Coston-Nellson, Barbara WINDSONG Cox, Nada Crowder, Erin LITTLE WREN Crowder, John II BIG BUFFALO Cunningham, Carolyn ROSE BEARER Julie THANKSGIVING BEAR Davis, Debra Davis-Bolen, Patricia LIL FOXY DeMurp, Joseph CONDOR Nancy SILVER FOX Running Deer Dion, Darrell RUNNING COYOTE Dorsey-Acostra, Jenny SONG CATCHER Doty, Angela Downey, Faith MORNING DEW Dunn, Frederick SILVER ELK Eldreth, Brandi HUMMINGBIRD Ellis, Susi SINGING RAIN Emmert, Victoria England, Cassandra NIGHT OWL Christopher LITTLE BRAVE Victoria LITTLE SMOKE Eubanks, ta-li-sa Evans, Ashley Everett, Hubert PAINTED HORSE Falck, Linda SACRED CORN KEEPER Farmer, Mary Farmer, Timothy SKY WARRIOR Folsom, Brian Kalyn Whitney Freiman, William RUNNING WOLF Furlong, Lorin JR Gammon, Lorie White Wolf Gary, Rose STAR Giunta, Anthony EAGLE?S THUNDER Grogean, Brandon GREENFIRE Justin WILLOW Haddix, Penny Hall, Kedah EVENING STAR Virginia DESERT FLOWER Halsey, Doris SNOW BIRD Frank GREAT BEAR Franklyn FLYING GOLDENHAWK Harris, David GREY WOLF Harrison, Christina Hauser, Cathy Hicks, Caroline BRIGHT STAR Lula RED EARTH WOMAN Hoffner, Tonda Hoover, Steven Horen, Diane RAVENSHADOW Timothy WIND HORSE Hubbard, Amanda SNOW FOX Hudson, Jamie WILD MUSHROOM Huffman, J LITTLE HORSE Human, Nancy GOLDEN EAGLE William SOARING EAGLE Humphreys, Ralph Jr THUNDER HORSE Hunt, Kenneth KITE SUN Hunter, Lawrence BLACK EAGLE Jackson, Jeremy Jerry GREY WOLF Nick Rebecca Sara Jenkins, Tresa SISSOR TAIL Jensen, Susan MOURNING DOVE Johns, Brenda EAGLE ON THE WIND Jones, Susanne STANDS WITH A FIST Joyce, Georgia LAUGHING WATER Krasner, John GENTLE BULL Krasner, Kimberly SPRING RAIN Kee, Michael NIGHT HAWK Velvet MORNING GLORY Keenan, William King, Clinton FREE MAN WOLF Klepsch, Dave Kline, Brittney LITTLE WOLF Lisa Michael William Knight, Dianna Korinko, Frankie Natalie Kyar, Gail Lape, Janet Lee, Frances Leffler, Deloras GRAY BEAR WOMAN Lipham, Stanley WHITE BUFFALO WARRIOR Lofton, Pam WALKING DEER Rickie STANDING HAWK Lonbom, Frances SMILING RAINBOW Lott, Austin Debra Lytle, Andrew HAWK FEATHERS Joseph BEAVER Tonia BUTTERFLY Mack, Jonathan Mann, Carrie MORNING STAR Marshall, Rex Martin, Ronald WALKS ALONE Ruby HUMMINGBIRD Thomas FIREFLY Masten, Patricia HIDDEN WATERS Philip Jr LITTLE TWO FIRES Mathis, Joseph BRAVEFIRE Mattox, Linda Mauer, Pamela WHITE DEER Mays, Walter McCarthy, Molly HAWK SONG McConnell, Elizabeth McDaniel, John McKay, Mary McWhirter, Vicki FALLING FEATHER Michaelsen, Justin Miller, Billy RUNNING WOLF Dennis ka-yaw-he E. Millirans, Amber MORNING DOVE Mills, Lonnie Minnich, Benjamin LITTLE OTTER Brandy MAKACIA Devin WIND PONY Eric IRON HAWK Mohr, Chantel LITTLE FAWN Moore, Steven SKY HAWK Morgan, Latonya LITTLE FAIR HAIRED DOE Moyer, Roderick BEAR Mullis, Crystal SPIRIT OF NIGHT WOLF Murphree, Daphne Murton, Ruth MOTHER OF MANY MOONS Myers, Barry RUNNING HORSE Napier, Teressa Walter Jr WHITE EAGLE Narr, no-qua Nash, Leslie Neese, Christopher IRON HAWK Nelson, Jeanine John Lois Newton, Nicholas WISE OWL Regina STRONG HEART Regina Jr STILL WATERS Nolen, Joan Norris, Thomas RUNNING BUCK Oliver, John Jr WIND EAGLE Orton, Debbie SWIFT WATER Owen, Ray WHITE BEAR Pack, Jerry WHITE EAGLE Thomas WHITE HAWK Patrick, Billy LONE WOLF Pavlov, Larissa LITTLE LEAF Nicholas Patricia Pennington, Cassie James Plummer, John BEAR WITH NO TAIL Porter, Betty Porterfield, Keith Powell, Debra JOURNEY?S HOPE James BUCK Prange, Anne Dianna Pruett, Gary Railey, Jay Raker, Rodney Rayle, Donald Readout, Danny Reason, Akela Reed, Floyd Robert TWO EAGLES Richards, Mary LITTLE DOE Ricks, Vayanessa Riggins, Terry SHADOW WALKER Risner, Duke Larry SOARING EAGLE Ollie FLYING EAGLE Terry TWO BEARS Roach, Christie LITTLE CRICKETT David YELLOW CROW Johna Robinson, William WIND SNAKE William SINGING FROG Root, Christopher RED BIRD Jeffrey WHITEWATER Ross, Beatrice Carl RUNNING BEAR Christinea Rossman, Charles Ruez, Dennis Jr Pamela Paul BEAR Rymer, Donna DANCING CLOUD Matt LITTLE HAWK Sabin, Brenda NORTH STAR Sawyer, Joyce GOLDEN CLOUD Sayre, Heather WHITE OWL WOMAN Schnee, Sharon Scofield, Amy STAR GAZER Howard Jr TALKING CLOUD Scott, David SCREAMING EAGLE Luke GREY HAWK Veda LITTLE DOVE Scott, Walton WHITE FEATHER Scozzaro, Cara Michael Jr Sebree, Patricia Seip, Linda LAUGHING BIRD Selfridge, Howard TOM HAWK Shander, Debra PHOENIX Kristen LITTLE SNOW OWLS Richard SOARING EAGLE Shealey, Allyson Deborah TSALAGI Eric Kayla Robert MANY SHIELDS Shehan, Sandra Showers, Harold Jr Shuler, Phil MOON STONE Simons, Rhonda MORNING STAR Skendzel, Tony SILVER FOX Skundrick, Dustin Smith, Joyce Lucille RAVEN WING Monique LONESOME DOVE Richard RED BUFFALO Snow, Alacia SNOW OWL Stevens, Christy Stickney, Brandon Debra Jamie Stoops, Bob STRONG BULL Patsy Sublett, Terrill GRIZZLY BEAR Sweetwater, Victoria SHADOW WARRIOR WOMAN Taylor, Roger Terrell, Edward Test, Barbara Melissa Sariah Timothy Sr STRIKING BEAR Timothy Jr Thomas, Red IRONHORSE Thompson, Judy at-a-gi? hi Timothy DANCING BEAR Willard ga-lun la-ti Thompson, Bryon gna-ya-na Darian de-ya-ni Trimmell, Alexis RUNNING DOE Carl LONE WOLF Linda NIGHT OWL Matthew EAGLE EYE Mylissa FIGHTING SQUAW Troutt, Darrell Jr Turner, Thomas TOMAHAWK Tyre, Shauna Tyre, Tammy Umar, Aisha Muhammed RUNNING MINK Via, Shelia Vigus, Summer WHITE DEER Vinson, Karen DARK LION Walkky, Kenneth RESTLESS WIND Walters, Kenneth Paul Valerie Ward, Margaret Warner, Brian LONE WOLF Warren-Yount, Daniel Jr Wate, DeWayne KICKING BIRD Webb, Albert RED SQUIRREL Kristie Matthew BUSY BEAVER Patsy CORN FLOWER Robert TUMBLING BUFFALO Whatron, Jeffrey ELK WHO LIMPS Juanita-Lynne SKY EYES Wheeler, John LITTLE BEAR Whisnant, Julius EAGLE EYE Whitt, Louis SUNDANCER Wilder, Aaron Willard, Malik Williams, Lloyd STANDING BEAR Williams-Balona, Denise JAGUAR?S HOUSE Wilson, Amber DAWN STAR Bridgett RAVEN Winks, Cheryl STANDS ALONE Wolfe, Harold Jr Wood, Jennifer LITTLE FAWN Wotherspoon, Tina KRYSTAL STAR HAWK Wright, Michael Jr STORM CLOUD von Lolhoffel, Egon Sr Geneva von Taaffe, Cosima Nadine MORNING STAR William SILENT FOX

SeCCI Tribal Secretary Jan Wolf Dance Hicks

SeCCI Tribal Secretary
Jan Wolf Dance Hicks