Some news

[terry]

Wahachanka,


Very well said.

[chaskeboy]

Hmmmm, interesting reference to the Dakotah farmer Indians located on the Minnesota River just prior to the Uprising. After which they and their families were too forcibly marched to the prison encampment below Fort Snelling, losing all their posessions but the clothes on their backs. Does the book you reference have the names of the Dakotah farmer Indians, as well as the locations of their homesteads?

I have a great curiousity about this circumstance.

Oh, it is just me - Chaskeboy

[jazzdog]

Terry

are you in disagreement with the Court's statements in its opinion that directly refers to the people left off the 1886 and 1889 census lists, especially the scout and scout family lists of the loyal Mdewakantons which occured only two years later which specifically referenced many Mdewakanton descendants by name and linked the same to all of the earlier acts of congress on the very same issue? If so, can you explain why congress would go out of their way to identify these groups of recognized Mdewakanton people and their lineal descendants by specific name and lineage?

Jazzdog

[terry]

There are alot of things that this fine govt does that I don't agree with,but ultimately in any type of court case that involves the US gov't, they have more tactiful ways of screwing people(like dragging things out until everyone has passed away) than taking care of them.I am fortunate enough to have been raised on the outside of this particular case,hopefully it will work out for all involved.

[jazzdog]

thanks for your post

but you did not address the issue of the specifically named loyal scouts and their families and descendants that may or may not have found their way back to Minnesota to be present at the 1885 or 1889 accumulation of names to be included on the 1886 list or the 1889 list, which is the focus of the Buttes team for inclusion as certified plaintiff lineal descendants. How would you explain the fact that many of the names that may or may not appear on either of the 1886 or 1889 lists, yet be listed on the 1855-56 and the later 1891-92 loyal scout list, should not be included as loyal Mdewakantons? We all know that many of the names on the 1886 and 1889 lists may not have been true Mdewakantons who suffered so much from 1862 forward, but may have been individuals lucky enough to survive and actually make their way to Minnesota at the time to have their names included on those rolls. Is the process designed to exclude rightful lineal descendants, to the possible inclusion of those that may not have been rightfully deserving in the first place?
I do not agree with the earlier statement that our anscestors knew that our Dakota/Lakota/Nakota blood would certainly "thin or disappear" over time......sure it was a logical theory that it may happen, but a true believer in the hearts of our anscestors would never think that they would actually want that to happen, and especially if those lines that did let the Sioux line to disappear or dissipate in true blood lines, would result in the denial of the rightful heritage to those lines and families and descendants who did not let that happen. History is history. But history should not be allowed to be glossed over because of some intervening force which distorts, voluntarily or involuntarily, the true lineal descendancy of ALL of the lineal relatives that truly followed from those who survived those terrible times. If nothing else, this whole process should teach us all that we are strongest when we speak as one and when we care for all as one. If the process is designed to exclude versus include, it is automatically suspect, I would think in the eyes of our true anscestors. Money or money benefits are not a likely concern of our anscestors....it is the joining and reunification and solice of ALL of the descendants to appreciate the knowledge of who each one of us are. This is why I, as I hope many of the true believers in reunification, may be disturbed by the development of some of the recent events and circumstances in this process. Sure it is nice to know that if your line of descendancy is recognized in the process that you stand to have a recognized voice in the overall picture and to share in any potential fruits of the overall effort......but money or the share of money, is always a very divisive thing, and can motivate people to do hurtful things to other people, even their loved ones or relatives. Don't let that happen here or influence decisions to be inclusive or helping towards other of our relatives that may have a rightful stake in becoming a part of the reunification of one of the greatest sects of the human race that ever did, or ever will, walk upon this Mother Earth. This is the way I see things......I hope I am not alone.

Jazzdog

[redbrother]

Ultimately, you Jazzdog, are not alone. Again, you have expressed the first most important thing very well. But we live in a time also, where society has tried and tried to condition us all socially, in believing that money is what makes everything turn. Even more so for people who are in need of it, or at least think they are in need of it. I try to remember that and try not to get all tied up in the materialistic part of this thing. I would like to think that if in the end, I, my family are not allowed to be a part of this, then my life today is no different than it was yesterday and what I make of it is what I will get out of it. I speak in those last terms only for myself. To tell you the truth, I already felt guilty knowing that if I made that list, there would be others left behind, so at least I can say that I have a little human dignity left inside of me. And I would like to think that I inherited it from our ancestors. I will admit also that I feel torn about this whole thing. I have felt torn my whole life, is what I think you are getting at. Thank you.

[peacekeeper]

After reading everything under this heading I have decided I am going to add my two cents worth.
First, I am deeply troubled and saddened by the fact that this lawsuit was to recognize the Loyal Mdewakantons, and instead I believe that it has become a deeply abused issue by some people who have authority. As in everything in life, if there isn't a check and balance system, sometimes the powers that be take advantage of a situation and lose sight of the real issue at hand; "Correcting a wrong done to the people". So once again many are being left out due to others' agendas and personal views.
Second, I am deeply grateful that this website has been created to help the people who are not getting the help and support they need. I am proud to be a member and I believe this website to have been extremely helpful and supportive of all people. I have never seen such an outpouring of knowledge to so many and by so many people.
Third, I have had experiences with the genealogy search that I will never have again. I have so much knowledge now that I can actually understand what took place to my family, even if I cannot fully understand the deep emotional hurt and trauma because I will never experience something so awful.
Fourth, I found family all over the United States. I did not know these people existed, and now I call many Aunts and Uncles and Cousins. I am proud to have all of my new extended family in my life.
Fifth, I vote that we make Hermin an honorary member of our people. She has helped a large number of people find their genealogy answers. She is truly a woman with a heart of gold.
And last, but not least, I am proud to have been a part of this process. I know that I have done whatever I could to help others and it is a good feeling to have. Each and everyone one of us needs to accept that we have done an awsome job helping each other. And always remember:
WE ARE THE PEOPLE and no one can take that away from us unless we let them.

Jackie

[ironday]

History should be the truth; unfortunately, in the country that rarely happens. As a Mdewakanton I feel the truth is worth fighting for. To be represented in this case, to many, is not motivated by money; in fact, there may be very little money individually awarded in the end. If the sole listing in this case is the 1886-89 census, MK & Buttes would have been allowed to "rewrite history" and that is a travesty to all the true Mdewakantons who could not link to that census. Why is this important? Because those "recognized" as Mdewakanton would have a voice in the future of their children/grandchildren and the people "left out" will be forgotten, not allowed to vote, etc. I see this case as only the first step; the next step will be for those recognized as Mdewakanton to try to be included as full members of at least two very resistant communities, which means challenging their Tribal Councils. I want to see lawyers representing the "Uncertified", not lawyers who see this case as black and white with no hope of convincing the judge to think differently. I'd like to see lawyers who are full of indignation that thousands of true Mdewakantons are being left out, lawyers who have the skill and knowledge and heart to make the attempt to fight for those left out by MK & Buttes. There is no guarantee in anything but at least history will tell who are the Mdewakantons.

[Curtis Kitto "MIKE"]

Peacekeeper (Jackie):

AMEN!

Cousin, I am so very much in agreement with you - I was under the impression that Hermin1 is already a close-relative sent directly from God to help us.

One of the first agreements I suggest is that: Hermin is a First Cousin to ALL in this OYATE. (I have already claimed her as part of the Mazaadidi family!)

She played an important part by providing genealogical information (to anyone that asked) readily and quickly, information that is accurate and timely. For that I am very grateful.

I have expressed my thanks for the information I received from her and I pray for her continued good health.

Thanks for saying what a majority of us are thinking.

MIKE

[redbrother]

peacekeeper said:

After reading everything under this heading I have decided I am going to add my two cents worth.
First, I am deeply troubled and saddened by the fact that this lawsuit was to recognize the Loyal Mdewakantons, and instead I believe that it has become a deeply abused issue by some people who have authority. As in everything in life, if there isn't a check and balance system, sometimes the powers that be take advantage of a situation and lose sight of the real issue at hand; "Correcting a wrong done to the people". So once again many are being left out due to others' agendas and personal views.
Second, I am deeply grateful that this website has been created to help the people who are not getting the help and support they need. I am proud to be a member and I believe this website to have been extremely helpful and supportive of all people. I have never seen such an outpouring of knowledge to so many and by so many people.
Third, I have had experiences with the genealogy search that I will never have again. I have so much knowledge now that I can actually understand what took place to my family, even if I cannot fully understand the deep emotional hurt and trauma because I will never experience something so awful.
Fourth, I found family all over the United States. I did not know these people existed, and now I call many Aunts and Uncles and Cousins. I am proud to have all of my new extended family in my life.
Fifth, I vote that we make Hermin an honorary member of our people. She has helped a large number of people find their genealogy answers. She is truly a woman with a heart of gold.
And last, but not least, I am proud to have been a part of this process. I know that I have done whatever I could to help others and it is a good feeling to have. Each and everyone one of us needs to accept that we have done an awsome job helping each other. And always remember:
WE ARE THE PEOPLE and no one can take that away from us unless we let them.

Jackie

Very good post! I think everyone who has made they're best efforts should be thouroughly acknowledged and honored! It is indeed nice to know we have conscious minds out there that are articulate and expressive as anyone, anywhere. It shows me that we are still very much alive, we are extensions of our own selves, a sort of a reincarnation of our mothers and fathers many times over, of our ancestors many times over. We are the farthest tips of the GIGANTIC tree of life, all life in the story of our mother, blue, green and beautiful. Of the human race, we are some of the greatest survivors! We 'ARE' the greatest survivors amongst our peoples! Think about that for a moment!

You hit it right when you said 'unless we let them'! We won't let them. Not even a court rooms decision can stop that.

[redbrother]

ironday said:

History should be the truth; unfortunately, in the country that rarely happens. As a Mdewakanton I feel the truth is worth fighting for. To be represented in this case, to many, is not motivated by money; in fact, there may be very little money individually awarded in the end. If the sole listing in this case is the 1886-89 census, MK & Buttes would have been allowed to "rewrite history" and that is a travesty to all the true Mdewakantons who could not link to that census. Why is this important? Because those "recognized" as Mdewakanton would have a voice in the future of their children/grandchildren and the people "left out" will be forgotten, not allowed to vote, etc. I see this case as only the first step; the next step will be for those recognized as Mdewakanton to try to be included as full members of at least two very resistant communities, which means challenging their Tribal Councils. I want to see lawyers representing the "Uncertified", not lawyers who see this case as black and white with no hope of convincing the judge to think differently. I'd like to see lawyers who are full of indignation that thousands of true Mdewakantons are being left out, lawyers who have the skill and knowledge and heart to make the attempt to fight for those left out by MK & Buttes. There is no guarantee in anything but at least history will tell who are the Mdewakantons.

You make very good points again, Ironday (I just love that name). I will say once again, we need to 'all' be together on this, as one people. No more being divided. Some of us are together through love and others are divided through what is made out to be more important.