LAST REAL INDIANS

The Top 10 Lastrealindians.com News Stories of 2012

By Ruth Hopkins, Lastrealindians Editor

Lastrealindians just celebrated its first birthday on New Year’s Eve 2012. It’s been quite a historic journey thus far. While there were many other great news stories, columns, and creative works that we published in 2012 that we hope you’ll go back and read, here’s our agreed upon Top 10 Lastrealindians.com News Stories of 2012.

READ THE REST HERE:  http://lastrealindians.com/the-top-10-lastrealindians-com-news-stories-of-2012/

Five Arrested at Idle No More Flash Mob Round Dance in Broomfield, CO

By: Ruth Hopkins

Last night, five people were arrested for participating in an Idle No More Flash Mob Round Dance at FlatIron Crossing Shopping Center in Broomfield, Colorado.

Lastrealindians spoke with one of those arrested, Cheyenne Birdshead, a 17 year old Lakewood High School senior who is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma.

Cheyenne helped organize the Idle No More Flash Mob Round Dance event, along with her cousin Taryn Waters and Tessa Maytwayashing.  Cheyenne and Taryn were also involved in arranging the Cherry Creek Flash Idle No More Flash Mob Round Dance that took place in Denver on December 29, 2012.

“We were in front of Dick’s Sporting goods on the first level.  There were about 8 or 9 singers, and I’m not sure exactly how many people but I would guess about 50-65 people.  It was hard to tell because people were still arriving as they were taking me to the Police sub-station on the other side of the mall.  We started at 6:30 pm and on my court date it says the approximate time of my arrest was 6:35 pm,” Cheyenne says.  “We were round dancing.  We went around and completed about a circle and a half when Jolynn Locust [another event organizer] begin to move us into the middle because the police started leading round dancers out of the doors.” READ THE REST HERE: http://lastrealindians.com/five-arrested-at-idle-no-more-flash-mob-round-dance-in-broomfield-co/

Victoria’s Secret: Bikini War Bonnet Disaster By: Ruth Hopkins Not again!?! In September, the Native community sprang into action voicing our collective outrage after we were assailed by Paul Frank’s ‘neon pow-wow’ Fashion night, complete with war-painted employees and C-list celebrities donning feather headbands, armed with plastic tomahawks.   In response, Paul Frank apologized, and the company pulled all Native imagery from their stores as well as online.  They also announced that they will be hiring a Native designer to create a new line, with earnings going toward a Native charity. Yet the barrage of attacks against Native American culture and identity continues to escalate.  The usual parade of offensive Native American  ‘costumes’ we’re typically forced to endure every Halloween was even more pronounced this year, as were the insults and racial epithets aimed at Natives who dared to demand respect for their Native identity, spiritual beliefs, and culture.  Just last week, No Doubt released a video for it’s latest single,’Looking Hot.’  To our dismay, the video turned out to be little more than a Native appropriation extravaganza, paying homage to cheap, inaccurate, stereotypical Dime Store turkey feather accoutrements and the hypersexualization of Native women.  Natives once again stepped up to the plate to defend their cultural dignity, and No Doubt apologized, pulling the video from circulation.   Now, Victoria’s Secret has upped the ante.  Wednesday night, their fashion show featured model Karlie Kloss in a leopard print bikini accessorized with turquoise jewelry and fringe covered heels, strutting down the catwalk in a floor-length, feathered war bonnet. As a Victoria’s Secret customer, I am livid. After years of patronage and loyalty to the Victoria’s Secret brand, I am repaid with the mean-spirited, disrespectful trivialization of my blood ancestry and the attempted degradation of the proud Native identity I work hard to instill in my children. Well I’ve got news for you, Victoria’s Secret. Consider yourself boycotted. Perhaps it’s time for us to resume the feminist practice of bra burning.   Regardless, this Native girl is ready to go commando.   What is it going to take before the fashion industry, and mainstream society in general, realizes that making a mockery of Native identity is unacceptable? READ THE REST HERE:  http://www.lastrealindians.com/axCommentDetails.php?postId=2121

Victoria’s Secret: Bikini War Bonnet Disaster

By: Ruth Hopkins

Not again!?!

In September, the Native community sprang into action voicing our collective outrage after we were assailed by Paul Frank’s ‘neon pow-wow’ Fashion night, complete with war-painted employees and C-list celebrities donning feather headbands, armed with plastic tomahawks.   In response, Paul Frank apologized, and the company pulled all Native imagery from their stores as well as online.  They also announced that they will be hiring a Native designer to create a new line, with earnings going toward a Native charity.

Yet the barrage of attacks against Native American culture and identity continues to escalate.  The usual parade of offensive Native American  ‘costumes’ we’re typically forced to endure every Halloween was even more pronounced this year, as were the insults and racial epithets aimed at Natives who dared to demand respect for their Native identity, spiritual beliefs, and culture. 

Just last week, No Doubt released a video for it’s latest single,’Looking Hot.’  To our dismay, the video turned out to be little more than a Native appropriation extravaganza, paying homage to cheap, inaccurate, stereotypical Dime Store turkey feather accoutrements and the hypersexualization of Native women.  Natives once again stepped up to the plate to defend their cultural dignity, and No Doubt apologized, pulling the video from circulation.  

Now, Victoria’s Secret has upped the ante.  Wednesday night, their fashion show featured model Karlie Kloss in a leopard print bikini accessorized with turquoise jewelry and fringe covered heels, strutting down the catwalk in a floor-length, feathered war bonnet.

As a Victoria’s Secret customer, I am livid. After years of patronage and loyalty to the Victoria’s Secret brand, I am repaid with the mean-spirited, disrespectful trivialization of my blood ancestry and the attempted degradation of the proud Native identity I work hard to instill in my children. Well I’ve got news for you, Victoria’s Secret. Consider yourself boycotted. Perhaps it’s time for us to resume the feminist practice of bra burning.   Regardless, this Native girl is ready to go commando.  

What is it going to take before the fashion industry, and mainstream society in general, realizes that making a mockery of Native identity is unacceptable?

READ THE REST HERE:  http://www.lastrealindians.com/axCommentDetails.php?postId=2121

The Quandary of American Indian Quasi-Dual Citizenship

By: Ruth Hopkins

The Federal government has broken one treaty after another, and this shameful legacy continues.  Why continue this strange ‘quasi-dual citizenship’ role we as Indians have, as American citizens and also Tribal members?  Shouldn’t we rail against tyranny by declaring our sovereignty as Tribal Nations on a global scale? Yes- but I’m also sure that it’s a mistake for us as Natives to cross our arms and refuse to participate in the American political process.  Here’s why: today’s reality.  My grandmother once said that as long as we continue to follow the ancient ways, we as Native Nations will outlast any outside ‘civilization,’ including the current one that surrounds us.  I believe her.  Yet, whether we like it or not, as Natives in America today, our Tribes and our people are enmeshed with the Federal government.  The U.S. government put forth blood quantum guidelines that tell us who is Indian enough to belong to our own Tribes, and most of us still follow that system.  There’s an entire branch of law (Federal Indian Law) dedicated to court decisions they’ve made determining whether or not they choose to acknowledge our existence, if they agree that they’ve wronged us, or if Tribes have the right to protect their own natural resources, or even their own people.  They hold much of our land in ‘trust.’  Tribal programs are dependent on Federal grants for assistance.  The list goes on and on. My point is, if we wish to assert our sovereignty as Native Nations, we have to start acting like it.  We should start being proactive, and stop suckling from the government teet.  As long as we are financially entangled with the U.S. government as subordinates, we cannot truly claim to be absolute sovereigns with more than the few inherent rights they’ve opted to ‘grant’ us.  Don’t get me wrong- I think we should continue to demand that our treaties be honored, but not as ‘domestic dependent nations.’  Congress has plenary power over Tribes because we allow it. 

We should fortify ourselves as ancient sovereigns that pre-date Columbus, on equal footing with the United States, like our Tribal nations were when those treaties were first contemplated by our ancestors. Until that day, refuting the American political process is foolish, because everything that happens in Washington D.C. and in state legislatures and courthouses across the country effects us and our children.  We also have a largely untapped resource- a growing population of young people who will become a substantial voting block in several states in the near future.  Vote to protect your rights, and to ensure that funding and support for Tribes continue until we see the day when we are self-sufficient.  Vote against those people and laws who discriminate against women, minorities, and the poor.  Vote to support causes and organizations you want to succeed.  If we don’t, those decisions will be made for us, and against us; and I for one know that my ancestors didn’t fight for my freedom just so I could close my eyes to it.  In this case, silence could spell our doom.  Stand up and be counted.  READ THE REST HERE:  http://www.lastrealindians.com/axCommentDetails.php?postId=554

Winnipeg Sun silent on racist comments posted on its website

Last weekend, a young First Nations man was shot and killed in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. When the Winnipeg Sun reported the story online, the site was bombarded by racist comments about First Nations and Indigenous peoples. The comments
were left up for hours. This story is an example of why online media hubs like those belonging to newspapers, and even social networking sites like Facebook, should take racial hate and harassment posts on its pages seriously. Racism, whether spoken or written, is wrong- and refusing to stand up against it while giving such hate-filled individuals a public forum to unleash it in, is just as bad.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter” - Martin Luther King Jr.

“The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.” -Albert Einstein

In the United States, November is Native American Heritage Month.  Thank you, U.S. Congress.  This completely makes up for the systematic genocide of my ancestors, the theft of our lands, the fact that you’ve broken pretty much every treaty that you’ve signed with us, and hundreds of years of oppression (yes, that was sarcasm).    Really, though- I appreciate your tip of the hat.  But why are we relegated to remembrance for only one month of the year?  Every day is not only a good day to be Native, it’s a good day to remember the rest of humanity and learn more about them. Since I’ve started writing commentary, I’ve received some interesting email from readers (for the time being, I’ll spare you from my creepy stalker travails).  One inquiry I’ve received repeatedly from non-Natives is, “How can I learn more about Native Americans?”  Then the reader will follow up by asking me what the best books are to read to learn about ‘real’ Natives (i.e. last real Indians) and our experiences.  Books by Lastrealindians, Inc. writers aren’t out yet, but they will be soon.  Until then, may I suggest getting to know an actual Native person?  There are good books out there, anything by Vine Deloria Jr. for example, but there’s no replacing face time.  For the non-Native person who says they’ve never met a Native, we’re everywhere- especially in North and South America.  In the United States, you don’t have to go to the reservation to find a Native.  There are a lot of urban Indians.  Places like New York, Minneapolis, and other major U.S. cities have populations of thousands of Native Americans living there.  Even if you’re from a foreign country, having internet and social network access means you have no excuse for not getting to know a Native and issues that are important to us.  There are fakes, but a good heart and a keen eye will guide you to the right places, like this site.  READ MORE OF RUTH HOPKINS’ COLUMN, “NATIVE APPRECIATION” HERE:  http://www.lastrealindians.com/axCommentDetails.php?postId=2096

In the United States, November is Native American Heritage Month.  Thank you, U.S. Congress.  This completely makes up for the systematic genocide of my ancestors, the theft of our lands, the fact that you’ve broken pretty much every treaty that you’ve signed with us, and hundreds of years of oppression (yes, that was sarcasm).   
Really, though- I appreciate your tip of the hat.  But why are we relegated to remembrance for only one month of the year?  Every day is not only a good day to be Native, it’s a good day to remember the rest of humanity and learn more about them.

Since I’ve started writing commentary, I’ve received some interesting email from readers (for the time being, I’ll spare you from my creepy stalker travails).  One inquiry I’ve received repeatedly from non-Natives is, “How can I learn more about Native Americans?”  Then the reader will follow up by asking me what the best books are to read to learn about ‘real’ Natives (i.e. last real Indians) and our experiences.  Books by Lastrealindians, Inc. writers aren’t out yet, but they will be soon.  Until then, may I suggest getting to know an actual Native person?  There are good books out there, anything by Vine Deloria Jr. for example, but there’s no replacing face time.  For the non-Native person who says they’ve never met a Native, we’re everywhere- especially in North and South America.  In the United States, you don’t have to go to the reservation to find a Native.  There are a lot of urban Indians.  Places like New York, Minneapolis, and other major U.S. cities have populations of thousands of Native Americans living there.  Even if you’re from a foreign country, having internet and social network access means you have no excuse for not getting to know a Native and issues that are important to us.  There are fakes, but a good heart and a keen eye will guide you to the right places, like this site.  READ MORE OF RUTH HOPKINS’ COLUMN, “NATIVE APPRECIATION” HERE:  http://www.lastrealindians.com/axCommentDetails.php?postId=2096

Racially-Charged Incident at Middle School Volleyball Tournament in Minot, ND: Turtle Mountain Chippewa Parents and Community Want Answers By: Ruth Hopkins Minot, North Dakota- On September 15, 2012, at a middle school volleyball tournament at Minot Central High School, young Native girls, who were part of the Belcourt volleyball team, were accused of stealing an Ipod that was allegedly missing.  As a result, witnesses say, the girls on the Belcourt team, who are minors, were singled out, verbally assaulted, subjected to racial epithets, and searched by police without a warrant or parental consent.  The alleged missing Ipod was never found. Belcourt, ND lies on the Turtle Mountain reservation, and is home to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.  It is one of five Tribal Nations located in North Dakota.  Farrah Reopelle is the mother of Rylan Reopelle, a 13 year old girl who is part of the Turtle Mountain Community Middle School volleyball team.  She spoke with Lastrealindians about the events in question.  The Reopelles are Native American and live on the reservation in Belcourt, ND.   READ THE REST HERE:  http://www.lastrealindians.com/axCommentDetails.php?postId=2083

Racially-Charged Incident at Middle School Volleyball Tournament in Minot, ND: Turtle Mountain Chippewa Parents and Community Want Answers

By: Ruth Hopkins

Minot, North Dakota- On September 15, 2012, at a middle school volleyball tournament at Minot Central High School, young Native girls, who were part of the Belcourt volleyball team, were accused of stealing an Ipod that was allegedly missing.  As a result, witnesses say, the girls on the Belcourt team, who are minors, were singled out, verbally assaulted, subjected to racial epithets, and searched by police without a warrant or parental consent.  The alleged missing Ipod was never found.

Belcourt, ND lies on the Turtle Mountain reservation, and is home to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.  It is one of five Tribal Nations located in North Dakota. 
Farrah Reopelle is the mother of Rylan Reopelle, a 13 year old girl who is part of the Turtle Mountain Community Middle School volleyball team.  She spoke with Lastrealindians about the events in question.  The Reopelles are Native American and live on the reservation in Belcourt, ND.   READ THE REST HERE:  http://www.lastrealindians.com/axCommentDetails.php?postId=2083

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: THE COUNCIL FIRES OF THE OCETI SAKOWIN (GREAT SIOUX NATION) UNITE IN UNPRECEDENTED MANNER TO RECLAIM SACRED SITE, PE’SLA

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe has announced it has entered into preliminary negotiations to re-acquire Pe Sla (Reynolds Prairie). The Tribes are asking for your patience in this matter as they continue to navigate inter-governmental procedures toward successful negotiations to purchase Pe Sla.

Lastrealindians, Inc. is honored to contribute funds donated by the world to a collective effort to protect Pe Sla.

The Oceti Sakowin is extremely grateful for the tremendous support shown for Pe’Sla; The Bands came together to show the world it is paramount for human beings to respect our living mother earth and sacred sites. This is the first time in recent history the Oceti Sakowin has mobilized in concert to buy back land in the sacred Black Hills, Wamaka Ognaka y Cante (the heart of everything that is). The Black Hills still belong to the Great Sioux Nation pursuant to its treaty with the United States -the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie.

The Oceti Sakowin will continue to pursue financial assistance in conjunction with Lastrealindians, Inc. in anticipation of the closing date of the land purchase.

Lila wopila icicapelo makasitomni (big thanks to all of you); The Oceti Sakowin could not have accomplished this historic feat without everyone around the world supporting their efforts.

Pilaunyanpi Wooholaya Yuha (We Thank You With Respect), the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires), speakers of Lakota, Dakota and Nakota dialects:

Sissetonwan

Wahpetonwan

Wakpekute

MdeWakantonwan

Ihanktonwan

Ihanktowanna

Contact Info:

Lastrealindians, Inc.4265 45th Street S Ste 111-39Fargo, North Dakota 58104Phone: (605) 268-0434Email: chaseironeyes@gmail.comEmail: cankudutawin@gmail.com

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READ IT HERE:  http://www.lastrealindians.com/2012/08/31/for-immediate-release-the-council-fires-of-the-oceti-sakowin-great-sioux-nation-unite-in-unprecedented-manner-to-reclaim-sacred-site-pesla/