Advisory Committee Members: Don Barnaby, Eva Blake, Charles Desmond, Anne Foxx-Whitford, John Sly Fox Oakley, and Autaquay Peters.

Founder and Director: Burne Stanley-Peters

Newsletter Contributors: Claudia Fox Tree, Kim Orben, Anthony Silva, and Burne Stanley.

Cultural Arts

Highlights of the Annual Chief Red Blanket Pow-Wow (September 10-11, 2005)

Driving hundreds of miles from their Reserve in Nova Scotia Canada, The Eastern Eagle Singers (right) made their way to Plug Pond in Haverhill. As a favor to their friend Autaquay, they agreed to be the Guest Drum for the Chief Red Blanket Memorial Pow-Wow. After they arrived and took view of the area, our Mi'qmaq friends were in awe of the beauty of the glistening Pond and the harmonious atmosphere. This set the stage for a wonderful and exhilarating performance by the drum group. And, our faithful and reliable local drum group, the Iron River Singers, gave a stellar performance and made this weekend a memorial occasion for all of us

The sizeable crowd on both days listened enthusiastically to the many Eastern songs by Dave Little Tree. These songs were accompanied by a small water drum which is traditional to this area. As part of this inter-active presentation, Little Tree's wife Jenny, along with Autaquay and Aquayah and other Native dancers, demonstrated the Eastern dances. These included the Rabbit Dance, the Moccasin Dance, the Round Dance, the Alligator Dance, the Stomp Dance, ending with the rapid Smoke Dance. This was an enjoyable addition to the program and was a great opportunity for our audience to learn about and share in the dances that are indigenous to the Natives of this region.

Joining us on Saturday, we had the pleasure of sitting back and listening to the Wolf Cry Singers. They graced the audience with traditional Mi'kMaq, Cherokee Navajo, Abnaki and Delaware songs and chants as well as their own original Contemporary songs in English. Their mission is to keep the spirit and languages alive through their music and through their connection as Women to each other and to Mother Earth and all those in and around her.

Like last year, traditional Native foods were offered for sale by Louie - The MicMac Chef of CT. They included buffalo burgers, buffalo sausage, buffalo chili, marinated venison, fried bread, and succotash. In addition, MCNAA sold hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chips, soda and snack foods for those who may not have been as adventurous to try our traditional foods.

A surprise potluck supper and gathering for (Cousin) Billy Love and Jeannine topped off Saturday evening. They had a few weeks left before they embarked on their new life's journey to New Mexico. Many friends and family members stayed after the pow-wow to greet Billy and Jeannine and extend well-wishes to the beloved couple. The Iron River Singers provided all with a wonderful honor song after which a number of close friends got up to give a brief speech about their experiences and memories with Cousin Billy. After the speeches all were treated to an abundant array of food that was brought in throughout the day. This was a major highlight of a fantastic weekend.

Highlights of the Cultural Awareness Pow-Wow, Billerica

Billerica has been celebrating it's 350th anniversary all year. Some of the town organizers thought it was important to recognize the indigenous heritage of Billerica, so they coordinated with MCNAA to present a Pow Wow for the community. It was wonderful to see the proactive way the town approached being inclusive in its ceremonies. Local cable access station members did interviews with MCNAA board members and then did a follow-up video on the day of the event.

The Pow Wow was located in a recently renovated Elks Lodge building with plenty of space for venders and dancing. The day was bright and clear with a little bit of a cool breeze, one of the first nice days after a string of rain. We did not have a huge crowd of local folks, but those who came went away with many samples of Native American culture. Marvin ran the day with aplomb and had many dance demonstrations and explanations. Several local newspapers took pictures and did interviews which became articles in the weekly Tewksbury, Billerica, Bedford, and Wilmington newspapers.

The dance floor was frequently full with Native dancers demonstrating various styles across many Native nations, from buckskin to cloth, from pre-contact to contemporary. Loril Moon Dream and Peter White Fox shared songs and stories in between dance sets. David and Jenny Little Tree shared Iroquois social dances when Jenny wasn't busily doing needlepoint on her up and coming new Taino regalia. Kim and Frankie made the rice, beans and corn dish, and stayed in the kitchen preparing the food while Denise and Aliya remained outside of the kitchen selling food for the event. Burne and Tony manned the t-shirt and information table. Many people took this opportunity to read through the Native resources and ask questions.

Welcome New MCNAA President

In August, in anticipation of former President, Kim Orben's scheduled move to Florida, we unanimously voted in Burne Stanley-Peters as the new President of the Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness (MCNAA). The Board has seen her strong leadership in action for over sixteen years as the founder of MCNAA working quietly in the background. Over the years, Burne has spent many, many hours of her day, volunteering for MCNAA and seldom taking credit for any of her accomplishments. Her devotion and dedication to the organization are commendable. As current Board Member Dawn Duncan said "Burne is one of those people who works really hard and tirelessly wanting little in return. She is truly committed to making MCNAA all it can be."

We have full confidence that MCNAA will maintain its current successful programs and continue to grow under her guidance. The Board of Directors welcomed Burne as the new President on September 30, 2005.

Changes In The Leadership Team

One of the few changes that have taken place is that I have become an officer of the organization while Autaquay Peters, former Board Member, opted to be on the Advisory Committee. We are sorry to lose Autaquay as a Board Member but she has become very busy pursuing her medical career and working two jobs. This made her unavailable to attend important strategic planning meetings and other similar Board meetings. She began to feel that she wasn't doing the best for the Board and governance of MCNAA. She decided to step down from the Board position and serve as an Advisory Committee Member requiring less meetings. She was the youngest Leadership Team Member serving in that capacity for over 7 years. During that time, she brought new innovative ideas to our Cultural Arts Program and to the Youth Empowerment & Cultural Enrichment Program. Her input will continue as an Advisory Committee member.

The other change is that Kim Orben is now a Board Member and continues to do what she does best - network. We're happy to have her remain part of our Leadership Team

Fundraising

Seeking Members For Our Fundraising Committee

Outreach efforts continue for new Fundraising Committee members. If you are interested in joining our Fundraising Committee, please call or e-mail Tony at 617-884-4227 or mcnaa@aol.com. For convenience purposes, we hold meetings at either the Revere Office or at a Committee members' home.

Results of the Annual Benefit Auction

MCNAA members, friends and supporters were treated to an enjoyable afternoon on Oct.30th at the Holiday Inn in Randolph. The event, which is designed to raise funds for MCNAA's Youth Empowerment Program began with a joining of hands and an introspective prayer by Dr. Bert Waters. This was followed by an introduction of MCNAA's Board members who were all present to greet those who came to support this worth while cause. Advisory Board members and other supporters of MCNAA who were present were asked to stand and be recognized.

Dr. Waters gave a heart warming reflection of the contributions of the late John "Slow Turtle" Peters who contributed so much to the success of MCNAA as well as the Native peoples throughout Massachusetts and the Country.

After the introductions and keynote speech, all in attendance were invited to enjoy a scrumptious array of hors d'oeuvres and to look at all of the wonderful auction items and to give their best bid for any that caught their fancy. Most items were donated by MCNAA's friends and supporters as well as the many vendors who attend the organization's events throughout the year. Native jewelry and prints, as well as an overnight stay and dinner for two at the Cedar Steakhouse in Foxwoods, were the many popular items that drew a fierce competition.

After everyone had a chance to eat and make their final bid, attendees were asked to return to their seats for the call out auction. But alas, MCNAA's auctioneer (Bruce "Star" Curliss) had not arrived to begin the show. After it appeared that the auctioneer was not going to show, Board Member Kim Borden was able to cajole our beloved Dr. Waters to step into the role. Dr. Waters began by informing us that despite his numerous public speaking experiences, he had never hosted an auction, but he would do his best. Well as always, Dr. Waters was more than up to the task. As a matter of fact he did so well in this role, he was able to auction most items beyond their suggested value. We thank you again Dr. Waters and now you can add "auctioneer" to your rather expansive resume.

On behalf of MCNAA's Board, I thank all of you who sacrificed the beautiful weather and extended day, to make this event such a success. We look forward to seeing more friends and members there next year.

Annual Holiday Appeal

As noted on the form, your funds will be used for any of the MCNAA programs that you wish. They include: The Chief Red Blanket Scholarship Program, Emergency Food & Shelter Fund, Fuel Assistance Fund, General Operating Fund, Holiday Food Certificate Fund, and our Youth Empowerment & Cultural Enrichment Program.

We look forward to receiving your contribution so that we can continue our much needed programs.

Volunteers, Cooks, & Hunters Needed for the Native Social & Potluck, Middleborough, MA

We need your help. If you live in the Middleborough area and can offer a few hours to set up the potluck supper at our Native American Social, please let us know. We need help in the kitchen and in the dining hall .The event date is Saturday, January 28, 2006. We are also doing something different and exciting this year. For the potluck, we are hoping to offer various "game" stews and meat dishes to our friends. We are looking to get Rabbit, Quail, Pheasant, Moose, Bear, and Deer meat (Buffalo, Duck and Wild Turkey are also welcomed.) Do we have any hunters amongst our Membership and Circle of Friends? If so and if you are going hunting this winter, please let us know if you are willing to share some of your catch with us for the potluck. And finally, if you know how to cook these types of meat and are willing to do so, please let us know. Your help with any of the above would be appreciated. Call or e-mail us at: 617-884-4227 - mcnaa@aol.com. Thank you.

Scholarships Awarded

For the Fall 2005 Semester, scholarships, through our Chief Red Blanket Scholarship Program, were awarded to the following Native American students:

• Alexis Cooney, Mandan, Westfield State College
• Joseph Clement, MicMac, U Mass Boston
• Paula Devens, Cherokee, U Mass Dartmouth
• Phillip Turner, MicMac, Quinsigamond Community College
• Carol Vincent, Wampanoag, Northern Essex Community College

2006 List of Native American Pow-Wows and Special Events

MCNAA's Wish List

1. Reams of ink jet paper
2. Postage stamps
3. New computer and flat panel monitor
4. New photocopy machine
5. Memorial Gifts - When a friend or relative passes, honor their memory and send a tax deductible contribution to MCNAA. Your contribution will be acknowledged by MCNAA to you and to the family.
6. A Building - Donate a useable building for MCNAA's permanent administrative offices and programs. Certain tax benefits may apply.
7. We will also accept a parcel of land that will be used as financing leverage to build our Center. Any size or location within the I-495 belt is acceptable. Certain tax benefits may apply
8. A travel trailer or motor home to be used as an on-site office, resting place, at MCNAA pow-wows.

Other News & Info in and Around the Region

Former MCNAA President & Husband Remain in Massachusetts

There were many of you that Frankie and I saw, at the Annual Benefit Auction, on October 30th. Many of you were surprised to see us and asked if Frankie and I had come back for the Auction. I know, we were supposed to have left the Boston area to relocate to Florida. Some of you know, by now, and some of you don't know the reason why we never left for Florida.

We were ready and willing to move. We were 98% packed and were about 2 weeks away from leaving. All of a sudden everything came to a "Halt". The more we tried to proceed with the move, the more we would run into barriers. It seemed as though nothing was going right when, in July, everything seemed like it was going our way. We couldn't understand it!!!! Why is this happening, we thought? Aren't we supposed to be making this move?? About a week later, we figured it out. It is not God's time for us to move, right now. Believe me, we were ready, but "the man upstairs" said, it's not your time. So, we were obedient to the Lord. Sometimes in life, it's not about what "you" want, but rather, what HIS will is for your life. So, here is a word of advice, if things don't happen when you think they should, and you keep coming up against barriers, that is HE saying, the timing isn't right for you.

We could be wrong, but what Frankie and I think, is that our work here isn't finished. We have a lot of "unfinished business" to tend to. Needless to say, we're still in the midst of unpacking. (smile)

Abenaki Denied Federal Recognition

Vermont's Abenaki Nation has been dealt a major setback in its 25-year fight for federal recognition as a Native American tribe. The Bureau of Indian Affairs says there is insufficient evidence of tribal history to recognize the Abenakis.

"It's quite a challenge to this group now to be able to overcome these findings," says Bill Sorrell, D-Vermont Attorney General.

This group that the attorney general refers to is Vermont's Abenaki, most of whom live up here in the northwest corner of the state. They have had several well-publicized demonstrations that they feel they are entitled to native rights. They staged a fish-in almost 20 year ago insisting they don't have to comply with many state laws. They hoped all along for federal recognition of their tribe. Recognition that would give them rights to make land claims, perhaps set up casinos, and free them from taxes.

It is a battle the Abenakis waged last year in the legislature for state recognition - gaining it in a bill passed so far only in the Vermont Senate. But the Attorney General says a scientific study funded by the state proved the Swanton-based Abenakis have no historical or genealogical history as a tribe -- and the federal authorities have agreed "From the genealogical information they couldn't show the blood relationship between the group seeking recognition and an historic Indian tribe," says Sorrell. "This wasn't any desire to discriminate against this group rather it was just we want to see that the laws met and thus far the Bureau of Indian Affairs has agreed with us that they don't meet the statutory tests."

"We haven't had a chance to read this," says Abenaki Chief April Merrill.

She says the fight has only begun because the Abenakis have nine months to submit additional evidence before a final ruling from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

"We know that they're saying that we were denied. But this is just part of the first process. I don't know of any tribe that has made it on the first seven criteria on the first time. We still have 180 days. The Attorney general's office makes people believe that this is it. It's not. We still have 180 days. But we don't want to comment on anything that's in here until we've had a chance to read it," says Chief Merrill.

Chief Merrill says the tribal council will confer over the weekend and issue an official statement at a Monday press conference.