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

Founder and Director: Burne Stanley-Peters

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

Highlights Of The Annual Spring Planting Moon Pow-Wow & Crafts Festival (May 28-30, 2005)

This year, the Spring Planting Moon Pow Wow in Topsfield had beautiful weather on Saturday and Sunday. And, even though it rained on Monday and we closed the Pow Wow early, who could regret the beautiful double rainbow over the parking lot.

After a two year hiatus, the Tlacopan Aztec Dancers returned to perform twice each day. The group, as a whole, performed dances that date back to the pre-Spanish conquest. They were adorned in their gorgeous, handmade, beaded costumes and colorful headdresses with rare pheasant and macaw feathers. The dancers accompanied themselves with age-old percussion instruments. They marked the rhythm of their dances with chachayote seeds, worn on their ankles. The performance of the Aztec Indians is very exotic in nature and enabled the spectators to step back in time and envision the beauty and cultural richness of the ancient Aztec Indians. Young Gordo, is no longer so young, and did most of the lead dancing his father had done in previous years, including the "Fire Dance." Their performances were great as always and we always look forward to their return to a MCNAA Pow Wow.

Another featured dance group was the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers. They shared Eastern Social Songs and Dances both days. They were dressed in hand-made regalia made from deer-skin that emphasizes the old-age style of the Eastern Woodlands People. With their songs accompanied by hand-crafted rattles and their dances fully narrated, the group frequently invited and encouraged the audience to participate. A few of the dances include: The Alligator Dance, The Round Dance, The Mosquito Dance, The Duck Dance, and The Rabbit Dance. This presentation was a great opportunity for the audience to experience dances that are indigenous to the Native Peoples of this area.

After so many rainy days, many families came out to enjoy the nice weather and learn about Native People. The crowd of guests to the Pow Wow was at times six to eight people deep around the dance circle. Native friends came from New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, and other surrounding states to dance to the Iron River Singers, Eastern Sons, and RezDogs. Some local friends even took time to socialize with other Native attendees who traveled from other parts of the region. Louie-The Mic Mac Chef and the MCNAA kitchen kept everyone fed with buffalo burgers, venison, hot dogs, hamburgers, fry bread, succotash and other foods. The energy there was clearly enthusiastic.

Loril Moon Dream and Peter White Fox enchanted children and adults alike with their storytelling and puppetry. Visits to their site meant learning to make a turtle pouch, listening to stories from indigenous groups, helping to build the wickiup, and hearing about the beautiful tipi which was set up on Saturday morning.

The evenings were filled with two or three drums practicing and sharing the spirit of song and music at various times in different areas of the Pow Wow grounds. Venders, dancers, and their families moved freely from drum to drum and from camper to camp, socializing and catching up - - - reminiscent of Native American traditional gatherings.

Welcome New Advisory Committee Members

The Board of Directors has welcomed two new members to the MCNAA Advisory Committee. After some discussion about the individuals, it was decided that both have a lot to offer MCNAA in various capacities. We extend a warm welcome to Don Barnaby and Charles Desmond. Thank you both for wanting to give a little of your time, your ideas and support.

What Has MCNAA Been Doing?

Board members have been working diligently on updating the organizations' Strategic Plan. To date, four planning meetings have been held. The overall document simply summarized why we exist, what we are trying to accomplish over the next three to five years and how we are going to get there. The work plan clearly defines the purpose of the organization; it outlines our short and long-range goals that are consistent with our mission and vision; it states our current programs and services; it includes our Inclusivity Statement; it identifies our target market and needs; and it addresses our key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and strengths. We look forward to the completed document in a few months.

In addition to strategic planning and the daily tasks of the office, we are:

• Finalizing the program and publicity for the Chief Red Blanket Pow-Wow (Sept. 10-11)
• Soliciting and collecting items for the Benefit Auction (Oct. 30)
• Continuing the activities for the Youth Empowerment & Cultural Enrichment Program
• Reviewing applications for the Chief Red Blanket Scholarship
• Developing ideas and topics for workshops and lectures in the Fall
• Planning the details of the Pow-Wow for the 350th Yr. Anniversary Celebration for the Town of Billerica
• Securing a different venue for our Nat'l Native American Heritage Day Pow-Wow (Sun., November 20 at Springstep, Medford, MA.).

Volunteers Needed - Chief Red Blanket Pow-Wow, Haverhill, MA

If you live in the Haverhill area and can offer a few hours to help at this pow-wow, please let us know. We can use help in the kitchen, at the admission gate, and at the information & t-shirt table. The event date is Saturday and Sunday, September 10-11, 2005. Call or e-mail us at: 617-884-4227 or mcnaa@aol.com. Thank you.

Haverhill Cultural Council Community Meeting

On Wednesday, May 18th, Advisory Committee Member, Sly Fox Oakley and friends and residents of Haverhill attended a Community Meeting held by the Haverhill Cultural Council. Input from community members was solicited on what they felt was important to the Haverhill community. A number of friends spoke on behalf of MCNAA and expressed how important it is to have the Chief Red Blanket Pow-Wow held in their community. We are most appreciative of all their efforts in bringing to light the importance of this cultural event. Thank you Sly Fox, Claire, Cookie and all.

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.

MCNAA T-Shirts Still Available

We still have MCNAA t-shirts for sale: The shirts are Fruit of the Loom, 100% cotton and have the MCNAA logo displayed largely in the front. The logo represents the Circle of Unity, the Four Directions, the Pipe of Peace, and the Feather of Brotherhood. This is what we have available:

• Midnight Black - L, XL, XXL
• Athletic Gray - L, XL, XXL
• Azalea (light Fuscia) - L, XL
• Purple - L, XL

Prices vary according to size. (Sorry, but the printing company charges us this way.) These are the current prices:

• $15.00 plus $2.50 s/h - Medium (M) to Extra Large (XL)
• $17.00 plus $2.50 s/h - Extra, Extra Large (XXL)

You can help support this fundraising effort by purchasing a t-shirt. Send a note telling us the color and size you'd like, include a check, money order or cash for the cost of the shirt(s) (plus shipping & handling) and mail to:

Items & Services Needed For The Annual Benefit Auction

As always, we are seeking any items or services you'd like to donate to MCNAA for the upcoming auction on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at the Holiday Inn in Randolph, MA. Keep in mind that this is one of the few fundraising events we have during the year so please put it on your calendar and consider supporting it. (We'll also mail out the items booklet and the discount ticket coupon.) In the past, we have had various items up for bid. They included all types of Native American ware, non-Native items gift items, as well as electronics, small furniture, cookware, services, and much more. If you have something you'd like to offer but have not had the opportunity to get it to us, please contact Tony at MCNAA 617-884-4227. We will also have door prizes and a raffle as well as a full hors 'd oeuvres buffet during our reception. The Benefit Auction & Reception is open to all so please join us. Admission is only $3.00 (with the discount coupon). Bruce "Star" Curliss is this years' unofficial auctioneer. It's a lot of fun.

Reminder - Workshops Offered by MCNAA

MCNAA offers schools and organization, workshops on topics related to systems of oppression, multicultural curriculum, diversity in the workplace, and specifically teaching about Native Americans. Although focused on teacher education, topics are relevant to other groups and individuals and are able to be adjusted. A few are entitled:

1. What You Didn't Think You Needed to Know Before Teaching About Native Americans
2. Transforming Classroom Lessons to Create Multicultural/Anti-Racist and Culturally Relevant Classrooms
3. Race, culture, and achievement: What Strategies make the Connection?
4. Talking About Race and Racism
5. Intelligence and the Academic Achievement Gap
6. We CAN learn from each other! Peer Visits - A Model
7. Being An Ally Across Systems of Oppression
8. Workshops on specific Nation/Tribes: Wampanoag, Nipmuc, Arawak/Taino and others

New MCNAA President Voted In

At the end of September, current MCNAA President, Kim Orben, will move to Florida with her family. The seat on the Board will become vacant. In anticipation of this move, the Board of Directors convened on Monday, August 22nd to elect a new President. There were two nominations from the table with one nominee nominating the other. After a brief discussion, Burne Stanley-Peters was unanimously voted in as the new President of MCNAA. We have seen her quiet, strong leadership in action for over sixteen years and have full confidence that MCNAA will maintain its current successful programs and continue to grow under her guidance. We will welcome Burne as the new President on September 30, 2005.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kim for the fantastic job she has done over the past 10 years in her role as President. We will miss her contributions, her friendliness, but most of all - her wit.

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.

Seeking Nominations For A Board Member

MCNAA is seeking nominations to fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors. This is a non-paid governing position of the organization.

If you'd like to nominate a Native person whom you feel would be a tremendous asset to the Board or if you are a Native American and have an interest in serving, please submit the name(s) to MCNAA by September 16, 2005. Names will be accepted either by e-mail or regular mail. (MCNAA, P.O. Box 5885, Boston, MA 02114-5885). Thank you.

Cookout Held In Honor Of MCNAA President & Husband

MCNAA Members and Friends came from New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Medford, Cambridge, Wilmington, Brockton, and other areas of Massachusetts to join us for lobster, grilled chicken and steak, hamburgers, salads, desserts, and other delicious foods.

Our gracious hosts made us feel very welcomed weeks before we arrived by sharing several e-mail messages with Burne. Here's what they wrote:

Message 1: "We are looking forward to this cookout. We always have a good time with friends. Bob and I get excited about being with everyone, and will be picking up goodies all week. We never worry about how many show up, just try our darndest to make sure everyone has a great time. If anyone wants to take a "dry run" to our house they are welcomed to. If anyone does take a test run, stop for coffee or tea."

Message 2: "Here is a saying that used to be on the wall of my parents' home that we really mean from our hearts:

    Though "GUEST" is a most gracious word,
    We cannot call you thus.
    While you are here this is your home,
    We count you one of us."

After reading their messages, we all felt like we could go into their kitchen and cook if we needed to, inspect their camper that was parking in the yard, dance on the pavement if we desired, watch television in the living room to get out of the heat for a while, and even take a nap if we wanted. We all felt very much at home.

Kim and Frankie were grateful for the gesture of the cook-out in their honor. They sent out an e-mail the next day to those who attended. This is part of what they said:

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who participated in yesterdays cook out. Frankie and I had a great time. It was nice to see those of you who were there. We enjoyed the company, the conversations, the fellow-ship, and the food (of course, that goes without saying). The weather was even gorgeous. Well, friends, again, thank you so much for sharing the day with us. Love Kim and Frankie."

They will be leaving for their move to Florida on September 29, 2005 and will be truly missed. One other "Farewell" event will be held for them on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 7:45 PM at Club RAIN in Malden. Please join us. 617-884-4227.

Other News and Info

Judge Approves Timeline For Mashpee Recognition

2004-05 Mashpee Wampanoag Pow-Wow Princess Passes The Crown

by Autaquay Peters

My sister, Aquayah, served as the Mashpee Wampanoag Pow-Wow Princess from July 2004 to July 2005. At the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Pow-Wow this year, her reign was up and she had to pass the crown to the new Pow-Wow Princess (Victoria Miranda).

Throughout the year, Aquayah attended many pow-wows and Native American events. This is not unusual for her because she had always participated in Native cultural events across the country. What was different during the one-year reign is that she was officially representing the Mashpee Wampanog People. For those of you who may not have heard Aquayah's "Farewell Speech" at the pow-wow, it is listed below. She wrote this herself, from her heart.

"The significance of being able to represent my people and hundreds of years of tradition is overwhelming. I am so thankful of being given the opportunity to do so. As the Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow Princess, I feel that I've fulfilled the many expectations and duties to my extent. Having this honor, I've had many opportunities to both travel and educate. I've been able to go to over 25 powwows in my full year as Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow Princess and represented our Tribe as well as our powwow in about 8 different states including Washington State. I've also had the opportunity to speak to different communities including my own of Chelsea and the Greater Boston area. I feel I was successful in spreading awareness of not only our Tribe but all of Native America. Besides being able to educate others, I've also been able to learn from others. Being able to go to these other powwows opened my eyes to other Native cultures so much different from our own. Being the Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow Princess came with pride and honor, as well as unexpected experiences. But being able to rise above this and still be able to fulfill the position shows the strength and character that is needed and which the upcoming Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow Princess I'm sure will have. I also would like to extend a Thank You to those people who supported me throughout my experience. My family - especially my Mother and Sister - who not only supported me but who have been with me from day one. And thank you to my backbone, Cheryl Frye. She was also there for me every step of the way and she's a big part of my success. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Aquayah Peters"

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2005 List of Native American Pow-Wows and Special Events

If you didn't receive the Annual Listing of Events in January, please e-mail or call for your copy. For updates, please visit our website at www.mcnaa.org. If you don't have internet access, please call us for updated information. 617-884-4227.

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Upcoming Events for MCNAA

MCNAA events for the remainder of 2005 and the beginning of 2006:

Sun., Oct. 16 - Town of Billerica's 350th Year Anniversary Celebration, Elks Lodge, 14 Webb Brook Road, Billerica, MA (indoors if inclement weather.) Pow-Wow will be presented by MCNAA.

Sun. Oct. 30 - MCNAA Benefit Auction & Reception, Holiday Inn, off Route 128, Exit 5A, Randolph, MA

Sun., Nov. 20 - Nat'l Native American Heritage Day Pow-Wow and Crafts Festival, Springstep, 98 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, MA

Sat., Jan. 28, 2006 - MCNAA Annual Winter Social & Potluck Feast, VFW, Middleboro, MA

NOTE: Over the course of this year, some dates or locations for a few MCNAA events changed. Please check your calendar or schedule of events and mark it accordingly.

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"People think that if they were rich they would contribute to charities. My experience has been if you don't start giving away your money when you have very little, you won't do it when you get a lot."