Advisory Committee Members: Eva Blake, Pam Ellis, Anne Foxx-Whitford, John Sly Fox Oakley, Donald Silva, and Clarence Wixon.

Founder and Director: Burne Stanley-Peters

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

Cultural Arts Program

Nat'l Native American Heritage Day Pow-wow

Native friends from Massachusetts and Rhode Island joined us in inter-tribal dancing at our Annual Native American Heritage Day Pow-Wow. The event took place on Sunday, November 21, 2004 at the Brooks Building in Lincoln, MA. Although more were expected, the event attracted several hundred spectators most of whom stayed throughout the afternoon. They all enjoyed the singing, dancing, craftmaking, visiting the vendors, and some traditional foods. What was especially delicious was Nana Kay's Succotash made and donated by MCNAA Member Donna Mitchell. We had a great celebration and the visitors learned a little more about Native American culture.

For 2005, we thought it would be nice to look for a venue in another town where a pow-wow hasn't taken place so that we can educate them about and share our culture. The Needham, Wellesley, and Weston areas were suggested. If you know of a venue convenient to a major highway/route in and around those areas, please let us know. We will keep our membership informed of the developments.

MCNAA brings Native American Cultural Dance Presentation to North Shore Community College

On December 9 MCNAA gave a live dance and singing presentation sponsored by NSCC. The College President and many professors as well as students were in attendance. A number of urban schools throughout Lynn took advantage of the opportunity to bring their students and allow them to experience our culture first hand.

Many of the students, who ranged from k- high school, were mesmerized by the drumming & singing as well as the colorful regalia of the dancers.

According to one teacher, this was a unique experience for many of these inner city youth who had never experienced Native drumming and singing, and when they understood that this was live music, they began to move and clap and engage themselves in the music. Another teacher from Iran commented on how the colorful regalia reminded her of her country.

When they were invited into the Circle to dance, many of the students tried to follow and emulate the Native dancers who were there. Despite the large crowd in the Circle and seemingly chaotic conditions, the students were quite orderly and very much in tuned with the dancing.

Although there were only a few vendors because of the event being held during the week, the public was quite excited about the genuine crafts, paintings, and jewelry that were available for them to purchase.

During the storytelling segment of the program, the children were very attentive to Loril and Peter who used animal props to emphasize the stories.

One college professor who attended the event said that as he was scattering throughout the crowd he heard numerous compliments of our presentation. That which was most pronounced he said was the one that came from a little girl whom her Mother requested a picture taken of her two children. The mother said: "The kids enjoyed the pow wow very much, they told me they got to see a real Indian, not a Book-Indian. Kassy said, look mommy, they are not redskin like they said in my book at school, they all have different skin color." This unsolicited commentary is reflective of a job well done said the professor. This type of feedback is good as it lets us know that we are accomplishing what is in our mission.

Benefits/Fundraising

Benefit Auction

MCNAA held its annual Benefit Auction & Remembering Slow Turtle Reception at the Holiday Inn in Randolph this past October 24 to raise funds for its Youth Empowerment & Cultural Enrichment Program. Nearly 100 MCNAA members and friends gave up their busy schedules on a New England sports-filled weekend to show their commitment and support for our organization and it's goals.

A number of unique items were donated by vendors, members, and MCNAA officials to make the auction a huge success. Perhaps the most unusual and valuable gift was a large adobe vase donated by Marti Biledeau in honor of our friend and long time member, the late Firewoman (Jackie Emerton).

Throughout the afternoon participants enjoyed an assortment of hors 'd oeuvres and beverages while they milled about trying to make theirs the winning bid for a silent auction item or two that might have caught their eye.

A number of guest speakers, including Dr. Shirley Blancke, Jane Joe Shea, and Donna Mitchell, shared their experiences with and memories of Slow Turtle and his impact on their lives. Many in attendance could identify with their stories.

After the speakers finished, the live auction began. Unofficial auctioneer Bruce Star Curliss began by asking Board Members and Advisory Committee Members to display the items up for bid. There was a lot of surprisingly competitive bidding amongst most participants however the most spirited bidding surfaced between Dr. Bert Waters and Cousin Lee Edmonds who vied for a large silver and turquoise bracelet. The bidding became so hot that it ended with Lee not only outbidding Dr. Waters but in the excitement he bid against himself as well. (Thanks Lee for demonstrating what the event was all about.....and that was "having fun while raising money for MCNAA")

We look forward to another successful and enjoyable event in October 2005.

Holiday Appeal

At this time of year, many people reflect on the gifts in their lives and wish to give back to various communities. Many choose to make contributions to their favorite charity or another cause close and dear to their heart. As of this writing, those listed below feel that the Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness, Inc. (MCNAA) is one of those worthy causes and have mailed in a Holiday Gift. They are:

Janet Bernault Eva Blake Windsong Blake Smilingfox Brooks & Paul Sharp Joanne "JoJo" Burke Elizabeth Camerlin Jerrie Campagna Valarie Cartonio Charles & Cynthia Fischer Jessica Gill Kathy Gill Andy Gray Richard Greenlaw Tom Halliday Lynne Hansen Cheryl & Jay Harris Ron Holden Nelly Hottenrott Margorie Iannuzzo

Walter W. Johnston Amelia Klein Margaret LeFort Nicole Libresco Fran Ludwig Barbara Mathews Barbara Conlon Muth Hank & Mariann Perkins Janet Phelps-Thomas Barbara Robinson Barbara Saunders Mariellen Simpson Sandy Sodano Ruth Spack Linda Watchko Dr. & Mrs Herbert Waters, Jr. Susan Waters Catherine MacIntire Williams And others who prefer to remain anonymous

Thank You all for wanting to share part of what you have to help support our important programs and the good work of MCNAA.

If you've already received the form in the mail and put it aside, this article will serve as a gentle and friendly reminder to send in your contribution soon. We are accepting funds through the end of March so you still have time. We have a number of programs that will benefit from your tax-deductible gift. Although the program that you decide to contribute is entirely up to you, I'd like to mention that it's our Chief Red Blanket Scholarship Fund and the Social Assistance Fund (home heating program) that could use your donation the most.

Scholarships to Native American students will be awarded in late January 2005. Native American students use their scholarship award to help pay for books, travel expenses, meals, and any other college related expense. This moderate scholarship helps to keep the student motivated and in school.

Heating bills for Native families are paid by MCNAA directly to the appropriate agency. We began payments in November 2004 and this program runs until April 2005. As of this writing we have 25 more families/individuals on our list who are in need of home heating assistance. Your donation will help keep one of these families warm during the cold season.

If you didn't receive a form, please access the on-line gift form that is on our website (www.mcnaa.org/mcnaagift.html) Fill it out, print it, and mail it to MCNAA with your desired contribution. If you do not have internet access, simply write a check and indicate which of our programs you'd like your donation to be applied to. Please help us help our Native American constituents. Keep in mind that your contribution is 100% tax deductible. Thank you.

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:

CHIEF RED BLANET SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Application Process - Spring 2005

If you are interested in applying for a Chief Red Blanket Scholarship for the 2005 Spring Semester, please call or e-mail MCNAA for an application form. (617-884-4227 or mcnaa@aol.com)

Other News and Info

MCNAA Board Member Makes Cultural Presentation in Germany

Claudia Fox Tree, MCNAA Board Member, was recently invited to participate in the Native American Indian Heritage Month observances held by the United States Army in Germany. Claudia's mother is German and father is Arawak, so this presented a unique opportunity to share her Native American culture in the country of her mother's birth.

Claudia spoke to more than 300 U.S. soldiers and 800 of their children over a four-day period at military bases in Kaiserslautern, Darmstadt, Hanau, and Landstuhl. Hanau is where Elvis Presley was stationed. Landstuhl is where the United States military hospital is located. She was there in the days immediately following Fallujah.

Claudia used drumming, song and dance to educate folks about the history and contributions of Native People in general, and Taino/Arawak specifically. She described the Taino/Arawak initial encounter with Columbus in 1492, as well as his second voyage in 1494 where he brought 17 ships, soldiers and horses for warfare, and chains to enslave. Claudia also explained words and inventions that were Arawak in origin, such as, hurricane, barbecue, cigar, hammock, and tobacco. All of her presentations included connections to present day Native culture, current conditions, community connections, and ways Native People honor and respect each other, animals, and the land.

In 1990, President George Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 as "National American Indian Heritage Month" to celebrate and recognize intertribal cultures and to educate the public about the heritage, history, art, and traditions of Native Americans. The Equal Opportunity Leaders of the United States Military are charged with bringing cultural awareness programs to their assigned bases, as well as, educating military personnel about sexual harassment. About twelve percent of the army consists of women, and even a smaller percentage is made up of Native Americans. Virginia Ming, Equal Opportunity Advisor (coordinator of the EOLs) was given the MCNAA website, and from there, contacted Claudia.

On some of the days, Claudia shared the stage with Ella Garlits (Navajo) and Lt. Bigman (Objibway). Ms. Garlits lives in Germany and her husband is in the military. She shared Navajo history, traditions, and artifacts. She also made Fry Bread. Ms. Bigman is stationed in Germany and she shared her Nation's Jingle Dress Dancing. The event was well-received by military personnel. Claudia frequently had a long line of soldiers, teachers, and children waiting to shake her hand and say "Thank you" at the end of the performance.

Mcnaa officials attend Haverhill Cultural Council Presentation Night

In response to submitting a grant application to the Haverhill Cultural Council (HCC) for the Chief Red Blanket Memorial Pow-Wow, MCNAA Officials were invited to attend the Presentation Night on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 at the Haverhill Senior Citizen Building in Haverhill, MA. Advisory Committee Member Sly Fox Oakley and Board Members Dawn Duncan, Claudia FoxTree and Anthony Silva went prepared to make our presentation for the grant. Presentation Night is an opportunity for the HCC to ask questions about the project and a good opportunity for MCNAA to enlighten HCC members, who might be unfamiliar, with what takes place at the pow-wow. After asking a few questions and letting us know that one of their council members attended what they considered to be a very successful pow-wow, HCC said they would notify us of their decision in late January.

Burne's Accident & Current Status

On November 4th Burne slipped on water and fell directly on her knee cap (patella) and broke it into a number of pieces. After most of the swelling went down, she had reconstructive surgery on November 11th. She is now recovering from the surgery and has begun physical therapy three times a week. She expects to be in full swing and back on the "Swing Dance Floor" in about 2-4 months. In the meanwhile, she is walking with a brace and only uses the crutches once in a while.

She extends her heartfelt thanks to all of you who sent cards, notes of cheer, small gifts, and e-mails wishing her a speedy recovery.

Native Nations Procession in Washington, DC

Anita Peters, a Mashpee Wampanoag of West Barnstable, MA was invited to demonstrate the art of making (and painting) Wampanoag regalia from traditional deerskin. Her presence as a teacher was part of a six-day festival celebrating the opening of the Museum. A large contingent of Wampanoags participated in the Procession, the Opening Ceremonies, and in the Festival. She said "It's so exciting to finally have some recognition of the different tribal traditions. So many people think all the tribes are the same."

Bus groups with members from the Chappaquiddick, Seaconke, Pokanoket, Aquinnah and the Mashpee Wampanoag tribes walked in the Procession down the mall to the museum. Berta Welch, Aquinnah artist, got a look at the final product of three years' work. She and seven other tribal members spent years cutting, polishing and fitting deep purple quahog shells into times of wampum. Inlaid in strips of western red alder wood, the wampum design will be used as elevated molding and trim throughout two museum gift shops. It will also line display cases and large display bench. While Berta and her helpers used electricity to help craft the shells, the experience made her realize how innovative the Wampanoag were. After eating the shellfish, the tribe used the shells to create beads and tiles, using rudimentary equipment. She said "They were incredibly resourceful without electricity, without metal or sandpaper."

The Procession of more than 400 tribes stretching nearly the entire length of the National Mall, patiently and proudly snaking toward the opening ceremony temporarily stalled.

CheeNulKa Pocknett, a 19 year old Mashpee Wampanoag and a student at Cape Cod Community College, emerged before his tribe in full traditional regalia. With some members beating on handmade drums and others simply chanting in a deep tone, the joint Wampanoag tribes of Mashpee and Aquinnah provided a cadence while Pocknett danced. David Pocknett, CheeNulKa's father said that the opening of the museum, a tribute to this hemisphere's Native People was long overdue.

This was a historic and memorable event for all. Read below the article from one of our Elder Members, Mena Topjian, who documents her experience at the event.

Mena's Story - One People, One Heart!

In September, I went to Washington, DC for the huge festive Opening of the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian on the Mall near the Capitol ..and the National Air and Space Museum! Two of my dear friends, Kathleen Herr Zaya and Elaine Garnoush, went with me to make the trip possible. My wish was their command. What a wonderful time we all had with so many fond memories! My friend Kathleen took 11 rolls of photos to better document the event.

On the first wake up morning on Tuesday we were eating breakfast when we heard the loud chatter of rattles outside our suite. It turned out to be two Plains Indian dancer in full dance regalia. I gave the speech of welcome from us and all. That set the mood for our stay!

We set off for the start of the Indian Procession on the Mall right near our hotel. So many thrills. There were about 25,000 Marchers ...Native People and their Supporters from all over the Western Hemisphere. Many in Native dress with the sound of the drum and chanting and dancing! Right there near us. We were in the first row because of my wheelchair!

After the Parade there were speeches on the Capitol steps. We could see and hear the speeches on tall huge screens from our new seats nearer to the Museum. We visited the Open Air Market and browsed around!

That night we returned to go inside the Museum! I felt like a million dollars in my new Coldwater Creek outfit. The outside of the Museum was so interesting. Pinkish canyon color, circular in shape..no straight lines there ..plants, water pond, rocks, waterfall, etc. All so inviting!

Inside there was a huge Atrium with four floors of balconies to visit and browse in at your leisure! A Native-only-foods restaurant, gift shops, meeting rooms, resource room with 18 computers, film area that featured Native Peoples from Alaska to South America, etc. Different Museum showpiece displays done by Indian Groups themselves!

Kathleen maneuvered my wheel chair so I could meet the Museum Director Richard "Dick" West. I thanked him for all! I told him I had sent him and the Museum Resource Room copies of my sabbatical report "Uncommon Adventure from Alaska to Argentina" from 1972-1973.

On Wednesday we looked around more and shopped. So many special objects and souvenirs to buy! But the place was extremely crowded!!...Not easy for Elaine and Kathleen to get me around in a wheelchair!!...At noon we went out to the Mall where there were several stages and tents to explore craft making, dance, storytelling, folk singers etc. We had a program to let us know the hourly schedule. Extremely well planned! Something for everyone!

We chose the stage that featured the New York Seneca Indians dancing and chanting. Elaine got up on the stage for the "Friendship Dance" when we all were invited to join in and dance. She said she got on the stage for us all. Such fun! Kathleen got one of the Men Dancers to come over to meet me. So I got to meet who I call Mr. Friendship Seneca himself. Did I see anyone I knew personally? Only one. However, I felt a special bonding with all there!

So many blessings!!...Many more stories to tell!

Love and Peace, Mena Rose

Upcoming Events for MCNAA