"Don't be Phoney. People don't like that kind a shit"

My deceased cousin Ernest was a good man. He was funny without trying to be. We were at this Gathering and Ernest got up to speak to the people. Lot of Traditional Native people were in the audience. He spoke of Teachings, but started off with "Don't be Phoney, People don't like that kind a shit". He was like that, not politically correct or muted.  He made a good point though. We need to be a little more real in our lives. Many people say they live by the Seven Teachings (love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, truth, wisdom). That is a good thing. It is a great thing if that is practiced in their everyday behaviour.  In some circles that is not always the case. We see some hard people that dress themselves up in Spiritual rhetoric but fall short when it comes to actions with other folk. I guess Ernest didn't really like those kind of characters. I bet some people are coming to your mind, eh? 

It's a bit hard not to feel like a phoney sometimes. I mean, we are fragile creatures, prone to make mistakes. We are emotional and act out in ways that don't make sense or are not right or not good. Sometimes we do things and say things that are just plain wrong. Man, I have made so many mistakes in my life. Been afraid so many times. Been really angry so many times. And have acted in ugly ways so many times. So now, today, how can I act like a good person? How can I make statements about practicing kindness when some of my own actions were horrible?  Isn't that the act of a phoney?

I think there is some redemption in most of us. I guess some things you just can be redeemed from. If you are trying in earnest to make right the wrongs, perhaps you can speak without being phoney?  I don't know me.

Growing up I seen lot of violence, seen alcohol abuse, been part of abuse, violence, criminal activity, have been dishonest. Have my actions of late erased my wrong doings?  Am I redeemed?  Of course not. I wiill never be free of guilt, regret and remorse. All I can do is try to make a real attempt at being a better person. I will never get to be a good person, but hopefully become a reasonable facsimile of a good person.

I think that is what my Cousin Ernest was saying, when he said, "don't be phoney balloney".  Try to be true to what you are saying and doing. That is what I believe he was saying. 

Native Beadwork: Artistic Creativity, Beauty and Tradition. A piece of Tradition worth seeking.

When I was a teenager we used to go to some Native events in other Reserves. It was fun.  There would be dancing, live music, Jigging, Pow-wow, baseball games and food. I have fond memories of those times. The constant that I remember at these
events were the craft tables. People would have their wares for sale. Most of it was bead work. Necklaces, and all sorts of beading adornments. Lot of different styles and they were stunning.

Spectacular

The time it takes and the work that goes into the making of the Beaded necklace is evident in the work. 

Great Design. 

 As kids we never tired of seeing such beautiful designs and necklaces.  The other popular beaded item was the belt,  the watch band and of course the head band. It think the Hippies made them popular in the 60's and 70's.  I don't believe there are worn much these days. All though they sure look good on the hat bands and beaded brims of hats.

The style and type of beadwork being done varies throughout North America. There are the geometric styles of the southern peoples, the floral designs of the woodlands and northern peoples. The different and various ways that beading is being used; form the necklace to the track shoe.  All creative and beautiful.
If you want to see masterful beadwork just go to a Pow-wow. Unreal the skill that is displayed at those events.

Ironic 

Some of the type of beadwork is quite sophisticated and intricate. While others are very stylized or simple. In any case the work that goes into the beadwork is skillful.

When the rise of Native political groups in Canada started to become more active, the Leaders of the day, tended to wear beadwork (and of course Turquoise). The most common things were the medallion necklace, the bolo necktie, the watchband or wrist bands and sometimes the belt. That style sort of disappeared in the 1980's. But you now see it making a comeback. I think it started with the youth. Lot of youth started sporting the beaded medallion.  Of course the style of medallion wasn't your typical 1970's Thunderbird, it was different. You see some youth wearing logos of designer apparel, like the Nike Logo or Channel and Dolce Gabbana.  Many people are beading up a storm of professional sports teams.


One of the things that is starting to develop is the introduction of "not authentic" beadwork.  Your key chains, ear rings, and lanyards have started to become a mainstay in some of the Native crafts and art stores. This is of course reflected in the price. Many Native items have been appropriated over the years; moccasins and mukluks being the best known items.  You can get moccasins made by anyone or of any kind of design. ("Note: Non-Native American Made But Hand Made" is a note on some ads) In the United States there is a law or custom to label items as Native made, if it is in fact Native made.  I don't believe that is the case in Canada. However, what bothers me (and I imagine the artisans) is the effect of cheap replicas coming into what is already a "niche" market.  I mean there are no "hippies" around to wear these beaded necklace?  The only people I see wearing this works of art are Native people. The market is small.  The work is hard and is done by a group of dedicated people. So the time and effort put into these beauties must be reflected in the cost. You would think?  But as my cousin says, "people are cheap".

What you would rather wear?  Something that is not authentic; or something rich in Tradition?  Or something that is produced in some place that has no connection to the history of the symbols or the meanings behind the work?  Would you be willing to purchase the authentic because it is worth it or would you rather purchase a pretence of the art?  I guess the old adage  is true, "you get what you pay for". I am very glad that there are still many artists and families out there that are keeping up with Native art and craft (for me its all art). It is too bad that some folk don't see or recognize the value in the authentic work. They would rather buy something that is a "reasonable facsimile" of the real deal.  Me, I like the history and Tradition tied to the item.

I think the Powwow people are keeping the Tradition strong.  It will be a shame when their regalia is imitated in wage poor countries. I was over visiting my cousin today and they were showing me the new beadwork that their son has for his Dance outfit. Just stunning.  He is hoping to wear his new Beadwork at the Painted Hand Powwow.  So to all of you that are interested in the real deal, head out to a powwow or ask one of your Indian friends, they will steer you to a Native seller of "authentic" Indian made items.nAnd remember don't be cheap. The art is worth it.

If you want mass produced, go to Walmart, Target lot of adornments with no Tradition or connection.

Woman's Crown, You won't find that at Walmart. 

We are lucky here in Winnipeg because there are a few shops that carry authentic hand made Native made items.  My cousin has Red Cedar Gifts; hand made star quilts and other items. Creeations is a Native owned shop on Main street. It is not difficult to find the real artists and crafts. Remember these are works of art.

We are Givers or Takers

I went to the washroom the other night. I was surprised. I came out and said to my wife, "I don't remember eating corn?".  She said "That was me," really meaning me not her.  "Oh, okay" I said.  She looked at me and started laughing.  I am very dumb.  What does this have to do with Givers and Takers?  Absolutely nothing. (If I have to explain the little story, you are in my group)

I was at a Feast the other day. A good feed for us that went. It was a Feast to honour those who completed a Treatment program for drug alcohol abuse. After the Feast I sat around and visited. People started to clean up. They started to re-arrange the chairs and started to take down the tables. I got up and started to help a little bit. We finished putting the tables away and putting chairs back to where they were supposed to be for workshops.  The ladies who were doing most of the work laughed together and were talking. They said "where did all the men go?"  "They ate and left".  They were speaking about some of the male staff and male members of the program. All of them seemed to melt off with the crowd.

That is something isn't it?  The ladies laughed about it, but it did highlight the way things go sometimes. You have to be smart and take off before you are the only one left to do the work. 

Actually, it is about Givers and Takers. There are those of us that take things for granted. We go and accept all sorts of kindness, generosity, rewards, perks, food, Ceremony Blessings and don't think about reciprocity. In other words, Giving back.  We are glad to take what is out there. We go to the Sweat Lodge and we don't even bother to bring a small offering or Tobacco. We let the volunteers take our kids to hockey games, and look after them. We take it all it seems. 

Sometimes as Takers, we get upset with the Givers. We say things like "how come it's always them coaching the kids?"  Why don't they get some else to sit on the Board?  We resent those damn people who are always volunteering or are always willing to speak or give a hand.  That is the weird way we take things. 

I like Givers. They make a lot us have easier times. They are always willing to chop wood, go and pick Grandfathers for the Sweat Ceremony. Stay up at the Sacred Fires for Wake services.  They are the ones that will show up and bring food to your service or Gathering. They will come sing at your event, Wake or Ceremony. Man those Givers can't seem to stop giving.  They will stay and help clean up after an event. They will take their own trash of the tables and go put them in the garbage bins or cans. Us takers even leave our half full cups of cold coffee on the table for someone else to pick up. 

I was speaking with my brother the other day about Organizational Culture. He is trying to change the culture in his work place. He wants people to be conscientious about their place of work and what they are doing. We talked about "how when you work for people you are working for the Creator".  We talked about being a good citizen in the work place and what that entails. You know the type of person who will do what is not expected of him. Like the person who will pick up a dirty cup someone left in the board room. Or the person who will help another co-worker with out expectation of recognition. Those are the types of things that make a good work place, when people become more of a Giver than a Taker.  You know the type only there to exchange labour service for purely financial reward or recognition. The "it's not my job person" who can make it hard for everyone. 

I guess you know which category you may be on. But you know what?  Being a Giver can be in all of us. Not just Giving for those that are close to us and when we are being watched, but Giving even when no one will know we are Giving.  Isn't that cool? 

There are many Givers in our community. The many that take the time to come to the Wake services (no matter whose Wake) and sing for the families (Gospel and Traditional). There are the Fire Keepers like Radford Courchene who volunteers unselfishly to watch the Fire at your Service Wake. Radford was a regular at a Wake Service, he was there when people didn't have anyone to watch the Fire all night. Radford is no longer alive, but he is remembered for his generosity.  I really appreciate those people and I know our community (Sagkeeng) is a better place because of those Givers. 

My Dad: Henry: 1930 - 2013

Dad was 80 here in this video. He was forgetting by this time in his life.

I miss him.  We miss him.

Spirit Road Funeral:  Natasha.

Dad left and had a Traditional Burial.

Dad resting.  Nice Moccasins for his trip. Given to him by his son in law Smiley

Dad and his visit with Auntie Therience.

Admit it. You're a Racist.

So some billionaire was taped talking openly about his thoughts on Blacks and minorities.Another Billionaire is constantly promoting ridicule of Indians with his team logo. The thing is people are shocked. Not really about the Redskins team but with the NBA  LA Clippers owner, who doesn't want his young girl friend to bring Black people to his games. One thing for sure it has a lot of people talking.

The funny thing is, people are appalled at this guy's way of thinking. I am thinking, what?  Where the heck have these people been?  People are saying "that is no way to talk in this day and age". What? This day and age?  Heck, just look at what is happening in Canada and the U.S. for heck sakes. The Donald Trump is one of the most hateful bigots out there. Yet he is a mainstay on  television all the time. He attacks the President Obama on a constant basis. Donald wants to see his birth certificate? If Obama was not a Black man, would this be happening?  Of course not. It is because people are just out and out pure racist. Don't believe, take a look at Ted Nugent, Cliven Bundy, Hank Williams Jr., Mel Gibson, Paula Dean, Michael Richards (Kramer), Charlie Sheen, John Wayne (of course), John Mayer (with KKK dick), and what racist's list does not have that kkkookoo bird Ann Coulter. 

I think that these "big name" racist have one thing in common; they outed themselves. Just imagine how many of the racist are hiding?  I think the only thing that Donald Sterling did when he said he didn't want his girl friend to bring Magic Johnson to his games, was that he drove more racists underground. It is not that they are going to stop hating Blacks, Jews, Muslims, Indians, Asians (and everyone else that doesn't look like them) but they are going to try and hide it tighter within their circles. The circles will become tighter. More people will not be able to enter the circle. Funny how that circle is full with money?

Canada is kind of a different animal.  It's not like Canada is much less racist that our friends in the good old U. S. of A.  No, heck no.  Canada just uses it racism differently.  Much of Canada's racism is in the government sector.  The U.S. government is built on racism, everyone knows that, but Canada is slicker or more hypocritical when it comes to its racism. The business side in Canada is good at hiding its racist holdings (get it?).  While the U.S. business doesn't really care if its racist.

Ah, heck, it wasn't my intention to talk generally about racism in the U.S. and Canada's increasing big foot of racism (you know the increase of Right Wing ideals and policies in Canada under Stephen Harper),  I wanted to examine the every guy racist. The guy and gal who live in your neck of the woods. Go to your kids hockey games. The ones you see sitting at the rotten ronnies (McDonalds) or the one who sits and laughs at the funny looking and talking minority on TV sitcoms. You know, your friendly acquaintance, your boyfriend, your work buddy, your boss, and your wife. Those are the racists I was thinking about.

Do you think a racist is the sum of our experiences?  You know all those little things that happen to us our whole life?  Or are we just born that way?

Nah. I think it is a learned thing. A learned attitude, belief, and a lifestyle. Not like being born Gay or anything (not that there is anything wrong with that).  I think it's a built up thing of your own desires, wants, tastes, likes and dislikes. It is a negative view on the world.  And that view of the world must have come from somewhere.Not that it is an excuse. Many people have experiences that they don't LET define them.

Do you think that living beside a Reserve with a bunch of Indians that come into your town and have White girl friends make you racist. I mean if they "stole" your girls?  Or if you work in a Town Paper Mill and the only ones who get the promotions are the White guys, will that make you racist? Or if you are stopped by the White cops and they extort money from your poor Mom who works as a janitor and is not loaded with cash and is just trying to feed her nine kids?  Or is those "rich" White guys driving by you on the road throwing insults and hurling racist names?  Or is that store owner that watches you like a hawk when you go into the store to buy some penny gum?  Or is that wicked White Nun who whacks you with that big leather strap? Will that make you racist? Or is it when you go hanging out with your Native friends and other Natives come and bully you anyway? Or if you Mom was walking on the street in downtown Winnipeg and a drunken Indian guy walks up and cuffs her in the head? Would that make you racist to hate them after that? Or you work in Portage Place and all you see is the United Nations of Indians and minorities, where as a White you feel uncomfortable?

There is some truth that our experiences make us who we are. But there is still our free will. If we know something is not right or moral, then why do we still do it?

Or are you one of those people that does not see colour?  I think the people who don't see colour only exist for a short period of time; they are babies - Abinoojii(ag).  They, I think, are truly the ones who don't judge colour of your skin. All the others are full of moo (excrement).

We think of racism as a bad thing. When it is a judgement based on our experiences and of stereotypes.  It is a shortcut to all the information that we absorb and digest over time. It may be absolutely wrong but we do it anyway. Is it wrong? If you use judgement to punish, discriminate, isolate, neglect, ridicule and even kill, then of course its' wrong. But we all do it. Deny it, I dare you.  You are lying to yourself and the world. Of course we see colour. It is in the every day signals, messages that we receive. How do we not see colour? I don't have a clue. Everything is a category. Our experiences show us that. That is why it is hard not to be racist. We categorize everything and everybody.

Remember when Japanese cars came into the market? What was the thought; cheap cars, no good. Now it is the Chinese industry that we question and categorize. We see other things in a category as well; wild wilderness, backwoods southerners, communist Soviets, radical Arabs, militant Blacks, savage Indians, and so on. We can't escape it. Admit it. You are a racist. Even if you like Blacks and Indians. You still see them as what they are, not White. And that is okay. As long as you don't put yourself above or better than them.

Sure some naive person will say we are all human beings. Please!  That is so scraping the chalkboard with your finger nails; it makes us cringe. We are all different. So let's embrace those differences and see them, but DON'T use it as a weapon.  Use it as an opportunity to learn. To explore and expand our likes, our tastes, our experiences. So let's see colour and love it. Make racism about loving the great differences we have. 

 http://theracecardproject.com/i-dont-see-color-cringeworthy/

Are you an Apple?

My Mom was a great lady. The kind of person that was so open and honest.  Lot of people can be like that. Sometimes you have to laugh at the the things that they say. My Mom was the backbone of our family. The Mom who kept everyone together. I really liked her.

She went to Boarding (Indian Residential) school in Fort Alexander Indian Reserve. I think she had a grade three or four education. She loved to read. I remember as a kid my Mom had all sorts of reading books. She was also a good believer in the Church. She did her Rosary prayers all the time.  I don't I ever did one of those in my life.

Anyway my Mom would say some of the funniest things that you wouldn't expect her to say.  There is a radio station in Manitoba called NCI .  NCI is a Native radio station and has a lot of Native talent on there as hosts.  I remember there was this one gal on the radio that my Mom could not stand. Mom said "she sounds like an Apple".  Holy heck I didn't even know my Mom knew about Apples. So it was funny, this old Woman calling another Neechi (Friend Indian) an  Apple. Mom was not the type to really put down anyone. So it was really funny.

Apple is a put down of another Indian by an Indian. It means that the Indian is trying to be White. Have main stream values and ashamed of their heritage. I think for my Mom it was this woman's voice on the radio. I think at the time it was either Rosanna Deerchild or some other host. Not sure.

I am not sure if there are that many Apples these days. You know? Since its kind of cool to be Indian.

In his book Red Earth, White Lies, Vine Deloria, Jr. discussed why Americans wish they could be Indians:
They are discontented with their society, their government, their religion, and everything around them and nothing is more appealing than to cast aside all inhibitions and stride back into the wilderness, or at least a wilderness theme park, seeking the nobility of the wily savage who once physically fought civilization and now, symbolically at least, is prepared to do it again. http://mycultureisnotatrend.tumblr.com/

 Deerchild is quite a Woman. She is an accomplished writer a known radio personality and a very proud Native woman. I guess the way she talks, her accent or lack of one is what annoyed my Mom (if it was Deerchild).  I don't see her as being an Apple, the opposite actually. I think she is a good Native role model (in some circles).

I kind of laugh when I hear some Indians talk. There are the guys like Gerry Big Bear who is a radio host. Man he sounds like a White guy. There are many like this. I guess it is where they grew up. Maybe that is why they have no "Indian accent". It seems weird to look at them, when their voices don't match their face. My Mom was real Reserve, just like many of her people in her generation. Being Indian is what they were/are. So I guess it didn't appeal to them that others would rather be white than Indian.

They were some in our Reserve and other communities and cities where Indians claimed to be anything but Indian. They were White, Italian, or whatever but not Indian. Some tried to marry out of the Indian. Mostly Women in this respect. Saw it in our Reserve.

But today I think there is a resurgence of Indian Pride. So there is a lot less need to be White, or Apple. There is less of a need to hide who you are.  You see the constant and multiple attacks on the heritage, social conscious, and life of the Indian is being countered. It is being countered by the realization of Indian Spirituality. It never died. But now it is more and more being Lived by Indians. So with that Spiritual awakening, the pull or allure of Apple is almost over. The rise of the Indian is strong.

I imagine there are still a number of Apples out there. I don't know if they are on the radio stations or television shows. Maybe they are in main stream business or politics? After all that is still the strong hold of the middle aged white guy.

I like Powwow too...but this is Sundance.

One of the best scoldings I was ever witness to, was Elder Joe Esquash giving advice to some young Indian Men.  We were at a SunDance preparation meeting. The boys were all around the Drum. They went into a song and started to jam. They were going full tilt, just giving it all. Some whoops and holler.  After the song and the last beat on the Drum, they smiled gave each other encouragements, congratulations, grins and pride-full looks. Many of us were all in a circle in this small building. The Old Man Joe, just said "I like Powwow too, but this is SunDance".  All the heads of the guys around the Drum just bowed.
They all knew they were scolded. No yelling, no anger, just a calm voice telling them this was for Prayer time.   

We laughed afterward.

I like that about the Elders and the wise, just how damn cool they are.

You know that some Indians don't believe there is any Ceremonial element to Powwows?  Sad, I know. There is  of course pageantry, exhibition, dance, gala, colour and of course pride. But don't think for one minute there is no Spirit there. There is wonderful Spirit and strong Ceremonial presence in the Dance, the Song, the history.  They only need to ask about the Dance, the Song, and the revival. You see it was a neat trick to practice Ceremony in front of everyone when it was against the law. Even it was disguised in the festival and exhibition aspect of the Powwow. 

I was listening to Ceremony songs on the youtube and was thinking about Ceremony. Spring is here and just two months from now, there will be many SunDance Ceremonies happening.

It is a blessing to be able to go to Ceremony. Just think there was a time (not too long ago) that you couldn't even leave your community or practice your beliefs. Wow eh?

It is a testament to our People and their ability to survive. We do have an obligation to our ancestors and to our heritage to not forget who we are and where we come from.

Not only that, but we owe it to our children and their children to Teach them. Teach them about our heritage. That means learning our language and our ways.

It is never too late.  Seek out Elders, Ceremony, Language Teachers, and Story Tellers. They will not turn you away.  So enjoy the Powwow, but also don't forget the Ceremony.

Like the old man says, I like powwow too, but this is Sundance...