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Painting by
Michael Bollerud

Children Of Indians

I was also one of those;
The children who'd been taken then.
The punishment the white man chose
Was that their parents were forsaken them...
Because they were the children of Indians
They'd divide us so we wouldn't fight;
That's what they supposed back then.
They'd turn our red skin into white
And convert us to their religion
Because we were the children of Indians.
But listen close and you can hear
The grumbling - the eruption's near.
We've been silent but now it's time;
The earth is rumbling - the awaited sign...
For us the children of the Indians
The Panther streaks across the sky.
Tecumseh's footsteps shake the earth.
We now begin to raise the cry
To rise and fight for all we're worth...
Because we are the children of Indians.
And the Families once divided
Are gathering now to fight.
'Cause we, the children, have long decided
We'd rather be Indian than white...
Because we are the children of Indians.
So listen close and you can hear
The grumble of the earthquakes here.
He who's slept now gives the sign
The rumble begins - it's now our time...
We're no longer children -
We're the Indians!

Written by: Ralph (Sauganash)

Painting by
Michael Bollerud

Painting by
David C. Behrens

Where Will It end

Iron Horse Apocalyse:by D.Behrens

Give us a small piece of land
The Invaders asked of us
Just a small parcel
Large enough for four walls
A place for my family to call a home
Give me just a little more
A place to plant my crops
Some land to graze my animals
Just cannot have a home without it.
Can you grant my humble plea.
And so it was from the very first
When they did touch our shores
They asked and asked, never satisfied
In very soon time the asking stopped
Just taking more and more began
Soon we who had been given this very land
Handed to us by Creator's very hand
Stood back and watched it all disappear
What was all ours at one time
Now only small parcels we did have
The only promise made to us and kept
Was that our land they would take and take
And even to this very day, they still are trying
To get the very little we have left
And if determined just enough, they might succeed
So my children, rise up and keep a watchful eye
Very little left is our legacy
Guard and protect it, keep it safe
So the generations yet to come can say
This was a gift from Creator and now is ours to stay
Wak' Tame - September 3, 2000

PLAYING INDIAN

Being of the People ("Indian") is not something one "becomes" or "assumes" or "acquires." It is a natural part of being. As a fullblood Cherokee and teacher of the ways of the People, I have encountered many, not of the blood of the People, who are of the spirit of the People. These are not those whom have become known as "wannabees" or those who, for whatever reason, see "being Indian" as "trendy."

On the other side of this issue, I have also met many who are of the blood of the People who are not of the spirit.
Query: Which of the two mentioned are more of the People? Those who share the blood but not the beliefs or culture, or those who share the spirit but not the blood?
Because the Cherokee had no restrictions on intermarriage, as did some of the People of our ancestors, there are many Blends today who share the blood of these proud People. There are many more who share the spirit. I welcome both into the family, community and brotherhood of the People.

As time and distance increases from the days of our ancestors, there shall become more and more Blends, those of the People who share other blood, other cultures, other heritages. These Blends bring a great richness to the People, for with them comes the understanding of others, a more tolerant outlook to others, and a deeper sense of pride in that which they share with the People.
Those who see being of the People as a "hobby" or a "trend" to sample and discard if it does not suit, are to be pitied for not only their lack of sensitivity, but also their lack of identity. It is my feeling these, who are in the minority, lack a pride in their own heritage and desperately seek to adopt another, more exciting one. These are the only ones who "play Indian," and to them do I extend my sympathy for they wander without true identity. They cannot shame mine, for in my People, there is pride, no shame. In being of the People, in whatever manner, percentage of blood, or of spirit, there is but pride.
I defend not whom I am against any who may express ridicule or prejudice, for they speak thusly out of fear that confidence in one's own identity somehow increases their insecurity. Do not allow such shallowness to invade your own pride in they who are your ancestors and in the future of the children of tomorrow, who shall become the leaders of our varied People.
Pride in the People is that which shall defeat prejudice and eliminate "playing Indian."

With respect, Wasawa Tall Trees

Thank you Wasawa Tall Trees for putting into words what i too believe to be so true,and you have done so with much feeling and wisdom.

WintersChild