First B.C. Indigenous Chief Justice for Court of Appeals – Canada (Turtle Island) 1

Leonard Marchand, the son of former cabinet minister Len Marchand, continually fought for Indigenous rights, was appointed by Chief Justice by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Marchand — who is Syilx and a member of the Okanagan Indian Band — was also appointed chief justice of the Court of Appeal of Yukon.

During his career he fought fight for  residential school survivors and help negotiate the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement in 2005. He also served on the selection committee for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

He has spent time with people who have been traumatized, had much loss in their lives and people who struggled with substance abuse, spente disorder and mental health issues.

“Having had all those experiences really enhances the way that I try to make my decisions and dispense justice in a good way.”

The Chief Justice of B.C. heads the Court of Appeal, the highest appellate court in the province, and also serves on the Canadian Judicial Council, which oversees the administration of justice across all of Canada’s superior courts.

Before his appointment as a judge, Marchand practised law in Kamloops, B.C., and is a frequent speaker at the city’s Thompson Rivers University (TRU).

Bradford Morse, a TRU law professor, said Marchand was following his father’s footsteps as a trailblazer in the realm of Indigenous rights.

(CBC & Intertribal Life)

Manon Jeannote appointed Quebec Lieutenant-Governor (1)

By Shawanoe

Manon Jeannotte was named as Quebec’s new lieutenant-governor by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday. (Photo courtesy of Manon Jeannotte/LinkedIn)

Jeannotte is from The Nation de Gespeg. She has dedicated twenty years to helping Indigenous communities. 

The lieutenant-governor is the representative of the King of Canada in each province and she was recently director of the First Nations executive education at the École des hautes études commerciales of Montréal.recently earned recognition from the Quebec Council of Senior Federal Officials for her work on the history of Inuit and First Nations in Quebec.

The recent acknowledgement of strong intellectual women shines hope on tomorrow

(intertribal life)

time to get back at it…

There’s been lots going on in our world, we just haven’t taken the time to write about it. But now’s the time. Here we go. Stay tuned for news.

Aaya! It’s a Gem

One day last month, after a long day in the salt mine we returned home, had these great Italian sausages from Clara’s Italian Market (80 years in business) then hurried for the screening of a movie called “The Sapphires,” which opened in Turtle Island (North America) Los Angeles on Friday, March 22 against the Croods, Olympus Has Fallen, Admission, Spring Breakers and 3rd week holdover, OZ.

I don’t know what I expected, but I was really surprised on several levels. First the story was strong with characterizations structured around historical events. At the beginning of the story, Christian whites used subtle but crude verbal methods to denigrate Aboriginal People. As the story develops, this changes to overt name calling. What wasn’t surprising was the property required by poor immigrants needed to make themselves feel superior to justify stealing Torta Torta land. It was obvious they were one generation past incarceration.

Wayne Blair, the Director, is an exceptional artist. His ability to communicate the story and maintain the pacing while inserting dynamic changes in emotion, music and style takes focus and experience.

The women cast in the parts of Deborah Mailman (Gail), Jessica Malboy (Julia), Shari Sebbens (Kay,) Miranda Tapsell (Cynthia) were each strong in their own right. All were connected by birth but separated by situation. Jessica Malboy has a strong set of pipes and is destined for success. Chris Dowd was great as the overseerer. Deborah Mailman was a strong mother hen. From the beginning of the movie I told Karin that Deborah and Chris’ characters would be lovers. Marinda Tapsell was good as the glue between the others and their success, and Shari’s character hit closest to home as one of the stolen children. (Light-skinned Aboriginal children were taken by Christians, who have always seemed to think they know what is best.)

The story is a beautiful one – and based on a true story. Four talented Aboriginal girls from the hinterlands of Australia embark on a journey of musical and personal discovery as they develop their talents and relationships in a foreign land. To most people it would seem like a standardized cliche, but to the four proud, aboriginal girls, (whose history stretches back 25,000 years) this was an opportunity to show they were equal to or better than the white Australians that looked down on them. This was their step toward spiritual freedom and pride in the race they represent. That’s what makes the story different. Please see this film.

150th Anniversary of the Dakota 38

Well, Gang, as usual, we are late in getting this post out. It is, however, fitting that we begin with this story … December 26 was the anniversary of a sad day in history.

I bring this up now because Stephen Spielberg’s movie “Lincoln” seeks to honor President Abraham Lincoln and sidesteps the fact that he was an Illinois politician just like those seeking votes today.

The largest one-day execution in american history occurred on December 26, at 10 a.m. in Mankato, Minnesota, one hundred and fifty years ago. President Abraham Lincoln issued an execution order for thirty-eight Indians. This was just twenty-one days before he presented the Emancipation Proclamation to America. You remember, the document which stated “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men were created equal”?

Why did this happen? The Dakota removed from their treaty land and had been pushed into Fort Snelling and then moved to a reservation in South Dakota because the Scandinavian foreigners wanted the Dakota treaty land in Minnesota. Five Dakotas decided to leave the reservation in South Dakota to hunt on the Minnesota land that was given back to them via US treaty. However, Scandinavian settlers tried to stop them — because the Scanners wanted the last 20 percent of the Dakota treaty land. The five Dakota fought back, resulting in Scandinavian deaths. (An interesting subplot of this story involves a Dakota named Chaska, who defended Scandinavian women and was later hung, by accident?)

The historical Christian perspective tells us that President Lincoln was caught up between what was morally right and what was politically expected. Former Minnesota Senator and Governor Alexander Ramsey pushed Lincoln hard to deal harshly with the Dakota. He told Lincoln that leniency toward the Dakota would cost the Republicans votes in the 1864 election. Lincoln is reported to have said, “I could not afford to hang men for votes.” [lincolns cottage blog. 11:19am, Niles Anderegg, November 12, 2009 – thank you to Malcum Chun for the source. ]

But Lincoln must have changed his mind. Because he did hang 38 Dakota Indian men for votes at 10:00 a.m. on December 26, in Mankato, Minnesota.

My wife is Danish and German. She was unaware of this powerful story which are buried in American history. These stories do not create anger and hate between us. What they do is develop a deep and abiding understanding for the need for historical honesty, humanity, and culture.

On January 9, 2013, in Solvang, California, Karin will swear in local officers into the Danish Sisterhood of America. On January 12, 2013, in Los Angeles, Karin will be sworn in as a local officer of the Danish Sisterhood of America.

January 11 – 13, 2013, in Reno, Nevada, I will attend “Wintertalk.” This is a gathering of Province VII Indigenous religious leaders from the US, Pacific Rim and Austrailia and New Zealand. The featured speaker will be Chief Kenneth Adams of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe of Virginia.

So, you see, Karin and I work to support our different ethnic tribes, hoping that events like the Dakota 38 never happen again.

There are many stories yet to tell. The events that occurred in the upper mid-west did more to change the course of America than most of us know.

But each story in its time.

Wishing each of you a happy and peaceful start to the new year.

For more information about the Dakota 38, watch the documentary: Dakota 38.

Denmark in the Heartland

The Danish Sisterhood Society National Convention wasn’t just a wonderful opportunity to connect with other Sisterhood members, but also to learn about a gem located in the Heartland…a little museum with a big mission and even bigger place in the hearts of America’s Danes. I had the opportunity to meet Bruce Bro, Development Director for the Danish Immigrant Museum. We spoke for a few minutes about the museum.

What’s the mission of the museum? The Danish Immigrant Museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting Danish Culture in America. We connect with Danish groups around the U.S. to help in this mission, and seek out those who value their Danish heritage.

Where is the museum? The Danish Immigrant Museum is located in America’s heartland in Elk Horn, Iowa.

In Iowa? Really? That seems like an unusual place for such a museum. I usually don’t associate Iowa with Danish immigration. Founded in 1983, the Museum was located in Elk Horn because so many early Danish immigrants came to Elk Horn and the surrounding area to farm, and to connect with friends and relatives who had previously come to America and settled there. The area saw the formation of many Danish/America institutions including the Danish Brotherhood in America, the Danish Pioneer newspaper, Dana College, and Grandview College. So the history and heritage of earlyDanish/Americans is rich in Elk Horn.

How can I become involved with the Museum if I live in another state? In addition to the good amount of information on Danish immigration, culture and history on our website, we invite you to listen to the weekly radio program (podcasts available) on KJAN Radio, AM 1220. We also have a Facebook page, which can keep you connected.

Bruce also told me about membership opportunities. While I understand this might not be for everyone, but it can help me to feel like I’m doing
something to preserve my Danish heritage and culture. We have to keep the culture alive…and the museum is a wonderful avenue to help us do that. What have you done recently to keep your heritage alive? Maybe it’s as simple as using a recipe from your mom or grandmother…maybe it’s looking up information on Ancestry.com. Whatever is is, be sure to do it. Remember, if we don’t know who we are, we don’t have anything.

Thank you to Bruce and his colleagues at the Danish Heritage Museum for helping to keep my Danish heritage alive and thriving!

It’s starting!

We are women from all over the continent who have come together to celebrate our Danish Heritage. Every
four years we gather for the Danish Sisterhood of America National Convention. Today we officially begin the 25th convention in San Francisco.

We’ll spend the next three days celebrating our heritage, making future plans, and electing officers, not to mention seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

It was especially exciting to see the Convention quilt with squares contributed by numerous Lodges and sewn by one of our sisters.. I have to find out who did all of the beautiful work…it’s amazing.

For now, I’m going to sit back and learn…the woman next to me is Lis, and she does not speak English, only Dansk. She is a lovely lady inside and out, and we’re having fun with much smile!

Need Inspiration? Meet Cody Rooney

If you’re in need of a bit of inspiration, check out this story in Indian Country Today about Cody Rooney, a young Iroquois man who is now on the pow-wow trail. He’s had a tough go of it, dealing with health issues including cerebral palsy. But that hasn’t stopped him. He’s found a true passion and spiritual source in the pow-wow circle. Check out the story and let us know what inspires you….

Never give up. No matter what. Follow your true heart and let the spirit unfold.

So you’re a real Dane?

One of the new friends I met at Danish Days 2005

About five years ago, Locke suggested we take a drive up to Solvang, a quaint Danish town about two hours north of Los Angeles. Having seen a few traditionally German or Swiss towns around the country and knowing that we do live in the place for creating alternate realities, I was very skeptical about the authenticity of the little berg. But, I decided to humor my future husband. We planned our visit to coincide with Danish Days, the annual celebration of Danish culture held the third weekend in September.   

When we arrived in town we stopped first at the Visitors’ Center for some weekend recommendations. Behind the counter was a woman in a traditional Danish dress and a friendly smile. We asked for recommendations for restaurants, but she was hesitant to provide any (I guess the Visitor’s Center must be impartial), until our conversation turned to the fact that my grandfather, Ben, had come to this country from Denmark when he was just nineteen. Then, the recommendations didn’t stop. “Get your breakfast at the Red Viking Restaurant, see the Hans Christian Andersen museum, and be sure to watch the Solvang Village Dancers when they perform tomorrow afternoon.” She even promised to dance with Locke “if you can keep up with me.” 

After settling into our spacious and comfortable room at the Solvang Inn and Cottages, we went toured the small town by foot. The typical Danish architecture took me back to my childhood when my parents, Kurt and I explored similar-looking towns, but in Denmark.  The streets of Solvang  wound around and led us to small shops, fountains and plazas reminiscent of not only Denmark, but also the missions found in southern California. 

Saturday morning of Danish Days began at the Æbleskiver breakfast – with Danish sausage, of course. As Locke and I sat at a picnic table with another couple (whom we did not know) in the middle of Copenhagen Drive, we talked about Grandpa Ben. Why did he come to the U.S.? Where did he grow up? “You know,” I said, “I should really find out from my Danish relatives exactly where Ben came from so I can get a traditional dress from his region.”  Locke nodded and smiled. The woman next to me, in between bites of æbleskiver, overheard my comment and said “Oh, so you’re a real Dane?” 

“Yeah,” I said hesitantly, “I guess I am.” The question hit me in the heart. Wow. A real Dane?  Huh. I had never really thought of it that way before. Interesting.  “Yes,” I said, much more confidently this time. “Yes, I am.” 

And that was it. The way I viewed myself changed.  I always had been ‘in touch’ with my German (Prussian) heritage, but this woman’s question hit me to the core. Yes, Grandpa Ben came from the country with the Little Mermaid, Legoland, Tivoli Gardens, and the place where Kurt and I sang Muppet songs with our cousins Morten and Jesper when I was a kid. Yes, Mom spent a month in Odense when I was a teenager, and came back feeding us herring, open-faced sandwiches and parsley-buttered potatoes.

 But only at that moment, sitting on Copenhagen Drive in Solvang, though, when I was in my late 30’s, did I actually identify with the fact that the 4 million people in that small country were….are….part of me.

I spent the rest of the weekend taking it all in…the food, the dancing, the history, and hearing the language. I made Locke promise that we could come back. ‘You mean to the town you didn’t want to visit?”

“Yeah. To the town of my People.”

Okay, so it’s a huge cliché and quite corny, but it’s exactly how I felt. It was the beginning of my journey. More  stories to come.

Anniversary of Fallen Timbers

October 5, 2009, was the Anniversary of Tecumseh’s battle death. October 5, 1813, at Fallen Timbers near the Thames River in Canada.

American forces led by General William Henry Harrison, and British-Indian forces led by Henry Proctor and Tecumseh fought a decisive battle. Harrison’s 20,000 troops attacked 700 British troops. Almost immediately 600 British troops surrendered and 18 were killed. The Shawnee intertribal coalition led by Tecumseh fought a fierce battle by themselves against 20,000 americans through a swamp. Thirty-three Indians died. None were captured.

Antoine Chene, a Shawnee mixed-blood that scouted for the General William Henry Harrison, identified the body of Tecumseh. But the Shawnee left no bodies behind.

I wonder what Tecumseh would of thought if he had known that as he fought for the British, American and British politicians were negotiating a cease fire that would leave the Shawnee and all Indian Nations to fight by themselves against the judeo-christian americans.

May the Creator of all that is honor the spirit of Tecumseh and truth he stood for.

“We gave them the forest-clad mountains and valleys full of game, and in return  what did they give our warriors and women? Rum, trinkets and a grave.”   –    Tecumseh

On September 12, 2009, Wintertalk won “The Serriously Good movie (short)” in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Winning in Shawnee was important to us for obvious reasons. The competition was quite good and we thought Randy Redroad and others had a good chance.

When I accepted the award I used an old Algonquin quote which when translated means “we become what we dream.”

There was a great film called “Tar Creek” by Matt Meyer, his beautiful wife, Tanya (man, what a great handshake) and his Producer in-laws Ron and Cara Beers. It’s a story about the Quapaw Indians and the superfund cleanup site on which they live. They seem to be considerate people that have the best of the tribe and mother earth at heart. Check them at  http://www.tarcreekfilm.com.