Native languages have marked so many locations in the Americas - Misquamicut, Rhode Island; Teotihuacan, Mexico; and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. More than half of the U.S. states have Native names.
Can you guess the names of these well-known places from their translations?
1. Red people
2. Isolated thing in the water
3. Flat water
(answers at the bottom of this article)
You may never have heard of some of the cities with the greatest number of First Nations people, but these places natives can call home and find themselves in the majority. A rare experience these days.
Chinle, Arizona; Towaoc, Colorado; Red Lake, Minnesota; and White Swan, Washington are such towns, most being on the reservations. But there are neighborhoods in major cities where Native people of many tribes moved closer together after their forced relocation to the city from Native communities in the 1950s. Uptown in Chicago and S. Federal Blvd. in Denver are home to thousands of First Nations people. These urban areas are also home and shelter for Native cultures. They are an important part of these cities and to the people living there, no matter what race.
And now the answers:
1. Oklahoma is "red people" from the Choctaw language.
2. The Algonquin’s' "isolated thing in the water" is better known as Manhattan.
3. If you've ever driven through Nebraska, you will understand why the Otoe people named it "flat water."
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
First Nations Legacy - "We are all related"
The Dakota people say "mitakuye oyasin," meaning, "We are all related." It is used as a blessing or a way to end a prayer or a ceremony.
In our modern world, as researchers map genetic codes, we are finding out how very little difference there is among all life forms. We share more than 98 percent of genetic code with chimpanzees, and a surprising number of genetic code - 60 to 88 percent - with bees, chickens and mice.*
As people begin to think of the consequences of human consumption and changing global climate patterns, we might benefit from reminding ourselves that we are related to all life on Earth.
Aho - mitakuye oyasin.
*U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services - National Institute of Health
In our modern world, as researchers map genetic codes, we are finding out how very little difference there is among all life forms. We share more than 98 percent of genetic code with chimpanzees, and a surprising number of genetic code - 60 to 88 percent - with bees, chickens and mice.*
As people begin to think of the consequences of human consumption and changing global climate patterns, we might benefit from reminding ourselves that we are related to all life on Earth.
Aho - mitakuye oyasin.
*U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services - National Institute of Health
Monday, November 19, 2007
Eli Painted Crow - A Native woman warrior's story of Iraq
22-year Army Veteran, Eli Painted Crow speaks about her experiences:
EliPaintedCrow.org
Many thanks to Pura Fe for sending me this video. Yakoke.
EliPaintedCrow.org
Many thanks to Pura Fe for sending me this video. Yakoke.
First Nations Legacy - "Papoose"
Before horses and wheeled vehicles, mothers worldwide carried their babies using slings, straps and backpacks. When Europeans arrived on North American shores, however, they had shifted to putting babies in cradles and cribs and not carrying them around as often.
The term papoose is a Narragansett word for child. It is also commonly used to refer to baby carriers, backpacks and cradleboards.
American Indian women today typically keep their babies physically close and have continued many traditional child-rearing practices.
We now see women and men of all races carrying their babies close to them and going about their usual business, whether it’s hiking, shopping, washing the car… or going online to buy next season’s
Friday, November 16, 2007
First Nations Legacy - "Calendars"
For those of us who live by our datebooks, time seems to manage us more than we manage our time.
We use the Gregorian calendar, which doesn't track natural cycles like lunar months and change of the seasons. Its original purpose was to mark out the symbolic Christian year.
The Mayan calendar, or the Mayan Count of Days has been in use for over 2,500 years. It's actually a series of interconnected calendars based on planetary movements that projects backward and forward in time, spanning 5,000 years into the past and 3,000 years into the future. There are many cycles in this calendar system and the next major era ends on the Winter Solstice - December 20th in the year 2012. A new era begins on the 21st.
What happens at that time, or why the Count of Days includes a countdown to that particular date is a mystery. The Mayan time systems challenge us to think about how we use our time, and what may come in a new era.
We use the Gregorian calendar, which doesn't track natural cycles like lunar months and change of the seasons. Its original purpose was to mark out the symbolic Christian year.
The Mayan calendar, or the Mayan Count of Days has been in use for over 2,500 years. It's actually a series of interconnected calendars based on planetary movements that projects backward and forward in time, spanning 5,000 years into the past and 3,000 years into the future. There are many cycles in this calendar system and the next major era ends on the Winter Solstice - December 20th in the year 2012. A new era begins on the 21st.
What happens at that time, or why the Count of Days includes a countdown to that particular date is a mystery. The Mayan time systems challenge us to think about how we use our time, and what may come in a new era.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
First Nations Legacy - Series Introduction
Misquamicut, Ethete, Chinle...
Opossum, chigger, ipecac, toboggan, hurricane...
These are names and words that define American English and tell the stories of how Europeans adapted to life on this continent.
They learned about new ways of dealing with people, new ways of cooking, sleeping, traveling and governing from the people of the First Nations, and today we carry on their legacy.
During the coming months, we will take a look at the cultural legacy of indigenous Americans.
Join us during News on the Range, weekdays at 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for First Nations Legacy, on KRFC 88.9 FM and on the Web at firstnationsradionews.com.
Moccasin, Oklahoma, maraca, tumpline, potato, anorak, manatee, Canada, alpaca...
Many thanks to Eric Herrera and Price Berryman for their song "Flight of the Hawk," which is featured throughout First Nations Legacy.
Opossum, chigger, ipecac, toboggan, hurricane...
These are names and words that define American English and tell the stories of how Europeans adapted to life on this continent.
They learned about new ways of dealing with people, new ways of cooking, sleeping, traveling and governing from the people of the First Nations, and today we carry on their legacy.
During the coming months, we will take a look at the cultural legacy of indigenous Americans.
Join us during News on the Range, weekdays at 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for First Nations Legacy, on KRFC 88.9 FM and on the Web at firstnationsradionews.com.
Moccasin, Oklahoma, maraca, tumpline, potato, anorak, manatee, Canada, alpaca...
Many thanks to Eric Herrera and Price Berryman for their song "Flight of the Hawk," which is featured throughout First Nations Legacy.
First Nations Legacy - "Potlatch"
Imagine inviting your entire neighborhood over for dinner and then letting them take home leftovers… and most of your furniture. That’s the spirit of potlatch.
Many of the tribes of the Northwest coast in the
Potlatch is a way to celebrate birth, marriage, death and rites of passage. Families spend time, money and effort to gather things like blankets, horses, canoes and fabric. Giving these things away is an honor.
Most modern tribal gatherings include a version of potlatch, often called a giveaway. Music, dancing, speeches and blessings may be part of the ceremonies.
Potlatch was made legal again in the 1930s after many tribes petitioned the U.S government. They argued it was similar to celebrating Christmas.
The spirit of giving is very much a part of American culture – we are a nation of volunteers and generous contributors.
First Nations Legacy - "OK"
Okay is one of the most commonly recognized phrases around the world – from Japan to Turkey
The Choctaw people use the phrase Yakoke to say thank you, and it is their word Okeh we use today. Choctaw was the common language of trade east of theMississippi
The Choctaw people use the phrase Yakoke to say thank you, and it is their word Okeh we use today. Choctaw was the common language of trade east of the
Trading goods also meant trading languages and customs, and okay became a very common word by the early 1800s.
When you say OK, you give your word. It’s our heritage and a way of doing business we can all profit from.
Yakoke
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Celebrating Indigenous Rights and Contributions
Marking an historic achievement for the more than 370 million indigenous peoples worldwide, the U.N. General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on September 13. This declaration is the result of more than two decades of consultation and dialogue among governments and indigenous peoples from all regions.
General Assembly President Haya Al Khalifa noted that by adopting the declaration, the U.N. member nations are making further progress to improve the situation of indigenous peoples worldwide.
Monday, September 17, 2007
First Nations Legacy - Introduction
Misquamicut, Ethete, Chinle...
Opossum, chigger, ipecac, toboggan, hurricane...
These are names and words that define American English and tell the stories of how Europeans adapted to life on this continent.
They learned about new ways of dealing with people, new ways of cooking, sleeping, traveling and governing from the people of the First Nations, and today we carry on their legacy.
During the coming months, we will take a look at the cultural legacy of indigenous Americans.
Join us during News on the Range, weekdays at 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for First Nations Legacy, on KRFC 88.9 FM and on the Web at firstnationsradionews.com.
Moccasin, Oklahoma, maraca, tumpline, potato, anorak, manatee, Canada, alpaca...
Opossum, chigger, ipecac, toboggan, hurricane...
These are names and words that define American English and tell the stories of how Europeans adapted to life on this continent.
They learned about new ways of dealing with people, new ways of cooking, sleeping, traveling and governing from the people of the First Nations, and today we carry on their legacy.
During the coming months, we will take a look at the cultural legacy of indigenous Americans.
Join us during News on the Range, weekdays at 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for First Nations Legacy, on KRFC 88.9 FM and on the Web at firstnationsradionews.com.
Moccasin, Oklahoma, maraca, tumpline, potato, anorak, manatee, Canada, alpaca...
Monday, July 2, 2007
31-070207
Stories:
Oklahoma Cherokee re-elect Chief Chad Smith, vote to exclude federal approval of constitutional amendments
Day of Prayer observed at Bear Butte: tribal leaders and organizations show support for preservation of sacred sites
Interview: Tim Giago, founder and former editor of Indian Country Today/Lakota Times
Celebrating Native American Day in South Dakota: speaking out and making change without protest and hostility
Oklahoma Cherokee re-elect Chief Chad Smith, vote to exclude federal approval of constitutional amendments
Day of Prayer observed at Bear Butte: tribal leaders and organizations show support for preservation of sacred sites
Interview: Tim Giago, founder and former editor of Indian Country Today/Lakota Times
Celebrating Native American Day in South Dakota: speaking out and making change without protest and hostility
Monday, June 11, 2007
30-061107
Monday, May 28, 2007
29-052807
Stories:
The Cherokee Nation council considers another vote to reject federal approval of tribal constitutional amendments
Canada's Assembly of First Nations calls for national day of action to raise awareness
Interview: Chook-Chook Hillman of the Karuk Tribe of California
Part 2 on the issue of aging Pacificorp dams on the Klamath River, and the effects on salmon habitat and the Karuk people
The Cherokee Nation council considers another vote to reject federal approval of tribal constitutional amendments
Canada's Assembly of First Nations calls for national day of action to raise awareness
Interview: Chook-Chook Hillman of the Karuk Tribe of California
Part 2 on the issue of aging Pacificorp dams on the Klamath River, and the effects on salmon habitat and the Karuk people
28-052107
Stories:
Court orders DOI to present full financial accounting by October 10 in Cobell suit
El Paso Natural Gas Co. sues government to get uranium dump site cleaned up on Navajo lands
Oklahoma Choctaw "Long Walk" commemorated in Tushka Homma
Interview: Regina Chichizola, Klamath Riverkeeper
California tribes and supporters rally at Berkshire Hathaway stockholders' meeting to get Klamath River dams shut down
Music:
Traditional Karuk songs
(audio no longer available)
Court orders DOI to present full financial accounting by October 10 in Cobell suit
El Paso Natural Gas Co. sues government to get uranium dump site cleaned up on Navajo lands
Oklahoma Choctaw "Long Walk" commemorated in Tushka Homma
Interview: Regina Chichizola, Klamath Riverkeeper
California tribes and supporters rally at Berkshire Hathaway stockholders' meeting to get Klamath River dams shut down
Music:
Traditional Karuk songs
(audio no longer available)
Monday, May 14, 2007
27-051407
Stories:
Jamestown, 400 years later - Virginia tribes closer to federal recognition after House approval
Senate Indian Affairs Committee advances four bills - Indian Health Care Improvement Act, Hawaiian Native housing bill, Hawaiian Native self-governance, and formal U.S. apology to the Native Nations
Ousted Freedman descendents protest Cherokee vote, file suit in federal court
Columbus Day opponents chastise Colorado leadership for failure to repeal holiday this session
Commentary: Same Scene, Different Decade
All in all, the stories this week show a troubling trend in federal policy and the sovereignty of Native Nations. Limits on federal recognitioin and membership in tribes call into question our ability to define who American Indians are and how we shall live. Federal recognition is weighed in the balance with future financial gain. Civil rights of African Americans are leveraged against those of indigenous peoples. It is a sadly familiar situation in 400 years of North American history, but not one without hope. FNRN thanks those legislators who support apologies and reparations, but we hope to report on real progress in the coming months.
Yakoke.
Jamestown, 400 years later - Virginia tribes closer to federal recognition after House approval
Senate Indian Affairs Committee advances four bills - Indian Health Care Improvement Act, Hawaiian Native housing bill, Hawaiian Native self-governance, and formal U.S. apology to the Native Nations
Ousted Freedman descendents protest Cherokee vote, file suit in federal court
Columbus Day opponents chastise Colorado leadership for failure to repeal holiday this session
Commentary: Same Scene, Different Decade
All in all, the stories this week show a troubling trend in federal policy and the sovereignty of Native Nations. Limits on federal recognitioin and membership in tribes call into question our ability to define who American Indians are and how we shall live. Federal recognition is weighed in the balance with future financial gain. Civil rights of African Americans are leveraged against those of indigenous peoples. It is a sadly familiar situation in 400 years of North American history, but not one without hope. FNRN thanks those legislators who support apologies and reparations, but we hope to report on real progress in the coming months.
Yakoke.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
26-043007
Monday, April 23, 2007
25 - 042307
Stories:
Part 1 of interview with Chris Shuey of the Southwestern Research and Information Center on uranium mining and tribal communities. He talks about the issues of culture, environmental justice and the dangers of ISL - in situ leach uranium mining.
Part 1 of interview with Chris Shuey of the Southwestern Research and Information Center on uranium mining and tribal communities. He talks about the issues of culture, environmental justice and the dangers of ISL - in situ leach uranium mining.
Monday, April 16, 2007
24-041607
Special Edition: KSUT's "Tribal Beat" with Kim Pappin
Part 2 on Indian humor. New works by author Drew Hayden Taylor and playwright/musician Arigon Starr.
Music:
"Don't Touch the Indians" by Arigon Starr
Part 2 on Indian humor. New works by author Drew Hayden Taylor and playwright/musician Arigon Starr.
Music:
"Don't Touch the Indians" by Arigon Starr
23-040807
Special Edition: KSUT's "Tribal Beat" with Kim Pappin
Part 1 of KSUT's story on Native playwrights and the emerging expression of humor in the arts. Profile of the Autry Theater in L.A. and Ojibwe writer/humorist Drew Hayden Taylor.
Music:
Part 1 of KSUT's story on Native playwrights and the emerging expression of humor in the arts. Profile of the Autry Theater in L.A. and Ojibwe writer/humorist Drew Hayden Taylor.
Music:
22-032607
Stories:
Colorado Senate supports Indian Health
Wild rice endangered by GM crop testing
Profile of the Menominee
Music:
"Come and Dance" by Menominee Nation drum
Colorado Senate supports Indian Health
Wild rice endangered by GM crop testing
Profile of the Menominee
Music:
"Come and Dance" by Menominee Nation drum
21-030607
Stories:
Interview with Richard Fox, founder and director of Trees, Water, People, a non-profit organization based in Colorado that has a program to bring affordable solar heating panels to the reservations.
Interview with Richard Fox, founder and director of Trees, Water, People, a non-profit organization based in Colorado that has a program to bring affordable solar heating panels to the reservations.
20-022607 Extra Edition
Stories:
Nobel Prize winner Menchu runs for president of Guatemala
Cherokee Nation to vote on Freedmen membership
Rep. Windy Boy (MT) targets DUI legislation
Nobel Prize winner Menchu runs for president of Guatemala
Cherokee Nation to vote on Freedmen membership
Rep. Windy Boy (MT) targets DUI legislation
19-021907
Stories:
Chief Illini to be retired by university
Mashpee Wampanoag recognized at last
SD religious community supports protection of Bear Butte (reporter: Joseph Fresquez, comments: Gary Nesdahl, Assoc. of Christian Churches of SD)
American Indian College Fund receives grant (comments: Rick Williams, president)
Chief Illini to be retired by university
Mashpee Wampanoag recognized at last
SD religious community supports protection of Bear Butte (reporter: Joseph Fresquez, comments: Gary Nesdahl, Assoc. of Christian Churches of SD)
American Indian College Fund receives grant (comments: Rick Williams, president)
18-021207
Stories:
Study shows poverty a barrier to civic participation on reservations
Bush administration to cut Urban Indian Health programs
MT Rep. Ed Butcher criticized for racist remarks
Utah hunting violation goes to State Supreme Court
Study shows poverty a barrier to civic participation on reservations
Bush administration to cut Urban Indian Health programs
MT Rep. Ed Butcher criticized for racist remarks
Utah hunting violation goes to State Supreme Court
17-020507
Stories:
Lynda Lovejoy appointed to NM legislature
Opponents of racist mascot rally on Univ. of Illinois campus
Appointment of BIA nominee Artman pressed by Dorgan
Bear Butte area liquor licenses get OK from SD State Senate
CSU hosts Ute delegation (comments: Ty Smith, Dir. of NASS)
Music:
"Harmony" by The Atoll
Lynda Lovejoy appointed to NM legislature
Opponents of racist mascot rally on Univ. of Illinois campus
Appointment of BIA nominee Artman pressed by Dorgan
Bear Butte area liquor licenses get OK from SD State Senate
CSU hosts Ute delegation (comments: Ty Smith, Dir. of NASS)
Music:
"Harmony" by The Atoll
15-012207
Stories:
Protecting the Black Hills sacred sites
Interview: Ty Smith, dir. of NASS at CSU - "Higher education as a hopeful factor"
Oglala call for Chief Illini's retirement
Music:
Protecting the Black Hills sacred sites
Interview: Ty Smith, dir. of NASS at CSU - "Higher education as a hopeful factor"
Oglala call for Chief Illini's retirement
Music:
14-011507
Stories:
Senate to hold oversight hearings on DOI
No limit on tribal political donations
"History of independent press - The Cherokee Phoenix" Juan Gonzales speaking at the Conference on Media Reform
Navajo president and council sworn in
Senate to hold oversight hearings on DOI
No limit on tribal political donations
"History of independent press - The Cherokee Phoenix" Juan Gonzales speaking at the Conference on Media Reform
Navajo president and council sworn in
13-010807
Stories:
NARF sues Dept. of Interior on behalf of thousands
House Indian Affairs committee on hold
Cherokee set vote for blood requirement
Native state legislators increase in WA
NARF sues Dept. of Interior on behalf of thousands
House Indian Affairs committee on hold
Cherokee set vote for blood requirement
Native state legislators increase in WA
12-010207
Stories:
Blackfeet assert water rights
Buffalo range management with Fish and Wildlife Service
Oglala councilman dies
BIA recognizes Yellowbird Steele as tribal chair
"Cowlitz drum revivies language through song" with Tom Bonce
Blackfeet assert water rights
Buffalo range management with Fish and Wildlife Service
Oglala councilman dies
BIA recognizes Yellowbird Steele as tribal chair
"Cowlitz drum revivies language through song" with Tom Bonce
11-122606
Stories:
Abramoff sued by Coushatta
Flagstaff renews wastewater plan with resort
Canada upholds night hunting rights for aborigines
Commentary: End of year wish from FNRN
Music:
"Abu Abu" by Kevin Locke
Abramoff sued by Coushatta
Flagstaff renews wastewater plan with resort
Canada upholds night hunting rights for aborigines
Commentary: End of year wish from FNRN
Music:
"Abu Abu" by Kevin Locke
10-121906
Stories:
Pres. Shirley visits proposed coal plant protestors
Language Act of 2006 passes
"New Standard - Voting districts in lawsuit" with Kathryn Comp
Pawnee College receives grants
Interview: Serafina Wall, asst. director of NASS at CSU - "Keeping my culture"
Pres. Shirley visits proposed coal plant protestors
Language Act of 2006 passes
"New Standard - Voting districts in lawsuit" with Kathryn Comp
Pawnee College receives grants
Interview: Serafina Wall, asst. director of NASS at CSU - "Keeping my culture"
09-121206
Stories:
S. Ute buy mall in Denver
Next Senate agenda
"Enviromental Report - Native visions on global warming" Chuck Quirmbach
Native language bill passes
Special series - Sexual assault in Indian Country - "Pre-Columbian justice system" (comments: Roe Bubar)
Music:
"Let Me Be" by Star Nayea
S. Ute buy mall in Denver
Next Senate agenda
"Enviromental Report - Native visions on global warming" Chuck Quirmbach
Native language bill passes
Special series - Sexual assault in Indian Country - "Pre-Columbian justice system" (comments: Roe Bubar)
Music:
"Let Me Be" by Star Nayea
08-120706
Stories:
Oglala elections - tribal court declines decision
Bison range management in Montana in dispute
Special series - Sexual assault in Indian Country - "Were You Drinking?" (comments: Roe Bubar)
Oglala elections - tribal court declines decision
Bison range management in Montana in dispute
Special series - Sexual assault in Indian Country - "Were You Drinking?" (comments: Roe Bubar)
07-113006
Stories:
Oglala election woes continue - Whiteplume calls for new elections
Indigenous World Uranium Summit
Special series on sexual assault in Indian Country - "One-in-three Indian women" (comments: Roe Bubar)
Oglala election woes continue - Whiteplume calls for new elections
Indigenous World Uranium Summit
Special series on sexual assault in Indian Country - "One-in-three Indian women" (comments: Roe Bubar)
06-112806 Special CSU edition
Stories:
Native American Awareness Month events at Colorado State University
Interview with Native American Student Assoc. Director, Ty Smith
Native American Awareness Month events at Colorado State University
Interview with Native American Student Assoc. Director, Ty Smith
05-112106
Stories:
N. Cheyenne election results mixed on energy leases
Navajo/Hopi accord on disputed lands
Indigenous World Uranium Summit
Sen. Ken Salazar calls for law enforcement increase for Southern Ute rez
N. Cheyenne election results mixed on energy leases
Navajo/Hopi accord on disputed lands
Indigenous World Uranium Summit
Sen. Ken Salazar calls for law enforcement increase for Southern Ute rez
04-111406 Veterans
Stories:
Navajo soldiers return
American Indian Veterans of Colorado pow-wow
Tom Cole nominated to serve on Congressional committee
Oglala election results - voting disrupted
Whiteman elected to county office in Wyo.
Music:
"Kiowa/Comanche Flag Song" sung by Tom Ware/Millard Clark drum
Navajo soldiers return
American Indian Veterans of Colorado pow-wow
Tom Cole nominated to serve on Congressional committee
Oglala election results - voting disrupted
Whiteman elected to county office in Wyo.
Music:
"Kiowa/Comanche Flag Song" sung by Tom Ware/Millard Clark drum
03- 110706 Elections
Stories:
Oglala election problems - Whiteplume removed from ballot
N. Cheyenne to vote on coal/gas leases
Turtle Mountain elections go ahead
Navajo elections coverage
Oglala election problems - Whiteplume removed from ballot
N. Cheyenne to vote on coal/gas leases
Turtle Mountain elections go ahead
Navajo elections coverage
02-103106
Stories:
Tuscarora occupy Neoheroke
Lovejoy runs for Navajo Presidency
Safavian sentenced to 18 months
Music: "Rise Up Tuscarora People" by Pura Fe
Tuscarora occupy Neoheroke
Lovejoy runs for Navajo Presidency
Safavian sentenced to 18 months
Music: "Rise Up Tuscarora People" by Pura Fe
01-102606
Stories:
Indian gaming regulation changes
Safavian convicted of fraud in Abramoff investigation
Changes proposed to Cobell suit
Music: "In Da City" by Julian B and Carey Morin
Indian gaming regulation changes
Safavian convicted of fraud in Abramoff investigation
Changes proposed to Cobell suit
Music: "In Da City" by Julian B and Carey Morin
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