Itse Dugalu

Federal Recognition Status

       As of the First of June 2008 our recognition has not yet been processed by the BIA.  The states of Missouri and Arkansas have both recognized us on numerous occasions with Proclamations signed by governors of both states including Kit Bond from Missouri and Mike Huckabee from Arkansas.  Boone County has also formally recognized us.

Standing Bear Gourd Society at NCNOLT 2007 Reunion

       The gathering this year was wonderful.  After going to water the rain came down on us pretty hard and that stifled our dancing fire but we were still able to carry on and have a good time.

       Families came from near and far, reuniting for some and making new friends and acquaintances for others.

       Thank you to everyone who contributed to a successful time!  We'll see you in 2008!

Thank you to those who prevented us from starving (above)

Father and son looking over the Mississippi River "Where They Cried" at the Trail of Tears State Park just North of Cape (below)

   NORTHERN CHEROKEE NEWS

3305 Clark Lane, PMB 242

Columbia, MO 65202

December 2007

A NEW YEAR IS ON ITS WAY

Happy Holiday Greetings to one and all.  As we are approaching a new year, I am encouraged that this will be the year when we will realize our goals and to become a more prosperous nation. This we can accomplish with the finalization of getting all of our enrollments and documents submitted to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

As most of you probably already know, we have submitted our petition for federal recognition; however, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is giving us the opportunity to get our enrollments up to date and in the order they prefer, along with allowing us time to submit more documentation to show and give strength to our legitimacy.  This, your tribal government is dedicated to accomplish.

PROBLEMS WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED that have slowed us down are certainly nothing new; this has been going on for 30 years.  It seems that we must be doing something right, because every time we get close to our goals, there is something or someone who wants to always pull us down and make claim to what we have.  But, like the Phoenix that rose from the flames, we continually get up, dust off and continue onward.  And in spite of all this, we continue to make progress.

I have little doubt that we can and will meet all the criteria for federal recognition.  However, we are only as strong as our membership and we need your participation to show this strength.  Not only that, but this is your tribe and government and you not only have the right to speak, it is your obligation.  So, please let us hear from you!!  Get involved in your local meetings and support your tribal council person.  If you don’t have anyone to represent your area, let us know.  Perhaps you could fill that position.

ELECTIONS

With all the opposition of intruders and others who have attempted to stop our goals, we have not been able to hold a full election.  We have, however, placed council representation when and where we could and with the approval of those who have come forward to participate.  It is my belief that these problems will not go away until after our petition is fully submitted.  At that time, it is my sincere hope and desire to have a full scale election where we can include all those who wish to be considered for a position.  Of course anyone wishing to do this will have to meet criteria set forth in our constitution and by-laws.

MY OWN PERSONAL PROBLEMS have certainly slowed down progress, and I am so grateful to the rest of our government for hanging in there and holding things together.  Now, I am ready to roll up my sleeves and continue what I feel I must complete; and that is, federal recognition, self government, recognition of our people and our nation.  And, since I am now divorced, I have no funds of my own to help support the tribe anymore.  And, as we all know expenses are involved in running government and are necessary to complete our goals, which in time will be a benefit to all.  This nation needs your financial help.  I cannot and will not promise you any handouts, but would you like help with education, health care, housing, food, etc?  Then you must be willing to put something in to get something in return.  Neither I nor the other members of government can carry the financial burden to accomplish what so many want.  These are simply the facts of life.

A FEW YEARS AGO, ONE OF OUR BELOVED MEN, Dewey Neal, came up with the idea of having Cherokee Promoters.  These Promoters were to pledge regular contributions to the tribe to help support it.  This worked, and once again, I am asking that we revive this. As a Cherokee Promoter, you will be acknowledged for your contribution(s).

The timing is critical.  We need donations for an office.  We want federal recognition, yet except for the satellite office we have in Cape Girardeau; we have none in the central area of Missouri, which had been voted on years ago to be the place of our main tribal operations. Before my divorce, I was able to have this office and pay for it.  Now, there are not funds to do this and your help is needed. And, of course, there are other office expenses for newsletters, etc. We all can understand the cost of most everything these days and I won’t go into every little detail.

 I feel such a burden to bring our nation back on its feet and not be put down and ignored any longer.  I feel a burden to have the education system recognize that our children have their own culture disadvantage in the public schools. The politicians like to use the phrase, “No Child Left Behind.”  What about the Native American children?  I am tired of us being overlooked.  I believe in us, I know who we are, and I know we can do it – together.

WE MUST HAVE YOUR CURRENT ADDRESS ON FILE, ASAP.  The BIA has made it very clear that every tribal member must have a current address on file. Without this, you will have to be removed from our roll.  So hurry and get this to us.  Many of these newsletters will come back without a forwarding address.  Without a current address, we will start pulling members from our files.  If you have friends or family members who did not receive a newsletter, let them know we probably don’t have a current address and they MUST get this to us ASAP.

IF YOU SEEK NATIVE DRESS, MISC NATIVE AMERICAN ARTICLES, BOOKS, ETC.  You can purchase these from tribal members. Glinda (Pitter) Seabaugh offers misc. Indian articles. Pitter is known for her seamstress skills and gets requests from all over to make Cherokee dresses and shirts.  One of the things I respect about Pitter is she won’t supply you with anything other than tradition Cherokee, unless, of course, you insist on something else. You can contact Pitter at Pitters Cherokee Trails in Cape Girardeau, e-mail address: pitter7@yahoo.com.   Elder Mike Ballard, can offer you Indian made articles, and some are quite interesting and unique He can be contacted by calling (785) 272-5489, going to http://windwalkerks.bravehost.com, or email him at cmballard@aol.com .  I still get requests for books, etc that was being sold in my gift shop. I still have a good supply of books, pottery, baskets, etc.  Jason has put together a catalog listing our books. If you would like to receive one of these or wish to inquire about another article, you can contact me at our tribal address.

A LOVED TRIBAL MEMBER AND PAST COUNCILWOMAN SADLY MISSED

I have received word that on November 13, 2007, Nancy Jackson passed away.  Nancy was a joy to know.  I still remember when she got her first grandchild, Victoria; she was such a proud grandmother.  She told me that one morning as she was driving (I think to see her grandchild), it was misty.  From that inspiration, Nancy decided to give the granddaughter her Cherokee name of Morning Mist.  I hope this name is still remembered and carried on.

To all her loved ones and friends who miss Nancy, I pray the Great Chief of all give you comfort and peace and to let you know that Nancy left quite a legacy before she left us to go to a better place.

CHEROKEE PROMOTERS

If you would like to be a part of this tribe’s success, we ask that you join the Cherokee Promoters and help by sending in donations.  Please send all monies to our not for profit corporation, Northern Cherokee Community Assoc., at the tribal address.  As a member, you will be acknowledged for your contribution(s).

Yes _____ I would like to be a Promoter.  I can send in $________________

_______Weekly $______________Monthly, or a one time Yearly contribution of $_______.

Enclosed, is my contribution in the amount of $______________.

Name:

Address:

And in advance, from all of us, a Big Thank You.