PRESIDENT LITTLEBEAR, CDKC AND STUDENTS MEET WITH SENATOR TE 

Dr. Richard Littlebear, President,  Chief Dull Knife Tribal College on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Lame Deer, MT, visited Senator Tester, along with other representatives of Montana tribal colleges in DC to attend the American Indian Higher Education Consortium Winter Legislative Meeting and Capitol Hill Visits.

Senator Tester spoke to Consortium attendees about:

the importance of federal funding for education; the need to replace No Child Left Behind with a flexible plan that works for tribal schools and rural communities; the link between education and good-paying jobs; the need for rural communities and tribes to get involved in the education decision-making process.

Dr. Littlebear asked Senator Tester to continue supporting tribal colleges in their efforts to educate Native students.  He said education is critical in tribal communities because it not only broadens continued pg   5  and STER DURING AIHEC MEETIG

Every week A Cheyenne Voice features a “Joke of the Week.” Here is the joke for the February 10th Issue:

JOKE OF THE WEEK (By the Publisher after hearing Jeff  Foxworthy)

You might be from the Cheyenne Rez (ie an Indian Redneck) if:

• You use the word “JA” or “AYE” at least once an hour
• You know that a “Hand Game” is not a solitary pursuit
• You prefer your bread fried and your meat dried
• When someone says there is a dance you ask White or Indian? (Irv Farrcame up with that one)
• “Dog Gone” is an after-dinner compliment (That’s Irv’s too)
• You think “Crow” Jokes are culturally appropriate
• You assume that anyone wearing a suit  is a) getting married; b) a repo man; c) dressed up for Halloween;  d)  a Mormon missionary or (most likely)  an FBI agent

BOY’S & GIRL’S CLUB OF THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE NATION

LAME DEER, MONTANA  – (406) 477-6654

By Jen Price, VISTA Volunteer   -   Sponsored by Don & Margaret Sonsalla, Morning Star Pumping, Marmath,  ND

BOY’S AND GIRLS CLUB FUNDRAISING EFFORTS OFF IN A BIG WAY—PARTNERSHIPS ARE THE KEY

Eighteen years ago, when the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation was established, the Northern Cheyenne Tribe couldn’t afford to finance the Club (and still can’t), but did the next best thing—they provided a building: the old Catholic Church donated to the Tribe by St. Labre.   The Tribe gave the Club a long term lease for a nominal fee and while the Tribe always provides resolutions of support, the Club has assumed responsibility for operational costs, maintenance, repairs and improvements.

Over the years, that has proven to be quite a challenge.  But, under a long range plan which establishes priorities in five-year phases, the Club has managed to generate dollars to keep the aging building operational, making  necessary improvements and hopefully even expansion.

The most recent improvements will be underway shortly.  With funding from the USDA Rural Development Program ($133,000) and the Paul Allen Family Foundation, Seattle, Washington ($100,000), the original heating system will be replaced and a new air conditioning system installed.

“We’re so thankful for this financial support,” said Geri Small, Executive Director. “Without it, we couldn’t move forward.  During the winter months, the Club is often without heat and in the summer we have no air conditioning.”

The current project, under the direction of a professional engineering firm, Spectrum Associates of Billings was awarded under a competitive bidding process to DPS Company, LLC out of Boyd, MT. “It is a very specialized project,” Wanda Martinez, Development Director for the Club noted.

The order to proceed has been issued and work will start later in February.

This project comes on the heels of some other significant improvements to the physical plant completed in the recent past. In 2011, the Tribal Council earmarked $75,000 of its Obama Stimulus money to insulate the gym roof and three exterior walls that were separating from the foundation.   Earlier USDA grants have funded new floors in the office areas; a new kitchen and dining area and replacement of doors and windows.  All told, USDA has invested nearly a half million in the Club since 2005.

Matt Jones, State Director of the USDA Rural Development Program said that “The Northern Cheyenne Club under the direction of Geri Small and fundraising efforts of Wanda Martinez, is a key example of how the pieces can be put together to make a

dramatic improvement in a community facility. USDA”, he added “recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Council of Foundations to improve partnering on community projects, especially those that fall under the Economic Impact Initiative targeted at communities with high unemployment.  Northern Cheyenne shows how that can be done.“

Under it’s  long range fundraising plan, the Club hopes to replace the gym floor; improve a modular unit to provide for a Teen Center; and finance an addition for more office space and programming, costs estimated at one million.

“People would be surprised at how much use the Facility has,” Wanda explained. “Last year we had 534 Club members. On a daily basis we have at least a hundred youth in the facility and it is used for many community purposes such as funerals, pow wows, community meetings and events.”

Small also acknowledged the many other private donors  who support the Northern Cheyenne Boys & Girls Club:  OP & WE Edwards Foundation; 1st Interstate Bank Foundation; PPL Community Foundation; Ora Y Plata; Dennis and the Phyliss Washington Foundation; 7th Generation, Potlatch and HOPA Mountain and the Charlotte Martin Foundation.   Often, private foundations provide the “match” funds needed for federal grants, such as USDA.

“We are extremely fortunate that these organizations believe in the Club and help us,” she said.  “While we do get occasional Federal grants, there is no way we could keep the doors open without support from these private foundations.”

The Club also “partners” with other organizations such as the Northern Cheyenne Housing Authority which recently donated a modular building that will be rehabbed for a teen center. The Board of Health which frequently sponsors special events and health-related programming is another key to the Club’s success.

And the Club doesn’t forget the invaluable support from community volunteers, donors who often send clothing, food or groups such as the PPL volunteers who recently spent a day building a storage shed for the Club or the Sonsallas who sponsor this page.

“It all adds up,” Geri summarized. “The Club works because we have so many supporters—large and small– who believe in our mission of supporting youth.”

TRADITIONAL TALK:   Each week in conjunction with Mina Seminole, CDKC Historical Researcher for the Cultural Affairs Department this page presents something about Cheyenne history, culture and tradition.  Sponsored by CDKC

Woman Moving Against the Wind*—A story from People of the Sacred Mountain, by Peter Powell

This story tells of the time when the Cheyennes were coming back from Oklahoma and they separated into two bands: one under the leadership of Chief Dull Knife who went on to suffer Fort Robinson and the other under the leadership of Chief Little Wolf.  *Note that some tribal elders such as Bill Tallbull and Lee Lonebear referred to the woman in this story as “North Woman.”

“Let’s use this story,” Linwood Tallbull, CDKC Historical Researcher decided “because it tells about women who are usually ignored in the historical accounts.” The following story is taken from the book People of the Sacred Mountain by Peter Powell, beginning on page 1175.

Morning Star (Dull Knife) kept insisting that the people move on to White River. Finally, Little Wolf told him, “You can go that way if you wish, but I intend to work my way up to Powder River country. I think that it will be better for us all if the party were not divided.”  He said this quietly, speaking as one does when one hopes to change the mind of a friend.

Morning Star, however, had no ears for hearing.  The people had suffered so much already, and he had suffered with them.  All of them were worn out by sorrow and exhaustion, too tired and too hungry for a long journey north.  Little Wolf was the iron-legged man who could run for hours without resting. He could make it through to the Elk River country, but the women, children and old ones could not. With winter coming upon them fast, they must be spared the added suffering of a long flight north. Here, north of the Platte, they were back in their own country. Nothing bad would happen to them here Morning Star believed.

“No,” he said to Little Wolf, “We must turn to Red Cloud,” speaking the words with great determination, even with a note of anger a Chief is forbidden to show.

And do even the Old Man Chiefs were divided now. To be continued.

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WORD OF THE WEEK

WORD/PHRASE:  Woman

SPELLING: He’e

The Cheyenne Word of the Week is the project of Mina Seminole, CDKC Historical Researcher, a gentle nudge towards language retention.

Tester  “Listens” To Cheyenne Veterans in Lame Deer On Friday, January 13th

The Tribal Chambers overflowed with Cheyenne Veterans, family members and supporters on Friday, January 13th for the “Listening Session” hosted by US Senator Jon Tester.

“This is the first time that a United States Senator has come to the Northern Cheyenne Reservation—a historic event” said Steve Brady a Vietnam Veteran who was the Master of Ceremonies.

“Living up to the promise we make to our Veterans is a responsibility I take very seriously. Our roundtable discussion was another opportunity for me to hear directly from Northern Cheyenne Veterans about what is working well for them and what isn’t.

If you would like to read more, please visit the MEMBERSHIPS page to purchase a subscription online or in print! Thanks for your interest and support!

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CDKC EXTENTION SERVICE PROVIDING FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION VITA (VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE)

For the 6th year in a row, low and moderate income folks can get free income tax preparation from the  Chief Dull Knife Memorial College Extension Service.

And the good news is that most of us will qualify because anyone making less than $50,000 is elibible. (Shoot, we thought $50,000 was rich!).  They also prepare forms for small businesses with the exception of Farm/Ranch income because as Yolanda “Henri” Thompson, Extension Agent explains “it is too complicated and requires too many forms.”

Four tax preparers have gone through rigorous training sponsored by Rural Dynamics, a nonprofit and taught by staff from the MT Department of Revenue and accountants specializing in taxes.  The one-week workshop allowed them to gain IRS certification to prepare income tax returns.  In addition to the tax law, they learn the standards of professional conduct, especially confidentiality. Under these standards, the volunteers can’t even accept a free lunch or any gifts.

Tax preparers will include Henri who also organized and oversees the project; Sharon Small, Director of People’s Partners for Progress; Christine “Bitty” Wick, who volunteers after her regular hours as a BIA employee (last year Ms. Wick had a 100 percent accuracy rate) and Vicky Anderson of St. Labre Youth and Family Services.

The CDKC Program also works with other organizations such as First Nations and is part of larger network called TaxHelpMT.  The IRS provides funding for marketing, supplies, training and travel and software. CDKC uses the most up to date tax programs.

Henri cautions people to remember that paid tax preparers will cost something.  “If you’re going to use a paid preparer, ask lots of questions,” she urges noting that even H&R Block charges extra fees for earned income tax credits and other forms.   Rapid anticipation forms usually cost more.  That’s why she has arranged an agreement with US Bank so folks can get a debit card for income tax returns.  It’s good for folks on and near the Reservation who don’t have checking account and the best deal, fee-wise according to Henri. “Watch our for hidden fees on most pre-paid cards,” she cautions. Contact her for more information.

Last year, the program prepared about 300 returns saving at least $54,000 in fees for the low to moderate income folks on and near the Reservation.

CHEYENNE SPOTLIGHT:  Each week we feature a member of our community (Cheyenne and non-Indian alike) who is doing something positive. This helps offset the negative impression of us so often portrayed by the major media and may inspire others. Most important, when the Spotlight shines on people,  I think it makes them and their family feel good. We could use more of that and it’s my favorite part of this feature.

JOHN WOODENLEGS MEMORIAL LIBRARY

ALSO HOME TO ART!

When you think of a library—books come to mind. Right? Of course, that’s true at the John Woodenlegs Memorial Library  at Chief Dull Knife College, but the facility also houses a remarkable collection of art related to the Northern Cheyenne.

A large color photograph of John Woodenlegs graces the entrance. Portrayed in his younger years, he is every inch the handsome and distinguished Tribal Leader.

The Library houses four extraordinary paintings completed by famous tribal artist Denver Horn, Sr. in the late sixties.  The huge murals (measuring about ten by six feet) depict four scenes from tribal history:  Head Chief and Young Mule on Charging Horse Hill;  the division of Little Wolf and Morning Star Bands on the return from Oklahoma;  buffalo hunting and a Cheyenne antelope hunter.   The Library collection also features a smaller Horn painting of Chief Dull Knife also known as Morning Star.

“These are priceless copy righted works,” Librarian Joan Hantz noted.  “They make the Library a very special place.”

A very exceptional display includes 33 portraits of tribal elders (now deceased) taken by Michael Crummet in 1993.  These were to be a traveling exhibit, Hantz explained. “But the community liked them so much, that the collection never traveled. It just stayed here,” she smiled.

Library patron, Bridgette Spang who was there during the interview for this story there noted that one of the portraits is the grandmother of Richard Spang, her husband.

The collection of tasteful black and white photographs includes:  Jenny Morrison; Myrtle Pittman, Maude Fighting Bear, Anne Shoulderblade, Harriert Littlebird, Eva Small, Andrew Whitehawk, Clarence Medicinetop, Wilford Spang, Teddy Gray, Richard Fisher, Mary Looks Behind, Ferm Littleoldman

Albert Long Jaw, Julie Lone Elk, Theresa East Man, Henry Sioux, James King, Pauline Blackwolf, Claude Bearquiver, Nora Flying, Sara Yellowfox, Lucy Three Fingers, Thelma Two Two, Donald Hollowbreast, Isabelle Scott, Grace Strangeowl, Harry Littlebird and Cecelia Walksnice.

As part of the Library’s archival efforts, a short biography of each of these people will be developed. Linwood Tallbull, Historical Researcher will be working on this project. Hantz noted that all the elders approved these photographs and selected the photo they wanted to be in the exhibit.

The Library also contains a rich variety of carvings, sculptures and “Cultural Sharing Kits” .  Some are by local artists such as Ron Yazzi, a CDKC student; others were donated by library patrons, such as Ann Gallaspy.  Joan herself is a collector of bird nests which are also displayed along with obsidian and pipestone. Two beautiful display cases of pine and glass were donated by Ben Nighthorse Campbell.  From time to time, the Library also displays local artwork. They have featured photography by John Youngbear, artwork from Lame Deer Elementary and High schools and of course CDKC students.

“All of this wonderful art reflects the spirit of the Cheyenne people and culture,” Library Director Hantz smiled.  “The community loves the artwork and I think it makes them feel more at home here.”

Next week:  Archives and collections

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PUBLISHER’S VOICE:  Critter Committee Report

On Wednesday, January 11th a small, but determined group of

folks held the first meeting of the “Critter Committee”.

This new group brings together animal lovers who are very

concerned about the stray dog problem on the Reservation. Actually,

the subject of cats and horses also came up.

Every single person in the group has tried on an individual basis to get something done about the problem.  As Jesse Martinez, Environmental Health Technician said “There are at least a 1,000 dogs in the Lame Deer community and a good number of them are strays.”

This has led to attacks on people; dog fights; pitiful creatures afflicted with mange and starvation and it makes for a dangerous situation for pedestrians, including children going to and from school buses.

The Tribe has adopted an Animal Control Ordinance, a good step.  But, no one and no tribal entity has assumed responsibility for enforcing this Ordinance. Several meetings with tribal officials have been held and all agree that there is a problem.  But, that’s as far as it has gone.

There are numerous aspects to this problem:  there is no longer a place to hold the Spay/Neuter Clinics; there is no animal control officer; we don’t have an animal shelter; there is no allocated funding etc.etc.

And apparently, we are not alone. Audrey Arpan researched this problem as a CDKC student several years ago and couldn’t find one single example of a Reservation or Tribe that has an Animal Shelter.

But, Northern Cheyennes are trail blazers.  We have a long tradition of honoring dogs in our history.  No one is suggesting anything otherwise. We are suggesting that we act humanely by caring for stray animals and making this a better community. Maybe we can become a model for other Tribes.

So, we are going to advocate as a group for some change.  President Spang agrees that we have a problem and has already committed to attend our next meeting which will be February 13th at 1:30 pm at the Employee Lounge at the Lame Deer Clinic.  We welcome other animal advocates to attend as well.  There is strength in numbers.

As a first step, the Critter Committee is going to conduct a survey to see if other people think there is a problem.  Look for more information about this in future issues.

If you want to help or get more information, contact Sis Elliott who is the Acting Critter Committee Coordinator at 477-6449.

In closing, this is fair warning to our tribal officials and tribal programs that might be able to help. You will be hearing from the Critter Committee.

Job Title                          Closing Date

Openings @ St. Labre Campus, Ashland, MT:

Accountant I January 20, 2012

Administrative Assistant – Major Gifts January 20, 2012

Evening Dishwasher/Custodian January 20, 2012

Executive Assistant to the Executive Director January 27, 2012

SL Instructional Aide Open Until Filled

House Parent Open Until Filled

Opening @ Pretty Eagle Catholic Academy, St. Xavier, MT:

Maintenance Technician I or II January 20, 2012

First Student Bus Driver @ Ashland campus – contact Dennis Huber:  784-2448

COLSTRIP SWEARS IN NEW CITY OFFICIALS — IST WOMAN MAYOR

In a brief, but well attended ceremony, new Colstrip City officials were sworn into office on Tuesday, January 3rd at 2:00 pm in City Hall.

Lawretta Miller and former Mayor John Williams will be taking seats on the City Council while Rose Hanser becomes the second person to hold the office of Colstrip Mayor and the first woman to do so.

Hanser, who campaigned on an open door policy thanked all who supported her, saying that she is “excited about the opportunity to work for and serve the community of Colstrip.”

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THE “RUFF” VOICE by Ms. Reilly

Announcing the 1st Critter Committee Meeting

Hello.  Now that the holidays are over for the humans, it’s time to get back to work.  First, I want to report that we finally got all six of the “dump” puppies situated. The little white one went to Wyoming with some very caring people.  Clem and I decided to keep the last one—the runt of the litter who is a pretty cinnamon color. She is named “Judge” to remind Clem and I of this experience. Judge is already traveling with us, and I enjoy the company.

This week we visited our good friends, Jesse Martinez and Albert LaRance from the Environmental Health Department.  Remember they are the good guys who rescued the dump puppies and hold the Spay/Neuter Clinics?   By the way Jesse has found homes for ten stray puppies.  Is he trying to beat my record or what? Good job Jesse!

Jesse and Albert need some help.  They no longer have a place to hold the Spay/Neuter Clinic. Even though it isn’t their formal job, they dispose of dead dogs and other things. They have recommended that the Tribe establish a Pound and hire an Animal Control officer, but so far that hasn’t happened.

So…following the recommendation of another animal friend, Ataloa Harris Burman, we are going to start the CRITTER COMMITTEE.

The first meeting will be Wednesday, January 11th at 1:30 pm at the employee lounge at the clinic by Jesse and Albert’s office.

Any humans who are concerned about the stray animal problem on the Reservation are invited to attend to talk about what we can do to help.

Sis Elliot is going to bring cookies and Clem will bring punch because the Cheyennes like to “eat when they meet.”

Ha Ha!

Call Clem at 748-3081 or Jessie/Albert at 477-4400 for info.

Hope to see you there!!

TRIBAL PRESIDENT’S VOICE:

Dear Tribal Members:

Sometimes, it’s easy for folks to sit back and say “The Tribe never does anything.” So, I’d just like to remind everybody that quite a bit got done on the Reservation during 2011.  While the Tribal Government is responsible for some developments, a lot of credit goes to our community partners like the schools, Utilities Commission, the BIA and others. We all have to work together to make the Reservation a better place to live. Millions of dollars were secured and invested to make projects possible. Here are some of the highlights:

• Cheyenne Avenue got repaired, including sidewalks. They used a great Cheyenne crew.
• Street Lights were put up along 212
• Muddy Cluster Water Project was completed using local labor and  tribal contractor Heart X Construction, owned by Gene Small
• Lame Deer Jail Renovation will be complete very soon. An open house is planned but you’ll have to pay to get out! (That’s one of my corny jokes)
• Utilities is building a new office with local employees
• The Tribe got Federal Legislation introduced to get back the 8 sections of GNP Land
• Tribal audits are up to date, including Busby School which is nearly done
• Improvements were made to the Lame Deer High School and the Elementary School by Small Construction, owned by Clayton Small, Tribal member
• Utilities made improvements to the water system
• The Tribal Coal Committee is making progress including a mine feasibility study and coal bed methane well studies
• We are close to finalizing operating plans with Arch Coal for Otter Creek
• Tribal Health is planning a new Wellness Center
• John Robinson and the Justice Committee are planning a new Justice Center
• The Tribe is developing a Probate Code
• Everybody pitched in to protect the Reservation from fires, minimizing the losses.
• Improvements were made to the Tribal office

Some progress, but we have many more things to do.  Like I say, we can always wish for a better year in 2012. I wish you all a Happy and Safe New Year. Please drive safely. Accidents do happen and there will be Police Checkpoints everywhere.

I’ll see you next year!

Leroy Spang, President

Northern Cheyenne Tribe

Remember to check out our calendar online and in the paper for upcoming events!

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“Changing times and Changing Crimes”

For the third time in recent months, members of the Northern Cheyenne BIA Law Enforcement met with Northern Cheyenne Tribal elders to discuss concerns about elder safety on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.  A meeting held on Thursday, December 15th at the Shoulderblade Center was attended by about thirty tribal elders and three members of the BIA Law Enforcement:  Oseceola Redshirt, Special Agent; Keven Pohawpatchoko, Special Agent and Hawkean Haakason, Supervisory Police Officer.

The meeting, coordinated by the Tribal Elderly Commission was welcomed by the BIA officers.  “We want to meet with the elders regularly,” Haakason said.  “And get some things going.  They have the wisdom we need.”

Redshirt, a member of the Cherokee Tribe

spoke about the problem of prescription drug abuse, a growing epidemic on Indian Reservations.   “People, especially young people on drugs, will break in homes to steal pills,” he warned while providing some advise to the crowd on how to safely keep prescriptions.

Yet, Mae Whistling Elk told that it is very common for elders to be accosted outside the Lame Deer Clinic by people asking to buy prescription pills.  Red Shirt said that these are called “seekers” and that such incidents should be reported to the police.  The officers also pledged to work with the IHS to improve security about this problem.

Steve Littlebird, a resident of the Shoulderblade Complex and former police officer and tribal judge urged the officers to improve their work with the community. “The young people are always saying that the cops don’t know what they are doing,” he explained. “You need to have more officers and be more involved locally,” he said.

The current BIA force includes the Chief of Police, Elgin Young; two Special officers and a force of eleven officers supervised by Haakanson.  Only two of the current force are tribal members: Dana Bullcoming and Randy Elliott.  The extensive background check makes it hard to get hired, Red Shirt said.

Other topics included: the need to update the tribal law and order code;  the problem of home burglaries which the officers said is usually committed by young people and drug and alcohol related; elder safety tips and even mountain lions which have frequently been seen in and around Lame Deer. “I hate to say it,” Red Shirt told the crowd, “but we need to make an example out of some of these young kids and let them know this (robberies and drug use) will not be tolerated here.”

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SAND CREEK MASSACRE—

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site—a long time coming

By Mina Seminole  Continued from December 9th

Collins’ troops were reinforced by 50 more men from Laramie and they followed the trail of Indians to their abandoned camp at Rock Creek Springs, then they followed the plain trail to the south bank of the North Platte.  At Rush Creek they encountered approximately 2000 warriors and after an inconclusive fight, a decision was made to abandon pursuit of the war party.

In the spring of 1865 the raids continued along the Oregon Trail in Nebraska.  Tall Bull, White Horse, Bull Bear and the sons of William Bent were some of the prominent warriors leading the raids and avenging the victims of Sand Creek massacre.

In November 2000 by PL106-465 Sand Creek Massacre site was recognized as a National Historic Site for preservation and commemoration.  Finally in the summer of 2005, PL109-45 authorized the Secretary of Interior to accept trust responsibility for 1465 acres within the site.  On April 28, 2007 the Secretary of Interior formally established the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site.  It has been a long time coming for the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes to have this site recognized for the people who lost their lives here.

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WORD  OF THE WEEK:  December

SPELLING: Setoveaeneese’he

The word of the week is Mina Seminole’s Project (CDKC Cultural Researcher) – a gentle nudge  towards language retention

A subscription of A Cheyenne Voice could be a great gift for the holidays! Visit the SUBSCRIPTION page to learn how to subscribe for an online or paper subscription!

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SAND CREEK MASSACRE—

“The combined forces of Cheynne, Lakota and Arapaho attaced to avenge the Massacre”

By Mina Seminole  Continued from December 2nd

“During these raids a party of young Cheyenne met with nine men who had belonged to the Third Colorado Cavalry who had taken part in the Sand Creek affair.  These men had been mustered out of service and were on their way east.  When the Cheyenne met them on the South Platte, they killed them all.  In the soldiers’ valises, the Cheyenne found the scalps of two Cheyenne, White Leaf and Little Wolf, son of Two Thighs, who had been killed at Sand Creek.  They recognized Little Wolf’s scalp by a peculiar little shell he had always worn, still attached to the hair.  White Leaf’s scalp was known by the light color of the hair as well as many other trophies from Sand Creek, which the soldiers were taking home to the States.  When the Cheyenne saw these items, they were so angry that they cut the bodies of the dead men to pieces.  Two of the Cheyenne who were in this party, Little Bear and Touching Cloud were still living in 1909.” (Grinnell, G.B., The Fighting Cheyenne, pg. 192)

On January 7, 1865 the combined forces of Cheyenne, Lakota and Arapaho attacked Julesburg, Colorado to avenge the massacre and to gather resources.  The Indians looted and plundered the warehouses.  Here four noncommissioned officers and eleven enlisted men were killed.  On February 2^nd the Indians returned to loot and burn the settlement, and destroy tons of hay.  The Indians attacked a wagon train of 20 wagons of supplies that were bound for Denver.  Seventy five miles of telegraph line was destroyed stopping any further communication.

The combined forces of Cheyenne, Lakota and Arapaho continued their raids upon Rush Creek and the telegraph station at Mud Springs.  Meanwhile the army had been alerted and a dispatch of troops was being sent out from Fort Mitchell and Fort Laramie.  At Mud Springs nine soldiers were stationed there along with the telegraph operator and a few other civilian.  The Indians began the attack by running off the livestock that was corralled there .  A troop of 120 men under Colonel William Collins of Fort Laramie arrived on February 6, 1865 and found them faced with 500 – 100 warriors.  Armed with Spencer’s repeating rifles, the troops were able to hold their own and after several hours of fighting the war party left and moved their village to Browns Creek on the north side of North Platte.                                       To be continued

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WORD  OF THE WEEK:  Cold

SPELLING: E’toneto

The word of the week is Mina Seminole’s Project (CDKC Cultural Researcher)

A gentle nudge  towards language retention

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VOCATIONAL REHAB PROGRAM—PART 11

“HOW IT WORKS”

A few weeks ago, we wrote an article about the CDKC Vocational Rehabilitation Program.  Part II provides more detailed information about what to expect when you  sign up for those services. It might seem like a long process, but more than a hundred people with that “stick-to-it” attitude have navigated it to become successful since the program started.

Step 1:  Go to the Program Office located in the green house at the bottom of Lame Deer Hill.  There you will complete a “Contact Sheet” and show your tribal ID (Northern Cheyenne or other Federally recognized Tribes).

Step 2: Attend an orientation session. These are held once each month. Donita will tell you when it is being held and send you a written confirmation.  At this session you will learn more about the program and how it works.

Step 3:  First meeting with a counselor.  They have two (Charlotte Whitecrane and Esther Littlewolf) who receive cases on a rotating basis.  The counselor will help you get the application completed.

Step 4:  Physical Exam.  This is required by Federal Law to confirm disabilities. Sometimes, a disability can be confirmed by the Recovery Center or Behavioral Health. The Counselor will tell you what documentation to gather.

Step 5:  When the disability is confirmed and documented, you meet with the Counselor to develop the Individual Plan for Employment (IPE).  This plan can go in two different directions:  a job or self employment through a small business.

Job Goal:  The program can help you find a job by working with employers.  If it is needed and you are not eligible for other program services, they can help with special needs: hearing aides, glasses, dentures, special clothing like steel-toed boots etc.

Part of the job route is to participate in the Job Club which meets regularly to help people develop skills in job search; developing resume’s and interviewing.  If you get a job through Voc Rehab, the goal is to get you hired on permanent and the counselors are there to help you be successful.

Small Business Goal:  Under this option, you have to develop a Business Plan.  It’s not as scary as it sounds.  They have a basic model that works out important details such as: staffing, supplies, budget, marketing etc.

When you have developed a reasonable Business Plan, the program can provide some funding for approved expenses necessary to get the business going. Once again, it’s different in each case and based on need.

This whole process is flexible.  It can be completed in 90 days, but some people take a little longer and some are quicker.

The Program continues to work with clients for about a year, monitoring success and providing support and guidance.

“I’ve been with the Program since the beginning,” Donita said. “And have seen almost a hundred people be successful. Many more have started the process could come back with a “stick-to-it” attitude and achieve success.”

Employers located on or within 25 miles of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation who are interested in on-the-job training opportunities with the Voc Rehab Program are encouraged to call

Troy Spang, Director

At 477-3641

“We can sometimes provide on-the-job training and remove barriers to develop successful employees” he says.