PAST EDITIONS OF: THE WEA PRIMER
~Highlights of Newsletter~
*Ninth Edition - Spring 2004*
Aya! Weethsaamakiki neehi Nikimihsa
Waayaahtanwa. Te'epahki neey'olaani!
(Hello! My Brothers and my sisters. It is good to see you!)
UPDATES & PROGRESS REPORTS 2004:
Native American Commission SBO100 - Updated May 13, 2004
Establishes the Native American Indian Affairs Commission. Authorizes the commission to recommend final disposition of Native American Indian human remains, that have been removed from a burial site. Requires the commission to study problems common to Native American Indians in the areas of employment, education, civil rights, health and housing. Authorizes the commission to make certain recommendations. (The introduced version of this bill was prepared by the Natural Resources Study Committee.)
Current Status
This bill SBO100, died in the House and was not passed. After SBO100 died, Senator Waterman overrode the vetoed bill SBO100, and placed this original bill back on the floor for a vote. This was done in March, before the session ended and it passed both floors. This bill does not reflect the Indigenous people (Miami or Wea) in the bill. This wording was removed previously before it went to the Governor for veto. We are however, working on obtaining a seat on this commission. At this time, we have not heard any information of who will be seated on this commission. We will keep you posted.
Billy Creek Village
At this time Billy Creek is undergoing internal restructuring, and the program involving Native Americans is still under consideration. We will be keeping in contact with them and furthering our plans for the future. Please keep in mine that we will need volunteers for this project, when it is started. So if you are located in the area or would like to represent your culture, please let us know.
WE-AU-TE-NO BURIAL GROUND:
(Orchard Town)
We have succeeded in obtaining a Historical Marker for the Weauteno Village site in Terre Haute! We are in the final stages and selecting the wording for the marker is next. The Historical Society has granted us $1,000.00 towards the marker, instead of the original $750.00 AMAZING!
Our Village of Weauteno was in the middle of the "old" section of historic downtown Terre Haute, Indiana, where the Court House now stands. Because we are working with the Historical Society, the initial spot was to be at the Old Orchard Burial Ground, that now has been changed to Fairbanks Park. This site will enable more people to come and view the area and its culture, it is approximately 5 blocks SW of the Court House, along the Wabash River. There will be a marker dedication ceremony, when the sign is put into the ground, and the Wea Tribe will be making special arrangements for this, along with the many other people involved.
We wish to give our sincere gratitude and warm appreciation to Vicki Rainbolt, who has given so generously to make this a reality. Also Judy Ripple of the Indiana Historical Society, who has work very closely with her. And Pat Pastore, who has devoted many hours to get this in the public view and to the right people. Also to the many others, who have in one way or another helped to see this become the first of many markers become a reality. Thank You All!
~PRESENT SIGN ON THE SITE~
UPDATE: TO SEE THE DEDICATION CEREMONY OF THE
NEW MARKER, GO TO "PHOTO OF EVENTS" PAGE.
NEWS & IDEAS:
Drum Practice
The Wea Men are contemplating starting a Drum Practice. We would like to know, how many other men would be interested in attending and learning how to play the Native Drum. The practices could be hosted at different locations within a 2 hour driving radius of Lafayette, Indiana.
Craft Day
We are contemplating starting a craft day to be held every other month or so, where we would all get together and demonstrate and learn Native crafts with each other. This would be a day long event, and could be held at different locations throughout Indiana. Anyone interested in this idea.
Recipe Book
Cousin Lori has an idea for a fundraiser for the Tribe. She said, "How about everyone that is a member of the Tribe submit a limited amount of their favorite famliy recipes and then have them turned into a book. This book, we could then sell for "X" dollars for Tribal Funds."
We are asking that EACH TRIBAL MEMBER send in 2-3 recipes for the book AND/OR donate $10.00 or more, if you can towards this project. Send your checks or cash to the Tribal Office marked "RECIPE BOOK". We need to raise $750.00 to have 200 books printed. IF we do not raise this amount, we will look into the possibility of printing a smaller version of the book ourselves. If you are interested in participating in the recipe book,
please contact the Tribal Office or Email them.
UPDATE:
WE HAVE PRINTED A NEW WIT COOKBOOK, GET YOURS WHILE THEY LAST! THE COOKBOOK HAS 60 (SIXTY) PAGES
WITH 60 (SIXTY) GREAT TRADITIONAL & HOMESTLYE RECIPES SUBMITTED BY OUR WIT MEMBERS FROM THEIR
FAMILIES TREASURES RECIPES. **SOLD OUT**
Wea Library
The name has now been changed to "WEA INDIAN TRIBAL REFERENCE COLLECTION", as suggested by a Tribal Member. This new title reflects that the materials are NOT allowed to be checked out, but only viewed at the Tribal Office.
To date, we currently have 17 books and maps; 21 donations from others containing books, maps and lithograph prints; and 22 videos, tapes and CDs. In April of this year (2004), we had a very honorable donation made to the Tribal Library by a Godfroy/Dagenet family member. This donation contains many documents, along with some genealogy and an autobiography of his father's life from 1916-1999. Many thanks to all who have donated to our future generations reference library!
UPCOMING NA EVENTS:
Woman's Retreat
The 5th Bi-Annual Woman's Retreat was held on April 16-18, 2004, and this time we were honored to have two women from an upper U.P. Potowatomi Indian Reservation in Mighigan in attendance. Fall Retreat is scheduled for October 8-10, 2004. This Retreat is for ALL Native American Indian women of any Nation, and other invited guest. Yes, the Retreat is by invitation only.
Spring Gathering of the Wabash Wea
June 5 & 6, 2004- Beall Woods State Park, Keensburg, Illinois. Class "C" Primitive Camping; No showers or electric; $8.00 per night per campsite. Shamrock Motel- 618-262-4169; Living Legacy Bed & Breakfast- 618-298-2476; Hosted By: Mary Holtsclaw
Cicotte's Powwow
June 25-27, 2004- Independence, Indiana on the Wabash River at the Old Cicotte and Godfroy Reservation site. This powwow is put on and hosted by "Friends and Associates" and they are hoping to raise funds to start a Wea Scholarship Program for the Wea Indian Tribes' children. THANK YOU FRIENDS! The Wea Tribe will have their Tribal booth up and running, so come join us in the FUN!
6th Annual Wea Indian Tribal Gathering
September 10-12, 2004- Same location as always, same arrangements. Guests are by invitation ONLY. Any questions contact your Council Representative!
Gathering of the People's Powwow
September 24-26, 2004- Vigo County Conservation Club Grounds; 11333 East Rio Grande Avenue; Brazil, Vigo County, Indiana. This year, the powwow will be a three day event. On Friday the 24th, there will be an educational day for school children featuring a field trip from 9am - 2pm , which will focus on crafts, storytelling, clothing and moccasin making, basket making, artifact displays, games and much more! The Wea Tribal Booth, will be there as always with Elder Max Haffner as storyteller, and we look forward to another spectacular year!
Contact: Deanna Blann
Feast of the Hunter's Moon
October 2 & 3, 2004- For the SECOND time in history, the Wea Indian Tribe will have a booth here at the Feast Grounds. Join our Tribe and come celebrate time past! We would love to have as many Wea in the main procession, during the Feast as possible, so please come and join us during this time and support your Tribe.
Feast of the Hunters’ Moon & TCHA
POPCORN BY MIGNONNE SWILLING
Secretary/Treasurer for SENAA International
The spirits are quiet and content who live inside the popcorn kernels, unless you heat their homes. The hotter you make their homes, the angrier they will become. Then they will shake the kernels until the heat is more than they can stand, and finally they will burst out of their homes in a sudden sulky dissatisfied puff of steam. For centuries, popcorn has been intriguing us with it's magical qualities, and speculation about its origins and preparation continue.
Five thousand six hundred year old ears of popcorn, the oldest ever found, were discovered in the Bat Cave of west central New Mexico in 1948 and 1950. On the east coast of Peru, researchers found 1,000 year old grains of popcorn in tombs. They were so well preserved, that they still popped. In a dry cave in southwestern Utah, believed to have been inhabited by predecessors of the Pueblo, a 1,000 year old kernel of popped popcorn was found. Both Cortez & Columbus, observed Indigenous peoples wearing popcorn as decoration & using it for ceremonial purposes as well.
Soapstone, pottery and metal poppers have been found at archeological digs. Most containers have three legs and a lid, and are made to sit directly on the fire. The Iroquois prepared popcorn by using hot sand and a pottery vessel to pop their kernels. Another method, the Iroquois used was to coat the popcorn with maple syrup, then chill it in the snow. This was called "snow food". To this day, the Papago of Arizona pop corn in clay pots known as "ollas" that can be up to eight feet in diameter. These pots date back in design 1,500 years to the South American Indian and Mexican cultures.
In the recent past, it was said that popcorn had no real nutritional value; this fact however, may be proving false. Popcorn contains no cholesterol, and recent articles have suggested that popcorn may help lower LDL's; the "bad fat". Who knows what else will be discovered in the future? Perhaps, modern scientists will learn that our Indigenous ancestors knew alot more about nutrition than they care to admit.
SNOW FOOD RECIPE
1 T. Butter
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 C. Maple Syrup
1/2 C. Broken Pecans
8 C. Popped Popcorn
Lightly spray a large shallow pan with cooking spray, and spread out the popcorn and pecans. In a medium saucepan; combine butter, maple syrup and salt. Cook over medium high heat, stirring frequently, until mixture reaches 260 degrees (hard boil stage) on a candy thermometer. Pour hot syrup in a thin stream over popcorn and nuts; toss gently to coat. When cool, break into bite-sized pieces.
~Highlights of Newsletter~
*Eighth Edition - Fall 2003*
WE-AU-TE-NO BURIAL GROUND: (ORCHARD TOWN)
At present, our petition for a Historical Marker is being reviewed by the committee. We are waiting for their decision as to if we get the marker for Orchard Town or not. We have a Hearing in November with the Historical Marker Committee to review our requests.
5TH ANNUAL WEA INDIAN TRIBAL GATHERING:
Was held on August 22-24, 2003 and again it was a huge success. We not only had many new members to attend the Gathering this year, but new friends as well. This year, we had the largest crowd yet! Tomahawk Throwing Contest, Bow & Arrow Shooting, and NA Craft Demonstrations were among the highlights. The Saturday night feast was absolutely delicious, and the Saturday night ceremonies were refreshing, along with being a blessing much needed for us all. We hope to see many more new faces at the 2004 Gathering of the Wea.
FEAST OF THE HUNTER'S MOON:
Was held on September 13 & 14, 2003. This year was the FIRST time in the history of the Feast that the Waayaahtanwa (Wea) People had their very own booth set up. Our booth was in the West Arena right near the powwow circle. The whole Tribal Council was there to oversee the Wea Booth's history and cultural presentations, as well as many other Wea cousins, children and friends of the Wea. All Feast participants were allowed to set up camp on Thursday, and stay throughout the entire time of the Feast, on the grounds. We intermingled with other Feast participants and really go to know a lot of fine people, and had a tremendously good time.
The Wea People were Honored at the Opening & Closing Ceremonies of the Feast, and were also escorted in the Opening & Closing marching procession through the Feast Grounds, being second in the line right behind the French. The whole experience was wonderful and we will have a Waayaahtanwa Booth there in 2004. Pictures taken at the Feast will be put on the Wea website soon.
The Tribal Council wishes to thank everyone who participated, along with all of our guests who stopped by the Wea Booth. We also want to take this time to thank the Tippecanoe County Historical Association Director Kevin O'Brien, and Jerry Day and the Feast Committee for all their wonderful support and help in making this a historical event for us and the Tribe; allowing us to once more to be recognized on our homeland. The Wea Booth was a success and allowed us to share the history and culture. The Feast's Committee's devotion, kindness and hand of friendship extended toward the Wea has been.....well, more than words can say, we thank each of you on the Committee.
WOMAN'S RETREAT:
Come Fall of 2003, the 4th Bi-Annual Women's Retreat was to be held October 10-12, 2003 and is hosted by the Wea Indian Tribal Women. The purpose of the Retreat is to bring the women together to discuss several topics related to the Native Woman's traditional roll in her Tribal culture and heritage, and how to instill this culture back into the family unit. Also, how we as women can better educate others outside the NA communities concerning our Culture and Heritage, and why our Traditions should be respected and honored. Women play a very big role in shaping the family unit, and we hope by having these Retreats, it will help shape a better future for our children and the future generations of children to come.
The Retreat is held each Spring and Fall for three days, Fri., Sat., and Sun. This Retreat is for ALL Native American Indian Women of any Nation, and other invited special guests. Yes, the Retreat is by invitation only. However, if you are interested in attending, please contact us.
Created By: Peehkonteeki
September 5, 2005
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