Obama Declares National Native American Month!

NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2009
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

The indigenous peoples of North America -- the First Americans -- have woven rich and diverse threads into the tapestry of our Nation's heritage. Throughout their long history on this great land, they have faced moments of profound triumph and tragedy alike. During National Native American Heritage Month, we recognize their many accomplishments, contributions, and sacrifices, and we pay tribute to their participation in all aspects of American society.

This month, we celebrate the ancestry and time-honored traditions of American Indians and Alaska Natives in North America. They have guided our land stewardship policies, added immeasurably to our cultural heritage, and demonstrated courage in the face of adversity. From the American Revolution to combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, they have fought valiantly in defense of our Nation as dedicated servicemen and women. Their native languages have also played a pivotal role on the battlefield. During World Wars I and II, Native American code talkers developed unbreakable codes to communicate military messages that saved countless lives. Native Americans have distinguished themselves as inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and scholars. Our debt to our First Americans is immense, as is our responsibility to ensure their fair, equal treatment and honor the commitments we made to their forebears.

The Native American community today faces huge challenges that have been ignored by our Government for too long. To help address this disparity, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allocates more than $3 billion to help these communities deal with their most pressing needs. In the Fiscal Year 2010 budget, my Administration has proposed over $17 billion for programs carried out by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Health Service, and other Federal agencies that have a critical role to play in improving the lives of Native Americans. These programs will increase educational opportunities, address the scourge of alcohol abuse and domestic violence, promote economic development, and provide access to comprehensive, accessible, and affordable health care. While funding increases do not make up for past deficiencies, they do reflect our determination to honor tribal sovereignty and ensure continued progress on reservations across America.

As we seek to build on and strengthen our nation-to-nation relationship, my Administration is committed to ensuring tribal communities have a meaningful voice in our national policy debates as we confront the challenges facing all Americans. We will continue this constructive dialogue at the White House Tribal Nations Conference held in Washington, D.C., this month. Native American voices have echoed through the mountains, valleys, and plains of our country for thousands of years, and it is now our time to listen.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2009 as National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate November 27, 2009, as Native American Heritage Day.

Mvto and Wa-do (Thank you in Creek and Cherokee) Mr. President.

Newest Ferry to Be Named for 19th Century Jamestown S’Klallam Chief, Chetzemoka

I just received word that this new ferry is being named after my cousin's husbands ancester. I think this is great news and want to share it with my friends.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Betty Prince (My Cousin), Les Prince, JoAnn Bussa (Historical Society Leader)

The Story:
Olympia Washington. Chetzemoka will sail again from Port Townsend next summer. The Washington State Transportation Commission agreed Tuesday that the first new 64-car ferry should be named after the former chief of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe known for befriending white settlers of the Olympic Peninsula.

Les Prince, Chetzemoka’s great-great grandson, and his wife Betty (my cousin), of Sequim, were in Olympia on Tuesday when the commission adopted the name. According to the resolution the commission adopted, the name “honors the natives of the region and their seafaring skills and traditions and also continues the proud name of the historic ferry that served Port Townsend.”

“It’s always good to have your family recognized that way,” said Prince, one of Chetzemoka’s few direct descendants and chairman of the tribe’s elders committee.

Prince told the commissioners that, “If the old chief were here today, he’d look out at the boat, raise his hands and say, ‘Ha’ non-son, Ha’ non-son,’ which means ‘Thank you, thank you.’”

Chief Chetzemoka was buried in 1888 at the age of about 80 at Laurel Grove Cemetery in Port Townsend. A park in the town bears his name. He is remembered for his peaceful relations and diplomacy with the white setters and explorers, including in 1857 when he went against other tribal leaders who wanted to drive them out of the area.

Congratulations Les and Betty on this historic event!

Native American Beaded Bracelet (Serenity Series The Sky Is The Limit) : jstinson - ArtFire Jewelry

This "serentity bracelet" has been a popular item and it can be custom made with symbolic gemstones of your choosing.

This "Serenity Bracelet" is so named as it is meant to bring you serentity on particularily stressful days.

Native Americans perform a purifying ceremony called "smudging". Sage, cedar, lemon grass or other botanicals of choice are burned in a prayer bowl or abalone shell. Feathers are used to waft the smoke around to remove negative energy.

The prayer box on the bracelet is where you actually or mentally place a problem, totem, stone, or treasure to represent your thoughts and prayers. The hinged box opens to receive small items.

The bracelet is wrapped around the wrist and is worn so that the gold toned feathers and prayer box rest on top of the hand. As you journey throughout the day, when the box and feathers move on your hand, you are reminded of your thoughts and prayers by the box and negative energy is removed by the feathers.

Since the bracelet is done on a continuous piece of "memory wire", it should comfortably fit wrists from 6 1/2 to 8 inches...maybe more.

Stones and Symbolism for "Sky Is The Limit Serenity Bracelet"

Turquoise...The "Sky" stone of Native Americans (Note: the stones used in this bracelet represent turquoise but are actually howlite)

Citrine...The stone of the mind. Citrine is known as the lucky "Merchants Stone" and is said to help one sell. It is also used by healers to: increase self esteem, protect from someone else's abuse thoughts or deeds, open the mind to new thoughts and promote clarity of thought

Topaz is identified as one of 12 gemstones in the breastplate of the High Priest in the book of Exodus and is sacred to the twelve angels that guard the gates to Paradise. It is said to encourage self realization and confidence

Mvto and Wa-do' (That is Thank You in Creek and Cherokee) for viewing. Joni Stinson, Creek-Cherokee

Native American Beaded Earrings (Snow Flakes) : jstinson - ArtFire Jewelry

This beaded snowflake earrings are just in time to start the season!

The top portion represents a snowflake against the gray blue sky. The fringe is comprised of frosted branches sparkling with snow and ice.

The beaded portion of the earring is 2 1/4 inches long. The stainless steel earwire adds an addition 1/2 inch to the overall drop. The widest point of the snowflake measures 7/8 inches.

These will add fun and frolic to your winter wonderland wardrobe.

Mvto and Wa-do (Thank you in Creek and Cherokee) for viewing.

Native American Beaded Bracelet (Stylized Butterfly Cuff) : jstinson - ArtFire Jewelry

This bright and bold loomed cuff bracelet features a sylized butterfly design. The butterflies are bright pearlized pink beads highlighted with black and teal beads. The spacer area is beaded in bright teal and amber seed beads.

The cuff is 2 inches wide and will fit wrists up to 7 inches. The closure is made of handbeaded ball beads and loops.

To Native Americans, the butterfly is a symbol of joy. They remind us not to take life so seriously. They feed on flowers that they help pollinate, thereby further spreading beauty. They represent the element of air, quickly changing and ever moving, so gracefully. Butterflies are messengers of the moment.

They come in a variety of colors. If you like this bracelet but would prefer it in different colors or a different size, please let me know and I will be happy to loom one just for you!

Mvto and Wa-do (Thank you in Creek and Cherokee) for viewing.

Native American Turquoise Ankle Bracelet : jstinson - ArtFire Jewelry

This beautiful ankle bracelet is made to fit ankles from 7 to 10 inches. It could also double as a bracelet for those requiring a longer than average bracelet length.

I have hand wire wrapped the five natural turquoise stones and attached them to a silver plated chain. Feather charms were added to promote positive energy as you go about your day. A cute "hand made" charm was added just for fun and to proclaim the fact that it is a hand made piece.

The lobster claw clasp and chain make it possible to adjust the anklet (or bracelet)to the length desired.

This bracelet will bring you many compliments and is fun to wear!

Mvto and Wa-do (Thank you in Creek and Cherokee) for viewing!

Native American Fetish Necklace (Frog Medicine Necklace) : jstinson - ArtFire Jewelry

In many Native American cultures, frog medicine represents the cleansing properties of water and rain to bring about renewal of the body and spirit.

The beautiful necklace was designed to honor the frog who sees a need and ribets his song. It is heard by the birds who deliver the song to the Thunder Beings. The Thunder Beings and Father Sky bring the support and cleansing needed for renewal.

The centerpiece frog featured in this necklace is hand carved whale bone from Alaska. The tree of life birds are shell fetishes. The colors used, red, black and white, are three of the four colors from the medicine wheel. The foundation beads are seed beads and Delicas.

The primary necklace is 30 inches long. The inner necklace is 20 inches from joining point to joining point. The frog is 1 1/2 inches long by 7/8's inches wide. No clasp is required as the necklace fits easily over the head.

This necklace is a call to frog medicine for peace, joy and a renewal of spirit.

Mvto and Wa-do' (Thank you in Creek and Cherokee) for viewing!