Fall Camp by Urshel Taylor, Ute/Pima

"If you do not stand with what is right, you become a collaborator in acts of injustice. We need the moral courage to stand and be counted. It is about the power of one. And when the power of one meets other powers of one, there is a collective voice."
Tome Roubideaux, Lakota

Report from the 34th Annual Conference of the IITC
Guatemala: The 34th annual gathering of the International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) was held last June in Guatemala. Nearly 275 indigenous delegates from across the world attended the 4-day gathering.
Among the main concerns discussed by IITC delegates were:
Human rights and implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
Youth organizing;
Land and Treaty Rights;
Impacts of pesticides and toxics;
Community organizing in response to mining;
Biocolonialism.
The International Indian Treaty Council also adopted several resolutions.  Among them were:
Resolution on the Protection of Indigenous Sacred Sites, Burial Places and Spiritual Rights;
Resolution on the Dakota/Lakota Treaties of 1805 and 1868;
Resolution on land, territories and natural resources, Treaties and the Implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Resolution on the protection of the environment and biodiversity: climate change, mining, oil, water and natural resources;
Resolution on economic justice, fair trade and economic self determination for Indigenous Peoples;
the effects of "free trade" and migration and workers' rights;
Resolution on the position of CANZUS relating to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
International Indian Treaty Council: http://www.treatycouncil.org/
http://freepeltiernow.blogspot.com/2008/08/report-from-34th-annual-conference-of.html

Bush signs bill to provide billions for reservations
President Bush has signed legislation that calls for $2,000,000,000 to help tribes:
$1,000,000,000 for water projects on Indian reservations;
$370,000,000 for detention facilities;
$310,000,000 for tribal police and tribal courts;
$30,000,000 for federal investigations and prosecution of crimes in Indian Country;
$250,000,000 for contract health services, health facilities and safe drinking water and sanitation facilities.
"There are reservations in this country where conditions are as dire as any place in the world," said Senator John Thune, S.D.  North Dakota Sen. Senator Byron Dorgan worked with Thune to secure the funds.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2008/07/30/news/top/doc4891030266aae630863168.txt

 La Paz, Ariz., Population Is Nation's Oldest County
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2007:

Age Populations La Paz County, AZ, home to the Colorado River Indian Reservation, has the country's oldest population: 32% are 65 or older Webb County Texas -- the youngest population: 12.8% are younger than 5		Populations for American Indian and Alaska Native Los Angeles County -- largest population of American Indians and Alaska Natives in 2007: 146,500 Maricopa County, AZ-- largest increase of Native residents: 2,300 Shannon County, S.D -- Largest percent of total population who are American Indian or Alaska Natives: 87%
Minority Populations Los Angeles County -- the largest minority population: 71% of the 7,000,000 residents are minorities Maricopa County, Ariz -- increase in minority populations: 79,000 new residents between 2006 and 2007 Starr County,Texas -- the highest proportion of minorities:  98%		Populations for Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: Honolulu County, HA -- largest NA/PI  population: 172,200; Clark County, NV., and Maricopa County -- largest NA/PI increases: 800 and 700, respectively.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/la-paz-ariz-population-nations/story.aspx?guid=%7B0B4FA107-6D3D-4ED4-AB7F-C4BEBC204FEE%7D&dist=hppr

History's Greatest Gadgets
Mankind has been making technology since the dawn of time. Here's ten of the most wonderful gadgets from centuries—and millennia—past.

Antikythera Computer c. 1st Century B.C.   Discovered in 1900 in an ancient shipwreck, this is a fully functional mechanical computer.

The Baghdad Battery c. 250 AD    No-one knows exactly what these alleged ancient batteries were used for.

The Seamless Globe c. 1630   Armilliary spheres represent a model of the universe. Among the best are seamless static and perfect globes created for the Mughal Emperors.

The Turk and El Ajedrecista 1770 and 1912 The Turk was a chess player hidden in a table packed with cogs and gears that appeared as a chess-playing machine.  El Ajedrecista was the first chess machine that could actually make its own moves.

Pot Still c. 9th Century    Formerly used by alchemists until it was used to distill whiskies and brandies.

Classical GPS: The Equitorium, Torquetum, Astrolabe, Sextant and Orrery The astrolabe was an analog computer that could predict and pinpoint the location of heavenly bodies. The sextant --11th century --allows navigators to quickly measure the sun's angle  and the positions of the Moon, Sun and planets.  The equitorium was simpler than the astrolabe. The Torquetum (1300s)  is a complex sextant. The Tellurion demonstrates how the sun's position causes daylight and the seasons on Earth.  Orreries, 1704  were a miniature 3D model of the solar system and the movements of its constituent bodies.

Leyden Jar c. 1745   The earliest capacitor.

Ark of the Covenant   Described in the Bible as a sacred box containing the stone-inscribed ten commandments and other relics.

The Mariner's Compass c. 1100    Invented in China in the 11th century, it was in common use worldwide by the end of the 13th century.

The Pocket watch c. 1450  The world's first modern-era personal tech toy

http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/02/historys-greate.html.

Blood drive slated for American Indian girl with life-threatening bone marrow disorder
Oklahoma: “Labor of Love” bone marrow and blood drive will honor Tallie Anderson, a 10-year-old American Indian girl of Choctaw and Irish ancestry. Tallie is battling aplastic anemia, a rare, life-threatening bone marrow disorder. Citizen Potawato-mi Nation FireLake Enterprises is organizing the drive for the Andersons, who hope to find a donor match. They also want to encourage American Indian people join the National Marrow Donor Program registry.  There is a critical need for donors from all racial and ethnic backgrounds because both are critical in finding a donor matches.
For Tallie’s full story and to view photos: http://lavernedouglas.typepad.com/
http://www.enidnews.com:80/localnews/local_story_237002733.html?keyword=topstory

Native kids' well-being lags behind other races
WASHINGTON - Every year the Annie E. Casey Foundation offers its Kids Count data reports. The reports are broken down by race and ethnicity.  From 1995-2000, child well-being improved for all races. Since 2000, the rate of improvement has declined. This year's report indicated that:
American Indian children score poorly on indicators of well being, including poverty.
American Indian children are the only group that collectively lost ground since 2000. Every other group improved.
Nationally, the child death rate for children aged 1 - 14 is 9% less than in 2000. It has gone up 15% for American Indian Children.
Nationally, the teenage death rate went down by 3% since 2000. For American Indian and Alaska Natives, it went up 7%. 
Nationally, idle ''at-risk'' teens -- those not in school or working -- went down by 11%. It increased by 6% for Natives.
Preventable deaths correlate with good medical care, a problem in many Native communities.  Auto accidents involving old cars, bad roads and drinking may also be factors. 
More data, by state, is available online at www.kidscount.org/
www/indiancountrytoday.com

 Wyoming tribe mourns 3 teens, loss of cultural ties
Wind River Reservation, Wyoming: Three teenage girls in the Beaver Hills housing complex died in early June. All three were members of the Northern Arapaho Tribe.   Tribal leaders say the deaths may be related to the reservation's drug and alcohol problems and the evaporation of Arapaho culture, native language and traditional ways. "At this point, it seems that we're losing it," said Harvey Spoonhunter, co-chairman of the tribe's governing body. "I think the youth, from 12 to 18, are kind of lost. They don't know their place in the tribe."  Wind River youth say drugs and alcohol are prevalent and children need more supervision.  Among the comments:
"At this point, it seems that we're losing it.  I think the youth, from 12 to 18, are kind of lost. They don't know their place in the tribe."  Harvey Spoonhunter, tribe's governing body.
"We need more parental supervision. We need more guidance. We need more activities out there that will keep kids involved. " Whitney Sun Rhodes, 16. 
"We need a recreation area around here, where kids can play basketball. Kids drop out of school, and don't finish their education."  Margaret Washington, grandmother of deceased.
"I think my daughter tried a little too hard to try to fit in, she was an impressionable age.  That seems to be like a normal thing on the reservation, like drugs and alcohol. And she was exposed to it more, and I don't know that she knew how to handle it." Loreal Bell, mother of deceased.
"Lives are filled with despair  ...  a complete identity loss. A social dysfunction."  Sergio A. Maldonado, Sr., director of tribal education for the Northern Arapaho.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/08/19/national/a013017D78.DTL&hw=tribal&sn=004&sc=832

 Navajo Tribe Bans Commercial Tobacco Use
Navajo Reservation, New Mexico: The Navajo Nation Council has banned smoking and chewing tobacco in public places on the Navajo Reservation. This includes events such as rodeos and fairs.  The council approved the ban on a vote of 42-27.  It does not, however, affect tobacco used in traditional and religious ceremonies. Dr. Patricia Nez Henderson testified for the measure and calls its passage a landmark. ``I'm still pinching myself,'' Henderson said.  The legislation stemmed from the anti-tobacco efforts of the Southwest Navajo Tobacco Education Prevention Project. The SNTEPP is backed by the tribe's Division of Health and a group of medicine men, the Hataalii Association Inc. Henderson says the ban will decrease the number of tribal youth starting to smoke, help those who want to quit, and protect others from secondhand smoke. Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. has 10 days to decide whether to sign or veto the law.
http://www.kutv.com/content/news/topnews/story.aspx?content_id=41eae54f-c49d-47bf-8b27-d36acd87d241


Broccoli may undo diabetes damage
England: People with diabetes are far more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Now researchers at the University of Warwick say eating broccoli could reverse the damage caused by diabetes to heart blood vessels.  Researchers say the key may be sulforaphane, a compound found in the vegetable. Sulforaphane may help reduce high levels of molecules that cause cell damage. It also boosts the production of enzymes which protect blood vessels.  Both heart attacks and strokes are linked to damaged blood vessels. "In future, it will be important to test if eating a diet rich in brassica vegetables has health benefits for diabetic patients," said Dr Iain Frame, director of research at Diabetes UK. "We expect that it will."
broccoli art: http://blog.wfmu.org
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7541639.stm

Native Americans 'walk the walk' for health
Maine: Terrol Dew Johnson and his family are walking from Maine to their Arizona homelands to raise awareness of Native American health issues.  The walkers, who are members of the Tohono O'odham community, are on an 18-month journey of self exploration. They will visit native communities to promote the use of traditional native foods and fitness to create wellness.  The walkers did not train for their 3,000-mile journey because they wanted to show others that anybody can take a walk and experience health benefits. "It got to the point, well, instead of just talking, start walking the walk," Johnson said.  The traveling party started slowly and suffered plenty of blisters. But the pace is improving. They are up to eight or 10 miles a day.  
To learn more, visit: website, www.thewalkhome.org

 University opening new integrative medicine center
New Mexico: The Center for Life at the University of New Mexico now offers "complementary medicine." Complimentary medicine combines modern medicine with traditional treatments from other cultures. Some of these practices and treatments may go back thousands of years.  "The uniqueness of our program is that we not only embrace Eastern and Western philosophies, but we try to integrate the traditions of New Mexico," said Dr. Arti Prasad, the center's director. Thus, Native American healers and Hispanic curanderas are invited to work with patients at the clinic.
About the Center for Life:
* The clinic is located miles from the university's hospital. This tends to reduce the anxiety many patients feel in a hospital setting,
* People enter through a reception area with a water fountain. "The sound of water is very soothing and healing," Prasad explains. 
* Vibrant, sherbet-tone colors were chosen specifically for healing, giving a sense of joy and liveliness.
* Music plays throughout the clinic and in the rooms — which are called treatment rooms, not examination rooms.
* Instead of numbers, the rooms have names: Heal, Hope, Calm, Relax, Pleasure, Longevity.
* Instead of examination tables and fluorescent lights, they have small water fountains, massage tables and cushy furniture.
Prasad acknowledges that some doctors don't support the idea of integrative medicine, but said more patients are demanding options.  "It's here because our consumers are wanting it.  Our consumers are asking these questions so we have to go out and find the answers for them," she said.
The Associated Press

 Native Cooking 
Denny McAuliffe described a delicious meal he had at a National Indian Gaming Association event. All ingredients came from tribes or Native-owned businesses. They included wild mushrooms, sweet potato puree, king crab legs, poached shrimp, pine nuts and tomatoes, cactus and pepper salad, herb-crusted buffalo rib-eye, sweet corn polenta. The food was termed ''modern traditional,'' as opposed to frybread and other lard and flour foods developed during the commodities era.
Modern traditional recipes:

Stuffed Corn Tortillas 1 dozen corn tortillas 1 cup each: Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese, shredded 1 4-oz. can chopped green chiles, drained 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped Corn or vegetable oil for frying Combine the cheeses. Fill half of each tortilla with cheese. Leave a 1/2-inch border clear. Sprinkle each with a few chiles and cilantro and fold over the tortillas. Heat  4 tablespoons of oil in a large, heavy skillet. When hot, but not smoking, fry a few tortillas for about 2 - 3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve with  salsa and sour cream.		Corn Salsa/Relish 1/2 dozen cooked ears of corn, kernels removed 1/2 large red onion, cut in small cubes 1 each: red and green bell pepper, chopped small 1 large tomato, cut in small cubes 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 teaspoon dried chili flakes Combine all ingredients in a ceramic or non-reactive bowl. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.
Succotash 3 tablespoons butter (or substitute) 1 small onion, chopped 1-1/2 cups each: lima beans and corn kernels, fresh, frozen or canned 1/2 cup water or broth 1 cup low-fat cream (optional) Salt and fresh ground black pepper Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 3 minutes or until translucent. Add beans, corn, water and pepper. Cook covered for 10 - 15 minutes.		Quinoa and Roasted Peppers 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock 2 tablespoons orange zest 1 cup quinoa, white or red 2 green or red peppers, roasted, seeded and chopped 1 stalk scallion, minced 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, minced Salt and pepper to taste Bring the stock and orange zest to a boil; add the quinoa and stir. Simmer for 5 minutes and remove from heat. Saute the peppers and scallion in butter or olive oil until tender. Combine with quinoa and fluff with a wooden spoon. Top with parsley.

graphics: Heather's animations
http://forums.native-american-online.org/