The Native Blog

About the fire on the rez

"This home wasn't unoccupied. The family wasn't home at the time of the fire and thankfully no one was injured but the fire has destroyed most of their belongings. This is a portion of an e-mail request for donations to assist this family that went out late yesterday afternoon: "They have family of 10 that includes 8 children. Donations for clothing item would be greatly appreciated. The children’s sizes are as followed: Girl-size 6 top & bottoms, boy-size 6 top & bottoms, girl-size 7/8 tops bottoms, boy-size 8 tops& bottoms 2boys-size 12 bottoms & large shirts, boy-size 14 pants & large shirts, boys-size 38x38 pants & xl shirt, boy-size xxl to xxxl shirt & 48x36 pants, dad-size 32x32 pants & large shirt, and mom xxxl shirt & bottoms. Mom likes sweat pants.  Donation will be accepted at the Tribal Police Department."

Thomas M. Wabnum: The Election is Over

"Now that the Election is over, Congratulations to Chairman Steve Ortiz. 

In July 1999, we started talking about constitutional amendments and many TC’s have passed since then and yet we have none.  As seen in this last election, there were 10 candidates all eligible for the Chairperson position.  The winner won by 27% or 390 votes of the total tribal vote.  The other 73% or 1,062 voted for other candidates. 

If our election process were amended for the 2 highest voted candidates, then there would be a run-off election.  This would mean that the person elected would have a higher percentage of the Nation’s voters.  It is something that I would have preferred knowing that more than a majority of the voters and I agreed on the same priorities.  In this case, how could I go wrong if Prairie Band, and I desired this for our Nation?

As a Native Nation, our requirements for government are not like that of the United States.  A tribal member does not have to be rich, educated, experienced, campaign based on race or religion, male or female, a career minded bureaucrat or a War hero.  As a tribal member with age, you are eligible.  In our traditional history, our personal word enforcing customs and traditions is tribal law. With our personal beliefs and integrity, we believed in each other.  In our tribal business world today, we still expect that from our leaders and without it, who will cast the first petition? 

There is a personal trait desired by tribal voters that cannot be measured by work performance, blood quantum or bureaucratic speeches that amounts to nothing and that is an honest heart for the people they will serve.  Because of our Native history, that is why no strict requirements were ever installed in Native constitutions unlike our non-Native counterparts.    We know what their government is like and that will always be part of our unresolved problem!

Other Native Nations have encountered the same recalls for dishonesty and basically saying your just not one of us anymore.  We elect you and you forget about us every time.  The greed that overcomes the elected destroys them over time.

The newly elected “swears true faith, allegiance . . . . . to faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which they are about to enter.  So help me God.”   This is called the Oath of Office that deploys their character subject to question and accountability in a public office.  I have taken the Oath of Office three times as a tribal citizen: upon entering the military, the federal government and tribal government.

We are enjoying more success today our way while adjusting to authority and business solutions not encountered before in our history and we will overcome those as well.

We still need that Constitution Committee interacting with the community to produce one-issue amendments that will gradually construct this strong governing document.  The CC still needs the GC and TC support to get this done.  We are all of the same blood so why should this be a difficult task?  This governing document will record our past, strengthen the present and give vision to our children to continue our ageless but inherent sovereign right to be Nish na bek."

Thomas M. Wabnum

A Tribal Member's Fall Visit to the General Council Meeting

"I made another journey to the rez to attend the General Council Meeting.  My journey this time found Mayetta to be a town of crisp, windy autumn days and once again welcoming friends and relatives. 

The meeting began with signing in and gathering of the agenda and handouts.  The meeting was opened with a prayer by Gary Mitchell, spoken in our native language.  Next we were told that CSP item on the agenda was dropped.  There was brief recognition of Steve Ortiz’s win as our new Chair. Steve announced that he would like all  tribal members to send him their suggestions on ways to cut the budget due to the overwhelming passage of the per cap increase.

Tribal Council member Jackie Mitchell gave a power point presentation of the Shab-eh-nay Reservation and what has been accomplished thus far on the project.  Most tribal members were appreciative of the pictures because it gave us a summary of the progress on the project and we could see the beauty of the land that will once again be part of the PBPN. 

The lawyers representing the PBPN in the Shab-eh-nay matter gave us an update on the legal proceedings.  This took a few hours and I will not go into the details because it is a matter that only PBPN should be allowed to have information about. (We all realize Larry’s site can be viewed by non-tribal members.)  If you would like all the details about what they had to say and the question and answers general council members had, contact Secretary Jim Potter and he will send you the minutes when they are ready.  Suffice it to say, Shab-eh-nay is moving forward in a very positive way.  The lawyers also reminded tribal members that there are a group of residents in DeKalb county who do not want Indian gaming, but their numbers are small.  We were also told that this small group is watching our blogs for any hints of dissension among our tribe on the Shab-eh-nay matter.  We should all project a united front and support the work our tribe is doing on Shab-eh-nay.

Next, was the rushed introduction of a Revenue Allocation Plan by Tribal Council member Ryan Dyer.  The explanation given to us about this plan is that because of the per cap increase vote we must now begin to decide how to re-distribute our programs and budgets.  As was mentioned earlier on the blog, we were not given any handouts or other written materials about the plan, only two pie charts on a power point presentation. 

Option 1 would give Government Operations 28% , General Welfare (including CSP, Education, Housing and the Health Clinic)  7%, Charitable Contributions 1% , Economic Development 16% and Per Capita 48%.

Option 2 would give Government Operations 30%, Economic Development 16%, Per Capita 48%.  Government Operations would include General Welfare items.

I know what you are thinking, it doesn’t add up to 100%, but these are the only groups of expenditures that are negotiable.  Sorry that I don’t have the rest of the break down they were not distributed to us.  They are promising to send us the written information about the plan with the next referendum election.

As you can see Option 2 eliminates charitable deductions, however Ryan stated that doesn’t mean we won’t make charitable deductions. 

Many tribal members had questions for Ryan about the Revenue Allocation Plan, for one what was the rush to have a vote on this and wait, we need more information in writing to make this decision.  I suggested that we not vote on this today because it is a matter that more tribal members would like to have input on, we need feedback from tribal members who were not able to make it to the meeting and from those who live off the rez.  Since they didn’t know this was a matter that would be on the agenda and Ryan said, once the plan is chosen there is no going back, it cannot be changed.  Another tribal member made a motion to have a vote on whether to postpone the vote and mail out information about the Revenue Allocation Plan and include it on the referendum vote later this month.  The motion was seconded and the vote was in favor of putting it on the referendum vote.

Ryan proceeded to present his financial report.  A few questions directed to Ryan from tribal members were:

When would we get a financial summary of the Casino’s finances, as it is required per the tribal constitution? 
Three jobs were cut from the transportation department, would the jobs be restored or were there more cuts to come?
Casino does not appear to be doing well based on anecdotal observations of tribal members and feedback from customers.
When is the bingo hall going to re-open?  The seniors enjoy bingo.  Ryan said that there are some options for a bingo hall that they are researching, keeping the old hall, adding bingo to the casino and adding another site near the highway.
Of course tribal members are asking questions and still seeking to hold the TC accountable for their behavior, use of time on and off their jobs and monies spent on their p-cards.
There should be more reservation based activities for young people to prevent them from getting involved in drugs and alcohol.

It was fantastic to see that there is an increased level of participation in discussions by all tribal members in attendance at the meeting.  Our people have some important needs and should feel free to speak their views on the issues that are important to them.  Good work PBPN!

By the way, we had a lovely lunch consisting of, sliced ham, in a cherry sauce, sweet potatoes that were perfectly cooked and sweetened with brown sugar and marshmallow. Also, fresh sautéed green beans, a dinner roll, for dessert a brownie that made me want to ask for the recipe, the texture and flavor rivaled even my own recipe.  During lunch I spoke to friends and family with bright, smiling faces sharing their stories of happy harvests of fall vegetables and bragging about the  progress of their favorite football teams, KU or Kansas State.

Unfortunately, I had to leave soon after lunch to catch my plane back to Los Angeles, hopefully I will get the minutes from the meeting soon and can share the details of the remainder of the meeting.

Personally, I feel these experiences, meeting and listening to other tribal members talk about their lives is the most rewarding aspect of my journeys to the rez.  I am looking forward to the next General Council Meeting, albeit it may be cold and freezing, the journey is well worth it."

Some info on the general council meeting

Here is some info from a tribal member on the general council meeting that was held yesterday:

"The REAL word on the rez, is that at the General Council Meeting today, Tribal Council added an item to the agenda without going through the proper channels.  The TC wanted tribal members to vote on two options for a "revenue allocation plan".  This plan, as explained to us would be irreversible when approved and we were given no notice, handouts or written info about what we were actually voting on.  The Plan changes how we spend and budget our revenue, it was not explained which programs would be cut or how many jobs would be lost by choosing either plan, one thing for sure one plan called for the elimination of charitable contributions.  Many tribal members were concerned to say the least that we were being asked to vote on something that is so important yet given so little information about.  Most thought it was also unfair that off-rez people were not being given the chance to give their input on this plan.  According to the TC the plan is necessary due to the over-whelming passage of the per capita increase.  There was a motion to include this matter on the next referendum vote going out later this month, it was seconded and it passed.  TC promised to send information out to tribal members so we could make an educated vote on this very important matter."

This blog will have a full article on the general council meeting on Monday...!

Word on the Rez...

"word on the rez is that at the general counsel meeting tommorow, saturday october 20th, there will be a vote on the per capita increase. if there is a re vote on the per capita payments, then we should get a re vote on the chairman vote.

is this fair to all the PBP Nation who live off the rez? they can't even vote on these issues."

-name withheld

A Reader Contribution...

Electronic Bingo or Sovereignty!

"We are reading from unofficial tribal blog sites that the PBTC is negotiating some kind of gaming plan with DeKalb County. What is this negotiation about?

In the Cape Cod newspaper, the Massachusetts Governor applies a new twist in gaming negotiations to bend things their way.
"No casino license shall issue to an applicant who is a federally recognized Native American tribe located in the Commonwealth or an applicant who is partnered with a federally recognized Native American tribe located in the Commonwealth unless the Native American tribe has entered into a contractual agreement with the Commonwealth in which the Native American tribe agrees to waive any and all of its rights under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C sections 2701 et seq., and be subject to the civil and criminal laws, statutes, ordinances, and jurisdiction of the Commonwealth..."
To make the negotiations more attractive, the State is telling the Tribe to waive IGRA, negotiate with us and we can have our Casino now. If we negotiate under IGRA, it will take you forever.

The new Magic Bullet: A mortal wound to tribal advantage
27% to state, $335k to bid, $1 billion to invest, $200m to license.
What’s very interesting at this point is “Who will have total control, Tribe or State”.

An interesting Illinois blogger said on May 20, 2007, “The County is not taking the Tribe’s word for anything. There was a letter issued some time ago indicating that the Tribe’s claims were credible done by the US Government. The Tribe has not taken the additional steps to have the entire area taken/seeking Reservation status that I am aware of – although it could. Reservation status would change everything for the Tribe and the town to a situation where the Tribe could call its own shots. I believe that’s why the County is dealing with the Tribe now to prevent reservation status from being sought.”

Sometime soon, maybe at a special meeting, the TC will present a plan to us to decide if we want to have some kind of gaming on the Shabbona land. October 1, 2007.
“The rest of the week Rey, Jackie and I will be in Illinois meeting with the DeKalb County board to attempt to finalize our intergovernmental agreement. I hope that we can work out the issues and sign the agreement in November (they only meet once a month and will need time to present the agreement to their constituency, as do we).” Should this land be in Trust first so negotiations would lean our way? Is the TC negotiating in our best interest of DeKalb County, the Tribal Council or the Nation?

Then on October 14, the Daily Chronicle printed, "DeKalb County and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation are “much closer to an agreement” on how the two would work together if the tribe builds on land it owns north of Shabbona, county officials said last week.”

There is a new Chairman and maybe we can get some exposure on the details of this plan. If they desire to give away our sovereignty and IGRA rights in this plan, they should tell us. At least tell us if the land is in Trust. Whatever is told to us must be the whole truth because we are placing our trust in them. Also, without advance reading of this plan, will they ask us to approve that plan on the same day of the meeting?
A couple of months ago, the TC made public comments to give away some of the Shabbona land.

We need to know what they are giving up in these negotiations before its finalized."

-Thomas M. Wabnum

Thomas Wabnum on the Amendments

October 9, 2007

"Before you make a decision on which Amendment to vote for or against, these are the things that you may need.  Also, this is a special election and need to register if your are not

A copy of the current Constitution, a copy of the 25 CFR Part 81, Tribal Reorganization Under a Federal Statute, a review of your Roman Numerals Guide, a Sharpie Fine Point Marker, a ruler, a thorough understanding how our present governing system works, and its problems, and how it will be affected either by a YES vote or a NO vote of any one of these amendments.

Also, this is a Secretarial Election conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  Rather you are a currently registered voter with the Nation or not, you need to register with the Secretary of Interior to be able to vote on these proposed Amendments to the Constitution.  The qualifications to participate in this election are that you be an enrolled member, age 18 or older as of the election date.

Under Amendment A. Article  VI-Elections and Nominations. (Add  Sec. 6 to Article VI.)

Article VI remains the same then, add F-Section 6 as is in the proposed Amendments.

My opinion:  This amendment adds a primary and run-off election with a spin.  A primary is asking any tribal member desiring to run for Tribal Council to sign up.  Lets say there are 10 candidates and the Nation conducts this election.  Only the top 2 candidates receiving the highest number of votes are eligible for the Run-off election 4 weeks after the closing of the primary.  I want a primary and run off but not sure about the 50% plus 1.

Under Amendment A, one candidate will get 50% + 1 then there is no run-off and this candidates wins.  My candidate gets 35% >, he/she doesn’t go to the run-off. 

With a primary and run-off of the two top candidates, the candidate with second highest votes may have chance to win over the candidate with the highest votes.  In this run-off election the winning candidate will have a higher percentage than 50%.  This will show that a good majority of voters are supportive of this candidate.

Then in case of a tie either a coin toss (not Heads I win and Tails you lose) or a drawing of straws if more than two candidates tie.  How often has there been a tie in our elections?  Maybe we need something.

Under Amendment B. Ethical Responsibilities of Officials. (Add New Article, does not replace).

New Article VIII.  If passed, there will be one other election and added cost even if one election coincides other elections.

In my opinion, we all know we are in need of an Ethics Policy but not defined and fine- tuned in our Constitution.  A constitutional authority clause delegating power to TC to create a Commission, Policy and Procedures is what is needed.  Why?  If this Amendment passes, if we had to change it again later for whatever reason, it would take another lengthy Secretarial election.

If delegated to TC, changes can be made in the Policy and Procedures, seek public comment, finalize and then seek approval from GC at minimal cost and less time to Nation. 

    Note:  In this case, who’s to blame for such a long delay?  TC or BIA.

This Amendment might be over kill of fine details in our Constitution and it may cause a she-she contest between EC and the Tribal Council.  It will add more administrative costs to the budget but don’t know how much yet until the TC approves an Ethics budget.

Under Amendment C. Dispute Resolution System. (Add New article, does not replace).

In my opinion, we don’t want to tie the Courts hands with small details by approving Amendment C that might do just that.  We need a Separation of Powers Doctrine establishing a Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of government and let them define Policy and Procedures. They are the professionals, not us.

Under Amendment D. Governing Body. (Replaces paragraph B, Section 2).

Article IV and V will be totally omitted if this Amendment is approved.  Amendment D replaces the current constitutional language.

In my opinion, we all desire to have a Tribal Council that creates a successful tribal government and profitable businesses.  They need the flexibility to conduct business and report such so that we know what is happening.  There should be built in accountability to prevent any wrong doing in our Policy and Procedures at our tribal government level and supported by Constitutional authority.

We elect those that we feel will take care of our business by trusting them in their responsible and ethical ability to do so.  To tie their hands this way is saying we elect you but we don’t trust you.

Article V: Enumerated Powers of Tribal Council is totally omitted from the current Constitution and replaced by the proposed language if this Amendment D passes.

In my opinion, and this is important to know, the Secretary of the Interior is totally omitted from our Constitution.  Even though I would be the first to say we don’t want them, there still are certain treaty and trust responsibilities that need to be recognized by us in our Constitution.  Its not going to hurt us to leave them in and study this option in the near future but lets not terminate ourselves when the federal government has been trying to do that for the past two centuries.

What is important here, if this Amendment passes, is what is being omitted?  A careful review would have to be done, line by line, to determine if this new Amendment is better, doesn’t apply or worse, doesn’t protect. 

For instance, Article V Sec. 1 (b): is protection from unethical attorneys that use to steal from us by using crafty and weasel wording (treaties) contracts in today’s world.  The BIA reviews these attorney contracts for fairness in our favor but then sometimes they were worse, but still they provided that cost free service.  If bad situations occur then we need to correct our BIA.

Paragraph c:  Very important to keep because in Shabbona land negotiations, a newspaper reported that we (our TC) wanted to waive sovereignty and give some of our trust lands away, for free, without the consent of the Nation.  Even though there was a crafty GC resolution to proceed with Shabbona business, this violated our Constitution and we do not have authority to give away our congressionally approved Indian trust lands.  Shabbona erred when he did this because even though it was given to him and his band, he didn’t have title to this land.  That’s why it’s still ours.  If we sever federal ties, will they help us resolve the Shabbona land claim?

Also, omitted is to advise the Secretary of Interior of the cost of federal projects/contracts.  We are saying that we don’t need your money and we have enough to fund our own programs.  We don’t get involved in federal budgeting and free them of their responsibility.  I still want their money and more, its treaty rights.  Leave this in.

A YES vote omits the Secretary of Interior and by not saying that in plain language anywhere in the amendments package is trickery.

Under Amendment E.  Article VIII – Meetings would be replaced entirely.

Finally, since it was proposed in July 1999, the quarterly general council meetings will be tribal law in our Constitution if this Amendment passes.  The agenda items approval is a 20-day advance notice or ¾ of sign-in members may change agenda.

In my opinion, many problems can and should be handled at the administrative level.  Many problems may be handled at the monthly TC meetings.  TC and GC need agreement as to what issues should be discussed at quarterly meetings otherwise strategic business may not be conducted properly.  Let’s enjoy our success and talk about more.

Also, resolutions required for approval of large-scale business should not be done towards then end of meeting when barely a quorum remains (65).  Amendment E-Section 4. Quorum and Vote Requirements, second sentence.  “The GC may take official action upon the majority vote of the members in attendance.”  Should large-scale business transactions be voted on when there is 300+ members or 65 members?
Under Amendment F. Article XIII – Amendments would be replaced entirely.

If this Amendment passes, it omits the Secretary of the Interior from approving any future constitutional amendments or conducting Secretarial Election(s). 

If this Amendment fails, that leaves the Secretary of the Interior in our Constitution.

SUMMARY

These are my opinions that are not legal or complete but only what I can analyze between the Constitution and proposed amendments.  Since there is no assistance offered by TC or BIA, I feel the need to let our people know what these amendments mean if passed.

I am grateful to the Constitution Committee for presenting a change for improvement with hopes to strengthen our government. 

Also, I am very grateful for the Committee’s vision in attempting to promote true self-determination and an autonomous Constitution.  I think the Nations members will eventually enjoy a more active participation and hope this letter does not discourage anyone.

I am surprised that such a massive change was authorized by the BIA when their duty according to 25 CFR Part 81.4 – Assistance from the DOI.  “Representatives of the DOI will cooperate with an offer advice and assistance (including the proposing of amendments), to any tribe in drafting a constitution and by-laws, an amendment, a charter or charter amendment, or in revocation of constitutions.”   

In all fairness, there was no final GC consultation, requesting BIA attendance, before these amendments were mailed out.  Maybe the GC should request for the Nation to provide them with a legal consultant of their choice to represent them concerning these amendments.

These amendments, if passed, are approving tribal laws for the Nation to fund more committees and resources to provide accountability no matter whom we elect?  Or is it because we don’t receive enough information from the TC to honor them with trust.

In these amendments, we are indirectly trying to establish a Separation of Powers doctrine in our Constitution and we should.  For example, the following is two different Nations’ Separation of Powers clauses.
(Article IV. Distribution of Powers. The powers of the government of the XXXXX Nation shall be divided into three (3) separate departments: Legislative, Executive and Judicial; and except as provided in this Constitution, the Legislative, Executive and Judicial departments of government shall be separate and distinct and neither shall exercise the powers properly belonging to either of the others.)  OR
ARTICLE V - DIVISION OF THE POWERS OF GOVERNMENT.  Section 1.The powers of the government of the YYYYYYY  Nation shall be divided into three (3) distinct departments: 1. Legislative 2. Executive 3. Judicial. No person or collection of persons, being one of those departments, shall exercise any power properly attached to either of the others.
What these amendments seem to do is cloud up the Constitution with more, smaller details than we need.  In essence, we are tying our own hands and putting strict limits on what the TC can do and can’t do.  Our Constitution is protection for our TC and GC.  If we don’t amend properly then we are declaring our TC or Administration as constitutional violators when they are trying to do the right thing.  Not so important but this may also promote an attitude of good will for bloggers to compliment a government of the people and for the people.  The GC is still the governing body that approves amendments and that’s the way it should be.

The Constitution is law of the land and is approved by the Nations members and forwarded to the Secretary of Interior for review to enhance protection, promote development and a stronger business environment.  It is not to prohibit any tribal governmental process because if it does then we go to Court and only then.  If the Secretary of Interior clauses do not inhibit this in any way then leave it there because we don’t know the consequences for its removal.

The Constitution declares our inherent sovereignty and the right to govern us.  We need to outline in it what should be done but delegate that authority to the TC to create policy and procedures.  These P&P can be changed easily and often no matter how many times we do it and it is not as costly, timely or confusing as a massive electoral amendment process. 

I tried to keep this from becoming a lengthy or confusing document but explanations are needed to solidify my opinions with some form of credence and integrity.  Other tribal members may interpret these amendments in other ways and we should know if they are confusing.  We need to wring out the unclear, ambiguous and conflicting amendments to do this right.

Whoever is elected, we need to support them without prejudice and let our Constitution guide them.  With them understanding us and we constantly encouraging them to lead our Nation will be a national symbol of power and we will always be Prairie Band Potawatomi."

Amendment A - Vote NO
Amendment B - Vote NO
Amendment C - Vote NO
Amendment D - Vote NO
Amendment E - Vote NO
Amendment F - Vote NO

Thomas M. Wabnum

These are words of wisdom from a tribal member that everyone has to read...

"As a tribal member who lives off the reservation it is saddening to see the shape our tribe is in. I work for the state and our behavior is laughed at by those who are not part of our reservation. They find it humorous that we attack our own leadership and in turn, can not unite over the direction we as a tribe should go. I do believe there are those who are causing problems to benefit themselves and that is shameful. The only grace I find in this situation is that my grandmother is not alive to witness their behavior. She was always very proud of where she came from and her tribe. I am not sure she would say the same if she was alive today. Tribal council needs to be able to do their job without harrassement from those who feel like they should be entitled to more. Due to this form of abuse by certain members of our tribe we have lost very educated and talented young adults who refuse to work for the tribe due to incidents such as these. We blame the white man for not hiring our tribal members, maybe we should look at ourselves and see that maybe, just maybe, our public attacks on employees are the main reason these highly educated members refuse to work on the reservation. Who wants that type of abuse on a daily basis. I am not one who likes to join a mob mentality but in this instance I believe the time has come for certain members of our tribe to grow up. The white man is not hurting us as a people you are. I hope these latest actions have opened the eyes of others who stayed silent. I believe it is time to take a stand. I am."

Haskell Reunion in Tulsa, Oklahoma, October 26-28

Haskell Reunion 2007
October 26 - 28, 2007
Radisson Hotel
10918 E 41st Street
Tulsa, OK 74146
ph: 918-627-5000, or 1-800-333-3333

ALL alumni and friends are invited!

For more information, please contact:
Reunion co-chairs- Loretta (Burgess) Bradford, 918-341-5532, dushkut@cox.net; or Flo (Tanner) Spotted Bear, 918-948-2505.    

"Many of the Haskell graduates have heard about the Haskell Reunion 2007 sponsored by the Haskell Alumni Association of Oklahoma.  Unfortunately, not everyone knows that the music for this year's Friday night Halloween Costume Contest and the Crazy Hat Contest will be provided by Haskell's 1962 graduate Ramona Yazzie Cole and her husband Larry.  Naturally the same DJ team will entertain you after the Saturday Night Dinner also.  Ramona has always loved music and even played in the Haskell Marching Band during her days at Haskell Institute.  Music is a major ingredient that has kept Ramona & Larry happily married for 34 years.  Although Larry is a member of the Sycamore tribe, a few years back the Oklahoma Chapter; the Class of 1961 in particular, made Larry an honorary graduate of that class.  This honor, along with being taken as a son by both Comanche & Kiowa mothers and being accepted as a member of both CIVA (Comanche Indian Veterans Association) and Cheyenne Warriors veteran groups are some of his most highest honors he's been bestowed during life.

Ramona & Larry have provided music for Haskell Reunions in Oklahoma and Kansas .  During one reunion dance when Ramona & Larry were unable to attend, the visiting DJ was having a problem keeping the Haskell dancers on the floor so one of the reunion committee members gave him a few cd's of songs Ramona & Larry had put together for her a few months prior.  It worked and that DJ's job for that night was made much easier.

Ramona remembers dancing in the 50's & 60's at the dances held Friday night in Haskell's girl gym and Saturday night in Haskell's boy's gym.  Back then, in order to [prevent scratching up the gym floors with your shoes, you were asked to dance in socks; thus the name sock hop was originated.  To Larry's dismay, Ramona has mentioned (many times) how well her Hopi boyfriend could dance.  Many of the same songs played in these gyms such as "Mathilda" by Cookie & The Cupcakes and Phil Phillips' " Sea of Love " were being recorded and played in Larry's hometown of Lake Charles , Louisiana .  Larry got his start as a DJ at his high school dances when he would play these same songs at his high school gym during their sock hops on Friday nights after their football games. 

Ramona and Larry look forward to playing the songs the Haskell graduates, their families and friends like to dance to.  Normally the songs of the swing era played by the Big Bands are played for our elders first.  These are closely followed by rock & roll of the 50's and 60's, then on to Disco, the 80's, 90's and eventually into club dances of the 21st century.  Naturally C&W will be played throughout the evening.  Their number one goal is to play the songs that the dancers want to hear.  They have been collecting these songs for many years, so their song collection is very large and hopefully contains your favorites.  If you'd like to request a song a head of time to make sure Ramona & Larry will have that song to play for you at the Dinner dance, you can email them at nekontoo@verizon.net."

An E-Mail from a Reader...

“I'm reading your blog every day and been interested with the elections
and the statements you have published. Your brother's statement is the best, he's really a wise, honest, intelligent and cool man!

Unfortunately I'm not from your band, so I'm gonna vote for him with my heart!”