Past Newspaper Articles I've written.

Sisseton Revives Forgotten AIM Chapter ..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
By Sarah A. Weston
HANKINSON, ND – "I've been asked to come here by local members of the community, to assist them in the establishment of an AIM chapter," said Dennis Banks (Anishinabe), Native American Activist and Co-Founder of AIM (American Indian Movement)"
A group a approximately 50 or more Native people met on Friday, January 11, 2007 in the Red Iron room at the Dakota Magic Casino to revive a their Chapter of AIM.
Originally the meeting was scheduled and held the night before, Thursday, January 10, 2007.
Banks said, "We didn't have enough time to finish. I said, we'll come tonight and have this meeting."
"They're talking about the misuse of police power, misuse of authority. They're talking about discriminatory practices at public school against Native students. They're also talking about homelessness," says Banks.
Milton Eastman an elder and member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Tribe, says that, "We have limited success in trying to talk to our community."
The discussions were lead by Darren Redday and each person in attendance was given a chance to stand up and voice their opinions and declare their issues.
It became apparent racism was the group's most pressing issue in the Community of Sisseton, SD.
One elder woman, Rose Max sat down and spoke through the microphone, "A lot of racism, it's almost like you can't do a thing. So many times I hung my head and felt like I was defeated."
According to Banks the Sisseton Wahpeton Chapter of AIM has been inactive for 25 years.
Presently Banks says the only active chapter of AIM is in Pine Ridge, SD.
The consensus of the group was the court system in their community is bias in racism to the Native community.
"They say it's a cash crop from our children, we used to leave the court system holding our heads crying because there wasn't a thing we could do," said Max.
During the various discussions the group voted on a name for their chapter. Out of four traditional
names, the group voted on "Tate Yutokca" which means, "Winds of Change."
Max said, "Unite, unite to help our children. We can't back down, we have to keep going. There has to be a way to stand up here and start fighting back. 'Wocekiya Nina Washakiya' -Prayer is Powerful."
Banks encouraged the group, "Because of the racist attitude in Sisseton to shut her down."
He added, "Can we boycott the town of Sisseton?"
Having conducted a successful boycott in the past, Banks offered his direction on how to make it possible.
According to http://www.city-data.com/city/Sisseton-South-Dakota.html the population of Sisseton is estimated at 2,522. The website says the races that make up the population are as follows; White non-Hispanic 55.8%, American Indian 43.2%, Two or more races 2.6%, Hispanic 1.1%.
After forming subcommittees the group draws an outline for a course of action for each issue addressed at the meeting.
As the meeting was coming to a close Max said, "We want to hear what the young people have to say, because we never give them a chance."
Kathryn Akipa, a member of the Community and instructor at the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate College said. "It's time to pass that over to next generation."
When the meeting adjourned the group scheduled another meeting the following Friday.


9th Annual Native American Music Awards
Sarah A. Weston
Journal Editorial Assistant
Niagara Falls, NY – "I'm the stage announcer; I've been the stage announcer since its inception at the Fox theater at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut, the very first year. At that time they had me co-hosting. My co-host at that time was Wayne Newton. I shared a dressing room with and I think that was the highlight of my life," said Dale Oldhorn, Stage Announcer at this year's Ninth Annual Native American Music Awards.
The Native American Music Awards, held on October 6th, 2007, and is commonly known as the "NAMMY's" or "NAMA." Which ever way it gets labeled, Native people understand that the prestige behind the name remains.
This year's ninth annual show was held at the Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel in the events center.
People showed up in ticket lines wearing their best clothes, some women were in ball gowns and the men in their tuxes. To add that "Native flair," some of the men wore bolo ties with their tuxes, while others completed their look with their long hair pulled back.
Before the show, the lobby was packed. There wasn't much room to move about, but the excitement, associated with the event's pageantry, was in the air.
At 8pm, the show started-right on time. Two video screens served as bookends for a stage background that doubled as an embedded light display.
The show was professional with all the glamour of the Grammy's. Upon entering the event center, ushers waited to assist the audience members in finding their seats.
The show kicked off with dancers from the Iroquois nation, who performed their nation's social dances. They, along with a grassdancer and a fancyshawl dancer, provided visual entertainment with artists performing on stage.
Tonemah wowed the audience with his own song dubbed "Powwow Snag."
He captivated the audience with his catchy lyrics and stage presence. Later that evening, he was bestowed with the NAMMY for Best Folk Recording, for his CD titled, "Welcome to your Rainy Day."
The newest act, hailing from Canada's First Nation's people, was Digging Roots.
The band's website describes them as "New leaders of the old school of rebel music. From the first listen, the songs about culture, freedom, and identity are undeniably hard-hitting, hopeful and honest."
Digging Roots played its song "Wake up and Rise," which was about positive empowerment within our native culture. Along with the message, the band mates' charismatic personalities made this group a favorite amongst the audience.
South Dakota's own Gabriel Nightshield won for Best Rap/Hip-Hop Recording. In his acceptance speech he dedicated his award to his daughter.
NightShield said, "It's Crazy, I was not expecting to win. It was a total shock."

Marco Frucht, Stage Manager and Veteran Volunteer for the NAMMY's said the show sold out of tickets and they ended up adding more rows within the fire code.
Frucht also said, "This is the best venue we've ever been too. The show was phenomenal!"
James Bordeaux, Producer and Coordinator for the show said, "Because of a lot of people's time and effort, there's no other way the show would happen."
Bordeaux also adds, "I wish a lot more of our Indian people across the country would be able to see the show. We want more of our native people to see it."
Ellen Bello, Founder and CEO of the Annual Native American Music Awards added, "Shakopee was a Silver sponsor and we are very grateful for their support. We could not do produce a show of this magnitude without them."
Glen Ahhaitty of Canyon Records was nominated for Songwriter of the Year for "True Lies from the Road".
Ahhaitty describes music and his fellow artists, "It's a gift from the creator, a gift from god to be able to take emotions and put them out into music that people listen to and take something away from it. Whether I listen to a really good Powwow song, or a good Religious Native American song, or I listen to a Jimi Hendrix song, you can tell it's god given talent, god given gifts. -That move people and evoke emotion. To me that's music. Music is Music. It transcends ethnic lines and different genres."

BLUEDOG nominated for NAMMY
By Sarah A. Weston
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – For the second time and as many years, blues rock band, Bluedog has been nominated for a Native American Grammy Award. The group's latest Album "A Little White Lie" is up for Best Blues/Jazz Recording at this year's Ninth Annual Native American Grammy Awards
"They were nominated for the first time last year…Rita Coolidge won the category," says Ellen Bello, Founder and CEO of the Native American Grammy Awards.
The Native American blues rock band was established in 2002 by co-founders, Eric Buffalohead, Ponca and his wife, Joni Buffalohead, Sisseton-Wahpeton.
Eric Buffalohead is the lead guitarist. Joni Buffalohead is the lead vocalist for the Band.
Their three children are included in the band, daughter, Alexandra Buffalohead, 16, plays the keys and sings background vocals for the band. Their two youngest twin boys, Eli and Ira, 10, play percussions.
Completing the group are; Chuck Davis, Oglala, percussions and background vocals, Tom Suess, on the bass, and Jeremy Claymore, Cheyenne River Sioux, keeps time on the drums.
Chuck Davis said, "We're very honored and fortunate to be nominated for a second year."
"We're totally excited, totally honored. We feel really lucky, because there's so many really good Native artists out there. It's just a huge honor," said Joni Buffalohead.
"I'm pretty excited about it," says Tom Suess
Jeremy Claymore, the group's drummer was left speechless, "I don't know what to say, I really don't."
Bluedog is known for it's "rock the house" sound that leaves the audience wanting more. At a recent event taking place at Minneapolis Indian Center, reactions from the crowd were nothing but "wow."
A spectator from the crowd said, "they totally rocked."
Their sound is reminiscent of the great blues artists before them with large doses of Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn all mixed in the with Bluedog's own unique style.
Although the group is only in its toddler years, co-founders, Eric and Joni Buffalohead say they would like to accrue Lakota/ Dakota support and commence a mini tour around the Dakotas.
When asked how the band came up with its name, Joni Buffalohead replied, "Blackdog was taken, reddog was inappropriate, but I wanted to name it something that Indian people would recognize."
"I asked one of my Grandmothers about Bluedog, she said it was a lake in Sisseton, and that's the name we went with."
Aside from their love of music, the group sets their standards high in life.
Eric Buffalohead, co-founder and lead guitarist, is a Professor and Chair of the American Indian Studies Program at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Joni Buffalohead, co-founder and lead vocalist, recently completed her Ph. D in pharmaceutical care and clinical pharmacy, and now works as the Pharmacy Administrator for the
Fond du lac Lake Superior Band of Chippewa.
Their three children all attend college preparatory school in Minneapolis.
Chuck Davis, percussionist is a youth group coordinator for the Ho-Chunk Nation.
A former United States Marine, Tom Suess is an electrician and EOE member.
"We wish all the other people the best of luck, we had a great year, and
I've had a great time playing with Bluedog," said Chuck Davis
Bluedog's first CD "From All Directions" was nominated twice in the 2006 Native American Music Awards for Debut Artist and Best Blues Recording.
The group was also nominated in 2006 for the Indian Summer Music Awards for Best Blues Recording.
The group consists of three generations with ages ranging from 10 to 50 years old. Joni Buffalohead says, "Our music reflects the past, present and future experiences for Indian people. Bluedog accepts the responsibility to provide a positive image."
The following Native Artists are also NAMMY nominees for the Best Blues/Jazz recording; Bluedog, "A Little White Lie," Corn-Bred, "Corn-Bred," Cocoa Creppel & Cannes, "Brulees Raising Cane," Slidin Clyde Roulette Band, "Let's Take A Ride," South Thunderbird, "Tough Go," and The Plateros for "The Plateros."
To vote for your favorite NAMMY nominated artist or group go to http://www.votenative.com. Public voting closes September 30, 2007.
Ellen Bello, CEO of the Native American Grammy Awards Show says. "Half the categories are announced throughout the show with presenters and a trophy."
She explains that because of the time constraints the other half are announced at the beginning of the second half of the show.
The show is bound keep the audience and especially the artists at the edge of their seats because Ellen Bello says, "No one knows they've won until the Awards show, when all the winners are announced."

Paying Tribute to Vietname Veterans
By Sarah A. Weston
Journal Editorial Assistant
SIOUX FALLS – "Said goodbye to his mamma, as he left South Dakota, to fight for the Red, White, and Blue. He was nineteen and green with a new M-16, just doing what he had to do."
These were the lyrics from a song, The 8th of November, by Big & Rich, that inspired event planners Beth and Roxanne to have The Vietnam Veteran's Reunion on August 7th, 2007, opening day of the Sioux Empire fair in Sioux Falls.
"When we heard Big & Rich was coming to town, we knew a number of Vietnam Veterans would be attending the concert because of the performance of the song, It was the perfect opportunity to provide a place and time for them to get together again!" said Bethany Erck, Co-coordinator of the Reunion, and owner of E-commerce Store, Vet's Wear.com.
Last September was a Dedication to the Vietnam Veterans of South Dakota, that event took place in Pierre alongside the Moving Wall, a traveling half size replica of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
"The event in Pierre was a dedication the South Dakota Vietnam Veterans, not a reunion," said Roxann Zenobi, Co-coordinator of the Vietnam Veterans Reunion and Owner of ABN Army Surplus.
"I attended a Vietnam Veterans memorial event in Pierre last summer. I was able to coordinate that for the VA. Also my son served a tour of duty in Iraq. Ironically, he was medic at a clinic in Iraq and I was medic in Vietnam," added Bryan Wallon. A Vietnam Veteran, medic with a reconnaissance unit 196 brigade Americal Division in Vietnam from 1971-1972, and team leader at Sioux Falls VA center.
The program was emceed by Doug Lund of Keloland TV, who spoke of his service in the military, but added much to his sadness, that he wasn't sent to Vietnam.
Jerry Hoff, of the Tea American Legion paid tribute to the POW's and MIA soldiers.
Tea American Legion Honor Guard presented the colors of the flags representing different branches of the military.

And a young Ms. Brandy Ramm sang the National Anthem, while the veterans saluted the flag. Afterward a moment of silence was observed.
A man by the name of Rich Crawford, 1st Lieutenant of the 9th Infantry Division 1969-1968, lead the roll call.
Mayor Dave Munson of Sioux Falls welcomed the Veterans and gave warm speech addressing the Vietnam Veterans of South Dakota. This was followed by the County Commissioner's welcome.
Closing of the program was a prayer of the meal, by Chaplain, Steven Corum.
Over 40 staff members from the V.A. volunteered their time throughout the 3-hour event.
"I think it's important to publicly recognize the contribution of all military veterans and Vietnam veterans and Native American Veterans for the contribution given that they're a warrior society. I think white society can take stalk from the Native American culture and how they treat warriors," said Wallon.
Mark St. Pierre, author of Of Uncommon Birth, who also attended the event says, "I think it's important for people to realize that South Dakota sent more men to Vietnam than any other state per capita. We know that Native people served in larger numbers than any other ethnic group and South Dakota served in large numbers compared to a lot of other states."
Roxann Zenobi says, "Thirty years ago when the vets were coming home, they were not treated as heroes. There were no parades, no yellow ribbons and certainly no support groups."<>
Bethany Erck is the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran and says, "I was born in 1974, so all I know is what vets have told me and their 'welcome' ranged from unpleasant to nearly deadly."
She goes on to explain that at that time the war was unaccepted by the public and it was popular to protest the war in college campuses.
"They had their reasons to protest, but it didn't do any favors for my dad or any other soldiers, who hadn't chosen to go, but did so because their country asked them to go, only to return home and be labeled as 'baby killers' and worse," said Erck.
Dennis Quigley, an Iraqi Freedom Veteran, said this is the first event for him.
"I think events like this where it's involving our Vietnam Veterans, I would really like to see more of our Indian Veterans attending these functions because they rightfully have just as much importance as everyone else. And in time hopefully they'll understand they deserve to represented at functions like this."
"We have a lot of well decorated Veterans from the Vietnam era that are struggling with a lot of anger and mental health issues that affects their day to day living. It's important that they also learn how to go through the healing process. The whole country has just began to address the Vietnam Veterans and start welcoming them home they way should've done years ago," says Quigley.
Wallon said, "It's important for Vietnam Veterans to publicly acknowledge their contribution. And interact with each other and share some of their experiences, I really think that helps with the healing process."
Shirley Redmond, a Public Affairs Officer at the VA Medical Center said, "I've been working with Beth and Roxanne to encourage vets to get together. It's always healing when they get together. The camaraderie that they share. And we're honored to be a part of it."
"My husband is a combat Vietnam veteran, 101st Airborne Division, served in Vietnam 67-68. He says you can never do enough to repay veterans of any war or conflict for putting their lives on the line 24/7, these soldiers are hero's and without them where would this country be?" Zenobi said.
Erck says, "Now America has learned from the Vietnam veterans and we treat our young soldiers with more gratitude and more respect. The Vietnam veterans paved the way for the Parades. They were the ones that taught America that you can hate the war all you want, but don't hate the ones who were doing what country asked them to do."
Zenobi finishes saying, "Our suggestion to all citizens of South Dakota is to talk, but most of all listen to our vets and let them know we respect them and are proud to know them.

Clean-up Begins on Collapsed Bridge
By Sarah A. Weston
Journal Editorial Assistant
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – It was a clear hot muggy day when city workers began clean-up ..math of the infamous 35W bridge collapse, this past Friday, August 10, 2007.
One of the cranes positioned itself above a vehicle preparing to move it off the deformed bridge.
Most of the media and spectators were blocked off from attempting to get to close to the
wreckage. Officials onsite weren't commenting to any of the press.
For safety reasons, a highway patrolman was posted on the fenced on top of the bridge to insure the public viewers' safety.
"We can't go down by the water, out of respect for the families, whose bodies they're still pulling out, but we can see the wreckage from here, said Briana Stamper, 20, of Minneapolis.
Over a week later and Minneapolis residents' are still in shock and disbelief what happened.
Stamper says, "It really scares me, cause what if I would have been on there with my son?"
Reports says routine maintance was already underway when the bridge collapsed, but no major contruction work.
Stamper says, "They were working on it, I think, when it happened."
Yolee Ortiz 11, a member of the Red Lake Chippewa, said, "It was really scary, my cousin said we rode that bridge a lot. Imagine if I was on there, what I do?"
From an ariel view the bridge is broken in several places, not just over the river but inland on both sides of the bridge.
A.J. Beaulieau, 22, Red Lake Chippewa, said, "They only had two lanes open, just think if they had all four lanes open, there might have been four-hundred people on that bridge when it collapsed."


Article -Powwow Comedy Jam Tours S.D.
By Sarah A. Weston
Journal Editorial Assistant

FLANDREAU – Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe's Royal River Casino was the stomping ground for the Powwow Comedy Jam Monday June 11, 2007.
"This is my very first time in Flandreau. I love this place, beautiful town," said Vaughn
EagleBear.
EagleBear opened the event with off-set Native humor and hosted throughout the night. He describes his comedic style as ADHD, one-liner, wannabe rockstar wasn't good enough to be rockstar turned comedian.
"I know a diabetic named Candy…she hates it when I call her sugar," EagleBear jokes.
"I'm from Spokane, Washington. Representin'! My dad's from Rosebud and my mom is from the Colville Tribe in Washington. I was raised a little bit back and forth."
Caught in one of his serious moments, EagleBear says one of his goals is to encourage the youth stay strong, and follow your dreams. He also added that he would like to bring attention to Diabetes.
"Everyone in my family has diabetes, I don't have diabetes, yet. And I don't want diabetes. So diabetes, get off your butt and get out there and exercise and put down those Cheetos and Doritos and start drinking water!"
EagleBear is known as the Frybread Assassin, and wrote the infamous song on Smoke Signals –John Wayne's Teeth. He took home 1st place for the 2003 Spokane Comedy Competition.
Also being in high demand in clubs, casinos, and corporate and tribal events around the Pacific Northwest, EagleBear hopes to expand his humor around the world.
The interview process didn't put the brakes on Marc Yaffee, who is a born comedian.
"I'm originally from Los Angeles, I was born in LA. Adopted at birth by a Mexican mother and Jewish father, I call myself an adoptaho. I didn't find out I was Navajo 'til I was twenty-five. All those years of playing cowboys and Indians, I was suiting up for the wrong team."