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Post by swampfox on Aug 14, 2006 13:07:42 GMT -6
I'm somewhat new to all of this and have been researching the DNA side of things. It doesn't help in my case because there is not a clear lineage of male or female. Dad, at age 72, had kept silent about it up until about 3 years ago when I was pestering my Mother about the lineage on her side... he let me know that his Grandmother had told he and his brothers stories as kids about their family. He doesn't remember the stories and neither does his older surviving brother. But... he did introduce me (online) to his cousin who has been researching the side for years. Her Grandmother (Dad's Grandmother's sister) received a letter from the Government regarding the 1910 Cherokee Lawsuit vs the US Gov't. She did not send her affidavit in in time... she was afraid of being sent to the Res in Oklahoma. My Great Grandmother was never contacted. In fact, she told the boys to not tell anyone they were Indian.
I wish I could have known her. Dad's cousin sent me a photo of her after seeing a photo of me... she said that I look just like her. She and I have become great pals with this bond of wanting to know which Cherokee tribe we descend from and the Old Ways... and if there are any descendents of those who stayed on the Trail... and who filed the affidavits that made that connection to her Grandmother.
She is in KY and I'm in Central Florida. Both of us have managed to meet Cherokees near us to help us learn. It's a blessing for both of us. We want to honor our Grandmothers who were Native Americans. She takes after her Grandmother and Mother of having the dark hair, eyes, and skin. I take after the Irish/English side... except for face shape, eye shape, and hair texture.
At this point, I realize that blood quantum doesn't apply to my generation. But I hope that my heart is there.
I, personally, do not like the idea of the Tribes doing the DNA tests. I don't trust the Government with what they could do with it. My concern is for them.
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Post by Huronwoman on Aug 15, 2006 15:54:31 GMT -6
I too do not believe in DNA testing, its just one more way the PTB's have of trying to control us. As far as our appearance goes it means nothing as long as our heart is Indian and you want to follow the Red Road, I too have blue eyes and fair skin but am as much Indian as anyone, I stood on a blttlefield near Quebec City at one time as a 12 year old child and recounted the battle of Montcolme and Wolfe from the eyes of a Huron warrior. What matters is what is in your heart not what you can prove on paper, Welcome Sister to our community!
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Post by swampfox on Aug 15, 2006 18:01:09 GMT -6
O'Siyo!
Thank you so much for the welcome! My heart has always been searching for the Red Road... I just didn't know it. It has been a long journey so far... but the hawk and falcons have lead me here. It's the right time.
Jennie
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Post by Annie Fawn on Aug 17, 2006 13:43:00 GMT -6
If your heart wants to follow the Red Road and your soul is calling for your people and Native heritage, you will find your way. Welcome to the group!
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Post by swampfox on Aug 29, 2006 9:38:25 GMT -6
Thanks Annie! I feel it and have long before I knew of the blood.
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Post by swampfox on Aug 29, 2006 9:52:08 GMT -6
Huronwoman, what is PTB?
I have been contacting those doing DNA testing, such as National Geographics Genome Project, and asked questions - it took them quite some time to get someone to answer my direct questions about dna testing of Native Americans. One of their complaints, I want to point out, is that ALL Native Americans are not participating in the dna testing. I asked if they had done dna testing of the ancestors they have in the National Museums - they admitted that they had but had to stop when the Voice of their People arose via lawsuits against it. It took lawsuits! Now they cannot test the old ones without permission of the tribe. Now let's go back to that whine I heard about ALL are not participating. Why would they want ALL or almost all of tribal members to have their dna tested? What would they gain .... or loose... by volunteering and paying for their dna to be tested? My biggest question (although I have conspiracy theories running through my head after Leonard Pellitier was denied a retrail based on dna testing) is, hmmmm... what could they possibly do with all this dna? Do you trust the U.S. Government that much? I certainly do not! As you said, it's more in one's heart than it is on paper.
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Post by Huronwoman on Aug 29, 2006 12:03:34 GMT -6
Swampfox: PTB's are the Powers That Be, and no I do NOT trust the US Government, have been a part of it all my life, dad was a full bird Col., all brothers in military, 3 generations of West Point Grads, am a Vet myself but can't talk about it and son just got out of the Navy, so am somewhat well versed on the reasons behind the reasons DNA testing to me is another way of the US Gov. attempt to control us because they still fear us after broken treaties one after the other, I do not need a blood test to Know WHO I am the Creator has laid my path in front of me and I will do my best to walk it. I walked in both worlds and am finally happy while on the Red Road or Spirit Path whatever you want to call the way of the People, I have known many Native Americans who do not hold US passports but consider themselves as having their own sovereignty, I wish I had the courage to do that but being disabled I rely on Social Security Disability $ to live off of. I welcome you with a heart full of love and kinship, regardless of what any blood test might say you are a Sister to me and I am proud to call you Sister! ;D
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Post by Unega Uwohali Waya Adkins on Aug 29, 2006 23:29:47 GMT -6
I AGREED that, Huronwoman.
I do NOT trust the US Government and DNA test too.
I found out who I am Cherokee for SURE and I don't take DNA blood test to see how much I have because the Goverment are lying to us and don't wanted our NDN to join in Reservations, Powwows, heritages, or growing population around U.S.A in the future.
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Post by swampfox on Aug 30, 2006 13:51:55 GMT -6
Thank you so much, Huronwoman! Your words have touched my heart in a very powerful way, much like the Powwows. Could you imagine Graham Greene as President? Hmmm... wonder what would happen...
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Post by swampfox on Aug 30, 2006 13:54:17 GMT -6
I need to clearly phrase the situation. Leonard Pellitier was denied a new trial *utilizing* dna testing... and the Govt denied him a new trial. Now, where is the ACLU?? I haven't heard a peep from them on this, have you?
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Post by Huronwoman on Aug 31, 2006 23:56:34 GMT -6
They are never around when you need them!!!Leonard Peltier is too powerful an influence over too many people, they have already made an example of him but I fear he will NEVER get a totally fair trial, afterall there really wasn't any evidence against him anyway. I will continue to keep him in my prayers- AHO
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Post by swampfox on Sept 1, 2006 16:54:19 GMT -6
They are never around when you need them!!!Leonard Peltier is too powerful an influence over too many people, they have already made an example of him but I fear he will NEVER get a totally fair trial, afterall there really wasn't any evidence against him anyway. I will continue to keep him in my prayers- AHO I shall keep him in my prayers as well! AHO!
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Post by Huronwoman on Sept 4, 2006 2:23:29 GMT -6
I think that is a very great Idea thank you Nae-esh!
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