Elder's Meditation of the Day - July 14
"It was good for the skin to touch the earth, and the old people liked to remove their moccasins and walk with bare feet on the sacred earth... The soil was soothing, strengthening, cleansing, and healing."
--Chief Luther Standing Bear, TETON SIOUX
Touching the earth - getting grounded, centered. There is magic in touching the earth and feeling her healing power. This is especially healthy to do during a troubling time when our minds are racing or can't stop thinking or are locked onto fear or resentment. When I need to feel free I can go to the Mother Earth. The Mother Earth is full of life and love. She always gives her powers to those who come to her. The Mother Earth is alive.

Today, my Great Spirit, let me remember to touch the earth. Let me slow down and live just for today. Let me be gentle, patient and kind.

Blackfeet Nation honors veterans at powwow
Friday, July 13, 2007
Filed Under: National

The Blackfeet Nation of Montana honored two brothers with war bonnets as the tribe's North American Indian Days got underway on Thursday.

The brothers, Walter and Bruce Running Crane, were recognized for their military service. Walter the Silver Star and the Bronze Star in Vietnam. Bruce served in the Marines.

The powwow, one of the largest and oldest in the nation, continues through Sunday.

Get the Story:
Ceremony honors warrior brothers (The Great Falls Tribune 7/13)

Momaday named Oklahoma's 16th poet laureate
Friday, July 13, 2007
Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment

N. Scott Momaday, a member of the Kiowa Tribe, was named Oklahoma's 16th poet laureate on Thursday.

Momaday, 73, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1969 for his debut novel, "House Made of Dawn." Since then, he's become famous worldwide for his poetry and writings.

“In this year of our centennial celebration, our poet laureate is not only a bona fide Oklahoma treasure, but an American treasure,” Gov. Brad Henry (D) said. “Scott Momaday’s vision, artistry and genius continue to inspire and move readers throughout the world.”

Momaday's term runs through January 1, 2009.

Get the Story:
New poet laureate announced (The Tulsa World 7/13)
Press Release: Gov. Henry Names Poet, Author N. Scott Momaday as Oklahoma Centennial Poet Laureate (Gov. Henry 7/12)

Fund to help bison displaced by Pine Ridge fire
Friday, July 13, 2007
Filed Under: Environment

A fund has been established to cover the cost of food and materials for bison that were displaced by a fire on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

A fire this week burned more than 23,000 acres on the reservation. Included were 17,000 acres of land used by the Oglala Sioux Tribe's herd of about 300 bison.

Only a handful of animals died during the fire.

Get the Story:
Fund established for fire-displaced buffalo (The Rapid City Journal 7/13)

Boston mayor seeks Mashpee Wampanoag casino

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The mayor of Boston invited the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe to consider building a casino at a racetrack in the city. Mayor Thomas M. Menino met with tribal leaders to suggest a casino at the Suffolk Downs in East Boston. He said a casino resort could bring in tourists and revenues. The offer comes as talks with the town of Middleboro, where the tribe has already purchased land for a possible casino, hit a snag. Although both sides plan to meet today, the tribe said it was offended by some of the town's demands. Get the Story: Menino asks tribe to build Hub casino (The Boston Globe 7/13) Casino Menino: Mayor sees Suffolk as destination resort (The Boston Herald 7/13) Boston Mayor Woos Mashpee Tribe (The New London Day 7/13) Username: indianz@indianz.com, Password: indianzcom Wampanoag and Middleborough to resume casino negotiations (The Boston Globe 7/12)