And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: Does the U.S. cultural war include tribal sovereignty? http://www.okit.com/opinion.htm By Jim Gray When Pat Buchanan gave the keynote address at the Republican Convention in 1992, he described the state of the union as embroiled in a "Cultural War," meaning God-fearing, tax paying, right leaning Americans fighting the far left, who are intent at more minority rights, worker�s rights, women's rights and tax increases for the rich and wealthy. Somehow it was interpreted as Pat Buchanan appointing himself God and scared everyone to death, and Republican George Bush lost the election to Democrat Bill Clinton. But a lingering question remains, are American Indians immune from the cultural war in America today? Don�t bet on it. We (as Indian people and tribal nations) have been involved in a cultural war with these United States, in one form or another for roughly five centuries now, and the most surprising aspect of all is not that we lost or have sold out in some fashion, but that despite all the overt and covert attempts to tell us who we are and what place we have in society, the Native American influence just won�t go away. Better still, we are rewriting our chapter in history as well as defining our role in the present. Despite alarming statistics of violent crime in Indian country, the need for law enforcement in Indian communities is finally being addressed. Despite the substandard building of this nation�s Indian schools, more funding is being proposed that will help repair these conditions. Despite Indian people�s huge population in Oklahoma, Indian tribes and people are woefully underfunded. Again 3% of the funding while reflecting 22% of the U.S. Native population. Lawmakers in Oklahoma can do their part by listening to Indian leaders like Muscogee Creek Principal Chief Perry Beaver in asking for equity in distribution of available funds. If Indians are indeed battling the aforementioned �culture war,� have Indian people won any skirmishes? In Indian Identity All over the country, you see people (Indian and non-Indian alike) come to the obvious conclusion that Indian mascots are racist in nature and dropping these images altogether. Even in our own state, colleges (like OCC) have stopped the use of these so-called Native American symbols of pride that make a cartoon out of a race of people. In Political Battles Whether U.S. Congressman Earnest Istook and U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton will admit it or not, the U.S. government policy is changing from one of "stop bleeding when I�m hitting you," to "stop doing so well, when I�m leaving you alone". It�s a backhanded compliment of sorts, when you see such diligence from our elected representatives on Indian issues. But through successful efforts in lobbying and getting our letters mailed and phone calls made to Congressmen across the U.S., cooler heads have indeed prevailed and we have won, even if the battle was just to keep what we have. In Leadership The consistent reelection of Indian people in government like U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, OK. Sen. Kelly Haney have given Indian people a voice in government and can now "have a place at the table," once said by Cherokee Indian and three term Oklahoma State Superintendent Sandy Garret. People like these public servants serve a non-Indian community as well as being an Indian raised in this America. Just shows that you don�t have to check your skin at the door. In Religion With more enforcement of Indian graves repatriation laws, more authority is expected from our native religious leaders. Bringing back not just a legal, but a moral role in their communities. In History Although far from where we want to be in education, recent published historical evidence in academic circles regarding Iroquois influence in the making of the U.S. Constitution has taken the influence theory a step closer to reality in our history books. In Urban Issues In health care, Oklahoma City and Tulsa have finally received some long overdue help in providing health care to these cities growing native population that is easily estimated at 100,000 in total. Oklahoma tribes still don�t receive their fair share of health care dollars appropriated annually. Just go down to the nearest IHS hospital and you will see what I mean. Indian Housing Finally, recently enacted Indian Housing laws that empower tribal housing authorities with a bank-like role in financing the homes to the homeowners. It�s a more dignified role for both parties, which will most likely lead to better living conditions in housing authorities across the state. Tourism and Economic Development The U.S. travel and tourism market stands to bring to Indian country one of the largest economic boosts seen since gaming. According to experts, people are looking for shorter, more frequent vacations rather than longer trips. This makes destination sites such as Branson, Austin, Eureka Springs, and possibly Anadarko and Tahlequah as the obvious beneficiaries because of the rich cultural tourism infrastructure already established. The fastest growing segment of tourism at the state and national level is ethnic tourism. Inspired and managed by Indian people themselves, the recent Five Civilized Tribes Tourism Conference in Tulsa, told the tale of opportunities for Tribes and tribal people to market their cultural tourism programs in a way that maximizes the benefit for their needs while telling the truth about our history so others will never forget. The Challenge Ahead While all of this is encouraging, much work still remains in the areas of the homeless in urban areas, employment and training, language preservation, a cure for diabetes, voter registration, settling the trust funds matter, and participating in the upcoming 2000 Census. Yet, in conclusion, one job is critical in achieving many of our goals and that is to be a living example for all to see, that no matter where you stand on the politics of your tribal nation, you can do your part by showing up on election day and voting. Also, to heal the wounds of the past by rising above the acts of personal destruction and show the world as founders of this great land, this is how to practice democracy in America. Only through informed debate, passionate dialogue, and reasonable compromise can we truly win the ugliest battle in the culture war... The war among ourselves. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
