Letter from Oowah Nah Chasing Bear to John Thomas, March 1, 1988

Authors

• Oowah Nah Chasing Bear

Files

Description

This two-page handwritten letter to John Thomas from Oowah Nah Chasing Bear was sent on March 1, 1988. Chasing Bear tells of her frustration with the Indian Council's refusal to engage with politics surrounding the mass desecration of Indian graves. She also speaks about the treatment of indigenous people in prisons and seeks advice regarding advocating for those in prison.

Publication Date

3-1-1988

Document Type

Correspondence

City

Bainbridge, Indiana

Keywords

grave desecration, prisons, legislation, John Thomas, Oowah Nah Chasing Bear, Sisters of the Sacred Circle

Language

English

Sender

Oowah Nah Chasing Bear

Recipient

John Thomas

Disciplines

Indigenous Studies | Native American Studies | Political History | Social History | United States History

Recommended Citation

Chasing Bear, Oowah Nah, "Letter from Oowah Nah Chasing Bear to John Thomas, March 1, 1988" (1988). Graves Protection and Repatriation. 50.
https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/john_thomas_nagpra/50

Rights Statement

This item is made available as part of the Welcome Home Project for educational purposes only. It is not to be distributed for commercial use.

Identifier

Box 1, Folder 28, Item F

Transcription

Hau how is it with you? My wish all is harmony - I am saddened that Bill S334 was taken out of [committee]. I got everyone I could to call in - Problem: they won't answer the phone at those 2 numbers. But a couple of us got through. I had a speaking program at a book store - capacity crowd and about 60 [turned] away. I used part of the 2 1/2 hours to speak on desecration. I got a good response - so maybe if we can get a bill back into legislature - we can win next time - I sure don't like the clause historic - prehistoric.

I hated my picture in the paper but it stirred up alot of people! I guess its a sacrifice I have to make. 

Yesterday the Indian council held its monthly meeting. What a fiasco. 3 Indians 30 Cherokees and 100 wannabes!  I sure dislike going to them dumb meetings where 2 1/2 hours of debate on where to hold their next meeting, or craft weekend - and other goodies, and earth shaking decisions.

Well they had a copy of my picture that was in the paper, and ask me to comment on what took place at committee meeting - so I try to fill them in - and ask how come none of them, except those 2 little Irish warrior women show up?  I touched a nerve, and [needless] to say, they reacted by yelling at me - the man (Name: John Morhinger a Christian minister) who the Miami Indians say is their 'medicine man' who comes from Holland - walked out. I had been telling council about Ray White's telling legislature he and I.U. have been 'working together' - so it gives you some idea what the Indian council is like here. 

I talked to some of the people who wanted to support the fight for our ancestors, and they wanted to sign a petition - Leroy Malattere a 1/2 French - 1/2 Chippewa. The chairman [said] we could not. That it was political, and a non profit organization could not take part in politics. Politics to protect our sacred dead? But I did get a petition signed by those who cared, and a man from 'Rosebud' say if, I would let him he would be [honored] to carry it to State House Monday morning. It's probably too late for this session - but at least maybe we can let that rotten Ausborgur know we wont give up - the spirits are with us.

I went up to federal prison at Terra Haute last week too - to talk to the warden. Today, I got a letter from a man in Westville prison - I got so touched by his words I  wanted to cry - But I never cry anymore - I used my tears up long ago. The man told me how everything was taken from him even his mattress - when he objected, they chain his hand feet to bed - beat him - later 4 guards held him while they cut his hair. I been trying to visit with him when he was over here at Putmanville - Try to teach him not to let the while man make him cry - to stand tall - he say he heard my voice, and tried. But tears roll down his face as the guards laughed. He ask me to help him by writing - contacting internal affairs office. I need your prayer - have you any advice? Sure could use some help around here trying to work in the prisons - I ain't got no car - can't use phone much - can't pay long distance - nobody else is trying help - forget the council - all they do is powwow! Guess I'm pretty bitter sounding - don't mean to be - just truly concerned about our brothers in the iron cages -

Let me know how things are going with this desecration. What I can do to try, and help. 

Had a letter from Batesland today, and last week Nellie Red Owl wrote. I got a semi I am working on filling to send out - probably in April - got a lot of work lined up - But not too busy to try to be of some help to all you.

May the great spirit stay near you -

Greetings to all - and my prayers are with you,

Oowah Nah Chasing Bear.