Reznet

Haskell Indian Nations University is honoring 125 influential people as part of the celebration for the 125th Commemorative Year.

I am Comanche and direct decendent of Chief Ten Bears. Being traditional is not the same as it was 100 years ago. Today, progression has conflicted with the beliefs of our people all in the name of profit. Western society has forced a societal belief system of individualism that takes from our traditional ways.

On July 4 in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. The estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation was 2.5 million. Today, there are about 304 million people living in the United States. It is sad that the First Nations make up only 1% of that population. July 4th is not a celebration of freedom, it is a day that signifies the complete control of Western colonization of our land and our people.

On May 16, 2009 the Osage Nation held their 5th Annual National Indian Taco Championship in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. The categories were classic or traditional Indian taco and "dessert" Indian taco. The classic or traditional category had to include frybread, meat, lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green chilis were optional. There were no requirement or restrictions for the "dessert" category other than it had to include frybread. The prizes included $1500 for 1st, $1000 for 2nd, and $500 for 3rd.

Today the Haskell community gathered in reverence around the firepit to pray for the new donation given to the Haskell Cultural Center. I learned the item was hancuffs that were used on children here at Haskell. Tears burst from my eyes, I could feel the pain.