By Santee Ross, University of Montana
President Barack Obama is by far my favorite president of all time. I love him for his brilliant ad campaign posters—maybe his good looks too. The main reason I love Obama is because he actually gives a damn about Native Americans.
By Santee Ross, University of Montana
Breaking records and becoming champions is just how the Hopi High boys and girls cross country teams roll—state titles, say what.
Earlier this month. both the Hopi High boys’ and girls cross country teams won the Arizona state championship. The boys team set a national record by winning the 22nd consecutive in the state while the girls won their fifth consecutive championship.
By Santee Ross, University of Montana
Thanksgiving is the one holiday where gluttony becomes everybody’s sin but I’m not judging because I love food as much as Emeril loves to say “BAM!”
I can’t think of any American who doesn’t love a plate (or several plates) of good food, football, the couch and family. That’s just living the dream right there.
Now most families have the traditional spread—turkey, stuffing, cranberries, mashed potatoes and some bread with butter. My family is slightly non-traditional.
By Stacy Thacker, University of Montana
A recent study shows that Native Americans in New Mexico are smoking more than any other race in the state. Being a New Mexican and Native American I found this shocking!
According to the Farmington (N.M) Daily Times, nearly a quarter of people who live on tribal land in New Mexico smoke. This rise in smoking has occurred only recently, in previous years the rate of Native smokers was lower than other ethnic groups.
By Santee Ross, University of Montana
Kris Jenner is the notorious matriarch of the Kardashian clan who are plastered everywhere in the media. Jenner, though, has more recently been in the news for reasons other than her reality show. Earlier this month, she made a comment about one of her daughter’s failed suitors, calling any attempt to reclaim an engagement ring that of an Indian giver.
In her own words: “I hate an Indian giver, don’t you? It’s a gift, keep your gift.”
By Santee Ross, University of Montana
Cigs, smokes, cancer sticks or just plain cigarettes but whatever name you call them, November 17 marks this year’s Great American Smokeout.
The Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program has teamed up with the American Cancer Society, and several programs and events including National American Indian Heritage Month, to promote the Great American Smoke-out according to the November 10 edition of Glacier Reporter.
By Santee Ross, University of Montana
Guest speakers have never really held my attention—no matter the topic. They could be talking about how to achieve a Jessica Alba body while eating a slice of pizza a day and I still wouldn’t be interested enough to pay attention.
By Lee Longhorn
Today, Nov. 16, 2011, the state of Oklahoma celebrates its 104 birthday.
For those that don’t know much about the history of this state, allow me to enlighten you. A long time ago, during removal, many tribes across the country were removed to what was then called “Indian Territory.” Today, there are over 30 tribes that have their headquarters located in the state.
By Santee Ross, University of Montana
The Star Spangled Banner can be heard at football games, baseball games and rodeos. Although at these events it’s usually heard in English.
One inspiring young woman has taken the Star Spangled Banner and translated it into the Lakota language. Lorna Hermanyhorses took on the project with the help of her language teacher in order to translate the beautiful song.
By Santee Ross, University of Montana
The 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour sounds like its right out of an action movie but in fact it’s the day our nation remembers the military veterans who honorably served this country.
I must admit I used to view this day as a day off from school and work—a reflection of my maturity. That changed when I developed friendships with those who currently serve or have served.
