John F. Kennedy after he was elected President
in 1960 kept his promise to help American Indians
PRESIDENT
JFK TRIED TO IMPROVE RELATIONS WITH AMERICAN INDIANS—After the
NCAI Convention in 1977 ended in Dallas, Texas, Inchelium
District Councilman Jac Charbonneau visited the “Kennedy
Memorial”. A large plaque stated that President Kennedy died
on November 22, 1963, from bullets that were fired 200 yards
West of the Memorial. The last two sentences on the plaque
saids: “It is not a memorial to the pain and sorrow of death,
but stands as a permanent tribute to the joy and excitement of
one man’s life. John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s life”. Just behind
Jac is the Texas School Book Depository from where Lee Harvey
Oswald shot at President Kennedy. Lee fired his rifle from the
sixth floor window on the right side of the Depository.
(Photo/Cutline by Sam Sampson)
By Sam Sampson
NESPELEM, WA.—One of the big problems facing American Indians
in 1960 was the issue of “TERMINATION”. This caused the
National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) to take an active
part in the National Elections for President, Congress, etc.
At the beginning, NCAI did not want the Public to think they
favored the Democrats, or the Republicans, they did not
formally endorses either party.
However, John F. Kennedy’s platform on American Indians in
1960 won almost immediate approval from NCAI. Kennedy had
promised to protect the Indian land base and cultural
integrity, to improve Indian Health programs and education
opportunities, encourage economic development, and to put to
an end “Involuntary Termination”.
What impressed NCAI was Kennedy’s willingness to work with
Indian Leaders on the development of Indian Policy. Frank
George, Chairman of the American Indian Section of the
Nationalities Division of the Democratic Nation Committee, and
former Executive Director of NCAI, met with Kennedy at his
home in Hyannis Port in the late summer of 1960 to help in
developing a party platform. Frank was a Colville Tribal
Leader, who lived here.
Sen. Robert Kennedy in October 1960 helped his brother in
creating a Democratic platform on Indian Affairs by asking
NCAI members their viewpoints on what should be done!
NCAI President Clarence Wesley, Joseph Garry—former NCAI
President, and Frank George represented NCAI when John F.
Kennedy won on the first ballot at the Democratic Convention
in Los Angeles, Calif.
To try to be fair, NCAI offered to help the Republican Party
to develop a position on Indian Affairs. NCAI President Wesley
and NCAI Attorney Robert Barker attended the Republican
Convention in Chicago. Vice President Richard M. Nixon,
Republican Candidate, and his staff didn’t take into
consideration the recommendations made by NCAI for an Indian
platform.
After Kennedy won in the 1960 November election,
President-elect John F. Kennedy renewed his campaign promises
to NCAI. NCAI President Clarence Wesley said the Kennedy
position on Indian Affairs was one of the best in the history
of Federal-Indian relations!
It’s been 42-years now since the 35th President was shot and
fatally wounded. There are Tribal Elders today who wonder just
how well off Indian Country would be today if President John
F. Kennedy had served two terms...or if his brother Robert
Kennedy wasn’t assassinated in 1968 and Robert became
President?
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Sasquatch on Disautel Summit!
I’LL
LET YOU SEE ME FOR NOW!—”Smoker” Marchand said it was on
Sunday, Oct. 16, that the twelve-plus-foot steel sculpture of
Sasquatch was put on the top of a hill overlooking Highway
155. As you’re driving along Highway 155 from Nespelem to
Omak, you’ll notice about 100 yards from the top of Disautel
Summit (3,252-feet)...there’s a dirt road on the right side of
the Highway (bottom of picture) that brings you close to the
top of the hill where Sasquatch is at. Smoker added that after
funds are obtained, a road sign will be put up, and there will
be a story book on Sasquatch. (Photo/Cutline by Sam Sampson)
NESPELEM, WA.—The Planning Department of the Colville
Confederated Tribes has just completed its first project for
the “Coulee Corridor Scenic By-ways”. At the top of Disautel
Summit stands a twelve plus foot, three-dimensional, steel
sculpture portraying the mythical Sasquatch. The Planning
Department has received some written accounts of Sasquatch
sightings and stories that the Department intends to publish
and distribute as a part of this project. We are still looking
for more stories from the people to add to the documentaries,
as we would like to make them available to visiting travelers
and sightseers.
Also, the Department received a documentary on “Scweneyti” of
the Spokanes, and “Skanicum” of the Colvilles, written by Ed
Fusch. Mr. Fusch of Riverside, WA., has researched and
documented stories and accountings of the Sasquatch as told to
him by Elders of both the Spokane and Colville Tribes. He has
worked as an Anthropologist for the Colvilles and Spokanes
some fifteen years ago. The stories and documentaries received
will enhance the overall experience to all viewers and are
greatly appreciated.
A great deal of collaboration and effort went into the
planning, process, and completion of this project. The
Planning Department would like to thank the Washington State
Department of Transportation for all their help in providing
the access to the site, great appreciation goes out to Rick
Holder for allowing us to utilize his boom truck to set the
massive sculpture, and special thanks to all the others who
provided manpower, tools, and/or expertise in getting the
project completed. Without the combined efforts of all
involved we would not have been able to complete such a
project!
It is our aspiration that the sculpture brings back the
legends and experiences of our history and culture as it was
once shared with us by Eldlers and Families. Please, everyone,
enjoy the sculpture and the legendary being that it
represents. Also, we hope that everyone takes a vested
interest and ownership in the display by assisting in the
prevention of any vandalism to this piece of our culture and
history.
Again, should anyone wish to submit their “Sasquatch Stories”
please send to Virgil “Smoker” Marchand, Planning Department,
POB 150, Nespelem, WA. 99155 or fax to (509) 634-2579. For
further information you may contact me at (509) 634-2573 or
e-mail at
virgil.marchand@colvilletribes.com
“Smoker” Marchand
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WON
HIS FIRST FIGHT!!!—The referee raises Billy Drywater’s right
arm to show that he won his bout against Mike Hull of San
Jose, Calif., in the 175-pound division. Billy of Nespelem,
WA., was making his Pro Debut as he stopped Mike at 1:28 of
the 2nd round in a scheduled 4-round bout. The House of Fury’s
professional boxing matches were held at the Events Center,
Coeur d’Alene Casino, Worley, Idaho, on Thursday, Oct. 27. Six
Semi-Main Events were held before the Main Event that featured
a North American Boxing Federation Cruiserweight Title Fight.
CONGRATULATIONS
RACHAEL!—Wellpinit School District Superintendent Tim Ames
congratulates Rachael Marie Desautel of Nespelem, WA., for
receiving Wellpinit High School Diploma after completing the
Course of Study prescribed for Graduation. Two other officials
from the Wellpinit School District, Spokane Indian
Reservation, who joined the Superintendent in congratulating
Rachael were: (L to R) Jeff Adolph , a Teacher and Public
Relations; and Brian Beyer, Comptroller. To Rachael’s left is
the Chairman of the Colville Business Council, Harvey Moses
Jr., who read the inscription contained in the Diploma, and
then presented the Diploma to Rachael. Rachael received her
diploma by participating in the Wellpinit Alliance program.
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2005 December Per Capita Distribution
NESPELEM, WA., OCT. 14—Notice for December 2005
Per Capita Distribution:
*Checks will be distributed on or before December 2, 2005, in
the amount of $500.
*To be eligible, members must be living and/or born as of
midnight November 30, 2005.
*New Applicants must submit a complete application to the
Enrollment Department by 4:00 p.m., November 30, 2005.
*Address changes must be in our office by November 10, 2005.
No address changes will be accepted over the phone or by
email.
*Cut off date for court orders is November 10, 2005. Make sure
Enrollment has a copy of court orders.
EARLY CHECK DISTRIBUTION
Tribal Members will have the opportunity to pick up per capita
checks during the following date and time:
DATE: Monday, November 28, 2005, @8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Nespelem Community Center
Picture ID is required to pick up your check. If you need a
new Tribal ID, plan ahead prior to November 28, 2005.
Checks will NOT be released to any other person. You must pick
up your own check.
REMINDER
No checks will be issued until two (2) weeks after the
distribution date. Please allow two weeks for the Post Office
to deliver before contacting the Enrollment Office to place a
stop payment on undelivered checks.
Brenda Thomas
Enrollment Officer
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