Tunica (ta, an article; uni, 'people'; ka, nominal suflix.-Gatschet). A tribe, forming a distinct linguistic family known as Tonikan, formerly dwelling on the lower Mississippi. The Tunica are prominent in the early history of the lower Mississippi region because of their attachment to the French and the faithful service rendered them as allies in contests with neighboring tribes.
When first visited they lived in Mississippi on lower Yazoo river. In 1699 La Source (Shea, Early Voy, 80, 1861) estimated the number of their cabins at about 260, scattered over 4 leagues of country. He states that they lived entirely on Indian corn and did no hunting. Gravier, who visited the tribe in 1700, states that they occupied 7 hamlets containing 50 or 60 small cabins.
In 1706, according to La Harpe, the Tunica were driven from their villages by the Chickasaw and Alibamu and joined the Huma; and it is said that subsequently they killed more than half that tribe and occupied its territory. In 1730 they met with a reverse at the hands of those Natchez who had taken refuge among the Chickasaw; their village was burned and a large number of them killed. In 1760 they occupied 3 villages, the largest of which was on a lake at Tunica Bayou. Baudry des Lozières in 1802 ascribed to them a population of 120 men, a total of about 450.
Hutchins (Imlay, West. Ter., 419, 1797) notes a Tunica village on the east bank of the river opposite the upper plantations of Pte Coupée, containing in 1784 about 20 warriors. Later the Tunica moved up to Marksville prairie in Avoyelles parish, on the south side of lower Red river. Still later they appear under the local name of Avoyelles Indians (not to be confounded with an older tribe of that name), a name applied also to the Biloxi, who settled here in 1762 after leaving their coast seats. The remnant of the Tunica, consisting of about 30 people, are now east and southeast of Marksville, the parish seat, on what is called Marksville prairie. They speak Tunica, Creole, and English.
Gravier's description of the Tunica in 1700 indicates that their women made an excellent fabric of mulberry cloth; there was a fair division of labor between the sexes; the men cultivated the soil, planted and harvested the crops, cut the woodand brought it to the cabin, and dressed the deer and buffalo skins; the women performed the indoor work and made pottery and clothing; polygyny was rare among them (Shea, Early Voy., 134).
The Tunica language, hitherto unknown or unpublished, was studied in 1886 by Gatschet. It is vocalic arid harmonious, rich in verbal forms and possessing also a declension of the noun, arid, what is more remarkable, nominal and pronominal gender. It appears to have no genetic connection with any other family of languages.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
A Rare Gift
By: Felicia Fonseca
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz.(AP) – As a Marine private, Ronnie Tallman was torn between the military life and his traditional life on the Navajo Nation.
Tallman comes from a line of both warriors and healers, which might explain his decision to join the military — and the rare spiritual gift bestowed upon him as a Navajo that teaches him to heal, not hurt people.
For the 21-year-old Tuba City native, killing an insect or butchering sheep — not to mention picking up a gun and serving in the military — is out of the question now that he’s part of a special group of certified medicine men known as “hand tremblers.”
Tallman applied last year for conscientious objector status, seeking an honorable discharge based on religious beliefs. After nearly a year of waiting for his paperwork to filter through the proper channels, Marine Corps commandant Gen. James T. Conway turned him down.
A military screening board interviewed psychiatrists and a chaplain, among others, before determining Jan. 11 that Tallman’s application was “simply a means to avoid combat deployment to Iraq.”
Tallman’s lawyers decided to go to court.
Find out more here: http://www.native-voice.com/fullstory.cfm?ID=1116
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz.(AP) – As a Marine private, Ronnie Tallman was torn between the military life and his traditional life on the Navajo Nation.
Tallman comes from a line of both warriors and healers, which might explain his decision to join the military — and the rare spiritual gift bestowed upon him as a Navajo that teaches him to heal, not hurt people.
For the 21-year-old Tuba City native, killing an insect or butchering sheep — not to mention picking up a gun and serving in the military — is out of the question now that he’s part of a special group of certified medicine men known as “hand tremblers.”
Tallman applied last year for conscientious objector status, seeking an honorable discharge based on religious beliefs. After nearly a year of waiting for his paperwork to filter through the proper channels, Marine Corps commandant Gen. James T. Conway turned him down.
A military screening board interviewed psychiatrists and a chaplain, among others, before determining Jan. 11 that Tallman’s application was “simply a means to avoid combat deployment to Iraq.”
Tallman’s lawyers decided to go to court.
Find out more here: http://www.native-voice.com/fullstory.cfm?ID=1116
True definition of American Indians gets complicated
By Lynne Harlan
Our nation abounds in debates about race, identity, citizenship, ethnicity and nationality. American Indians are part of that debate and many issues in the nation today impact the definition of what constitutes an American Indian in the United States. Many assume that to be an American Indian you must have native lineage alone. Unfortunately, the definition of an American Indian is inherently political. Race, ethnicity and cultural affiliation play a part, but to be considered an Indian you must be a member of a recognized native tribe or nation.
When the first European explorers came to North America they encountered cultural groups of people or tribes. By the time colonists arrived many coastal tribes had been decimated by introduced diseases, and those tribes were loose confederations of people. When European powers began to claim vast tracts of land, their government representatives dealt only with nations which were organized. This recognition of independent nations became the basis for the new government’s definition of an American Indian. That definition holds true today.
Read more here: http://redwebz.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2357
Our nation abounds in debates about race, identity, citizenship, ethnicity and nationality. American Indians are part of that debate and many issues in the nation today impact the definition of what constitutes an American Indian in the United States. Many assume that to be an American Indian you must have native lineage alone. Unfortunately, the definition of an American Indian is inherently political. Race, ethnicity and cultural affiliation play a part, but to be considered an Indian you must be a member of a recognized native tribe or nation.
When the first European explorers came to North America they encountered cultural groups of people or tribes. By the time colonists arrived many coastal tribes had been decimated by introduced diseases, and those tribes were loose confederations of people. When European powers began to claim vast tracts of land, their government representatives dealt only with nations which were organized. This recognition of independent nations became the basis for the new government’s definition of an American Indian. That definition holds true today.
Read more here: http://redwebz.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2357
Featured Artist - Jerry Laktonen, Alutiiq
In the late 1800's the beaches of Kodiak, Alaska were covered with the Kayaks of the Alutiiq native people. By 1921 the kayaks were all gone. The ancestrial heritage of a nation was all but lost through the colonization of Europeans nearly two centuries earlier.
While attending the University of Washington, Jerry took an Indian studies class which greatly influenced his later life while providing him with a great deal on knowledge about his Alutiiq ancestory. Though a fisherman by trade, in 1995 Jerry decided to pursue Native American artwork focusing extensively on his ancestrial heritage.
He then spent a great deal of time in the museums of Alaska and in research of his culture. He started making simple Kayak paddles for the tourism trade. As his skill increased he start working in Alutiiq ceremonial designs and began carving and painting masks in that style.
Most of the authentic Alutiiq masks from the past that still exists are now in European museums. After the ritual ceremonies ended most masks were either burned or broken. There is a large collection of mask in Finland and at the British Museum.
Many of his masks follow the cultural style of his ancestry but Jerry has also developed his own unique masks with modern colors and ideas. Some of his designs are entirely of his own creation. His experience reflects a cultural reawakening of the Alutiiq people that began in the 1970's.
His art has been shown at exhibits around the country including Washington, D.C., Oaklahoma, Portland and Seattle. He was won numerous awards for his outstanding work including first place at the Sante Fe Indian Market.
In his own words, Jerry describes his art as something he hasn't put into words very much. He said, "It's more of a spiritual thing -- I'm just talking about being proud of your heritage and self-esteem and just being aware of beauty."
Check out his website: http://www.whaledreams.com/
While attending the University of Washington, Jerry took an Indian studies class which greatly influenced his later life while providing him with a great deal on knowledge about his Alutiiq ancestory. Though a fisherman by trade, in 1995 Jerry decided to pursue Native American artwork focusing extensively on his ancestrial heritage.
He then spent a great deal of time in the museums of Alaska and in research of his culture. He started making simple Kayak paddles for the tourism trade. As his skill increased he start working in Alutiiq ceremonial designs and began carving and painting masks in that style.
Most of the authentic Alutiiq masks from the past that still exists are now in European museums. After the ritual ceremonies ended most masks were either burned or broken. There is a large collection of mask in Finland and at the British Museum.
Many of his masks follow the cultural style of his ancestry but Jerry has also developed his own unique masks with modern colors and ideas. Some of his designs are entirely of his own creation. His experience reflects a cultural reawakening of the Alutiiq people that began in the 1970's.
His art has been shown at exhibits around the country including Washington, D.C., Oaklahoma, Portland and Seattle. He was won numerous awards for his outstanding work including first place at the Sante Fe Indian Market.
In his own words, Jerry describes his art as something he hasn't put into words very much. He said, "It's more of a spiritual thing -- I'm just talking about being proud of your heritage and self-esteem and just being aware of beauty."
Check out his website: http://www.whaledreams.com/
Native youth team up on HIV film project
By: Babette Herrmann
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Fanny Garvey, a grant specialist for the San Diego American Indian Health Center, was thrilled when her writing prowess garnered a $15,000 grant to spearhead a Native youth filmmaking project on the dangers of HIV/AIDS.
The project began April 21, and the grant requires that students call it a wrap by July 28.
As an experienced multimedia person, Garvey knew that she was working with a tight budget and deadline, but she called on the technical support of the Media Arts Center San Diego. They stepped up to the plate by providing the equipment, some education, and place for students to work on all aspects of production.
Ten students were selected from a pool of local applicants to film and edit the 8 - 10 minute documentary titled, ''It's Your Life, Live It Safe,'' with the help of Garvey and a film technician.
''I am grateful that I am able to work with the youth,'' Garvey said.
Esmeralda Cruz, 16, said the documentary walks viewers through the experience of a Native teen who decides to take an HIV test. In between the process of being tested and obtaining results, it features student interviews with sources from the SDAIHC and the community.
At the time of the interview, Cruz, Mexica, said she was working on the setting up the letters for the title. From this experience, she is thinking about pursuing a degree in film, and furthering her passion and study of photography.
There's more here: http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096415409
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Fanny Garvey, a grant specialist for the San Diego American Indian Health Center, was thrilled when her writing prowess garnered a $15,000 grant to spearhead a Native youth filmmaking project on the dangers of HIV/AIDS.
The project began April 21, and the grant requires that students call it a wrap by July 28.
As an experienced multimedia person, Garvey knew that she was working with a tight budget and deadline, but she called on the technical support of the Media Arts Center San Diego. They stepped up to the plate by providing the equipment, some education, and place for students to work on all aspects of production.
Ten students were selected from a pool of local applicants to film and edit the 8 - 10 minute documentary titled, ''It's Your Life, Live It Safe,'' with the help of Garvey and a film technician.
''I am grateful that I am able to work with the youth,'' Garvey said.
Esmeralda Cruz, 16, said the documentary walks viewers through the experience of a Native teen who decides to take an HIV test. In between the process of being tested and obtaining results, it features student interviews with sources from the SDAIHC and the community.
At the time of the interview, Cruz, Mexica, said she was working on the setting up the letters for the title. From this experience, she is thinking about pursuing a degree in film, and furthering her passion and study of photography.
There's more here: http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096415409
Tribes, state to work for mutual prosperity
By Aimee Dolloff - Bangor Daily News
VEAZIE - Tribal officials and Gov. John Baldacci have agreed to disagree on some issues, but parties from both sides are confident they can move forward in ways that will help the entire state prosper.
"Obviously we can’t solve everything here today, but the issues are on the table," Penobscot Indian Nation Chief Kirk Francis said Thursday after the 2007 Annual Assembly of Governors and Chiefs.
He was one of four Wabanaki chiefs from the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Maliseet tribes who attended the assembly that brought together representatives from the Maine Indian-Tribal State Commission, Baldacci and state officials.
The event, hosted by the Penobscots at the Veazie Salmon Club, is an effort to continue building relationships between state and tribal governments, to provide updates on several projects and to talk about future goals of all parties.
Read full article here: http://bangordailynews.com/news/t/news.aspx?articleid=152233
VEAZIE - Tribal officials and Gov. John Baldacci have agreed to disagree on some issues, but parties from both sides are confident they can move forward in ways that will help the entire state prosper.
"Obviously we can’t solve everything here today, but the issues are on the table," Penobscot Indian Nation Chief Kirk Francis said Thursday after the 2007 Annual Assembly of Governors and Chiefs.
He was one of four Wabanaki chiefs from the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Maliseet tribes who attended the assembly that brought together representatives from the Maine Indian-Tribal State Commission, Baldacci and state officials.
The event, hosted by the Penobscots at the Veazie Salmon Club, is an effort to continue building relationships between state and tribal governments, to provide updates on several projects and to talk about future goals of all parties.
Read full article here: http://bangordailynews.com/news/t/news.aspx?articleid=152233
Some Navajos oppose plant on reservation
By Susan Montoya Bryan
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - With population swelling across the West, supporters of a proposed coal-fired power plant on the Navajo Nation reservation say the thirst for electricity is becoming too much for existing plants.
"We‘re the ones who have to have all the health problems and we‘re going to be the ones who have all the pollution," Nadine Padilla of the Sacred Alliance for Grassroots Equality Council said Thursday at a news conference before a public hearing on the project. "And for what? For Phoenix and Las Vegas to have electricity?"
The tribe‘s power authority and Sithe have touted Desert Rock as the cleanest coal-burning plant in the nation and a much-needed source of jobs and revenue for the Navajo Nation, where unemployment hovers around 50 percent.
But Padilla and representatives from a host of environmental groups are urging leaders around the nation to look to renewable resources, such as wind and solar energy, to produce electricity.
Want to know more? Click here: http://www.onelocalnews.com/whiterockreviewer/stories/index.php?action=fullnews&id=135019
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - With population swelling across the West, supporters of a proposed coal-fired power plant on the Navajo Nation reservation say the thirst for electricity is becoming too much for existing plants.
"We‘re the ones who have to have all the health problems and we‘re going to be the ones who have all the pollution," Nadine Padilla of the Sacred Alliance for Grassroots Equality Council said Thursday at a news conference before a public hearing on the project. "And for what? For Phoenix and Las Vegas to have electricity?"
The tribe‘s power authority and Sithe have touted Desert Rock as the cleanest coal-burning plant in the nation and a much-needed source of jobs and revenue for the Navajo Nation, where unemployment hovers around 50 percent.
But Padilla and representatives from a host of environmental groups are urging leaders around the nation to look to renewable resources, such as wind and solar energy, to produce electricity.
Want to know more? Click here: http://www.onelocalnews.com/whiterockreviewer/stories/index.php?action=fullnews&id=135019
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