I am a listener to learn; just talk so I can learn! Thanks, -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Danm Sent: Monday, January 25, 2010 3:28 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Cherokee Circle] whats going on in your world ? Just wondering what is going on with SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many quiet members ? Dont you all want to talk to each other ? Dan M ======*====== List archives http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/index?list=cherokee ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.730 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2644 - Release Date: 01/25/10 01:36:00

A question is the beginning of teaching. Dan M ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sandra Hauck" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 25, 2010 4:10 PM Subject: Re: [Cherokee Circle] whats going on in your world ? >I am a listener to learn; just talk so I can learn! Thanks, > > -----Original Message----- > From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] > On Behalf Of Danm > Sent: Monday, January 25, 2010 3:28 PM > To: [email protected] > Subject: Re: [Cherokee Circle] whats going on in your world ? > > Just wondering what is going on with SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many quiet members ? > Dont you all want to talk to each other ? > Dan M > ======*====== > List archives > http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/index?list=cherokee > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes > in the subject and the body of the message > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 9.0.730 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2644 - Release Date: 01/25/10 > 01:36:00 > > ======*====== > List archives > http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/index?list=cherokee > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message

hiI am still here..just didn't have any news lately.gary It is an axiom in political science that, unless a people are educated and enlightened, it is idle to expect the continuance of civil liberty or the capacity for self-government. -Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Texas --- On Mon, 1/25/10, Danm <[email protected]> wrote: From: Danm <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Cherokee Circle] whats going on in your world ? To: [email protected] Date: Monday, January 25, 2010, 3:28 PM Just wondering what is going on with SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many quiet members ? Dont you all want to talk to each other ? Dan M ======*====== List archives http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/index?list=cherokee ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Just wondering what is going on with SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many quiet members ? Dont you all want to talk to each other ? Dan M

Buffalo Field Campaign Yellowstone Bison Update from the Field January 21, 2010 Buffalo Field Campaign relies on donations from people like you to fund our work to protect the bison. Please contribute today to keep us strong in the field and on the policy front: https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/t/6876/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=3647 ------------------------------ ------------------------------ * Update from the Field * Off-Fence, De-Fence: Lend a Hand to Free the Land * Live Auction! Bid Now on an Awesome Colorado Ski Trip * High Quality Photos Needed for Buffalo Calendar * BFC Needs a New Stove * Last Words * Kill Tally * Important Links ------------------------------ * Update from the Field Buffalo have still not started their migration. Every day patrols are donning skis and snowshoes, heading out into the field to check migration corridors and all the areas favored by buffalo, but the shaggy giants are currently absent from Montana's wintry landscape. A few buffalo hunters arrived over the week, but there were no animals available for them to kill. Montana's buffalo hunt ends in just a few weeks, at sunset on February 15. We hope the buffalo will continue to find the forage they need in Yellowstone's boundaries until then, and keep safe from the bullet. BFC has taken advantage of this quiet time to embark on a very satisfying habitat improvement project (see below), which will have immediate benefits for buffalo and other area wildlife. When the buffalo do begin their migration, accessing portions of their habitat will not be so difficult. Please read on, watch the short video, and learn how you can lend a hand to free the land. Roam Free, ~Stephany ------------------------------ * Off-Fence, De-Fence: Lend a Hand to Free the Land On January 15th, Buffalo Field Campaign started a barbed-wire fence removal effort in cooperation with Gallatin National Forest. This extremely satisfying habitat improvement project, which we fondly refer to as our "off-fence / de-fence" effort, began with the removal of a two-mile stretch of barbed-wire fence on Gallatin National Forest lands near Duck Creek, a critical wildlife migration corridor especially loved by bull buffalo. Eleven BFC volunteers, including two awesome individuals from the Natural Resources Defense Council, started the project last Friday. We plowed through the snow, dug up buried strands, cut the fence free from posts, and rolled it up for the Forest Service to collect and dispose of. It took just two and a half days to remove it all, and now this part of the landscape -- frequently used by buffalo, moose, elk, fox, eagles, grizzly bears, and many other area wildlife -- is finally free of the cruel fencing. Watch a short BFC video clip of the project: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czhNcE255AI The fencing we removed was once part of a public lands cattle-grazing allotment, which has been vacant (without cows) for many years. Gallatin National Forest recently closed this land to cattle for good, yet the harmful fence was left behind. During hazing operations, BFC has often witnessed buffalo being run into this section of barbed-wire fence by the Montana Department of Livestock, and we've also witnessed other wildlife having difficulty negotiating the fence. For years BFC offered to remove it, so when we finally got the green light form Gallatin National Forest, we went right to work. Gallatin National Forest provided the leather gloves and the barbed wire pick-up, and we organized the people power. Now, when buffalo begin to migrate through this area they will no longer have to negotiate the hazardous barbed wire. We are excited to continue working with Gallatin National Forest to remove other sections of barbed-wire fence on our public lands, and we hope you will become inspired to take on similar projects around public lands in your region. Here are a few photos from our de-fencing project: * https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/images/BFCClipsWireGNF.jpg * https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/images/BFC_de-fence.jpg * https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/images/BFC_off-fence.jpg * https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/images/BFCrollswire.jpg LEND A HAND TO FREE THE LAND! Thousands, even millions of acres in the U.S. are strangled by barbed wire fencing, much of it strewn across our public lands which have been leased to ranchers for cattle grazing. Many of these cattle grazing allotments are closed, but the fence remains. Intact barbed wire is difficult enough for wildlife to negotiate, but neglected, with loose strands flopping around, or hiding tangled in vegetation, it is a trap waiting to maim or kill. BFC wants to encourage everyone who can to contact their local National Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management offices and offer your volunteer services to remove dangerous barbed wire fence. A quick search of the Internet may show you fence-removal projects already underway that you can participate in. It is very satisfying work and you will be making a huge and immediately positive difference for wildlife across the country! BFC will be creating an informative web page to help educate and empower people to lend a hand to free the land, but don't let that stop you from beginning your own off-fence/de-fence projects today! If you do take on this gratifying work, please share your stories and photos with us. Thank you! National Forest Service regional offices http://www.fs.fed.us/contactus/regions.shtml Bureau of Land Management http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en.html ------------------------------ * Live Auction! Bid Now on an Awesome Colorado Ski Trip The Colorado ski trip auction is now live! The winner will receive six nights of lodging in a Gold-Plus rated, four-bedroom, 3-bath condominium 500 yards from the base of the Silver Queen ski lift, eight ski lift tickets courtesy of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, and more than 700 dollars worth of ski clothing from Patagonia. 100 percent of the proceeds will go directly to the front-lines work of Buffalo Field Campaign, the only group working in the field and on the policy front to permanently protect the Yellowstone bison, America's only continuously wild population. Retail value of this package is more than $5,987. For more information, please visit: http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/auctions/crestedbutte.html ------------------------------ * High Quality Photos Needed for Buffalo Calendar Buffalo Field Campaign is excited to announce that we have the opportunity to create the first-ever buffalo calendar, which would become available before the 2011 calendar year. This calendar will focus on the positive aspects of buffalo life in hopes that more people will come to fall in love with these gentle, shaggy giants and take an active interest in the issues affecting them. Knowing that many of you have spent time in and around Yellowstone with the buffalo, we wanted to invite you to submit your favorite high-quality shots. If your photos are chosen for use in the calendar, you will, of course, be given full credit. Photo submission guidelines: Calendar photos must be stellar! We need high-quality digital photos at 300dpi, high resolution JPEG or TIFF files. Photos should be in color. We cannot accept "photoshopped", scanned, web camera, or photos taken from a web site. There should not be any dates or text of any kind visible on the photos. If you have photos that meet these requirements and you're willing to let us submit them for inclusion in the calendar, please send them to Stephany at [email protected] You may also send a CD of photos to Stephany/Buffalo Calendar, P.O. Box 957, West Yellowstone, Montana 59758. We can also send you a more detailed document on photo submission guidelines required by the calendar's publisher, so just email for a copy if you intend to submit photos. ------------------------------ * BFC Kitchen Needs a New Stove The BFC kitchen is in need of a new stove! Our current oven has been on the fritz for a few years now and we are looking to replace it before it finally gives up the ghost. We are looking for a commercial grade 6-burner gas range with a large capacity oven. During our main season we feed anywhere from 15-40 volunteers three meals a day seven days a week, so a heavy duty, reliable range is one of our most important tools at camp. If you have this kind of a range, or know someone who does, and would like to donate it to the BFC, or if you would like to help us purchase a new one, please call our kitchen coordinator, Brandy, at 406-646-0070. Thank you! Please visit BFC's Wish List to find out about other items we are in need of. All donations - monetary and in-kind - are tax deductible. http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/aboutus/wishlist.html ------------------------------ * Last Words "You, O buffalo, are the earth! May we understand this!" ~Lakota Sun Dance prayer Do you have submissions for Last Words? Send them to [email protected] Thank you all for the poems, songs and stories you have been sending; you'll see them here! ------------------------------ * Kill Tally AMERICAN BISON ELIMINATED from the last wild population in the U.S. 2009-2010 Total: 1 2009-2010 Slaughter: 0 2009-2010 Hunt: 1 2009-2010 Quarantine: 0 2009-2010 Shot by Agents: 0 2009-2010 Highway Mortality: 0 2008-2009 Total: 22 2007-2008 Total: 1,631 Total Since 2000: 3,703* *includes lethal government action, quarantine, hunts, highway mortalities ------------------------------ Media & Outreach Buffalo Field Campaign P.O. Box 957 West Yellowstone, MT 59758 406-646-0070 [email protected] http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org BFC is the only group working in the field every day in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S. KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TODAY https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/t/6876/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=3647 Join Buffalo Field Campaign -- It's Free! http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/t/6876/signUp.jsp?key=3378 Tell-a-Friend: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/tellafriend.jsp?tell_a_friend_KEY=3835 Take Action! http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26453 Unsubscribe http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/t/7926/p/salsa/supporter/unsubscribe/public/?unsubscribe_page_KEY=42

Buffalo Field Campaign Yellowstone Bison Update from the Field January 14, 2010 Buffalo Field Campaign relies on donations from people like you to fund our work to protect the bison. Please contribute today to keep us strong in the field and on the policy front: https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/t/6876/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=3647 ------------------------------ ------------------------------ In this issue: * Update from the Field * Buffalo Field Campaign to Auction Colorado Ski Trip * Thank You for Commenting for Quarantined Yellowstone Buffalo * Ask the Discovery Channel to Show Buffalo Battle * Support a Wish for Buffalo Field Campaign * Last Words * Kill Tally * Important Links ------------------------------ * Update from the Field Buffalo Field Campaign patrols have been enjoying some amazing wildlife experiences. On a recent patrol into Yellowstone National Park while watching ravens far in the distance from the heights of Sandy Butte, volunteers spotted three black wolves near the elk kill site we mentioned last week. They were very far away, and visible only through binoculars, so we were not able to get photos to share with you. Even from far away, the wolves were very aware of our presence and watched us closely while we were there. On another patrol along the Madison River, BFC skiers spotted a solitary wolf who seemed determined to enjoy some Trumpeter swan for lunch. Red fox, elk, otters, and eagles have been showing themselves recently, and so have quite a number of moose. Moose are very interesting creatures. They may seem a little goofy and awkward, but they can, in fact, be quite dangerous and require a lot of space. Unfortunately, moose, like all area wildlife, must try to survive the Yellowstone ecosystem's harsh winters while being enveloped in the constant noise of recreational snowmobilers. These experiences can be very trying for all wildlife, but moose especially demonstrate their agitation and sometimes show that they are fed up with humans. On a patrol the other day, we were about to go for a reconnaissance along the north bluffs of the Madison River, a favored migration corridor for buffalo and other wildlife. We spotted a young bull moose about fifty yards from where we were going to begin our trek, which happened to be right next to a snowmobile route. The first volunteer gave the moose a very wide and respectful berth, but the moose had apparently been bothered a lot that morning, and he made a bee-line for the volunteer. We shouted a heads-up to the volunteer, but the moose pursued, and the volunteer had to turn and quickly ski to safety. Thankfully, all ended well. The moose, after establishing his strong desire to be rid of humans, went his way, and we chose another route to give him the space he needed. You can view a photo of the close encounter here: https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/images/JHT_Moose_Jan2010.jpg Buffalo migration has yet to begin, even with the significant snowfall we experienced last week. No hunters have been seen in the area either. Montana's buffalo hunt season will be over in about a month, and we are hopeful that it will remain quiet for our shaggy friends. When buffalo do begin their migration, they will find some of their habitat improved; Buffalo Field Campaign will be removing a significant stretch of barbed wire fence on the Gallatin National Forest along land adjacent to Duck Creek, which is a favored migration corridor for bull bison. Too many times BFC has documented buffalo being run into this fence during hazing operations. Removal of the fence should also help keep buffalo off of Highway 287, since they will have a much easier time accessing habitat. This area was once a public lands cattle grazing allotment and has been vacant for years. The Forest Service finally permanently closed it to cattle, and tomorrow, BFC will lend a hand to free the land so that buffalo and other wildlife will no longer have to negotiate this cruel stretch of wired injustice. Roam Free, ~Stephany ------------------------------ * Buffalo Field Campaign to Auction Colorado Ski Trip The winner of this auction will receive six nights of lodging in a Gold-Plus rated, four-bedroom, 3-bath condominium 500 yards from the base of the Silver Queen ski lift, eight ski lift tickets courtesy of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, and more than 700 dollars worth of ski clothing from Patagonia. 100 percent of the proceeds will go directly to the front-lines work of Buffalo Field Campaign, the only group working in the field and on the policy front to permanently protect the Yellowstone bison, America's only continuously wild herd. Retail value of this package is more than $5,987. The auction will begin on Monday, January 18. For more information, please visit: http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/auctions/crestedbutte.html ------------------------------ * Thank You for Commenting for Quarantined Yellowstone Buffalo Enormous thanks to all to all who sent in comments encouraging Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) to place quarantined Yellowstone buffalo on public or tribal lands, rather than allowing them to go to the private ranch of Ted Turner. A public meeting was held by FWP in Bozeman, Montana last week, and the public was overwhelmingly in support of these buffalo being given a home on state, federal or tribal land. While it is true that Ted Turner has done some great things for animals on his private acres, the privatization of public Yellowstone bison would set a horrible precedent and it clearly goes against the stated goals of the Quarantine Feasibility Study. FWP would like the public to believe that the only choices for these buffalo are Turner or slaughter, but this is simply not true, as many tribes have expressed strong interest in receiving the animals, and there are also many thousands of acres of public land in Montana where they could live out their lives respectfully. If you sent in comments, you should hear directly from FWP regarding their decision, and, of course, we will be sure to inform you as soon as we know. ------------------------------ * Ask the Discovery Channel to Show "Buffalo Battle" Good news! Planet Green has reported that the premiere of "Buffalo Battle" received good ratings, which means this could help get a series off the ground! We have been hearing from many of you that you have been unable to watch "Buffalo Battle" because you are not able to get Planet Green. Planet Green is owned by the Discovery Channel, which is more widely available to TV viewers. We are encouraging folks to contact The Discovery Channel and ask them to carry "Buffalo Battle" so it can be seen by more people. Please take a moment to get in touch with The Discovery Channel's Viewer Relations department and ask them to bring "Buffalo Battle" to a wider audience. Thank you all for tuning in! Contact The Discovery Channel's Visitor Relation's Department: http://extweb.discovery.com/viewerrelations ------------------------------ * Support a Wish for Buffalo Field Campaign Big thanks for the recent in-kind donations of items represented on Buffalo Field Campaign's Wish List! We are always in need of various equipment to keep our office, field patrols and kitchen functional, so see if there's anything you can help us with by taking a moment to visit our Wish List http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/aboutus/wishlist.html. All donations are tax deductible and treasured! Thank you! ------------------------------ * Last Words "One thing I have learned over the years is that the impossible can be possible and superior odds are to be looked at as a challenge to overcome. It does not matter what the strength of the enemy is. What matters is the determination of our opposition to the enemy. They fight for money, we fight for life. They are motivated by greed and we are motivated by a passionate compassion. [We] have more courage and determination and that is what will make the difference once again. " ~ Hans Lak, Sea Shepherd Volunteer Do you have submissions for Last Words? Send them to [email protected] Thank you all for the poems, songs and stories you have been sending; you'll see them here! ------------------------------ * Kill Tally AMERICAN BISON ELIMINATED from the last wild population in the U.S. 2009-2010 Total: 1 2009-2010 Slaughter: 0 2009-2010 Hunt: 1 2009-2010 Quarantine: 0 2009-2010 Shot by Agents: 0 2009-2010 Highway Mortality: 0 2008-2009 Total: 22 2007-2008 Total: 1,631 Total Since 2000: 3,703* *includes lethal government action, quarantine, hunts, highway mortalities ------------------------------ Media & Outreach Buffalo Field Campaign P.O. Box 957 West Yellowstone, MT 59758 406-646-0070 [email protected] http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org BFC is the only group working in the field every day in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S. KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TODAY https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/t/6876/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=3647 Join Buffalo Field Campaign -- It's Free! http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/t/6876/signUp.jsp?key=3378 Tell-a-Friend: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/tellafriend.jsp?tell_a_friend_KEY=3835 Take Action! http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26453 Unsubscribe http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/t/7926/p/salsa/supporter/unsubscribe/public/?unsubscribe_page_KEY=42 --

Buffalo Field Campaign January 11, 2010 ** SPECIAL ALERT! ** Dear Buffalo Friends, Tomorrow, January 12, is the deadline for sending in your comments to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP) on their proposal to send 74 quarantined Yellowstone bison to Ted Turner's Green Ranch. The stated goals of the Quarantine Feasibility Study are to restore Yellowstone bison on public and tribal lands, not to privatize them for commercial interests. Please raise your voice to help encourage MFWP to keep quarantined Yellowstone bison in the public trust by giving them a respectable home on public or tribal land. Visit the link below to learn more and COMMENT NOW! http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=28153 Alternatively, you may send your comments to: Bison Translocation Wildlife Division Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620-0701 Email: [email protected] Thank you for being a voice for the buffalo! -- Media & Outreach Buffalo Field Campaign P.O. Box 957 West Yellowstone, MT 59758 406-646-0070 [email protected] http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org BFC is the only group working in the field every day in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S. KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TODAY https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/t/6876/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=3647 Unsubscribe http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/t/7926/p/salsa/supporter/unsubscribe/public/?unsubscribe_page_KEY=42

Buffalo Field Campaign Yellowstone Bison Update from the Field January 6, 2010 Buffalo Field Campaign relies on donations from people like you to fund our work to protect the bison. Please contribute today to keep us strong in the field and on the policy front: https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/t/6876/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=3647 ------------------------------ ------------------------------ In this issue: * Thank You Buffalo Friends! * Update from the Field * TAKE ACTION! Comment on FWP Bison Quarantine Proposal * Great Work! Your Messages Get Response from Governor Schweitzer * "Buffalo Battle" Showing Again Thursday, Jan. 7 * Ski & Ski Boot Donations Needed * Last Words * Kill Tally * Important Links ------------------------------ * Thank You Buffalo Friends! Out here on the Yellowstone boundary, bearing witness to the harsh government treatment of America's only continuously wild population of bison, it can sometimes seem as if we are alone in our struggle to stop the slaughter. Your actions remind us that we are not. Your response to our year-end funding plea has been incredible. Thanks to your donations we have exceeded the $75,000 goal necessary for us to qualify for the Earth Friends Challenge Grant. Donations, merchandise orders, and letters of encouragement continue to pour into our mailbox from all corners of the country and the the world. Your support literally makes our work for the bison possible, and we can not express enough how much it means to us. ------------------------------ * Update from the Field Happy New Year to all of our buffalo friends! It has been a good start to the new decade for the buffalo; things have remained quiet in the field and, save for the one bull bison killed on Horse Butte, Montana's bison "hunt" has been uneventful thus far. After an unseasonably dry beginning, the snow has finally started falling in earnest. Over the course of the last two days we've gotten nearly two feet! While breathtakingly beautiful, the snow definitely brings challenges, especially when it falls all at once. We are spending lots of time plowing and shoveling around our headquarters. Our snow plow is really old, but it's holding up and helping to clear paths so our two working patrol vehicles can make it down the driveway to transport volunteers into the field. Patrols must now ski or snowshoe to get around, or risk being immediately exhausted by post-holing through the deep cold powder. Our supply of skis has been used well over the last thirteen seasons in the field, which means a lot of wear and tear and wanting for working equipment. The snow may also inspire the buffalo to migrate to lower elevation lands, so we are keeping close watch along Yellowstone's boundary throughout the buffalo's migration corridors. We are constantly reminded of how very lucky we are to keep company with buffalo, elk, moose, eagles, ravens, coyotes, fox and many other of the Yellowstone ecosystem's amazing creatures. Last week, during a trek into Yellowstone, patrols were blessed with a rare and remarkable experience: they came across the fresh carcass of an old bull elk that had just been taken by wolves. Patrols were able to spot one of the wolves before it quickly retreated into the willows. The tracks surrounding the elk offered a rare, storied gift of the dramatic life-and-death dance, so rich in Nature's poetry of expression. Wolf song has also been heard from the cabin, which is a thrill of mystery to everyone. We are so blessed to live among these wonderful, wild creatures and give thanks every day for their continued existence. While the field has been quiet for the buffalo, there's been a small flurry of activity on the policy front, so please read on and take action for wild buffalo! Buffalo Battle will also air again on Planet Green tomorrow, so check your local listings and invite your friends to watch with you. Here's to hoping that 2010 is a good year and the beginning of a great decade for the buffalo, and you, our extended buffalo family. Roam Free! ~Stephany ------------------------------ * TAKE ACTION! Comment on FWP Bison Quarantine Proposal Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has released a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) on the translocation of quarantined Yellowstone bison and is seeking your input through January 12, 2010. FWP's preferred alternative outlines the agency's intention to hand over 74 Yellowstone bison to billionaire Ted Turner, setting the dangerous precedent of commercializing public bison. BFC has strongly opposed quarantine, alternatively advocating for wild bison to be naturally restored on their historic range via protected habitat and migration corridors. That said, it is important that bison advocates try to help these quarantined Yellowstone buffalo get out of captivity and be released onto public and/or tribal lands, as was the stated goal of the Quarantine Feasibility Study. Learn more and TAKE ACTION NOW! http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=28153 Comments are due January 12, 2010. For those who can travel, FWP will hold a public meeting on this issue Thursday, January 7, at 6pm at their Region 3 office in Bozeman, Montana, 1400 S. 19th Avenue. Comments will also be accepted at this meeting. Hope to see you there! Alternatively, you may mail your comments to: Bison Translocation Wildlife Division Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620-0701 Email: [email protected] ------------------------------ * Great Work! Your Messages Get Response from Governor Schweitzer In December, while giving a speech to the Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer proudly said: "No governor in Montana history has sent more bison to slaughter than this governor." You all were terrific in letting him know right away that Montana and Yellowstone's shameful slaughter and mistreatment of America's last wild bison population is nothing to brag about, but indeed a disgrace to the nation and the world. In fact, he received so many letters from bison advocates, he had his staff draft a response, which many of you have shared with us. If you haven't seen it, you can read it here: http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/schweitzerletter122809.html Granted, his letter is a sorry political spin that attempts to sugar coat the truth of the thousands of bison killed, harmed and harassed under Schweitzer's rule as Governor. He tries to claim that bison are left alone during the harsh winter months, but that is totally untrue because in lieu of hazing, bison are now hunted when they cross Montana's borders, and sometimes the hazing continues during the hunt. And you have seen what the war zone approach to hazing in May looks like, with calves suffering broken legs and being separated from mothers, adults being injured, and Montana's landscapes being robbed of the presence of bison. We all know from first-hand experience and BFC's documentation that wild buffalo still "enjoy" no tolerance in Montana, even on Horse Butte where cattle are never present. Ironically, Schweitzer's letter also sites the quarantine project and how disease-free bison will be sent "to conservation herds," yet Schweitzer himself encouraged private interest Ted Turner to apply for the quarantined buffalo, so he is responsible for trying to privatize America's wildlife. The point is, you put the pressure on Schweitzer's administration, and they responded. GREAT WORK! Please continue to keep the pressure on, and if you are not from Montana, let Schweitzer know that you will not come to Montana unless it is to help the buffalo or until they roam free again. Governor Brian Schweitzer Office of the Governor Montana State Capitol Building P.O. Box 200801 Helena, MT 59620-0801 Phone: 1-406-444-3111 Fax: 1-406-444 5529* Email: [email protected] ------------------------------ * "Buffalo Battle" Airs Again Wednesday & Thursday, Jan. 6 & 7 Tune in because it's on again! Wednesday, January 6th, and Thursday, January 7th, Discovery's Planet Green will once again air "Buffalo Battle." This Planet Green program, produced by Matthew Testa, tells the continuing story about the plight of the Yellowstone bison population and work of Buffalo Field Campaign. "Buffalo Battle" has been getting tremendously positive feedback, so Planet Green is giving the public more viewing opportunities. The more viewers they get, the more likely it is they'll want to make a series and this will certainly help tell the world about what is happening to the last wild buffalo. Please check your local listings for showtimes and invite your friends and colleagues to watch "Buffalo Battle" with you on Wednesday, January 6th, and Thursday, January 7th. For more information visit http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tv/buffalo-battle-show.html ------------------------------ * Ski & Ski Boot Donations Needed Winter has arrived in earnest, and has delivered several feet of snow in a very short amount of time! Skiing and snowshoeing is a must now, and our supply of skis and ski boots are old and quickly reaching the point of disrepair, which is preventing some folks from getting out into the field. If you can help us with skis (three pins are great) or ski boots (large sizes especially), please contact our gear coordinator, Lobo, at [email protected] BFC is always in need of certain items, so please check our Wish List for items you may be able to help us with http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/aboutus/wishlist.html All donations -in-kind and monetary- are tax-deductible and very much appreciated. Thank You!! ------------------------------ * Last Words "Power concedes nothing without demand" ~ Written in 1857 by Frederick Douglas (1818-1895) Do you have submissions for Last Words? Send them to [email protected] Thank you all for the poems, songs and stories you have been sending; you'll see them here! ------------------------------ * Kill Tally AMERICAN BISON ELIMINATED from the last wild population in the U.S. 2009-2010 Total: 1 2009-2010 Slaughter: 0 2009-2010 Hunt: 1 2009-2010 Quarantine: 0 2009-2010 Shot by Agents: 0 2009-2010 Highway Mortality: 0 2008-2009 Total: 22 2007-2008 Total: 1,631 Total Since 2000: 3,703* *includes lethal government action, quarantine, hunts, highway mortalities ------------------------------ Media & Outreach Buffalo Field Campaign P.O. Box 957 West Yellowstone, MT 59758 406-646-0070 [email protected] http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org BFC is the only group working in the field every day in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S. KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TODAY https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/t/6876/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=3647 Join Buffalo Field Campaign -- It's Free! http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/t/6876/signUp.jsp?key=3378 Tell-a-Friend: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/tellafriend.jsp?tell_a_friend_KEY=3835 Take Action! http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26453 Unsubscribe http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/t/7926/p/salsa/supporter/unsubscribe/public/?unsubscribe_page_KEY=42 --

Big Man-Eater and the Persimmon Tree - Creek Six brothers lived together. While five of them were out hunting the last one remained at home as cook. He spent his time digging wild potatoes close to the water and washing them. He took one white wild potato and was trying to wash it when it fell into the water and disappeared. He hunted about in the water for it for a while and pulled out a baby tied to a baby board. He brought it to camp and laid it down. When the others came back he said, "I have a little something to show you." Bringing something out, he took out a baby on a baby board. They kept the child, which was a girl, and when she grew up and they were gone hunting she stayed there and cooked. At that time a Sharp- buttocks came in a canoe, landed, and brought fish. He said (in Choctaw), "Very good niece of the six men, roast it for me." "How shall I roast it?" "Stick your finger into it, put it close to the fire and it will be done." "How shall I set it down for you?" she said. "Stoop over and lie down," he answered. And when she stooped over and lay down, he ate it up on her back and it killed her, and he went off in his canoe. Afterwards she returned to life. The next time her brothers went hunting the Sharp-buttocks brought fish and said, "Roast it for me," and she roasted it for him with the same result as before. "Next time say to him, 'You roast it for me'" her brothers said to her, and they stayed near by. When he came, he said, "Roast this for me," but she answered, "You roast it for me." They remained a little while, saying to each other, "You roast it for me," when the brothers all exclaimed, "Roast it for me," and came in. Sharp-buttocks said, "How shall I roast it?" "Stick it on your buttocks," they said, and he stuck it on his buttocks. After he had stooped down for a little while, it was cooked. "How shall I set it out for you to eat?" he said. ["Stoop over and lie down," they said.] He stooped over and lay down, they ate off of his back, and killed him. Then they took him back, put him into the canoe, pushed it off, and it started away. It went on, turning about as it went, and presently remained circling about in one spot. One of the brothers went to discover why this was so and did not come back. Another went and did not return. The next went and did not return. The fourth went and did not return. Another went and did not return. Then the last one started off. Going on for a while he came to where a persimmon tree stood, climbed up into it and ate some of the fruit. The stem of this tree was smooth on one side as if someone had climbed it frequently. While he was standing there, a female Big Man- eater came underneath carrying a basket in which was a club (atasi). She looked up and saw him. She said, "Get down and let us wrestle, he he he he." So the man came down and when he got to the ground the Big Man-eater laid the basket with the club to one side and stood ready. When he got down they wrestled and after a while the Big Man-eater threw him down. But he got up and they wrestled again. After they had done this for a while she threw him down again. He stood up again and when in wrestling around they got close to the basket, the man threw the Big Man-eater down, seized the club, killed her, and cut her head off. But when Big Man-eater said "Come together," it reunited with the body. When he cut it off again, she said, "Come together," and it reunited. It kept on reuniting every time, but the fourth time he cut the head off it remained that way. When she was dead the man cut her in pieces and threw the parts away. He took out her heart and hit a tree with it. "Stick there and become tree fungus (bakta)," he said. The intestines he took and threw into the bushes and they hung on a tree. "Keep on hanging as balkapitca (a long blue or black vine found in the bottoms)," he said. Her nose he cut off and carried along, and he took the club and carried that also, going in the direction from which the Big Man-eater had come. Presently he heard some girls pounding corn with a pestle and reached the place. When he sat down with them they saw the club and said, "This looks like our grandmother's club." "No," he answered, "God sent it to me." They saw her nose and said, "This looks like our grandmother's nose." "No," he answered, "It is a pipe which God sent me." "The club is to tickle people," he said, and he tried to tickle them. "If you all lie down in a straight line, I will tickle you," he said. All lay down, whereupon he stood over them holding the club and cut all of their throats. Then he asked a boy who was there, "Do you eat human beings who are brought here?" "Yes," he said. "Where do you throw their bones?" he asked. "We throw them over there under that tree," he answered. "Go and point out the place." So he guided him and he went there. He reached the place and said "Here it is," and there were many human bones piled under that tree. Then the youth shot an arrow up and when it came down said, "Look out! It will stick into you." "Ofhaha," said the dead man, and awoke and sat down. He shot above the next in the same manner and when the arrow descended he awoke and sat down. It went on that way until all came to life. Then he took them and guided them on. "Do not turn to look behind you," he said. He went on, but after they had gone along for a while one looked back and turned into a wildcat. It said "W?'?, w?'?," and disappeared. The others went on for a while, when another turned and looked back. He turned into a crow, crying, "a' a' a'" and flew out of sight. After they had gone on for a while longer another one turned and looked back. He turned into a chicken hawk which cried "blank, blank, blank," and flew out of sight. Two others disappeared in the same way until only the first one returned to his place Come visit us at. "Keeper of Stories". http://www.newkeeperofstories.com/

Big Magwis and Little Magwis - Wabanaki Long ago, in a Wabanaki village, there lived two young braves, both with the name of Magwis. One was called Big Magwis, because he was big and rich and lived in a very large wigwam; the other was called Little Magwis, because he was poor and little and lived in a very small wigwam. Now Big Magwis looked down on Little Magwis because he was a pauper. Yet in spite of having so much himself, he was still envious of what little his neighbor had. In particular, he was jealous of the small Indian's wigwam, which was very well made and stood in a shadier spot than his was own. In the long hot days of summer, he hated his fine big lodge and looked with envy and greed at his neighbor. If only there was some way he could have Little Magwis' wigwam as well as his own. Then, one day, he chuckled as he thought of a plan. He strolled over to Little Magwis' wigwam and kicked idly at a large log, which lay near the fire. "Kwah-ee, my brother," said Big Magwis. "Tell me, could you jump over this log and land on both feet?" "Certainly," said Little Magwis in surprise. "That would be easy." "I bet you these two cakes of corn," said the larger Indian craftily, "that you can't do it and I can!" Little Magwis smiled. "That's a foolish bet, my friend. Look now--" and he jumped the log with the greatest of ease. "Well, well," said Big Magwis, appearing crestfallen, as he handed over the cakes, "I didn't think you could do it, a little chap like you. But I tell you one thing, I bet you can't land on one foot Across the river!" Little Magwis looked at the wide river flowing alongside the camp. "Of course I can't," he said. "Nobody could." "I can," boasted big Magwis and the smaller Indian looked at him with amazement. "Moreover," said Big Magwis, "I'll bet my wigwam against yours, with everything in them, that I can do it and you can't." Little Magwis looked at the river again, measured the distance with his eyes, and said, "It's surely impossible, but I'm willing to try if you are." "Very well," said Big Magwis with a sly grin. "You go first." So Little Magwis ran very fast towards the river, took a flying leap off the bank and landed--splash--in the middle. As he swam slowly Back to shore, he saw Big Magwis doubled over with laughter. "It's all very well to laugh," said Little Magwis as he came ashore, "but now let's see you try it." "Certainly," said the big fellow. "Watch me." And he jumped into his canoe and paddled rapidly across the river. "Wait!" cried Little Magwis. "That's not right!" But just then Big Magwis jumped out of his canoe, landing on one foot on the opposite shore. "You see?" he shouted. "I bet you I could land on one foot, and I did! Nothing was said about jumping over! So now your wigwam and everything in it is mine!" Poor Little Magwis. Tricked out of his home and all he owned, with nothing in the world but two small cakes of corn, he was so ashamed at being taken in by a foolish trick that he ran away from the village that same day. At sunset, weary and hungry, he sat down under a tree and prepared to make a poor supper of the two small cakes of corn. A sound made him start to his feet. There stood an old Indian in a long brown cloak, eyeing his cakes hungrily. "Oh dear," thought Little Magwis, "I haven't really enough for myself," but, being a kindhearted lad, he held out one cake saying, "You seem hungry, grandfather. Eat." The old man thanked him and eagerly devoured the food. "It is clear," sighed Little Magwis, "that he is much hungrier than I am, and he is old." So he offered the old man the other cake. Now I can tell you something the little Indian did not know. The old man was really Glooscap. And this was his way of testing Little Magwis, to see if he was the sort of person who deserved his help. He now saw that Little Magwis was an honest, generous- hearted lad, in spite of the trouble he had brought upon himself. So he said: "Follow this path. Turn off to the right at the river, go on a little way, and you will see an oak tree under which the ground is dry and hard. When the evening star is seen in the sky, you must climb that tree and stay in it overnight. If you do as I say, you will have great good fortune." And before Little Magwis could open his mouth to ask any questions, suddenly the old man was not there any more! Little Magwis guessed at once that this was big magic and resolved to do as the old man had said. He found the oak tree without difficulty and as soon as it was dark climbed up into its branches. The ground underneath looked the sort of place used by travelers to camp overnight, for the earth was packed down hard. And sure enough, just as the moon rose, two boooins, or Indian wizards, came into the clearing and set up camp for the night. Little Magwis began to shiver and shake, knowing what would happen if he were discovered. Boooins would be sure to kill anyone who spied on them. Holding himself as still and small as possible, Little Magwis watched the boooins prepare their evening meal, and heard them talking to each other. "You know that blind Chief in the village at the river's bend," said one. "Yes," said the other, "what about him ?" The first one laughed in an ugly sort of way. "How stupid those medicine men are! They are trying to cure his blindness with all sorts of remedies except the right one!" The other boooin shouted so loud with laughter that Little Magwis nearly fell out of the tree. "All he needs," said the first, "is a few drops of sweat from the hide of a white caribou." When the two boooins had done laughing and eating, they fell asleep. Little Magwis was still too frightened to move, so he stayed where he was, thinking how cruel the wizards were and how sad it was that the old Chief did not know their secret. He thought to himself that if he lived through the night and escaped the wrath of the boooins, he would give the blind Chief the proper remedy. Well, Little Magwis did live through the night without harm, though when the wizards awoke and went on their way, he was so stiff at first he could hardly move. He got down from the tree at last and set out for the village at the bend of the river. There he learned that the wizards had spoken truth. The old Chief was blind and the medicine men had given up hope of curing him. Now when Little Magwis offered to restore the Chief's sight, the medicine men laughed in his face, but the Chief was desperate and willing to try any thing. "Help me," he said to the little Indian, "and I'll give you anything you ask." "I will help you if I can," said Little Magwis, "but I want nothing in return. First, bring me a white caribou." Today there are no caribou at all in the Maritime woodlands, only the deer, which were brought in some thirty or forty years ago, but in the Old Time they were very plentiful. However, the white ones were rare, and it was some time before one could be found and driven into the village. Little Magwis caught and held it by the antler while he wet his hair string in the caribou's sweat. Then he squeezed the moisture into the Chief's sightless eyes. After a long breathless moment, the Chief's staring eyes grew bright. "I can see!" he cried. "I can see!" Then all the people cheered, and the Chief ordered a large toboggan brought to him. He loaded it with venison and furs and fine weapons And decorated baskets, and gave it all to Little Magwis. When Little Magwis arrived home in his own village with all these wonderful things, Big Magwis nearly choked with jealousy. "How did you get it? Where--what--how?" little Magwis willingly told him the whole story. "The oak by the camping ground?" cried Big Magwis. "I know it well!" That night he stole off quietly and hid him in the tree, hoping to overhear something that would bring him a fortune like his neighbor. Crouched in the fork of the tree, hiding his big body as well as he could, he heard the boooins approach the spot underneath and listened eagerly to what they had to say. "You remember our talk not long ago about the blind Chief?" asked one. "I remember it well," said the other. "I have just learned," said the first with a scowl, "that we were overheard by someone up in this tree--someone who got rich by curing the Chief with our secret remedy!" "Perhaps," said the second in a hard voice, "perhaps he is up in that tree now, hoping to hear more of our secrets!" And he suddenly hurled a stone into the tree, knocking Big Magwis to the ground and killing him instantly. Little Magwis never went to the tree again. He had more sense! And he was content with what he had. There, once again, it is told. Submitted by Cro Come visit us at. "Keeper of Stories". http://www.newkeeperofstories.com/

Big Long Man's Corn Patch - Navajo As soon as Big Long Man got back from the mountains he went to his garden to admire his corn and melons. He had planted a big crop for the coming winter. When he saw that half of the corn stalks had been shucked and the ears stolen, and that the biggest melons were gone off of the melon vines, he was very angry. "Who stole my corn and melons?" he muttered to himself. "I'll catch the thief, whoever he is." He began to scheme. The next day he built a fence around the garden. But the fence did no good. Each morning Big Long Man found more corn stalks stripped. At last he thought up a scheme to catch the thief. He gathered a great ball of pine pitch and molded it into the shape of a man. He set the figure up in the corn field and then went to his hogan. That night Skunk came along to get a bit of corn for his dinner. He had heard from Badger that Big Long Man was away in the mountains. He squeezed his body under the fence and waddled up to a clump of corn. He was just about to shuck a fat ear when he noticed a man standing by the fence. Skunk let go of the ear of corn in fright. He could see in the moonlight that the man was not Big Long Man. He waddled over to the fence and spoke to the figure. "Who are you, in Big Long Man's corn patch?'' asked Skunk. The figure did not answer." Who are you?" said Skunk again, moving closer. The figure did not answer. "Speak!" said Skunk boldly, "or I will punch your face." The figure did not say a word. It did not move an inch. "Tell me who you are," said Skunk a fourth time, raising his fist, "or I will punch your face." The figure said not a word. It was very quiet in the moonlit corn field. Even the wind had gone away. Plup went Skunk's fist into the pine gum face. It sunk into the soft pitch, which is as sticky as glue, and there it stuck. Skunk pulled and pulled. "If you don't let go my hand," he shouted, "I will hit you harder with my left hand." But the pine pitch held tight. Plup went Skunk's left hand. Now both hands stuck fast. "Let go my hands, or I will kick you," cried Skunk, who was by this time getting mad. The pine gum man did not let go. Plup, Skunk gave a mighty kick with his right foot. The foot stuck too, just like the hands. "I will kick you harder," said Skunk and Plup he kicked with all of his strength with his left foot. Pine gum man held that foot too. Skunk struggled but he could not get loose. Now he was in a fine plight. Every limb was held tight. He had only one more weapon, his teeth. "I will bite your throat," he shouted and he dug his teeth into the pine gum throat. "Ugh!" he gurgled for he could no longer say a word. His tongue and teeth were held fast in the pine pitch. The next morning Big Long Man came to his corn patch and there was Skunk stuck onto the pine gum man. Only his tail was free, waving behind him. "Ah!" said Big Long Man. "So it's you, Skunk, who has been stealing my corn." "Ugh," replied Skunk. His mouth full of pine pitch. Big Long Man pulled him away from the gum figure, tied a rope around his neck and led him to his hogan. He put a great pot of water on the stove to boil, then he took the rope off of Skunk's neck. "Now, Skunk," he said, "go fetch wood." Skunk went out into the back yard. Just then Fox happened to pass by. He was on his way to Big Long Man's corn patch. Skunk began to cry loudly. Fox stopped running, and pricked up his sharp ears. "Who is crying?" he said. "I am crying," said Skunk. "Why?" said Fox. "Because I have to carry wood for Big Long Man. He gives me all of the corn I want to eat, but I do not want to carry wood." Fox was hungry. He knew that if he stole corn he was liable to get caught. "What an easy way to get corn," he thought. "I would not mind carrying wood." Out loud he said, "Cousin, let us change places. You go home and I will carry wood for Big Long Man. I like the job. Besides, I was just on my way to steal an ear of corn down at the field." "All right," said Skunk. "But don't eat too much corn. I have a stomach ache." He felt his fat stomach and groaned. Then he waddled happily away. Fox gathered up an armful of piñon wood. He hurried into Big Long Man's hogan. Big Long Man looked at him in surprise. "Well, well, Skunk, you changed into a fox, did you? That's funny." Fox did not say a word. He was afraid he might say the wrong thing and not get any corn to eat. Big Long Man took the rope which had been around Skunk's neck and tied it around Fox's neck. Fox sat down and waited patiently. Soon the water in the big pot began to bubble and steam. At last Fox said, "Isn't the corn cooked yet, Big Long Man?" "Corn?" asked Big Long Man. "What corn?" "Why the corn you are cooking for me," said Fox. "Skunk said you would feed me all of the corn I could eat if I carried wood for you." "The rascal," said Big Long Man. "He tricked you and he tricked me. Well, Fox, you will have to pay for this." So saying he picked up Fox by the ears and set him down in the boiling water. It was so hot that it took off every hair on his body. Big Long Man left him in the pot for a minute and then he pulled him out by the ears and set him free out of doors. "Don't be thinking you will ever get any of my corn by tricks," said Big Long Man. Fox ran yelping toward his den. He was sore all over. Half way home he passed Red Monument. Red Monument is a tall slab of red sand stone that stands alone in a valley. On top of the rock sat Raven eating corn that he had stolen from the corn patch. At the bottom was Coyote holding on to the rock with his paws. He was watching for Raven to drop a few kernels. He glanced behind him when Fox appeared. He did not let go of the rock, however, because he thought Fox might get his place. He was surprised at Fox's appearance. "Where is your fur, Fox?" he asked over his shoulder. "I ate too much corn," said Fox sadly. "Don't ever eat too much corn, Coyote. It is very painful." Fox held his stomach and groaned. "Corn is very bad for one's fur. It ruined mine." "But where did you get so much corn, cousin?" asked Coyote, still holding on to the rock. "Didn't you hear?" asked Fox. "Why, Big Long Man is giving corn to all the animals who carry wood for him. He will give you all you can eat and more too. Just gather an armful of piñon sticks and walk right into his hogan." Coyote thought a moment. He was greedy. He decided to go to Big Long Man's hogan but he did not want Fox to go with him. He wanted everything for himself. "Cousin," he said, "will you do me a favor? Will you hold this rock while I go and get a bite of corn from Big Long Man? I am very hungry and I do not dare leave this rock. It will fall and kill somebody." "All right," said Fox, smiling to himself. "I will hold the rock. But do not eat too much." He placed his paws on the back side of the rock and Coyote let go. The next minute Coyote was running away as fast as he could toward Big Long Man's hogan. Fox laughed to himself, but after a bit he became tired of holding the rock. He decided to let it fall. "Look out, Cousin Raven," he shouted. "The rock is going to fall." Fox let go, and jumped far away. Then he ran and did not look behind. He was afraid the rock would hit his tail. If Fox had looked behind him he would have seen the rock standing as steady as a mountain. Presently, along came Coyote, back from Big Long Man's hogan. He was running at top speed and yowling fearfully. There was not a hair left on his body. When he came to Red Monument he saw Raven still sitting on his high perch nibbling kernels of corn. "Where has Fox gone?" howled Coyote who was in a rage. Raven looked down at Coyote. "Fox?" he said. "Why, Fox went home, I suppose. What did you do with your hair, Coyote?" Coyote didn't answer. He just sat down by the foot of the rock and with his snout up in the air waited for Raven to drop a few kernels of corn. "I'll get Fox some other day," he muttered to himself. http://www.geocities.com/candalenea/longmans.html Come visit us at. "Keeper of Stories". http://www.newkeeperofstories.com/

Buffalo Field Campaign Yellowstone Bison Update from the Field August 27, 2009 ------------------------------ ------------------------------ In this issue: * Update from the Field * Obama Sign-On Letter * Last Words * Kill Tally ------------------------------ * Update from the Field Mike Mease is working up a sweat today--as he has every day for the past week--cutting, hauling, loading, and unloading the firewood that will keep the Buffalo Field Campaign (BFC) community warm through the coming Montana winter. BFC's Campaign Coordinator, who co-founded the organization more than 12 years ago and has dedicated virtually every aspect of his life to the effort ever since, is not one to tire easily. But cutting the more than 60 cords of wood necessary to heat BFC's main cabin, two office cabins, and the cabins of neighboring volunteers, supporters, and community elders, is a herculean task that would exhaust anyone. While Mike has had occasional help from summer volunteers not engaged in outreach tabling in Yellowstone or work in the office, he has been doing the lion's share of wood gathering by himself. If you know Mike this will not surprise you. His dedication to protecting the buffalo and their right to migrate, and his single-minded focus on accomplishing the task at hand are unrivalled. But woodcutting is only a small part of Mike's work. In addition to all the other preparations necessary for the coming season, Mike is organizing fundraisers and planning a West Coast speaking tour, both of which are time-consuming jobs aimed at keeping BFC healthy and strong and building grassroots support for protecting wild bison. Mike will spend the next two weeks gathering firewood and hauling it back to BFC headquarters where, with your help, it will be cut to stove-length pieces and neatly stacked for winter during BFC's annual Woodcut Week. This year's Woodcut Week will take place between September 14 and 20th and you are invited to join us in West Yellowstone for a day, a weekend, or for the entire week. Volunteers are greatly appreciated and will be provided with room and board and the opportunity to work side by side with Mike Mease and other dedicated BFC coordinators and volunteers in the beautiful Yellowstone ecosystem. Please email Mike at [email protected] or call 406-646-0070 if you are interested and pass this email on to your friends who live (or are traveling) in or near the West. Can't make Woodcut Week in person but want to help anyway? Donate Now to help cover the costs of Woodcut Week, including food and housing for volunteers, firewood permits, and fuel and maintenance for trucks and saws by clicking here: https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/t/6876/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=3647. Thank you. For the Buffalo, Dan Brister Executive Director Buffalo Field Campaign --------------------------------- * Obama Sign-On Letter In addition to the more than 3,733 emails that you have already sent to President Obama through BFC's Take Action Center, we have composed a sign-on letter we will present to the President in the fall. We are currently networking with tribes, organizations, and businesses to gather as many sign-ons as possible and demonstrate the widespread support for protecting America's only continuously wild population of native bison. In order to make the effort as successful as possible, we will need your help. If you are part of a group, business, or tribe that might like to join us in asking President Obama to protect America's last wild bison, please read the letter: http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/obama.html and contact BFC Executive Director Dan Brister at [email protected] with questions or to sign-on. If you can't speak for a group, business, or tribe but want to help, you can still email President Obama at: salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26453 ------------------------------ * Last Words The buffalo "have a lone advocate -- The Buffalo Field Campaign. This diverse group of volunteers led by founder Mike Mease, comes from all walks of life...Working day and night, they patrol the Yellowstone border by ski and snowshoe in extreme conditions, coming face to face with danger at every turn, from temperamental buffalo to angry ranchers and government officials to jail time. They will risk everything, including their lives, to protect these animals from certain destruction for doing what they have done for hundreds of years: roaming freely. from PR Newswire announcement of "Buffalo Warriors" upcoming pilot television program produced for Planet Green by Authentic Entertainment. http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewContent.aspx?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/07-30-2009/0005069283&EDATE ------------------------------ * Kill Tally AMERICAN BISON ELIMINATED from the last wild population in the U.S. 2008-2009 Total: 23 2008-2009 Slaughter: 3 2008-2009 Hunt: 1 2008-2009 Quarantine: 0 2008-2009 Shot by Agents: 3 2008-2009 Highway Mortality: 16 2007-2008 Total: 1,632 Total Since 2000: 3,703* *includes lethal government action, quarantine, hunts, highway mortalities ------------------------------ Media & Outreach Buffalo Field Campaign P.O. Box 957 West Yellowstone, MT 59758 406-646-0070 [email protected] http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org BFC is the only group working in the field every day in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S. KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TODAY https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/t/6876/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=3647 Join Buffalo Field Campaign -- It's Free! http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/t/6876/signUp.jsp?key=3378 Tell-a-Friend: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/tellafriend.jsp?tell_a_friend_KEY=3835 Take Action! http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26453 Unsubscribe http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2426/t/7926/p/salsa/supporter/unsubscribe/public/?unsubscribe_page_KEY=42

Big-head, Big-belly, and Little-foot - Jamaica a. Arthur Brown, St. Ann's Bay. Once there was a man have three sons, one name Big-head, one name Big-belly, one name Little-foot. Dey went for a walk one evening. Big-head saw a berry-tree. He went up on it an' pick one of de berry an' taste it. Big-belly ask him if it sweet. He bow his head; his head drop off. Big-belly laugh at him till his belly burst. Little-foot start running home to tell the news, his foot broke. That was the end of the three. b. James Smith, Claremont, St. Ann. Three little brother went out to catch meat. So them hunt till the day was in and caught nothing. Return home hungry and jokify, coming out of the forest saw a tar-apple tree have on two fruit on it. Big-Belly couldn't climb. Maugre-Foot couldn't climb. Maugre-Neck climb the tree, pull the first fruit, eat off that one. Pull the second fruit, bite it and tempting the others, his little head broke off fell on the ground. Big-belly laugh till him belly pop. Maugre-Foot set out run fo' carry home the news, till him little foot broke off a pass. Jack man dory, this story done! NOTE: Big-head, Big-belly and Little-foot. The story is very common in Jamaica. See Grimm 18, The Straw, the Coal and the Bean, Bolte u. Polívka 1:135--137, and compare Parsons, Andros Island, 147. Jamaica Anansi Stories ,Martha Warren Beckwith, New York, Published By The American Folk-Lore Society, G. E. Stechert & Co., Agents. [1924] and is now in the public domain. Come visit us at. "Keeper of Stories". http://www.newkeeperofstories.com/

Big Eagle Cave Mystery - Winnebago Three boys went out hunting, but never returned. A warparty was sent out to track them, and followed their tracks into a cave. As each member of the warparty descended into the cave, he disappeared. The last man heard a death song coming from the cave, a melody that he had never before encountered. Tcaxcepxedega, Big Eagle, chief of the tribe returned with many men, but every time his men descended, no matter what precautions were taken, the first man in line would always disappear at a certain point in the descent. The eerie song was once again heard. One day a boy appeared leading a blind man who was completely white. The boy appeared to be one of those who was lost, but he claimed to have come from another tribe to the northwest. The man became noted as a great healer. At the request of the chief, he looked into the matter of the cave. He and the boy descended. As they disappeared, the song of death became louder. Finally the man emerged alone, and embarked on a canoe that sailed away across the lake. Later some adventurers descended into the cave, despite its fearful reputation, and found there a chamber with a single giant empty throne, and laying about it face down, the bones of all the men who had descended into the cave. Craun, Big Eagle Cave Mystery, 55-58. http://hotcakencyclopedia.com/ho.BigEagleCaveMystery.html Come visit us at. "Keeper of Stories". http://www.newkeeperofstories.com/

Big Begum and Little Begum - Jamaica Emily Alexander, Mandeville. There was two sons named Big Begum and Little Begum. Big Begum was very rich and Little Begum was very poor. One day, Little Begum found a bag of money and sent to Big Begum to borrow his quart pan to measure the money. Big Begum was very envious, didn't like to see Little Begum prosper. So he wondered what Little Begum was doing with the quart pan. He got some grease and greased the bottom of the pan to find out. Little Begum measured the money and, not looking in the pan to see that a coin had fastened in the bottom, sent it back to Big Begum, Big Begum saw the money in the pan and was surprised to know where Little Begum got this money from, so he threatened Little Begum if he did not tell him he would kill him. So Little Begum told him that he had killed three of his horses, carried the meat to the market and hung it up in the market crying out, "Fresh meat for sale, bit a pound!" Big Begum now went home, killed three of his horses and carried the meat to the market and gave the same alarm; but no one came to buy it. So he was so sorry! He went back home, called Little Begum, put him in a bag and tied him on a tree to stay till he came back. While Little Begum was there, he saw a man passing with a herd of sheep and he cried out. The man went up and asked what was the matter. He said that Big Begum wanted him to go to him and he did not want to go. So the man with the herd of sheep said he wanted to go, and Little Begum told him to take him out the bag if he wished to get there. The man took him out and went into the bag; Little Begum tied it as tight as he could, and the man told him to take charge of the herd of sheep. So he went away with the herd of sheep, leaving the man there. Big Begum came up now with his cutlass and chopped the bag so fine that he could hardly believe it was a man, and buried it. So when he buried it, he went round the corner whistling and singing beautiful songs, feeling quite happy that he had killed Little Begum. But as he turned the corner, he saw Little Begum with the herd of sheep. He was so surprised! He said, "Is that you, Little Begum? I thought I had chopped you up a while ago and buried you!" Little Begum said, "If you had chopped me up a little finer and buried me a little deeper, I would get a herd of cows instead of a herd of sheep!" So Big Begum told Little Begum to chop him up as fine and bury him as deep, so he might get the cows. So Little Begum chopped him up very fine and buried him. That was the End of Big Begum! NOTE: Big Begum and Little Begum. See note to number 106. The story is a version of Hans Anderson's Big Claus and Little Claus, Grimm 61; Bolte u. Polívka 2:1-18 and contains three episodes. (1) "Little Begum" tricks "Big Begum" into killing his oxen to get gold. (2) and (3) He exchanges places in the bag, gets a drove of sheep, and tricks "Big Begum" into getting himself drowned in the same bag, as in number 107. (1) Episode F in Bolte u. Polívka's analysis. This informant's stories were not well motivated; the version does not explain how "Little Begum" sold the pretended magic hide. In Arcin, 475-476, Zeltner, 62-72, and Parsons, Andros Island, 86, the episode is accompanied by the trick of the life-giving staff (G' and see number 106); in Edwards, 95-96, by the trick of the dead mother pretended slain (G" and see number 135). (2) and (3) In Fortier, 88-89, as in this version, (1) is accompanied by the bag trick, episodes H and J in Bolte u. Polívka's analysis. See also number 23. Compare the "Pedro Ordimales" cycle in Recinos, JAFL 31:474-477. Jamaica Anansi Stories ,Martha Warren Beckwith, New York, Published By The American Folk-Lore Society, G. E. Stechert & Co., Agents. [1924] and is now in the public domain. Come visit us at. "Keeper of Stories". http://www.newkeeperofstories.com/

Betty Brown's Dream - Yana [1] I dreamt. I went off towards the east across a dried-up creek; the creek bed was all covered with moss, it was green with moss. Now I went to the north along the trail. Now I stood on the outside (of a house). "Enter!" said to me a man whose hair was all white. There was also a woman who was blind in one eye. [2] She offered me as a seat a chair of ice. I looked from one thing to another. Everything was made of ice, and it hung down in icicles. "It is near dinner-time," she said. "He will pull the bell," she said. "Now you will be seated, and he will pull you up." "I seated myself, Now he had pulled me up. There was a medicine-man sitting there, talking. The medicine-man was made of rock, he had on a net-cap of white down; he was all white-haired, even his eye-lashes were white. I was afraid. I sat down to eat. (She said to me,) "Go and see your mother! She is sitting inside there yonder." So I went into the next room to the south. "So it is you, my daughter!" she said, and hugged me. "Go and eat!" she said, and I sat down. Everything was of ice. "So it is you who have come here, cousin!" (said another woman that I recognized as Mary). "We are living in a good place. The place we lived in before was bad. This place here is very good, it is all covered with flowers and it is green. It is very good." And then someone overtook me. "Let us go back!" I slipped down on the left side to the north. Then I started to go back, but I did not go back home by the way I came. Footnotes [1] This dream seems to be the result of a mixture of Indian and Christian ideas. Possibly it owes something to the Ghost-dance movement, which reached the Yanas from the so-called "Chico Indians," i.e., Northwest Maidu of the Sacramento Valley. [2] She was a. Wintun woman, named K!ulô't'imat?ya, whom Betty had known in life. The man she had known as Wa'imayasi. Yana Texts, by Edward Sapir. University of California Publications in American Archaeology and Ethnology Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 1-235 [1910] and is now in the public domain Come visit us at. "Keeper of Stories". http://www.newkeeperofstories.com/

Betting Eyes - Cochit Spider and Dung Beetle were playing, and they bet their eyes upon the game. Therefore Spider has four eyes and Beetle none. Tales of the Cochiti Indians, by Ruth Benedict; U.S. Bureau of American Ethnology, Bulletin no. 98; US Government Printing Office; [1931] and is now in the public domain. Come visit us at. "Keeper of Stories". http://www.newkeeperofstories.com/

Berdache Origin Myth - Winnebago A berdache is a man who, in conformity with social convention, assumes a woman's role in every respect. The Hotcâk word for "berdache" was dedj‡ngtcowinga, "blue lake woman." A young man became a berdache if and only if during his fasting vision quest, he was blessed by Moon and ordered by this spirit to "take up the skirt." If he failed to do this, it was thought that the moon would take his life. Part of his blessing was the power to foresee the future, and the virtue of being able to excel anyone in the performance of women's duties. [1] Berdaches have the reputation of being the cleverest people, the sort who would be good at gambling. [2] Berdaches were once held in high esteem, and although said to be shameless, they wanted for nothing and were often taken to wife by men. [3] In contradistinction, men who showed cowardice in battle could be forced to assume the role of women upon pain of death. These men were not considered berdaches nor were they held in any other status than contempt. [4] The berdache, albeit in mirror image form: he is physically a man, but he does not carry on the essential function of men (to fight). It is this mirroring that recalls a blue lake: it is the color of the sky, but it lies opposite the welkin: it is low rather than high, facing up rather than down. Furthermore, on its clear, unmuddied surface, it reflects everything around it, only as a mirror does: all is reversed: left is right, right is left; top is bottom, bottom is top. In cultures that assign left to females and right to males, up to males and down to females, such inversion is a rich model of the condition of the berdache. Such a living coincidentia oppositorum is naturally very wákâtcâk ("holy"). As such, not having powers of war, nor of life in its essence (reproduction), his wakâ expresses itself in terms of prophesy. Just as right has become left, and top has become bottom, so the future has become as history, to be seen in the mind's eye as if a remembrance of things past. Contrary to what the raconteur thought, this is actually a good story. The raconteur probably felt the current, white inspired shame about berdaches and thought the subject matter was what made the story "bad." Contemporary men who would have been berdaches in classical times, are called by the word cîange, which nowadays translates as "fag." Notes: [1] Nancy Oestreich Lurie, "Winnebago Berdache," American Anthropologist 55, #1 (1953): 708-712. [2] Paul Radin, "The Chief of the Heroka," [unpublished] Winnebago Notebooks (American Philosophical Society Library) #33, p. 52. [3] Lurie, "Winnebago Berdache"; Radin, "The Chief of the Heroka," 50-53. [4] Lurie, "Winnebago Berdache." Come visit us at. "Keeper of Stories". http://www.newkeeperofstories.com/

Being still at night - Inuit Somewhere in the village, there was a room full of children who never ceased to make a ruckus as night fell, Grandma Kipo said as she held one of her grandchildren in her lap. Seated on the floor, the other grandchildren closed in at her feet, straining their ears to hear her tell the same story at the campsite. All was still outside the tent, the river making its rippling sound about 30-feet away. We were up the river, it was summer, and there was food gathering to be done. "All the children were making a lot of noise, hollering, running, and the night was near," she said. "It was getting dark outside and it was time to sleep, but these children didn't mind their parents. They played on." The parents were on a hunting trip, and Grandma Kipo had to take care of the children, which is what many grandparents did in the old days. "All of as sudden, the door of the house flew open and a ball of fire hit the walls," she almost whispered in Inupiaq. "All of the children grew frantic and they all cowered in one corner." The children moved closer at her feet, all wanting to be held. "The ball of fire bounced from one corner to another, and the children cried out and they hugged each other because they were scared," she went on. "That ball of fire broke through the door because the children didn't listen to their parents when they were told it was time to go to sleep." The children took their rightful places on the floor of the tent, and remained silent until they fell fast asleep. http://www.snowwowl.com/legends/inuit/inuit001.html Come visit us at. "Keeper of Stories". http://www.newkeeperofstories.com/

Big Turtle - Huron Many years ago the world had two parts. Animals lived in the lower part, which was completely covered in water and had no land or soil. Above was the Sky World, where the sky people lived. The Sky World had lots of soil, with beautiful mountains and valleys. One day a girl from the Sky World went for a long walk and became very tired. "I'm so tired, I need to rest," she said. She sat down under the spreading branches of an apple tree and quickly fell asleep. Suddenly, there was a rumbling sound like thunder and the ground began to crack. A big hole opened up next to the apple tree. "What's happening?" screamed the frightened girl. She tried to move but it was too late. She and the tree slid through the hole and tumbled over and over towards the watery world below. "Help me! Help me!" screamed the girl. Luckily two swans were swimming below and saw the girl tumbling down from the sky. "Come on!" yelled one swan. "Let's catch her before she hits the water." "Okay!" yelled the other. The swans spread their wings together and caught the girl on their soft feather backs. "Whew! That was lucky," said the girl. "But what do I do now? I can't get back up to the Sky World and I can't stay on your backs forever." "We'll take you to big turtle," said the swans. "He knows everything." After hearing what happened, the Big Turtle called all the animals in the water world to a meeting. He told them an old story about soil being found deep under the water. "If we can get some of that soil, we can build an island on my back for you to live on," said the Big Turtle. "Sounds good to me," said the young girl. The Otter, Beaver and Muskrat started arguing over whom would dive for the soil. "I'll go," said the sleek Otter, brushing his glossy fur. "No! I'll go," said Beaver, slapping the water with his big flat tail. "I'm the best swimmer," said Muskrat "I'll go." "Aaaachooo!" sneezed the young girl." Guys, guys, would just one of you go. These swan feathers are getting up my nose and making me sneeze". "Sorry" said the swans. "That's alright," said the young Sky girl. Then Toskwaye the little Toad popped up out of the water. "I'll go. I can dive very deep," she said. The other animals started laughing and pointing at Toskwaye. "You! You're too small and ugly to help". Cried the others, laughing. "Be quite!" said Big Turtle in a loud, stern voice. "Everyone is equal and everyone will have a chance to try". The sleek Otter smoothed his glossy fur, took a deep breath and slid into the water. He was gone for a long time before he came up gasping for air. "It was too deep," he said. "I couldn't dive that far. "Now it's my turn," said Beaver. He slapped the water with his tail as he disappeared. After a long time he came to the surface again. "It's too far" he gasped. "No one can dive that deep." Muskrat tried next and failed. "Aaaachoo!" sneezed the young girl. "This is not looking good" "Now it's my turn," said little Toskwaye the Toad. She took a deep breathe and jumped into the water. She was gone a very long time and everyone thought they wouldn't see her again. Suddenly Otter pointed at the water, shouting, and "Look, look bubbles!" Toskwaye's small, ugly face appeared through the water. She spat a few grains of soil onto the Big Turtle's back, then fell back into the water - dead. The Turtle ordered the others to rub the soil grains and spread them around on his shell. The grains grew and grew, until a large island was formed - big enough for the girl to live on. It grew into our world, as we know it today. And the descendents of the Sky girl became the Earth's people. Today, some people say the whole world still rests on Big Turtles back. When he gets tired and changes his position, we have earthquakes. Toad has not been forgotten either. American native Indians call her "Mashutaha", which means 'Our Grandmother'. No one is allowed to harm her. Come visit us at. "Keeper of Stories". http://www.newkeeperofstories.com/