Question:  I would like to know about the Talking Feather.  Iam part Cherokee and I'm trying to find more information about the Talking Feather . So please could you help me?  Dale

Answer:  The Talking Feather is used in gatherings and meetings to give one person the freedom to speak without interruption from the others.  It is held by the person who is leading the meeting, and can either be passed around the circle so that each person who has something to say can speak, or it can be given just to those who ask for it.  It is usually a feather that has a special meaning to the tribe or village, and its shank is usually decorated with colors and objects which also have special meanings.  In some tribes, a stick is used in the same way; the Talking Stick.

Question:  Some say that the color combination of red and black on the prayer shawl are a sign of devil worship, and must never be displayed in the dance circle.  This claim comes from persons who are of Cherokee heritage.  It is my understanding that various tribes do have color themes, but that in recent years the themes are no longer proprietary.  Can you confirm or dispell this claim?  Terry

Answer:  Well, Terry, I don't know if I can confirm or dispel anything.  The words you use, such as "prayer shawl" and "devil worship" are the white words of organized religion and would not be common, or even used, in Native ceremonies.  As to red and black being taboo in the arena, I know many Cherokee dancers, and most of them wear red and black since those are two of the sacred colors of the Cherokee.  Those are called Cardinal Colors, and they are red for the east, white for the south, black for the west, blue for the north, brown for the earth below, yellow for the heavens above and green for the physical center of the points.  The Cherokee do not call their colors a Medicine Wheel as many Nations do, but black, white, red and yellow are present in Medicine Wheels.  They also represent the four races of man.

Anyone who practices their Native ways, or who honors their heritage, also honors the colors of their tribe.  It's a way of life; a tradition handed down by the ancients.  Everything in Native life has meaning, and those meanings are not taken lightly.

Question:  Did American Indians use trees to mark their migration trails by tying down the branches so that they would grow straight out and then untying them so they would grow straight up? Tammy

Answer:  I suppose anything would be possible but this seems highly unlikely since that would mark their paths for their enemies.  Natives followed game, food and the weather vs. "migration" trails, and they used nature's signals to find their way.

Question:  Which Indian group lived in a longhouse?  J. Connor

Answer:  The member nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, in the northeast around the Great Lakes.   The Natives of the Pacific Northwest also lived in the same type of structure, but it was not called a "longhouse".

Question:  Hello Julia,this is a nice web page.  I have heard that people in mourning do not dance for a year or dress in regalia.  Do all tribes do this?  Is it a mandatory thing?  Are there other customs regarding this? Thank you for any information you can pass to me.  Jill

Answer:  Jill, the custom of mourning is something that varies from Nation to Nation, tribe to tribe.  I have taken part in many honoring dances to mourn the dead. The family members were fully dressed in regalia and they did take part.

Question:  Hi, I went to your site and found it very interesting. I am especially interested in finding what tribes honored their women by making them a medicine woman, the healers of the tribe. I seem to be running against brick walls. Any info you could direct me to would be greetly appreciated.  Your site is beautiful!  Bernadette

Answer:  I'm very happy that you enjoyed your visit to Innerspace, and that you found things of interest there.  As to your question about medicine people, it's not an "honor" that's bestowed on anyone.  Some children are born with a gift for empathy and working with people to lessen their emotional and psychological problems.  They have an inborn talent for knowing just what to say and what's needed at the right time.  These can be both boys and girls; there is no gender associated with medicine work.  If these children also have a talent for working with animals, have an inborn knowledge of plants and healing herbs, then they are taken in as an apprentice by the village medicine person and taught the medicine ways of the tribe.  This goes on for years, and is a lifetime commitment.  As these children grow, if they learn well and are willing to forego their own personal wishes and desires for the good of their people, then the people of the village begin to trust them.  With this trust and training, medicine people come into their own.  They are born with a natural ability to heal the mind, spirit and body, and that ability is nourished so that it can flourish for the good of all.

Question:  I'm hoping you can help me out.  I'm a 6th grade girl and I'm a member of the Peoria tribe.  My English teacher had a question on a test asking if an Indian chief would be male, female, or either.  I answered either because the chief of my tribe right now is female and I know about Wilma Mankiller.  I thought there were other female chiefs.  My teacher counted it wrong. When I asked him about those examples he didn't change his mind.  What do you think I should do?  Do you have a list of women chiefs that you could send me?  I'd really appreciate it.  Madelyn Purgason Tulsa, Oklahoma

Answer:  Madelyn, it's very sad that your teacher has so little knowledge of Native American customs and traditions.  It's not unusual, however, since there are many attempting to "teach" subjects they know little to nothing about.  You are absolutely correct.  Stand your ground!  Down through the centuries there have been many female chieftans among many tribes.  No, I don't have a list of them, but several are written about in the Woman Spirit section of Innerspace.  A little research on your teacher's part would teach him a great deal.  Send him to Innerspace.  He might learn something.  Feel free to show him my note if you like.

Question:  I need answers so that when I continue visit the powwows and the reservations, I will know that I belong in one specific nation.  I am of many (~3 nations) but I was told only to follow my mother's mother's people is that true?  Where do I begin since no one knows where in North Carolina my great-grandmother was born? Sarah Grant

Answer:  Yes.  This is true.  The blood lines, heritage, customs and cultures follow the mother's family. Do you know your great-grandmother's name?  If you do, can you find her death certificate?  The best hope you have is to trace her backward and this is the best place to start.  Also, there are a number of native rolls on the net if she was registered.  If she wasn't, then you join the millions of us who will never be able to "prove" heritage.  Your trail will come to a dead stop.

There is also a very complete and comprehensive book printed in 1996 by the US Dept. of Commerce, Gov't. Printing Office, called "American Indian Reservations and Trust Areas".....commonly known as the "Tiller Book".  It was compiled, researched and edited by Veronica E. Velarde Tiller, an Apache woman from Albuquerque, NM.  It is honest, straightforward and has a wealth of contact information for reservations across the country.  She has an organization called Tiller Research, Inc.  This book should be in any good library in the research department or, if it's not, I would suggest that you buy a copy.  If you have your great-grandmother's name, you may need to contact each tribal office in NC and SC to find information about her if all your other attempts fail.

Best of luck to you.  I know how discouraging this type of search is, but don't give up.

Question:  Do you anything about an Indian woman with the name Maria Tallschief??  If you do, please tell me a web site I can retrieve info on her.  Thanks!!! Steffen H.White

Answer:  Maria Tallchief was a very famous Indian ballerina.  I believe she's still alive, but no longer dancing.  A search under her name should turn up something.  Good luck

Question:  My eight year old daughter is presently studying Native American Tribes. She is asked to pick a Tribe of her liking and complete a project describing the Tribe, its origins, its past and present day location, the type of geographic environment in which they live/lived, as well as a description of their ancestral habitat.  We are extremely excited about this project and have stumbled upon your website by luck. We have enjoyed much of what we have read, but hoped to find information concerning The Cree Tribe of Canada. I have looked at other
websites, but unfortunately, I am not finding anything pertinent to the Cree. We were wondering, if by any chance you might be able to point us in the right direction? We need all the help we can get!

We appreciate all the hard work that went into your wonderful website, and look forward to hearing from you via e-mail.  With many thanks, Pascale and Alexandra Poirier

Answer:  Information on the Canadian Cree is at http://arcticcircle.uconn.edu/HistoryCulture/Cree/

The Cree were a very large Nation.  The Cree of Canada were known as the Woodland Cree; those who crossed the U.S. border and lived on both sides of the boundaries into the northern plains area were known as the Plains Cree.  Best of luck.

Question:  Do you know of a contact person(s) for the Heida tribe, of which I'm 1/2. I've been searching the internet for over a year now, and everywhere I could think of by land post in the past 3 years, for some contact. I grew up in Seattle, WA.  I've heard that there is a large group of Heidas there now.  I've not been able to contact anyone Heida there. Therefore, I'm up the proverbial creek, at this point, without a paddle or even a canoe.  KeithLee - Swimbear

Answer:  KeithLee, I think you're having unusual troubles because your spelling is different.  The records for these people are spelled Haida.  Could that be your problem?

The Haidas are in Alaska - The Haida Corporation, P.O. Box 89, Hydaburg,AK 99559; phone: (907) 285-3721

There is another branch of the Haida who have become mixed with the Aleut and Eskimo, even though Kasaan was originally one of their main villages.  This group can be reached through Kavilco, Inc., 1 Union Square, Suite 3431, 600 University Street, Seattle, WA 98101; phones: (206) 624-6162 or (907) 542-2214.

Best of luck to you.  I hope this information sets your canoe on a better waterway. :D

Question:  Could you email me information on the Thanksgiving history.  I need to give it to my daughter's teacher and I can't find my information.  I don't know if she believes me because she asked for information about the killings and so on and so forth.  Sarah

Answer:  The information I have came from a New England newspaper published in 1993, and telephone calls with the curator of the Pequot Museum and tribal representatives of the Wampanoag Nation.  I don't know where you live, but the teacher should be aware of the National Day of Mourning that the Wampanoag hold every year at Plymouth on Thanksgiving Day.

Comment:
Sago Julia.   My name is Jackie and I'm a Cornplanter Seneca.  I just read your page on Pow Wow protocol and the last suggestion on asking about "how much Indian are you" just cracked me up.  It's funny because I am always asked which Asian country my ancestors come from.  Thanks for inserting that because Native people aren't concerned about how much you are...you just are.  Seems since the government put this blood quantum thing on us to be able to identify ourselves as Native did "how much" become so important.  But, my elders set the power of example...they just chuckle and shake their wise beautiful heads.  Nya:weh    Jackie - Bearwoman

Comment:  Mine is not a question, but a note of gratitude for posting some of your book.  Thank you for telling potential visitors our outfits are not "costumes".  Also, that they should not touch them.  Both have happened to me and it is very difficult to ask them not to without going into tribal history.   They never seem to believe me anyway.  Could you possibly address something else?  DO NOT EVER go up to an Indian with long hair and grab it.  It is seen as more personal than an outfit.  Some tribes see it as the outer extension of our spirit, and you don't go around manhandling them.  I hope non-Natives learn from your site.  It is interesting to see what non-Natives inquire about us. :)   Amber

Reply:  Well, Amber, I must admit...I have NEVER seen anyone grab hair!  That's a new one on me.  Some people seem to have been born with no sense whatever. :(   Thank you for your kind words about The Pow Wow Trail.

Question:  I would like to know if there are any sources of information on traditional tatoo work of the Iroquioan nation. I am particularily interested in the Mohawk tribe. I know that this information exists, because I had some papers on it before, that I lent out & it has been misplaced. Please send me the info to my email address. Thanks! Bill M.

Answer:  Bill, you're looking in the wrong place.  The Mohawk were their own nation, not a tribe of the Iroquois.  They were a member nation of the Iroquois Confederacy -- as were 5 other Nations.  Try looking under Mohawk...not Iroquois. :)

Question:  I am very interested in the use of crystals by the Native American!  I am a crystal therapist and user of crystals myself-I have been an priestess and crystal healer in past lives and also I have an Indian heritage-namely Blackfoot and possible Lakota-reincarnations.  I was also a child of a Medicine Man and died young never to receive my heritage as one!  I know that some Indians used crystals and I wanted to know more detail!!  Can you help me??!  Holly

Answer:  No Native nation on this continent used crystals with the devotion that the Cherokee people did.  They placed crystals in strategic places in their dwelling to catch the rays of the sun at crucial times during the day: morning, noon and the setting sun.  They would never dream of beginning the business of their day without consulting the morning crystal; of continuing throughout the day without checking the noon crystal, or of going to bed without reading the message of the sunset crystal.  Each person had a personal crystal that they carried hidden in their clothing at all times.

Additionally, each village had two chiefs.  The Red Chief oversaw war parties, raids, confrontations and the like.  The White Chief supervised the business of the village, healings, counseling and the general well-being of the people.  Only these 2 individuals wore their crystals...very large ones...in plain view.

The Red Chief had an attendant who stayed with him at all times.  If the Chief should fall in battle or become captured, it was the sole responsibility of the attendant to take that crystal, run into the forest and bury it deep in the trunk of a living tree.  If this was not possible and he could not escape, it was his duty to crush the crystal so that its powers could not be usurped by the enemy.

Information on the use of crystals by the Cherokee is in two books by Thomas Mails: "Secret Native American Pathways", and "The Cherokee People".  Both books are in all large libraries, and are also available at Amazon.com.  There is a link to them on Innerspace in the Suggested Reading section.  Of course, the details of exactly how these crystals were used are never divulged.

The Navajo people also use crystals, but I have not researched this and don't have details on their customs.  I'm only aware of their use because a Navajo Medicine Man made a TV appearance during the hunta virus scare several years ago.  He called upon people of Navajo blood everywhere to turn to their crystals and medicine ways to pray for the people exposed to this virus.

Question:  Friends of mine invited me to make a sweatlodge, and they used tobacco with almost everything they to. Each willow branch which was planted in the ground came first with a little tobacco in the ground.  Before we put the stones on the fireplace, they put some tobacco on the stones.  Why?  What does this mean?

Answer:  Tobacco is a plant that originally comes from the Natives of what is now the United States.  It has always been used in ceremony because of it's sweet and pungent smoke as a prayer of thanks to Mother Earth.  Anytime we take anything from the earth, or disturb the earth, we leave tobacco as an offering of thanks and to show respect.  It is believed that prayers are carried to the Creator and the Ancients in the smoke of tobacco respectfully smoked.

Question:  Wonderful page of information. I'm a high school history teacher; it should be called Native American History.  I would like to know how to obtain vidoes on Pow Wows to show to my class for a better understanding of Native American culture.  Scott

Answer:  Hello, Scott.  I'm very pleased that you enjoyed the excerpts from "The Pow Wow Trail".  You would find the book most helpful, and many schools use the book as historical resource.  There is a section here on Innerspace there called Woman Spirit, about Native women of history, and a section called Looking Back, about varoius indigenous peoples.   Feel free to print anything that can be of help to you.  Many teachers do.

Also, about the videos.  The company that published my book has several excellent pow wow videos.  Their toll free number is at the spot where I have the excerpts from the book.  I'm sure they would be glad to send you a catalog.  In addition, I'm sure that Amazon.com has such videos as well.  I have a link to them on that same spot.  Just click the "to order" button, and when you get there, click on the video tab and do a search for pow wow videos.

Question:  Dear Julia:  I am a Choctaw, Hopi & Black Irish mix and very proud of my heritage. I have done much research and I am proud to say this is one of the best websites I have found on native women. I would love to find out more info on these women and others.   Thank you very much.  Jerry.

Answer:  It's very sad that so little was written about the Native women of history -- not only here in North America, but the world over.  We must remember the times, and that most historical biographies were written by European men who did not consider these women significant enough to document unless something in their achievements was so outstanding it could not be ignored.  My primary reference books are listed in the Suggested Reading section here on Innerspace, and each of those books will lead you to other resources.

Comment:  I appreciate the real story of Thanksgiving.  I hope we as a people are willing to understand true historical facts such as this.  One can only hope that history does not repeat itself.  I will not forget our ancestors, and our future.  Thank you.  Joseph

Question:  I would like to know about religious rituals and how they are performed and fit into the pow wow format? Jim

Answer:  What you refer to as "religious rituals" are sacred ceremonies which are not open to the public, Jim.  What you would see is the blessing of the grounds, and perhaps some special prayers that may be offered.

Question:  My daughter has to write a paper about the Plains Indians.  This seems to be a large group of Native Americans and not one particular tribe.  Can you give me some general resources relating to this group including origin and location?  Thank you.  Tracey

Answer:  Hello, Tracey.  Whoever gave such an assignment clearly doesn't know anything about Native history. :)  There were dozens of Nations commonly known as "Plains Indians".  Those Nations had many, many tribes..bands..in each.  The largest Nations were the Sioux, with 8 or more tribes; the Crow, the Hidatsa, the Pawnee, the Comanche, the Ute, the Blackfoot, the Wichita, the Kansa, to name only a few.

They did share some things in common.  They were nomadic hunters who followed the game, especially the buffalo.  They lived in tipis because they were easy and fast to move.  They dressed in animal skins.  They were gifted artisans and crafts people.  They were skilled horsemen.

Is she not allowed to focus on one Nation?  There is an excellent article on the Crow on Innerspace in the Looking Back section. I don't know how one paper under such a generic term would work.  I wish her luck.

Question:  Do you know anything about Iktomi Sha or red spider nation? Is this bad?  I am asking because I know someone who has strong strong medicine, but I want to be sure it is good. Any help would be appreciated.  You seem so knowledgeable, I would value your opinion. In the suggested reading section, you have many of the same books that I keep as reference. Thank you so much for your time.  meegwetch

Answer:  Hello, there.  You didn't mention which tribe you're referring to, and I can't find a reference to a Red Spider Nation. The legend of Red Spider Woman comes from the Pawnee.  Red Spider Woman came to the early humans and showed them how to use the roots of plants for healing and good medicine. If you could give me a clue about which people you're referring to, I'll look again. :)

(Note:  This question was posted to my Mailing List, and was answered by a another list member.  The question, and answer, is so timely that they gave permission to post it here.  Julia)

Question:  This one is a little out if left field for some people, but I am also a crossdresser. My grandmother told me that a was a blessed person. What did she mean by this?

Answer:  I can answer this one for you.  In many Native cultures, particularly before 'white' influence made homosexuality and/or crossdressing taboo, homosexuals were revered as being very sacred beings.  It was believed that homosexuals were born being part of both male and female worlds, and could serve as kind of a liason between the sexes.  Called 'berdache', they were often given as wives to a clan's most valued warriors. Your grandmother was right...you are blessed. Pam

Question: Are the practices of Pow Wows still present in Native American education? Natalie.

Answer:  Natalie - I'm not really sure what you mean by this question.  Pow Wows are alive and well, and growing each year.  They are held all across Canada and the U.S. all year long.  The dances are taught parent to child, or relative to child, or through various tribal offices and organizations.  Since I'm not really sure what you were asking, I'm not sure whether or not I answered you.

Question:  Is there really such a thing as the pow wow trail?  Is it a walking tour?  I'm trying to get some information.  I'm told it is held every 2 years out of the Mojave Desert.  Karen

Answer:  Karen, I think someone's pulling your leg in fun. :)  There is a "circuit", much the same as a circus tour, or a performer's live concerts, for Pow Wow contestants who dance and drum for prize money.  They tour the country in competition Pow Wows, and some do very well.  This circuit they travel is often called "The Pow Wow Trail".

Question:  Hi Julia ! I just discovered your web site through a dear friend, and hope you can clarify something for me. During an energy work session on me, my Reiki practitioner was given a message for me. The message referred to "my being a member of the Bear Tribe." Can you tell me anything about "the Bear Tribe" as I have no idea what this refers to? Thanks! Carol

Answer:  Hi, Carol. I've very happy that you discovered Innerspace, and that you enjoyed your visit. The message about the Bear Tribe could have a couple of meanings. The Native nations have divisions, like counties in a state, called tribes, clans, bands - whatever classification is used in their language. Most of those nations have a tribe of the bear - thus the Bear Tribe. The members of this tribe honor the bear and his teachings as their primary totem, and many paint the bear claw and other bear symbols on their faces, shields, ponies and other personal possessions. If you haven't already found it, you can read about the teachings of bear in the Animal Walk section.

The other possibility is a modern-day group called the Bear Tribe. This was a group that followed the teachings of Sun Bear, an Ojibwa writer/teacher who lived in the state of Washington. There are a number of books on the market by Sun Bear and Wabun. Since he passed away a number of years ago, I don't know whether this group is still in existence or not. You might ask your friend which of these things she was referring to.

Question:  O'siyo. I do have a question. I'm a College Genealogy Teacher and would love to know if you're adopted from a tribe how do you find the parents? A student of mine asked me this question, and me being Tsalagi and Apache, she thought I would have the answer. I didn't have the answers for that one, and I ask for help on this one....... Us di yona Adanhdo

 

Answer:  Hello, Dee. The best suggestions I have to give are under Sharings From The Heart on Innerspace; the article named Family Secrets. These ideas have helped many to find their heritage and their roots. This is a tough one, and something many of us face. I hope you pick up some helpful ideas there.

Question:  Dearest Julia, I have a small request; I am of Shinnecock descent; I have tried to find out something of my past but I just can't seem to get a lead. If during your travels should you come across anyone &/or anything pertaining to The Shinnecock Tribe, would you please let me know.I am trying to put things into perspective for my sons and especially for my new daughter. I must pass on the gift to her, so any help you could give will be greatly appreciated. Hope to see you at the retreat. Thanks! Lorrie

Answer:  The Shinnecock:  Historically, the Shinnecock were a fishing and whaling nation which traveled Long Island Sound. They had contact with various Algonquian tribes in the Connecticut area, and later joined with the Unkechauge to become a part of the Montauk Confederacy. While it is not said, it appears that they were an Algonquian speaking people.

The Shinnecock Reservation is a State reserve as opposed to a Federal reservation, and has been continually in tribal possession and control since its creation during Colonial times. It is located south of Highway 27 on the south fork of eastern Long Island, near the town of Southampton, NY, and covers some 400 acres. There are only about 400 who live on these lands which have no public utilities, no employment, and no commercial facilities. Tribal members work outside the area in neighboring towns. Funds for the tribal treasury are dependent solely upon the annual Labor Day Pow Wow.  The tribal office is located at:

Shinnecock Tribe, Rte. 27-A, Montauk Highway Southampton, NY 11968; phone: (516) 283-9266.
 

At least this gives you a place to start, Lorrie. Good luck to you, and bless you for wanting information to share with your family.

Comment:  Although Julia responded well to an accusation about New Agers stealing Native American heritage, being both of The People and somewhat New Age in orientation, I wanted to answer as well. Spirit has shown me so many wonderful and unconditionally loving things within and I find my heart forever won over to this loving, inner light. In addition to this, my heritage speaks also to my heart, drawing me, not simply to a cultural heritage, but to something in it that is quite beyond culture and which precludes crying "victim" to those about me. In the spirituality of The People, in their religious practices, as in those of peoples anywhere at any time, there are and have been those who delved into what everyone else did and found the "forms" of spirituality they had become conditioned to look for and to discover...and that is good. However, there have also always been those few who have removed the blindness that the fervor of culture and the dance of religious notion can bring, and have stepped beyond it into the clear light. In that light, there are no races, no tribes, no cultural heritages...there is but love and peace in each other and in all things. Be aware that if you feel dissatisfied and feel violated, this is a time when you have a unique opportunity to become one of those who discover within themselves that which brings joy to the heart and peace to mankind (as well as to all the universe).

Peace be to your heart as never before; and when you (perhaps again) hear the voices of those crying for our dead who died fairly or unfairly at the hands of others, may you turn to this peace and share it with the troubled hearts you hear there, that they also may share in your peace. ...D. Esek, Light Dancer of ELAR

 

Question:  I was wondering if you could help me. I like to read about the traditional Native American way of life. I feel that most of what I read is fabricated due to the age that it has been written in (1990's) or due to the author. The question that I have is can you help me to find a book on shamans? Every thing that I read has a shaman in it, and I am not up to speed on their practices. I understand what they do, but not how they practice it. Thank you very much. William O.

Answer:  One of the most definitive works is "The Way of the Shaman" by Michael Harner. There are many in the world today who use shamanic practices in some form or another, but the true shaman is rare, never speaks the word, never speaks of who they are, never writes books or makes public appearances, and can only be found by word of mouth for those who are true seekers. As soon as someone refers to themselves as a "shaman", I believe nothing more they say for I know the chances of that being true are slim to none.

It sounds as if you're reading the wrong kind of books. :) I would strongly recommend anything by Thomas Mails for he lives with the tribes he writes about, and takes his information directly from the elders and tribal medicine people. He is welcomed into all tribes, and has written outstanding books. You might begin with "Secret Native American Pathways", and certainly his 2 books on Fools Crow are the type of thing you're looking for. Mr. Mails is not a pretender; he is the literary equivalent of Edward Curtis in preserving the Native traditions.

All of the books I mention are available on Amazon.com through the connection at Innerspace - Recommended Reading. Also, there is an excellent site on the Web - Bearwalker's Shamanic Teachings at http://www.netonecom.net/~shaman

Question:  I've just met someone who is White Mountain Apache. What can you tell me about them? Ann

Answer:  Since not much is known about this particular band of the Apache Nation, I thought it would be of interest to all of you interested in Native history.

The most general physical appearance of the Apache is small-boned, short, and stocky with dark skin, black hair and black or dark brown eyes. Not the White Mountain people. They are light skinned, light haired, and have light eyes!

The White Mountain Apache are the easternmost of the western Apache bands, and they originally lived in an area marked by the Pinaleno Mountains on the south and the White Mountains on the north. Their ancestral home was the Canadian/Alaskan territory, and they were Athabascan language people. For reasons that history does not make clear, they left their homeland to relocate in the plains areas of Texas and New Mexico in the early 1500s. The language and customs of the Native people already in this area had a gradual effect, and they migrated still further west into Apache country. Their different looks always set them apart, but their "newly" adopted language and customs won them acceptance into the Apache Nation.

At the present time, the White Mountain Apache live in the Fort Apache Reservation. Their reservation covers some 1,664,972 acres, with a total "known" population of 10,500+, a labor force of 3,000+, and an average per capita income (in 1989) of $3,805. This is probably considerably higher now, but it would be difficult to "prove". Of the population there, over 48% have a high school education or higher, and there is an unemployment rate of around 13%. The affairs of the reservation are determined by the Tribal Council.

There is a tribal herd of some 15,000 head of whiteface cattle, and the tribe owns its own feedlot, a hay and grain store, and a 900 acre farm that grows alfalfa for feed. It also owns the Alchesay Fish Hatchery, the Fort Apache Timber Co. which controls 800,000 acres of timber land, the Apache Aerospace Co. which produces prefabricated materials and accessories for the Apache Helicopter, which is contracted by McDonnell-Douglas.

There is a strong tourist trade with the 500 miles of streams and 30 artificial lakes, campgrounds and all that goes with outdoor activities; the Sunrise Ski Resort which operates on 3 mountains and which can transport 15,000 people per hour on their chair lift system. There are many historical, educational and recreational facilities open to the public --- and all are owned and controlled by the Natives.

Comment:

Dear Julia, Thank you for caring enough to do this. I am some part Delaware and some part Susquahanna, but we did not talk about this in my family. So I am considered a WASP (white, Anglo-Saxon, protestant) but consider myself a Heinz (57 varieties).  I try to research Native Americans to learn a little about myself and others. I LOVE the questions and answers. Thank you again for caring. Charlie

Comment:

Osiyo Julia, I have asked the guy who sets my page for me to put a permanent link to your Pow Wow Trail in our "community calendar". I like the "Pow Wow Etiquette" section a lot. I would also like to invite you to the best Pow Wow in the East; 7/19 and 20 in East Hampton CT. It is a lot less commercial than other Pow Wows, and they do things which aren't normally done. It's educational with a lot of national diversity, and is respectful to most of our indigenous cultures. Thomas of the Longhouse

Question:

Why are so many non-Indians interested in N.A. spirituality? LladyHawk

Answer:

I think, perhaps, because of its simplicity and the power that comes through that simplicity. There are no rules, no dogma, no buildings, or trappings, or statutes, or other symbols to get in the way of the connection to the All That Is. The faith in a supreme being is strong; the belief in the value of every living thing, and the need to protect and respect life in all its forms, is simply a way of life. Over the centuries, white man's greed and arrogance, and the need to dominate, has brought civilization to the brink of destruction. People who are increasingly aware feel the need to return to the basics of life. It's as if all else has failed, and now it's time to go back and read the directions or perish. Those directions are held by all the indigenous peoples of the world - not just the Native American. I think there is also a physical element in this interest. Many people have Native blood, and are just now beginning to suspect it because of the stigma that has been attached to being "red" throughout the generations. It takes very little Native blood in the DNA to make itself known. As I have so often said, being Native is a frame of mind, and is strong in the heart and spirit as well as the blood. Julia

Question:

Julia, the very tone of your answers exudes love, patience and tolerance! I feel priviledged to have found this site! And I do have a question that I hope you can answer. I am reading the Gear's books, and in People of the Lakes, one of the main characters is Green Spider, who is a Contrary. Would you tell us about Contraries? Thank you. Gail

Answer:

The Contraries were also called Heyokas in some tribes. They did everything backward — literally. They walked backward, meant the opposite of what they said, spoke their sentences backward — every single thing they did was backward. On special occasions and for ceremonies, the men wore women's clothing, and vice versa. Heyoka Medicine is considered by many to be the most powerful medicine of all for it takes special gifts and talents to be able to live this way. The words spoken by a Heyoka Medicine Man in a spiritual setting such as a sweat lodge are not always kind, and their message is not always pleasant, but none dare to ignore him. It takes courage to ask a Heyoka questions for you can never anticipate the answers. Julia

Question:

I read a book on C.Parkers life a long time ago and would like to purchase the book. I do not know the name or the author of the book I read. I would like to find a book with pictures of her history or her family's history. Do you know of any good books? Cindy

Answer:

Hello, Cindy. A lot of what was written about Cynthia Parker was white man's fantasy with very little truth in it. There are a number of books about Quanah and his family since he was the first 1/2 breed warrior chief of the Comanche. I would suggest that you go to a library and see what you can find, and go from there. Some books that would be helpful, if you can find them, are: Cynthia Ann Parker: The Life and The Legend, Margaret Schmidt Hacker, Texas Western Press, El Paso, 1990; Parker Family Documents, Eugene C. Parker History Center, University of Texas, Austin; Quanah Parker Files, Ft. Sill Archives, Lawton, Oklahoma; White Comanche: The Story of Cynthia Ann Parker and Her Son, Quanah, Margaret Waldraven-Johnson, Comet Press, New York, 1956, and Indian Women, Lela Waltrip and Rufus Waltrip, David McKay, New York, 1964. I hope this is of some help to you. :) Happy hunting. Julia

Comment:

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for your site. I am sure you don't remember me, but anyway partly because of your site concerning Family Secrets I've found I am 1/2 Lumbee Indian. You gave me the tools that opened the door. I'm going tomorrow to meet some of my cousins. Dorothy

Question:

I am seeking information on the traditional Native American symbolism of the articles attatched to Medicine Shields-the ones not directly associated with the animal totem represented.(ie:prayer shawl,whole coral,stone person etc). Candy

Answer:

Hello, Candy. I don't think you're going to find what you're looking for because there is no "standard" or "typical" symbolism for anything in the Native culture. Each Nation and each tribe had its own meanings for all symbols, colors, etc., and each article was a personal statement of the owner — everything from face paint, to clothing, to the ceremonial items they owned, carried, and used. All things have a special spiritual significance to the owner, and that significance is seldom if ever shared with anyone except perhaps the medicine person or shaman of the tribe. Julia

Question:

Hi Julia: What a great site you have! I am curious as to why some NA religions are so "secretive" about the details of their beliefs, ceremonies, etc.? It seems to me that sharing the information we have about spiritual matters is everyone's sacred responsibility for the benefit of all people. – TC

Answer:

Hello, TC. Yours is a reasonable question, and the answer goes back to the first white contact on this continent. First of all, there is no "Native religion".  Native spirituality is a way of life that begins with the first breath drawn and ends when the body is returned to Mother Earth. It is a connection to the earth, the universe and the Great Mystery which is so profound and intense that it cannot be described; it must be lived.

When white eyes first witnessed sacred Native ceremonies, they were horrified at these "pagan and heathen" carryings on! Nothing they saw fit into their pre-conceived ideas and structured molds of what "religion" was and/or should be. Consequently, attempts were made from the very beginning to outlaw and ban these practices. Rather than try to understand and learn from the Natives, they set about to destroy these ancient customs and forbid their use. Of course, it never worked. It only drove the ceremonies far underground where they could be practiced in the ways of the forefathers safe from the prying eyes of those who would destroy the ways. There is a good discussion of some of this in my book, "The Pow Wow Trail" as it relates to The Ghost Dance, The Hopi Snake Dance and The Sun Dance.

The bitter experiences of history linger on today, especially in those who are true "traditionalists", and those who have never lived off a reservation. Strangers are not to be trusted with the sacred ways for they will be used against the Native, or twisted into something it was never intended to be for monetary gain. Those Natives who have been raised off the reservation, and who have had the opportunity to go to white schools, and learned to live and work in the white culture for a couple of generations, have a new approach and believe that the sharing of information does indeed lead to greater understanding and brotherhood. While I am of this second school of thought, I still believe that some sacred practices should be guarded from the public at large because they would simply not be understood. It's the same with the indigenous cultures all over the world. When those not of a culture delve too deeply into the inner workings of that culture, there is a tendency to disbelieve, or scorn, or ridicule, or fear those practices that are "strange and unnatural". This creates a warped need to diminish, belittle and destroy.

Indigenous peoples as a rule have great gifts of insight and are able to separate idle curiosity from true seeking. Those who truly seek to learn the old ways out of respect and honor can usually find those who will teach them if their hearts are true. The great photographer Edward Curtis is an example of this, as is today's historian, Thomas Mails. There are many who have been accepted and taught, and whose lives have been forever changed.

I didn't mean to write a book!!! Yours was not a "yes" or "no" question. :) I'm very happy that you enjoy Innerspace, and hope you visit often. There's always new and exciting things to discover there.

Question:

After reading some of your site, I am moved to ask: "Where does one begin to search for your identity, when your knowledge says one thing about your roots, but your inner being says something different?" Can one's genetic roots be different from one's spiritual roots? Was not this the delemma of Blue Jacket (the British colonial/Shawnee)? I continue to read your web site - it is a flood of knowledge. I too reside in So. Cal. — Chuck Gilbert

Answer:

Hello, Chuck. Thank you for your note. I'm happy that Innerspace has given you food for thought. :) First of all, regarding your first comment, let's consider the source of our "knowledge". When we are very small, we are told things by our parents and older family members that they want us to know. We add to this knowledge by watching and listening, by family photos, keepsakes and other things that have been saved through the years. We draw conclusions from all this, right or wrong, and this adds to our "knowledge" base. As we grow older and begin to search and inquire on our own, sometimes what we thought was knowledge becomes a source of confusion for what we discover just doesn't fit what we have been taught. Some ignore this doubt and close their minds with an "Oh, well". Others (like you and me) are never satisfied until we know the truth. I would encourage you to read all you can and, when you discover a way of life or customs that ring so true you can't get it out of your mind, pursue that until you have learned all there is to learn. Your answers will be discovered in your search.

Can your spiritual roots be different from your genetic roots? I believe so. This is often a past-life connection that is demanding to be acknowledged and to teach you more.

As to Blue Jacket, his hatred and mistrust of the white man was so intense that it prompted him to join forces with the mighty Miami warrior Little Turtle for several successful campaigns against the white government of the time.

Comment:

Your Website is truly a special place. It glows with creative spirit. Your efforts for the community are indeed honorable. Keep up the good work.  Sincerely, Sunman - The Chumash Nation.

Question:

Do you know what Animal, plant, and stone is the totem for each of the four directions. I think bear is west, buffalo I am not sure of. If an altar was to be set up for North, East, South, and West, besides the colors what should be included?

Answer:

As you know, there is no uniform or "standard" practice for the use of the medicine wheel. Each culture around the world has its own customs, and each Nation of the Native American Nations has its own traditions and beliefs. Everything about the construction of the wheel will be different, including the colors used.  From what you have said, it sounds like you're referring to the Ojibwa Medicine Wheel. If that is correct, here are the items you ask for:

 

North: Buffalo; plant = birch tree, quaking aspen, plantain; stone = quartz, silver, turquoise; color = white

East: Eagle; plant = dandelion, blue camas, yarrow; stone = fire opal, chrysocolla, moss agate; color = yellow

South: Coyote; plant = wild rose, raspberry, violet; stone = carnelian, garnet & iron, amethyst; color = red

West: Bear; plant = mullein, thistle, black spruce; stone = jasper, copper & malachite, obsidian; color = black.

This is taken from Sun Bear's book "The Medicine Wheel—Earth Astrology", ISBN No. 0-13-572982-3. Remember, this is only the Ojibwa wheel. These same items will probably not hold true for other Nations.

Question:

What is a sweat lodge? What goes on there?

Answer:

A sweat lodge is a small structure usually made of bent willow, or other tree limbs that will bend but not break, dome shaped, and covered with reed matting or other materials to keep the light out. There is a door to make the inside black, and a fire pit in the center. Rocks are heated in the fire pit, and water is poured over them to create steam. The sweat lodge ceremony is used by a number of Native Nations for both physical and spiritual cleansing, for prayer, and to seek guidance and visions. It is a very serious ceremony not to be taken lightly.

Question:

I enjoyed your site very much, and it prompted me to seek further answers, and to ask for your recommendations. I don't think that I can get what I'm searching for in books. I am already planning to attend a Native American spiritual gathering in April near Philadelphia where I live that involves two Elders from tribes in Canada, a healing circle, and a sweat lodge. I'm hoping to find some new clues, answers, or questions there.

Answer:

Don't be upset or disappointed if you come out with more questions than answers. The sharing of spiritual information and ceremony is very guarded. Also, don't discount the value of GOOD books. There are several I can highly recommend that will give you the degree of insight and understanding I think you are looking for:

 

• Secret Native American Pathways — Thomas Mails — ISBN 0-933031-15-7

(ANY book you can get your hands on by Thomas Mails is a journey to understanding)
• Mitakuye Oyasin - Dr. A.C. Ross - ISBN 0-9621977-O-X
• The Medicine Cards (book & card deck) - Jamie Sams & David Carson ISBN 0-939680-53-X

 

All of these books are available on Amazon.com through the Suggested Reading section here on Innerspace.
Don't hesitate to write if you have more questions. I surely don't have all the answers, but I can help direct you to sources to find them.

Question:

I've been browsing through this section with interest and am especially keen on Native American spirituality. Where could I find information on contacting your spirit guide or finding an appropriate crystal, symbol etc?

Answer:

The three books referenced earlier "Secret Native American Pathways" (Mails), "Mitakuye Oyasin" (Ross) and "Medicine Cards" (Sams & Carson) will give you an excellent foundation for understanding Native spirituality and totem animals. Natives do not consider "spirit guides" to be animal energies, but rather beings on the spirit plane who work with humans on this level. You will have a better grasp of this after reading the books mentioned above. Other excellent books which explain the teachings of various Nations is "Indian Medicine Power", (c) Brad Steiger, 1984; ISBN 0-914918-64-6; R.R. Donnelley & Sons Publishing, and "Animal Speak", (c) Ted Andrews, 1994; ISBN 0-87542-028-1; Llewellyn Publishing - also available here on Innerspace through the Suggested Reading section.

 

 

The crystals and symbols that will be right for you are the ones that call to you, or that you have an attraction for. This is purely a personal choice as there are no "standard formulas" for such items in Native practices.

 

You are on a wonderful journey. Best of luck and success to you.

Question:

I read your section about medicine women and was wondering how their methods might be helpful in dealing with stress. I've used various holistic methods for a variety of purposes, but was wondering if there was a simple, daily practice, ie aromatherapy etc that could help. I'm a writer and would like some help in better focusing my energies to achieve success without being distracted by tedious, mundane matters that seem to be cluttering my life at the moment. - Diana

Answer:

Hi, Diana. I'm happy that you enjoyed Innerspace, and I appreciate your kind comments.

 

There are 2 exercises there on Innerspace that can accomplish exactly what you need. One is at Re-Creating You, Exercise #1 (Focus), and the other is in the general articles called "Your Own Private Retreat". Both of these are very simple, take very little time, and are very effective. Please check them out, and let me know what you think.

Question:

What are the Rainbow Warriors? Also, I was surprised not to find information on the eagle in your animal writings. - Mindy

Answer:

The Rainbow Warriors are a group of people who have been coming together for a number of years. They are made up of people of all races and ethnic backgrounds, and of mixed breeds. It's not an organized group as such; just people dedicated to saving and preserving the earth, and working for brotherhood, humanity and understanding. They are not to be confused with the "Rainbow Tribe", which is an organized group of people who live the natural life away from as many modern conveniences as possible. This movement was begun during the days of the "flower children", and the "hippie" generation, and has continued on.

 

 

The eagle will surely be included in the Animal Walk writings. Innerspace is an on-going and continuing exercise in sharing, and nothing there will stay the same except The Pow Wow Trail. New things are posted often, and new sections created, so there is always something fresh and different.

Question:

Why do the Pow Wow dancers all come into the ring from the same place, and why do they only travel in a clockwise direction? - Kevin

Answer:

The dancers enter the arena from the East — the place of the sunrise, of new beginnings, of awakenings and of re-birth. They travel in a clockwise direction because that is the direction the sun travels around the earth. There are some traditional dancers, and Heyoka (the contraries) dancers, who travel counterclockwise, but they are the exceptions. It's interesting that a traditional dancer may dance in the opposing direction unless he is dancing with a woman! Then he must travel clockwise.

Question:

What is the meaning and purpose of the Medicine Wheel? I've seen pictures of them all over the world. - Debra

Answer:

From cave art and ancient findings believed to be from the lost continent of Lemuria, it appears that the original design of the Medicine Wheel originated there. You would be very interested in the book "The Sacred Symbols of Mu" by Col. James Churchward. The circle represents the Circle of Life, the connectedness of all things to each other, and the eternal connection of man to the universe. The crossbars mark the quadrants of our lives, the 4 races of man, and the 4 elements. As we live, we move through the quadrants of the medicine wheel as we gain wisdom and experience. If we are alert and learning and seeking and accepting of new knowledge and information, we may travel the wheel many times during our lifetime. If we are close-minded, opinionated, set in our ways, stubborn, unyielding and not open to new discoveries and knowledge, then the journey around the wheel is slow and difficult, and we may take an entire lifetime to complete the circle.

Question:

Julia, I have been visiting your site quite often during the past month and always learn something when I stop in. I have a question regarding totems: I recently visited Serpent Mound park in Adams County, OH. It seemed to me to be a deeply spiritual place. What symbolism is tied to the snake, and is the snake a totem animal? Thanks much, Mary

Answer:

Hello, Mary. I'm very happy that you're finding value at Innerspace, and that you visit often. Yes, the snake is very definitely a totem animal, and a very difficult one for people to carry. It is very strong earth energy, which ties people to the practical, analytical and physical side of life. It is always moving, always learning, never still — and always changing. It's a wonderful totem to have since you are never satisfied with the "status quo", but are always searching out new and better ways. Once you find them, you're not afraid to make changes in your life to put those new discoveries to use. That is very hard for people who need to be structured, and need the security of a life and circumstances that never change. Many people find comfort in sameness, in routine, and don't want (and even fear) surprises or challenges. Not snake!

Question:

Why do so many new-agers exploit the cultures, traditions and ways of Native Americans? Is it your discontent with your own cultural heritage that propells you to butcher and steal the only thing that Native Americans have left?

Answer:

I do not understand a thing you said. My cultural heritage is Native American, and it is my strong belief that information begets understanding, and understanding begets tolerance, and from tolerance springs brotherhood. I do not speak of ceremony or Native spirituality; I speak of history and fact. Perhaps you should take the time to gather some of each so that your ignorance does not fall out of your mouth like pestilence.

Question:

I am looking for any info on the Mdewakton Indians from So. Dakota. My 9 yearold son wants to know his past. Any info would be welcome.

Answer:

Hello, Anthony. Since I'm not sure exactly what you would like to know, I'll give you the essentials. If there's something in particular, please let me know.

 

 

The Mdewakanton are a band of the great Sioux Nation, and is actually a division of the Dakota Sioux. They are currently living on some 400 hundred scattered acres of land 30 miles SE of St. Paul Minnesota called the Prairie Island Dakota Community of Minnesota. There are 160 people living on the reservation; the total tribal enrollment is 486 (this in no way reflects the total population for many refuse to enroll); the average income per year is $3,600.

 

The Mdewakanton are descendants of an eastern woodland band of the Dakota Sioux, and their name means "those who dwelt at Spirit Lake". Conflicts between the Dakota in the 18th century drove the Mdewakanton south into the Mississippi and Minnesota River Valleys. After signing away 36,000,000 acres of tribal land in 1805, the Mdewakanton were banished from their homelands and sent to various reservations scattered around the mid-plains area. The current reservation was established by Congress in 1889, and it was named the Prarie Island Dakota Community in 1936.

 

I'm sure if you contacted the tribal headquarters at Prairie Island Dakota Community, 1158 Island Blvd., Welch, MN 55089-9540; (612) 388-1576, they would be happy to send your son all sorts of information on tribal history, etc. Please encourage him in his search for his roots — you should be proud of him for honoring his heritage.

Question:

Seventeen years before Wovoka, a Paiute holy man brought the ghost dance to the southern Oregon and Northern Calif. tribes. Do we know if the dance and the words differed any from the ones recorded in Mooney's superb book?

Answer:

I'm afraid you've confused me. Are you saying that there was another Paiute holy man 17 years before Wovoka? I do not know of him. Also, I do not know of Mooney's book. The information in my book, The Pow Wow Trail, came from the accounts of Wovoka's vision.  There were many dances across the continent that were called "ghost dances" by many tribes and Nations. These had continued unnoticed for generations. It was Wovoka's vision, and the events that followed, that struck such fear in the heart of the white man because of the political times and circumstances.

Question:

My husband loves Indian stuff. He feels very connected to Native American culture. He collects Indian artifacts. He started out years ago, arrowhead hunting and later on in years he met a lot of people in the same hobby. He got interested in digging for artifacts. Now he and a buddy go a lot to dig. They do dig into Indian graves to collect their stuff, such as pottery, pipes, beads, etc.

 

 

My question is... Is this wrong? He doesn't feel like it's wrong. He truly loves the stuff and says he feels a connection to it. A lot of people would call them grave diggers/robbers. Do you think they are? He's a very good person and our entire house is decorated with Indian decor. He truly loves the Native American stuff. He even believes he was an Indian in a past life. Do you think he's wrong for digging for their artifacts?
 

Answer:

Yes, Sarah, what your husband and his friends are doing is very wrong. They are dishonoring and robbing the resting places of the ancestors for very selfish reasons. It is also against the law, and there are severe penalties if they're caught. If he is so attracted to Native artifacts, he should make his own. Any book by Thomas Mails has excellent and very detailed drawings, photos and descriptions of how these things are made, colors, materials, etc. He could make authentic reproductions which would have his own spirit in them, and which would be a sign of respect for past times.

 

 

I'm surprised that you can live peacefully in your house with the disturbed spirits of all those who have been desecrated attached to those artifacts. I would not want to walk into the energy in your house!

 

If he has a true love for the Native, and especially if he has been Native in a past life, I just don't understand how he could do such things. I wonder if he would be upset if someone dug up his relatives and took their jewelry out of their coffins? Very same principle.

Question:

I am looking for any Elementary School (grades 1-4) appropriate lessons or activities on the Ojibwa, the Hopi, and the Cheyenne Indians. Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:

Goodness, Pam! You are asking about information from 3 distinct Nations located in different parts of the country with different cultures and traditions. I'm not sure what it is you're looking for. I did take part in a Native American day for this same age-range of children, and their teacher did a very clever thing. She let each child choose a Native Nation, do the research, and build a typical scene for that Nation in a shoebox. It was very clever and very well done. I went to their school on the day they brought their projects in, and answered questions that had come up, explained what various things meant, and was their "resource" person for the day. The degree of their insight and curiosity was very rewarding. Perhaps you could do a similar thing. You could assign a project for the Hopi one month, the Ojibwa another month, and the Cheyenne still another time. Be aware that there is the Northern Cheyenne and the Southern Cheyenne; that the Hopi are desert dwellers, and that the Ojibwa are in northern US/southern Canada.

 

I don't know if I've been of any help, but please feel free to write again if you have specific questions. Best of luck.

Question:

Hi Julia! I have been surfing the net and have found very little information about the Apache. Wonder if you could possibly answer a question or lead me in a direction where I might find an answer.

 

My daughter-in law was adopted when she was three years old and recently found her father. She was welcomed with open arms! Our family has been on the Red Road for some time, participating in Sweat Ceremonies on a regular basis. We were all surprised to find that her Grandfather was Apache. She now knows why she has such a strong attachment and connection in the Lodge.

 

Now for my question. Her Grandfather has a tatoo on his arm, "BCxxxx." (She will be receiving the number from her Dad soon.) She has been told that BC stands for "Boy Child" and that her Grandfather was born and confined on the reservation with his family. I've never heard of this "concentration camp" type of marking. Have you or any of your contacts heard of this, or was there another reason why he would have been marked in this way? He carried the name BC as his only first name.

 

Thanks Julia — it's nice to know there is a source for the questions and answers you provide. Linda : )

 

Answer:

Hello, Linda. Your daughter-in-law is indeed fortunate, and I am very, very happy for her. All of you have been blessed!

 

 

The Apache were treated with particular cruelty by the white government, largely because they were among the last "hold outs", and because of the strength of their leaders — both male and female. They were taken to prison camps in Florida and Alabama and several other states that were, in actuality, concentration camps. I believe that it was not unusual for many to be tatooed in the manner you describe. For a joyful journey into the history of the Apache, I cannot recommend too strongly the book by Thomas Mails, "The People Called Apache". It really is a must read for you and your family.

 

Thank you for your kind note, and I'm happy that you've found things of value at Innerspace.

Question:

Good Day, Julia,.. In regards to your Animal Walk section you discussed the color of the horse that you are drawn to. What about the "paint" since they are to have many colors. Just curious. Thanks for your time, Christina

Answer:

Hi, Christina. The "paint" horse I'm familiar with is mainly the red and white mix. That would be using humor with responsibility — never at someone else's expense or to degrade or belittle.  There is a wonderful site I just discovered called Driving In Color. It's all about American Paint Horses and their activities, and I think you'll really enjoy it. Visit Driving In Color

Innerspace Main Page

Modifications and Maintenance by Creative Endeavors

E-Mail to Julia