XMAN RETURNS pt 2
The Continuation
Many things have happen since I last wrote MAN RETURNS. I'm still partially paralyzed on my left-side. Valerie and I are not together. I still do Indian performances once in awhile. I live alone and struggle to survive.
My Memorial Day Pow Wow is on it's 17 year, after a very successful 16Th annual. The people of Laredo pack the place up. Mayor and ex-mayor were there. News coverage from the newspaper and Laredo news TV, were also present.
After I left San Antonio and Mi Guerra, I returned to Laredo. I stayed with a great friend named Veronica for awhile, trying to get my life back in order. I've known Veronica since 1999 and she's been a great friend. Valerie and I continued to speak, even-though Veronica would bitch, because I would go outside in the cold weather to sit in private, and speak with Valerie. I still I would take a Greyhound Bus to SA, so I could visit Mi Guerra once a month or every two months. Always trying to keep it at 2 month maximum because I miss her so much.
I let go of my 2nd black Mustang, a car I bought, so Valerie could have a good car to drive, but yeah, I'm like all men, I miss my Pony. Though it was what I wanted, I bought it for her, so she would have something safe to drive, with no breakdowns.
Valerie and I got more close than what we used to be. It was fascinating to me, to have a gorgeous woman like Val by myside. A woman that would make me feel like a teenager, all happy and excited. Now,.... though I know I shouldn't do this, I compare every woman I meet now to Valerie. Once in a lifetime, we will fall in love with a person, like I am in love with Valerie M. Escalera. A love where sex has no authority or control of our lives. A love that has no selfishness, except on her part cause I love to spoil her and loves being spoiled. A love where she was totally number 1 in my life. A love where making her happy was my priority.
I've lived a boring life without a car. The only excitement I got.... was when I would go see Val in SA. We did little things. The local Pub and Grill, Walmart, HEB, Target, nothing important to the normal person, but exciting to me because the most beautiful girl in town was with me, and I was out of my lonely, boring condo. I have to mention all the phone calls she still gave me, and me always complaining I wanted more calls. She still lighted my face whenever I'd get a call from her. Made my heart skip with excitement every time she called.
How do you explain to a woman how she makes you feel. How do you tell her about the feelings I'd get inside my body. How do you explain to a woman when I couldn't explain to myself? Hey, I've been in love before, but never like this, never had I unexplainable feelings.
You can tell her you love her, but is that enough? I know now that once you get a love like mine there is no way any partner will ever feel the same way you do. She might love you but it will never be 100% the way I love her. She might like the way you love her and be happy, but never be able to give you 100% of the love or happiness back.
I think I've met 20+ women in the year and a 1/2, since I've been back to Laredo. To All I did the unthinkable and compared them to Valerie. There will never be another woman to replace her. Never another woman for me as gorgeous as her. No woman will probably ever excite me like her again, and I will not let my feelings ever be taken over by someone again. This doesn't mean I won't have fun. I will go back to being my old self, a little older, but The Lord of the Plains. Pow Wow Highway time, traveling, meeting people and meeting women all over this country,.... and enjoying myself This is just part of life, and I've always known how to have fun.
Sometimes I feel sorry for Valerie because she will struggle without me, but she made a choice of not making a life with me, she has free will. Oh well, life goes on, with or without, the woman of my dreams. I will live! Oh well! LOL, Hell, I will miss her for the rest of my life. I might LOL, but in my heart there is no laughter in this. I can not, but if I could, I would have tears of sadness. Yet my tears have dried out over the years.
I will try to fade her from my memory. I know it will be hard to do, and if by chance she would want us to return one day. I will most likely decline because of the wasted 4 years, on and off, with her in my life.
Then came out of nowhere, a beautiful Indian gal named Noemi, but that will be another story for a later date. How can I get depressed with Noemi in my life? 2 weeks, without Val, unbelieveable? And, Noemi was brought over to me. Are the spirits still looking after me, so I won't be depressed or be alone in my secluded condo? Maybe my Arch-Angel Chamuel who is always watching over me? Am I worthy to receive kindness from God himself? Can a disabled, beat-up, mean old Comanche still have favor with the Creator all mighty? Other than listening to my prayers, am I worth it to be taken care of? Have I earned the right for this?
In 2010, I will return to write and see how things are progressing in my life. Native American people are normal people, we struggle, fall in love, and live everyday normal lives in this tough world of ours. We have elders who try to direct us on the right path, but as my Angel-Reading, bestfriend Sylvia says,..."Xavier, will do what Xavier wants to do." Oh! I'm an elder now. Time for me to help direct our young people lives. Aay! Which I've been doing for the last 17 years....God Help Us.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Border Patrol Presentation
Native Americans dance, exhibit unique heritage
BY ROBERT GARCIATimes staff writer
The Native American Indian Council of Laredo on Wednesday demonstrated its unique heritage with an exhibit, a dance performance and a brief lecture before a group of Border Patrol agents. The federal law enforcement agency recognized National American Indian Month as part of its equal employment opportunity program.
"We are the only Border Patrol sector that recognizes every national heritage. We had several ceremonies in observance of Hispanic week and others federal observances," Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Oscar Garza said.
Guest speaker at the ceremony, Xavier Delapass Sanchez, of the American Indian Council in San Antonio, told the agents that such presentations allowed the local council to educate the local community about the Indian heritage.
Laredo Indian Council member and a member of the Apache tribe, Emiliano Flores brought his two sons, Eric and Jimmy, to the ceremony to perform. "As a youngster I kept the tradition of our tribe alive. That is what I want for my sons, Eric and Jimmy to do," Flores said.
Flores said the education of the Indian culture at his home is continuous. "That is the reason for being here; my kids learn and so does the public. I take my family to pow-wows or Indian gatherings throughout Texas and Oklahoma," Flores said. "They need to keep the culture alive to pass it on to their children, our history, our blood and our ways.
Eric was ready to perform standing in the hallway, dressed in a traditional northern country Indian red, white and blue colored gear from the Sioux Indian Tribe. His younger brother, Jimmy had the traditional yellow-colored grass-dancer gear.
"The grass-dancers would be the first in front of the tribe and would basically flatten the grass for the rest of the tribe during a ceremony," Flores said. Delapass said many Indian traditions have been lost forever.
"We show what we still have and are passing it on to our children so it wouldn't be forgotten. That is what we'll talk about here today, about the missing facts of our heritage," Delapass said. About 30 agents and staff employees were present for the late Wednesday afternoon presentation.
BY ROBERT GARCIATimes staff writer
The Native American Indian Council of Laredo on Wednesday demonstrated its unique heritage with an exhibit, a dance performance and a brief lecture before a group of Border Patrol agents. The federal law enforcement agency recognized National American Indian Month as part of its equal employment opportunity program.
"We are the only Border Patrol sector that recognizes every national heritage. We had several ceremonies in observance of Hispanic week and others federal observances," Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Oscar Garza said.
Guest speaker at the ceremony, Xavier Delapass Sanchez, of the American Indian Council in San Antonio, told the agents that such presentations allowed the local council to educate the local community about the Indian heritage.
Laredo Indian Council member and a member of the Apache tribe, Emiliano Flores brought his two sons, Eric and Jimmy, to the ceremony to perform. "As a youngster I kept the tradition of our tribe alive. That is what I want for my sons, Eric and Jimmy to do," Flores said.
Flores said the education of the Indian culture at his home is continuous. "That is the reason for being here; my kids learn and so does the public. I take my family to pow-wows or Indian gatherings throughout Texas and Oklahoma," Flores said. "They need to keep the culture alive to pass it on to their children, our history, our blood and our ways.
Eric was ready to perform standing in the hallway, dressed in a traditional northern country Indian red, white and blue colored gear from the Sioux Indian Tribe. His younger brother, Jimmy had the traditional yellow-colored grass-dancer gear.
"The grass-dancers would be the first in front of the tribe and would basically flatten the grass for the rest of the tribe during a ceremony," Flores said. Delapass said many Indian traditions have been lost forever.
"We show what we still have and are passing it on to our children so it wouldn't be forgotten. That is what we'll talk about here today, about the missing facts of our heritage," Delapass said. About 30 agents and staff employees were present for the late Wednesday afternoon presentation.
Friday, July 17, 2009
THE BLACK CARD, THE REDBONE CARD?
By Gary J. Gabehart
I have a cousin, at least she claims to be (she's never been able to present the genealogy), who insists she is actually Black and not Redbone. She also insists that I, and the rest of my family, is Black as well. She of course does not have any genealogy or any other proof that there is any Black blood in the family other than she wants to be "Black." In fact, DNA studies do not indicate, in any of the lines so far, that there is any recent "Black" blood. (Yes, Ray Bridges, who claims to be Redbone and is a 4 th cousin of mine, says I am a Mexican -- that the Goins were Mexican, and I do look brown, but there is no truth to it -- except, the Goins were Mexicans after being Americans and before becoming Texicans -- Ray is really not very bright).
Yes, you can say "so what, what's the big deal?" There is of course, no big deal, I say everyone needs to be somewhere, but being Black might not be that easy. What do you do to be Black? What does Black look like? If I want to be Indian, I just braid my hair, speak in halting English, eat fry bread and spend my time at Pow Wows. See how easy it is to be an Indian? I gave you the Hollywood image and you bought into it right away. But what do you do to appear Black? Eat ethnic food? Stand in the sun all day?
Now it would seem to me if I was a Black Man or Woman, I might find it some what insulting to have an obviously "White" Woman insist that she is Black, then, on the other hand, I might just blow it off as a crazy White Woman. Personally, I do not care what she wants to be because it does not really affect me directly. But what do you do with a relation who accuses you of being a racist because you refuse to go along with her "Black" plan? What if the Rev. Wright was really White; can he prove he is Black and not a wannabe?
I think there is a need for a "Black" card. Call it a "Certificate of Degree of Black Blood," (CDBB). This card would be proof that you had "Black" blood even if you had no Black features -- this card of course is long overdue. In fact, they need to issue one in this country for Jewish people as well. It would be the "Certificate of Degree of Jewish Blood," (CDJB). This would do away with the wannabe factor and protect various cultures from unknowing contamination...hmmmmm, seems like a 1930-40 German leader had the same idea.
Why a card? North American Indian people carry the card, "Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood," (CDIB) -- I carry one. If it's good enough for Indians, it should be good enough for Blacks, and -- it would protect them from my goofy wannabe cousin and certify all the reverands. It would also create new jobs, the Bureau of Black Affairs, (BBA), and the Bureau of Jewish Affairs, (BJA), or the Bureau of Chinese or Turkish Affairs, (BCA or BTA) and Congress would have new money streams for raises. Finally, everyone in the country would know who they "really were." But, could they prove their blood?
What if the Rev. Jesse Jackson's, Rev. Al Sharpton's and others - Barrack Obama and the Rev. Jeremiah Wright could not prove being Black? What would you have to "prove to be Black?" How many people would be left out because they could not prove it? You know, there are plenty of folks out there who look Indian, and want to be Indian, but they are not -- and there are plenty of real Indians who just can't prove it either. The same applies to Black's, but we could classify them as Wannabe's, Mulatto's, "free people of Color" or others, if they could not prove their blood. That way, they would have some place in the new world order.
These cards would also put the race baiters out of business (well, I'm just saying that because it sounds good), what if the race baiters could not prove their race? Does this all sound bizarre? Is it bizarre that North American Indians carry a card to prove they are Indians?
So what do you say to a cousin who insists you are Black and calls you a racist because you question her comments? Of course, she can always change back to White or Indian in the blink of an eye -- thus the wannabe. Any ideas? Some people's kids!
Best,
GARY J. GABEHART, Mishiho (Mish-eh-ho)
Mishiho@aol.com
By Gary J. Gabehart
I have a cousin, at least she claims to be (she's never been able to present the genealogy), who insists she is actually Black and not Redbone. She also insists that I, and the rest of my family, is Black as well. She of course does not have any genealogy or any other proof that there is any Black blood in the family other than she wants to be "Black." In fact, DNA studies do not indicate, in any of the lines so far, that there is any recent "Black" blood. (Yes, Ray Bridges, who claims to be Redbone and is a 4 th cousin of mine, says I am a Mexican -- that the Goins were Mexican, and I do look brown, but there is no truth to it -- except, the Goins were Mexicans after being Americans and before becoming Texicans -- Ray is really not very bright).
Yes, you can say "so what, what's the big deal?" There is of course, no big deal, I say everyone needs to be somewhere, but being Black might not be that easy. What do you do to be Black? What does Black look like? If I want to be Indian, I just braid my hair, speak in halting English, eat fry bread and spend my time at Pow Wows. See how easy it is to be an Indian? I gave you the Hollywood image and you bought into it right away. But what do you do to appear Black? Eat ethnic food? Stand in the sun all day?
Now it would seem to me if I was a Black Man or Woman, I might find it some what insulting to have an obviously "White" Woman insist that she is Black, then, on the other hand, I might just blow it off as a crazy White Woman. Personally, I do not care what she wants to be because it does not really affect me directly. But what do you do with a relation who accuses you of being a racist because you refuse to go along with her "Black" plan? What if the Rev. Wright was really White; can he prove he is Black and not a wannabe?
I think there is a need for a "Black" card. Call it a "Certificate of Degree of Black Blood," (CDBB). This card would be proof that you had "Black" blood even if you had no Black features -- this card of course is long overdue. In fact, they need to issue one in this country for Jewish people as well. It would be the "Certificate of Degree of Jewish Blood," (CDJB). This would do away with the wannabe factor and protect various cultures from unknowing contamination...hmmmmm, seems like a 1930-40 German leader had the same idea.
Why a card? North American Indian people carry the card, "Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood," (CDIB) -- I carry one. If it's good enough for Indians, it should be good enough for Blacks, and -- it would protect them from my goofy wannabe cousin and certify all the reverands. It would also create new jobs, the Bureau of Black Affairs, (BBA), and the Bureau of Jewish Affairs, (BJA), or the Bureau of Chinese or Turkish Affairs, (BCA or BTA) and Congress would have new money streams for raises. Finally, everyone in the country would know who they "really were." But, could they prove their blood?
What if the Rev. Jesse Jackson's, Rev. Al Sharpton's and others - Barrack Obama and the Rev. Jeremiah Wright could not prove being Black? What would you have to "prove to be Black?" How many people would be left out because they could not prove it? You know, there are plenty of folks out there who look Indian, and want to be Indian, but they are not -- and there are plenty of real Indians who just can't prove it either. The same applies to Black's, but we could classify them as Wannabe's, Mulatto's, "free people of Color" or others, if they could not prove their blood. That way, they would have some place in the new world order.
These cards would also put the race baiters out of business (well, I'm just saying that because it sounds good), what if the race baiters could not prove their race? Does this all sound bizarre? Is it bizarre that North American Indians carry a card to prove they are Indians?
So what do you say to a cousin who insists you are Black and calls you a racist because you question her comments? Of course, she can always change back to White or Indian in the blink of an eye -- thus the wannabe. Any ideas? Some people's kids!
Best,
GARY J. GABEHART, Mishiho (Mish-eh-ho)
Mishiho@aol.com
Daily Nebraskan
Powwow begins celebration of Native American Month
Amy Nichols
Monday, November 19, 2001
Updated: Saturday, November 29, 2008
Michael Modrcin/DN
Marcella Gilbert, 40, dances during the University of Nebraska Inter-Tribal Exchange powwow Sunday in the Nebraska Union Ballroom. Gilbert is a member of the Lakota Tribe and has been dancing in powwows since she was very young.
The drummers started, thump, thump, thump, thump. Three dancers entered the crowded room dressed in brightly colored, native clothes adorned with beads and feathers.
The first one carried the staff, the second carried the American flag, and the third carried the Nebraska state flag.
The other dancers followed, dancing clockwise around the center drum. The UNL powwow had begun.
The powwow, sponsored by University of Nebraska Intertribal Exchange (U.N.I.T.E.), was part of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln celebration of Native American Month. It was held on Saturday and Sunday in the Nebraska Union.
The powwow is a combination of a religious and social gathering. It begins with a prayer, followed by a flag procession to honor the tribe and the United States.
The staff is an old tradition and usually consists of an eagle feather and other religious objects.
Chief Jake Swamp of the Wolf Clan of the Mohawk Nation gave the invocation in his native language and then gave a speech in English. He said everyone should always be thankful for the good things in their lives.
"That's what we're trying to teach people, to be thankful each day," Swamp said.
The first dance was a victory dance for our troops overseas. "The United States is our country," said emcee, Xavier "Sonny" Delapass, "We fight together anywhere."
"This dance is for our people in Afghanistan," said Delapass, "We will win the war."
No one could start dancing until the head man and head lady dancers started. The head man dancer was Brandon Stabler from the Omaha tribe. The head woman dancer was UNL graduate Misty Thomas from the Santee tribe.
The rest of the powwow was a mix of traditional dances and intertribal dances where everyone is allowed to participate. One of the dances was a veterans' dance to honor the veterans of any war. The families of the dancers also participated. One family danced in honor of their father, a veteran, who recently died.
The Indian two step, a partner dance, gave everyone a chance to dance and for those who aren't American Indian, a chance to learn actual steps to a dance.
The princesses were introduced to the crowd. The job of a princess is to go to various powwows to represent the tribe or organization she is elected from.
Freshman English major Regina Grant, this year's princess of U.N.I.T.E., was taught by her dad's family how to dance.
Grant, a member of the Omaha tribe, has been dancing since before she was two years old. Grant said she enjoyed dancing because she's been doing it so long that it is a big part of her life.
"It reminds me of where I come from," Grant said, "There's a lot of people here who know a lot about the culture."
The powwow ended in reverse of how it began, with the removal of the staff and flags.
The reason for the month-long celebration was to introduce people to the American Indian culture.
"These events are important for everybody," said UNL history professor, Dennis J. Smith, a member of the Assiniboine tribe.
"It is important for non-Indians to educate them and introduce them to the cultures. It's also good for Indian people. Some don't know about their own tribal culture. This makes them more cultural and more knowledgeable."
Amy Nichols
Monday, November 19, 2001
Updated: Saturday, November 29, 2008
Michael Modrcin/DN
Marcella Gilbert, 40, dances during the University of Nebraska Inter-Tribal Exchange powwow Sunday in the Nebraska Union Ballroom. Gilbert is a member of the Lakota Tribe and has been dancing in powwows since she was very young.
The drummers started, thump, thump, thump, thump. Three dancers entered the crowded room dressed in brightly colored, native clothes adorned with beads and feathers.
The first one carried the staff, the second carried the American flag, and the third carried the Nebraska state flag.
The other dancers followed, dancing clockwise around the center drum. The UNL powwow had begun.
The powwow, sponsored by University of Nebraska Intertribal Exchange (U.N.I.T.E.), was part of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln celebration of Native American Month. It was held on Saturday and Sunday in the Nebraska Union.
The powwow is a combination of a religious and social gathering. It begins with a prayer, followed by a flag procession to honor the tribe and the United States.
The staff is an old tradition and usually consists of an eagle feather and other religious objects.
Chief Jake Swamp of the Wolf Clan of the Mohawk Nation gave the invocation in his native language and then gave a speech in English. He said everyone should always be thankful for the good things in their lives.
"That's what we're trying to teach people, to be thankful each day," Swamp said.
The first dance was a victory dance for our troops overseas. "The United States is our country," said emcee, Xavier "Sonny" Delapass, "We fight together anywhere."
"This dance is for our people in Afghanistan," said Delapass, "We will win the war."
No one could start dancing until the head man and head lady dancers started. The head man dancer was Brandon Stabler from the Omaha tribe. The head woman dancer was UNL graduate Misty Thomas from the Santee tribe.
The rest of the powwow was a mix of traditional dances and intertribal dances where everyone is allowed to participate. One of the dances was a veterans' dance to honor the veterans of any war. The families of the dancers also participated. One family danced in honor of their father, a veteran, who recently died.
The Indian two step, a partner dance, gave everyone a chance to dance and for those who aren't American Indian, a chance to learn actual steps to a dance.
The princesses were introduced to the crowd. The job of a princess is to go to various powwows to represent the tribe or organization she is elected from.
Freshman English major Regina Grant, this year's princess of U.N.I.T.E., was taught by her dad's family how to dance.
Grant, a member of the Omaha tribe, has been dancing since before she was two years old. Grant said she enjoyed dancing because she's been doing it so long that it is a big part of her life.
"It reminds me of where I come from," Grant said, "There's a lot of people here who know a lot about the culture."
The powwow ended in reverse of how it began, with the removal of the staff and flags.
The reason for the month-long celebration was to introduce people to the American Indian culture.
"These events are important for everybody," said UNL history professor, Dennis J. Smith, a member of the Assiniboine tribe.
"It is important for non-Indians to educate them and introduce them to the cultures. It's also good for Indian people. Some don't know about their own tribal culture. This makes them more cultural and more knowledgeable."
Dancers deliver dignity
By NICK GEORGIOU, LAREDO MORNING TIMES
05/24/2008
There's a lesson to learn from rabbits, and many other animals, for that matter, said Emma Ortega, a Native American storyteller of the Lipan Apache tribe.She said a rabbit can be viewed as sweet and mild, but plant a vegetable or flower garden in its territory, and it'll ravage it.
"The rabbit teaches us opposites," she said. "How do we see it? Do we see it with laughter, or do we see it with anger?"
It's important to remember that the people encroached upon the rabbit's territory, not the other way around, Ortega said.
For years, she has been participating as a storyteller in Laredo's Memorial Day Pow-Wow, which kicked off Friday night at the Laredo Civic Center, 2400 San Bernardo Ave.
Xavier Delapass, a Comanche and founder of the American Indian Council of Laredo, said the purpose of the intertribal event is to educate, sing, dance, and buy and sell Native American crafts.
It's also a time to see old friends, he said.
The participants, from tribes such as the Comanche, Apache, Sioux and Shawnee, perform numerous dances, including the grass, straight and fancy dancer.
The Head Man dancer at this year's Pow-Wow is Lucio Jimenez from the Kickipoo tribe, and the Head Lady dancer is Kathy Dodd from McAllen.
"No man goes into the arena until he goes to dance, and no lady will dance until (Dodd) dances," Delapass said.
Providing the drum music for the two-day event are the Huisache Creek Singers, a drum group that started 37 years ago, said Roberto Soto, a member of the group and a pastor in McAllen.
"Anyone is welcome to enjoy the dance," he said.
The special guest at the event was a Chiracahua war chief and former Navy Seal.
"He's a man to be respected," Delapass said.
Next year, he said he hopes to get Miss USA 1984 to be the special guest at the event.
"I want to try to make it a bit more flashy for people," he said.
Also at the event were about 20 vendors, which shows the event's growing success, Delapass said.
"You need to be dedicated to this and make it a success," he said. "We haven't had this many vendors in five or six years."
The Pow-Wow also used to feature competitions, but Delapass said he stopped doing it because he doesn't believe in competitions.
"Where there's money, there's greed," he said. "We do this, a friendly and brotherly pow-wow. Back in the old days, there was no competition. You dance for fun."
Delapass said he started the intertribal Pow-Wow and the American Indian Council of Laredo in the early 1990s to unite the local Indian people and honor his grandfather, Theodore Roosevelt Delapass, who served in the Army and fought in World War II and Korea.
The Memorial Day Pow-Wow continues today from noon to 10 p.m.
Admission is free.
(Nick Georgiou may be reached at (956) 728-2582 or by e-mail at nickg@lmtonline.com)
©Laredo Morning Times 2009
By NICK GEORGIOU, LAREDO MORNING TIMES
05/24/2008
There's a lesson to learn from rabbits, and many other animals, for that matter, said Emma Ortega, a Native American storyteller of the Lipan Apache tribe.She said a rabbit can be viewed as sweet and mild, but plant a vegetable or flower garden in its territory, and it'll ravage it.
"The rabbit teaches us opposites," she said. "How do we see it? Do we see it with laughter, or do we see it with anger?"
It's important to remember that the people encroached upon the rabbit's territory, not the other way around, Ortega said.
For years, she has been participating as a storyteller in Laredo's Memorial Day Pow-Wow, which kicked off Friday night at the Laredo Civic Center, 2400 San Bernardo Ave.
Xavier Delapass, a Comanche and founder of the American Indian Council of Laredo, said the purpose of the intertribal event is to educate, sing, dance, and buy and sell Native American crafts.
It's also a time to see old friends, he said.
The participants, from tribes such as the Comanche, Apache, Sioux and Shawnee, perform numerous dances, including the grass, straight and fancy dancer.
The Head Man dancer at this year's Pow-Wow is Lucio Jimenez from the Kickipoo tribe, and the Head Lady dancer is Kathy Dodd from McAllen.
"No man goes into the arena until he goes to dance, and no lady will dance until (Dodd) dances," Delapass said.
Providing the drum music for the two-day event are the Huisache Creek Singers, a drum group that started 37 years ago, said Roberto Soto, a member of the group and a pastor in McAllen.
"Anyone is welcome to enjoy the dance," he said.
The special guest at the event was a Chiracahua war chief and former Navy Seal.
"He's a man to be respected," Delapass said.
Next year, he said he hopes to get Miss USA 1984 to be the special guest at the event.
"I want to try to make it a bit more flashy for people," he said.
Also at the event were about 20 vendors, which shows the event's growing success, Delapass said.
"You need to be dedicated to this and make it a success," he said. "We haven't had this many vendors in five or six years."
The Pow-Wow also used to feature competitions, but Delapass said he stopped doing it because he doesn't believe in competitions.
"Where there's money, there's greed," he said. "We do this, a friendly and brotherly pow-wow. Back in the old days, there was no competition. You dance for fun."
Delapass said he started the intertribal Pow-Wow and the American Indian Council of Laredo in the early 1990s to unite the local Indian people and honor his grandfather, Theodore Roosevelt Delapass, who served in the Army and fought in World War II and Korea.
The Memorial Day Pow-Wow continues today from noon to 10 p.m.
Admission is free.
(Nick Georgiou may be reached at (956) 728-2582 or by e-mail at nickg@lmtonline.com)
©Laredo Morning Times 2009
2nd Battle of the Alamo pt2
# 1 -- OUR WORLD
By Gary J. Gabehart
Our world, the Indian world, is not the world of John Wayne, Naked Gun, Iron Eyes Cody or "tu tybo" Larry Keels (only mention this creep is going to get). Nor is it the world of 20th Century Westerns or the dime store novels which came before the talkies. Without a doubt Hollywood, and the ignorant media, will continue to portray us as the ugly bogey man, as that is what counts when $$$ dollars are at stake.
Indians are likely your grandparents and their great grandparents if you are reading this. But perhaps you really never thought about it even or you are not North American Indian related.
Now you will note that I will use "North American Indian" in this blog and not the wimpy politically correct folks "Native American." If Chris Columbus found it necessary to coin the word Indians during his search for Hindustan, too bad, it has stuck -- I'm an Indian -- North American Indian!
And you better know right now that the business you heard for years and which is still taught in our schools today, that Chris named us "Indians" because he was looking for India and thought he had found it -- IS WRONG. India was not called India in those days, it was called Hindustan. His reference was to a people with manners of the clergy "El In Dios."
Now I don't spend my time at "Pow Wow's." This would be like the white guy spending his time at "Bar-B-Q's." Originally, this was a religious gathering known as Pau Wau. But today, it is simply known as a Pow Wow or a gathering of the people -- that's right, just like the white guys Bar-B-Q.
When my father grew up in Oklahoma, it was against the law for Indians to gather together in a group (1930) -- they had to sneak off just to have a party and eat some Bar-B-Q, fry bread or the things that Mexicans later made famous as "Mexican Food." Excuse me, you thought tacos and tortillas were Mexican food? Not hardly.
At times I am asked what my "Indian Name" is and I reply "Gabehart." Oh, you mean the Indian family name? It was "Pushshukke." What does that mean? I don't know, what does the surnames Smith and Jones mean?
What did my family do for a living? You mean when they were not skinning White guys? They were ranchers, stock raisers, law-enforcement personnel, gun-fighters, Texas Rangers, Ministers, you name it. They did every pioneering job known to man.
Indians were real people who did not wear feathers in their hair. They had blood in their veins and lived in small Indian towns with Grandparents, Parents, Aunts and Uncles, cousins and second cousins. When an Indian village was burnt, a whole town or city for that matter was destroyed.
What did my Great-Great Grandparents wear? What did your Great-Great Grandparents wear? They wore cloths, most of it home spun, some of it store bought. It was that way back into the 1700's for my family. But let me tell you this, my family out of the Northeast did not likely jack around in loin cloths unless they were sun-bathing.
Next issue, more about ITCAI.
Best,
Gary J. Gabehart, Mishiho (Mish-eh-ho)
Mishiho@aol.com
By Gary J. Gabehart
Our world, the Indian world, is not the world of John Wayne, Naked Gun, Iron Eyes Cody or "tu tybo" Larry Keels (only mention this creep is going to get). Nor is it the world of 20th Century Westerns or the dime store novels which came before the talkies. Without a doubt Hollywood, and the ignorant media, will continue to portray us as the ugly bogey man, as that is what counts when $$$ dollars are at stake.
Indians are likely your grandparents and their great grandparents if you are reading this. But perhaps you really never thought about it even or you are not North American Indian related.
Now you will note that I will use "North American Indian" in this blog and not the wimpy politically correct folks "Native American." If Chris Columbus found it necessary to coin the word Indians during his search for Hindustan, too bad, it has stuck -- I'm an Indian -- North American Indian!
And you better know right now that the business you heard for years and which is still taught in our schools today, that Chris named us "Indians" because he was looking for India and thought he had found it -- IS WRONG. India was not called India in those days, it was called Hindustan. His reference was to a people with manners of the clergy "El In Dios."
Now I don't spend my time at "Pow Wow's." This would be like the white guy spending his time at "Bar-B-Q's." Originally, this was a religious gathering known as Pau Wau. But today, it is simply known as a Pow Wow or a gathering of the people -- that's right, just like the white guys Bar-B-Q.
When my father grew up in Oklahoma, it was against the law for Indians to gather together in a group (1930) -- they had to sneak off just to have a party and eat some Bar-B-Q, fry bread or the things that Mexicans later made famous as "Mexican Food." Excuse me, you thought tacos and tortillas were Mexican food? Not hardly.
At times I am asked what my "Indian Name" is and I reply "Gabehart." Oh, you mean the Indian family name? It was "Pushshukke." What does that mean? I don't know, what does the surnames Smith and Jones mean?
What did my family do for a living? You mean when they were not skinning White guys? They were ranchers, stock raisers, law-enforcement personnel, gun-fighters, Texas Rangers, Ministers, you name it. They did every pioneering job known to man.
Indians were real people who did not wear feathers in their hair. They had blood in their veins and lived in small Indian towns with Grandparents, Parents, Aunts and Uncles, cousins and second cousins. When an Indian village was burnt, a whole town or city for that matter was destroyed.
What did my Great-Great Grandparents wear? What did your Great-Great Grandparents wear? They wore cloths, most of it home spun, some of it store bought. It was that way back into the 1700's for my family. But let me tell you this, my family out of the Northeast did not likely jack around in loin cloths unless they were sun-bathing.
Next issue, more about ITCAI.
Best,
Gary J. Gabehart, Mishiho (Mish-eh-ho)
Mishiho@aol.com
2nd Battle of the Alamo pt1
INTER-TRIBAL COUNCIL OF AMERICAN INDIANS
The Inter-Tribal Council of American Indians, formed in 1993 at San Antonio, Texas, below the parapets of the Alamo, by Gary J. Gabehart, Dr. Judy New Bell Eagle, Xaxier Delapass Sanchez, Capt. Daniel L. Gabehart, Tomas Tobares, Erwin DeLuna, and Tammy Gabehart, is a Historical/ Educational Organization protecting the North American Indian heritage of Texas and its cultures. ITCAI is not affiliated with other Indian organizations. Collectively, ITCAI is known as "the Indian at the Alamo."
Thursday, January 3, 2008
# 2 -- REMEMBERANCE, THE BEGINNING
By Gary J. Gabehart
In 1993, I led an Indian group composed of Dr. Judy New Bell Eagle (Comanche), Xavier Delapass Sanchez (Comanche), Tomas Tobares (Lipan), Capt. Dan Gabehart (Chickasaw) and Erwin De Luna (Navajo). Our mission was simple, recognize the role that Indians played before, during and after the Battle of the Alamo. Our group? The Inter-Tribal Council of American Indians, Inc. (ITCAI).
Little did we know, that opposing groups, many of them simple fruitcakes, bed bugs, carpetbaggers and con artists would morph out of the ground in an attempt to usurp our groups mission. Of course, some groups, such as the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, were legitimate and there were a few others. But still other goofy groups, such as the group of pseudo Indians led by Raymond Hernandez, who could never make up his mind about what kind of Indian he was, and Richard Garay his partner played to the weak minded. Hernandez and Garay, the latter who was to become a convicted child molester, represented a group called the "American Indians of Texas at San Antonio Missions" or some such name, performed made up rituals in front of the Alamo bordering on lunacy. The only thing not present during their performances were popcorn vendors and Raspa stands.
Since those days, there have been many other people who have surfaced to claim the winning of the "second battle of the Alamo" in order to make a living from what they read in the newspapers -- making false presentations to civic groups as the person(s) who made it happen. One such individual, an attorney, who had no such involvement with ITCAI, drummed his presentations to whom ever would accept them as the brains behind the movement -- brains behind the movement?
So what did ITCAI attempt to do? First, to close one or two streets that crossed the Alamo fort where the battle took place and which carried mega tons of vehicle traffic each day; and second, recognize the Indian burials at the Alamo. Did we attain our goals? Yes, after months of political nonsense, posturing for the camera's, newspapers, radio and television, National Magazines, and -- the agenda's of all these other folks, we closed one street and recognized Indian involvement at the Alamo.
How long did it take? Looking back, it seems like years and years now. The media had a heyday, the politicians got their licks in, the legitimate opposing groups made their points and the fruitcakes found their warm puppies. Was it worth the energy? You bet it was, after the smoke of the second battle cleared, San Antonio, with the help of the media, had recovered what once was a dimly remembered past.
If you've never spent time in San Antonio, you would probably have never been exposed to the rich Spanish and French culture of the area or the historic events that occurred there. The Alamo is but one site of interest and unless you are a history buff, you probably would not see the humor in a tourist questioning "how did the hundreds of defenders all fit in the Alamo" or lamenting as to "why did they build the fort in the downtown area?"
One thing you have to understand is that Indians were just not talked about in San Antonio, if anything, they were all in Oklahoma. To deep rooted Texian's, there were no Indians in Texas, only Whites, Mexicans and a hand full of Negro's. Indians were those folks such as Iron Eyes Cody who were just passing through, and the local North American Indians, along with the Mexican Indians, kept their heads down. All that began to change after ITCAI came along in 1993.
As I have said, the media had a heyday, Indians were now new to San Antonian's, and it was a slow news day, week, month and year; there was a feeding frenzy to come if just one Indian popped his or her head up, and most of it was a result of the lack of Indian icons. Where had all the feathers, bows and arrows and bones in the noses of aborigines gone, certainly not in the Daughters of the Republic of Texas [DRT] gift shop with the rubber tomahawk's, plastic arrow's and gaudy Tom-Tom's. Indians were the forgotten people.
Although ITCAI used few icons beyond Texan dress and business suits, they did use some, such as, a large council drum, a flint tipped arrow as a scepter or pointer and when the DRT banned arrows from Alamo property as a lethal weapon (must have been the lack of a rubber stick'um tip), finally, a cedar tree staff taken from the Texas hill country.
NEXT: THE BATTLE BEGINS!
Gary J. Gabehart, Mishiho (Mish-eh-ho)
Mishiho@aol.com
The Inter-Tribal Council of American Indians, formed in 1993 at San Antonio, Texas, below the parapets of the Alamo, by Gary J. Gabehart, Dr. Judy New Bell Eagle, Xaxier Delapass Sanchez, Capt. Daniel L. Gabehart, Tomas Tobares, Erwin DeLuna, and Tammy Gabehart, is a Historical/ Educational Organization protecting the North American Indian heritage of Texas and its cultures. ITCAI is not affiliated with other Indian organizations. Collectively, ITCAI is known as "the Indian at the Alamo."
Thursday, January 3, 2008
# 2 -- REMEMBERANCE, THE BEGINNING
By Gary J. Gabehart
In 1993, I led an Indian group composed of Dr. Judy New Bell Eagle (Comanche), Xavier Delapass Sanchez (Comanche), Tomas Tobares (Lipan), Capt. Dan Gabehart (Chickasaw) and Erwin De Luna (Navajo). Our mission was simple, recognize the role that Indians played before, during and after the Battle of the Alamo. Our group? The Inter-Tribal Council of American Indians, Inc. (ITCAI).
Little did we know, that opposing groups, many of them simple fruitcakes, bed bugs, carpetbaggers and con artists would morph out of the ground in an attempt to usurp our groups mission. Of course, some groups, such as the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, were legitimate and there were a few others. But still other goofy groups, such as the group of pseudo Indians led by Raymond Hernandez, who could never make up his mind about what kind of Indian he was, and Richard Garay his partner played to the weak minded. Hernandez and Garay, the latter who was to become a convicted child molester, represented a group called the "American Indians of Texas at San Antonio Missions" or some such name, performed made up rituals in front of the Alamo bordering on lunacy. The only thing not present during their performances were popcorn vendors and Raspa stands.
Since those days, there have been many other people who have surfaced to claim the winning of the "second battle of the Alamo" in order to make a living from what they read in the newspapers -- making false presentations to civic groups as the person(s) who made it happen. One such individual, an attorney, who had no such involvement with ITCAI, drummed his presentations to whom ever would accept them as the brains behind the movement -- brains behind the movement?
So what did ITCAI attempt to do? First, to close one or two streets that crossed the Alamo fort where the battle took place and which carried mega tons of vehicle traffic each day; and second, recognize the Indian burials at the Alamo. Did we attain our goals? Yes, after months of political nonsense, posturing for the camera's, newspapers, radio and television, National Magazines, and -- the agenda's of all these other folks, we closed one street and recognized Indian involvement at the Alamo.
How long did it take? Looking back, it seems like years and years now. The media had a heyday, the politicians got their licks in, the legitimate opposing groups made their points and the fruitcakes found their warm puppies. Was it worth the energy? You bet it was, after the smoke of the second battle cleared, San Antonio, with the help of the media, had recovered what once was a dimly remembered past.
If you've never spent time in San Antonio, you would probably have never been exposed to the rich Spanish and French culture of the area or the historic events that occurred there. The Alamo is but one site of interest and unless you are a history buff, you probably would not see the humor in a tourist questioning "how did the hundreds of defenders all fit in the Alamo" or lamenting as to "why did they build the fort in the downtown area?"
One thing you have to understand is that Indians were just not talked about in San Antonio, if anything, they were all in Oklahoma. To deep rooted Texian's, there were no Indians in Texas, only Whites, Mexicans and a hand full of Negro's. Indians were those folks such as Iron Eyes Cody who were just passing through, and the local North American Indians, along with the Mexican Indians, kept their heads down. All that began to change after ITCAI came along in 1993.
As I have said, the media had a heyday, Indians were now new to San Antonian's, and it was a slow news day, week, month and year; there was a feeding frenzy to come if just one Indian popped his or her head up, and most of it was a result of the lack of Indian icons. Where had all the feathers, bows and arrows and bones in the noses of aborigines gone, certainly not in the Daughters of the Republic of Texas [DRT] gift shop with the rubber tomahawk's, plastic arrow's and gaudy Tom-Tom's. Indians were the forgotten people.
Although ITCAI used few icons beyond Texan dress and business suits, they did use some, such as, a large council drum, a flint tipped arrow as a scepter or pointer and when the DRT banned arrows from Alamo property as a lethal weapon (must have been the lack of a rubber stick'um tip), finally, a cedar tree staff taken from the Texas hill country.
NEXT: THE BATTLE BEGINS!
Gary J. Gabehart, Mishiho (Mish-eh-ho)
Mishiho@aol.com
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Asking For Peace
Fatigue has come upon me
Why are my people still persecuted
Five hundred years
When will it be over
Savages we were considered
Uncivilized to others
Why,....when all we wanted was peace
You took our land
It appeared you wanted our souls
Forbidden to speak our language
Banned our praised to God
None the less sing and dance
Why,....when all we wanted was peace
Our children were put for adoption
Taken to far away schools
Our leaders were placed in prison
Our women brutally raped
Exterminated our warriors
Why,....when all we wanted was peace
We have a reason for hatred
The right to fight
To have anger in our hearts
Dispise all foreigners
But why,....Why, when all we want is peace
Xavier Delapass
Why are my people still persecuted
Five hundred years
When will it be over
Savages we were considered
Uncivilized to others
Why,....when all we wanted was peace
You took our land
It appeared you wanted our souls
Forbidden to speak our language
Banned our praised to God
None the less sing and dance
Why,....when all we wanted was peace
Our children were put for adoption
Taken to far away schools
Our leaders were placed in prison
Our women brutally raped
Exterminated our warriors
Why,....when all we wanted was peace
We have a reason for hatred
The right to fight
To have anger in our hearts
Dispise all foreigners
But why,....Why, when all we want is peace
Xavier Delapass
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