OSU tipi - final words
John Berry (berryj@okway.okstate.edu)
Mon, 10 Apr 1995 16:54:13 -0600
To all,
First, my apologies to you for having posted such a notice in
anger. Second, thank you to all who wrote, thought, prayed in
support.
NASA (Native American Students Association) met last Thurs. to
discuss the incident, the president of NASA - Joe Jones, delivered the
consensus that, although members of NASA were shocked, that it was an
act of ignorance and that, "We don't carry any hard feelings. We'll
pray for the people who did this."
The Native American student Co-ordinator, Pete Coser said the
investigation is being left to the police and that, "We're taking the
traditional Indian approach. We believe that down the road those
responsible will be taken care of."
Individual members of the campus police offered apologies to
members of NAFSO (Native American Faculty & Staff) over the incident,
it is understood that they can't be everywhere.
The University Administration, President James Halligan and Vice
President Ron Beer, released a statement Thursday denouncing the
vandalism. That statement said, "It is extremely unfortunate that some
people will desecrate sacred symbols and property of others. We are
pursuing every avenue to apprehend the perpetrators and will take
appropriate action against anyone proven guilty in committing the
destruction." Vice President Beer added, We hope it was an isolated
event that does not reflect the feelings of the campus. He commended
NASA members, saying, "They have just been very, very responsible
while expressing concern in a mature way."
The feelings of NAFSO & NASA is that the incident does not reflect
the general campus climate. [personal opinion is that it was macho
individuals running on to much testosterone and beer from local campus
bars who gave it no thought].
The campus paper used much of the above for front page news.
A traditional prayer & smoke ceremony was held on the campus quad by
NASA on friday morning. An elder from Sac & Fox tribe led the
prayers. A healing. This is all I have to say about this.
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Friday evening NAFSO members met at Andrew Kelly's home and cooked
90 meat pies (Ponca style, many thanks to Lou Edith(Ponca) & Hazel
(Osage) although there was some discussion on which dough reciepe to
follow - friendly mind you)-now some of us can probably even make them
though I may not survive the practise and stay under 200lbs... After
we sampled 10 or so, and 15 were give-away, the rest were sold at the
Powwow on Saturday w/ the proceeds split 50/50 with NASA.
The students Powwow was held without interuption, the tipi was
re-raised that Saturday morning, a good turn out even though two other
Powwows were held in state that I know of. They did a very good job.
Thanks are due to the Osage Gourd Clan and all who attended, danced
and worked. Dinner was good![sigh, my priorities :-) ] There were 3
drums.
The University President showed up twice during the afternoon and
evening and at least a dozen faculty w/ family were present (maybe
more but that's all I recognized). Everyone left w/ smiles.
Be Well All, John Berry