The following is an open letter to the Leech Lake People. While Leech Lake
Chairman Eli Hunt is in the Twin Cities on Tribal Business, the BIA
recognized 'council' is still hiding out and refusing to meet with their
people. These are the same 'generous' people who "donated" $5000 of tribal
funds for a tribal member to attend a golf tournament.
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Bernard J. Rock, Sr. Commander, AMVETS Post #40
& AMVETS 3rd District Commander
R.R. 2 Box 268E
Cass Lake, Minnesota 56633
August 12, 1996
An Open Letter to the Leech Lake People,
From August 18 to August 23 a delegation of Leech Lake Veterans and their
spouses will be attending a cross-cultural training program and traditional
gathering at Camp Chaparral on the Yakima Reservation in the state of
Washington as guests of the Yakima Nation.
This morning at 11:00 A.M., I went to the Leech Lake Tribal Office to seek
a donation to help with the traveling expenses for this delegation. The
only council member in the office was Jack Seeyle. He refused to see me.
This gathering, "A Healing of Veterans," is extremely beneficial and
educational for the participants, who gain a better understanding of post
traumatic stress disorder (p.t.s.d.), cultural stress, and the emotional
and psychological impact these have on the family and the community.
Participants of this "Circle of Healing" return to their communities
committed to helping their families, their fellow veterans and neighbors
understand and heal from the spiritual, emotional and physical wounds of
war, the wounds of the family, and the cross generational p.t.s.d. This
trip truly is for the good of the people.
We are fortunate that the Tribal Council of the Yakima Nation still
remembers how to share with their Indian brothers and sisters. It really
is a shame that Leech Lake District Representative Seeyle is too negative
to recognize or remember our own people and our veterans.
Respectfully,
Bernard J. Rock, Sr.
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Bernard J. Rock, Sr.
Leech Lake Pillager Band
Spotted Eagle Warrior Society
North Central Minnesota Native American Veterans Outreach and Resource Center