On behalf of the National Indian Education Association, it is with heartfelt sympathy that our condolences are extended to the family of former Chief Wilma Mankiller and the Cherokee Nation.

Chief Mankiller’s unwavering vision and compassionate leadership has been demonstrated many times as Native people strive to achieve self sufficiency.

Her legacy will continue to inspire the vision of NIEA as we work to advance Indian education in Indian country.

It is with pride Native children have culturally responsive books and materials in their classrooms and libraries with positive Native role models inspired by people such as Chief Mankiller.

We join Indian Country in the mourning of Chief Mankiller, truly a wonderful leader who inspired the world.

– Patricia L. Whitefoot, President of the National Indian Education Association. 

Article submitted by http://www.NewsForNatives.com

 Wilma Mankiller, the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation, died of pancreatic cancer Tuesday. She was 64.

The Oklahoma native served as chief of the Cherokee Nation from 1985 to 1995, and was the first female to do so, and in 1998, President Bill Clinton awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Mankiller spoke at OU in October at an American Indian symposium. She said Native American studies programs should partner with native communities to develop models that improve education, health, government and leadership among tribes.

“We need to chart a new course for the future,” Mankiller said. “Things have changed, so we need to change.”

Mankiller made a lasting mark on the state and the nation, OU President David Boren said.

“She helped all Americans understand the need to preserve the basic values of community and stewardship which are central to Native American culture,” Boren said by e-mail. “Above all, through her example she taught us the power of kindness and how to live and die with dignity.”

President Barack Obama said he was saddened to hear of her passing.

“Her legacy will continue to encourage and motivate all who carry on her work,” Obama said in a press release. “Michelle and I offer our condolences to Wilma’s family, especially her husband Charlie and two daughters, Gina and Felicia, as well as the Cherokee Nation and all those who knew her and were touched by her good works.”

Obama said Mankiller improved relations between American Indians and the federal government, and inspired American Indian girls to lead and speak out.

http://www.MendotaDakota.com

Age 62 of Inver Grove Heights Peacefully on Feb. 26, 2010 Preceded in death by father, Gerard; brothers, Michele & Thomas. Survived by loving wife of 36 years, Elizabeth “Betty”; son, Brent (Misty); daughter, Renee; mother, Berniece; brothers, Nicholas (Sharon), Mark (Kay), Paul (Betty Ann); sisters, Elisabeth (Dale) Thurber, Margaret (Patrick) Hylton & Ann (Daryl) Reinhardt; mother-in-law, Mary Burk; sisters-in-law, Kathy & Elaine LaPointe; special feline friends, Punky & Callie; also other relatives & friends. Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Tuesday at St. Peters Historic Catholic Church 1405 HWY 13, Mendota. Visitation 4-8 PM Monday at Roberts Funeral Home 8108 Barbara Ave. IGH. Also 9-10 AM prior to Mass at church. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred. Special thanks to HealthEast Hospice nurse, Patti & chaplain, Maureen. 651-455-2035

Respected elder and teacher Ona Kingbird passed away on January 19th, 2010. She was surrounded with family and friends at the time of her passing.

Ona was a respected teacher of Ojibwe language & culture for many years in various Minnesota schools, primarily working with Native youth through her many years at Heart of the Earth Survival School. She always loved working with young people and referred to all of her students as “my kids”.

Visitation will be held at the Mpls. American Indian Center located on 1530 E. Franklin Ave. The wake will begin on Thursday, January 21st at 3pm and will continue until Friday, January 22nd at 8am. She will then be transported back to the Red Lake Reservation village of Ponemah. Wake and burial services will continue at the Ponemah Community Center with funeral services being held on Sunday, January 24th, 2010.

Marie Winona Nordin

Member of the Santee Sioux Nation of Nebraska Age 97 Passed away peacefully on December 31, 2009 with family around her. Preceded in death by her husband, Theodore Nordin; daughter, Clarice Gombold (Jerry); son, Theodore Nordin Jr. (Kathy); and grand-children, Jerry Brunkhorst & Jerry Stanley. Survived by 5 children, Donna Schweitzberger Freeman (Del), Yvonne Taylor (Duane), Roxanne Hop (Bob), Connie Blaisdell (Alvin), & Wayne Nordin (Mary); numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren. Marie was a proud and wonderful woman. She was very much loved and respected by friends and family and will be greatly missed. MEMORIAL MASS 11 AM., Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at THE CHURCH OF ST. PETER, 1405 Sibley Mem’l Hwy.; Mendota. GATHERING OF FAMILY & FRIENDS one-hour prior to the Mass at church. Inurnment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the Wilder Foundation. 651-457-6200

> http://m.startribune.com/articles/194382771

Jackson-Rock, Shirley Passed away October 11, 2009. Preceded in death by father, David Jackson Sr.; brother, Darrell Jackson. Survived by husband, Aaron Rock; mother, Edith Mae Jackson; children, Maggie Jackson, Paul Jackson Sr., Corey Jackson Sr.; siblings, Faron Jackson Sr., Salina Jackson, Charles Jackson, David Jackson Sr., Keith Johns, Sharon Jackson, Ricky Jackson; eleven grandchildren, and many other family and friends. Visitation 6 PM Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at INDIAN MINISTRIES, Minneapolis. Interment Old Agency Cemetery, Onigum, MN. Historic Thomson-Dougherty 612-871-4407
Published in Star Tribune from October 13 to October 14, 2009

Lisa’s battle with cancer has ended. Lisa passed on August 4, 2009. Please say some prayers for her family.

Oct 3, at 3:00 there will be a memorial for Lisa at the Pond House in Bloomington MN.

Margaret Hill funeral is over. Just letting people now.

This is not our Maggie,  Margaret Hill from Mpls.

Wake for Joe Bush will be Thursday and Friday at the New Pine Point School starting at 7:00 p.m.

Traditional Funeral on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the New Pine Point School, burial will be at his home next to Margaret Norcross.

HOW MANY YEARS ARE THERE IN 1 TRILLION SECONDS

An Elder has left us………John L. Bobolink passed on May 16, 2009………[May 13, 1928 – May 16, 2009]

He was a member of the Leech Lake Reservation.  He was a loving father, grandfather, uncle and dear friend.  He was a servant of God, Preacher, Musician, Mentor and Lover of the people.

Wake Services: Friday, May 22, 2009 – 11 a.m. Indian Ministries, 3405 Park Avenue South , Minneapolis , MN Meal at 5 p.m.

Funeral Services: Saturday, May 23, 2009 – 1 p.m.  Bradshaw Mortuary, 3131 Minnehaha Avenue South , Minneapolis , MN

Burial: Sunday, May 24, 2009 – 3 p.m.  Mokahum – Cass Lake , MN

GRANITE FALLS — The Rev. Gary Clyde “Sungi’’ Cavender, 69, of Granite Falls died Friday at home.

The service will be 1 p.m. today at the Upper Sioux Multi-Purpose Building, rural Granite Falls. Burial will be Doncaster Cemetery.

An all-night wake continues until the time of service today. Wing-Bain Funeral Home of Granite Falls is handling arrangements.

Sungi (Red Fox) Gary Clyde Cavender was born Dec., 23, 1939.

The son of Verna Cavender-Ross, he was raised by William and Eliza Cavender of Granite Falls. He entered the Navy in 1961 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1965 as a crypto-radio operator, serving three tours of duty in Vietnam where he operated near the China border with long range reconnaissance patrols. He left the military due to injuries.

He lived in Minneapolis where he met his wife, Irene. They were foster parents to several Indian children. He attended the University of Minnesota where he received a degree in geriatric psychology and where he taught for several years. He attended United Theological Seminary and earned a degree in comparative spiritualities and religion. He served as an Episcopal priest in Minneapolis, Prairie Island, Morton, Shakopee and Omaha, Neb. They returned to Granite Falls three years ago.

He is survived by his wife; children: Robin (and Ward) Emery of Minneapolis, Chris (and Amy) Oak Grove of Granite Falls, Isaac Cavender of Granite Falls, and Steve Smith of Minneapolis; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and siblings: Carolynn Schommer, Tom (and Maureen) Ross, Richard (and Stephanie) Ross, Elroy (and Jill) Ross, James (and Nikkie) Ross, Joe Sam (and Kristi) Ross, Diana Cavender, Marlys (and James) Fluto, Candy (and Chuck) Hamilton, Carol Blackhawk and Geri Standing Bear.

Florence passed on Tuesday March 17, 2009. Lisa, her daughter said Florence loved to dance at the Mendota Pow Wow.

She loved to dance at all the Pow Wows to which she went. Florence, you will be dearly missed.

The service will be at the Church of Gichitwaa Kateri, 3045 Park Ave So. N.E. corner of 31st & Park, 1 block So of Lake St.

Florence’s wake begins Tuesday, 3-24-2009 at 10:00 A.M. with a drum and prayers at 7:00 P.M. Followed by a pot-luck feast.

Wake continues until the funeral Wednesday, 3-25-2009 at 10:00 A.M. Also followed by a pot-luck feast.

P.S. Lisa would like to say thank you, for all of you who sent their condolences.

Sharon