turtleclaninc

Sekoh all
I been so busy lately.. had not been able to log on. I went home for a couple weeks in mid Oct. Born, reared around Syracuse Onondaga (Upstate NY) got kin scattered all over the state...went out to vist older brother in Salmanaca ...hit one stop, buffalo run was the only place that had e few Items ,the museum ....NO Bead work found ..a few earings thats it nothing nil notta I asked where was all the beadwork was....sad to say.... now that the casino is in ..people dont have to rely on native arts and crafts to make do.(growing up our income was maybe 2 ,3 grand a year). I know it has helped in every aspect of life there ..nice to see so many new luxuary cars on the rez now. but the loss of culture sure broke my heart. Whats your thought?

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In Search of the Elusive Government Cheese

subeeds

As a die hard beader I find it incredibly sad. As a Cheyenne, I find it tragic. I've come to think that it's just another way for the gov. to eliminate the Indians. What the heck, small pox in blankets didn't work, so we'll let them get filthy rich, turn more in to alcoholics and gambling addicts, then we'll have succeeded in eliminating that particular culture. Has the money gone to improving living conditions or schools? If so, then it's not totally bad. And with casinos, it's another way for Uncle Sam to get mega tax dollars. But overeall, it breaks my heart, too.

superndngyrl

Guess you guys are gonna have to depend on us oklahoma Indians. there's too many of us for our casinos to pay us big $$. haha :(

Blackbear

I take it you did'nt go to the casino then, where they are selling the beadwork... or did you? At least the one in Niagara Falls is selling the beadwork.. quite a bit of it too, and for good prices.

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Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear... just sing, sing a song.

turtleclaninc

Sekoh BB
yes i did go into the gift shop in the casino ...as stated a few earings a few original artworks ,native pottery but not from local artists and and a whole lot of non indian made clothes and knick-knacks embossed with tribal and casino logos.and yes prices were very good. even bought a hooded sweatshirt for corpse bride (loving nickname for wife whom is forever cold) last time i was home every shop had trays of Beadwork to ogle through :) i guess im old fashioned the worst problem facing our communities past to present is suicide rates ,alcoholizam and gambling woes. domestic Violance knowing that the tribe voted and passed resolutions for a casino...I sure dont see how it helps the people. and signing away tribal sovernty on taxation in my humble oppinion only allows the Govenment a foothold into thier Tribal Sovernty Abolishment quest..Ok iv'e vented ..I just wanted to buy some BEADWORK on my trip hehe ...If your ever in the Salmanaca area...check out Buffalo Run (downtown) the shop is packed with arts crafts goodies ,regaila all made from local native Artists and the shop is family run. please understand i ment no offence in this post to anyone i am just sharing my experience and thoughts on my trip.

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In Search of the Elusive Government Cheese