AAIWV WEBPAGE: http://www.aaiwv.org May 2002 Volume 14 Issue 5

Next Tribal Meeting: Saturday May 25 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

1600 Kanawha Boulevard E., Charleston WV

Council Meeting at 10:00 a.m., Tribal meeting at 12:00 noon

Regional Gatherings: Delbarton: Saturday May 11, 12:00 noon at home of Spirit Dancer

Greenbrier: Tuesday May 28, 6:00 p.m. at Alderson

Wapacoli Ani: Contact local organizers

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Tribal Officers Tribal Council Tribal Faithkeeper

Principal Chief: All numbers are in 304 area code

Clemenceau Allen 294-6513 Wayne Appleton 357-1723 Karen Sue Stone-Stalnaker 595-3216

Chief: Bill Berdine 425-5750

Virginia Smith 753-4253 Connie Brown 645-1042 Head Veteran: Dennie E. Love

Tribal Officer: Louise Diamond-Curry 475-2132 2408 Myers Ave. Apt. #1

Larry Brown 645-1042 June Ford 438-6896 Dunbar, WV 25064-2244

HC-81, Box 280-D, Lewisburg WV 24901 Mitchel Hoffman 273-2471

TwoRivers40@hotmail.com Art Holcomb 587-2255

Secretary: C. R. Mitchem 645-5484 Newsletter Editor: Wayne Appleton

Mel Charlton 778-9578 Bob Parkins 746-4480 (H) 342-0884

RR 2, Box 326, Branchland, WV 25506 Marlena Ponceroff 879-5502 (W) 357-1723

mebdrum1@citlink.net Pete Stalnaker 595-3216 1418 Virginia St. East

Treasurer: Bill Stone 438-8902 Charleston, WV 25301

Gary Graham 438-6087 Connie Stone 438-8902 Apple10@aol.com

PO Box 672, Rainelle, WV 25962 Karen Stone-Stalnaker 595-3216

holybull95@earthlink.net Val Stone 294-5386

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O'Siyo family in ANI

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of AAIWV who sent condolences upon the passing of my father, Grey Eagle. Specifically, I would like to thank Little Dove, a great friend and support for me at this time.......Chief Brown Fox, whose brother is now helping my father along the spirit road; Maka and Waya; two friends I do not see nearly enough of, and hopefully, that is rectified soon. I know I have left many out, and for that I apologize. Rest assured that you who have supported me in my loss are NOT forgotten! Wado Tohi Storm Rider

Siyo, brothers and sisters,
In the March issue of the Voice, a candidate for Council included my name in his statement. This was done without my knowledge or consent. I do not want anyone to misunderstand and think that I support or endorse a particular candidate because of a statement the candidate has made. However, I do encourage everyone to support your favorite candidates by voting - either by attending the election in Charleston in June or by requesting an absentee ballot if unable to come to the meeting. With respect, Maka.

Our Delbarton Gathering went very well.We had a discussion on the upcoming election. The importance of our voting, for the ones we know who will and has done a good job. We had a good turn out. We went for a nature walk found a lot of plants,and talked about how to cook them. Our next meeting will be May 11, 12 noon, at my home. We will be making a basket out of vines, for our art lesson. For more information call Spirit Dancer 475-2132

Notice: If you wish to participate in the upcoming Powwows as a vendor and have not already made arrangements to do so, you should contact Wayne Appleton at 304-342-0884.

List of candidates according to statements received. (Listed in alphabetical order by last name for each office)

Principal Chief: Clemenceau Allen (unopposed). Chief: Connie Stone (unopposed). Tribal Officer: Wayne Appleton (unopposed). Secretary: Mel Charlton; June Ford. Treasurer: Gary Graham (unopposed). Tribal Liason: Nancy Hardiman (unopposed).

Council: Dottie Blankenship, Larry Brown, Alfred Curry, Louise Curry, Mary Entsminger, Walter Hardiman, Art Holcomb, Jack Keaton, Dennie Love, Robin Love, Rita Maynard, Pat Mixon, Frank Mohler, Bob Parkins, Mike Persinger, Deborah Rowe, Harvey Rowe, Virginia Smith, Pete Stalnaker, Bill Stone, Val Stone, Karen Sue Stone-Stalnaker, Kay Weems-Winter, Allen Weyaus and Donnetta Wright. Associate Member Representative: James Winter (unopposed).

Following is a list of statements by candidates as required by our By-Laws. I have tried to enter the candidates' statements in the Voice in the order in which they were received and in the exact wording in which they were written. Talking Leaves

Robin Love

I am Robin "Night Owl" Love married to Dennie "Lone Wolf" Love. Mother to Julie and Tiffany. Maw-maw to Cheyenne and Hannah (and 1 more on the way). When attending the pow-wow's you usually find me cooking (something I love to do) for the drum, dancers, or anybody else that happens in. It is my desire to bring peace and harmony to those I'm around and encourage others to be open-minded and flexible in the way that we handle things within our tribe. With our tribe being so mixed in culture and beliefs we have to realize that some compromise will have to take place with SOME things. (I will not compromise honor nor my personal spiritual beliefs). The likelihood of all members of this tribe agreeing on every issue is slim at best, which is why you have a council to make the decisions for the good of the tribe. If elected to the council I promise only to use the best judgment that I can for the good of the tribe as a whole.The old adage "be careful what you wish for...you may get it" also holds true in elections...the future of our tribe is up to us. Night Owl

Allen Weyaus

Hello my name is Allen Weyaus, Ogitchidaa Amik. This is my intent to run for a council seat. Most of the people know me by face alone, more specifically by my dance, my drumming and singing. I come from the non-removable Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. I was taught many traditions, most of my teachings came from my elders, even more teaching continuing today from one of the Ojibwe doctors. I am also a desert storm veteran served in the USN. I took a year to observe and learn about AAIWV, before I decided to become apart of the AAIWV family. I liked what I had observed believe in what the tribe is working for and in showing my support I joined the tribe. I have visited all of the regional gatherings and hope to continue the trend of attending each throughout the years to come. I would be honored to be a servant of the people. I have been apart of many changes in the tribe. I will always be working of the betterment of the tribe. A lot of changes are coming about and I want to be an active part in those changes. Miigwitch Allen Weyaus

Pete Stalnaker

Hello all. My name is PETE STALNAKER and I will run for a second term on council. Most of you know me by my potato salad or have come into my vending booth at a pow wow to buy leather or something. AS we travel down the path that creator has set for us sometimes we stumble and fall but we must get up and continue down the red road that Creator has set for us. I have considered not running this term and after careful and deep thought it would be wrong of me to leave council at this time. The tribe has clear and set goals and needs to be in good and capable hands for the next term. WE have to remain strong and united at this time because there are some people among us that have false faces and we need to beware of them and send them on their own destructive path and not our red road. If I am elected for a second term I will continue to keep a watchful eye on the charlatans and people with false faces who want to destroy this tribe from within. THANK YOU PETE STALNAKER

Connie Stone

Greetings, I, Connie Maka Stone, accept the nomination for Chief. In my heart, I believe that this Tribe is an important Tribe, particularly for people of mixed blood descent. We are a unique, wonderful blending of many nations of people. I am thankful to be a part of the Tribe. I have served on Council as Secretary for one term and part of another when Lee Tribbie stepped down from the position. I wish to serve the People in every way that I can. I will give my very best effort to fulfill the duties of a Chief. I thank you for your consideration.

Bill Stone

Osiyo, I, William Waya Stone, wish to seek your support as a member of Tribal Council. I have served for two terms as Tribal Officer and am currently a member of Council. My goal has always been to preserve and perpetuate the Appalachian Mountain Native American Indian culture. We have established the groundwork for the ANI nation. It is now time that we move ahead with much needed teachings on health-care, child advocacy, and our traditional Appalachian Native American ways. I believe it is imperative that we continue to teach the ways of our Appalachian Native ancestors. Creator left us in these mountains for a reason. We need to have pride in our ways and stand firm in what OUR ancestors taught us from their life experiences in our rightful homeland. We should welcome all who have good hearts and open minds and respectfully offer to share their different Native cultures with us. However, we as a nation must demand respect and stand firm by always honoring the ways of our people first. Furthermore, we should always show allegiance to the Appalachian American Indians first and foremost in all situations and circumstances. As a member of Council, I will strive to always uphold the ways of the Indians of the Appalachian Mountains.

Wayne Appleton

I am Wayne Gray Owl Appleton and I am running for the office of Tribal Officer in the current election. I am proud to be ANI and proud of my Cherokee, Ojibway and Mohawk ancestry. I have served two terms on Council and have been the editor of the Voice since 1996. I am also on the Powwow Committee and the Emergency Relief Committee. We AAIWV/ANI are at the beginning of great things. I ask you to trust me to help make these great things happen and give me your vote. Thank you..

Karen Stone-Stalnaker

Hello everyone, my name is Karen Stone-Stalnaker. Some people call me Sue and my Spiritual name is Summer Hawk. I have served on Council for two terms and would like to say it has been an honor to serve you all. I will be running for Council again. At the Council retreat, I sat and listened to everyone speak from their hearts about their goals for the Tribe and their concern for the Tribe. It was heart filling to hear the love and concern for everyone. I will do my best to protect the traditions of our people and to guide any who need assistance in their search to find their path on the Good Red Road. I will do my best to make each and every one of you feel that you have found your home in AAIWV. I will do my best to protect my Tribe against the Coyotes who wish to do us harm. I will make the best decisions for the Tribe on all issues to insure we remain a close and strongly knit family. I will be your voice in Council. AAIWV is a good home to me and I feel that you all are my family. You took me in and taught me the ways and I have grown so much Spiritually, mentally and emotionally. I am thankful Creator guided me to AAIWV and gave me a home amongst my people. A place where I have been taught to honor and respect all things and get back to where I belong on the Good Red Road. As I have said, it has been an honor to serve you in the past and present, and I hope to be able to serve you in the future. Respectfully, Summer Hawk

Gary Graham

I am announcing my intention to again run for Tribal Treasurer. I have served as the Treasurer for the past 2 years, and believe that I have done a good job. I instituted a computer accounting system so that every dollar that comes in and goes out is coded and tracked, and all bills are paid on time. The Treasurer is also responsible for filing much of the paperwork that needs to be done to keep the various State and Federal entities happy with a non-profit incorporated business, and I have also done that in a timely fashion. Also, since the Tribe now has a permanent street address, we can seek grant funding from a variety of sources. In that regard, I have experience that can be of benefit to the Tribe, having financially managed grants of over $200,000 in the past. When I ran for Treasurer 2 years ago, I did so because I was interested in the well-being of ANI, and that is why I am running again. I feel our Tribe can accomplish great things for the benefit of all our people. I ask for your support as together we move into a changing future. Gary Graham

Jack Keaton

I am Jack Red Hawk Keaton and, am a candidate for a seat on the Tribal Council. I am a member of AAIWV. My Native American heritage is Cherokee. The first Regional Gathering I attended let me know I had found my family. As a family member I will work hard for the betterment and the future of our tribe. I am and will remain loyal to the Appalachian American Indians of West Virginia. I am honest and believe in honesty and integrity. I wish to see AAIWV become stronger, to move forward into the future for our children and grandchildren, and the tribe to continue on for as long as water flows and flowers bloom. I would appreciate your vote for me. -- Jack Red Hawk Keaton

Mary Entsminger

It would be an honor to serve with Tribal Council. I am of Cherokee descent and a member of AAIWV for over two years. I remember my first Pow-wow and the quickening of my spirit as I watched, listened, and later participated. I was awakened to the need for exploring my heritage. There was a kindred spirit among my Native American friends. We all are aware Mother Earth is troubled with violence and unrest. Our Creator is extending opportunity and freedom for us to come together to teach, learn, and mature. Let us all dance to the same drumbeat, in the same direction, as our circle grows in unity and love. This is my goal, as a member of AAIWV and a candidate for Tribal Council. Wado. Mary Entsminger

June Ford

Well, folks, it's election time again. My name is June Ford and I am running for Secretary. I have served on Council for 2 years and have been active with the tribe for 4 years. I have worked the information booth at the powwows and these have been the most rewarding years for me. I have met a lot of new members and listened to a lot of stories. I feel that this experience along with being co-leader of the Greenbrier Gathering for 3 years has given me the insight as to where the tribe wants to go and I would like to be a part of making history for the Tribe. June Ford

Walter Hardiman

AAIWV Members, My name is Walter Hardiman and I am running for council this time. I am from Greenbrier County. I am a member of Red River Drum. I am very proud to be Native American, and to be able to celebrate the heritage I have found . I will work hard for the tribe and will deal honestly with all issues. We must pave the way for our children to have a place to come together to learn from one another and to keep our way of life alive. I promise to always be an active council member and to represent Native Americans in a positive light. Sincerely, Walter (Gray Eagle)

Nancy Hardiman

My name is Nancy Hardiman, I am Cherokee,Shawnee and Navajo.I have an Irish grandmother for my white blood. I have always been Native American but only with the state tribe since Feb. 2000. I am a backup singer for Red River Drum. I am running for Tribal Liason this election only because I believe in what the visions of our tribe are. I grew up in a Native home and adhere to the values instilled within me. I believe that we in WV are fortunate to have this opportunity, my family could never discuss openly the ancestry I am so proud of. We lived in the Fayette/Nicholas area, I now live in Greenbrier county. I will do my best to honor the tribe and my Native heritage. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of AAIWV. Nancy Hardiman

Deborah Rowe

My name is Deborah Lil' Bit Rowe. I am a candidate for a seat on Tribal Council. My Native lineage-Cherokee, Melungeon. I served on the preparation and serving of food at the Powwow on Sept 22 & 23, 2001. It was truly an honor to work alongside my brothers and sisters. I believe, honestly and truly, that our Tribe, ANI-AAIWV, is gowing and will continue to grow. To educate the public, elderly and the young children, for the children are our next generation. I too, am proud to call my self ANI-To continue to learn from my brothers and sisters, to share knowledge, stories, traditions. I can now, hold my head up high and project my Native American culture, to let the public know that I and other ANI-AAIWV can wear our regalia and feathers, that we've always been here. For I couldn't do this growing up, not knowing of my Native American background. There have been tough times, may have others, but this just makes ANI-AAIWV stronger. May the Great Spirit always guide and keep ANI-AAIWV strong. P.S. If elected, I'll do my very best to do the right thing or things to help make ANI-AAIWV stronger.

Wado. Deborah Lil' Bit Rowe

Mike Persinger

Osiyo my brothers and sisters, My name is Michael Persinger. I am Cherokee and have been a member of AAIWV since 1997 and I am grateful to Creator for this and for giving me this chance to run for council and to tell you a little about me. I am a member of Red River Drum and I love the way the Drum makes me feel inside my heart. I work at Heartland of Rainelle, a nursing home which I do enjoy very much for 21 years. I am a Marine Corp Veteran. I am running for Tribal Council because in my heart I believe I can help the people of our tribe to move forth into the future so the next generations can be proud of who they are and what we left behind. Wa-do. Mike Persinger

Frank Mohler

I am Frank Clay Bear Mohler. My wife, Sharon Sunflower, and I live in Union, WV with our two sons, Mike and Greg. I am of Cherokee descent. I have been a member of AAIWV for a little over one year. Sunflower and I have tried very hard to be productive members of our Tribe. We especially love going to Powwows. I have been honored by being asked to run for Tribal Council. If elected, I will serve to the best of my ability and serve my people in any way I can. Clay Bear

Bob Parkins

This announcement for the incumbent is for the purpose of showing my high degree of willingness to serve another term as Tribal Counsellor. My express purpose while serving all interests is one of promoting our cultural and spiritual life purposes as blood descendants of our Native American ancestors. I am a mixed-blood Indian of Cherokee and Shawneen and Western European descent. Respect for all of God's creation underlies my desire to serve again in this capacity. Unity, Service and Recovery (the Three Legacies) are my goals for the Tribe and the thousands of members we represent. Your support for our revitalization as an ethnic, cultural and spiritually-based organization are appreciated. Bob Eagle Claw Parkins

Rita Maynard

My name is Rita Maynard , and I am running as a candidate for Council. I have been a very proud member of AAIWV for several years, and I am also a single traditional Mother trying to bring up three children, in a modern world. I have spent the past two years praying and waiting for the answer to (should I run for Council), I do not seek this with a light heart, I do it with a great deal of humble understanding that I must put the needs of my People before my own. I would like to give back to ANI all that it has given me, in an honest, humble way. I give my word that I will serve all of our people with prayer to the Creator first. I see a great need for all of us to come together, and to be strong, and I will be strong for you, if you will give me your vote, and give me the great honor of serving you, thank you.- Rita Maynard

Donnetta Wright

I'm Donnetta Rising Morning Star Wright, I would first like to thank all for their prayers during my recent accident. I am running for council. I have been a member of this tribe since 1996. I am Cherokee, Apache, and Saponi, on my father's side.On my mother's side I am Cherokee and Shawnee. Most important I am ANI,and very proud of my people. I wish to serve my tribe and will do my best if elected. We are growing and need leaders who will not be afraid to speak out for our rights,work and fight for our people. I
see our tribe moving ahead. We need not only to dig deep into our culture but to learn and live our culture daily. We do not do this through white men's books. We become seekers of visions. We learn as our ancestories we listen with our spirit and trust creator to teach. Had I listened I would not have fallen from the van. I saw it before it happened. That's what my sister Spirit Dancer says is the lesson in my fall to do Creator will.

Dottie Blankenship

I'm Dottie Laughing Moon Blankenship, I am running for council. I've been a member of the tribe since 1995. I served one term on council. I'm very proud of my tribe and see a lot of good things to come in the future for us. I would be very proud to serve the people once more on council. I am of Cherokee descent and very proud of it. This election is very important to the future of our tribe. Everyone should VOTE. Vote for the ones you think will do the best job. Dottie Laughing Moon Blankenship

Larry Brown

I am Larry TwoRivers Brown and I am seeking election to AAIWV council. I understand that serving on council is just that, a chance to serve my people. I will do my best to always be a good spokesman for AAIWV. Being a public figure speaking for and associated with our tribe is a duty I never take lightly. I hope to always walk in a good way, doing all I can to teach and preserve our peoples' ways. Thank you for the opportunity to be involved with our tribe's growth into the new millennium. Thank you.

Mitchel Hoffman

Osiyo: I, Mitchel Blue Jay Hoffman, am a candidate for one of the seats on our Tribal Council. I have served two terms as a council person. I had been the Head Veteran for four years, along with being the Teacher/Director of our History Learning Lodge, and the Burial Committee, plus worked directly with the U. S. Census Bureau for the AAIWV. I would greatly appreciate your support.