SAULT TRIBE FACTS - If it is not a fact it must be fiction................................

The below is written by Tribal Elder and Rabbits Back Headsman Tony Grondin

Ocqueoc is the second Eagle to have been released in Epoufette at the Angels Among Us Youth Camp. The youth camp is owned and operated by Kellie Nightlinger. Last year when the other Eagle was found and rehabilitated Kellie asked if the Native Community would want to have a ceremony. Of course it was an honor to have the Native Community be asked to participate. It is also our responsibility when asked to make sure the Eagle is welcomed back into the community.

Kellie contacted Randy and Gayle Bruntjens of the U.P. Raptors Rehab Center and co-ordinated the release. Since then the Native Community has been involved in three Eagle releases. One was released in Fairport late last fall and Brad Nedeau from Rapid River performed the Ceremony.

Today there were 140 people there to celebrate and welcome Ocqueoc back into the community. Nine pipes and two drums came to share in the responsibilty in sending and welcoming Ocqueoc back to his home. Glen Joy Sr. brought Thunder Hawk drum from Indian River and Jamie Heath from Cheboygan brought Strong Heart drum. Two pipes came from as far west as Gladstone, Duane Kennert and Buffalo (Dave). Four pipes from Cheboygan, Perry and Rose Neuman and Bruce and Peggy Bannatyne. Two from St. Ignace, Russ Rickley and myself. Black River pipe, just up the road, was there with Dick Sterk. ...

It was good that two woman brought pipes as we need balance more now than ever in our lives. As I visited with many of the people there,,, many said they were thankful they were invited. We must remember the Eagle does not belong, nor should be claimed by any one person or culture. The Anishinaabeg, from their beginning we taught to care for all. Many of the teachings were lost and now are coming back.

For the Anishinaabeg to think that they and they only are the caretakers is selfish. However, the Anishinaabeg are and have been the best and true caretakers and are now trying to teach others. I say and share those things in the most respectful way. As I said in the first paragraph, the Anishinaabeg were taught to care for all. We must remind ourselves that all people and cultures are supposed to do the same. I think History pretty much reflects who has done what.

Chi-miigwech to all

http://www.9and10news.com/Category/Story/?id=222780

To whom it may concern,

So far the case of U.S. v Fred Paquin is proceeding just as most have thought. The 47 page 19 count attached indictment so far has resulted in the individual who reported the fraud being charged and convicted of a felony. One of the Defendants, Fred Paquins daughter, plead guilty and received a misdemeanor charge and probation. Paquins daughter actually benefited monetarily to the tune of $21,000 plus some personal property.

In the period of eight months, Sept 1, 2004 to April 30, 2005, Paquins daughter received pay as a full time dispatcher for the Sault Tribe Police Department while actually working full time as a teacher. The defendant charged with a felony did not monetarily benefit from any of the 19 count indictments. As stated in the attached indictment Paquin instructed the defendant to submit false hours for his daughter.

Paquins trial date has now been set back another couple of months. What's brewing???? Deals????? We know some have already been made with the perpetrators!!! Are the Feds going to catch a cold? So far as I have stated numerous times, "the FBI couldn't catch a cold". Even though there has been one felony conviction of the informant and a misdemeanor for the perpetrator things are looking like Teflon Fred and family are slipping away.

The Sault Tribe is supposedly victims in this whole issue yet they still allow Paquin to represent the tribe on the Hospital Board. The Hospital Board has not taken any action to remove Paquin from the board even though there has already been two convictions in the indictment against him. Could it be because Paquin instrumented the land deal where the new hospital sits today.

Property that could have been put in trust for the tribe is now in private hands and the property was given to the hospital in lieu of twenty years free rent for the Tribal Clinic. That was the original deal before the hospital was privatized. What was once Indian Country years ago, the whiteman took, and then the Indians had to buy it back only to have their own give it away. History repeating itself over and over again.

Speaking of History!!!!! Did you know that Columbus discovered the Indians in 1492 and called us Americans. Aanishinaabeg history reflects that the Natives named the whiteman "Zhaagnaash",,,,,, "Takers or One Who Takes". Of course if it weren't for the whiteman I wouldn't be here. My Father was Aanishinaabeg and Mother, French Canadian, considered white.

Our Native teachings tells us we should introduce ourselves in Aanishinaabemowin when addressing the Native Community. I do that and have for years said, Zhaagnaash-ndaw ( I am whiteman), Aanishinaabeg-ndaw ( I am Native American). A wise Elder a few weeks ago told me I should introduce myself as Waabshkaa-ndaw ( I am White ) and rid myself of the label of "Taker". I have taken the path the Elder suggested. Are the Zhaagnaash Feds going to reflect Aanishinaabeg history and continue to "Take".

Tony Grondin

City Narrows Police Search to 4

http://www.stignacenews.com/news/2010-01-21/Front_Page/City_Narrows_Police_Search_to_4_001.html


Section 5. POLICE CHIEF DISCUSSION:

http://www.stignacenews.com/news/2010-01-28/Meeting_Minutes/St_Ignace_City_Council_Minutes.html


Paquin Pleads Not Guilty on Federal Fraud Charges

http://www.stignacenews.com/news/2010-01-28/Front_Page/Paquin_Pleads_Not_Guilty_on_Federal_Fraud_Charges.html