America’s Backbone Awakens 

Dedicated to Preserving Our Legacy:
A Brief History of SISCA and an Interview with Its President

by Windy Goodloe, SISCA secretary

“Why didn’t I learn this in school?” is a phrase that we hear often when a person first learns about the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts. The story of these brave men often leaves people scratching their heads. They find it hard to believe that a story filled with so much action and adventure and conflict and triumph hasn’t been made into one hundred movies, let alone one. As descendants, we’ve wondered why our history wasn’t (and still isn’t) taught in our local schools. It hasn’t been for lack of trying. One of our most prominent members was a school teacher who dedicated her life to telling the story of her people to anyone who would listen, and if it wasn’t for her, I probably wouldn’t be writing this article right now.

Native American Spirit Meets Covid 19

BY  ALASTAIR RUNNING BEAR

I recently had the opportunity to interview Emerson, founder of Native.Inc, who has been organizing donation runs to Indian Country to alleviate some of the suffering brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. While the White House balked and stalled, Emerson of the Navajo Nation and Daniela of the Mapuche Nation sprang into action in the warrior way. Their North American and South American indigenous unity in action is perhaps another manifestation of the prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor, signaling better times to come.  Making monthly donation runs, through rain and snow, to Monument Valley and the surrounding areas since May of 2020, they have uplifted the spirits of native communities in need. And before returning to California, a self-imposed two-week quarantine is endured somewhere out there. Emerson is preparing for the next trip to the Skull Valley Band of Goshute Indians. Over 250 families have benefited from the donations, which have ranged from winter clothing, food, and water, to face masks, cleaning supplies, and toys. Emerson gives thanks to many for their assistance with the runs, including: San Pasqual Fire Dept., City of Indio, the greater communities of Riverside, Los Angeles, San Diego, Victorville, San Jacinto, North Hollywood, Hesperia, and relatives from Morongo Reservation, Soboba Reservation, Pala Reservation, Pechanga Reservation, Rincon Reservation, La Jolla Reservation, Santa Ysabel Reservation, Viejas Reservation, Mountain Source Dispensary on the Santa Ysabel Reservation, Her Native Voice nonprofit of Los Angeles, and a special thanks to the Soboba Indian Youth Council. 

Walk in Beauty America Indigenous Rising

In the new year it is imperative that we stand together and treat each other with kindness and respect. The year 2020 has been one of the most challenging years for us all. I've done some much reflecting in the time spent alone, which time spent alone, which was most of the year given the shelter in place. I know our American Indian people struggle with the lack of gatherings, because we are social beings. Our gatherings are centered around affection, food and stories. This pandemic has brought to the forefront areas where we need support, and most importantly where we need to support one another. We are all struggling in some form or another. No matter what our beliefs (religious, social or political) or those of our fellow beings, we need to be accepting, respectful and sensitive of all people. In the new year, my hope is that this pandemic has been an awakening for us all. The time is now to be kind, the time is now to be open and make changes, in ourselves and our communities that will improve the lives of all on this planet. It is only by working together that we will see these changes. Happy New Year to all, may the creator bless the people and our communities to create healthy, stronger, inclusive places where we can exist in peace with each other.

Respectfully, Erica M. Pinto,
Chairwoman Jamul Indian Village
P. O. Box 612, Jamul, CA 91935
office: 619.669.4785
direct: 619.669.4850
mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
web: www.jamulindianvillage.com