july - August 2010 News and Events

 

      Have you visited Alcasalica Gift Shop lately?     

Fine handmade wood flutes by Jeremy Reichmann

Gourdwork, Pine needle Baskets, and Fine Beadwork by Sunfeather Crafts

Painted Feathers and Dream Catchers by Pat Easterwood

Muscogee Lady Jewelry by Andrea Johns Clark

Woodcarvings by Sue Emmons

And Much More!

 Alcasalica Gift Shop - Stop by and browse, Thank you!

 

     Check out This Tempting Offer!

Visit Perdido Key before September 30th and receive up to $300 in Amex gift cards!

Learn more at www.VisitPerdido.com.

   

      Announcement from Chief Bearheart:

For some time Perdido Bay Tribe has been developing a first class Native American Cultural Heritage Museum and Learning Center in the Jones Swamp Nature Preserve. We are very proud of our accomplishment, and despite the fact that we are still awaiting needed sewers and parking to be installed by the county before our official opening, we already host a steady stream of visitors, both local, from around the country, and abroad.

 

Now, in addition, we are well underway with plans to expand and enhance our environmental projects in response to the recognized need for additional clean waters and food vegetation for seasonal migratory bird populations impacted by the oil contamination.

 

Perdido Bay Tribe has been working toward approval by the USDA/NRCS in Washington and the Florida NRCS to implement this project. Under the guidance of affiliated state and local naturalists and environmental experts, we are preparing a plan of action to improve and enhance the watery habitat and food plants within Jones swamp to develop an OFFICIALLY DESIGNATED MIGRATORY BIRD HABITAT. Jones Swamp is currently home to many species of birds, animals and rare plants. With the addition of an enhanced fly-way destination we can expect both migratory birds and additional native species to make Jones Swamp a permanent home.

 

Beyond just a one-time effort, our plan will be ongoing and we visualize long term benefits to our entire community as our cultural and environmental education facility becomes a tourist destination in its own right. With improved pedestrian access via boardwalks and viewing stations, we can expect to attract birders, nature lovers, and Native American history and culture enthusiasts from around the world.

 

      Events and Activities:

        Native Paths Cultural Heritage and Resource Center:

                 

           July 18 - Sunday Cookout in Honor of Visiting Members from Georgia

  

Steve Duncan    -    Randell Johns, Robert Johns, Bobby Johns, John Harper

 

    

Stan Cartwright (Strong Fox author)and Steven DuBose makin' music

 

  

Wayne Akins gives a Flint Knapping Demonstration

 

    

Wayne Akins presents Chief Bearheart with flint knapping kit for PBT

 

      

                                  Pat Easterwood and Lynn Cartwright                                                     Randell Johns - Gone Fishin'

 

       

                                                                                                     Drumming Lessons                             

        

   

 

         July 16 - Staff of Native Paths host a group of American and visiting Iraqi youth

 

 

              July 13 - Florida State Conservationist, Carlos Suarez, Honored Guest at Native Paths

John Harper, Steve Duncan, Carlos Suarez, Micco Bobby Johns, Jeff Norville, Robert Johns

 

              In The News:

                  * Read Announcement by Carlos Suarez

                                              "USDA to Help Farmers and Ranchers Expand Habitat for Migrating Birds"

             

 * Governors Point of Light Award goes to PBT Member, Brunie Emmanuel

Gov. Charlie Crist has named Brunie Emmanuel the recipient of the Point of Light Award for volunteerism. Brunie is volunteer leader of the Be Ready alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE). He is responsible for implementing programs and procedures to reduce loss of life, injury, property damage, environmental impact, and economic loss due to disaster. Recently he led more than 350 volunteers in a cleaning of Perdido Key and Johnson Beach, including the Gulf Islands National Seashore ahead of the BP oil spill.
 

Brunie is executive director of the EscaRosa Homeless Coalition. He participates in the Poverty Solutions Program, Escambia VISTA Coalition, and Community Database Solutions development.

                        

 

        Magnificent Dresses Gifted to Native Paths by a PBT Sister in California

 

Heidi Jaramillo Navaroo Dancing Fancy Shawl in Gorgeous Regalia

 

Heidi, along with husband, Rene, and daughter, Shania live in Farmersville, California where she teaches kindergarten at Hester School. All the family are avid Native American Dancers and Heidi makes the much of the dance regalia for all of them.

 

Of Southeastern Creek heritage, Heidi was raised by the Kumeyaay in Southern California. Though she has never met her PBT family, Heidi has been a one of our little sisters since her college days.

 

Recently Heidi gifted PBT's Native Paths Culture Center with two beautiful dresses she made and wore. Her talents and style bring a whole new dimension to our exhibits and will be displayed proudly for all to enjoy. Hopefully one day Heidi will be able to come and share her knowledge and skills with all our people.

 

                 Jingle Dress

 

This was my first attempt at making a jingle dress; it was made to dance for exhibition or all around contests in 2000. At this time I also made a fancy Shawl, and a Southern Cloth Dress with the same design so that I could have a quick change without having to change my beadwork. I did not wear this dress very often as I prefer to dance Fancy. Occasionally, I loaned this dress out to close friends or wore the dress in shows to show the different styles of dance. One of the very few times that I did wear the dress to compete was for a Winner take All Jingle Dress contest sponsored by Alorha Baga in 2008 at Fresno State University. I won the contest.
                                          

 

 

 

Fancy Shawl Dress

This dress was made just after Shania was born; Christmas time, 2004. I was trying to get back to dancing after having my first baby. I held Shania in a baby backpack while working on it. After making the dress I realized that some of the fabrics that I used were too fragile for Fancy Dancing. Some of the material began to fray, so I retired it before more damage could be done. I won 1st place in Women's Fancy Shawl in this dress at the Fresno State University and San Diego state University Powwows in 2005.Shania is pictured with me and a Kumeyaay friend, Mary Oyos from San Isabel Reservation.
 

Heidi Jaramillo Navarro

 

 

 

 

        July 11 - Shawl Circle Class on HIV/AIDS & Cervical CA prevention held at Native Paths

 

l-r Pat Riles, Patti Hall, Marian Johns, Kim Chappell, Suzanne Milanak

Pat Easterwood, Instructor

 

July 9 - Tallahassee, FL, "Tribal Dialogue" with the Florida Department of Health

 

 

 

Representatives from PBT were honored to take part in an historical meeting between leaders of numerous tribes, bands and clans in the state with top officials of the Florida Department of Health. Those gathered had the opportunity to discuss the health services most needed by all Native People and express ideas for ways these needs might be better met. Many thanks to Karen Simons of the DOH  who worked tirelessly to arrange this most productive meeting. Attending from PBT: Mekko Bobby Johns Bearheart, First Vice Chief Robert Johns, Pat Easterwood (Shawl Circle Leader), Bobby DuBose (Poster Boy), Sandy DuBose, and Steven DuBose.

 

 

                                                                             Dr. Jerry Lang speaks during opening ceremonies

 

    

Attendees meet Florida Surgeon General, Dr. Ana Viamonte Ros

 

      

Karen Simons does introductions and looks on as the meeting progresses

  

   On the Road to Tallahassee . . . Interesting Stops Along the way . . .

 

   The Chipola River . . .

     

Reflecting on the Chipola River's place in Native History (and all the fishes in there)

 

    The Chipola River originates in southeastern Alabama and discharges into the Apalachicola River.  Salazar (1678) calls the river Chapole.  The 1733 Popple Map indicates a village in the area called Capola, and Vignoles map (1823) refers to the river as Capola or Sweet Water and states there was a series of small Indian towns along the stream.

 

   Spanish documents indicate some Chatot were living west of the Apalachicola in 1639, perhaps along the Chipola River. One document discusses the governor of Florida having consummated a peace between the Apalachicola, Chatot, and Yamasee. He said this peace was  ". . . an extraordinary thing, because the aforesaid Chactos (Chatot) never maintained peace with anybody." The Chatot were closely associated with the Choctaw, and may have been considered a division of that larger tribe.

   Photo: Passionflower growing along the banks of the Chipola

   Historical Information from: Milner, Richard, Northwest Florida Place Names of Indian Origin, 2000

 

  

    Hidden Springs Horse Rescue - Marianna, Jackson County, FL

 

  

Bearheart and Cedar Bear were most impressed by this beautiful facility dedicated to the care, recovery and rehabilitation of abandoned, neglected, and abused horses. Founder, Melanie Higdon graciously gave them a guided tour and introduced them to some of their horses. Hidden Springs Horse Rescue is a 501c3 non profit organization staffed by volunteers. Like PBT, their service is supported in part by the Three Rivers Rural Conservation and Development Council and they rely solely on donations to carry out their work.

For more information, visit the website: Hidden Springs Rescue

 

  

 

   

      Impromptu Visit to Celebrate with Friends at Ideaworks . . .

 

The photo tells the story . . . a celebration with Caron Sjoberg of Ideaworks and her staff member, Edwin Banacia, who did the hard work of promoting "Strong Fox" across the country, and helped our little guy find his way onto the pages of Scholastic Magazine. Thanks also to other members of the staff: Kerrie Allen helped with the promotion copy, and intern, Jade, is working to promote & inform the public of PBT activities. We can all be proud and grateful for these wonderful friends.

 

 

 

   Strong Fox thanks you too!

 

He can't wait to meet all the kids

from the pages of . . .

 

      Scholastic Magazine!   

 

 

 

Here's a good idea . . . check out Ideaworks to promote your business or service nationwide

  

 

 

Welcome to the World

Lorelei Michelle Eisenmann

Born 6-14-2010 -  9 lbs.14 oz.

Daughter of Patrick and Krystal Eisenmann

Granddaughter of Robert Johns Cedar Bear

Great Granddaughter of Micco Bearheart and Marian Johns

 

 

   

         May - June 2010 News and Events

 

    

      June 29 - Malena's Mini School - Dampened by a thunderstorm, but the boys and girls did

                   get to visit the Bearmobile and enjoyed a reading of Strong Fox by Sandra Lee.

 

     June 19 - Pensacola Multiculture Center Focus Group Meeting -

                                            Robert Johns, Bobby & Sandy DuBose

 

     June 17 Fun time at Chick-fil-a Kids Day

 

  

 

 

 

 

What some folks won't do for a free meal!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   June 12 - Pilot Trainees from around the world visit Native Paths

 

 

Things were bustling around Native Paths when a group of 49 helicopter trainees, drivers, and interpreters from Ft. Rucker, AL came to visit. Even though the day was extremely hot and the AC was out in the center, we believe everyone had a good time while learning a little bit about Native American Culture. 

 

PBT's Charlie Allen (the fellow in the red shirt) served as tour guide for several stops around the Pensacola area for the group.

 

Other tribe members, including Chief Bearheart, Pat Easterwood, Sandra Lee, Sandy DuBose, Bobby DuBose and Steven DuBose all helped to host our guests and document this special day.

 

 

 

           

 

  

 

    June 12 - Bearmobile to Blueberry Festival - Molino, FL  - While some of our folks were hosting guests at

       Native  Paths, Robert Johns and the Bearmobile were off to Molino for the Blueberry Festival. They were later joined by some

       from Native Paths. This was a sweltering hot, very busy day for all our very dedicated Pensacola tribe members. They truly make

       us all proud.

 

       With a sigh of relief, we once again thank John Harper and Three Rivers RC&D for coming to the rescue with a new compressor

       for our old air conditioner. MVTO!

 

   May 28 - Read Across Chumuckla - Chumuckla Elementary School         

 

 

 

 

Once again, PBT members were delighted to participate in this annual event at Chumuckla School designed to encourage exploration of the world through reading. Our goal is to help the children learn  and appreciate the beauty of our Southeastern Native history and culture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Outstanding Accomplishment Jeremy Clark, son of Andrea Johns Clark   received the 2010 Outstanding ART Award at Peach Co. High School

 

 

     May 15 - Troop 425 Scouts erect wildlife release cage at Native Paths . . .

                              In conjunction with the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida

    

 

  

      Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida - A non-profit organization, working to provide appropriate care to injured or orphaned

      indigenous wildlife. Our primary objective is rehabilitation and release, but we also provide a sanctuary for non-releasable

      wildlife. For more information, call (850) 433-9453 or e-mail: ws@wildlife.gccoxmail.com

 

 

 

 

    May 15 - Foster Families Recognition - Pensacola Naval Air Station

We are not able to show photos of the children and their foster families.

Just know that PBT was honored to be a part of this wonderful event filled with happy children.

   

Sharing the honor with some other local celebrities

 

 

 

    May 11 - Russian Visitors Welcomed at Native Paths

    

 

    

 

 

 A Colorful Mosaic for an Outstanding School - Chumuckla Elementary

 

Perdido Bay Tribe has had a long and positive relationship with our adopted Chumuckla Elementary School. Many children of Chumuckla and their families are of Creek heritage and their cultural pride has been honored in their rural school for generations. PBT members who give of themselves as mentors and positive role models are committed to helping the children learn about the beauty of our SE Native heritage in real and productive ways.

The Bearmobile and our dedicated members will be spending a day at Chumuckla later this month to participate in "Read Across Chumuckla." Chief Bearheart and other tribe members also plan to read our book, "Strong Fox: How Fox Came to Help a Village Grow," to the children as part of this annual event.
 

Recently world renowned artist, David Csicsko offered to design a special mosaic as a gift in honor of the “Chumuckla Elementary School Indians” to be enjoyed by all the students, faculty, parents and visitors. David is a cousin to former principal, Dr. Karen Barber and has a special love for the school. Chief Bobby Johns Bearheart was invited to view and give his approval before the design was accepted.

 

Chief Bearheart’s response:

David has a very special talent of expression and control of his medium. I viewed his interpretation with much pleasure. I, too see our Peoples represented here. My immediate response was to the eyes - "Eyes Wide Open" our youth need to see what they are looking at in this life.  The colors are representative of the four directions, leadership positions of government, our brotherhood, red, white, black, and yellow.  Blue is for Grandfather Sky and green for Grandmother Earth. That Smile of Happiness is what I see and feel at OUR School. Bless the special Corps of Educators at Chumuckla.  

MVTO, Micco Bobby Johns Bearheart  

 

While the design itself is a gift from David Csicsko, there are many more expenses that must be met for the actual production and installation of the mosaic. PBT encourages all our friends to help raise the funds for this beautiful mosaic. Donations identified as “For Mosaic” can be sent to:

                                         Chumuckla Elementary School, 2312 Hwy. 182, Jay, FL 32565

 

 

 

           PBT Trio Completes Training . . . 

                        Certified Stormwater Erosion and Sedimentation Control Inspectors

       

 

PBT has an ongoing relationship of mutual support with Three Rivers RC&D, which includes our dedication to helping identify ways to serve as environmental advocates.

 

In addition PBT has a strong commitment to full participation in the care and development of the Jones Swamp Nature Preserve surrounding our Native Paths Cultural Center.

 

For these purposes, three PBT members gave of their time to attend training enabling them to serve more fully.

 

l-r: Steven DuBose, Bobby DuBose, and Vice-chief, Robert Johns.

 

 

 

 

   March - April 2010 News and Events

         April 20 - Florida NRCS - 75th Anniversary & Earth Day Celebration - Brooksville, FL

    

                          Robert Johns - Pat Easterwood - Steven DuBose                                   Robert Johns                     Carlos Suarez

                                               

  

     Robert Johns - First Vice Chief, Perdido Bay Tribe

    Carlos Suarez - Florida State Conservationist, NRCS

   John Harper - Projects Coordinator, Three Rivers RC&D

 

   

 

    

 

An Interview with Chief Bobby Johns Bearheart

 

Q - Where did your family live when you were growing up?
A - We lived primarily in remote areas of south Georgia, mostly in an old log house provided by my father’s employer. We raised a garden and enjoyed the freedom to hunt and fish very much as our ancestors had. Mother canned and preserved fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. She also made traditional sofkee in a big iron pot in the yard, so we always had something to eat. To me this was an ideal way to live. Everyday was a new adventure, and I was happy in my freedom.

Q - How did the laws against Indians living in GA affect your family?
A - It seems amazing now, but the laws against Indians living in GA were not repealed until the mid-twentieth century. When I was born in 1936, just 100 years after the Creek Removal, the elders of my family still feared the possibility of being sent to Oklahoma. My people lived in isolation and were somewhat protected by the landowners who valued their knowledge and skills. As young children, we were taught early on to keep a low profile on the rare occasions we came in contact with the outside world.

 

Q - What did your family do to make a living?
A - My father, older brother and other men of my family worked for very little pay in the turpentine and logging industries in the forests and swamps of southern Georgia. My father, a quiet, responsible man, was highly valued for his skills and became head turpentine distiller.

Q -  What native skills and traditions did you/your family use/follow?
A - To my regret, because of the challenges of hiding to avoid removal, my ancestors lost that all-important closeness of a larger Creek community with its continuity of language, ceremony and other traditions. They did retain their survival skills and continued gardening, hunting, and fishing in the traditional ways. In addition, my maternal grandfather was a highly skilled wood carver and craftsman who created traditional carved ceremonial masks, furniture, tools, weapons, and kitchen implements using techniques passed down from his ancestors. He in turn passed these skills on to my clan uncle and brother, and through them, to me.

Q - Who was the most important influence in your life?
A - My Clan Uncle, Alton Evans. Uncle Tone was a generous man and friend to everyone. He was a wise and patient mentor to me.

Q - What important lessons did you learn from this person that helped form who you became?
A - I was very curious as a child and Uncle Tone always responded to my questions with kindness and respect. I still remember every word he spoke. He taught me about my Indian heritage and respect for my elders and ancestors. He taught me how to hunt and fish and make the tools and weapons I would need with my own hands. But most important, he taught me about the importance of the brotherhood of man and how to treat other people – all other people. He taught me to live without bitterness for the wrongs of the past. Uncle said, “The most important lesson you will ever learn is how to live like a real human being.”
 

Q - What about your formal education? Did you go to school?

A - Yes, I did go to school, but not until I was nearly 9 years old. It was a whole new experience and I was already behind my classmates. I was not very well received because my background was different than the other kids.  I quickly learned there is such a thing as prejudice.

 

Q - What happened to you at school and how did you deal with it?

A - Most of the kids were pleasant enough, but even in those days, there were bullies in school. I was confused when almost every day a few boys pushed me around calling me “swamp nigger.” I didn’t want to fight, but there seemed I had no other choice. I wasted a lot of time defending myself and often got the worst end of the fights. For that I spent a lot more time in the principal’s office being punished again.

 

Q - How did this experience in school affect your life?

A - I was unhappy, yet hesitant to tell Uncle what was happening to me, but he knew. Often he was complicit in my skipping school to go off on some peaceful errand with him. In his own kind and understanding way, Uncle convinced me that I should not hold bitterness because of it. I suppose this was my first real experience in applying Uncle’s lessons about the importance of the brotherhood of man and living like a real human being.

 

Q - What would you like for others to learn from your school experience?

A - Those days are not among my happy memories, and I choose not to dwell upon them. But from the things I see going on today, it seems that prejudice and bullying are just as bad as they ever were. There are many who still have not learned the meaning of Uncle’s lesson, so I hope that by telling my story, I can pass on to others the wise and loving counsel he gave to me. I would like for all people to be able to see through their own negative actions and reactions and learn to become better human beings.

 

Q - What has most inspired you to dedicate so much of your life to honoring your culture/heritage?
A - My heritage was slipping away before my eyes in so many ways. Our ancestor’s mounds of burial and ceremony were being used to build highways or to make room for agriculture, and looted for artifacts to be sold for profit. We were desecrated by Hollywood and their demeaning a whole race of Peoples. History recorded that just a few existed and they were savages. If you see a wrong, try to fix it. Let your voice be heard and your actions show meaning. I cared enough.

Q -  What would you most want people to come away with reading your history?
A - That I was just a regular person who loved life, family and friends over wealth and honors.

Q - If there was anything you could have done to make things any different or change anything for Creeks not only in your area but across the nation what would it have been?
A - Encourage all Native Peoples, full or mixed blood, to unite for the betterment of all. For those with wealth to help the ones suffering. Educate, Educate, Educate!

Q - What would you tell young people today?
A - Take pride in your culture and self. Surround yourself with like friends. Refuse to be coerced into joining habits and events that would harm your mind, body, and welfare. You, and only you, can make life good.
 

April 16 - Legends and Lore at Falling Waters State Park - Washington Co. FL

 

A Day to Remember . . .

Rising early to make the 100-mile trip east to Washington County, FL, Vice Chief Robert Johns, Pat Easterwood, Sandra Lee and Steven DuBose, crew of PBT's "Bearmobile" looked forward to a full day in this lovely park participating in an event for nearly 1000 students from 6 surrounding counties. Our crew was not disappointed and returned home that evening slightly exhausted, but filled with enthusiasm about a wonderful experience. The photos tell the story.

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

 

Impressions of Children . . .

 

This little story might be funny if not for the fact that our impressionable children today are bombarded with so much fantasy and misinformation. All the more reason for doing what we do to help them learn . . .

 

After observing the appearance of the members of the PBT crew, one earnest young visitor came shyly to Sandra & whispered, "Are they making you do this?"

 

Sandra asked what he meant, and pointing to the Bearmobile, the boy responded, "Are those Indian men in there making you work out here?"

 

"Why no," Sandra said, "We're here because we want to be."

 

"But you don't 'look' Indian?"

 

Sandra went on to explain that they were of mixed heritage, and that some people who do not inherit the dark skin and hair still honor their Indian heritage. The boy remained doubtful and repeatedly asked if she was ok or if she needed help. Sandra felt certain, that had she asked, he would have done his best to come to their rescue. But she responded each time that she and Pat were happy to be there, that the men were their friends, and they loved visiting with the children to help them learn about their Southeastern Indian ancestors.  Finally convinced that the ladies were not captives being held against their will, the boy went on his way. Sandra was left wondering what had influenced her young hero's mind. Movies? Stories? Video Games?

 

 

April 11  - First Shawl Circle Class Held at Native Paths

 

The Shawl Circle Begins . . .

 

Earlier this spring, Pat Easterwood represented PBT in the Florida Department of Health's Shawl Circle Project Seminar in Tallahassee. She was one of a number of women around the State of Florida preparing  to return to their communities to help educate other Indian women about HIV/AIDS, Cervical Cancer and Breast Cancer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Shawl Circle Grows . . .

Pat held her first class for a group of five friends.

Dee Emmons, Lisa O'Quinn, Sandra Lee,

Angie Harrell, and Mary Tomlin.

 

                

 

 

 

 

And Grows Again . . .

Pat presents each of her students a commemorative shawl and

a challenge to share their newly-gained knowledge with others.

 

While she prepares for her next class . . .

 

 

 

 

          

 

 

 

March 26 & 27 -  Native American Village - Festival on the Green

                                      University of West Florida

 

  

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

              March 19th - National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - Recognition Event -

                    Florida State Capital Courtyard - Tallahassee

 

  

Mekko Bobby Johns Bearheart reads proclamation in support of HIV/AIDS awareness and education on behalf of the Native Peoples of Florida.

 

   

 

Bobby DuBose Sun Wolf receives recognition award from Karen Simons, Florida Dept. of Health, for promoting HIV/AIDS Awareness. His image appeared on all publicity for Florida's participation in this National event.

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pat Easterwood with Chief Ken & Tosha Johnson of the Florida Tribe Cherokee Indians.

 

Robert Johns with John Ferguson & Raven Stanley. John serves on the Florida American Indian Advisory Council along with Bobby DuBose.

 

Pat and Raven serve in the Shawl Circle.

 

 

 

       

Elder Jerry Lang and Mekko Bobby Johns                            Andrea, Chris, Theresa, Sandra, Marian, Lisa, Linda

Friends United in common cause

 

 

 

On the Way to Friday Fun at the Capitol

 

   

I-10 Rest Stop on the way to Tally  -  Good O'le Bearmobile, she needs a rest too

 

Then on to the Perry Powwow

Unfortunately, we have no photos of the gang stopping at a restaurant dressed in full regalia

 

Just use your imagination &

Picture how this fun group livened up a mundane Friday afternoon!

 

Perry Powwow & Health Related Gathering, Perry, FL

 

Bobby and Sandy DuBose

Head Man & Head Lady

 

Marian Johns, Theresa Easterwood, Pat Easterwood

Linda Johns, Andrea Clark, Lisa O'Quinn

PBT Ladies ready to Dance!

 

Three Bears Clan

Red Earth Bear, Bearheart, Cedar Bear

 

     

            Veterans Dance                                                   Little Beauty

 

     

                             Shoppers                                                   Pat                                             Karen

 

                Amanda                                                    Steven                                       Charlie      

 

        

                           Amanda, Fancy Shawl                                                         Steven, Grass Dance

 

     

 

    

Vanessa Goodwin - Perry Powwow Princess

 

Mekko Bobby Johns Pays Special Honors for his old friend, Mekko Lewis Parker

 

   

Bobby DuBose Performs Men's Traditional Northern Style

 

 

An Unexpected Honor . . .

 

Reverend Dewey Painter, or "Flying Eagle," as he is known by Tribal Folks, came by to sit and chat with some of the Perdido Bay Folks with the Bearmobile at the Perry Powwow.  We first met Dewey awhile back when Mr. Jerry Lang asked us if we had a spot to store one of Chaplain Painter's trailers at Native Paths until it could be picked up.  We were glad to help.  As we talked at the powwow, we shared the story of how the Bearmobile came to life. 

 

Some people may not know the Bearmobile once was used by the Strategic Air Command and then the USDA as a mobile office. When Mekko Bearheart came across it, all the internal equipment had been removed leaving the electrical system in a bit of a mess, and it was just sitting there unused.  The possibilities began dancing in Bearheart's mind, so began the 5 year process of applying for the surplus vehicle, raising the money, and converting it to the beautiful museum it is today.

 

In the course of the conversation, Dewey came to learn about the inevitable and costly electrical and mechanical problems we have had with the aging vehicle . . . and the problems we are having currently. One of the generators has gone out (again) and the expense of replacing it is a bit overwhelming. With summer coming on, it is not a good feeling to have only one working generator to power the lighting and air conditioners.

 

As a Native American, Flying Eagle Painter is a descendant of the Creek, Yamassee, Seminole Indians and member of the Oak Hill Creek Village. He is Elder of the Seventh Nation of the National Native American Veterans Association. He has led the effort to bring Native Americans together to network with each other, meeting the needs of other Native American tribes and clans.

 

So, the next day, Chaplain Painter sent a request for PBT's officials to come to the announcers area. Then before the whole gathering, he presented Mekko Bearheart with a brand new back-up generator. We are grateful for the gift and the fact that he believes in what we are doing!  Though he would say, "All Glory Goes to God," we  thank You, Brother Painter!  Not only were we touched by the Gift but also the Kind words of Love and Inspiration! 

 

Check out his website http://www.missionngo.com/about_us.htm  to learn about the remarkable journey of Chaplain Painter's life and the wonderful works he continues in so many ways. We are humbled to know Painter and to call him Friend.

 

 

 

 

March 10, Native Paths Hosts Multi-National Visitors

Chief Bobby Johns and Robert Johns welcomed a group of local officials from Bulgaria, Lebanon, Serbia, Sudan, and Turkmenistan, along with their interpreter.

    

 

March 23 Native Paths Hosts Visitors from Ukraine

    

 

    

 

 

Sometimes, Early Spring Saturdays are just Play Days . . .

 

 

Native Paths Site of Anti-Tobacco Program . . .

 

 

Muscogee Creek Elder, Jerry Lang, and his group visited Native

Paths bringing a strong message to a group of youngsters .

 

Dr. Lang explains the vital difference in the blessings our People

derive from sacred tobacco and the great harm to body and

spirit from smoking and dependence on nicotine.

 

Drumming and singing and the beautiful sounds of the Native

flute song make a sacred connection to the message the young audience will not soon forget.

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

Thank you Elder Lang for coming. We hope you will come again!

 

 

 

 

   January - February 2010 News and Events

      

PBT's Bearheart and Cedar Bear Invited to Participate in StoryCorps StoryCorps is an independent nonprofit project whose mission is to honor and celebrate one another’s lives through listening. Since 2003, over 50,000 everyday people have interviewed family and friends through StoryCorps. Each conversation is recorded on CD  and preserved at the Library of Congress. StoryCorps is one of the largest oral history projects of its kind   When the StoryCorps folks came to Pensacola in February, Robert Johns Cedar Bear was invited to interview his dad, Chief Bobby Johns Bearheart. The two were honored to accept this opportunity to share a part of their lives. Their story will be available soon on the StoryCorps website: http://storycorps.org/listen  Watch for it!

 

 

 

February 19 -The Bearmobile & Crew spent a great day at Bear Lake with the Baker School 5th Graders . . .            Now here's the Rest of the Story . . . Driving back to Pensacola, the Bearmobile had a FLAT TIRE . . .   This happened right in front of a place where a lady was giving horse riding lessons. There were children and adults there, of course, and the crippled Bearmobile quickly got everyone's attention. So what did the crew do after the tire was changed?   Why, they gave the people an impromptu tour of the museum and a lesson in Indian history, culture and hospitality, right there on the side of the road! It was a very good day, despite a flat tire!     February 26 - Colonial Day at Fort Conde - Mobile, AL

 

           Hot off the Presses:

Strong Fox: How Fox Came to Help a Village Grow Stronger

Strong Fox is a children's book, written and published by PBT members Stan Cartwright and Edna Dixon. Reminiscent of the old stories told to Creek Indian Children long ago, the story is sure to entertain while teaching a valuable lesson in self esteem.

A portion of all proceeds will be donated to PBT in support of our outreach programs.

 

Order Strong Fox for the children you love and extra copies to donate to your local school or library

 

http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=67578

 

 

 

Pat Easterwood represents PBT at

Shawl Circle Women's Conference, Tallahassee, FL

Pat Easterwood (4th from left) represented PBT at the first Shawl Circle Training Conference in Tallahassee. She is excited about putting together a class in the Pensacola area to share the information she learned about HIV-AIDS, Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer with more Native American women.

 

 

February Events:

                February 19th. Workman School 5th Grade Field Trip - Bear Lake  

                Friday, February 26th. Colonial Day at Fort Conde - Museum of Mobile 9AM to 1PM

               

 

 

 

 

       

  Be sure to visit Perdido Bay Tribe at Facebook.com

 

     

The Vision of ALCASALICA Guides our Path As the Dream Becomes Reality  Ongoing Story of A Work in Progress  Native Paths Cultural Heritage and Resource Center in the Jones Swamp Nature Preserve        December 2009, Escambia County Installs Pavilion . . .                   Developing a Wildlife Sanctuary         4-H Friends Plant a Butterfly Garden 2009            Cub Scouts from the Creative Learning Center  Install Owl boxes at Native Paths assisted by friends from the  Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida - 2009                                                       The Museum Gallery & Studio                                                         Kitchen Beautiful                                         Future Multi-Media Room        Sewing & Crafts workroom                      Future Library - Current storage        Native Paths - A Place for Gathering, Learning and Sharing   Visitors learn the art of Pine Needle Basketry   Women of PBT Gather to Enjoy a Christmas Luncheon   Youngsters learning in Bearheart's Workroom    Visitors from Nicaragua Delegation of Nicaraguan elected officials invited to the United States  under the auspices of the Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program   Chief Ken Johnson - Florida Tribe of Cherokee Indians    FL NRCS Josh McElhaney, Andrew Williams, Chief Bearheart, Ann Bowens, John Harper   Jefrina, a Cree Indian from Canada, talks with Chief Bearheart about her proud heritage