12 - The Michigan Daily - Tuesday, February 22, 2000 PAID ADVERTISEMENT tf +t NEWS SEVE F1l T IM FII THE E Oppression 0 508 Years of Cultural Degradation and Michigamua's relationship with the U-M Native American community 1972 - Victoria Barner, a U-M grad student and Alaskan Native, files a complaint with the Michi- gan Civil Rights Commission. She stated in her complaint that Michigamua "holds initiation 'rites' on campus in public each spring which are demean- ing and insulting to the Indian culture and heri- tage. I believe the University has violated my rights and those of other American Indians by permitting our culture to be distorted and ridiculed because of our race and national origin." 1973 - The University, by way of the Office of General Council, settles Barmer's compliant vol- untarily by encouraging Michigamua to elimi- nate "all public actions" in exchange for the Civil Rights Commission not finding the University engaged in any unlawful discrimination. 1976 - Another complaint is filed accusing the University of violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by denying membership to minorities and ridiculing Native American cul- ture. 1989 -April 10, Michigamua drives around cam- pus at night in a rented U-Haul picking up mem- bers holding fake tomahawks, in direct viola- tion of 1973 agreement. 1989 - The Minority Affairs Commission (MAC) files complaint with the Michigan Civil Rights Commission. To avoid a legal charges against the Board of Regents, Michigamua and their alumni "Old Braves Council", sign an agreement with the Native American student complainant, the chair of MAC, and the student Discrimina- tion Policy Administrator. In a December 1989 Tower Talk (Michigamua Newsletter), "Fish'Um Puck out of Net" Sharples reports that "The conditions of this agreement will almost assur- edly appear overly restrictive to most older mem- bers of Michigamua.....To be more specific, Michigamua is dropping all references to Na- tive American society and culture." 1990-1997 - On Monday nights and during Michigamua's "Longest Week," the sound of a drum being beaten and songs sung emanate from the Michigan Union Tower. Red paint appears on the Tappan Oak near the Grad Library. Michigamua Bear Meat Feasts occur at the University Recreation Area, home of the ropes course, and Michigamua's totem pole and stomping grounds. 1997-1998 - The Native American Student As- sociation (NASA) confronts Michigamua on their public display of "Indianess": the totem pole, tomahawk plaque next to the Tappan Oak, the drum songs coming from the tower, and the name Michigamua. A series of meetings con- vene between administration, Michigamua, and NASA to enforce the 1989 agreement that Michigamua has violated. Michigamua, after long and exhausting meetings, agrees to remove the tomahawk plaque, the totem pole, and the marching band drum they used for their songs, to stop painting the Tappan Oak; for Michigamua the name is nonnegotiable. 2000 - The Students of Color Coalition occupy the Michigamua "Wigwam Room" to highlight privileges provided to Michigamua by Univer- sity administration, through free use of seventh- floor Union tower room, and to bring public at- tention and scrutiny to the University's support of a racist, elitist, and sexist secret society. *All information and quotes cited from University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library sources. A Native American perspective about Od "Flipp'Um Back" and why Native America is mad! _i4 Y ,V. ' ow 2M Nf UsUN 5T'AIt? 0~2000 Shananaquet Old Brave Gerald "Flipp'Um Back" Ford - Class of '35 i; * "It is about respect - respect for everybody. In our understanding, the Creator made' everything. That's all we're told. He made everything. And since he made every- thing, then you must respect everything. That's simple. And so as I look upon you, I know that the Creator made you; I know that you're equal. You're equal in every way to us. And I respect you because you are a manifestation of the Creation. But the law says that you must respect us as well. In this basic respect is peace. That's what's called community. Unfortunately, in today's time this does not occur. And so what I am talking about now is respect for our people's ways. Our land, our language, and our culture have been taken. Don't try to take our religion. We need that respect." - Oren Lyons, Onondaga, 1992 ANNARBORPOWBWOW ARCH24-2020 U U CRI SLER ARENA We invite you to a gathering of over 1,000 of North America's greatest singers and dtncers. Come see the rich culture and heritage of the country's most rnowted Native American artists and craftspeople. DOORS OPEN FRIDAY at . .M. Adults $8/day Friday Grand Entry at 7 P.M. with College students (with valid ID) $6/day singing & dancing until 10 P.M.. Students (13-17 yrs.) $6/day DOORS OPEN SATURDAY-at 11 A;M. Seniors (60 yrs. & up) $6/day Saturday Grand Entries at 1 & 7 P.M. Children (4-12 yrs.) $4/day with singing & dancing un*i1 10 P.M4. 3 yrs. & under are FREE DOORS OPEN SUNDAY at 11A.M. Weekend Passes will be available Sunday Grand Entry at 1 P.M. Handicap Entrance on west side of arena with the Pow Wow concluding at 6 P.M. ALL TICKETS ON SALE AT THE DOOR To the Seventh Fire News: I recently took a trip to the University of Michi- gan to support the Michigamua "wigwam" occupation by the Students of Color Coalition. I was given a copy of the Michigan Daily and upon reading the February 9, 2000 edition, I am writing in response to the letter submitted by U-M alumnus and Michigamua member Lvell Haynes. As a Native American mother and for the sake of my children, I feel compelled to speak to the ignorance Mr. Haynes has shown about my people. I can not speak to the actions of former and present members of Michigamua, but I can provide questions that are being raised concerning the purpose of Michigamua for those who are willing to listen and understand. What kind of satisfaction is derived from making a mockery of Native people, their artifacts, language, and culture? Do you as mem- bers of Michigamua perpetuate stereotypical images in your home, to your children, your grandchildren, or your place of employment? As hard as people of color have worked to educate and provide culturally sensitive programs and information to the public, the irresponsible actions and beliefs of Michigamua have shown the ignorance and immaturity of these so-called "leaders." No matter how many opportunities there are for Michigamua members to be educated about' our culture, I personally feel that their minds are already made up to use our traditions and spirituality as a basis . for their stereotypical mockery and degradation. The American Heritage Dictionary defines the word "stereotype" as a person, group, event, or issue considered to typify or conform to an unvarying pattern, or manner, lacking any indi- viduality. Michigamua, find your own identity and stop misappropriating mine! We define our teachings based on the "Seven Grandfathers" (Wisdom, Love, Humility, Truth, Bravery, Honesty, and Respect). If any members of Michigamua, past or present, truly understood at least one of these teachings, we certainly would not have eight students who have joined their spirits to define the wrongful- ness of this situation to you Lyell Haynes, Michi- gamua, The University of Michigan and its officials. Instead, we would have a mutual understanding and respect for one another. How dare you presume to know my culture? How dare you tell me to let go of the past that shapes who I am? I have pity for you and your "cult" who do not know where you come from and must grasp at something that is not yours and will never be yours. Mii si iiw. Punkin Shananaquet Anishnaabe mother 0 I1 U - I - - -- - . . . 'w F - Cl r n niita n n l 1, cldu rrnU i h S ni F n_ hi nin o . -