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American Indians Speak Out "On terrorists attack of September 11"

Quotes from Indian Country
the People's Paths ~ the People's Voice

Apache

"... I don't know if Apaches saw themselves primarily as Americans before this incident, but we know who we are when we watch those planes crash into that building." --Raymond Endfield, Apache

Mohawk

Mohawk Ironworkers, Walking High Steel
NPR's All Things Considered ~ 7-01-02
"For six generations, Mohawk Indian ironworkers have
shaped New York City's skyline, working the "high steel"
of skyscrapers and bridges. From The Sonic Memorial
Project and Lost & Found Sound, hear the stories of
the Mohawks who helped build the World Trade Center."
Audio: Mohawk Indian High Steel Workers

Cherokee

"We at the Cherokee Nation watched in horror as the attack unfolded before our eyes on live television. We are Cherokees, but we are also Americans, and this unprovoked attack both saddens and angers us." --Principal Chief Chad Smith, Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma

"It is my understanding that Native Americans in general have donated more than a million dollars to the relief effort to benefit the victims and workers at the devastation in New York...the victim lists are not complete, perhaps some of our own will be listed. We do not know. But we do know that this is a blow against humanity and we as humans must respond to help those in the most immediate need." --Wes Studi, Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma

"Our Tribe believes this act to be a direct attack upon the nation of the United States of America, and we, as Native Americans are the proud descendents of the first Americans in this land, but we are also a part of these United States of America and we will proudly do our part to protect Her." -- Council Chairman McCoy, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Council

"Please know that all of the people whose lives have been ever affected and forever changed by this hideous act of violence, have our most heart-felt and sincere sympathy. The members of the Eastern Band are honored to be able to assist in any manner which we are able. Our thoughts and prayers will be with these people in the months of recovery to come." --Principal Chief Jones, on behalf of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Ojibwa

"The staff of WCUP FM and the entire Keweenaw Bay Indian Community wish to express our deepest sympathy to the victims and families of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks of September 11, 2001. Our thoughts and prayers are with you." Listen --Keweenaw Bay Indina Community, Michigan (UP).

Potawatomi

Our deepest sympathies are extended to the thousands of Americans affected by our nation's tragic events. We are overwhelmed by the brave action of rescuers and volunteers and remember our Armed Forces serving throughout the world. --Hannahville Indian Community Tribe of Potawatomi Indians of Hannahville, Michigan (UP).

"My personal comment about the terrorist activities, this has to be the most cowardly people in the world to strike at children, elders and women, I only hope the United States does not retaliate in the same fashion against innocent people." --Chairman Badger Wahwasuck, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation

Osage

"We are nearly out of food and money. I may have to borrow money or I may move home. But you only live once and I'm not going to live my life scared." --Amy Tallchief, Osage [living in New York]

Navajo

NCTA Proclamation In Response to Sept 11, 2001 Attack
In response to the terrorist attack on America, September 11, 2001, the Navajo Code Talker Association, at their NCTA meeting Thursday, Sept. 27, 2001, a proclamation was read and approved: "Proclamation of the Navajo Code Talkers Association declaring the readiness and desire of the Navajo Code Talkers to support the President of the United States of American in his Anit-Terrorism stance and to provide assistance to our great and beloved country in this time of National Emergency." --Navajo Code Talkers Association

"The men and women of the Navajo Nation have always been among the first who have answered the call to serve the United States in time of need, and we stand ready to do so right now." --President Kelsey Begaye, Navajo Nation

"My lips give raise to a great rousing cry to the warriors of the nations, 'Guardians of the Earth, your people need you! For war has been visited upon us -- here on our sacred lands and we must fight for our people and the earth once more.' My blood boils for retribution ... but my soul will always yearn for peace." --Samuel W. Billison Jr, Navajo Nation.

"The Navajo government must continue to operate not only to continue to provide services to the Navajo public but also to show solidarity with the rest of the United States that local governments will not fold to terrorist activities by closing government operations." --Navajo Speaker Ed T. Begaye

Muscogee Creek

"The American Indian has only one country to defend, and when you're picked on, the American Indian never turns his back." --Ernest Childers, Muscogee (Creek), Congressional Medal of Honor

"If you are angry, then channel that anger by volunteering or contributing, not by overreacting. If you hurt another American, than you are no better than those terrorists." -- Ernest Childers of Broken Arrow, OK, Muscogee (Creek), recipient of the Medal for World War II heroism.

"We as a people are still close enough to the Earth Mother to remember our Ancestors words. We still remember the Stories. We are still touched by Spirit in that deep personal way. It is time for us to put aside our own petty differences and to stand united as a People (not only us Natives) but as a world Peoples." --Jim Two Feathers, Muscogee

Comanche

"Let all Indians form the first line of American patriots." --David Yeagley, Comanche

Oneida

"We at the Oneida Indian Nation have observed this tragedy, and join the world's family of nations now in expressing our sympathies and concerns to you. On behalf of the Oneida Indian Nation and all of our people, we... offer whatever we can assist with health, human service, and disaster relief." --Ray Halbritter, Oneida Representative to Gov. George Pataki

Peoria

"It was probably one of the most horrendous crimes against the United States Government that has ever been committed by a foreign nation. I personally consider it an act of war against the entire United States." --Chief John Froman, Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma

Salish

"Now is the time for people of all races, colors, origins and religions to remember as we move forward, that united we stand, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." --Antoine "Tony" Incashola, Salish

San Pasqual

"I condemn anybody who did this and anyone who supports them." --Allen Lawson, Chairman San Pasqual Band of Indians

Luiseño

"We're just in shock here because the magnitude was so great. The violence, the suddenness, the cowardice, it's just unbelievable." --Mark Macarro, Chairman Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians

S'Kallam

"We have serious problems in Indian country but I'm not sure we can measure it against the loss of all those lives, tens of thousands of lives. All this to make some kind of international statement. It defies rationality." --Ron Allen, Chairman Jamestown S'Kallam

Cahuilla

"My son has a friend who was flying back from Boston today and we're not sure if he was on that flight. We haven't heard anything from him yet." --Richard Milanovich, Chairman, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

Passamaquoddy

"We as a Nation need to pull our resources together to find those responsible and see that justice is served. We must also be prepared to make a stand and show the rest of the world that these kinds of attacks on our people will not be tolerated." --Richard Stevens, Governor Passamaquoddy Tribe Indian Township Reservation

Choctaw

"I agree this is a second Peal Harbor. You look at the parallels there, it is a surprise attack on America." --Chief Greg Pyle, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Chickasaw

"I am deeply shocked by the events of Sept. 11, 2001. We send our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the people of this great nation who have been so tragically affected by this senseless act of terrorism. We pledge our support, energy and strength as we join our fellow Americans in the recovery before us and for the inevitable triumph of the greatest nation in the world." --Governor Bill Anoatubb, Chickasaw Nation

Penobscot

"In this time of mourning let us be thankful that we are alive. Let's hold our loved ones even closer and not take life for granted." --Governor Barry L. Dana, Penobscot Indian Nation

Hopi

At times like this, we need to remind ourselves that we live in a dangerous place today. Life is sacred and precious, so take care of yourselves and your loved ones". --Wayne Taylor Jr., Hopi Chairman

Pequot

"We also pray for wisdom for our leaders, that they may be strengthened by the resolve of the American people and guided by the Great Spirit as they lead the struggle to recover from this horrific tragedy and deal swiftly with those who caused it." --Marcia Jones Flowers, Eastern Pequot Indians of Connecticut

Southern Ute

"It is incumbent upon us that those of us in leadership stand with all nations who abhor criminal attacks against innocent people. Our nation's members proudly support this country in all times of strife." --Acting Chairman Peal Casias, Southern Ute

Sioux

"We look at it this way: there are two separate fights. What went on with the government is between us and the government. It's a fight going on for over 200 years, but it has nothing to do with the fight against terrorism. Our homeland has been attacked. ... After all, we are Americans." --Garry Janis, Oglala Sioux

"United a people can and do stand successfully against injustice and tyranny. All people of this country must unite as one Tribe of America. All peoples, no matter what race, no matter where their grandfathers were born, must come together and dismiss their differences. To divide is to conquer. To give in to your anger and attack those neighbors who are different than you makes us weaker. We have been attacked as one people. We must approach our response as one people." --Tatanka Hunkesi, Sioux

“These foreign people who did this are from countries that say they like Native Americans. What they... don’t understand is that this happened to us, too. We are part of it and, if it’s war, then we’ll be the first ones to be part of that. There probably were some Indians in the World Trade Center or the Pentagon because Indians are all over this society.” --Jodi Archambault Gillette, Hunkpapa, Oglala & Cheyenne

"It is up to each of us individually to do what is needed within our own capabilities to move us forward. Only then will we find strength in unity and show the world who we really are. The true first Americans." --Andrew Iron Shell, Rosebud, South Dakota

Quapaw

"Even my little children cried and cried, they said they were sick to their stomachs. We are all just shocked right now..." --Chairwoman Tamara Summerfield, Quapaw Tribe

Wabanaki

"All American people must become strong in our own spirit." --Tom Dostou Wabanaki Tribe

Metis, Canadian

"The federation also calls on all Metis people in Canada to think about what they could do to assist “those who are suffering because of these desperate attacks. We want to do what we can, including the giving of blood, to assist those in need." --David Chartrand, President Manitoba Metis Federation

Organizations

LPDC: "On the behalf of Leonard Peltier and the entire LPDC we wish to express our heartfelt condolences to all of those who lost loved ones and experienced the deeply traumatic fallout of September 11." --Leonard Peltier Defense Committee

BIA: "An attack on America is an attack on Indian Country. I am gratified, but hardly surprised, that so many tribes have quickly offered support to the victims and their loved ones." --Neal A. McCaleb, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs

NIEA: The National Indian Education Association and Board of Directors join with Indian Country in offering our heartfelt sympathies to the victim's and their families in the September 11 tragedy in New York City and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. God Bless America. --National Indian Education Association

Board of the Montana-Wyoming Tribal Leaders: "On behalf of the Staff, Families and Board of the Montana-Wyoming Tribal Leaders Council we extend our Condolences and Prayers to the Families of the Brave Souls that were taken from us this week in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania.
"The Native People of this Great Land offer daily prayers to all living entities for their health and well being. Now that we have suffered this Great Loss to the Nation and Humanity, we extend those prayers to those who have departed and to the many brave individuals that are part of the rescue and recovery efforts.
"We offer our prayers for the journey ahead which will involve the young men and women of our nation including the Native People who will again volunteer in great numbers to defend this Great Land.
"We Offer our Prayers to the Country and to the Leaders that must look to find Justice for the many lives lost and the many lives affected by this great tragedy and crime against humanity.
"May the Creator greet these innocent souls with open arms and protect those of us remaining. May the Creator give Wisdom to the Leaders that will guide us through the days ahead as we try to make this Country and World a better place for our Children and Grand Children." --The Staff and Board

American Indian Media

John Potter, Billings Gazette
"For now, we need time to find our relatives, for some of them might still survive. We need time to mourn the loss of so many of our people. We need time to grieve. We then need to solidify, gather our strength, unify behind our leaders, take steps to protect our people and our homeland and somehow punish the enemy. For we are all one people now, we are ALL Native Americans. And above all, we need to gather together as one and pray for the future of our people. Because, what about the children?" --John Potter, Billings Gazette

Native American Music Awards - NAMMYS
As we watched the collapse of a US landmark and symbol of our lives collapse we are saddened by the loss of so many innocent people. The staff at NAMA and office personal here in the New York City office want to thank all of the folks who have inquired into our safety and assure all of the NAMA supporters that we are all fine and healthy. The most bizzare aspect of this all is that as the City was collapsing behind terrorist attacks the fans continued to vote for thier favorite artists and call the office. But most of all, check on the status of the employees in the NY City office located 10 blocks from the World Trade Center. Thank you to all and we ask you all to pray for the innocent and the families of the innocent affected by the acts of this sad day. -- Sincerely, Donald Kelly, (On behalf of Ellen Bello and all of the many others here in this sad city.)

Akwe:kon Press (Native Americas Journal)
"On behalf the American Indian Program at Cornell University, including Akwe:kon Press (Native Americas Journal), we offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the horrible tragedies that unfolded in New York City and Washington, D.C. on September 11 ,2001. Our hearts are saddened by the terrible loss of life. Our prayers and heartfelt thoughts are with all affected. We pray for strength and swift recovery to the many wounded. We pray for justice and peace on Earth." --American Indian Program, Cornell University

Indian Country Today
"There will be many arguments about the hows and whys of the terror perpetuated on September 11. But this is not the time for that. The time is for mourning, for unity as a people who share this country and for indignation against the brutality of an evil deed that can not be forgotten. To the men and women of the country's Armed Forces and other services, including many of our own American Indian peoples, to whom the duty will fall to seek the culprits and manifest a proper justice, we offer our complete support. The moment, the horror of the act, demands nothing less." --Indian Country Today

Jodi Rave - Lincoln Journal Star
"If ever there was a time for religious tolerance and racial compassion in this country, it is now." --Jodi Lee Rave, Lincoln Journal Star

Author Sherman Alexie
"I just know that if enough people stood up at a time and told stories, and we listened, we wouldn't have time for a war." --Sherman Alexie, author

Native American Rights Fund (NARF)
"On September 11, 2001, our brave-hearted brothers and sisters walked into the sunset to meet their relatives in the Spirit World. We hope the families and friends impacted by these sad events finds comfort in the memories of their loved ones and the honor they left with the American people." --The Native American Rights Fund

First Nations Canada

AFN - Assembly of First Nations
"Violence under any circumstances is unacceptable. When it is conducted in a manner that displays such wanton disregard for human life, then it must be condemned unconditionally." --Matthew Coon Come, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations

"We need to mobilize now and show our support and condolences to those that are suffering. We must act now. We must unite." --Aboriginal Political Action Committee