Adding to the Indifference on Indians

I was pleased to finally have my picture in your paper (“Oldest Cultures Celebrate at Park,” Oct. 13), (but) I did not appreciate the text. I had my tipi so children could see the practicality of the early American mobil home! I was preparing my loom to demonstrate hand weaving, not spinning. I was working when I was interviewed and may have had my head down when I spoke of my adopted family!

I have spent weeks apologizing to the Indian community and the Lame Deer family of South Dakota for the unwarranted addition to their noble and respected family bloodline! When I (was) questioned (by) your writer, he said I sounded French, so he went ahead and added Lame Deer to sound more Indian!

When he asked me about Indian holidays, I threw the question back at him. He had to admit media awareness of Black History Month, Martin Luther King Day, Mexican holidays and Chinese and Japanese celebrations, realizing Americans do not recognize or promote any Native American holiday, nor any native leader.

It was when discussing this subject I said the first Americans do not exist in America for most Americans today. It is easier to point at other displaced people in the world than to realize America’s freedom and rights were gained at the loss of our indigenous people’s lands, religions, social customs and their dignity.

This casual misquote just adds to the indifference. I work very hard to keep the treasured customs and dances alive for the future generations, as do many in the Southern California Native American community.

RENEE LaSHELLE, Orange