[Boats]

Cherokee Nation Chief Wilma Mankiller

Now that's quite a handle. I know her people will give her an appropriate send off - Indian style. Like all good things the she showed that - a few - can many times outdo the many. She did what she could for her people during her time and during the times of uncertainty. She can only hope that her people will elect a new leader who can do as good or better for them all - in the future.

I don't know any Cherokee's personnaly - I know of only one who is 1/2 Cherokee. I know more about the Havajo Indian's as I've worked with them in Page, Az. But as more and more time goes by I regret the loss of the "Original People" (the American Indian's) and their heritage and simple life style. Their Love of the Land and their ability to live on it with great dignity and purpose. A more simple way of life maybe - but I'm sure it had its great setbacks as well.

Today I've heard that the American Indian is now using the whiteman's magic (methodical) come back. Using their hgiher education they've discovered how to make big money (Casino's) - But they then turn around and buy back their lands once taken from them by the white man. In doing so - they preserve their rights to regain their land (legally)and once again their own self preservation and their heritage. Not to shabby - on the right path - just took a little awhile.

To our American Son's and Daughter's of the Indian Nation's - take heart you will surely make more headway - than the whitemans has been doing the last 200 years.