Comments for Black Otter Trading Post

Comment on When Writing Is It Alright To Use The Name Of Actual Places Such As Museums.? by Lake of Mystery

Lake of Mystery — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:31:45 +0000

Yes, if they are big-shot museums like the Met, and you only say nice things, I’m pretty sure it will be fine.

Comment on Native Indians Living Below Poverty? by Blueyes

Blueyes — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:19:18 +0000

I live practically on the rez. The Navajo reservation is the example that I’ve got – I don’t know how other tribes handle their affairs, but hope this helps:
1. The land and all mineral rights are given to the TRIBE. It’s up to the tribe to say who can drill for water. They usually don’t let you – this is at the mercy of the tribal water commission authorities.
2. Again, the land belongs to the tribe – the tribe (council, that is) decides where to put electricity. They also have people live in trailers on tribal land. Why? Because if the “tribe” decides they need it for something else, they tell you to move. And you have to do it. They do this all the time, taking my husband’s ranch for growing crops – nothing planted so far, 4 years after they took it.
3. Poverty – that is true and correct. Allow me to shed some light on that. They can move off the reservation to obtain a decent education. The tribe doesn’t do that and openly encourages every Navajo to NOT move off of the reservation. They can’t function when it comes to the “real world” as a result. The tribe gives crappy healthcare (a doctor told my mother in law that her stomach pain was “all in your head”. Hmm, interesting considering it was a anyeurism. The tribe ALSO has a problem with not paying healthcare workers from time to time. Happened to me working at the TRIBAL HOSPITAL.
4. The tribe is given MILLIONS of dollars by the US GOVERNMENT. Instead of sending money to the schools to improve education, they used just over a million dollars to fly school employees(and family members) to HAWAII for a conference. They have no audit system for finances.
5. APATHY – when there’s a culture that expects handouts and welfare to live, they become apathetic. The elders don’t want anything to change, and the younger generations aren’t being educated in school. Sexual abuse, physical abuse, drugs, gangs, etc. are all in the mix and if you saw the area the rez covers, it’s too big for the Navajo Police. Then there’s people like my husband who started his own business. He wouldn’t depend on the tribe for anything – even if his life depended on it.
6. They generally blame and hate everyone who is white. They segregate themselves, not realizing that they could do a lot better by making their needs known.
7. The “tribe” is quite busy right now selling the mineral rights to corporations wanting to mine for uranium. Read up on what happened in Monument Valley. Now they are setting themselves up for the exact same screw over – why? Money.
The tribe and their elected officials are no different, nor any less greedy than our crooked politicians. That’s the side they don’t show on the programs.

Comment on When Writing Is It Alright To Use The Name Of Actual Places Such As Museums.? by superawe

superawe — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:41:15 +0000

yea it’s totally fine authors do it all the time. as long as you dont say really negative stuff your good.

Comment on Native Indians Living Below Poverty? by 2D

2D — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:02:26 +0000

The Indians here live well above the poverty line. They’re the wealthiest group here and are the mainstay of our economy. They also get housing allowance, sanitation services, health and social services, as well as education grants as well. Any Indian can go to college free of charge if he or she chooses. There are so many programs for them based on them being a federally-recognized Indian tribe alone. I work implementing these programs. 2D

Comment on When Writing Is It Alright To Use The Name Of Actual Places Such As Museums.? by Joe B.

Joe B. — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:55:47 +0000

Using the names of well-known public places is fine. Using the names of private companies or individuals is when you run into problems.

Comment on Native Indians Living Below Poverty? by Marilyn T

Marilyn T — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:54:41 +0000

I have seen some terrible sights on a Indian res. in New Mexico, house that were falling appart and terrible roads etc.
I have also worked with several Navajo women in a hair salon that took care of their families by working outside of the home.
I know that Native people got a raw deal from the US government and only a few nations have casino’s and other means to pull in some money.
My great-grandparents left the Mohawk res. a long time ago and intermarried with whites so I haven’t really experienced the life of someone on a reservation. I think it would be a hard life.

Comment on Have You Ever Participated In A Wagon Train? by Donna S

Donna S — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:31:20 +0000

This has always been a dream of mine. I would just call in sick if I were you and go for it! Maybe some day when my kids are older if they ever go thru the Northeast again I will do it.

Comment on When Writing Is It Alright To Use The Name Of Actual Places Such As Museums.? by Corelila

Corelila — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:01:38 +0000

Yes. In Maximum Ride, they are in New York City.
In Twilight, they’re in Volterra, Italy and Forks, Washington.
His dark materials is in Oxford…
Harry Potter goes to London…
You see endless examples. It’s fine.

Comment on Native Indians Living Below Poverty? by Jack Skelington

Jack Skelington — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:30:34 +0000

Ummm. I think you need to take a step back there. Squaw is not a good word in the Native American community. You have no ideas what you are talking about. Those people get more help from the American government than anyone else living here. You r people have brought this upon themselves. Clean up your own yard. Go to school and get an education. Most places Natives can go to college for free. Some places even pay them to go. Quit your belly aching and go out and do something about your situation. Keep giving thumbs down to people who’s answers make sense. It’s nobody’s fault that the Native Americans, who are their own Sovereign Nations can’t take care of themselves and abuse and misuse every government program set up for them.

Comment on I Need Advise About Inlaws? by Cappy

Cappy — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:04:01 +0000

Take a deep breathe and calm down. You can’t change other people, you can only change yourself. Bad behavior on their part never justifies bad behavior on your part! Remember, the Bible says being kind to your enemies is like pouring hot coals on their heads.
I’m sorry you’ve been excluded so thoughtlessly. Start saving now for next years family vacation so you won’t find yourself ever in this situation again. Maybe be proactive about planning it next year, so its someplace that fits your budget.
Above all, allow hubby to say any negatives to his family…if he won’t then you need to abide by his wishes, after all, they are his family.