Support requested for sweat lodge-------------Dear Brothers:

My name is Michael McLeod, eldest son of Lewis McLeod and eldest grandson of my father’s father, Alexander McLeod, both of whom are enrolled Tribal members. 1 am writing this letter from behind the “closed doors” of the white man’s society, in hopes that I can gather some support for the other Indian brothers and myself in our fight to obtain a sweat lodge and freedom to practice our people’s religion as our fathers and their forefathers before them did.

We are doing the best we can to push for our lodge and religious freedom, but as inmates here, we can only do so much. Therefore, we call to our people to help us, to send letters of concern to the prison administration. We need them to know that we have the support of our individual tribes and the Nations as a whole.

Also, we are in need of such sacred objects as feathers, eagle and hawk claws, ceremonial sage, sweetgrass, etc Any and all donations of such items will be deeply appreciated by all the Indian brothers here.

From till the brothers here at Twin Rivers, I thank you and pray that Great Grandfather Spirit blesses you find all your relations with good health and much happiness.

Please send all letters of support to: Mr. Tom Roff,Superintendent, P.0. Box888 -• T.RC.C., Monroe, WA 98272; and any donations to: Michael McLeod, #900114, c/o Chaplain Moe, P.0. Box 888, Monroe, WA 98272.

Flower as one.Michael McLeod

and all the brothers of T.R.C.C.Monroe, WA

Some advice for Tribal Realty____________Editor

We lived near Moiese some years ago, and what sink holes our 80 acres had! I would not buy there and I would not want any land out here, so be careful what you buy there and spend money for.

Bob Curley Olympia, WA

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He's trying to improve life here __________Readers:

In response to the letters of criticism: My brother Kevin was born and raised on the Reservation. He received his basic education on the Reservation. Kevin knows first-hand what problems we face here. He has fought and struggled with these problems ALL his life. Now some people are criticizing him for trying to better the way of life here on the Reservation. Where were these people a few years ago when it wasn’t profitable to be an Indian?

Jack Howlett St Ignatius

P.S. Yes, Mr. Glover, my brother does have an education but without it I doubt you would have anything to complain about.

More open letters to Howlett______________I was an alcohol and drug abuse counselor over in Hawaii

at the American Indian Service Center in 1977 under Alvin G Echohawk for 9 months.

In 1978,1 taught grades 3 and 4 in Hays, Montana, for one year, and was a Native American Studies teacher for the Upward Bound program at the University of Montana for the Summer of 1978.

I have worked in as many places as you. Yet, I’m asked to prove myself because I have worked too many places. It’s usually recognized as experience and looks all the better on your resume. I can go anywhere in the U.S. find get a job except my own reservation.

Is the Tribal Council just going to let Jo Fouty have the upperhand? I’m on my 105th job application as a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. I suggested you have a hearing or encourage the poor find down­trodden to speak. If you can swear on a stack of bibles in front of God that the Personnel Department is run fairly, then okay — but I can’11 could tell you the number of times I matched the qualifications of the people who were selected. Let people speak out. We need her out of there.

I m visiting in Minnesota right now and I have been invited to give a concert at the Alrich Arena August 31, September 1, and 2, with Rita Coolidge, Kris Kristofferson, Peter Seeger, “Mr. T”, Will Sampson, Buffy St. Marie and ArloGuthrie. This

June 27, 1985 CSKTs Char-Koosta News, Pablo, MT Page 7