Non Carded Native Americans In Our times

Non Carded Native Americans In Our times

Non Carded Native Americans In Our times

An Interview with Susie Genovese Founder of First People Inc,

(By Koda )

(John) So tell me a little about yourself and first people Inc,

How you came to the point of searching for your people

(Susie )I was starting my parent’s genealogy after my mother had lost a relative. She had said she didn't have much family left. I know her family was nearby for about 150 years, so I had thought hers would be easiest to locate I found it very hard to trace, she is Native American, and there were few records available

(John) How did you find the Native American part of your history?

(Susie) found it very hard to trace, she is Native American, and there were few records available. Do you know, I suppose I never did. We grew up knowing that, it was what my grandfather had said, so I never questioned it. It wasn't until recently, when I found a relative who explained what to look for in research when I asked the historians where my grandfather and mother were born, I was told it would not be listed, and if there was verbal acknowledgment, chances were, that it was the truth

(John) your indigenous side?

(Susie) Yes, it was nothing that would be recorded, not in this area

I was told by my found family to look at tax records, which I did. That was within the last year, whereas I had been looking for at least 10 prior to that

(John) Tax records as far as what. Please explain

(Susie) When I went to look through records, I could find my family names listed, and where tax payments were recorded, theirs were blank. They did not pay taxes at that time, and I was told this is a way to indicate that they are Native Americans, who were not taxed at that time

(John) One question if I may .Why the importance to know

(Susie) It wasn't important growing up, I never questioned it until I tried to participate and learn more. I was asked if I was enrolled, and honestly had no idea that I needed to be for certain things.

It is a subject that comes up often to those of us who are not enrolled, and often I hear people saying it doesn't matter to them, but at the same time, what was once a thing to keep track of us by the government, has become an identifier to us as well

As I understand it, my grandfather had voluntarily removed himself from the tribal rolls. It would have been when he took a job working for the state

(John) In review of what you had just stated forgive me if I am wrong .People who do not have cards are not allowed to be included in Native American things

(Susie) Yes, there are instances where I have been turned away

Now do you find that wide spread not only for yourself but ...take for instance have you met others with the same fate

Times where it becomes obvious to me that I don't fully belong run from the simplest to most spiritual. I am able to dance at an intertribal pow wow, but I am not allowed to compete at Schemitzun. I am not an impressive dancer to start, so that isn't an issue. I paid to attend a seminar twice, so that I could listen to the creation story of one of our nations, and I was invited to attend an Indigenous Womens gathering, but I was excluded from their sweat, and was told I could join the "white womens" sweat

later that evening. That was painful for me, and remains so to this day.

(John) So you feel excluded in some native gatherings and pow wows

(Susie)Yes, at times that is the case

(John)Because of not having a card

(Susie) Yes, there have been those occasions, even where I have been in conversation with another, and asked what nation I belong to. Answering honestly, saying I am not enrolled, I have actually had others turn their back to me, which we know is to be shunned.

(John) Question Have you contacted tribal offices or the BIA about getting a card and what was there response

(Susie) I have called several tribal offices, many times being hung up on, or told that without an enrollment number, that information is confidential. On the other hand, I had the honor to speak with some of the most generous and compassionate people I could ever ask to meet

One tribal chairwoman spoke with me for over an hour, sharing knowledge and wisdom with me, a stranger to her. The great respect for her compassion is carried with me to this day

(John)Tell me about First People Inc,

(Susie) While trying to find my path, I have been taught a lot which I later found to be untrue. I was fortunate to find some who are willing to share along the way, and thought it would be a beautiful way to help unify and allow others to learn. This is an educational corporation, and my hope is to have gatherings where Elders and teachers may share

(John) Do you find support in your community and other places who back your efforts

(Susie) We have not moved forward as yet, though it seems that many would like to see something happen in the area, I guess it is up to our Organization to start.

(John) Is there other Organizations that are in your area that can help?

(Susie) None that i am aware of. In speaking with others of like mind, this is something that could be beneficial to all, in that it will help us who want to lean more an opportunity, and allow those with knowledge to share , anything that was in the area has since closed.

(John) So correct me if I am wrong this is a cultural center for everyone to learn indigenous ways of life ...Such as a universal indigenous study

(Susie) Exactly. We have a need, so understanding and respect for our way of life, and our place in history may continue

(John) What are your thoughts as well as plans for your efforts to receive your status card and the future for first people Inc

(Susie) I have pretty much given up the thought of tribal acceptance, though it would have been so good to have given my daughter that opportunity should she choose to follow this path. As for First People, Inc., I believe it is a strong idea that others hold as well, and given time and support, I do think it will be successful.

There is a time and place for the internet and writing, but nothing can take the place of the spoken word

(John) Of the elders you mean

If I were able to envision an ideal situation at this point in time, it would be one of sharing, and truth. Even when there are times for excluding another, it would be good to have an answer of why it is this way, and those who care available to ask questions to. It is never a good feeling to be unaccepted.