 |
I am attempting to launch an internet version of the Institute of American
Indian Studies Bulletin
and I look for your feedback from your reading. Also, Scott White (currently
poring vigorously over his notes, bibliographies, and prayers in anticipation
of comprehensive examinations for a Ph.D. in history at the Arizona State
University), and I provide you with a brief overview of the Institute's history. [You might, if possible,
remember Scott in your prayers]. If you have favorite anecdotes or stories
of the Institute's storied past, please send them along. Also, I must kindly
remind you, the Institute's history as found on this site is an abridged
version and the full account is "under construction," a computerese
euphemism for "being researched and written."
You will find we have added new information to several pages of our homesite. We have labelled the Linking the Ocheti Sakowin Oyate (Seven Council Fires, generically known as the Great Sioux Nations), site as an ongoing project and as such we will continue to post new data as it becomes available. Ms. Linda Bagola has kept the telephone lines open with all Oyate offices attempting to update the files. As you are aware, elections are around the corner so Oyate leaders will be changing. You will find the Fort Peck and Ihanktonwan Nakota Oyate, Yankton Nakota People), sites with new documents, names, and other information.
We've added the 
icon
on recent updates. Check the CyberBulletin site for an example. I also must thank Mr. Steve Baggs,
a fellow student here at the University, for scanning the newspaper articles
found in "The 's' Word." Steve is a friend from our growing up days in Yankton.
He also informed me that his father, Mr. Clinton Baggs, served in the United
States Marine Corps during World War II, surviving among other battles,
the invasion and capture of Iwo Jima. Salute Mr. Baggs, thank you
for your service. Semper Fidelis.
On another note, I recently read an article that castigated American Indian scholars, indeed all scholars, who use anglicized versions of names for American Indian people, one example being Sioux. It seems logical to me that we are honor bound to use the indigenous peoples own names for themselves, therefore, whenever possible, this website will start introducing the people's own names they use to describe themselves. The names will be italicized much as we do with words borrowed from other cultures, such as coup de etat. English equivalent words or explanations will be provided in parentheses whenever possible. It will be difficult at first to adjust, but through time the language will become familiar to readers. Bear with me on this issue as I myself am still learning. Mistakes will happen, forgive me, then enlighten me with the correct information.
We are busy this summer but always enjoy it when alumni, researchers, or visitors drop by. Do it and make our day. I remain yours, with respect, Mitakuye Oyasin, All My Relatives, Leonard
Veteran's Corner
Return to the Institute mainpage
14 December 1999, lrb