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NEWS AND NOTES FROM INDIAN COUNTRY May 15, 2005 Susan Bates

LAST FULL BLOOD MALE QUAPAW PASSES When Robert Whitebird closed his eyes for the last time, an era had ended for the Quapaw People. Whitebird, who was born January 17,1913, in the Lincolnville Community to Harry and Flora Young Greenback Whitebird, was the last full blood Quapaw male. According to an article written by Sam Lewin for The Native American Times, Whitebird will be remembered as a "legendary figure for reasons ranging from political to spiritual." Among his many accomplishments, he spearheaded the Oklahoma Indian Rights Association and belonged to the National Congress of American Indians." He is survived by a daughter, Cynthia Whitebird, two grandsons, Robert Whitebird III and Larry Whitebird and three great-granddaughters. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>   WORLD PEACE AND PRAYER DAY MARKS 10TH YEAR June 21, 2005, will mark the 10th year of celebrating World Peace and Prayer Day, an event which includes indigenous Peoples from all over the world. Focusing on self respect and respecting the Sacred Places of the ancestors, Chief Arvol Looking Horse, organizer of the event, stated that "Having completed our commitment, the responsibility now belongs to the people - to continue the protection and honoring of their sacred sites throughout the world." The group is petitioning the United Nations for an "Honoring Sacred Sites Day" which would be on June 21st. You can participate by joining in a planned activity or by organizing one of your own. Remember, every nation had its own sacred sites. What places were sacred to your people? To find out more go to http://www.worldpeaceandprayerday.net/  <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>   CENSUS BUREAU BEGINS PREPARING FOR 2010-- Census Test On South Dakota Reservation The U.S. Census Bureau will conduct field testing for the 2010 Census on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota in 2006. The test will include everyone who lives within the boundaries of this reservation. The Cheyenne River Census Field Office, located in the Teton Mall in Eagle Butte, S.D., opened in late March. From July through August 2005, census workers will travel through the reservation to identify every housing unit. Between March and May 2006, census workers will visit every residence to conduct the actual enumeration. "This project is designed to evaluate many systems and procedures planned to be used in conducting the 2010 Census on reservations," said Census Bureau Director Louis Kincannon. In addition to studying new methods and technology, the Census Bureau will continue to uphold its high standard of protecting the confidentiality of all respondents. Every person with access to data is sworn by law to protect confidentiality. Violating the laws protecting confidentiality is a federal crime with serious penalties, including a prison sentence of up to five years and a $250,000 fine. Respondent information is protected and identities cannot be shared with any person or organization outside of the Census Bureau. To apply for 2006 Census Test jobs, call the Cheyenne River Census Field Office at (605) 964-1990 or toll-free at (877) 744-1522. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>   QUOTE OF THE WEEK "Where no one intrudes, many can live in harmony." "Chief Dan George" <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

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