PAGE 2 - CONTINUATION OF MAIC HISTORY

“About the time the Manatakau Indian Association ceased to exist, a ‘Keeper of Manataka’ emerged who single handedly created a bridge between the previously hostile and bigoted local community and American Indian spiritual leaders who came for prayer ceremonies.”

 "Benito Altaha Grayhorse, a Chiricahau Apache, sometimes referred to as ‘Chief Gray Horse, moved to Hot Springs in 1927 and lived with his wife and family at the foot of the sacred mountain in Gulpha Gorge for the next 19 years.  Benito Gray Horse was well-educated lawyer and doctor who lived in a hogan, made crafts to sell to the tourists and led visitors on tours of the mountain both on foot and horseback.  He built a sweat lodge and dance circle and invited American Indian spiritual elders from many nations to return to the mountain.  He learned many stories of the mountain from the elders and passed many of those stories on to his family and others.  As a good communicator, Gray Horse won the respect and admiration of the local population and was chosen Grand Marshal of the Hot Springs Parade for two years before his death in 1946."

Benito Altha Grayhorse  was indeed a well known fixture of Hot Springs.  Like many of his era, myths and stories have fogged much of his past.  In one such myth, it was claimed that he was the "Apache Kid".   In this story, Grayhorse escaped to Utah and became a Mormon before finally ending up in Arkansas.  Although he associated himself  with Geronimo and his battles with the U.S. Army in lectures he gave, the "West Official Bulletin National Indian War Veterans U.S.A. Vol XVI No. 5" places him as being away from the band "qualifying as a buffalo hunter" for the Army.  This in itself would not be unusual, as there were numerous Apache Scout units fighting against the Apaches during the Apache Indian wars.  When the 11th Cavalry deployed to Mexico, twenty of these Indian scouts from Fort Apache joined the regiment to assist their search for the Villistas.  Several Apache Scouts were Medal of Honor recipients. With so many conflicting stories about Grayhorse, it's difficult to trace his real history. 

We do know, from the venerable old man's own written words in letters written in 1928 to Lessie Read, editor of a Fayetteville newspaper, that for almost three decades he made a living by "skinning the tourists".  According to these letters, Grayhorse also was offering Indian artifacts for sale. We know that he marketed Hot Springs water as a restorative named "Sleepy Water", along with picture postcards of his daughter "Princess Napanee".  Given his own admission, we find any association of Grayhorse as an actual  "Keeper of Manataka" as entirely suspect.  It's more likely that this grand old man is chuckling in his resting place over the tall tales he fostered onto the White Man. 

The Apaches might have lost the wars, but they had the last laugh through this wily ambassador. 

"A number of American Indian ‘Keepers of Manataka’ followed Grey Horse in quick succession until 1979, when Lee Standing Bear Moore moved to Hot Springs and formed a friendship with Louise Henrietta Napanee Grayhorse, wife of Benito Gray Horse,  that lasted until her death in 1992.  Napanee foretold that Manataka would once again emerge as a great spiritual site among American Indians.  She gave Bear many of the stories of Manataka and led ceremonies that transferred the Story of Manataka, the Song of Manataka, and its many secrets to him."  

"In 1997, Bear began efforts to form an American Indian organization that would later become the Manataka American Indian Council.   MAIC immediately began hosting Summer and Fall Gatherings at Manataka that have continued until 2004. Amidst the fast moving changes at Hot Springs, a small but dedicated group of “Keepers of Manataka” have performed ceremonies at Fourche à Calsat - Gulpha Gorge and on the sacred mountain under the cover of darkness for many generations.  This tradition continues to this day. " 

Once more, we have an American Indian organization where an individual does not have to be an American Indian. 

In an insert on this page we find:

"The Legend of Sleepy Water states that a great Indian Chief came to Hot Springs to find relief from pain, and did not get results from the hot waters. His daughter led him through Gulpha Gorge and took him to a place of cold water. When he drank the water, he fell into a sleep, and when he woke up he was healed. The water at Gulpha Creek was the sleepy water. View the whole story at: http://www.manataka.org/page98.html"

Such “legends” are universally popular and promoted to draw spa customers. Here is a similar one about Eureka Springs in northern Arkansas:

“There is a story, very popular with the health-seekers camped around the spring they called The Basin, that Sioux Indians brought the young daughter of a great Chieftan to the Spring in search of healing. She suffered from an eye affliction which had taken away her sight, and the people were deeply saddened that such a fate should befall their beloved little princess. The young girl bathed her eyes in the waters, and within a short time her eyesight was fully restored, to the great joy of her people who told the story far and wide until it reached the ears of the first white men exploring the region." --The Eureka Chronicles by June Westphal”

"We are here to welcome and serve those who return to perform ceremonies and bring honor to this sacred place.  That is our primary purpose.  Our mission is to teach.  To be visible and help those who keep the culture and spirit of the American Indian alive and growing."

MAIC HISTORY

"The Manataka American Indian Council was founded by four incorporators at Hot Springs Reservation, Arkansas on August 17, 1999. It was a call for many people to become Keepers of Manataka again. Lee Standing Bear Moore wrote the MAIC Constitution and organized three other incorporators Dr. Robert Eagle Horse McFarlin, Chairman; Paul Rhino Belden, Treasurer; and Bill Silver Fox Przewoznik, Senior Elder. Later, Robert Many Hawks Foy joined as an Elder by was forced to resign due to poor health. "

"In August 1999, McFarlin and Moore traveled to Tahlequah, Oklahoma for a meeting of the Tribal Council of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma. The two Elders informed Chief Henson of MAIC efforts in Arkansas and asked to assist needy UKB members. Many trailer loads of clothing and other household items were delivered to Oklahoma over the coming months and years."

This shows the potential for good that MAIC could have if it would drop the charade of being a legitimate American Indian organization and stop exploiting the culture.  However, if this was done ultimately for the purpose of ingratiating itself with a tribe, or establishing itself as a non-profit in the eyes of the IRS, then this was a shameful ploy.  Unfortunately, MAIC's other actions tend to lead us into believing the latter.     

"During the next fourteen months, the Longhouse cultural center became a vocal point of activity for local American Indians at Hot Springs National Park. During that time, hundreds if not thousands of people heard the Story of Manataka told on the wide veranda of the Longhouse.

MAIC established a community outreach program, teaching classes and sponsored events. An effort began to establish an Indian grave preservation and repatriation program (NAGPR) in Arkansas. Between 1999 and 2000, MAIC presented over 100 programs to schools, civic groups, and churches."

The Arkansas NAGPR program, Grave Protection Act 753, was enacted in 1991, eight years before Manataka claims to begin to establish it. See Arkansas Stat. Ann. §13-6-201 through §13-6-216 and §13-6-401 through §13-6-409. Other Arkansas state laws concerning archeology include Act 82 of 1959 establishing a state program of archaeological research at UAF; Act 39 of 1967 establishing an Arkansas Archaeological Survey; Act 58 of 1967 which is the State Antiquities Act; Act 480 of 1977 which establishes the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program; and Act 52 of 1989 which is the Arkansas Cave Protection Act.

Under NAGPR [104 STAT. 3048 PUBLIC LAW 101-601--NOV. 16, 1990]; 43 CFR Part 10; and ACHP regulations 36 CFR Part 800; Manataka has absolutely no legal right to participate in NAGPR activities. Nor does it have any right to do so under Arkansas law. More importantly, it has no moral right to do so.  As Dr. Ann Early, of the Arkansas Archeological Survey, has told AIHSC:  "The Arkansas Historic Preservation office and SHPO know well that it is appropriate to consult with the officially delegated officials of Federally recognized Tribes and Nations when it comes to NAGPRA and we share that information with museums and other institutions".

"In April 2000, MAIC held its first Gathering at the Gulpha Gorge National Park Campground. It should be pointed out here that MAIC was not the first American Indian group to conduct ceremonies at this sacred site. Approximately 350 persons attended the first Gathering. Ceremonies were officiated by Lyman Weasel Bear."

A beautiful case of a scam artist scamming the scammers! On Manataka’s smokescreen warning against frauds site - where Manataka warns against the very activities it practices - Lyman Weasel Bear is denounced:

“some time ago several Arkansas members of Manataka were promised an 'authentic' Sun Dance ceremony by a man calling himself Lyman W----- B----, a so-called self-appointed Cheyenne "shaman" in exchange for several thousand dollars in cash and demands that 'gifts' be laid at his feet. This one actually looked and talked the part, but luckily vigilance broke up the scam and the perpetrator weaseled back to Oklahoma before he could complete the scam.”

"In June, MAIC sponsored the “Full Circle Celebration of Native America” at the Hot Springs Convention Center attended by over 4,500 people. Forty-five expert Indian crafters and artists from many Indian nations shared their work. Forty-five members of the Cherokee Select Children’s Choir serenaded guests in the halls and lobby areas before the main musical event. The Great American Indian Dance Company, Echoes of Earth and Sky Dance Troupe, and recording artist Bill Miller told the Story of Manataka in song and dance."

From the Indianz.com message board:
"ChahtaChito, they hired me, Bill Miller, Echoes of Earth & Sky and Dennis Zotigh's dance troupe to do an evening concert for them a few years ago at the Hot Springs Convention Center. We worked very hard to put together something really nice; integrating music, storytelling and dance. Which wasn't easy since we all live in different parts of the country! The concert sold out. This "Standing Bear" guy went up on stage wrapped in a bearskin rug and proceeded to "tell the story" of Manataka. An HOUR later, 2/3 of the people had left in disgust and we were still standing backstage waiting to begin! Oh yeah, it was a real good time! The next night though, we did the show at the Cherokee Amphitheater in Tahlequah. Smaller audience, better experience."

It has been increasingly apparent that many organizations and individuals have attended Manataka activities under a preconceived assumption that Manataka was a legitimate American Indian organization.  Once there, they discover otherwise.  As Dennis Stroud, president of the Cherokee Gourd  Dance Society has said: "Yeah, we were suckered into going once. We will never go back."

The paragraph continues:

"Cherokee storyteller, Gale Ross directed the stage performance and presented several traditional stories. Chief Jim Henson of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma and Councilman Everett Waller of the Osage Nation honored MAIC with special presentations. Chief Bill Little horse was there. Chief Selma of the Ocali Nation and many other Indian dignitaries attended the event. Governor Huckabee of Arkansas declared it “Manataka - American Indian Day in Arkansas” and the Mayor of Hot Springs presented a special proclamation.  MAIC released a video entitled, “The Story of Manataka” featuring Lee Standing Bear Moore, MAIC’s Secretary, Historian and Storyteller."

While ex-councilman Everett Waller of the Osage Nation might have attended, he most likely was one of the many who came because of false assumptions. When the Osage Nation was contacted in reference to this event, they responded that “the tribe may have unknowingly associated with this organization….. I do not know of any current relationship nor is there any interest.” 

"Chief" Selma Palmer (Soaring Paw N Hooves Cawley) and her "Ocali Nation" is The Ocali Nations Intertribial, Inc - a New Age group in Florida exploiting the American Indian while it sells Vision Stone and Card Sets for $18.00 each.  As a "Wolfsong Peace Elder", she was part of Mary Thunder and Twylah Nitsche's scam. 

That the Governor made a proclamation is meaningless.  Anyone can request that a proclamation be made designating a day, week, or month as special.  Cory Allen Cox, Assistant Legal Counsel to Governor Huckabee, has written: “We issue proclamations for all manner of groups and events, including out house racers, Bar B-Que cook offs and Hispanic awareness week. These do not mean that the state sanctions any of these entities or events. They are more or less niceties that we do for our citizens.”  Want an Arkansas Nose Picking Day?  Ask for it.

"The Elder Council of MAIC continued to operate the Cherokee Longhouse until July 2000 when the lease on the building was not renewed.

In October 2000, MAIC sponsored the second Gathering at Manataka at the Fire Circle in Gulpha Gorge National Park Campground. Approximately 360 people attended. Woableza and Lyman Weasel Bear officiated ceremonies. Inducted were one hundred and two new MAIC members.

The University of Arkansas enlisted MAIC to begin a long series of special presentations to varied groups on the history and culture of Hot Springs (Manataka)."

The university itself denies any knowledge of this.  It might have been through the "Manataka American Indian Student Association", which was formed by Chemistry Professor Robert Swindell - a member of Manataka.  The current status of this group is uncertain at this writing.  When we contacted the university, their charter had not been renewed at that time.    

"The Elders developed a plan to build the Manataka American Indian Village in five stages over a 10-year period. An ambitious plan to increase membership was launched and the Elder Council launched a new website at www.manataka.org on at 12:01:01 on January 1, 2001. During the next year, over 123,000 visitors read the Manataka website.

Efforts began to increase school programs and community outreach efforts. Correspondence by U.S. Mail, email and telephone calls increased rapidly and membership applications increased.

In March 2001, MAIC members painted the new 20’ Manataka Lodge tipi donated by Dennis (Chief) Joseph of the Seneca. The Great Arkansas Barbecue Championships features MAIC members cooking buffalo and deer over an open pit. Over 1000 people watched and listened during the day as members danced in full regalia and demonstrated native crafts."

Neither the federally recognized Seneca Nation of Indians in New York or the Seneca-Cayuga of Oklahoma have ever heard of Dennis Joseph.  He might be from the small band of Seneca that are part of the Six Nations of the Grand River in Canada, but we have been unable to confirm this through the Six Nations enrollment office.

"In April 2001, the Gathering at Manataka was held at the Fire Circle and brought together approximately 400 people. Elders and distinguished guests held council inside the new twenty-foot, painted Manataka Tipi Lodge at the Spring Renewal Gathering. Woableza officiated ceremonies. Inducted were over 100 new MAIC members, including people from three foreign countries.

A group of members in Sedona, Arizona petitions MAIC for recognition as a chapter. A group in Westminster, England sent a similar request. The Council deferred action on this issue until chapter guidelines can be developed."

Sedona is well known as the "Twinkie Capital".   For those unfamiliar with the term, it is used by American Indians for a European-American person with little or no blood links to any tribe - but who claims to be an American Indian.  It's especially applicable to those who falsely claim to be a shaman or healer.   

We can only imagine how many American Indians are living in Westminster, England.  

"MAIC organized the Arkansas American Indian Education Task Force comprised of representatives from other American Indian organizations located in Arkansas. The goal of the Task Force is to develop an American Indian education curriculum for public and private schools. The meeting was the first time in history when all the organizations in the state met for a common purpose. Over forty people, including teachers, counselors and people from many occupations joined the Task Force."

Danny L. Jones, Director of Native Americans Of South Arkansas, was co-chairman of this so-called “Task Force”. He resigned because of the apparent “New Age, Paganism, and Witchcraft” associations of MAIC. In an e-mail to Gohiyuhi, Danny Jones writes:

“Well, I'm finally glad that someone else has finally found out the truth about Manataka! I've been trying to warn people about this organization for the last couple of years. But, it seems that no one wants to listen. I've even lost a couple of friends, who have been brainwashed, to these New Agers and Wannabes.”

Hopefully, MAIC has not had too many successes in spreading their version of American Indian cultures and history through their "Task Force".  

"In May 2001, The Arkansas Farm Bureau invited MAIC to present a special program during their annual convention. Approximately 750 people attended the event. By mid-year, MAIC had presented nearly 64 programs to schools, civic groups and churches. In June, the first formal elections were held during the Summer Solstice Gathering. Relected to the Elder Council were: Dr. Bob Eagle Horse McFarlin, Chairman; Paul Rhino Belden, Treasurer; Lee Standing Bear Moore, Secretary; Bill Silver Fox Przewoznik, Senior Elder. Newly elected Elders; Dr. Bob Tsalagi Digadoli Swindell, Mike Quite Walker Hundhausen, Joe Gray Ghost Chunn, Cuchi Davila, Linda Davila. Appointed were: Sharon Kamahmah Baugh, Chair of Manataka Women’s Council; Rick BlackWolf Smith, Chair of Warrior Society; Ernie Eagle Water Bird Garza, Song Keeper; John Red Eagle Rucker, Fire Keeper."

The Arkansas Farm Bureau is an insurance company. Organizations such as MAIC presenting any program to the Farm Bureau could be devastating to the American Indian, feeding the company exactly the improper or false information that  can be used against us. The Farm Bureau is active in anti-Indian programs is several states. In Oklahoma, it is a founding member of the anti-Indian sovereignty group ONE NATION and is campaigning against 39 tribes. 

Yet the names used by Manataka members are real American Indian names, given in the manner and custom of real existing American Indian Tribes? Amongst members we find Quiet Wind, Sweet Water, Sparrow Hawk,
Eagle Water Bird, Good Butterfly, Spirit Walker, Hawk Eyes, Morning Flower, Mountain Wind,, Silent Bear, Furr Horse, BlueSkyWaters, Wolf Walks Quiet, Coyote Song, Screeching Hawk, ad nausea. While the majority of Manataka members claim Cherokee heritage, they do not follow the common Cherokee naming tradition. The foregoing names are not Cherokee names, only English words that sound to the inventors like American Indian names.

"In October 2001, the Fall Gathering was hosted by MAIC at the Fire Circle. 275 members and guests were treated to a special ceremony in addition to the Fire, Flag, and Pipe ceremonies officiated by Woableza. A traditional Indian wedding took place and was officiated by the wife of John Lone Hawk, Maybelle Minerich and Woableza. Two members, Messochwen Teme and White Owl from Tennessee were married under the canopy of the Manataka tipi and gave vows in the Fire Circle during the Rite of the Seven Steps. Over 100 new members were inducted in 2001."

There is no such thing as a "traditional Indian wedding".  Each tribe has it's own practices that are specific to it's culture. A perfect example of Manataka’s bastardization of American Indian traditions and mixing of other traditions is the “Rite of Seven Steps”.  Saptapadi, or the taking of seven steps by the bride and the bridegroom before the sacred fire, is an East Indian Hindu wedding ritual, NOT American Indian.

"MAIC members participated in ceremonies proclaiming November “American Indian Heritage Month” with the Commander of Pine Bluff Arsenal representing the United States government and Chief Bill Little Horse representing American Indians in Arkansas. Appointed were Mike Talking Eagle Unger and John Red Eagle Rucker to fill vacancies on the Elder Council."

"Members built a 4’ X 24’ tipi trailer, called the Red Wagon. Elders submit a Chapter Development bylaw for consideration in January. MAIC applied for and received formal 501(c) (3) nonprofit exemption status from the Internal Revenue Service. During the year, MAIC and its members presented history and general cultural programs and participated in American Indian events all over Arkansas and in many states. Currently MAIC meets monthly during open session at the Fire Circle located at Gulpha Gorge Campgrounds at Hot Springs (Manataka), Arkansas. MAIC’s office is in the Secretary’s home."

"Throughout 2002, wedding, naming or blessing ceremonies were taking place on a weekly basis. Frequently, spiritual elders from various tribes were coming to pray and perform private ceremonies at the Manataka. Robert Woableza LaBatte, a Lakota Spiritual leader, ggg-grandson of Sitting Bull and Grand Chief of the World Council of Spiritual Elders of Mother Earth became Manataka’s official Spiritual Elder. Seven elders journeyed to the sacred mountain and two Gatherings were sponsored by MAIC. The last Gathering in November, 2002, Zintkala Oyate, Peter V. Catches-the-Enemy, a 34th generation Lakota spiritual leader of the Spotted Eagle Sundance officiated ceremonies. In the year 2002, nearly 7,000 people, of many faiths and races came to the sacred mountain to pray."

The traditional Lakota do not consider Robert Woableza LaBatte a "Spiritual Leader".  The "World Council of Spiritual Elders of Mother Earth" is a New Age based organization run by a self proclaimed "thirteenth generation Quiche Mayan High Priest".  It is questionable that any individual, who is claimed by MAIC to be a true traditional spiritual elder, is genuine.  Real American Indian spiritual  leaders rarely travel outside of their community, do not mix traditions, and never advertise.

"MAIC sponsored an “Encampment” at the McFarlin Cherokee Ranch in April. About a dozen or so elders had journeyed to Manataka to pray in 2003. In June, the annual Summer Gathering at Manataka will be led by Grand Chief Woableza and Omeakaehekatl, a Maya high priest and Day Keeper who will conduct ancient rites. The Painted Horse War Dance Society of Oklahoma acted as color guard and performed dance exhibitions. Chief Gray Wolf Henson (ret.), former chief of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians led the Fire Ceremony. MAIC continued with the same leadership after elections in June. The entire elder council was unanimously re-elected with over 398 votes counted."

The name Omeakaehekatl is not a Mayan name.  Mexican names that end with the letters -TL are Aztec, not Mayan. The Aztecs speak the Nahuatl language, which has no historical relationship with the Maya.  Erick Gonzalez lives in Northern California. Claiming to be a Mayan priest, he is involved in selling workshops on “Mayan Shamanism“, ceremonies, incense, tobacco, herbs, and associated items.

The only legitimate Painted Horse War Dance Society in Oklahoma is associated with the Seneca-Cayuga.  Their leader tells us that they have never been to the Hot Springs area, and have never heard of "Manataka".  They do not do "dance exhibitions".  

Henson served as vice chief of the United Keetoowah Band from 1990 to 1998 before being appointed to chief.  Within two years he was forced to resign under allegations of 17 different violations of the UKB constitution and by-laws, including generating unofficial agendas and presenting them at the council meetings.  While these allegations might be unfounded, Henson did not "retire".

Also in 2003, the Bear Clan Society of Arkansas began to perform the Bear Dance Ceremony at Gatherings and other events.

The "Bear Clan Medicine Society" is a subdivision or associate of Manataka.  This is another example of Manataka and it’s associates exploiting and misappropriating American Indian culture. The Bear Dance was a sacred gift to the Ute, and can be traced back until at least the fifteenth century. Although a social dance, it retains it’s sacred meanings and cameras and recordings are not allowed. According to the Southern Ute Bear Dance Sub-Chief, Jake Ryder, any presentation of the Bear Dance off reservation is a serious misappropriation of their sacred traditions. 

"By June Gathering of 2004 twelve spiritual elders came to Manataka to perform ancient ceremonies completing the requirements and setting the stage for a cleansing of Manataka to take place. The Saginaw Chippewa Warrior Society came with their families to join hands in the sacred circle at Manataka with other indigenous peoples. Charles Doc Davidson, David Quiet Wind Furr, Hervie Chisum, Garl White Horse Neel, and Nell Beautiful Basket Hampton, were newly elected to the Elder Council. Bob McFarlin, Bob Swindell and Lee Standing Bear Moore were reelected. Becky Moore was elected Chair of the Women’s Council and a seat on the Elder Council after Sharon Kamama Baugh was forced to resign do to ill-health."

Milton Pelcher, Program Director for the Saginaw Chippewa Seventh Generation program, which oversees the the cultural, heritage, language and traditions of the Anishinaabe and supporting programs, denies that any tribal members participated in Manataka activities. In contacting other tribal officials, none had heard of Manataka.  One asked if Manataka was a packing company.

"Bonnie Delcourt of New Hampshire was appointed administrator of the newly created Manataka Red Road Message Board. By the end of 2004, MAIC website had grown to nearly 700 web pages and over 2,600 printed pages. MAIC enjoyed 3.8 million hits between June 2003 and June 2004. For the first time since the website came online, prospective members could apply online. A new website Trading Post area was created to generate funds for expanding programs and services. Bonnie Delcourt of New Hampshire was appointed administrator of the newly created Manataka Red Road Message Board. "

MAIC has strenuously combed the internet and purloined many articles, copied them to MAIC’s site, and presented them as part of MAIC’s own program. A large number of authors are not aware that this has occurred. One reason for the large number of “hits” is that MAIC has extensively taken articles for their site, and when an individuals search for a specific subject they are taken to MAIC’s site instead of the original source.

"Immediately after the June Gathering a political movement began outside the Elder Council to replace the secretary and appoint a new Treasurer from outside the ranks of the duly elected officers. A movement was begun to replace the constitution by two insurgents and they attempted to take control of the website, post office box, bank account telephone lines and email accounts without the knowledge of the entire Elder Council. The coup attempt failed and one Elder was forced to resign and three others voluntarily resigned."

"During this time the newly appointed superintendent of the Hot Springs National Park Service was encouraged by the insurgents to deny MAIC a permit for its annual Fall Gathering based on nefariously incorrect information. The new superintendent claimed the government did not consider Manataka a sacred American Indian site and attempted to thwart Gatherings by dissecting our ceremonies and called some activities non-religious in nature. In November an "Un-Gathering" was held at Gulpha Gorge despite harassment by government employees."

As rightly she should. The Park Superintendent is well aware of MAIC’s true nature, and knows that it does not represent genuine American Indian culture. MAIC attempted to influence her decision by having members complain to some U.S. Senators, who in turn inquired into the reason MAIC was denied use of park grounds for “ceremonial” purposes. The Superintendent’s responses perfectly satisfied the Senators.

No “illegal” government actions have been taken against Manataka.

The remainder of this document contains information about appointments within MAIC. While we will not address each individual, it’s important to realize that there are common characteristics they share. Those who claim to be American Indian are most likely not affiliated with any legitimate tribe or American Indian organization, many are heavily involved in New Age organizations and practices, and their qualifications for conducting any real American Indian ceremonies are questionable.