"News Letter January 10, 2010"
FOUR WINDS TRIBE LOUISIANA CHEROKEE CONFEDERACY
NEWSLETTER
January 08, 2010
As we reflect back on the year 2009 and all that was accomplished during this period, we know that we have a great working tribe. There are a very small number of workers, but they work hard, in unity, to get the job done. As we go forward in 2010, we hope to see some new workers that are willing to step up and take on the responsibilities of any job they are qualified to do.
The lodge office will be closed until the 20th of January. The rolls are closed until further notice. Dues for the year of 2010 must be in by March 15, 2010. Our members 65 years and older are exempt, but 18 and older must pay their $20.00 membership dues. We know a lot of you didn't pay until the later part of 2009, but that was due to getting your papers in. Never the less, we must insist that all dues be paid at the first part of every year so we know how to plan our financial budget for the year. As you all know, this is the only way we can keep our office open and do newsletters and ID cards. We appreciate all the donations of time and money that is given freely to keep this tribe going.
We held four exhibitions this year at grammar schools and libraries for the children and some adults attended. Demonstrations were given on how to make the corn husk dolls, and several American Indian crafts that are still being taught by our tribal members. We had five fund raisers that were successful, and our Powwow was the largest one we have had so far.
The Powwow was a major undertaking as most of our faithful workers were ill, and a lot were unable to do what they have done in the past to get our Powwow set up, but we were blessed with some new people that stepped up to fill the slots. We are grateful to all that made this Powwow so successful. One of the greatest events of our Powwow was another member; J.C. Willis was honored by the presentation of the Eagle feather given by Thomas Muskrat. We honored one of our members, Helen Clunie, along with Professor Greer of Southern Mississippi State, for the work they did to get American Indian Culture as an accredited course at that University. The Wade Willis family was honored and so appreciative for the memorial case that was given by Glen Dyer in honor of their loved one, Chief Willis. We want to thank Mr. Dyer for all of his generous deeds that he does for the Four Winds Tribe.
We had the crowning of the princesses at a special dinner, and our annual corporate meeting along with our Christmas party in December. There were special events given by other tribes that our committees were invited to attend, and certain tribal members attended whenever possible.
We want to thank the following members for their outstanding work this past year; Louise and J.C. Willis, Harry and Elsie Cates, Lynn Wiggins, Leslie LeJeune and family, Gertrude Bonin, Glen Dyer, Ricky Richard, Shelia Trahan, Lee and Bobbie Sherman, Jennice Willis, Web and Carolyn Gotte, Charlotte Sinclair, Tammy and Tim Cooley, Linda Ellis, and any others that we may have overlooked.
We want to thank all the ones that gave generous donations that helped sponsor our Powwow, and the ones that gave generously to the building fund. We want to thank the two members that gave a large donation to pay for a new ID machine. Of course, it goes without saying that we owe a big "THANK YOU" to our Chief, Jackie Womack. Jackie works harder than anyone to keep the tribe going, and never misses a chance that will benefit the tribe. She is always on the go hunting ways to raise money for our building fund so we may eventually have our own land and tribal hours. We owe Jackie Womack our gratitude and our loyalty.
January 2, 2010 we lost our most loyal and loved member of the tribe. J.C. Willis was laid to rest January 4, 2010 with all the tribal honors that were due him. The fire Departments had a big role in his burial proceedings as well as the tribe. J.C. was a volunteer fireman, a true American Indian that loved his tribe, friend and brother to everyone. He was the tribes mentor as well as our jokester that helped us through some difficult times. J.C. has devoted thousands of hours throughout his lifetime helping others and he will be missed by all. We want to remember Louise and family in our prayers. Louise and J.C. were always the first ones to show up for any project that had to be done for the tribe. He will always be remembered as one of our best gourd dancers, and he will never be forgotten.
Chief Jackie Womack wants to thank everyone that has stood by the Willis family throughout this difficult time, and encourages all to remember Louise in their prayers. We all want to help Louise with our words of encouragement, and donations. A donation fund will be set up for Louise at the Lodge office, and anyone wanting to drop in and donate may do so when the office reopens January 20, 2010.
The Four Winds Tribe Louisiana Cherokee Confederacy wishes everyone a Happy New Year, and we pray all that is ill will be blessed with better health. We pray that all families be blessed with happiness, and good will toward others.
Chief Womack wants to thank all Council and Board Members for their attendance, and their support throughout the year of 2009.
Wado
Wado
Jackie Womack,
Principal Chief
Principal Chief
