 |
| Dear NCNOLT Members and Friends: Due to the confusion that is being caused by falsehoods and innuendo that continues to be propagated from Tom Simmons, Steve and Beki Shewmake, I feel I need to respond with the following. As many of you know, our Northern Cherokee Nation, our leaders, and I have been continuously attacked by the threesome named above. If any of us were to attempt to respond to the outpouring and abundance of attacks upon us, none of us could get anything done. Every time we come close to achieving our goals, the evil one uses whoever and whatever will serve his means to place stumbling blocks before us to hinder or stop our progress. We have endured several months of attacks by Tom, Steve and Beki, but I feel it's time to stop turning the other cheek and concentrate on the business before us. As long as the attacks were on me alone, I was willing to suffer them. But, now that their attacks are on our nation, I cannot turn the cheek of the nation, but rather it behooves me to respond. The straw that broke the camel's back in all that these people have tried to do against us, was when Steve and Beki began presenting alternatives on our Kansas web site for the possibility of our nation participating in Indian gambling. Steve knows very well that on two occasions, our NCNOLT council has moved that our people never try to prosper as a nation by exploiting the weaknesses of others. In the motions passed, our council specifically enumerate that we would never enter into organized gambling, the sale of liquor, and/or the sell of government controlled tobacco (Indian ceremonial tobacco excluded). Let me assure each of you that the Awi Akta District of the NCNOLT in Kansas is no longer under the leadership of Steve Shewmake, but rather, is now being led by a new council representative. Of course Steve does not have the power to retain the Kansas Corporation which is a foreign corporation under our original Northern Cherokee Tribe of Indians, Inc. of Missouri, which was organized in 1982. Those who are on the Board of our Missouri corporation control the destiny of the Kansas corporation. What Steve is organizing now will have nothing to do with the NCNOLT. It is the ancient custom of the Cherokees to let dissenting people depart in peace. Though Tom and Steve (Beki is not a member of the NCNOLT) have not been very peaceful in the process of leaving, we wish them and those who follow them, no ill will. As for the Texas District of the NCNOLT, the same is true. The corporation, as a foreign corporation in Texas remains under the control of the Board of Directors of the above cited Missouri Corporation. Tom no longer represents the Texas District of the NCNOLT. The NCNOLT Council is seeking new leadership for that district. Again, it sounds like Tom is organizing a new Cherokee organization for Texas. We wish him and those who wish to follow him, no ill will. I ask everyone concerned that for those who wish to depart from the NCNOLT that you do so in peace. As we should have learned from those who have separated from the parent tribe in the past, nothing can be served by bitterness and continued hostilities. For those who choose to follow Steve and/or Tom, I ask that you send us your request to remove your membership in writing so that your name can be removed from our roll. We had a very positive National Council Meeting on Saturday September 8, 2001. The spirit of harmony and mutual love of those present was commented on by many who attended. The circle is again in tact. As your chief, I feel very positive about the future of this nation. I've often said as long as we do the right things for the right reasons, we will make it. I also would like to add that I had the pleasure of being in attendance at the Kansas Awi Akta District for their first meeting under their new Council Representative, and District Council. Again, the harmony and sweetness between all those present, which was a large number, was enjoyed and commented on by many. So be encouraged that all is well with and for the Kansas and Texas districts of the NCNOLT. I'm being accused of coming on too strong in giving the glory for our accomplishments and victories to my Great Chief, whom the Cherokees from ancient times have called Yehowah, our Father in Heaven. I will not apologize for the fact that since this Nation came west of the Mississippi in 1721, she has been predominately Christian. I am not the first leader in history who gives the glory to God to fall under vicious attack. Neither is this by any means the first time, that I have suffered such venomous charges against me. Moses was charged by the Israelites as having led them in the desert to die of thirst and hunger; and Gideon's fellow countrymen desired to kill him because he chopped down their altar to Baal in order to have firewood to offer the bullock in sacrifice to God. So, should not anyone who takes upon themselves the responsibility to lead a Godly nation expect similar treatment? When Tom, Steve and Beki suggest that I and my family have prospered at the expense of the tribe, I wish for all to remember that Bob and I have been operating a very successful business for the last 12 years. I doubt that anyone can challenge the fact that we have given monetarily and in-kind contributions, perhaps more than any other member or family of our nation. I must admit that it hurts when such charges of thievery and cheating are leveled against me and my family. Yes, I do receive a salary for my work with the grant in completing the criteria for federal recognition. And, I receive half of the enrollment fees for my effort and expertise in Northern Cherokee genealogy. The remainder of the enrollment fees I share with the tribe to support our national government that includes the newsletter. I wonder if Steve and Tom receive a salary for the work they do on their jobs. If so, I wouldn't call it ill gotten gain, so why should I suffer such attacks from them. None of us should be muzzled while we are treading out the grain. Beverly Northup Northern Cherokee NationOLT Monday, September 10, 2001 |
|
|