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| Red Lake Net News Michael Barrett P. O. Box 80 Redby, MN 56670 Telephone: 218-679-5995 |
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| The following letters and emails were received by rlnn.com. On behalf of the Red Lake Nation, we thank you all sincerely for your thoughts, prayers, kindness and concerns. |
| Dear students and staff of Red Lake High School, You will likely not read this for a few days, while you deal with the tragedy you are faced with. I am a Canadian teacher. I wish to send my condolences to everyone who has been immediately affected by the events I read about on the internet today. I wish for your community the strength to make it through this. Sincerely, Paul Stinson Davidson High Saskatchewan, Canada |
| From the Star Tribune "The First Lady and I extend our heartfelt prayers ... to the families who lost loved ones in this senseless tragedy. We ask Minnesotans to help comfort the families and friends of the victims who are suffering unimaginable pain by extending prayers and expressions of support." -- Gov. Tim Pawlenty "This is unthinkable for all of us. We expect our schools to be safe, but when something like this happens, it affects all of us. ... We need to face this together as a community and do what we can to help bring comfort and healing to those who are suffering." --State Rep. Brita Sailer, DFL-Park Rapids "Know that Minnesota mourns with you in this time of sorrow." --Sen. Norm Coleman |
| Please know that our hearts are saddened by the events of today and you are not alone. Peace Susan Modzelewski |
| Dear Community of Red Lake: My heart goes out to all of you, your friends and families, over the senseless tragedy we have seen you go through. I'm so sorry for the losses you have suffered and across the nation I'm sure there are those like me, who stand beside you with Love in thier hearts. I sincerely hope you all can find some comfort in knowing people care about the Tragedy your community has endured. With Love and Friendship Michael and Patricia Hoffman |
| I just wanted to send my deepest condolences to your the your community. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Amy Dyck |
| To whom it may concern, My Name is Richard B. Moore and I have been living in Germany for the better part of the past 25 years. I'm a father of three boys between 12 and 15. When we had to learn about the terrible incident at Red Lake High we were deeply shocked. We still are. We want you people to know that our hearts go out to each and everyone injured or killed on this sad day. We deeply feel for the victims families as well as for the family of young Jeff Weise. If there is anything we can do to help, however far fetched it may seem, however far Germany might be, we will be glad to do it. May the Powers That Be bless and protect you all, our prayers will be sung for you. All my relations R. Moore |
| Michael, I attended a mission trip with my church, Poland United Methodist of Ohio, to Redlake about 3 years ago. My heart crys for the people of Redlake for this weeks loss. I had the opportunity to meet many beautiful people and I truly want you to know you are in our prayers. I was looking at my pictures today and couldn't forget a lovely little girl named Samara. Please let me know that she is safe. With all of my thoughts and prayers, Doug Pitt |
| From the Pioneer Letter: Fond memories are from Red Lake Thank you, Red Lake basketball fans. Thank you for your very heartwarming ceremony for me on Feb. 28. The kindness that you have expressed to me over the years that I have officiated your basketball games has been very gratifying. Your friendship has been wonderful. I will never forget the compassion that you have shown me, not only in Red Lake, but wherever I have seen you. Many of you I do not know personally, but you have always come up and said, “Hello.” I have many fond memories because of Red Lake basketball: Minneapolis North and Patrick Henry both playing there; playing Bemidji at BSU to accommodate the huge crowd; all of your tournament games--wow, who will ever forget the game against Wabasso. Thanks to the staff and a special thank you to those young people for their magnificent job on the Flag Song. What a great job! Thank you, Red Lake Nation. JACK COOMBE Basketball Official Gilbert, Minn. |
| I heard on the news today about the school shooting and I am so sorry to hear about this. Our reservations are supposed to be safe and secure, not a place where we have to wonder if the children will come home every day. This is something that I thought I would never see in my lifetime. I hope that the Creator will look down upon you and protect you and guide you through such a horrible time. I myself am Mohawk and Blackfoot. There have been problems on the Mohawk Rez here but nothing at all this violent. Again I am very sorry to hear of your loss and would like all to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Nia:wen, ~snowflake |
| Offering my condolances on todays events. I teach at a high school on the Navajo Nation and when I looked at your website, I could see my students and fellow faculty members. My heart is with you. Judith Pfeifer |
| I am so sorry about the tragedy that has happened at your school. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless each & everyone of you.
Sincerely, Janice Hess Rowe, Virginia |
| Hello, I am sorry about the tragedy to your people today, I know it must be hard, just know that we are all praying for the families at this time. You have support from the world, but most of all from your native people, including the Oklahoma tribes. "Daw-kee k'e dae aun" you are not alone. (a Kiowa friend) ***Talia Anquoe*** |
| I want to offer condolences to the family and the Nation. Brant Nelson |
| We are very sorry to learn of the tragic events of today at your school. Our prayers are with you that Christ may bring comfort, healing and courage to your community. Sincerely, Jerry & Ann Lout Tulsa OK |
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| Families of Red Lake Reservation, We just wanted all the families of Red Lake to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our hearts go out to all involved and to the ones who witnessed this tragedy. It will forever be on our minds. God Bless, The Webker Family Mankato, MN P. S. If anything is needed please let us know. |
| Dear Mr. Barrett, I'm not sure if this is the appropriate place to do this, but I simply wish to extend my condolenses to all who are effected by the tragic shootings that occurred today. Like many I heard it on the news tonight and then saw it on the Internet. I saw that the Red Lake people have a website and for some reason I felt compelled to have a look. After rooting around I found your email address. It is so saddening that youths of today are so driven to such acts. Who knows what is going on in their hearts and their heads. It hurts us all. I just wish to extend my heartfelt condolenses to one and all. You will be in my prayers. It is my prayer that the One who created us all will spread warm and loving arms around you all, wrap you in love, and give you peace. I wish you well, Ray Locke Honeoye Falls, NY |
| I am deeply sadened by the news of shootings at your high school. I know you are a very strong people and that you will all ralley together in brotherhood to help each other. God be with you all RED LAKE INDIAN BAND. Sincerely John Wallace Surrey, B.C. Canada |
| Hello People of the Chippawa Nation of Red Lake: I offer you my profound condolences and heartfelt prayers at this sorrowful time. C. Alexander Brown, Ottawa, CANADA |
| Please let the people of Red Lake and surrounding area affected by the school shooting know how awful I feel over this tragic event. I grew up in Blackduck and now live in Hibbing, but have many fond memories of Red Lake. My sincere sympathy to the families of the victims and to all the people of Red Lake. My prayers are with them all. Respectfully, Lori (Manthei) Gilbert Hibbing |
| Our condolences and sympathy to the people of Red Lake on your horrible school shooting. We hope and pray you will all get through this tragedy. Our prayers especially go out to the victims and the families of the victims. You are all in our thoughts. Shelly and Sam Leitheiser St. Cloud, Minnesota |
| I am so very sorry, I do not know what to say, except - I say prayers for us all - all of our people suffer and I pray for healing of the hearts and minds, the spirits of our people. I am in shock. Please know that I will pray for you all. May we end the suffering without violence one day and make this a place of peace for us all. Megwetch, Pilamaya... Mitakuye Oyasin Jaye La Vallee Winnipeg, Manitoba, Mother Earth |
| Hey brother and sisters, my heart aches for every one there
I am writing from Calgary Alberta Canada. We are from Tsuutina lands. My prayers go to your people and the families who are in sorrow. Peace Dan |
| I just wanted to take a moment and express my deepest sympathy to your
community in it's time of loss. Sincerely, Peter Van Dyk |
| Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult
time. Sincerely, Yvonne Christiansen Minnetonka, MN |
| Our prayers go out to your community during this terrible tragedy.
Rev. Michael Lee Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Hello, I am manager of a group called American Indians, a group of Native Americans and Non-Natives who come together to discuss Native American concerns, and our history.
We at American Indians would like to send our prayers to all the families of those who were at Red Lake High on Monday. We do not know where to send our prayers by mail or voice, so I decided to send them to the news group. All of Red Lake are in our prayers tonight and forever. Wado, Taabia of American Indians |
| Our web site is at:
www.fourdirections.org
. If we can be of any help in any way let us know
. Keith Henriques Four Directions 6125 King Road #203 Loomis, California 916-765-4256 |
| I'm speechless. My heart and my prayers are with your people. All my Love, Joseph Salt Red Rock First Nation |
| Our thoughts and Prayers go out to you and yours. Thomas Jack Duke Jr. |
| Dear parents, students & faculty of Red Lake High School, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of deep sadness. May the love surrounding you locally and nationwide comfort you now and always. God Bless you all! With deepest sympathy, Jennifer L. Schrinel Manassas, Virginia |
| My prayers and thoughts are with all of the members of the Red Lake community, tribe, and school. There can be no words to express the deep loss and grief that the families and friends of the victims are feeling at this time. God bless each of you. Gary Higashi Ocean Shores, Washington |
| Thank you very much for any information you can provide me with and if you can send my love and regrets to anyone that might have been affected by this horrible thing. Steven Alexander |
| Message to the Sayers Families of Red Lake Please convey my heart felt sorrow to the Red Lake Indian community for this recent tragedy. David Sayers |
| Red Lake Residents and surrounding community, You'll all be in my prayers, God bless you all. Carl Nynan |
| I express my deepest sympathy and condolences to the families and the whole Red Lake Tribe for their loss. May the great Creator grant you strength aand courage in this time of bereavement As I have have worked with First Nations for over 30years , I know there is not one of you that will not grieve and suffer. Henry Lazar |
| I was horrified to hear the news that I heard tonight. I am also Indian from a small reservation in Kansas. So far away but, still very affected by this terrible loss. I didn't know anyone personally but, it could have been my family, my friends, and it could have been my community. I just want the people of Red Lake to know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry for the loss of those lives and the life of a young boy who we lost a long time ago. For those families of all the victims.... I pray for you to all have the strength you will need to help you all through this unbearable time. The reservation itself will and should pull together and help those young children who will be confused and scared by this. I wish you all the best and may God be with you all! A fellow American Indian |
| Hello, My name is Nelson Hernandez and from the bottom of our hearts here at NAYEF, we send our deepest sympathies to all who are in pain right now. We are a foundation that was created to help Indian children have hope and dreams and the reason we were born was to help children and not have to see these things on the news. If there is absolutely anything we can do to help, please do not hesitate to ask. We perform for children and raise their dreams and hopes. Obviously now is not the time, but we are available for support or whatever your community needs at this point. We want to help out in any way or whatever helps the children. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and love and if there is ever a need, regardless of how small it may seem, please reach out to me at any time, day or night. Nelson Hernandez CEO NAYEF |
| Even as a Norwegian living in Hong Kong I can not help being shocked and saddened by the tragic news we received from your school. The whole world is with you in this moment and our thoughts and love are with you all, especially the families, friends and loved ones of the ones that died and were injured in this tragic event. Must God Bless you all. Terje Taraldlien Hong Kong |
| I am very sorry to hear about the school shootings today. I would like to offer some assistance to the crisis counselors that will be talking to the students at Red Lake High School. In the past few years have spoken to groups of school social workers in Duluth and Minneapolis about a counseling intervention program to help large groups of students after a suicide or homicide at a school. I have a website with information that counselors can download and use with the stud ents, the address is: Please share this with your contacts at Red Lake High School. Sincerely, Jerry Ciffone, LCSW School Social Worker Larkin High School Elgin, Illinois |
| Booshoo! My name is Mary-Lou Olson and I am from the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation in Manitoba, Canada. I am just sending you this email that maybe you can pass onto the Tribal Chairman and Council and all the Families involved that myself and my family are thinking of you all. You are ALL in our prayers and our thoughts during this very hard tragic time in your community. My family and I travel to your Pow Wow every July and we thoroughly enjoy ourselves at your Pow Wow and how entirely welcome you make us feel every summer. Please continue the good work you are doing for the families in need and be assured and seek some little comfort that you will continue to be in our prayers and thoughts. Megwetch, Mary-Lou Olson |
| My name is Teri Santagata, and I'm a member of the Turtle Mountain Band, North Dakota. I currently live in Rhode Island. The news of the massacre has saddened me greatly, and my sincerest condolences go to all affected by this, which I'm sure is the whole tribe. My heart is so heavy with the knowledge I am so far away and cannot be there physically to help. Therefore, I'm asking if you could please either send me or post on your website the name of a fund I could donate money to in order to help the families of the victims and the survivors. Two years ago, our state suffered a great tragedy when a nightclub burned down and 100 people were killed. I know how devastating the effects of a tragedy can be both emotionally and financially. Since I cannot be there to offer emotional support, I can only offer my prayers and something to help ease any financial burden. I've also received a few e-mails from friends asking if I know where my friends could donate as well. I realize this tragedy is very recent, but if you could let me know as soon as you get this information, I can pass it on. And if there is anything else I can do, please don't hesitate to ask. And please know I'm there in spirit. Peace, my friend, at this most terrible time... Teri Santagata Pawtucket, RI |
| In these dramatic days I'm sure many who never heard of Red Lake will send Prayers for support and consolation. May their God(s) help you as well. JohnPeter the Netherlands |
| To all the members of the Red Lake Nation, I wish to send my condolences. I am not a member of any nation, just a white woman with tears for a young man who could find no other way, and for those who died as a result. It is hard enough for anyone to live in this world as it is today, but for the young it is harder, and doubly so for those who are members of the Native American tribes. I live in Arizona, surrounded by reservations, and can understand what the young people go through. The only advantage we have here is that there are so many reservations, non-Indians are more aware of the problems than in many other states, so more is done for the young. And, of course, the tribes here are all able to have large and lucrative casinos which help to bolster their heath and education programs. Once again, my deepest sympathy to you all, and may God bless each and everyone of those families who have lost relatives and friends. Sincerely, Ann E. Grisel Tucson, AZ |
| My name is Miss Finch. I live in Saskatchewan Canada and have just heard the news of your area tonight when I got home from work. Tears started flowing as I read the article and watched the video. My heart is out to all that were affected by this senseless tragedy. Stay close to one another and lean on eachother for support. My prayers go out to all of you this morning and in the future as you try to make sense of all this. You may never know the reason why, but you need to be strong for eachother to go into the days that lay ahead. God Bless one and all. Sincerely M.Finch |
| I know you folks are overwhelmed right now, but I just wanted to say my thoughts are with your community. I've included a link to rlnn.com as the only news link in my blog report of this tragedy.... http://www.another2cents.com/other/00000018.html Take care of yourselves, Barbara, California |
| Dear Red Lake Residents: I am so sorry for your loss yesterday at the school. There are no words to describe how this affects all of us. Please know that many, many are praying for you . . . . – Barbara Carder, 330 Manitou Beach Rd., Hilton, NY 14468 |
| My prayers are with the Red Lake Nation and all those who lost a loved one. JoAllan Tsyitee, Albuquerque, NM |
| My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire community during this time of such heartbreak. It is truly hard to know what to say at a time like this but I just wanted to let you all know that I will continue to keep you in my thoughts. Memories keep the one you loved close to you in spirit and thought and always in your heart, today and forever. Thinking of you with sympathy, Shelagh McComb-Daniel |
| Dear Mr. Barrett, I apologize if I am not sending this to the appropriate email address and, if so, hope you will pass this along to Floyd Jourdain. I would like to extend my sincerest sympathies to the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians and to the families of the victims. My real point in writing is that I wanted to reassure Mr. Jourdain that, while the tribe (and everyone else) should feel shock and sadness, it does not and should not be perceived to be a reflection on the tribe. I sensed he was concerned about this during his interview on television. I sincerely hope that we have grown enough as people that significant changes are being reflected in our society to ensure that the rest of the United States citizens are open-minded enough to realize this. Realist? Probably not, human nature appearing to concentrate more on the negative than the positive - I truly am not that naïve. I wanted to express my thoughts and make everyone aware that not all people will think anything other than this being, unfortunately, another senseless tragedy, regardless of whether the perpetrator was white, black, yellow, red or purple. By the way, I am a 50ish year old white female and hope I've raised my children to be blind of the races of individuals and think of us all as human beings! Sincerely, Debi Rude |
| Dear Mr Barrett, My pupils and I would like to send our condolensces and prayers to the families and friends of the victims of today's tragedy. Although we live far away in another culture, our country too was once saddened by a similar tragedy in the community of Dunblane. Words often fail at a time like this, but please know we will be thinking of you in the difficult time ahead and wish you and your community a healing time of grief. Bless you, Dr Michael Williams Edinburgh Rudolf Steiner School Edinburgh Scotland rjmwilliams@hotmail.com |
| I send my sympathy to all the families involved in this sad loss of so many, and to let all know our prayers go out to all in the community. There will be difficult times ahead but know that there are people who will be offering their tobacco for the courage and wisdom needed at this time. woliwon, Dick Paul Kingsclear First Nation New Brunswick, Canada |
| Please know I am saddened by the loss of lives, and I pray for every one in the Red Lake Nation. Jo Wall Atlanta |
| Dear Michael, I listened to you speak this morning on Maine Public Radio about what happened at the school in Red Lake, which brought me to your on line newspaper. After hearing you speak I was taken by what you said and how you said it. I am so sorry for the troubles at Red Lake this day. One day things go along as usual and the next day all one knows is changed forever. You spoke of your people and how they will come together for each other and I have great faith that they will do just that. I don't know what help I could be to your people but my heart is with you and your people. I did spend much time at your site this morning and found it so exceptional and fine. Please know that there is a women's heart in the state of Maine that is with you this day. Lynn Vicaire Maine |
| I just heard about the tragedy at the Red Lake School. My family and I are sending our prayers for the people. God Bless. Jan Dodge-Lyon Mooresville, Indiana |
| My condolence . It`s very bad what happened there. I read it here in the German newspaper. I hope the parties thereto will find come to grips with it. My condolence Thorsten Miller Frankfurt, Germany |
| I send your community my good thoughts and prayers and feel great sadness about this tragedy. Rose Hoene-Laurich |
| I would just like to express my sadness at the news about the events at the high school this morning. I know that being in Manchester, England, it is not going to be of that much help but I would like you to know that I am thinking about the difficult time you must all be going through. Yours faithfully Gillian Potter-Merrigan |
| Please express our condolences, on behalf of the U.S. Geological Survey and myself, to the Red Lake community. My heart is touched by the sadness that covers all who were killed or hurt. My wish for the Red Lake Nation, the United States, and the world, is that we teach our children to respect everyone, humiliate no one, honor differences. Yours in peace, Susan M. Marcus American Indian/Alaska Native Liaison Office of the Director U.S. Geological Survey 104 National Center 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, VA 20192 703-648-4437; fax 703-648-5470 |
| I realize that this is not necessarily the right place to send this email but i was unable to find any other more appropriate contact information. I just wanted to express my deep sadness and sympathy for the people during this the terrible tragedy. Violence in any form is painful, but when committed against the young by the young it truly defies comprehension. With my deepest sympathy, Mark Gibeau |
| Chippewa Nation I will put you all up in smoke and my heart hurts for all I know that all will be wel--for Chippewas are strong Many Blessings Lynn |
| Good morning to all, It is hard to know what to say at a time like this, except that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. It is a sad day. Know that you have support and strength from others that live far away in distance but close in the heart. May Usen strengthen you at all times. There will be many more with us when we honor the veterans at our gathering. This is my family: www.turtleislandchautauqua.org. O'neh-be well, Bonnie Little Hawk |
| Dear Sisters and Brothers, My heart is torn to hear your of your news and suffering. What is the way to heal ourselves? I know the Great Spirit is all around us and keeps us when we ask for help. Please, I ask Spirit to hold and warm you now, to keep all of us connected, to bring our children and parents and grandparents together, and to guide us through our mistakes by inspiring in us unity and love and understanding. Sometimes I have a feeling we are eating [each] other from the inside out, but we must not lose hope. We must speak up and fight for the truth and justice. Without hope, we are hopeless. Out here beyond your community, around the country and the world, we are with you, and we are sending you our love and our prayers. Warmly, Erika Shatz |
| It was with great sadness that I learned of the killings of the ten innocents in Redlake. There really are no words that will bring comfort to the hundreds affected by this tragedy-students, teachers, family members. Please know that my prayers are with all so that you may eventually achieve some relief from the effects of this tragic event. May God Bless you and provide the healing that each person requires. Sincerely, Frank Stacey |
| Our heartfelt sympathies go to you and yours! We are almost as devastated as you are. (No one will know 100% what you are going through!) All that can be said right now is Keep on Keeping on and just know there will be many praying for God's peace! In His Grip, Ilah Hardesty |
| As I could not find an e-mail address for the tribal council please extend my prayers for all at Red Lake High School and the Red Lake Indian Reservation who were affected by this tragedy. Cehua |
| To the people of the Red Lake Nation, I wish to offer sincere condolences in this time of terrible tragedy and grief. The tragic event and the losses you have sustained make my heart sad and I share your grief as one whose family ties to your nation go back to the mid 1960's when my mother, Faith Roberts, worked with Roger Jourdain on projects for Red Lake. I'm sure the leadership of Floyd Jourdain, Jr. and the other members of the Tribal Council, together with the indominable spirit of your people will see you through this difficult time. Sincerely, Dick Roberts Mountain Home, NC |
| Just a short note to extend our condolences to your community (and in particular the families who lost loved ones) after the horrible events of yesterday. I have a 13 year old daughter (who will start high school next year) and a 16 year old son (in grade 11) - we all heard the news as we started our day today. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Peter, Kathryn, Devon and Mary Alicia Millar Wolfe Island, Ontario, Canada |
| Dear Council Members, Sadness prevails on this day. I have rivers of tears for you and your families. May you somehow find peace with this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~Steve Wardrip |
| I just read about the disaster at your school. I am sorry that this has happened to all of you. I'm writing this to send my condolences and my prayers to you all. Sincerely, Claudette Portsmouth, Ohio |
| My name is Dayann Molina McDonough, I am associated with the Taino Arawak Nation (Caribbean/Puerto Rico). I was deeply saddened to hear and read about the shootings at the high school on your tribal property. I can't even express how much I hurt for First Nations youth, and this really is a tragedy no matter who it happens to, but it increases my concern for First Nations youth especially. Is there something that other "Indians" can do to help you at this time? Please let me know and I will pass any information on to the council discussion group I attend to see what our group, at least can do to show some support. What a dark day. I am sincerely praying for a big wave of healing at your reservation and for the wider community around it. I am hoping the youth who attend that school can go back there and feel safe again. Best wishes, Dayann |
| Please accept my families heartfelt sympathies on your nations terrible losses yesterday. Our prayers go out for all. I've a question that can wait until a better time for a response. So please save this email and address it another time. I read most of what your website has on the treaty and the different status as a 'closed reservation'. I find this legal description interesting. Are there other closed reservations in the US or Minnesota? Please pass this on to anyone who may have an answer. Craig Miller Rogers, MN |
| I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic shootings that occured on your reservation yesterday afternoon. My deepest condolences to the families and friends of those that lost their lives. I pray that peace returns to your tribe. Sincerely, Love Zoe Royer Costa Mesa, California |
| Please also pass this on to Chairman Jourdain, Miigwech... Ahniin Brothers and Sisters, We are sooooo very sorry to hear about your tradgey and deaths of your People. Your People are Our People also. We grieve and hurt with you. We feel your great sorrow. Know that we are crying and praying for those who suffer today. We are asking the Creator and Grand Chief Jesus to give mercy and grace to all of you. Please accept our sama placed down for you and our love. In Love, Clarence and Christine (Shawano) Cadreau Elders and Family Sault Sainte Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan |
| My deepest sympathies go out to all. I feel such pain and sorrow for you. May God bless all, and give peace to the loved ones who have been lost. One can take solace in the knowledge that your loved ones are being wrapped in eternal love. Bless all of you, Chelle |
| Dear M. Barrett, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the familys of the grandparents, security guard, teacher, & students that were needlessly gunned down yesterday. Also to the people that were wounded, we pray for their quick healing & recovery & may all of you find the strength to recover from this horrible event. Sincerely, Bruce & Kay Holland |
| Last night I was listening to the car radio on my way to a feast at the Chicago Indian Center. I heard of the tragedy that hit you. We prayed for you last night, and continue to pray for you. May the Creator give strength to all at Red Lake. Ina Jacobs |
| Editor: Like the members of Red Lake Nation, I received the news of the 3/21 school shootings with shock and grief. I wanted to let the families of the victims -- as well as other members of that community -- know that those outside your community are grieving with you. When a tragedy such as this occurs, it really does ripple outward and affect everyone. I am so sorry for your losses and will be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Ouida Crozier Minneapolis, MN |
| To Whom It May Concern; My Wife & I would like to express our sympathy to the Seven Clans of Red Lake Tribe on this tragic event. Our prayers go out to the Great Creator, that He give your Tribe peace and comfort. God Bless David & Kristel Hurlburt Goodridge, MN |
| Michael, as many know of my close relationship with the people of the Red Lake Nation, I thought I would pass on to you condolences that I receive so that my good friends know that now, and hopefully for all time that we are one family. I have recieved messages from the DFL, the City of Bemidji, and Lakeland Public TV to aid or assist in any way they can. I will be in touch when things are settled a bit. My heart goes out to my Niiji Anishinaabe on this day. Michael Muckuckii |
| I just wanted to say that my heart goes out to your community during this tragic time. Jennifer Bogart |
| Please share my sympathy with all those who have suffered loss and injury at this tragic moment. Please also copy my attached letter and share with the officials there with you. Darleen Innis Hocking College 3301 Hocking Parkway Room 170 John Light Hall Nelsonville, Ohio 45764 740-753-3591 x 2934 March 22, 2005 Red Lake High School Red Lake Indian Reservation Bemidji, Minn Kathryn Beaulieu, School board member Floyd Jourdain Jr., Chairman of the Red Lake Chippewa Tribe Gov. Tim Pawlenty Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, My deepest sympathies go out to the children and families who have suffered and who will continue to be affected by this tragic act of rage and violence. My heart was breaking this morning to hear this awful news. I have read that this is “the nation's worst school shooting since two students at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., killed 12 students and a teacher and wounded 23 before killing themselves on April 20, 1999.” I cannot believe it has happened all over again and in such a short time frame. I cannot believe it happened in my home state. But I should have known. It was only a matter of time until this kind of violent eruption did happen again because we allow behavior in “good” kids to negatively affect “bad” ones. Ladies and gentlemen, moments like these escalations of violence from troubled youths against innocents cannot be allowed to continue in our land. You have at this time the whole nation’s attention. Please seize this moment to begin a national dialogue against childhood teasing, and for a national cultivation of civility and respect for all others. Was your troubled youth a loner? Didn’t he usually wear black? Didn’t others tease him? Ask the FBE or other law enforcement officials if this isn’t this the same profile as the Columbine pair? How many more years must we condone the kind of behavior that seems to push these few troubled souls over the brink and into retaliatory and uncontrollable rage? Isn’t it time yet, that we cast the blame on us a parents, as school administrators, as elected officials and as common citizens for allowing conditions that promote this kind of aggression? Shame! Shame on US as the adults for allowing this to happen to our children. All of our children are our precious future. How many others will have to die before we as their parents and as the nations leaders will take steps necessary to prevent future Columbine and Red Lake killing sprees? Let the grief of your parents, the loved ones, and the survivors find meaning in this senseless act of violence. Honor the victims and be the leaders who start our nation who grieves with you down the long road to recovery, and hopefully in the next generation, to peace for troubled youth. My deepest sympathy, Darleen Innis Athens, Ohio |
| I am praying for your town due to the recent shootings. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that God is always there for you.I can only imagine your pain. Mary Poland |
| A song for healing BEFORE I FADE WOKE UP THIS MORNING TO GO TO SCHOOL GRABBED MY STUFF, BITE TO EAT EVERYTHING WAS COOL WHEN I GOT TO CLASS, THE WORLD SEEMED OKAY THEN I HEARD A NOISE, FELT A PAIN, SAW A FLASH AND THE GROUND GAVE WAY I SAW YOU STANDING THERE WITH A GUN WAVING IN THE AIR WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO TAKE MY LIFE AWAY? WAS IT SOMETHING I DID OR DIDN’T DO, WAS IT SOMETHING I SAID OR DIDN’T SAY THEY’RE GONNA TALK ABOUT YOU LIKE ALL THE OTHERS BEFORE TRY TO UNDERSTAND, COMPREHEND, REALIZE THE REASONS WHY, AND WHAT FOR AND AS FOR ME, THEY’LL WEEP OH THEY’LL CRY AND PUT SOME FLOWERS DOWN HERE ON THIS FLOOR WHERE I LIE PUT ’EM DOWN AS A REMINDER OF WHAT YOU DID I UNDERSTAND YOU WERE JUST A KID FACT IS I’M ONE TOO AND I REALLY WISH THERE WAS MORE I COULD HAVE DONE MORE I COULD HAVE DONE TO TRY AND STOP THE MADNESS THAT’S BEGUN I GUESS I’LL NEVER GET TO THROW MY CAP UP IN THE AIR YOU AND ME, YOU AND I, WERE JUST A COUPLE MONTHS AWAY FROM THERE THEY’RE GONNA SAY, GONNA SAY, THAT YOU DIDN’T CARE BUT I KNOW, I UNDERSTAND, I APPRECIATE HOW YOU ENDED UP HERE THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ME, YOU AND WHAT YOU’VE DONE IS THAT I’VE ONLY THOUGHT ABOUT IT BUT YOU WENT OUT AND GOT THAT GUN SO BEFORE I GO I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW EVEN THOUGH I DIDN’T CHANGE TODAY PLEASE DON’T LET ME FADE AWAY Shawn Deena, Darklyeden Music, Copyright 2004 |
| My prayer group here in Cincinnati are praying for all of you. We don't know you, but have a hurt in our hearts for you and all of your students and family. We are praying that you can make it through your day and the days ahead. May the God who loves us show His face to you in the compassion you give each other and in every tear you wipe away. Ellen Obert Cincinnati, Ohio |
| To all involved in the tragedy that has overcome your lives. I live in Pennsylvania, just read about your school, I felt compelled to send a prayer to you. It greives me to know there are such goings-ons in our world. I pray for the safety of all of you, and for healing of your souls and strength in recovery. No man knows how these things are left to happen, only God knows. May his love and guidence be your as a comfort in these times. Love, Melisa |
| I just want to offer my sympathy, condolences and prayers to all of the families who lost loved ones in the high school tragedy. May God give you the peace and comfort in time that only He can. Bless you all. Arnette Storey St. Louis, MO |
| Michael, This is so sad. I've been listening to the radio and I just can not believe this could be happening to our people. Please keep me informed, as I would like to send some money to help the families or if there is any other way how I can help, please let me know. Donna Hoffer Bois Forte Indian Reservation |
| My heart felt condolences go out to your people at this devastating time. We all feel your sadness! Angelique Albert Development Specialist American Indian Business Leaders National Office Gallagher Business Building, Suite 366 Missoula, MT 59812 (406) 243-5337 |
| I've just read the news of your tribes loss. I'm very very sorry, I can't imagine what you are facing. I will pray for you. M Graham |
| Last weekend my family celebrated the annual Denver March Powow and we were elated to be at a gathering of many nations of indigenous people from this hemisphere. So, when we heard of the terrible tragedy at your high school, needless to say we were in shock that an individual would take it upon himself to engage in such needless slaughter. We are holding a prayer ceremony this Saturday to enjoin with many others who are praying for your commnity. en la quech, Antonio Sanchez Jicarilla Apache |
| Michael, I just read about this tragedy this morning. My heart goes out to the families and the entire community. Josh Syrjamaki |
| I don't know if this wee note will meet anyones eyes but I suppose the connection is from one heart to another and is writen upon the lips of our Creator and therefore will be received. I join with you in your great sorrow as you awake this day with such heavy hearts and minds,asking why , how... just devastating for your community. But please know that our prayers are with you and those who are suffering, as this touches all of us. Peace be to those who have passed and peace to the young man who was in so much pain who created this tragedy. Head bowed in sorrow, Heather Hannah Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada |
| Lakeland TV's coverage of the tragedy in Red Lake As you can imagine, with the tragic events that took place in Red Lake yesterday, our news department has been inundated with calls and visits from news crews from virtually all of the Twin Cities media outlets. We’ve taken calls from news organizations from as far away as Australia. Last night I was helping in production and the news room basically controlling traffic. It was busy to say the least. I even had to ask several reporters to leave about 9:45 so we could actually do our 10 PM news! For today we’re planning some special coverage at 12:30 PM, as well as an extended versions of our 6 PM update. We also are airing the following crawl intermittently this morning to let people know how we’ll be covering the tragedy today. In order to maintain an important safe haven for your children, Lakeland Public Television has made the decision not to interrupt the children’s programming block for updates about the tragic shootings at Red Lake. Lakeland Public Television will broadcast a live update at 12:30 PM with all the information we have at that time. We will also broadcast a special extended version of our Lakeland News Update at 5:57 PM, as well as in-depth coverage at 10 PM during our normal broadcast of Lakeland News. Out thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, and all the people of the Red Lake nation. We will also be talking with the leadership in Red Lake to see how Lakeland can help over the next few weeks during these difficult times. Bill Sanford General Manager Director of Engineering bsanford@lakelandptv.org 218-751-3407 ext. 115 Lakeland Public Television http://www.lakelandptv.org |
| I am not from the area, but, please make sure that the families of RLHS know that everyone is praying for them and grieving with them. Netsirk |
| To all the Chippewa people of the Red Lake area, Our prayers are with you today for the souls of the members you have lost and for your entire community as you go through this time of tragedy and loss. Who knows what causes someone to snap like that... maybe he did not get enough attention in life, but the price that your community will have to pay for him to be remembered is very high. We cannot understand the Creator, the Great Mystery, but somewhere, in the midst of all this sorrow, there are lessons we all must learn. Our requests for you today are for healing, strength, wisdom, peace, good health and joy to come to you all to help you get through this period. Taino Ti (May the Great Spirit be with you), Evelyn & Joe Garcia Taino |
| I and my family would like to send our sincerest sympathy to your community concerning your recent tragedy. Mitch McKee |
| I am Native American and I live in Indiana~ My great grandmother was adopted by a white family and I am a *blended* native~ but I am deeply influenced by my biological connection that is expressed in a deep spiritual way~ I feel my ancestry has guided me throughout my life~ to look at me, you would not guess my heritage~ I have light skin, blond hair and blue eyes~ but the animal spirits keep me true~ Mother Earth sees me through~ and my *intuition* confirms this all~ Shaman traits with distinct connection to the elders protect me and guide me~ I have ALWAYS been a LOUD and at times, obnoxious advocate against the tragedies of my people~ when I look in the mirror, my european appearance betrays my heart and breaks my heart~ but I embrace it and let it empower me for STRONG protest of all the injustices encumbered by native americans~ having said that, I have another *pet-peeve*..........when families, schools, *the system* fails our children!!! You would think after columbine, our government would see to the protection of ALL our children in public schools!!! THIS INCLUDES THE SHOOTERS!!!! They are children TOO!!! Am I the ONLY one who sees these KIDS??? I feel it is my Native American connection that CONNECTS me with children like the shooter!!! That i *SEE* them LOUD AND CLEAR!!! Why didn't anyone *SEE* him??? CONNECT with him??? REACH OUT MORE TO HIM????? i don't get it~ I expect this sort of thing in white middle America............but not on an Indian Reservation!!! What happened??? Have we become SO tainted that we become disconnected with our children??? Was this shooter a native american??? I don't get it! I write this with the best of intentions and hopeful healing for this high school and community~ the Native Americans are resilient people~ They have proven that... over and over throughout the centuries~ And prove to not only overcome strife but make it their springboard to success~ To hear about a student who CLEARLY wasn't monitored and acknowledged as being a *follower* of Hitler and embracing RADICAL IDEALS and doing so.... frequently, on message boards on the Web and NO ONE notified or tried to investgate this child and reach out, absolutely AMAZES ME!!! BUSH SHOULD PUT HIS PRIORITIES IN ORDER and FOCUS on children like this who CRY OUT!!! These children ALWAYS show their *TRUE* intentions WAY BEFORE they follow through!!! My God!!! Didn't the guidance counselor at your high school KNOW about this child's father's suicide????????????????? HELLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOO???????????? Father commits suicide......... likelihood that son might do something as desperate as that!!! I'm not a doctor or medical expert but I can SEE THAT!!! I just DON'T get it!!! Again, I don't want to judge............ but hello??? I hope other schools will *GET SMART* and learn from the mistakes made.............. AGAIN ........by the officials and ADULTS who surround these troubled teens!!!!! I pray for all those children and families struck down by these tragedies..... especially, the shooter~ I pray for mercy for his soul and hope for forgiveness by the community for this poor child and the choices he made~ He only reflected and lashed out~ He was lost~ and lonely~ He reached out ......using a gun when his cries were not heard~ My prayer: Heavenly father please forgive this child~ for he knows not what he has done~ Please embrace and gather him in your light and bring to him your mercy and gather the children he took with him with his self loathing act~ The greatest gift this community can give the shooter and his victims is FORGIVENESS~ This will complete the circle and bring blessing and release the pain~ I ask this in Jesus Christ's name........ Amen~ Sheryl Langdon Bedford, INDIANA |
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