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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. |
| My deepest sympathies go out to your entire nation. I just read an article that Jeff was on Prozac and had it increased. I just wanted to send a long a link that will explain a little of how these drugs affect children http://justiceseekers.com/ and things like this tragedy happen more often than known. Prayers and smoke from the Lenape. May the creator help all of you. |
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| I wanted to extend my heartfelt sympathies at this time of loss to the Red Lake Nation. It is a shame that it takes a tragedy such as this to bring the hardships of reservation life to the forefront of media coverage. Despite this however, I believe that the American public will still be unable to understand the socio-economic handicaps that most Native Americans still face. The levels of high unemployment, poor education, and life below the poverty line in a number of reservations are almost incomprehensible the average American. Jefferey Wiese was crying out for help and no one was able to hear him. I hope this attention showered on your people towards this negative will spur the public and the federal government towards take positive steps in raising awareness to your needs, and open our eyes to your rich and colorful history and culture. Sincerely, Jay Carbonetti White Plains, New York |
| Dear Mr Barrett, I found your contact when looking for some way of expressing my profound sorrow to the Red Lake Nation. As a school teacher who actually had one of my students slay another one and subsequently be executed on death row, I truly appreciate the horrendous pain that the people in your community are now suffering. The many years that have passed since then have dulled, but have not erased the shock. My heart goes out, not only to the families of the victims, but to the survivors and to all of you in the community. Each person among you suffers from the impact of this tragedy, perhaps in differing ways and degrees, but suffers nonetheless. Could I please prevail upon you to pass on my sense of shared grief to everyone. All of the people I know here feel the same way. As someone with the standard issue minimal "Native American Ancestry" that has been nearly eclipsed by my French and Irish heritage, I still take immense pride in having that slight connection and so it infuriated me beyond belief to just learn that the current occupant of the Oval Office did not have the common decency to at least express sympathy to you on behalf of the nation. He truly fits the description of the current joke that has tribal elders referring to this calloused and inept pretender to the throne as "Walking Eagle". He does not represent us very well. ~Jack Hayes Portland, Maine |
| Dear Mr. Barrett, My heart goes out to you your community and all the people who were involved in some way to the senseless loss of life at Red Lake School, The young man seemed from reading what I could find, at a loss for friendship. There is always some one out here in this great land to mentor young and old alike. I may be a 56 year old American male, race is of no concern, but I really feel for those who have less opportunities than others. This is America,,,,The Greatest Nation on Earth. When will we as a nation learn to Respect The First True Americans, Indians,Indians of all Tribes?????We have lost sight of humans for the chance of glory in dollars and fame. I want your community to know that there are many people who would be willing to help if the door was just opened ever so slightly. Take My Hand I Will Walk With You, I Will Help You if You Want Me to. I Will Be Your Friend. Truly Mike |
| O'siyo I send prayers and smoke up for all the people of the Red lake Nation. My heart is sad. I stood on the edge of the cliff and watched the magic below me the proud with feathers fluffed and preened plumes of bright colors waving in the breeze face paint gleaming in the firelight eyes dark as a ravens feathers the drums began~ the dance of feet softly beating into the earth the silence of the night struck with thunder as the beat echoed within the canyon walls the shiver and shaking of the snake tails shattered the silence the somber of spirit as prayers rose into the heavens withering like an eagle spirit from dying embers "Oh Father" "Gather us within your arms hold us steady with your hands know the pain and suffering within us and see us through with courage for you are the everlasting spirit and we are the sons and daughters of your soul bless us with the eyes of the hawk strengthen us with the heart of the bear give us the wisdom of the wolf and the courage of all eagles let us see your light before us as we flow with the winding streams enrich our lives with harvest and our hearts with love for we are the proud and brave of this land" sv-hi:-ye (evening) Prayer Greg from Fresno,CA |
| I would like to express my condolences to those affected by the recent events. May your nation be granted the utmost strength in dealing with this tragedy, and may you be blessed with the ability and courage to lead and maintain your lives while never again having to face a situation like this in your lifetimes. My heart goes out to every single individual who resides at the Red Lake Nation and our prayers here in New York City are with you. Stewart Berger |
| Aho, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with everyone there and I hope the Great Creator will restore these painful times to better time, soon. With a heavy heart, Ben Martino Gardner, Massachusetts USA |
| To all in the Nation, I extend my sympathy for the pain you are all going through right now. I am not a Native American, but I have long admired and respected your courage. The first to offer help, the first to volunteer, but without wanting any credit or publicity. As I watch the families on television, I see how much they suffer while being very courageous, but not asking for anything. I wish more people could be like that, including me. I hope the Nation can heal and the children will somehow know many, many people are praying for them to find peace soon. Mary Hoffmeyer Black River Falls, WI |
| To all the families and the community affected by this tragedy. I can not even come up with a word or group of words that can say how so very sorry I am about this tragedy. I do not know anyone involved, and yet when something like this happens, the world seems to come together and stand strong. My stepfather, who has been in my life since I was 2 years is a Chippewa Indian as a result of this wonderful man In my life I have NEVER have had and never will have an issue with color or nationality. We are all God's people. My sincere prayers and thoughts go to each and every person who has been affected by this tragedy. All the advice that you get, remember to take one day at a time. And that crying is not a bad thing, it is how we heal. God gave us those tears, lets use them together, so along with my prayers and thoughts, please know that I have shed tears for you all also. Thank you for allowing me to send my condolences, this internet can be used as powerful tool to do good and help heal. Pigeon, Michigan |
| To The Chippewa Nation and especially the Students and Their Family of Red Lake H.S., On behalf of my family and my church, I wish to express our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to all those who have been affected by this tragedy. We mourn with you and our prayers to those who are in the hospital in grave condition. It is our sincere Hope that you will all be comforted during this difficult time. May Grace and Peace one day return to your Sacred Land. May God be with you all... Joe George on behalf of the members at St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church of Washington, D.C. |
| Red Lake Nation, I extend my deepest sympathy to all. I was saddened greatly to hear of the awful news. I am a Lakota from the Rosebud Reservation, a traditional dancer, singer, I had the oppertunity to live in Red Lake. I stayed in Ponemah. I lived with the KingBird Family. My adopted brother Darrell King Bird had made me a father to his son, His Indian Name is (Eighth Standing). I know it in the Anishinabe Language, they told me never forget. Again, I am saddened to hear about the death of loved ones, esp. the children, as I have one there...... When I go to the sweat lodge my prayers are with you all. May the Great Spirit watch over all in this time of sarrow. Yakima Thin Elk and Family Rosebud Reservation. |
| Although I live some distance from Red Lake, I can feel the overwhelming saddness in the air. Know that prayers are with you all. Lois Monson |
| Red Lake Nation News My wife Loretta and our entire family want to express our sincere condolences to all of the families that were hurt in this terrible tragedy. No amount of words can express our sympathetic sorrow in a time like this. We send our prayers and our support for the entire Red Lake Nation. In this difficult time we will be there to offer our support, and assist in any way we can. Please do not hesitate to contact us if there is a need for any type of assistance. We can also be reached through Harold and Mary Donnell, Joe Johnson or Jim White. Sincerely, Ron Leith & Loretta Leith 1193 6th Street Granite Falls, MN 56241 |
| Hello, as many others around our First Nations Community, I am deeply saddened by the events of this past week. There are no words to adequately express my sorrow. I am from London, Ontario, Canada. I am a member of The Oneida of the Thames, about thirty miles from London. I write and I have chosen this poem to send to your community. I wrote this poem awhile ago and felt that it may offer some comfort to my brothers and sisters there. If you feel that it would offer comfort would you please see that this poem is read by members of Red Lake? In Memory of Red Lake Only their heart knows where an angel goes when they fly away. They have gone to stay in a safe place where they’ll have a smile on their face Come on home the angels must have said and that is what they did. They’re on a flight where angels will be tonight. Only their heart knows where an angel goes. When you look up they will be looking down. When you’re cold they will put their arms around your weeping shoulders. They’ll never grow older. Please don’t cry because they’re on a flight where angels will be tonight. Your words of love that you told them will comfort them throughout their years Please dry those tears. Only their heart knows where an angel goes. They’re on a flight where angels will be tonight. Inside of their teardrop the pain has stopped. They reached that mountain top where only their heart knows that there’s a special place where an angel goes when they leave on their flight. They’ll be with the other angels tonight. They has taken a piece of your heart for safekeeping. Your love will comfort them while they are sleeping. Your loss can not be measured their precious memory will be always treasured. The reasons they left will be a mystery, their legacy will be enshrined in history. Only their heart knows where an angel goes. They’re on a flight where angels will be tonight. By Eva Doe in London, Ontario, Canada |
| I want to send my heartfelt prayers to your community. I have a child in high school and live with this fear. As I am sure you know god is closest at a time like this so lean on him and give your fears and grief to him. Thinking of you all Sherry Barton Granbury Texas |
| I’m not sure to whom I should address this message but feel that I must write to express my sincere condolences to the community of Red Lake after the tragedy earlier this week. My heart goes out to those killed and injured and to their families. Please know that many people across the country are grieving with you, even if President Bush is not expressing his concern. Courage and peace to you. Sincerely, Susan Leonard and family |
| Please know that a mostly-white lady who is also a high school English teacher feels the pain your entire community must be feeling over the tragedy in your school. Here in Oregon, we have endured before you this terrible new kind of tragedy that kills our children. I am sorry our President has not yet spoken to your people. He probably will sooner or later, but please know that every teacher's heart in this whole country--maybe in the world--is BROKEN by these killings in our schools and the pain that lives in some of our children's hearts. As adults we must look to our teaching, our culture, our media, our values, and our strengths for the reasons and for the answers. I'm so sorry for the pain I know your whole community is in. Please grow stronger and more positive and more loving and more resourceful as a tribute to those lives destroyed. More loving, more kindness, more forgiveness, more understanding, more listening, more learning, and even more loving--it's always the only solution to pain this great. Bless all your grieving hearts, Donna K. Wright, great-grandchild Western Cherokee Astoria, Oregon |
| Please know how sorry I and so many others are of your recent tragedy. My heart and prayers go out to you and the victims. While I think this is a fear all over the country, I'm sure nobody ever thought it would happen there. May peace be with you in your hearts again. Peace & Love Carol Green |
| I am Hannah and I live in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, United Kingdom with my partner Kev and daughter Sumac. I send wishes of love and peace to your community that is no doubt reeling still from the shock of the shootings. We live in a small community where everyone knows each other and/or is related so I can try to imagine the collective mourning that is happening. Wishing you all find some kind of peace with the passage of time. Blessed Be. Hannah |
| We wish to express the condolences of our family at this terrible time. We are part of a community which understands only too well the convergence of anger and despair that results in the death of young people. We pray that both the families and the entire community come through this dark time, and that this horror will embolden all of us to fight even harder for the help so many of our children need. Salam Alaikum (May the perfect peace of God, be with you all) Mikal and Ayesha Ali Washington, DC |
| Look for someone to love, someone to help. Look to give strength in times of sadness and anger. Let our Creator be the source of this love and strength, to enable each person to help each other. Let Wisdom be provided to meet every need. With tears of love and deep respect, B.C. |
| We hope and pray for healing and a better future for those who have lost family and friends, and for those still recovering from the gunshots. The following is the words of a song of healing written by Debbie Friedman, a well known and respected creator of original Jewish songs and prayers. Based on a traditional prayer of healing, I hope this prayer suffices for your needs: May God who blessed our ancestors, the source of blessing for our people; May the source of strength, who blessed the ones before us, Help us find the courage to make our lives a blessing, And let us say, Amen. May God who blessed our ancestors, the source of blessing for our people; Bless those in need of healing, with a speedy and full recovery; Renewal of body, and renewal of spirit, And let us say, Amen. Mike and Valerie Bergin |
| I'm so sorry for the loss in your community. I hope the tragedy will strengthen all the relations who gather to mourn....in this sacred world our breaking hearts expand, embrace the fear, then let go. Angela Sevin Oakland, California |
| To the families of Red Lake, My prayers are with you all today. I cried when the Columbine Shootings took place. How awful for these young people to fear for their lives. Today, I cry again for our beautiful youth that died a senseless death. Parents, I cannot image your pain and loss. Your child leaves for school like any other day, you don't expect any danger to cross their paths. My heart aches for you all. Adults and Elders - you may not be related by blood, but you are all brothers and sisters - support these families that suffered a loss - support the youth - be brave! Young people, it is a time to put away trivial matters. Be respectful of each other, be patient, be kind, be compassionate. Anger will burn within you, but in time, learn to forgive. Life is too short, too beautiful to live in darkness. Enjoy life! Embrace life! Earn your highschool diploma, go to college, enter a career. There is so much opportunity for you in this world! God Bless! Tania Cameron Dalles Reserve, Ontario Canada |
| Brothers and Sisters of the Red Lake Nation, I would like to express how deeply saddened I am for what has happened to your community and that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Stay strong and may the Creator bless you always. Jana Mashonee member of the Lumbee Nation |
| Mr. Barrett, My name is Shannon Rosenthal. I live in Eagan, MN. I am sending this to you as a way of expressing my condolences to your community in Red Lake in the losses suffered by your community. I would like to extend my hope to the injured that they continue to improve and recover from what happened. I hope that your entire community can overcome this and become stronger as a result of this. I was also wondering if you can forward the next part specifically to Lance Crowe. I understand that he was shot in his left wrist and that he was suffering from numbness in some of his fingers. I can somewhat relate because I am recovering from a serious wrist injury myself. Shannon Rosenthal |
| Lance Crowe, Red Lake Net News has a personal message for you and I will forward it to you at your request. Just give me a call at 679-5995, or email me at mbarrett@rlnn.com MBarrett |
| I am saddened by the news of the tragedy in Red Lake this week. I am thinking of you and your community. You are in my prayers and may you be blessed with strength to deal with this. I will light a candle tonight in honor of those dead and injured. Theresa from South Dakota |
| Hello Mr. Barrett, I know I wrote you earlier to send my condolences to the families involved in this tragedy of events. As I read your newsletters and obituaries I cannot help but stop to think, why is there nothing in regard to the young man named Jeff Weise? I know there is hatred in the haearts of the families he touched, may it be in such a tragic way, but he was one of your own. He deserves the same rights as others there as well. He may have had some very serious issues that he could not work out with himself or verbally with others, but God says to forgive those who do wrong. I understand he grew up in a not so normal childhood, but thats what he was.....a child!!!! There may be no one to mourn at his grave side but my prayers will be with him as well as the lives he took along with his own. He grew up as your neighbour, as your classmate, as your family, good or bad....he was one of your own. Love him as you love others. The only difference was that he was forgotten or looked over. Pray for his soul, forgive ....if not now then soon....then your hearts will be healed. M Finch Regina, saskatchewan Canada God Bless One and All |
| In Response to the above from rlnn.com: Red Lake Net News apologizes for not having all the obituaries as current as they should be--I am working to resolve this. In no way is there any hatred for any person who died in this tragic incident. Jeff Weise was a member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians--he was one of us no matter what he did--just as he was a son, grandson, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend to others. Most obituaries come from funeral homes of the deceased and sometimes they forget to send them, or they don't get here. Then again, I still have over 1200 e-mails to go through (and I am only a one-person operation), so some obituaries may very well be within them. As soon as I have the full obituaries of everyone involved, they will be posted on rlnn.com. MBarrett |
| My thoughts and prayers are with you from Orlando, Florida. also God is with you. Bill B |
| Greetings and my heart is with you Great Nation. I have known and grown with many people of the Great Nation Of Red Lake. My Cousin is Married to a distant cousin "Lussier" also from Red Lake. I am also a person of great tragedy that was on the news in the past and I see much of the same pain in the faces there. I also know that I felt that I must have done something to deserve this. I have seen this shame in the stunned and broken hearts from the people there. You did nothing to justify shame. This young person was hurting but many are. Sure there is always more we can do and be but hindsight is 20-20. Honestly I feel Prozac inhibits some emotions that would prevent odd actions. Prozac increases suicide in young people and I feel this was the Bottom Line, suicide. I feel the People of Red Lake could perhaps consider finding an attorney to represent a class action against the maker of Prozac. Peace and Healing To You All, J. Brandon Steele |
| To the Red Lake Nation: We offer our sympathy and prayers for the families left behind from this sad tragic incident. This tragic accident impacts all Indian Nations across the country. I hope you find strength in the prayers that are sent. Pat & Fred Ike from the Yakama Nation Toppenish, Washington |
| My heart and my deepest, deepest, deepest prayers go out to the everybody involved. It is sad how red lake was put on the map. I pray that the community will rebuild and grow stronger from this tragci event. My Love Christine White |
| Dear M Barrett, On this Good Friday, I want to offer my prayers and condolences to the grieving Red Lake families in the light of the recent shooting incident and in general my love to all part of the Red Lake Nation. It is a shame that an incident like this makes us aware of the hardships experienced on the reservation! While on the Red Lake Nation Web site - I read the beautiful Red Nation Lake Logo and the Welcome- Aaniin. Is the Chippewa Band related to the Chippewa Indians that live around L'Anse in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan? As to my financial effort to help - Where is the need the greatest? Who do I make a check out to, and where best to send it? Please relate to the RLN Tribal Council that there are many, many people who do care and love American Indians as our brothers and sisters! Thanks so much. In His Grace, + Jake Asma Burke, Virginia |
| To the Red Lake Band I just wanted to pass on my deepest condolences for the tragic events of this past week to all the families and friends that have been directly affected and my prayers and that of my family go out to all, you are not alone the world mournes with you. Ken & Judi Oakville, Ontario, Canada |
| I really don’t know who to contact, but I wanted your community to know I am feeling their grief. My grandfather told me he had a Grandfather, Quam Lee (spelling) who was Chippewa Medicine Man. I have no proof on paper but keep it in my heart. When I hear of your tragedy, I am sad to think of the entire situation involving the Chippewas-or anyone for that matter. Keep the faith. Sandee Hardy-Hagen |
| Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Red Lake Nation: You are very much on the minds and in the hearts of all of your fellow Indians. We pray for the Great Spirit's blessings upon all of you as youstrive to find peace in the heartache you must endure at this time. Please know we share your sorrow . . . Lois Cunha & Family Laguna Pueblo Sacramento, CA |
| Often through the years I have thought of my childhood and the short time we lived in Ponemah and Redby. My father, Don Orton, taught at the grade school and even though I was blond and blue eyed I was never treated as an outsider. The love that surrounded me stayed with me. "Dash" Lussier may have been one of the children my brother, Micheal and I played with. The memory that stayed with me all these 50+ years was the feeling of family closeness. May that strength -- the strength of family love help all of you through the coming days. You are in my heart. Constance Orton-Osborne |
| Hi , My name is Aly Quijano. I am a student at Timber Creek High School @ Orlando Florida. I am also President of the Yellow Ribbon Club here. I would like to contact the Presidents of the Red Lake High School student body about sharing information about starting a chapter at their high school. The Yellow Ribbon Club is an organization designed to help students with depression and suicide tendencies. It is a outreach program for students. What happened at the school is a tragedy that will affect these student for a long time. I think that a club like this at their school will help them deal with this as well as prevent future problems. Sincerely, Aly Quijano |
| I would like to send out my deepest sympathy and condolences to the families and to all the people affected by the school shooting .May God reach out his hand of mercy and peace to all involved. David Alan Coe Dobson, N.C. |
| I try and quiet the turmoil inside...I'm embarrassed of my whiteness when you're in pain...Why the Great White Father hasn't said anything is...I haven't the words... Gilbert Casper, WY |
| We all stand as sisters and brothers to you. We send our condolences to you all. In the Arms of the Great Spirit, may we all rest. Lynne and Bob Cadman California |
| My name is Suzanne and I live in Washington state. I just wanted to let you know that you are all in our prayers and thoughts. I cannot think of anything else to say...my heart goes out to everyone in Red Lake. Suzanne |
| Please accept our deepest sympathy in this time of your sorrow. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. The Thorn Family from PA |
| There are no words to say that will ease your pain for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Red Lake Community. I feel your hurt and pain in my heart and I will be praying for all of you. I am a ForestCounty Potawatomi Tribal Member from Wisconsin. We too have problems and I've often said what can be done. This poem answers a few of those questions I have often asked. A SONG FOR THE PEOPLE Grandfather, Great Spirit I give you thanks That we can sit here In this circle of Life, We send prayers And the very best thoughts Grandmother, Great Spirit As we raise this sacred pipe To give thanks to you And to all of your Creation, We give thanks To the spirit helpers Who came and sat among us. Grandfather, most sacred one, These are your prayers That we send you As we sit here together and pray Grandmother your children are crying. Grandfather you children are dying. The hands of greed And the hands of lust for power Have been laid on them And all ground is death and desolation The gift you made, for all you children Stolen, And laid to waste In a monstrous desecration. Grandmother Great Spirit As we sit and pray together We send you this prayer of affirmation- We your children whom you created in your likeness and image- We will reach out, And we will dry our tears And heal the hurts of each other Our sisters and brothers are hurting bad, And our children, they see no future. We know Grandfather, that you gave us a sacred power, But it seems like we don't know it's purpose So now we've learned as we sat togther, The name of that power is love, Invincible, irresistible, overwhelming power, This power you gave us we are going to use, We'll dry the tears of those who cry And heal the hurts of them that are hurting. Yes Grandmother, We'll give you our hands And in our hearts and minds and bodies We dedicate our lives to affirmation. We will not wait nor hesitate, As we walk on this sacred earth We will learn together to celebrate The ways of peace, and harmony, and tranquility, That come, And in the world around us thank you Grandfather for the prayer BY: ART SOLOMON Submitted by: Diane and Al Peters Forest County Potawatomi, Crandon, Wisconsin |
| I would like to extend my sincere condolences during this tradegy and time of sadness. I will keep you in my prayers -- I pray for the physical and emotional healing for all -- You will not be forgoten--you are in the hearts of all of us who stand helplessly by and wish there were something we could do to ease your pain. May God be with you-- Kelly B. |
| Dear Mr. Barrett, Please know that our thoughts and prayers for peace and healing are with all Red Lake residents. May the creator help you all through this difficult journey. You will continue to be in our prayers in the days ahead. Dan Smith Family New Prague, Minnesota |
| On behalf of the students and staff of Wabaseemoong school, we are sending our deepest condolences to our fellow brothers and sisters. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Audrey Mandamin Wabaseemoong School Whitedog, Ontario Canada |
| To the Red Lake Chippewa Nation, My heart goes out to you in your time of grief. I am sorry for the devastation brought on your community and the loss of so many loved ones. I also grieve for three generations of Lussier men and the spiral of tragedy that surrounds them. May you find the strength to recover, especially the children who witnessed this horrific event. Something good must come from this, otherwise life just loses its meaning and dissolves into chaos. We cannot destroy suffering, but we can transcend it, if only by refusing to be degraded by it. I hope you may recover peace of mind as you seek to heal your wounded spirit. Odette Lussier Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada |
| It's bad enough what we, the white man, have done to your people, I'm very sorry what has happened at your school. God Bless All. Danny Becker 478 Cedarview Ct Hillsboro MO 63050 |
| Dear Community of Red Lake, My family and I would like to send our sincere condolences to your community as you try to cope with your tragedy. We cannot imagine how emotionally draining this must be on all members of your community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The O'Rourke Family |
| Hi to Red Lake Nation For days I've listened to the news about the tragedy at the Red Lake community. It hurts my heart. Yesterday, Good Friday, in our sweat, my Brother spoke of your People.....We Prayed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and not that this will be of any help but, as my Neice says, "That is the time that those Spirits have choosen to leave this earth." I really don't think that anything could have stopped it, although maybe I'm wrong, it's only my belief. At times of sadness, Family and Friends are what will get you through. May they be there for you and may the Creator hear your prayers. All my relations, Bonnie Labrador & the Labrador Family, Mi'kmaq First Nation, Wildcat Reserve, Nova Scotia |
| We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Red Lake Nation and anyone else who have been affected by the tragedy you are experiencing. My father-in-law, 2 brothers-in-law, 4 nephews, my daughter, my husband and extended family are all members of the Red Lake Nation, and we are all shocked and saddened by this senseless act of violence. I myself have been visiting Red Lake for 9 years now and I have become very fond of it's beauty, serenity, and warm friendly people. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those who aren't with us anymore and to those who are recovering from thier injuries. The Stillday Family Larry, Gena & Quinlyn Eagan, MN |
| To James Miller: Reguarding your story -- "Red Lake MN: Violence not uncommon," by James Miller; Director - End Youth Violence" -- please tell me that you are not placing blame for this tragedy solely on the Assiniboin living on Minnesota`s Red Lake Reservation. If so, I pray that you never work with any Central Coast Salish or any other Native American`s living in the Surrey - make that any - area. Your thinking can only cause them more harm. Your writing clearly shows that you look down on these people, viewing them as hopelessly irresponsible. Such obvious disdain is not conducive to self-worth and esteem building - to the contrary you reinforce the white racist notion that "Indians" are subhuman. I`m curious - what did you write after Columbine? With heartfelt prayers for the Red Lake Nation, I ask you to rethink your ill chosen words - your BC parliamentary "anti-First Nations" thinking is showing - please stay in your own yard. Quayana, Deb Knutson Fidalgo Island, Washington PS - You give the FBI far too much credit in their work in Indian County. |
| Dear Students and Families of Red Lake High School & Red Lake Nation: I wish to send my most heartfelt condolences during this time of sadness many feel worldwide for the loss you are feeling at this time. And my heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you. Throughout my life I have carried many friends to their final resting. Children I have cared for during illness during their last months of life. I have never believed in a final resting place for all these dear people in my life. Because they have passed… I know their spirit has risen and is always there. At times we do not see that because we are not looking. Life comes from the Great Spirit (or Supreme Creator...depending own each persons religious beliefs) and all healing begins with Him. The spirit existed before it came into a physical body and will exist after. If I may be forward here I would like to place a saying that has always been extremely helpful for me and would like to pass it on. There is no author, it is anonymous, and it has been around for some time. Do not stand at my grave and weep Do not stand at my grave a weep. I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glint in the snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you wake in the morning hush I am the swift, uplifting rush of quite birds in circling flight. I am the soft starlight at night. Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep. Over the past couple days around the world we have come to see the faces of the beautiful children that suffered tragedy, and children that put themselves in front of others unselfishly to keep others out of harms way. They are true warriors. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all, Robert De Witte |
| To the people of the Red Lake Nation I send my deepest sympathy for your tragic loss. My heart goes out to all of you. Please know there are a lot of people who mourn with you. May you find strength in a higher power to help you through this senseless tragedy. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Cheryl Ryder Maplewood, MN |
| I would like to express my grief and compassion to the students,their families,and the school staff and their families in the recent tragedy that occured at the Red Lake High School. My prayers are with you. God bless you all. David Stuckey Atlanta,Texas |
| It has taken me a while to come up with a way for me to express my sorrow for all you are going through right now. There is nothing I can say, or anyone else for that matter, that can take even a tiny bit of the pain away. Tragedy is something that I am familiar with and wish I wasn't. Nothing would make me happier than to say that no else should have to deal with loss in this way but I can't say that. The next time I speak to the moon and send my prayers to those I have lost, I send some for those you have lost as well. All my love and hugs to anyone who thinks they need it. Tammy Wiggins Belleville On Canada |
| Aaniin, My spirit is saddened for all of you who must deal with the awful tragedy you endured. I will hold you up in prayer and burn a sage and blow it your way. I will ask that God carry peace in the wind, in the blooming of the spring, in the sounds of the birds and that your loved ones will comfort you in this way. They are now on a peaceful journey and will send back to you in many ways...that which they discover along the way. Lynn Baxter South Carolina |
| I wish to say I am sorry to hear of your loss during the shooting rampage by an angry young man. I am white, German mostly. My brother is angry and has been so for as long as I can remember. The Shindler family is losing because of their daughter Terri and his desire to kill her with the support of the U.S. government. I have been horribly, horribly treated by the white community around me. The last year has been a test. Yet I wish peace among all people because my anger is gone and is replaced by the sweetness of love. My creator has given sparkling rivers, streams, sunshine, the birth of fawns and foxes, the strength of eagles, the height of the mountains. May you have peace! Kelly A Geiger 10624 California Ave Hayward WI 54843 Do not let men prey upon your children and your families with the lure of drugs and alcohol. Love is the purest way to remove the pain, the suffering, the agony. |
| Dear Sir, I visited your web site to learn how I could make some sort of monetary donation to be used by someone in need. I just wanted to let you know that although I did stay on the site long, as I'm sure it has seen a great deal of traffic lately, I was greatly impressed at the comprehensive nature of the information available on your site. I had never before seen such a full-service site with such a personal feel. Please accept my compliments on your work. Penny Graham Kennerdell, Pennsylvania |
| All this past week I have been listening to the reports on the news regarding Red Lake. I wanted to express that it has touched me sadly. I know our Native young people are troubled these days because I spent time with them talking and giving advice to my teenage relatives. I just wanted to let the Natives of Red Lake know that were all thinking of you and praying for all the whole Nation of Red Lake. Lauren Tohono O’odham Nation |
| Indeed, the deplorable tragedy that your community experienced this past week should sicken us all. Furthermore, the lack of attention by our President should cause concern as well (I agree with the observation that if this was a white school in Texas, his response would have been significantly different). As a supporter of the Lakhota Sioux, I attempt to educate my non Native American brothers and sisters about the past, as well as current, plight of the Native Americans. Almost everyone is aware of your situation, and it provides an opportunity to educate others. The current theme is the root of the term, Indian Giver (I know of at least seven persons who have contributed after our discussion). It is hard to believe that this tragedy is a part of God's plan, but I do hope that some good does come from it. You are in my prayers, and, hopefully, in the prayers of others who, until this past week, were unaware of the plight of the Native Americans. You were here first, so I am just a visitor in your land. John W. McClain, Ph.D. They who dance are thought to be mad by those that do not hear the music. |
| Please accept my deepest sympathy on this terrible loss that you have endured, as individuals and as a community. I am sure that there are many others, like me, who would like to help, to be of service, at this time and who don't know the best way to do this. Please let us know what you need from us. In the meantime, you have my prayers for all of you.
Chana Bogsted |
| Dear Michael,
I thank you for taking the time to write. I do hope that the drugs are fully looked into. Many times they say that it is because the child was mentally ill before the drugs. But that is not the case. The drugs make the children psychotic. Because a child looses a parent and has one damaged physically doesn't make a disease. Those are traumas in life, but the drugs make people crazy. Best Regards, Lora |
| My heart is like a stone in my chest with grief for all of you at Red Lake. I am overwhelmed by the loss, not only for those who died because of Jeff, but for the loss of Jeff as well. I empathize with the agony which must have been in his heart and head.
What is to become of us? Is there no end to the sorrow we must endure? Leona Wolf Loomer Lakes / Anishinabe Carson City, Nevada |
| I am a member of the Red Lake Chippewas who is located in Oklahoma. I would like to my express my
deepest and most sincere sympathy to all the families of lost loved ones in the school shootings. Having come from a state that experienced great tragedy from the Murrah Building bombing. This state and myself know what extreme loss and grieving. Please know that this nation mourns with you and the families. May god bless you and your tribal nation. Sincerely, Pam Warren |
| Hi Michael,
I'm afraid the best intentions are falling through. I just talked to Thomas A. Charnoski moments ago. All flights out of Phoenix and for that matter most other cities) ar booked through Tuesday because of the Easter holiday. If you're able to swing something, let me know, but ... Sorry indeed. My "thoughts and prayers" are indeed with the Red Lake Nation. Keep me in your prayers too (for removal of my character defects. Undoubtedly, I have enought of them). Ed Murphy |
| Editor's Note: Mr. Murphy wanted to donate a round-trip plane ticket from anywhere in the United States, and there were three (3) Red Lakers that had an interest--and located in other states. However, it turned out that Northwest Airlines wanted additional fees of $99.00 one way for transferring the ticket from one person to another--for a total of $198.00. Mr. Murphy himself was disappointed in that, but it was the thought that really counted. We thank him for trying to help in some way. MBarrett rlnn.com |
| I don't know what to say or do to assist your people in this time of senseless tragedy. I am just an average American who is praying for the comfort and wisdom needed to live through these challenging times for all of you. God Bless, Tim Brummett |
| Editorial: But see beyond the shooting Star Tribune Today, much of the world is focusing on Red Lake. Tomorrow, the world will move on. We understand that, but it's too bad. There is so much more for the world to know about the place and others like it, and so much need for sustained attention -- attention that was deserved before this shooting happened and is even more deserved now. Red Lake is not like Littleton, Colo., or any of the other scenes of school shootings, places you can assume were fairly ordinary except for the warped thinking of an individual with a gun. Red Lake is an isolated, beautiful but dirt-poor place where hope is hard to come by. It is a place where too many kids drift in and out of school as they choose. Where alcoholism and suicide and diabetes and unemployment gnaw at the soul. Where, despite the best efforts of many good people, it is difficult to sustain in young people a vision of the good life they might have by hard work and study. Not that some don't make it; they do. But too many don't. We're not saying any of this explains the actions of Jeff Weise. We are saying that Red Lake and its sister reservations have about them an aura of hopelessness and pathos and need that cried out for attention before the world ever heard of Weise. When 10 people get gunned down by a crazed teenager, it's a news story. But Red Lake should have been a running news story for a very long time. Yes, it's a sovereign nation, which complicates matters, but it is embedded in a much more powerful and wealthy sovereign nation. When you sleep with an elephant, you are likely to get rolled on. Red Lake has been frequently rolled on. We don't want Red Lake to follow the path of Pine Ridge. In the 1970s, the world couldn't get enough coverage of the confrontations there between federal agents and members of the American Indian Movement -- all of which resulted in fewer deaths than Red Lake has now suffered. But when the excitement died, the world moved on, and Pine Ridge today is as bereft of prosperity and hope as it was when AIM arrived. Pine Ridge is literally the poorest place in the entire nation. So please, satisfy your curiosity about the shootings at Red Lake. But consider the lives of all those who live there. Understand that they need help to ease the poverty and related plagues visited upon their community -- for just one example of such help, the income that could be provided by Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposed metro-area casino in which Red Lake, White Earth and Leech Lake would be partners. Would more money, on its own, have prevented the carnage at Red Lake High School? Probably not. But, surely, measures that offer some prosperity and hope would be a fitting response to the horrific blow the Red Lake Ojibwe have suffered. Do you know what Michael, As I read the editorial below on your website this morning, these words are verberated from Country to country, you read them often, words of poverty and down trodden people. I have travelled the world and have seen many things, including visiting Canada and America, went to indian reservations, met the lovely people you have, and have seen many things. At the end of the day, we need to go back to the beginnings, we need to look at how people come up from nothing, and being an avid reader of history, everything starts somewhere. It has nothing to do with money, what is going on in many parts of the world, after all money is a sheer afterthought, it has nothing to do with people being given hand outs, I have witnessed many a business, many an area that has simply gone out and forged ahead with no outside help from anyone. Everything must have a beginning, and that beginning is at grass roots level - sometimes it takes a shock to make a beginning happen, things grow from embryo stage, it is the will, the heart, and the sheer determination of the people that makes things happen, we are mighty people us humans capable of anything at all. It is passion that makes the world go round, and you will begin again, you will have passion for your young, and you will have passion to make a better life for yourselves, and that passion does not come from money or outside help, it comes from within, sometimes tradgedy happens for a reason, and that tradgedy has happened now.. It is time to begin again Michael, for the sake of your young and future generations. Lila |
| Words seem empty and intrusive right now. I just want you to know that I weep with you today, sitting with your community in oneness in spirit, in heart. What happens to you happens to me, what touches you, touches me. I taste the salt of your tears mingled with my own. Candy Guritz Olympia, Washington |
| I want to ship winter boots for men, women and children to the people in need in the Red Lake area. I understand you have a large amount of email to answer. If you could just reply with the email address of a non profit organization that will accept the boots, I could contact them. My prayers are with the people of Red Lake during this difficult time. Maybe in some small way... shipping boots to keep feet warm and healthy during the cold months, could bring peace and comfort to them, as well as me. Please take a moment to put me in contact with and organization in Red Lake so I can help. Thank you, Rhonda |