Apologies for entering this discussion so late; just came across this bit of absurdity on Facebook.
A few personal observations:
As a Mohawk of the Six Nations of the Grand River, I was stunned by the sheer temerity of this Florida-based group of charlatans who claimed that Graham Greene - a banded Oneida of my reserve – was a ‘member’ of the Chickamauga Cherokees.
Anyone with the ability to spell ‘Google’ is able to see that this is obviously a blatant lie.
Strike One.
Riddled with photos of some of the most hackneyed Native attire I’ve ever seen, the Chickamauga Cherokee Indian Creek Band more resembles a parody of Halloween costumes than any authentic, historically relevant Traditional attire.
Apparently cobbled together from 1950’s-era ‘B’-grade cowboy and Indian movies, I challenge ANY member of the Chickamauga Cherokee Indian Creek Band to provide ANY historical source which corroborates their ‘Traditional’ attire as it appears on their website.
Strike Two.
The website of the ‘Indian Creek Band Chickamauga Cherokee, Inc.’ of Deltona Florida is so hopelessly sophomoric and without the slightest hint of sophistication, it doesn’t even approach the level of a basic amateur effort.
Someone should notify these poseurs that basic web design is free online (although it DOES require something called ‘studying’) or is available through professional services (although that requires something called ‘researching’).
The first step towards credibility is to present at least a half-hearted attempt at appearing quasi-professional.
Education is a wonderful thing (even for some 47-year old ‘website editor’ living in the sunny climes of Florida). The true Onkwehonweh of the First Nations realise the importance of education and are making remarkable gains towards educating themselves, despite the Chickamauga Cherokee Indian Creek Band’s demonstration to the contrary.
Strike Three.
There’s no need to rehash the evidence that these wannabe’s have been publicly discredited in any number of venues. I accept the facts as submitted and have to wonder how this deluded group thinks they’ll ever be taken seriously? I’m sorry, but in my opinion, thongs emblazoned with the Great Seal of ANY First Nation is a disrespectful disgrace.
For the more chaste crowd who wishes to be a little more discreet, perhaps the boudoir could be stocked with Chickamauga Boxer Briefs, Chickamauga Women’s Boy Briefs (what??!! No Chickamauga Men’s Girl Briefs?? Isn’t that discrimination?) or Chickamauga Boxer Shorts.
Think anyone would get upset over toilet paper imprinted with the U.S. flag? Same thing.
Moving over the Terry Nichols’ Green Dot For Earth website:
“I grew up in poor economic means with alcoholic parents and despite everything, I was able to leave that life and move on.”
Evidentally. And with a touch of style and panache, to boot.
The Allwhois.com domain registry shows Terry’s registered address is 400 Groveland Avenue in Minneapolis Minnesota. Google Earth’s street level photos show this address to be some pretty fine digs in a finely manicured neighbourhood.… it’s a 24-story highrise called Summit House.
No mention of whether Green Dot For Earth is a 501.3C not for profit organisation (and mind you, certainly NOT to suggest Mr. Nichols would EVER use any contributions to help pay for his mortgage… er, umm… ‘personal lifestyle’), it bears noting that his World Vote contributor goal of $200,000 has ZERO dollars raised so far and his Sponsorship levels range from a Scrape-Together-Your-Babysitting-Money Level One ($25) to a You’ve-GOT-To-Be-Kidding-Me Level Seven ($10,000).
Summit House ain’t no public housing, ya know.
<sigh>
I was dishing dirt on the debacle of White Eagle Medicine Woman AKA Suraj Holzwarth a while back (she’s still at it, from what I can tell) and now, a bunch of yahoos from Florida and Minnesota are playing games as well.
When some ersatz ‘Tribe’ from Florida is claiming a Haudenosaunee actor from Canada as one of their own, it’s disgusting.
When the same ‘Tribe’ is hawking official dog t-shirts and sleazy skivvies, it’s beyond the scope of credibility to believe it has the slightest basis to be recognised as being part of proud and honourable Native Nations.
And if any of the ‘Indian Creek Band Chickamauga Cherokee, Inc.’ wannabe’s who are reading this would like to challenge or dispute anything I’ve written, I say “Bring it”. Mohawks have taken on better foes than you pansies.
Otherwise, your silence is your own indictment and admission of guilt.
