Sitting here at the edge of the water listening to the small waves of water lapping against the shore , gives a true sense if my Native Ramapough pride that runs through my whole body........ Sitting here staring at the water reflecting upon my journey over the last 6 years, and all the things that lead me to my decision to run for Chief of our great Nation. Some may say that Im not for all of our people, and that I only care about my clan, but that would be that persons perception of a reality that only they as a individual may feel, right or wrong it is their thoughts.... The truth is, I am the Turtle Clan Chief first... so the work I do outside of the tribe as a whole is directed to the Turtle Clan, because it is why I ran for Chief, so that I could help my family, and clan with the issues that face them, mainly Ford and the health issues. I do know that there is not one clan in our tribe who has not been adversely affected by these actions of Ford so long ago, and so having this understanding some of the work Ive been doing will include the tribal body as a whole, with health studies, and things of that nature. The other reason why it may appear that when it comes to Ford is that Ringwood has a Superfund site designation, and the work and research that goes on within the scope of that, will benefit all our people.... I look at other Nations like the Lumbee... they are a 50,000 member strong tribe that has seemingly found a way to be successful in regards to the lives of their people. They own a bank, stores, ranches, ect.... these are all things that we can do without having federal recognition, and there is no reason why we shouldnt be doing these things making our nation strong and self determined ... they even have a urban Indian health care facility.. All things we can achieve, we are the ones who can make this change happen, give back hope to our people even as we are still actively seeking federal recognition... Their are many people who want to help us create a better life, a healthier life and a life where there is hope, and healing... Our ancestors did not survive one of the most horrific displacements of a native people for us to just faded away into a unwritten history... We need to stand up and honor them, our traditions our beliefs, continue what they did so that we could be here to carry on their will to fight for survival... Well I think about everyone of you everyday, its just that today I feel it important for myself to share with you a little more of whom I am, and what my thoughts are. Win, or loose, I will still be as honored to know that I am Ramapough, and that we as a people will forever be connected through this land and our blood... Chief Mann
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 16:46:30 +0000
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