February 07,2005 Newsletter
Volume 1 , Issue 2
NW Town Chief
Osiyo everyone, I hope this winter has been good to you so far. Ours has been without
mishap. In this letter we are going to have some of our council members introduce themselves
to you. We are still looking for two more council members so if you are interested please
contact me at troubledwaterss@yahoo.com or (360) 262-9555 . I would like to talk with you
and would like to meet with all of you when the weather permits. From here I will let the council
members introduce themselves.
Emmette E. Jorden Sr. Yona Dideyahvsgi (Bear who Teaches)
I’m an enrolled member of the Tsalagiyi Nvdagi. I was born near Waco, Texas Oct. 15,1934. I
have spent many years researching our native histories. Considered an “Indian activist” by
the state agencies. I have spent the last 30 years of my life supporting wildlife and fisheries
recovery in the northwest.
A veteran of two wars I am also a member of The Texas Cherokee Warrior Society. I bring over
forty years of management , leadership, and concern for our tribe to this position. Currently
residing in North Idaho on thirty acres of woodland and meadows, and still riding an Appaloosa
mule!
Diana Walks in Water Priest River, ID.
I'm a married nurse with 6 children-3 out of the house and 3 in high school. I own an 18ft. and
a 14ft. Tipi, and do Pre-1840 living history re-enactments several times a year. Only recently
have I made a connection with who I always knew my family was-- Cherokee.
For everyone who helped--WADO. I recently attended the opening of the SMITHSONIAN
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN INDIANS. What an honor! While there , I met numerous
other Cherokee and was warmly welcomed by all. By finding the Cherokee I feel, I am finally
home.
Charles Kasicki
Charles didn’t have time to get in touch with us but he has been involved with the Texas
Cherokee since the day he was born. He now lives in Northern Washington with his wife and
his little teacup poodle lovingly named “His Inheritance.”
Charles makes knives in his spare time along with their sheaths. They are truly a work of art.
He brings a lot of knowledge and a lot of questions as well. We are all looking forward to our
future and are happy to have people like Charles with a few answers about our past. (TW)
Brett Perkins Chehalis, WA.
Osiyo everyone. While serving in the USMC I learned, through my father’s research, that I was
Cherokee. When I left the military, I began to learn about Native American customs and
traditions through my father and many of the people he had come to know in Native American
cultures. This experience has helped me give people insight on how to trace their ancestry and
learn about their families’ past cultures.
As a member of the Northwest Town Council I now have the opportunity to help the Tsalagiyi
Nvdagi of the Northwest in a much broader sense. The combined knowledge and experiences
of the Council helps us be more thorough and expedient in helping people trace their roots.
As a council, we can help people learn more about the Cherokee culture through teaching and
pointing people in the right direction for the answers that we do not have. The Northwest Town
Council also gives the Cherokee in the Northwest a clearer voice, which will aide the Tribal
Council in the decisions they make and the goals they set for the Tsalagiyi Nvdagi as a people.
It also gives the Tribal Council the ability to answer questions face to face without them
traveling thousands of miles.
I look forward to meeting all the members of the Northwest Town in person. Until then,
wado.
Nancy Charnell Centralia, WA.
My earliest recollection of being labeled a "sqwah" is about three years old. That label has
haunted me my entire life. Although I was told my heritage was French and "Black Irish" I
always knew there was more to me than those cultures combined. As a teenager my rebellion
embraced the "Sqwah" in me. I wore my raven black hair in long braids. I wore simple loose
fitting colorful skirts to the middle of my knee with equally colorful "peasant" blouses and
leather fringed belts to tie the ensemble together. When I couldn't find the look I was after in a
department store I made my own pattern and sewed them myself. I wore beaded moccasins on
my feet and when they were tattered and holes were worn in the soles I used cardboard to
keep my feet dry until I could save money from my dishwashing job to buy a new pair.
My family thought I was mental and took me to see a psychiatrist. I don't recall him asking me
why I chose to dress and behave the way I did. I didn't know myself until the secret was
revealed a year or so ago.
The Charnell genetic memory was long and strong. I have always been a leader. Such are the
women of the Cherokee or any American Tribe for that matter. I am on track to becoming the
Matriarch of my family. I will lead with my heart and my head. The Charnell Cherokee dream
deep because dreams precede goals. We rise above the clouds on Eagles wings to see life
from eternities perspective, we touch the earth and have harmony with nature.
GUY JORDEN
NW Town Deputy Chief
Biography: Guy Jorden (Crazy Bear) 196012294
Birthday: 12/29/60, Houston, Texas
Father: Emmette E. Jorden, Sr. (Bear who Teaches) 193410151
Mother: Mary Ann Landry Schramm
Married: Ana Maria Alcocer Sanchez Jorden
Children: Mira Lopez Soto, Joshua Lopez, David Lopez
Grandchild: Anita Leza Soto
Hi All, I live in Woodburn, Oregon with my wife, daughter and granddaughter, I am currently
employed as an electrician apprentice after driving a truck for the last 3 years and a life of
many careers and volunteer activities. My life has been as diverse and as wide spread
geographically as our tribe is diverse and scattered now. I served 12 years in the U.S. Navy
and have been involved in Scouting, Church groups, Chaplaincy, reserve deputy sheriff,
community mentor, and family jester.
