Division of any kind, weakens ALL peoples and the whole of humankind suffers

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Monday, May 26, 2003 By: Kay Onefeather

Date: Mon, 26 May 2003 13:14:11 EDT From: Kaonefeather@aol.com To: Editor@VHeadline.com Subject: Re: In My Country

Dear Editor: In my country American indians are the ONLY race of people forced to prove they are indeed Indian! Moreover, there is a division within some indian communities, between full bloods and mixed bloods ... some full bloods accept mixed bloods ... and, some mixed bloods accept other mixed bloods. However, there are exceptions.

Should you venture into some private "internet indian territories," be prepared to prove any claim of indian blood, with tribal affiliation and family connections, including blood Quantum. Otherwise, you face the probability of being "labeled." Wannabe is the favorite label, followed by troublemaker, and even spy. And, more often than not, it's mixed bloods who are most adamant about proof to indian claim. (Another division)

Caution within American indian communities is understandable. No other race has been victimized and exploited, as much, or as long. Sad to say, this continues even today, effecting all aspects of their lives ... land, home, family and spirituality. (More division)

Blood Quantum is, no doubt, yet another ploy of "divide and conquer" ... a way to end indians. With each generation, the percentage of indian blood is thinned, and the number of mixed bloods increase. Today, countless numbers of mixed bloods are unable to prove affiliation. Because of separation from one cause or another, or because connection to family has been lost or buried, many mixed bloods are left in "limbo." (Another form of division)

Furthermore, offspring fathered by "roaming" Red men in this country (USA) ... leaving little or no trace to family ties ... is yet another problem facing mixed bloods. (If nothing else is proven, the prolificacy of American indian men is beyond question!)

Why am I writing this to Venezuela?

Venezuela is rich in native indian history ... history, that traces where you've been and where you're going ... history, that belongs to ALL peoples, full bloods, mixed bloods, and just 'bloods.'

History, to learn from, in order to assure a better future for all.

My sincere hope is that Blood Quantum ... or any other form of division ... will never be used in Venezuela, to separate and segregate a major portion of its humanity.

Division of any kind, weakens ALL peoples, and the whole of humankind suffers.

Kay Onefeather kaonefeather@aol.com