Hello everyone,

My husband is Native American and is also the Peace Chief for his Nation. The facility he's currently at allows ceremonies and he has participated in them.

After being absent from the group for awhile, he wanted to attend the Harvest Ceremony which is in two weeks and asked to have our names be added to the list. His request was denied because one of the other Native American inmates decided he didn't want him to attend this ceremony.
Why? Who knows why! He obviously has some bug in his shorts but ten to one, it's all "political" and jealousy.

I spoke with the DOCS Native American representative who said he would "look into it" but I've heard nothing. My husband wrote a letter to the facility NA representative demanding our names be added to this list and legally, he can't be denied. I will call the facility and ask to speak with the NA representative there (we'll see how long it takes him before he decides to accept my call!) But if by chance for whateveer reason he is denied, he will filed a lawsuit citing violation of DOCS own policies, denial of his civil, consitutional and sovereign rights.

Needless to say, we are unhappy and extremely upset at this latest chain of events so I was wondering if anyone else had experienced the same thing and could offer any suggestions. Thanks!

In Michigan it depends on the facility if they can attend or not. When Bill was in Muskegon he could not attend as he didn't fill out a card saying what "religion" he was. He had put down traditional native american on the card. Their minister did not recognise that as a "religion." He was never allowed to go nor could he go to any concerts etc.. that were more cultural things. The minister wanted to meet with him, but he refused as others told him that the minister just harrassed them and tried to make them sign the card for a "religion" other than native american. The guys did file a law suit as a group and I have no clue where it's at since he's been moved...

Hre's in Ionia now and can attend any of the native american groups and activities that he wants to. I was even able to send cultural videos and language books into them...

Deb

Deb,

As I said, ceremonies are allowed at the facility my husband is in and we have attended them in the past. Basically, I think it's merely political and jealousy on the part of this one inmate who all of a sudden decided he didn't want my husband to attend this ceremony; everyone else is in agreement and really want my husband to attend. When they meet in their group, a vote is taken and all it takes is one person to vote negative and the rest must abide by that decision. This one inmate was the first to vote and voted negative, therefore, the others never had a chance to cast their vote! Where's the justice in that? Yet in the past, this person has repeatedly stated (in the presence of many) he will "NEVER deny anyone their right to attend ceremonies." Along with that, he has repeatedly left, returned, left and returned to the group over the years. It's OK for him to do it but not for anyone else to do it (double standard). Legally, he cannot prevent him from attending this or any other ceremony, and we are hoping that the others will persuade this person to see the error of his ways.

At the facility my husband is in, the policy is that for them to attend ceremonies and participate in the group, each individual must provide proof of their NA heritage or they are not allowed into the group. My husband furnished the necessary proof required along with the fact that he is the Peace Chief for his Nation. Proof of his NA heritage isn't the issue here. It's just jealousy, politics and and a huge ego trip for this one inmate causing all this trouble that in the end result, causes disharmony within the circle that is felt by all.
I think its just too bad one person has to be the cause to spoil it for everyone else because of sheer pride.