Osi`yo (hello) everyone!

I have a young friend/penpal (full blood Pottowatomie) that I'm writing to in OK. His dad and I were good friends. His dad died in 1997 and I had lost contact with him until I found him in the OK DOC.

Anyway he was telling me in his last letter about a group (most probably a gang) that is called Indain Brotherhood. This is a new one to me, so it may be small or perhaps just forming in the US.

But he said he got the IBH tattoo but 'walked away from joining up' as he was transferred to another unit right after getting the tat, but he had also gotten a write up (fighting) and was busted down to a lower class. So I am sure this can't be a good move on his part...but I really need more information on what the 'IBH" is all about. Where it started, how they operate and so forth.

Anything any of you may know about it would be very helpful for me in trying to help my young friend. He is really a good kid. except for an anger management issue (ugh) so I'm thinking this is probably just his way of trying to survive against the milatant racist gangs. PM me if you don't want to post on the open forum.

Wado (thanks!)

I'll ask my boyfriend, he's Native American and in prison. See what insight he has. Give me a few days though.

My man is in prison and was telling me about the Indian Brotherhood. It's a group of Natives that stress their rights as a group. My man was saying that they are trying to have their own block...where only natives can be housed there, they don't want to socialize with whites or blacks and they want the block where my man is.
My man isn't native but he's upset about it. As my man can't understand why we can't just learn to get along regardless of what colour your skin is and what your nationality is. This is driving a bit of a wedge between the natives and the non's. I hope it doesn't escalate!

My friend is Native American and just wrote me about the differences in the young Native American prisoners. There tends to be a lot of trouble in their talking circles and the Arizona Department of Corrections now looks upon the Warrior Society, a group formed to orginally preserve Native American traditions and fight for religious rights, as a gang.

I have never heard of that, but I do know Natives tend to want to practice their beliefs and traditions together and usually they band together so they can do that. I am Native, so I do understand the reasoning behind it too.

My husband has mentioned it, but no specifics.
He just said that they had approached him about joining, but that was about it.
I will try to ask him some questions and let you know.

Thank you all for your replies. I really appreciate it!

I did receive another letter from this guy today wherein he is totally honest and explains alot of details to me about his situation with the IBH at the unit he was transferred from a few weeks ago.

It was a simple fact of 'safety in numbers', a way to survive in the system. I understand that, but this choice will only cost him more time in the long run and possible much more than just time!

I pray he sees that and can just get clear on it soon without suffering retaliation of any kind in doing so!
Walk in peace..whitewolf

I have 3 brothers in the oklahoma prisons. All 3 are IBH.
They do have the tat of IBH across their chest and are
very happy to be part of this. They do believe in safety of the
the brotherhod. They live by the IBH rules and are true to
each of their Indian brothers.

Hello :) , this is my first time posting anything but, I ran across this thread and my fiance is an IBH warrior in OK. I know they have their by-laws that they live by and they help each other out and they do sweat lodges and all kinds of other stuff. I hope this helps.

I only know what I have heard, and that is that often times native circles, without strong leadership are taken over by various gangs members for no good purpose except to meet and plan gang activities...thus, many of the incarcerated indians who want to get back to theri traditions do not take part in those circles

and Although the Indian Brotherhood may have begun in the spirit of traditions, learning and sharing it is no longer that. I have heard from traditional brothers inside that it became a place to protect oneself from other gangs, it is no longer serving those purposes.

I am happy to read that the Brotherhood may still be serving its original purposes.

In AZ, the problems with Native American gangs arose when they split into two factions: the Warrior Society and the Dine.

I have penpals on both sides. Some have educated me on the rivalry and told me how the gangs also can follow you after you are released.

I carefully avoid the subject in my letters for their protection.

I've heard of it, or at least something similar, all the way up here in Ottawa, Canada. I'm not up on the specifics though.

Really? I wondered what the IBH stood for thanks for giving me insight. I find it interesting that they want to separate themselves and have their own block.

My ex boyfriend who was in prison mentioned he was frowned on and looked on for hanging out with others of different color. This troubled him because inside those lonely four walls he found himself and began to reconnect to the Creator. Although we never re-established our relationship we remained good friends because of our son.

I remember he would tell me what so and so said which was a funny thing coming from native brothers. Which is, some would call him an apple (white on the inside and red on the outside) We laughed because actually he is 3/4 native and 1/4 white yet his dominant language at home his native tongue. With no one there of his native tongue he only spoke in English. Although he was hurt by the taunting of our native brothers.

I would just encourage him to stand alone and remind the brothers of the meaning of the medicine wheel (circle of life) that according to our universal native understanding the colors red, white, black and yellow signify the race of men. It is a reminder to walk in spiritual, mental, emotional and physical harmony. To respect the four directions (east, south, west, north) and walk in balance with people of color. He later told me the attitudes of the brothers began to change and they respected him for leading by example.

Thank you for sharing this with us. And of course, its great to see you posting. WELCOME HOME!!!

My husband has gone thru the same thing, and fought hard to keep their circle traditional. The Prison has decided that the north side and south side natives circles, which have always been seperate, will combine to make one circle. My Husband doesn't know if he has the strength that he once had, to guard the circle and keep it on tracj, as the north side has never really worked in a traditional way. HOwever, i remind him that henow has a good number of brothers standing beside him and walking a good path, itsnot just up to him, but all of them, to keep the circle sacred. Come to find out, many of the brothers from the north side are excited about the change, as they are looking for a more traditional and balanced way of life inside.

I hope I don't sound like I am bragging. I always think I am saying my husbad does this and my husband is that, but the truth is I am just so proud of the life he leads, now. He is an inspiration to me, and to the brothers in his circle, and even those outside of the circle. He struggles just like the rest of us and somedays the struggle is so hard that he can't get out of bed. He is definately human.

Thanks again, AZ N8tv!!!

Go ahead and brag, Cyndi!! My penpal who was your husband's former cellmate has told me what a great guy he is. He is kind to everyone and never gets angry at people. He helps so many. You are blessed with a super partner!

Thank you for sharing this with us. And of course, its great to see you posting. WELCOME HOME!!!

My husband has gone thru the same thing, and fought hard to keep their circle traditional. The Prison has decided that the north side and south side natives circles, which have always been seperate, will combine to make one circle. My Husband doesn't know if he has the strength that he once had, to guard the circle and keep it on tracj, as the north side has never really worked in a traditional way. HOwever, i remind him that henow has a good number of brothers standing beside him and walking a good path, itsnot just up to him, but all of them, to keep the circle sacred. Come to find out, many of the brothers from the north side are excited about the change, as they are looking for a more traditional and balanced way of life inside.

I hope I don't sound like I am bragging. I always think I am saying my husbad does this and my husband is that, but the truth is I am just so proud of the life he leads, now. He is an inspiration to me, and to the brothers in his circle, and even those outside of the circle. He struggles just like the rest of us and somedays the struggle is so hard that he can't get out of bed. He is definately human.

Thanks again, AZ N8tv!!!

Thanks, Karen, its good to know that love has not blinded me entirely...I am pretty sure that guy of mine could do about anything, and I would let him get away with it...Fortunately, he's not the kind of guy to test that theory!!!
...How is Jimmy, by the way? Tell him Hey for me...you know, i sent him a christmas card and got it back refused...I know it wasn't Jimmy that refused it...

My Soulmate is an I.B.H. member. I stand behide him and beside him on his respect for the Brotherhood. Shellbaby represents to the fullest and so do I. The Brotherhood is family to me and I will honor my family to the fullest. I know others don't beleive in what they stand for but I will die for my I.B.H.928 Red Water Warrior Shellbaby. I will honor him to my death.

My fiance' is also in AZDOC & he's maintained his independence. There have been a couple scuffels so to speak gang wise on the yard between the natives. The 2 major native rivals there are the W.S. (warrior society) & the Dine' (navajo) My fiance' says the Dine is the peaceful of the two. Recently they put a W.S. on the yard & he didn't last but a week or two. There was a major fight & the yard shut down & the W.S. was moved off the yard. Last we heard the W.S. declared war on the Dine'. So now the gang unit is trying to keep them on seperate yards. My fiancee' (backs) the dine' those are most of his friends, they are housed together, do talking circle, & sweatlodge together etc. But he does his best to stay away from the gang rivalry stuff, he wants to finish his time & come home.
In AZ, the problems with Native American gangs arose when they split into two factions: the Warrior Society and the Dine.

I have penpals on both sides. Some have educated me on the rivalry and told me how the gangs also can follow you after you are released.

I carefully avoid the subject in my letters for their protection.

Oh great....IDN's fighting against IDN's create division. I admire the N8TV brothers who walk the spiritual road. My hope and prayer is that they will network & continue to show brotherly love to those who have come in hard and bitter. Inner and outer change is up to each individual. I believe there is more than meets the eye, under the surface...sometimes there are things one do not want to reveal or admit to themselves because they are painful to look at. I'm sure many N8TV brothers and sisters try to survive the prison system that come in without strong family ties or outside support and look to the gang for acceptance. Everyone of them has a story to tell...I cannot help but wonder what is it about the gang that makes it so attractive....

Oh great....IDN's fighting against IDN's create division. I admire the N8TV brothers who walk the spiritual road. My hope and prayer is that they will network & continue to show brotherly love to those who have come in hard and bitter. Inner and outer change is up to each individual. I believe there is more than meets the eye, under the surface...sometimes there are things one do not want to reveal or admit to themselves because they are painful to look at. I'm sure many N8TV brothers and sisters try to survive the prison system that come in without strong family ties or outside support and look to the gang for acceptance. Everyone of them has a story to tell...I cannot help but wonder what is it about the gang that makes it so attractive....

Keep praying for them guvokikam, I'm right with you. They need all the prayers they can get. Gangs are everywhere in prison & it makes the life in there so much harder for all of them.

Peace

I have 3 brothers in the oklahoma prisons. All 3 are IBH.
They do have the tat of IBH across their chest and are
very happy to be part of this. They do believe in safety of the
the brotherhod. They live by the IBH rules and are true to
each of their Indian brothers.
I HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS WHO ARE IN THIS AND HOLD STRONG TO THE RULES AND RESPECT EACH NATIVE THAT ARE IN THIS CIRCLE. I HAVE ONE FREIND WHO IS A HEAD MAN AND THOSE THAT ARE HIS SOLIDERS. THE RULES ARE WITHIN THE CIRCLE AND IF THEY WANT TO GET OUT THE RULES ARE PERTAIN TO HOW THEY WANT TO SEE THIS PROCESS GOES THRU. SOME ARE THRU DEATH AND THAT IS WHY THEY WOULD GO INTO PROTECTIVE CUSTODY OF AFRAID OF THEM BEING HIT BY THE FOLLOWING PPL(SOLDIERS). IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE RULES.:o

I have heard of the Warrior Society and Dine in AZ prisons. I see your location listed as AZ also. I have never heard of the Indian Brotherhood there and wondering if this is something new.

I have had penpals in both Dine and Warrior Society and all hated the societies. They were originally established to preserve culture and unite but now they are cause for stabbings and fighting, even near the sweatlodge.

But I also know they are unavoidable. Some prison yards have better circles and less fighting and one of my pals can't wait to get to one. He has been in the system for over 15 yrs and is tired of the young ones (who know little about their traditions and languages) creating trouble for all and causing priveledges to be taken away. He tries to keep to himself as much as possible, perfects his artwork, counsels the young ones and does every educational and drug and alcohol program he can to better himself. I applaud and admire him. It takes courage to respect yourself and honor your traditions which if I understand, means to respect all, even their captors, much less those in other gangs.

I am going to (carefully) ask him about gang activity the next time I write. In his last letter, if I read between the lines right, the tension seemed to be getting worse.

As far as my penpal who was released, he was frightened because he refused to harm someone and thought he would have to suffer consequences when he got out. He's been doing fine for a couple of years, in fact he is thriving and has no regrets about standing up to the gang.

PS: Hope everyone will be careful about posting too specifically--you don't know who may be reading.

I HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS WHO ARE IN THIS AND HOLD STRONG TO THE RULES AND RESPECT EACH NATIVE THAT ARE IN THIS CIRCLE. I HAVE ONE FREIND WHO IS A HEAD MAN AND THOSE THAT ARE HIS SOLIDERS. THE RULES ARE WITHIN THE CIRCLE AND IF THEY WANT TO GET OUT THE RULES ARE PERTAIN TO HOW THEY WANT TO SEE THIS PROCESS GOES THRU. SOME ARE THRU DEATH AND THAT IS WHY THEY WOULD GO INTO PROTECTIVE CUSTODY OF AFRAID OF THEM BEING HIT BY THE FOLLOWING PPL(SOLDIERS). IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE RULES.:o

Here is a good site to see gang tats:

http://www.azcorrections.gov/adc/divisions/support/stg/gang_art.asp

I have heard of the Warrior Society and Dine in AZ prisons. I see your location listed as AZ also. I have never heard of the Indian Brotherhood there and wondering if this is something new.

I have had penpals in both Dine and Warrior Society and all hated the societies. They were originally established to preserve culture and unite but now they are cause for stabbings and fighting, even near the sweatlodge.

But I also know they are unavoidable. Some prison yards have better circles and less fighting and one of my pals can't wait to get to one. He has been in the system for over 15 yrs and is tired of the young ones (who know little about their traditions and languages) creating trouble for all and causing priveledges to be taken away. He tries to keep to himself as much as possible, perfects his artwork, counsels the young ones and does every educational and drug and alcohol program he can to better himself. I applaud and admire him. It takes courage to respect yourself and honor your traditions which if I understand, means to respect all, even their captors, much less those in other gangs.

I am going to (carefully) ask him about gang activity the next time I write. In his last letter, if I read between the lines right, the tension seemed to be getting worse.

As far as my penpal who was released, he was frightened because he refused to harm someone and thought he would have to suffer consequences when he got out. He's been doing fine for a couple of years, in fact he is thriving and has no regrets about standing up to the gang.

PS: Hope everyone will be careful about posting too specifically--you don't know who may be reading.

I am going to (carefully) ask him about gang activity the next time I write. In his last letter, if I read between the lines right, the tension seemed to be getting worse.

As far as my penpal who was released, he was frightened because he refused to harm someone and thought he would have to suffer consequences when he got out. He's been doing fine for a couple of years, in fact he is thriving and has no regrets about standing up to the gang.

PS: Hope everyone will be careful about posting too specifically--you don't know who may be reading.

I RATHER YOU NOT MENTION TO HIM ON THE LETTERS BECAUSE THEY EITHER WILL START SEIZING HIS LETTERS OR INFORMATION WILL GET OUT THAT HE IS TELLING YOU THINGS THAT SHOULD NOT BE MENTION TO ANYONE OUTSIDE THAT CIRCLE. IT WILL BE LIKE HE CAN NOT BE TRUSTED AND IF THAT DOES HAPPEN HE CAN GET HURT. IN LETTERS YOU MUST KNOW THEY TRY TO DECODE EVERYTHING AND TO SAFEGUARD YOURSELF AND HIM DONT' ASK HIM ANYTHING REGARDING THE IBH OR THE WARRIORS AND DINE BECAUSE OF FUTHER REPRECAUTION. JUST KNOW THAT THEY ARE THERE THE BROTHER HOOD, WARRIORS AND DINE IN ARIZONA PRISON.:cool:

Sure, I know to use the word gang or mention the groups would be trouble.

I am going to (carefully) ask him about gang activity the next time I write. In his last letter, if I read between the lines right, the tension seemed to be getting worse.

As far as my penpal who was released, he was frightened because he refused to harm someone and thought he would have to suffer consequences when he got out. He's been doing fine for a couple of years, in fact he is thriving and has no regrets about standing up to the gang.

PS: Hope everyone will be careful about posting too specifically--you don't know who may be reading.

I RATHER YOU NOT MENTION TO HIM ON THE LETTERS BECAUSE THEY EITHER WILL START SEIZING HIS LETTERS OR INFORMATION WILL GET OUT THAT HE IS TELLING YOU THINGS THAT SHOULD NOT BE MENTION TO ANYONE OUTSIDE THAT CIRCLE. IT WILL BE LIKE HE CAN NOT BE TRUSTED AND IF THAT DOES HAPPEN HE CAN GET HURT. IN LETTERS YOU MUST KNOW THEY TRY TO DECODE EVERYTHING AND TO SAFEGUARD YOURSELF AND HIM DONT' ASK HIM ANYTHING REGARDING THE IBH OR THE WARRIORS AND DINE BECAUSE OF FUTHER REPRECAUTION. JUST KNOW THAT THEY ARE THERE THE BROTHER HOOD, WARRIORS AND DINE IN ARIZONA PRISON.:cool:

hey there! yep u got that rite certain terms u must b really carefully on what we say especially when it comes down to that certain "G" word. But we are all know the not to say or not to question or not to even go there (lol). We ain't no dummies huh! Muahz girl u take care and wish your pen pal all the best

Hi! I am a girlfriend of a Native american who is in the IBH and it sounds bad to some people but its really not. As i was told by my boyfriend is that they look after one another and try to keep on with their traditions. Also they try to keep each other out of trouble. They don't want to take over anything.They stand up when they try to take some traditional things away.

Osiyo My people. I understand what it is to be I.B.H. . They respect what our people are and honor the way we were taught. I know there are many out there who don't respect our ways of life. That is their problem. I am pround to be a part of this family even though my man is doing time right now I will always respect him and what he stands for. Wado to those who feel the same and take time to remember those Warriors who have died for OUR HONOR .