They are in Copper Canyon in Mexico. I am attaching a link that I found to an agency that is helping.

There was also another article that I can't find at the moment on the cold that is affecting them also.

As to what is happening to the Native Americans in this country it is a cont. sad situation. The prevalence of suicide, hunger, poverty...on and on is staggering. Our country created a disenfranchised group due to t greed . Of course this is an old story. Nevertheless it is a sad one .

You can Google the Tarahumara and find much info. They are an amazing group of people. The reason I have always held them in such esteem is due to their long distance running , which is something that I pursued also. I, of course, never had the talent that these wonderful people have but I do feel a kinship with them.

Thank you for posting your inquiry. c

Here is a link that might be useful: drought Tarahumara

They are truly in trouble.

Here is a link that might be useful: drought and cold

Thanks trailrunner. I read the links- I was fascinated by the part about how they are renowned for their long distance running "with little in their stomachs and nothing on their feet".
Some of the Native American tribes here have websites where you can buy things they have made to help support them.

The bowl you have is beautiful. It must be precious to you.

Oh, I went back and looked again and I see it's the baskets and not the bowl that are Tarahumara- they're wonderful too.

If you haven't already ~
check this article as well~

Here is a link that might be useful: http://ncronline.org/blogs/eco-catholic/indigenous-mexicans-battle-hunger-amid-historic-drought

Thank you, forboystoo.

Hi all, slightly off topic but if anyone is interested in reading books on American Indians written by an American Indian I would suggest Vine Deloria books.
I have only read The World We Used to Live In: Remembering the Powers of the Medicine Man so far but plan on more. When I am finished with the book series I'm on now I am looking forward to making my way through the late Mr. Deloria books. All of my Chippewa history was lost on my mothers side when trying to blend into white society (I'm guessing). The World We Used to Live was a bit of a surprise in that it helped explain how or why I had a hard time excepting full Christian religion beliefs and how my soul has always been a bit closer to (but not exactly) the original native American Indians beliefs. There was one word that meant a group of things to be thankful for or a group of spirits, this one word was changed to "God" when many Indians were being converted to Christianity.
Could it be I have an Indian spirit guide lol?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vine_Deloria,_Jr.

Here is a link that might be useful: about Vine Deloria and books list

Jterrilynn, the book sounds really interesting, I may have to get it. My DIL is part Osage, her dad is Osage & works for the Tribe, and her mother teaches at an Osage Indian school.

I wanted to ask you, do you prefer Native American, American Indian, or Indian?

I am extremely close to my DIL's whole family, and I point blank asked him what he prefers. He started laughing and said, "Indian." He thought the political correctness has gotten out of hand. lol.

I like American Indian myself, because when I think of Indians I think of those from India.

jterrilyn, so interesting about your beliefs! I will check out those books, thank you.

oakley- my brother in law who lives in Oklahoma has Indian blood too. And that's a good question you're asking!

As to what is happening to the Native Americans in this country it is a cont. sad situation. The prevalence of suicide, hunger, poverty...on and on is staggering. Our country created a disenfranchised group due to t greed . Of course this is an old story. Nevertheless it is a sad one.

You are absolutely correct. The continued mistreatment of Indigenous Americans is inexcusable and appalling. I think every American should know what conditions are truly like on the reservations. It's heartbreaking to see how many of our nation's first nations live.

Compelling thread...very important & overlooked subject!

Jterrilynn, how interesting! (I've enjoyed so many of your posts on a variety of threads, btw.) I clicked onto the link you provided & read the Wiki bio of the author you recommend. So, he became an Episcopal priest! Cool. I have had very positive associations with the Episcopal Church & its clergy! Will look for his books.

Yes, I think you could have an Indian spirit guide!

jterri-thank you for the reference to the books...I am not familiar with them . We lived in Santa Fe one summer back in the 80's. My love and reverence for our Native Americans grew from there. I have so many pieces of their art and they give me joy each time I look at them.

I was lucky to be able to ride through a reservation in 2010 on my cycling trip. We were in AZ. We stopped in Peridot on our way through and went into the most wonderful grocery. All of the walls were inscribed in Navaho with the names of the different depts. The people that worked there and the customers were SO sweet to us. They all wanted to know about our bikes and asked so many questions. We had fantastic food from the deli. It was a great experience.

I can remember the way people talked about " dirty Indians" in the past. In MN when I was a child they were referred to this way out on the islands. In NM too. Here locally in AL we sit on Creek land. There are a couple gambling casinos in the state that are owned by the tribe. The past history of how they were removed by Andrew Jackson at Horseshoe Bend is a lasting embarrassment .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horseshoe_Bend_National_Military_Park

Here is a link that might be useful: Bashas in Peridot

I like that a lot of personal responsibility is now really a focus with many tribal leaders. The past treatment (and often as seen in this post, present treatment) has been horrendous with lies and broken treaties/promises. However, don't shoot me but I do know of some tribes that really work the system in a bad way and in the long run it is not good for their future youth. Some of the new leaders are striving for changes in mind-set that keep the original heritage but in a way that puts its peoples less dependent on the government as Indians and more in light with personal growth...
Oak, I personally have no preference as I am an American with Chippewa ancestors on my mothers side. I never heard much about our history because it was lost during my great great grandmothers (guessing) quest for her children to blend into society. All I know is the tribe and a rough idea of the area she had her children, she did not venture out much apparently as no one in the family seems to know much about her. She was very dark skinned though which occasionally pops up in the line. I have links and ways to find out more, which I will do. I did my father's side a few years ago and although it was a lot of work (years) it was very interesting.

Spending time on the reservation, among the people living there, is a compelling eye opener. I have been active in the Adopt-a-Native-Elder program based in Park City, Utah and very blessed to have spent time with my adopted "grandparents" in their hogan in Many Farms, Arizona. They were actually better off financially than many of their neighbors. My Navajo "grandfather" was a war veteran and the U.S. government had provided him with materials to build a new house shortly before my last visit. It looked like a truck had just dropped off a DIY kit - well, that's basically what it was! - and the elders were waiting on a time when all of their children could return to the homestead to help them erect their new house.

I agree with jterrilynn's comment about tribal leaders having "worked" the system, much to the detriment of the tribe as a whole. As with any political system, people and policies are flawed, greed is often rampant, and the long-term effects of individual actions are not always carefully weighed.

Here is a link that might be useful: Adopt-a-Native-Elder Program

Stinky, thank you! I'm just glad you were able to read and make sense of my scratches lol.
It would be interesting to hear what others know of the Episcopal Church. This is the one church I didn't land on in my earlier search for my light. I have talked to many Chippewa Indians of late and I do know they are mostly Christians but I never asked their denomination. I consider myself an agnostic because I do believe in a spirit world. Strangely though, all my good friends are educated catholic idealists, exactly opposite in most every way to myself. I have tried out a few denominations though and only had one bad experience in what I refer to as "the case of the one armed Baptist" where he tried to drag me, with his one arm, to the front of this Huge congregation to be "saved" on my third visit. I won't tell you the whole story but it wasn't pretty. Still, my son went to a private Baptist elementary school his first three years but mostly because it was the only private school I could afford then. The public school was in a high crime area. My husband was raised protestant but has agnostic leanings as he ages. Our sons have not made up their minds yet so we still acknowledge the Christian holidays.
It's all good, plenty of room for different beliefs!

Thanks for your reply, Jterri! I am actually a (somewhat) educated Catholic who enjoys moments of idealism, sandwiched between moments of pessimism and utter confusion!

I view the Episcopal Church as a bridge between Protestantism & Catholicism. Two of the most influential & beloved people in my life were Episcopal clergy. They were an enormous influence on my spiritual & religious growth.

I draw from different traditions & believe ultimate Truth is reached by many roads. Regardless of path, or faith tradition, religion is the finger pointing to the moon, not the moon itself.

Sorry to hear of your experience of being dragged into church! Sounds dreadful.