Being an eighth Indian does not make one an Indian, and I see no reason to think that Malcom Webber is even that, any more than my being an eighth Swedish makes me a Swede.

And that’s what makes one ignorant of the situation. Many have lived on the reservations for multiple generations and have married outside the tribe, making their children blood less Indian, but it doesn’t make them less Indian.

Had your forebears still lived in Sweden married non Swedes and you still lived in Sweden, you’d be Swedish..

In its 1984 ruling against federal acknowledgment, the Bureau of Indian Affairs found that the Kaweah Indian Nation Inc. did not exist before 1980 when it was formed under the leadership of Webber, a non-Indian.

If I was in the market for tribal membership, and for $600, I don’t think I would go for it if the guy looked less Indian than me.

By the way, the “look Indian’ comment is just stupid. There has been so much intermarriage in 5 generation that it’s not uncommon to have blonde Indians and we have black Indians in our family too.

originalpechanga on August 5, 2008 at 6:33 PM

Being an eighth Indian does not make one an Indian, and I see no reason to think that Malcom Webber is even that, any more than my being an eighth Swedish makes me a Swede.

Tribal sovereignty is being eroded by tribes wielding in like a club.

This example of fraud justs adds to the distaste.

By the way, the “look Indian’ comment is just stupid. There has been so much intermarriage in 5 generation that it’s not uncommon to have blonde Indians and we have black Indians in our family too.

In 1877 it was determined to remove the Nez Perces from Oregon to the reservation in Idaho, and General Howard reported that they had agreed to go, not willingly, but under constraint. Some whites were killed, and Chief White Bird sent word that he would not remove, whereupon an unequal war began between retreating bands of Nez Perces and companies of United States cavalry, aided by volunteers. The Indians crossed the Yellowstone Park and River, endeavoring to escape into British territory, but were followed closely by Howard, and headed off by General, then Colonel Miles. In the battle that ensued near the mouth of Eagle Creek 6 chiefs and 25 warriors were killed, and 38 men wounded. Two officers and 21 men were killed and 4 officers and 38 men wounded on the side of the pursuers. The whole camp of about 450 men, women, and children fell into Colonel Miles’s hands. General Howard reached the battle-field just in time to be present at the surrender.

Chief Joseph conducted this retreat with very extraordinary skill. He beat Colonel Gibbon with 15 officers, 146 troopers, and 34 volunteers, though with much loss of men. He stampeded General Howard’s horses and pack-train, fought Colonel Sturgis on the Yellowstone River, losing many horses, and came very near making good his retreat to British America. Of this campaign General William Tecumseh Sherman has said: “The Indians [Nez Perce] throughout displayed a courage and skill that elicited universal praise; they abstained from scalping; let captive women go free; did not commit indiscriminate murder of peaceful families, which is usual; and fought with almost scientific skill, using advance and rear guards, skirmish lines, and field fortifications.”

These facts only make harder the fate that awaited them, for it shows that no forbearance, no bravery and generalship, are able to win for Indians justice. The right of the Nez Perces to the Wallowa Valley was perfect, and the killing of four white men possibly but not certainly by Indians was made the pretext of hunting them down and letting them die of disease at Fort Leavenworth. By neglecting to provide means to prevent tyranny and land-grabbing on the part of its white citizens our government is constantly forced to violate the most solemn treaties, and confess itself unworthy of trust.

The weakness and injustice of our dealing with Indians was never shown in a more picturesque and striking example than in our conduct toward this little section of the Nez Perces. It is only fair to say, however, that we have had recent examples in which the government realized that the nation has a duty to perform in protecting Indians against encroachments by white settlers, and the troops were used in a more honorable exploit than hunting down men with whom the nation had broken a solemn compact.
- Harper’s Weekly, August 16, 1890

Debbie Schlussel on August 5, 2008 at 4:00 PM
“…Indian Tribes have been working with Islamic terrorists and illegal aliens for years.”

That truly breaks my heart. From a guy whose family helped ‘pioneer’ the west some 200+ years ago, this is very disturbing. My dad was an honorary chief for the Blackfoot and the Yankton tribes, given to him for the work he did with/for them.
.
To have such noble people turn like this…it just hurts.
.
sad….
“I will fight no more forever.”
Chief Joseph 1876 or 1877

Not the world’s most famous fake indian, this one is longtime “pinkskin” (groups of Whites who pretend to be Indians, often with the blessing of New Age activists like Sunbear) and convicted sex offender David Weber who leads a unreco…

Only a quarter? I’d pay much more for all the freebies.

A driver’s license photo shows Malcolm Webber, also known as Grand Chief Thunderbird IV.

HAHAHAHA!!!

err…sorry, i guess my “cultural sensitivity” chip has gone haywire.

What is required to be classified as an American Indian, that you raise your right hand and say “how”?

NoDonkey on August 5, 2008 at 2:34 PM

It depends on the tribe. It is usually a quarter ancestry or more.

I will obey every law, or submit to the penalty.
- Chief Joseph

An Indian respects a brave man, but he despises a coward.
- Chief Joseph

With their false tribal memberships, aren’t the illegal aliens committing a second federal offense?

/half sarc

Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 5, 2008 at 2:35 PM

And it’s a racist action politically! Shame on you Doc.

/full sarc

A man that took money from individuals that are taking from the goodness of this country (because they can’t be bothered with all that legal immigration, wait your turn in line, mumbo jumbo)? This guy should be celebrated! Yes. I understand that it is always wrong took money fraudulently from someone, but…..

With their false tribal memberships, aren’t the illegal aliens committing a second federal offense?

/half sarc

What is required to be classified as an American Indian, that you raise your right hand and say “how”?

Maybe he should have just built a casino.

LOL.