Welcome to Eastern Blackfoot Homecoming, June 2004

[Linda]

I've talked before about the annual campout we've been having at Kerr Lake (what we like to call Occoneechee Lake) near where the Occoneechee, Saponi and Tutelo Islands were in the Roanoke, which some actually did call the Occoneechee River at one point in time.

For us, I'm now calling it the Eastern Siouan Blackfoot Homecoming. I know that we're all over the country, and it will be a big deal to make it, but I'd like you all to think about it The main days will be June 26 & 27th, though our family generally camps there for the entire week, from the 21st till the 27th. If others want to make a week's vacation of it, please go for it.

Please let me know ASAP if you're considering coming out. It's a fabulous place to vacation. The views are magnificent, three miles of lake all around, cool breezes, no bugs, it's paradise, and the strong, welcoming presence of our Ancestors. It would be so great for us to finally be able to sit around a camp fire face to face, talking like we have been these past years.

I know that it seems difficult flying in for a campout. I mean, how do you pack camping gear into airline luggage? But I think if we get our heads together we can work out the details. Who's game?

[Bill Childs]

I plan to make it. Will probably drive.

[Patty]

I would definitely like to be there. :)

It would only be about 8-9 hours for me to drive.

[Linda]

Tasheaka is hoping to come. She's from Ohio, too. She says she knows some other folks from there who want to come down. My husband has a lot of people interested from the Indian community out here, and we're negotiating with the park for a really nice group area, right on the point, high up, with its own swimming area. We're going to trade a performance with some drumming and dancing (on another weekend) for the space, so the camping will be free, if we can work that out. We did a deal like that before, so it should work out.

[Patty]

My Mom & both my sisters are excited about coming. I requested the vacation days today from work.

I think Tasheaka is in Dayton. I used to live near there in Middletown, I'm in Columbus now.

[tasheaka]

Wachiya!

You better believe we want to come down for a campout, don't know how long we can stay. Several Ohio people have said they would see if they can come also. I just hopped on to see what was going on and now I have the dates! Been kind of busy the last week or so and havent' had a chance to keep up, somebody said "Tasheaka" and here I am. My family and I are in Dayton, Ohio some are coming from Chillicothe, Bellefontaine, Beavercreek areas. We used to come down in May for the Mother's day pow wow, June is fine. The 3rd week-end in July is the Border Crossing in New York, this will be our 8th year attending it. Looking forward to seeing all these beautiful faces!!!!

Migwetch!
Tasheaka

[Mousini78]

That sounds wonderful! I would love to join you, if we can gather enough camping stuff together...don't reckon Gnat and I are too old to camp...LOL. And that is not too far from us, either.

[Linda]

Okay, I've just reserved spaces Area A 7 & 8. for the weekend of June 25-27.

If you're planning to come, I'd strongly suggest reserving a space right now while we can all get spaces close together. Go to:

http://www.reserveamerica.com/jsp/commonpage.jsp?goto=/nrrs/va/norb/newindex.html

Select "Sites A1-26" and reserve a camping space. I believe all these are $12 a night.

If anybody has trouble, let me know, I'll try and help.

[Patty]

According to this we're going to North Bend Park VA. Is that on Kerr Lake?? I'm a little confused, but I'll book a site.

[Linda]

Yes, North Bend Park is on Kerr Lake. Please let me know what space you reserve, and what dates.

[Rachel McCraw]

I wish I could make it this year. :( By that time, I'll have moved, and it's sure a lot more convenient trip from Radford than from London!

[Bill Childs]

You poor sister. As in London, England?

[Rachel McCraw]

Yes, indeed. The move did strike me as more than a tad ironic, but how can you resist when lured by a gorgeous Swede? *chuckle* Well, one with a steadier job over there, at least (not that he is too hard on the eyes). I don't think I've ever had to jump through as many hoops as both of us did to apply for that fiancee visa--we can thank Thatcher's racially-motivated complication of their immigration policy for that one--but I finally got the application submitted Friday to, with any luck, leave the 2nd of April.

[Bill Childs]

Sounds like you've fallen under the spell of a blue-eyed devil
:D - Good life to ya.

[Blackfoot5]

I just registered and the campout sounds good. I am not sure we could make it yet but it is something to think about. I have been aware that I am Blackfoot for many years but never could find any information. I guess I just did't know where to look! Many people in our area are Blackfoot but considering the attitude of people in general including my family no one wanted to be Native American!

[Linda]

Welcome to the board. Whereabouts in Ohio do you live?

[Blackfoot5]

Southern Ohio Brown County 17 miles north of the Ohio River 50 miles east of Cincinnati And 50 miles west of Portsmouth.

[Linda]

That sounds like it's right along the path our people used from where Richmond now is into Ohio. The tracks of the Norfolkd and Southern RR follows their old path. All along that way you hear from lots of Blackfoot ID'd people.

[Blackfoot5]

I new at looking for information on the Blackfoot People. I have some stories that have come down from the past through friends and family.Stories that concern the Blackfoot. I am trying to get inspired to write them. I belong to a tribe ( not Blackfoot-- my wife is Cherokee) that has a good news letter edited by a wise old Indian( even if he is a few months younger than me )and his wife. Do youall have a news letter? Would you be interested in these stories? I am going to write them for my family and maybe for the Beaver Creek Tribe news letter. Yes I live only a few miles south of the Norfolk & Western RR(now the Norfolk Southern). I met aman a few years ago who said he had documented his Blackfoot ancestry and that our Blackfoot had winter headquarters in West Virginia.? If we should decide to come to your gathering at the last minute (our health is not as good as it was 40 years ago) do you think we could find a camping spot?

[Tom]

Hello and welcome Blackfoot5, I would like very much to hear from you and what you can share, I think that all of us have pieces of the puzzle that is common to all of us here, Iam really very happy that you are here, btw, I live in canada and am a very long way from Nc. All the best Tom

[Blackfoot5]

I am not very computer literate; so if I got an answer to do youall have a news letter ? I missed it! I will post a story or two that have come down through the years.

[techteach]

Blackfoot5:

We do not have a newsletter but it sounds like a good idea. In the meantime, can you post your stories here? We all would like to hear them. Since most of use have the Blackfoot ID in our families, we are all very interested in your stories.

Techteach

[rosebudsaponi]

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[Linda]

Yahoo! Crystal's BACK!

Could you email me your phone number?

[Patty]

I am really getting excited about this trip!! :):D

[Bill Childs]

Ditto.

[techteach]

Have a party for me on Friday night. I will be teaching a class. Maybe next year.

Techteach

[Linda]

Well, you know, if every year you say something like, "Next year in Jerusalem," it eventually will come true.

[spirithorse]

Blackfoot5:

Glad you joined the site! I would love to read your stories when you write them! Please post them on this site if you can.

Also, do you have any more info. on the Blackfoot that had winter quarters in WV? I have came to a road block in my search with my ggggrandfather and ggggrandmother in the early 1800s. Can't find them in any records on the internet. A distant cousin found them listed on the 1850 census as being in Taylor Co. WV. Other than that, no other info. has been found. The are believed to be Seneca & Eastern Sioux. If you wouldn't mind sharing your info., maybe it would give me some clues on where to look.

Thanks!

spirithorse

[spirithorse]

Is there anyone from NE Ohio going that would be willing to let me ride with them? If so, I may consider coming. My car wouldn't make it that far otherwise.

Thanks!

spirithorse

[Brenda Collins Dillon]

spirithorse,

Welcome to the forum. What surnames are you searching? From Taylor /Harrison/Doddridge Counties of WV I have Bennett, Cottrill, and Day on my mother's side.

Brenda

[spirithorse]

Hi Brenda!
I am searching for Boyce in WV. Possible spelling variations are Boice, Boise, du Bois and Boys. I have searched on the internet for weeks and have came up with nothing. We've been told that my ggrandmother was the daughter of an indian chief and she was a princess. We've also been told that our tribal ancestry is Seneca and Eastern Sioux, but I have not been able to "officially" document it yet. My ggrandmother, Clara Gates (Boyce), father was Marcellus Boyce and mother Catherine Atkinson. I believe that the Indian is on Marcellus' side as that is where the roadblock is. A distant cousin found his parents listed on the 1850 census in Taylor county, but nothing other than their names were listed. It is rumored that they died of typhoid fever and the children were raised by relatives or neighbors. Other than this census info. I have not been able to document anything else. Their names were Joshua and Mary Boyce. Any info. or insight you could give me would be greatly appreciated!

I noticed you live in WV. Have you ever been to the Powwow in Buffalo, WV? I was thinking of going on Sat. to check it out.

[Brenda Collins Dillon]

Spirit, I have seen the Boyce surname connected with my stepfather's SHOULDERS line out of Lewis Co. WV. Also the name Bise/Bice/Bays is also in these lines. John W. Shoulders was a noted herbal doctor and according to family oral history was about 3/4 Indian ( tribe unknown) Folks came from all around for his herbal medicine. He married Scynthia Bice and they lived in Ireland, West Virginia. A couple of their children married into the Boyce family.

Brenda

[spirithorse]

Hi Brenda,
Thanks so much for sharing your family info.! Was one of John Shoulder's daughters name Mary by any chance? Mary married Joshua Boyce, but I do not know her maiden name.

Thanks!
spirithorse

[spirithorse]

Oops, forgot to mention one detail...I'm guessing Mary and Joshua Boyce got married in the 1840's.

[Bill Childs]

Spirithorse,
I posted the 1850 census info for Joshua & Mary BOICE on the "Share Genealogy" section of the forum under the new thread title "Marcellus Boyce".
Bill

[Mousini78]

Can anyone post the directions for the campout? I know it will be Kerr Lake, North Bend Park, in Area A 7 & 8, Sites A1-26...is there a specific exit that will lead us there? We will be driving up on Saturday from Person County. That's if I can get Ken out of bed before noon....LOL..

Also, do we need to bring anything with us? Well, I will bring the digital camera for sure.....and the lounge chairs....and the Person County Heritage books for anyone to peruse. Thanks, Becky

[Standing_Fist]

Mecou!

Standing Fist here, brand new to the forum. A little about myself, I am Occaneechi-Saponi from NC (alamance, orange, caswell). No question about that. I am also a member of the tribal council of the OBSN. I am very much looking forward chatting with you all. If it is ok, I will also keep you all informed on some of the events that are taking place in the future involving our tribe as well as others. I am here always for any questions concerning our people and I will try to answer them to the best of my ability.

Biwa!

[Patty]

I'm sorry for the last minute notice, but if anyone is still planning on heading out to the Homecoming my campsite is available.

I've gotten sick at the last minute and won't be able to attend. The site is already paid for Friday, Saturday & Sunday night. Respond here or send me a private message through the site and I'll let you know the site number and the name it's reserved under.

I hope somebody can use the space, it's a shame for it to go to waste. :(

[Bill Childs]

Patty,
I was sorry to hear you were sick and unable to come. Hope you're all better now.
Bill

[Mousini78]

Good Monday morning! It was a great pleasure to meet the folks from Saponitown...I can only hope more will be able to make it next year. And maybe Ken can talk me in to taking these old bones camping...LOL. Bill, it was a pleasure to talk to you and thank you for all your hard work on our genealogy. Linda, thanks for opening up the opportunity for all of us to meet. I very much enjoyed the swimming and scenery, even if it was a bit dampish. We were blessed to see the sun finally. Take care....see you next year!

[Dreaminghawk]

Let me add my thank yous to Becky's. Linda for your hospitality and that of your lovely extended family.......... Bill, it was a pleasure to meet you and shake your hand..... though Becky said it probably was a good thing you didn't live close by or I would be over at your house all the time talking instead of doing yardwork and mechanicking and stuff ;-) ........... Rose, enjoyed meeting you and ....also enjoyed meeting......... uhhhh....... What'shername from Bracey ;-)-
Altogether a good day.
peace
Ken

[Linda]

I finally made it home last night and am trying to get everything back to normal. Had to repair my Windows, a virus got to it the day before I had to leave town, but all's back together. Sorry you couldn't make it, Patty. I was really looking forward to meeting you.

It was a good campout this year, quieter and more intimate than year's past, with no "agenda." I totally forgot to take any pictures. Can you post the ones you took, Becky?

I was distracted. We've begun work on my new house nearby, which is very exciting/stressful.

We should probably stop calling it a campout, since, in fact, few of the folks involved actually camp. Most come in for the day for more of a picnic, really. Next year will be another evolution, since I'll be living nearby.

[Mousini78]

Linda
I will be more than glad to post the pics. They turned out pretty good...and a wonderful picture of the sun setting over the lake taken right behind your campsite. I thoroughly enjoyed myself..the much-needed R & R. Hopefully, next year we can arrange to camp there...if we can find a good air mattress..LOL.

[Patty]

Thanks, Bill & Linda for the well wishes.

I'm sorry I missed meeting everyone, I was really looking forward to it.

[Linda]

I brought a nice air mattress, but was completely dismayed when it went flat the first night. It wasn't till I got home that I found that there was a plug on the backside that was not plugged in. Duh.

A reliable and inexpensive approach is to buy a double bed sized eggcrate mattress pad (or steal one from your bed). Double it and place it under your sleeping bag. That should get you through the night.

Aldi's has been selling camp cots for $20. That and an egg crate pad works nicely and has the advantage of being up off the ground, so that if your tent floor seeps rain, you stay dry. Throw a plastic sheet over that bed during the day and you don't have to worry about your bed getting wet, come what may.
And believe me, it will come. We always say, the best way to insure rain in that area is to have the Carters go camping.

[Patty]

Any plans to do this again this year?

[lynellarainhawk]

Patty,

That would be so totally awsome, wouldn't it? Boy I'd really have to behave myself if I wanted to try to get Glenn to ride me out there on the motorcycle. I don't dare ride my own that far. But I would ride on his. I'd bring it up to him if it looks like Linda has any such plans for this year. We keep talking about going across the country. Of coarse, like you getting sick last year, you never know what might happen between now and then. I mean, as fast as life changes, I could be living in timbucktoo with someone who looks like a sea snake or something! But I'll keep tabs on this! Love & Light, Lynella.

[vance hawkins]

Yeah, I'd like to know if there is anything this year as soon as possible. for the first time, I might be able to make it out that way this year. but I'd need to tell my boss as soon as possible.

vance

[lynellarainhawk]

Wouldn't it be cool Vance?:) I did implant the idea in Glenn's head this morning. He said, "Oh, I dunno' that's a long ways." Then about ten minutes later he was smiling and said, "It would be fun to go and meet all these people you've been spending so much time with!";) So, I take that as a big might/maybe/possibly!:cool:

[Patty]

Wouldn't it be cool!!:D I just hated it that I had to miss it last year. We had a big "event" going on at work and I got so run down before it was over with I just got really, really sick. This year, I do NOT intend to let that happen!

This week I found out that the first three weeks of July will be very busy at work, and I already have a bunch of meetings scheduled in June, so I need to get my request in if I want some time off.

[Linda]

We have a standing plan for a campout the last weekend in June. This year that will be June 25th and 26th. Since I'm living in Clarksville now it can be more flexible. If some of you can make it from other parts of the country, a longer stay is of course sensible, and I will be here! I would really like us to finally get together. I hope I've answered you in time, Vance.

If these dates are no good, I would be interested in planning something for JUST US here at the site, and a select group of local folks related to us. I think that could be very focused and special. What would work?

[lynellarainhawk]

Linda,

Hey! It's very good to see you again! This would be so awsome!

[vance hawkins]

The 25th and 6th would be alright. I might stop in a couple of places on the way up there -- Gibson & Pike Co., Indiana, and Scott and Russell County, Va, maybe check out the Germanna Colony on the Rapidan River.

I know I am gonna hate the traffic . . . nearest town of 100,000 population is Wichita Falls, Tx, and it is about 150,000 I think -- it's 90 miles away . . . and I'll hate not knowin' what lane to be in for my exits . . . and the ride home is gonna be a looooooooong ride.

But it'd be worth it to meet yall. :) I'm gonna try and do it.

vance

[techteach]

I am working on convincing the husband to drive to Philadelphia for a conference the next week and cut south for a day on our way. Not sure if we can. Possible big changes happening this summer.

Tech

[fromOntario]

Hi there everyone!
Hey there Linda!
Linda, thanks again for Dec! (I just got pics back today, I will scan soon and send!)
It's Deb from Ontario. I have not posted, kept up with posts due to work (I lived an d worked at same place--note past tense...I am no long er there..my choice, that's ok ;) have more flexible work now).
Anyways!
I posted re meeting at Fort Chr. (as an idea...I think I remember asking what you thought of it Linda...but then ..who knows..I didnt mean to go over anyone's head by posting that idea!)

The Wendat who I am friends with here in Ont. have a gathering every year at traditional capital (goign back to 1600s)
and people come from all over.

I was wondering re Saponi. I t looks like you have things in the works. I would be coming down to visit family this summer anyways...but I would love to come down (even just to come down for a gathering!)

I know you may not want it too big but I thought since we met, I woudl ask. Also as a n idea I have a friend who is friends with Tutelo/Saponis at 6 Nations...who are knowledgable and could share some information! It would be a type of homecoming for them too! (if you wouldnt mind them coming)

I thought I woudl ask.

The Wendat Gathering is the last weekend in June....are you holding it then? Or could it be July? Also I would offer to come down and help do what I can. (:

Please let me know.
Thanks (Jiawen in Wendat ; ) )

Deb

PS Thanks for having me on group! It's great! And helping me bit by bit answer OLD questions!

[Linda]

I think we should plan on some activities at the fort during our annual getogether, the last weekend in June. Of course, if that weekend is bad for a lot of people, I would be more than willing to facilitate another time.

[lynellarainhawk]

Linda,

This sounds so wonderful. I hope I can convince Glenn to go. I really want to. We're way over due for a vacation. I could be mean and tell him that's all I want for my birthday! But that's really not fair!;) Love & Light, Lynella.

[rosebudsaponi]

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[-cr21-]

I will do my best to make sure I am there too. Can't wait to meet everyone.

[Tom]

Hello Everyone, I hope that all of those that do attend can take some good photos and maybe post a few of them here, once again I won't make it but one day will.
Best regards to All.

[lynellarainhawk]

Tom,

;) You can bet that if I get to go, I'll be taking LOTS of those and I'd surely share!

[vance hawkins]

How do you go about "reserving a space"?

I really wanted to drive, but had I done so I'd end up taking a great deal of my vacation time just driving down the road, dodging 18 wheelers and crazy drivers . . . 3 days at the least.

So I got an airplane ticket, leaving the 24th and returning the morning of the 28th.

I hope to meet many of yall.

vance

[fromOntario]

It sounds like everyone has it booked for that weekend. I am n ot sure if I can come but I maybe can come later on towards the long weekend.
If I can cross some paths with some of you that would be great! Anyone sticking around after the 27th?
(I will be at the Wendat gathering here in Ontario that weekend in June)
However, I'd like to come down later.
Deb

[Linda]

Well, Crystal, I just reserved #12, that means we've secured the beachhead. That's a real nice stretch of real beach. Both sites are right on the beach. That means, no matter where else people camp, they can all gather at that one spot and we all have one heck of a good time. It's beautiful

[rosebudsaponi]

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[Patty]

I just booked site #11 for the 24th, 25th & 26th.

Hopefully I'll make it this year! :D

[techteach]

I can just drop by on the 25th if it works for me, can't I? I have a conference in Philadelphia and I am working to see if we can swing south before north.

Techteach

[vance hawkins]

Who do yuo talk to about booking a site?

[Patty]

Go here:

http://www.reserveamerica.com/jsp/commonpage.jsp?goto=/nrrs/va/norb/newindex.html

Then click on A1-A26. We're all as close to #12 & 13 as we can get.

[Saponi 1]

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[rosebudsaponi]

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[tasheaka]

Hi Linda,

Our family is planning to camp with you all this year, last year we had too many things going on and vehicle problems on top of everything else. I contacted the park today to determine where the shade is in the camping area, taking medicine that requires avoiding the direct sunlight if possible. Bringing some grandchildren with us! DAYTON via KERR LAKE HOMECOMING!!

Tasheaka

[Saponi 1]

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[vance hawkins]

Tom, I was hopin' you'd be there. This might be the one and only time I ever get to attend. :( but ya never know . . . :)

Lynella, I haven't heard much from your brother Kerry lately here. Can he make it?

vance

[Linda]

This is just so cool, to hear you all jumping up and making this happen. We've hit some kind of milestone, where something like this can just take on a life of its own. It's really going to be great this year.

Cindy, a lot of people just show for Saturday. They're mostly fairly local, but all the better if you can come from a distance. It sounds like so many of us from this site will be there. It will be something else.

Tasheaka, you should be able to find shade just about anywhere. It's all in the woods. The afternoon sun might be a little more shaded if you find a spot to the left of 12 and 13, I believe those are the higher numbers.

[fromOntario]

Glad you are all doing well and that things are taking shape for the gathering! :) (Does it sound bigger this year than in past years?)
I hope to be able to come in the future.

(Also plan to be down later inthe summer if anyone is around in general. :) )
Take care,
Deb
PS Please post pics if you can! :)