You win some you lose some

I heard that my whole life

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 I wasn’t sure how I was going to write this week’s editorial. I threw around the idea of writing a strictly post-election piece, before ultimately landing on this format.

 I thought it would be fun to share a few thoughts in real time before finding out the results.

 Let’s begin.

 Currently it’s 5pm. There is about two hours left until the polls close. I will do one more entry before the votes get counted.

 As I sit here, patiently waiting for the polls to close. I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. There are multiple families within our Tribe, but never before has three separate factions come together to form a united ticket.

 We did that, and win or lose I couldn’t be prouder of my team.

 Update, it’s 7pm and they have just begun counting votes.

 Honestly, I’m feeling pretty good. I’ve gotten texts from multiple people at the ballot counting building who are saying good things. I’ve even got good luck texts in the past couple of hours from individuals that I didn’t know supported me. Everything from other candidates that ran on a solo platform, yet put in a good word for me, to relatives I haven’t spoken with in years saying they support me.

 If my supporters showed up and voted for our ticket, I feel like we have a great chance of getting in.

 I will do one more entry upon completion of the count.

Well the count is over. I’m sorry to say that we lost.

It’s definitely disappointing, but I get it. Narratives win and lose elections and our narrative wasn’t compelling enough. Win like a man lose like a man. The right people won. I wish them nothing but the best.

I feel like we got a couple really good candidates in there. It’s not me, its not us, but thats okay.

Maybe another time. In a galaxy far far away.

As always, If you don’t know now you know, a Native!

“The Boxcar Joe Show”

Brand New Native Podcast

In his own words.

This channel is dedicated to mining the jewels out of our human experiences. Through storytelling and social commentary The Boxcar Joe Show explores questions of self.

 Each story is an experience that contributes to the development of who we are. Drawing from personal life experiences and external sources The Boxcar Joe Show hopes to challenge, provoke, question, and entertain. We leave room for you, the listener to milk whatever meaning benefits you in this journey called life. Our hope is that you find value as we peel back the curtains and reveal the stories and question that make our lives unique.

My Take.

From my perspective, it’s what my older brother and his generation went through for the most part. Listening to these stories for me, takes me back to a much simpler time when family was really all we had and life was a lot more dangerous.

I love the references, the sound effects and the background music in each of his episodes. These theatrical components really bring the stories to life. If you’re looking for genuine modern day storytelling from a Native man, then look no further, Boxcar Joe has you covered.

The following list are the episodes currently available. I enjoyed each and every one of them. Upon listening, I’m sure you’ll agree they all bring something unique to the world.

The Ecstasy of Humiliation, Do You Believe, The Coach and the Scum, Elephants and Men, Still Here, Still fighting, Still Indian.

My favorite happens to be Still Here, Still fighting, Still Indian. It discusses a tactic that’s viewed as sort of a Native Camouflage. It was the act of being a drunk as to be seen as not being a threat. The past generation wasn’t willing to assimilate so they had to pretend to drunks or face imminent death.

Heartbreaking Stuff.

Click the Button below to Subscribe to The Boxcar Joe Show

 Below is the newest and in my opinion the best episode of

The Boxcar Joe Show to date

Enjoy

Adam Beach - Ojibwe

Adam Beach, born on November 11, 1972, in Ashern, Manitoba, Canada, is a highly regarded actor known for his compelling performances and his unwavering commitment to representing Native voices in the entertainment industry. His journey from the Saulteaux First Nations Reserve to Hollywood stardom has made him a trailblazer and a powerful advocate for Indigenous representation and cultural understanding.

 Growing up on the Dog Creek Reserve in Manitoba, Adam’s early life was marked by challenges and the cultural richness of his Tribal heritage. His journey into acting began with a local theater group, where he discovered his passion for storytelling and performance.

 His breakout role came in the acclaimed film "Smoke Signals" (1998), where he portrayed Victor Joseph, a young Coeur d'Alene man on a transformative journey. The film, directed by Chris Eyre, was a landmark moment in Native cinema, winning awards and accolades and shining a spotlight on Beach's talent.

 His acting career expanded to include a diverse range of films and television series. His roles in movies like "Windtalkers," "Flags of Our Fathers," and "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" showcased his ability to portray complex characters and explore the historical and contemporary experiences of Native peoples.

Beach's commitment to cultural understanding extends beyond the screen. He has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors and advocacy initiatives focused on Native rights, education, and cultural preservation. His efforts have helped raise awareness about the challenges faced by Tribal communities and the importance of preserving and celebrating their heritage.

 As a cultural ambassador, Adam’s impact on the world of entertainment and his dedication to promoting Indigenous voices serve as an inspiration to both aspiring actors and advocates. His journey reminds us of the transformative power of storytelling to bridge cultures, foster empathy, and challenge stereotypes. 

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The purpose of the Kossin brand is to connect our people through inclusivity and commonalities.

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Redwood Valley Little River Band of Pomo Indians

The Redwood Valley Little River Band of Pomo Indians (Redwood Valley Rancheria) is a federally recognized Indian tribe located in Redwood Valley, Mendocino County, California. For several thousand years the Tribe’s ancestors lived along the West Fork of the Russian River, located north of Calpella, CA. The Tribe interacted with other Pomo tribes located within the Russian River watershed, the Eel River watershed, and tribes found along the coasts of the Clearlake and the Pacific Ocean.

 Much was lost with the advancement of European settlers before and after the California Goldrush.  In 1908 Redwood Valley Rancheria was established as a home for "Homeless Indians." However, In 1958 the United States Congress terminated Redwood Valley Rancheria and many other tribes by enacting the California Rancheria Termination Act. In 1983 this act was declared illegal as a result of the Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case. Redwood Valley Rancheria and many other rancherias had their tribal status restored.

 The Redwood Valley Little River Band of Pomo Indians is a sovereign indian tribe with the powers of self-governance. Its tribal members elect a Tribal Council which acts as the governing body. The Council is authorized to write and enact ordinances and resolutions, conduct tribal business, and perform other actions that are commonly delegated to local governments.

​Today, Redwood Valley Rancheria has 159 acres of land in trust. It manages a wide array of social, educational, environmental and infrastructure programs. Click on the menu above to find out more about these programs.

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