A NEW CIRCLE

[ebyrd90]

Coushatta started writing the language :)

They sing Christian because they are Christian..derrr...

I do have one question tho....Is he Coushatta or Alabama-Coushatta?

[svillethomas]

Has anyone taken time to write down the spoken language for future preservation? Also, I find it a shame that our state will not allow them to have a casino.

[somnomagh]

There is a good reference grammar and dictionary of Koasati/Coushatta, both by Geoffrey D. Kimball.

[565Multimedia]

Most of the tribe are Christians now.

The Christian missionaries did their job well. Unfortunately, most of the traditional religious or spiritual beliefs are lost now or just not practiced. But like I said in the film, those beliefs and practices will return again one day-- in a new form. For now they are biding their time, hidden under the comforting shadows of those old oaks and pines, flowing slowly beneath the cool springs waiting for someone to call their name again.

[adg337]

why do they sing christian song?

[csktdescendant]

Unfortunately, aside from a lot of hate mail when I first started the blog, I haven't gotten much participation. If anyone is interested, the blog address is listed in my YouTube bio. Also, like I wrote above, if anyone has made a video pertaining to issues of Indian identity, with the director's permission I would like to consider putting it in my journal.

[hinahanta]

I am a mix blood Choctaw, I grow up off the res, may family left Idabel Oklahoma many years ago and I now live in Sugarland Tx, I never learned our language fluintly, but I am learning, I would love to help you in your project.

[csktdescendant]

I am trying to find people interested in participating in discussions about Native American identity. I am an un-enrolled first generation descendant of Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, living on Flathead Reservation in Montana. I started a blog in the hope of finally seriously tackling the problems surrounding Indian identity, particularly on my reservation. (Continued below.)

[csktdescendant]

Part of my above comment was deleted.

[csktdescendant]

If any viewers decide to make a video pertaining to issues of Indian identity, with the director's permission I would definitely consider putting it in my journal. I look forward to hopefully hearing from interested individuals.

[markburgan]

Thanks man for the chance to hear your story and that of the Coushatta. I was born in 75 and have been on the same quest as you but I'm Lenape. A few years ago I had the chance to go to the rez in Canada and do something like you've done. It's a great feeling to help your people when you can. Film the elders,lean the storiesand record the conversation not just for you but your childrens children.aneshic ( thanks)

Washewa (duck) aka mark burgan

[ChiefJermaine]

great video,very educational..

[KiowaMahi]

Although this is about the Alabama-Coushatta, it speaks for other tribes and many of us who find ourselves in the balancing act of walking in two worlds and many times, like Jason, coming full circle to find the answers and our identities. Thanks for keeping the history alive and documenting the wonderful stories.