Posted on May 3 at 3:08 p.m.
I just wanted to respond to a couple of points made in previous posts. First, I thank Tellem for responding as a student to clarify. It's good to know that because it is important for ALL students to be challenged to rise to a level that will help them be competitive when out in the professional world.
Second, on the point about possibly being connected to some group of Comanche somewhere. I understand that all tribes are different but we only have one tribal headquarters and so those in different regions all tend to connect to that area [we have 14,100+ members] and I'm sure many more that are not on the rolls. I know there could be exceptions but I'm merely pointing out the fact that to me someone in his position and desire to be involved in and with the Native community it seems he would also find it important to have or desire to develop relationships with SOMEONE that is connected to our tribal nation. I just think it's odd...that's all I'm saying.
Anyone that knows much about how Native communities work know that when you are in the public profile it is important to have some type of connection to the people you come from...or at least that is what I have witnessed and heard. There may be some "stand alone, don't need anyone or any connection to my people" individuals but that tends to be more the dominant European personality vs. traditional Native culture.
Again, I think the blood-quantum issue is a mess and really damages the future of Native people. The main issue I have of this whole thing is IF he is being dishonest...on purpose....about even having the heritage. By the way, the many family members listed were judges, attorneys and high profile positions. I believe they were contacted to verify the brothers allegations. It's hard to believe those people in those positions would all lie for the one brother but I guess when it comes to family disagreements it could be possible. Nothing among humans surprises me anymore...lol.
Anyone can be supportive of Native people, our culture or our futures without claiming to be one. When they cross that line then it seems to be they are using it for some type of benefit or else why would they do it [even if it is just to authenticate themselves]. When financial gain comes into the picture then that becomes more serious.
In closing I wanted to mention that Chairman Coffey of the Comanche Nation welcomed Pierotti to apply to the tribe and they would research it or any other efforts he wished to make to talk with them. No one is trying to ostracize him....just trying to clarify what is the case at this point and that is the fact he is not a registered tribal member which was stated at various times as the article mentions.
Posted on May 2 at 11:50 a.m.
This was a great article! Very detailed and inclusive of both sides of the story.
I am a Comanche tribal member and I have been familiar with what is going on for awhile. I have issues with the whole blood-quantum thing myself but one of my main issues with this situation is the question of honesty and integrity. This is something our nation struggles with over and over in leadership roles. It appears with the way he has changed things conistently that it is obvious that there is "shiftiness" going on.
Most Native people [of course not all] are not the type of people that are not inclusive and welcoming to someone that wants to know more or be included. There are many non-Native people that are "adopted" into tribes. So one of the biggest red flags that stand out about this situation is that Pierotti doesn't seem interested at all in being connected to the Comanche community and if he truly had that heritage it seems that it would be important.
Just to point out to Tellem there was more than just the brother that said there was no Comanche heritage, his uncle (the brother of his mother) also said there was not.
One last point. I have heard...although I don't know if it is true personally....that Pierotti is very easy on students [possibly to win favors with them and be accepted]. IF this is true then that is another huge concern for me. He is really doing a disservice to not only the students but to the communities which they will represent.
Just sort of teasing here, I have no desire to be malicious to anyone.....I have heard him speak in several community events and he seems to have a lot of information but he uses opportunities to speak to just talk about everything and nothing. So if he is going to "pick" a tribe to belong to I wish he would leave us Comanches alone, mosey along somewhere else and chose another tribe...there are 563 other recognized, he has lots of options :-).
Again....THANKS for putting together a great article that shows ALL sides of the story.
Posted on May 6 at 3:48 p.m.
Thank you DM....beautifully and eloquently said and also brings the discussion back to the main point of the whole issue...."We do them a disservice if we say or lead them to believe we are SOMETHING WE ARE NOT." I think I could even be forgiving and accepting if someone was to 'fess up' and admit they were wrong as long as they made actions to correct their errors or misleading.
However, this issue seems to get "uglier". People resort to tearing down and attempting to discredit others instead of trying to clear up the issue at hand. Unfortunately, that seems to be easier for many to do instead of attempting to build bridges of understanding and compassion toward each other.
There is still hope though. I refuse to give up that hope that someday we will realize that together we are much more powerful.
On A question of identity