NAFPS Forum
General => Research Needed => Topic started by: clearwater on January 07, 2010, 01:29:30 pm
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I am a newbie and had signed up here with the intent of only posting to one thread. However, I am a musician and came across Lakota Leathers, which is based in Sevierville, TN and started by non-Indians. Their relationship to the Pine Ridge Lakotas is described here:
http://lakotaleathers.com/About_Us.html
This company makes musical instrument straps. Their straps seem nice, but the company has not responded to any of my emails. Before I buy one of these straps, is this for real? Are there Lakotas here at this site who can validate that these straps are actually made by Lakotas on the Pine Ridge reservation? If so, I'll buy one. If not, who are these guys?
As part of their desire to assist the Lakota people, in addition to employing them making straps, they accept donations directly and then pass 100% of the donations to the Lakotas. From their website:
While Lakota Leathers is NOT a charity, we do all we can to help the Lakota people. The reason we are not a charity is because we want as little government involvement in this endeavor as possible. We want the Lakota to be in business for themselves and not be constantly receiving charity, but actually earning a living. I have been contacted many times by many different people, however, asking how they can help, and who they can donate to. While we are not a 501c3 tax deductable organization, we are in constant contact with the Lakota and we can ALWAYS put 100% of any amount you'd like to donate to good use. We assure you that any amount you donate will go directly to a family in need and no 'middle man' of any sort will be involved. In the past we have helped families devistated by house fires, the extreme cold weather, and black mold. Your donations are appreciated. Thank you for caring, Kenny
The company has existed 2 years and they claim to have done great things:
So far proceeds from strap sales have helped pay for hospital visits, groceries, wood stoves, and many other essentials of daily life. While we are not a charity, our products provide a means of sustanance for an otherwise bleak future. By purchasing a strap from Lakota Leathers, you help keep the Lakota traditions alive as well as helping a family in need.
Is this legitimate? If so these are nice folks for sure and I commend them.
Moderators: If this is an inappropriate topic for this forum, please delete this thread, with my apologies.
Many thanks.
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Just from a look at that website, I'd say there are a few inconsistencies:
On the start page, they say the company is Pine Ridge based:
http://lakotaleathers.com/Home.html
Lakota Leathers is a company based on the Pine Ridge Indian reservation in South Dakota. We manufacture the finest guitar, banjo and mandolin straps available using native Bison (American Buffalo) and Elk hides exclusively.
On their contact site, the address given is in Tennessee:
http://lakotaleathers.com/Contact.html
Lakota Leathers
537 South Schrader Rd.
Sevierville TN 37876
(865)963-9303
This matches with what they mention in their About Us section:
http://lakotaleathers.com/About_Us.html
About us
Lakota Leathers was founded in 2008 by Kenny & Phyllis Bohling of Sevierville, TN after repeated trips to the Pine Ridge reservation in SD.
So if I understand this correctly, the company should provide documentation for the items they sell being made by native persons. From what I see on their site, they may or may not provide such documents, since they do not make any mention of this...
The site also asks for donations:
While Lakota Leathers is NOT a charity, we do all we can to help the Lakota people. The reason we are not a charity is because we want as little government involvement in this endeavor as possible.
Errrm, wrong reason given, I reckon. What 'little government involvement' there is in a 501c3 makes sure that monies donated end up at the appropriate places, plus it will bring about a tax exempt status which a company of course will not have
We want the Lakota to be in business for themselves and not be constantly receiving charity, but actually earning a living.
Sounds good, but then they should be in a position to publish photos of the workers they employ or whom they buy from.
I have been contacted many times by many different people, however, asking how they can help, and who they can donate to. While we are not a 501c3 tax deductable organization, we are in constant contact with the Lakota and we can ALWAYS put 100% of any amount you'd like to donate to good use. We assure you that any amount you donate will go directly to a family in need and no 'middle man' of any sort will be involved.
Strictly speaking, there is at least one 'middle man' involved – the company owner. Please take due note he doesn't mention you'll obtain any proof of where your donation went to.
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Thank you Ingeborg, I noticed those inconsistencies as well. At the bottom of the "About Us" page is a photo of Lakotas, I presume?
(There is a video on their homepage, however, my internet connect does not allow me to play it. Perhaps that video will fill in the blanks here?)
It's possible all this is legit, but I do wonder about the "there is no middle man, send it to us and we'll get it to them" kind of thinking. That's just plain odd to me. Why not just provide the address of the rez and have folks direct donations there?
I'm hoping that leather artists from the Pine Ridge rez will chime in. Maybe someone can name these artists or knows more about Lakota Leather?
The last email I sent them about a month ago, I asked who they were affiliated with and got no reply.
The musicians who endorse the products include internationally-acclaimed musicians. They are named and depicted on the site. None of the craftspeople are. I also find that odd.
It still could be legit. Odd, but legit?
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(There is a video on their homepage, however, my internet connect does not allow me to play it. Perhaps that video will fill in the blanks here?)
No, it's a video of the song he mentions in his text - "Three chiefs", that's all.
The last email I sent them about a month ago, I asked who they were affiliated with and got no reply.
No reply in a month is a bit long, I'd say. But as sh!t happens, you might perhaps resend the mail. Errrm, wait - you said this was your *last* e-mail. Oh.
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Their straps seem nice, but the company has not responded to any of my emails.
No reply in a month is a bit long, I'd say. But as sh!t happens, you might perhaps resend the mail. Errrm, wait - you said this was your *last* e-mail. Oh.
Several emails were sent over several weeks in November and got no replies. The "last" one before posting here was about a month ago. I emailed them again after making this post (and reading your reply) to give them the benefit of the doubt for sure. I did tell them I have made this post here on this website, and I am not being malicious at all but since the had not replied I had these lingering questions. I made some suggestions to them in my email today. You will see from my posts here I am not being malicious, just inquiring. I would be delighted to see therir legitimacy validated by other persons, not just themselves. But these questions did arise. You yourself apparently see the same things I do and have some of the same questions.
My question(s) of them are appropriate: can you please tell me who you are affiliated with on the Pine Ridge Reservation? I first emailed them this question due to these inconsistencies about how they presented themselves. They never replied.
And if my memory serves, is there some sort of protocol or procedure for Indian-made crafts to have some sort of documentation? You mentioned that in your first reply. That seems to ring a bell with me. Anyway, if they are legit (which would be good) maybe they can be a bit more forthcoming on their website, that's all.
I indicated in my email to them that whatever reply they make I will post here if appropriate. There are "good Samaritans" everywhere and maybe these folks have good hearts and are well intended and doing the right thing (if only in a goofy way). That's the story they're telling, but there are, in my opinion, some significant omissions that make these questions come up. If they are legit, a few edits and additions to their site could go a long way toward clearing that up. If they are not legit, well who would like that?
Sevierville, TN is very close to Gatlinburg, TN and both are tourist attractions and have lots of Indian shops there. There are lots of talented leather and bead workers there and any artisan there could be making these straps for all I know.
Am I out of line in making these inquiries and making this post? If so, I'll go away, no problem. There's lots of strap companies out there.
Thank you.
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UPDATE: I just received this reply from Lakota Leathers:
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From:
"bbanjoboy@---.com" <bbanjoboy@---.com>
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To:
Hello,
I did respond to your previous email, but I've been having some email issues. I am away from my desk, and will respond more properly when I return.
Let me quickly say that I appreciate your concerns, and certainly understand your reasons for them. It is good to know that you care about the Lakota.
Thank you for your interest.
Kenny
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
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That is good.
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UPDATE: Here is Lakota Leather's reply:
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Re: Lakota Leathers
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From:
"Bbanjoboy@---.com" <Bbanjoboy@---.com>
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Hello again,
First, let me say once again that I truly appreciate your emails and regret that you did not receive my previous responses.
It warms my heart to know that there are people like you who care enough not only to question the legitimacy of my efforts, but also have the decency to contact me directly. Let me say thank you for that. I personally have also witnessed the exploitation that you refer to. Additionally, there are the items like the $3 dream catchers in your local conveinience store which are made in China.. It makes my blood boil....
In any case, to try to answer a few of your questions, here are some answers. I'm sure that you'll have more, so feel free to ask away...Additionally, if you know one of my present or former bandmates, I'm sure that they will attest to my true intentions.
Here goes...
First, my story on our 'about us' page is as straight to the point as I can get, so I'll not waist my efforts going over that again. Additionally, you can click up www.knoxivi.com and click the link to the 'Shine Sisters" to see a live interview of myself discussing what we do.
As for the business, let me say that it is precisely that. A business. Being a business is something that we chose to do instead of being a charity. I thought very seriously about even putting the 'donation' addition to the website, and I believe after your concerns, I should just eliminate it. I will put a link to a good friend of mine Kathy Price of the Mission of Love instead. She builds homes for the Lakota and even though there are other needs that I know my website could help, I don't want to raise any suspicions about this company or it's intentions, and your email just reinforces this thought. Kathy is as close to a saint as I have met on this earth, and I encourage you to check out her site. I believe it's www.missionoflove.org If not, I'm sure you can google it. I first encountered her back in June on my last trip to Pine Ridge. There is no government crap involved with her, just true concern and love for the Lakota and other people across the globe..
Anyhow, back to the business. When this thing started, I would take dreamcatchers, hair barrets, etc. from my friends on the reservation to sell for them at my CD table. Because of the $3 dreamcathers for sale at your local 7-11, it was hard to get more than $10 for these items. I felt very bad sending these guys just $10 for something that they worked hours on.. Then they couldn't always afford the beads, or leather etc, and it wasn't raising very much money.. The products were basically 'trinkets' and had no real use in todays world. I had a buffalo hide strap on my banjo for years.. It wasn't native made, but it was very strong, soft, and it looked like the day I bought it.. So that's when the wheels started turning.. One thing led to the other and I started contacting the same people who used to make the dreamcatchers and medicine wheels to see if they would be interested and capable of making some straps...
Well, most of them didn't even know what a banjo was, they certainly had no money to purchase leather, no computers, and no tools to manufacture these things..
I began discussing these issues with my family, and together we decided to fund the entire operation. This is where I begin to feel uncomfortable about discussing things because you wouldn't be asking these questions about any other type of business I might be involved in, but here goes..
We have invested over $25,000 into this venture, very little of which has been returned. I don't feel the need to discuss how much any certain individuals are being paid, or their names/faces, any more than Coca-Cola would feel the need to give out there secret formula. I'm not doing this so that I can "Fleece" the Lakota, quite to the contrary, it is actually my family that sometimes feels 'fleeced' but that is OK because our reward is not financial. I am withholding the names of these people for several other reasons:
1) They each have at least $1000 worth of leather etc. in their homes at any given time. I don't feel comfortable that this be common knowledge on the reservation. If you are familiar with conditions out there, you will understand why.
2) I have a lot of money invested in this company, and I feel a need to protect the people that are working for me as well as my own personal as well as my families monetary investments. Quite simply, we do need to recoup what we have invested. Like I tried to explicately state on my website, this is not a charity. Suffice it to say that each of my independent contractors can easily EARN $50 per hour. A wage which they deserve and be proud of. It's all up to them and the public. If they are willing to work, and the public is willing to purchase these products, then this can continue.
That being said, I don't feel comfortable in giving out the names of my independent contractors any more than you would if you had a business in China, Texas, Argentina, Brazil, or any other place.
I don't want to be mailicous to you, but you could be a competitor, you could go in and 'steal' my contractors' which I have taught how to make the specific requirements for our strap designs, and then there are the materials which I have already purchased which quite honestly could be sold without my knowledge. Thousands of dollars worth. I know and love each of my contractors, but they have no financial investment in any of these materials. While I do trust them, I do not feel any need to make these names public knowledge. Hopefully you can understand why.
Additionally, if there is some sort of 'certification' or other means of proving what we are doing is 'legit', I am not aware of it. If the tribe would offer a 'certificate' of authenticity, I would gladly pay whatever fees were required to obtain one.
As for me, I quite honestly feel like an essential part of this venture. I have been a professional musician for years. I can talk to music stores about our product, I know the needs of musicians, I can make this work, and have proven so. We now have over 40 dealers nationwide. While our focus is on mandolin straps, our other straps are starting to develop in sales as well. It is a good thing.
Finally, I don't believe that I should be expected to do this without recouping our family investment, and perhaps at some point in the future possibly making a small salary. It is after all a very time consuming venture and quite a chore at times. The development of the website alone has taken countless hours. Finding the correct places to advertise, the money to fund these things, going through 4 leather suppliers and all the incredible BS that has gone along with that.. getting the wrong color hides delivered, getting the wrong thicknesses delivered, ordering dozens of straps in colors that don't sell, having piles of leather laying around that are basically worthless that we paid hundreds, even thousands of dollars for, exchanging straps that are incorrect sizes and colors, answering inquiries such as yours, paying thousands of dollars to the post office, dealing with COD orders that never show up, and countless other day to day issues. Yet, I am not complaining one single bit.. just telling you how it is.. When I receive a letter from a family on the rez that expresses their gratitude for helping them out, it is all worth it.. We are actually contemplating building a home for one of my mandolin strap braiders in the spring .. CAN YOU IMAGINE>>????
This crazy little business might actually be able to give a wonderful family on the rez a new home.. how wonderfull is that?
I guess when it's all said and done, you need to ask yourself what you need to do.. Just like the homeless guy at the stoplight.. you can give him a buck and hope it's for the right reasons, or you can pretend that you don't see him... even if he used the dollar for a drink of liquor, you still did the right thing....I hope this answers your questions, and you can appreciate my answers.
Sincerely,
Kenny Bohling
Lakota Leathers
www.lakotaleathers.com
kenny@lakotaleathers.com
537 South Schrader Rd.
Sevierville TN 37876
(865)908-1360
(865) <deleted by clearwater> cell
In a message dated 1/7/2010 11:32:30 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, ---@---.com writes:
Hello Kenny--
Thanks for your prompt reply. As I indicated, I am not being malicious in this inquiry at all. It's just that I have seen, first hand, so much exploitation of American Indians that I would like to know, for sure, that you are a good guy doing what you say. As a courtesy to you, here is a link to that thread:
http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=2541.0
As you can see, I am not being mean. I really want to know that you are for real. And if so, there are some edits you can make to your site that will clear up any questions.
Again, many thanks to you.
Again, for now, I will remain unnamed, but I will identify myself to you with your next reply. As it turns out, I personally know one of your band members anyway...
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UPDATE: Another email from Lakota Leather. My comments follow
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Re: Lakota Leathers
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From:
"Bbanjoboy@---l.com" <Bbanjoboy@--.com>
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Hello -----,
Thanks for letting me know who you are. I'd first like to say thanks for the emails and posts, but I hope that they haven't hurt any sales of straps. This would ultimately hurt the Lakota, but this are legitimate questions and I don't mind answering. I just hate anyone raising doubts about our intentions. I do have to agree with you that I am 'goofy' as you stated.. Funny how this inquiry comes from you. As you said, you sold -------- just to get out of the hastle, yet I am doing this basically for free and have many of the same hastles that I'm sure you faced..
<snip>
If you HONESTLY want to know anything about me or my intentions, I would ask you to call Jeff.. He knows the shit I've been through.. How much do you think one trip to SD costs from TN? How much to rent a UHaul one way? How bout gas for a V6 frontier going to SD without overdrive full of blankets from local hotels... I went door to door in Sevier county begging for blankets... You can call pastor Jerry at New Hope thrift store to see what he donated and ask about me.
If you have suggestions for the website let me know, but I do not see any need for names/phone numbers/ etc. because it is indeed a cottage industry. Feel free to call me if you like.. KB
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I understand Kenny's concern about identifying these home-based craftspeople. This seems for real. Kenny's earlier interest in documenting or certifying the products should be considered. How would he go about doing that?
I believe Kenny will be making a post to this thread. He has emailed me that he is locked out until approved. Perhaps at this time the moderator can move this thread if appropriate.
It would indeed be unfortunate if my inquiry ends up hurting the Lakotas.
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I've been reading with some interest. If it is legit I might know people who might be interested and could send some good business their way. But I will wait. I just wanted to comment to show that just because posted on this site doesn't equate negative backslide for the company IF it is legit, it will most likely HELP the company. :)
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I have questions about a business run by non-Lakota calling themselves "Lakota".
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I share your concerns, Kathryn.
Here's another famous example:
http://www.lakotaherbs.com/Home.aspx (http://www.lakotaherbs.com/Home.aspx)
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Sometimes things happen for a reason I suppose. Since posting this thread this morning, Kenny at Lokota Leathers has corresponded directly with me and I have shared those posts here. I just logged in again to read his posts directly to the forum. I do not believe that anyone with fraudulent intent or a false heart would do that.
I ask that those who have a concern about this respond to Kenny's questions about what changes he can make to his site. I have emailed him 3 or 4 ideas that have already been covered in this thread, and he has already taken down what seems to be the most questionable of these concerns, the donation thing.
I would also encourage those concerned to honor Kenny's request to contact him directly for clarifications that would be necessary to establish his relationships with those on the reservation. I do understand his points made, and his concerns, about publicly identifying these artists, as they work from their homes, as I understand, and this could be disruptive to them. That makes sense to me given his explanations.
Earlier in this thread it was mentioned about documentation of authenticity. That rang a bell with me, but I do not know more about this. Is there is a process for this, and once the authenticity is confirmed by those who would know, off list, then why not help Kenny with these certifications or point him in the right directions?
Based on what I have seen and read today, I believe this person is for real, but of course I have no way to know or validate the things he is saying. I believe you guys here on the forum do. If so, and once done, it would be my feeling that a Kenny in the world would be a good thing.
I realize I probably screwed up Kenny's day, but I commend him for tackling this head on and not running away or becoming angry. That to me speaks volumes.
All IMHO of course.
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Here is a summary of some of the changes Kenny might make to his website. Of course, this only matters if what he states can be validated.
<excerpts from my email to Lakota Leathers with suggestions>
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1) Regarding suggestion to the site, you have already taken the most questionable one down, the donation thing. While admirable, this raised some red flags (no pun intended) and having a non-Indian collect donations always gets the ire up. That was a good move in my opinion. That does not mean you still can't solicit donations, just don't take them yourself.
2) The second thing that needs to be fixed is the apparent inconsistency regarding the base of operations. the home page says SD, the Contact us says TN, and although it is straight and up front, it is still not clear and confusing, thus another red flag. Clarify that on your website.
3) I am unsure and unclear on how and if that certification thing works or is real. Someone mentioned it in the thread and that rang a bell with me. I seem to recall that there is some form of certification or documentation that something is actually "Indian made." I believe the forum folks can assist you but you may need to re-state the question and request for assistance in a stand-along post so it is not buried in a lot of words. If that does not work I will help you find the information as I feel responsible, in no small degree, towards adding to your burden today.
4) Also, there does need to be more information about how you are specifically helping. To show Del McCoury but no artisans seems out of balance to me, especially when you are relying on them for the goods. Somehow, there must be a way to balance their privacy with the need to promote them. And I do mean, promote them.
5) There are probably a few other tweaks but I can't think of them now. These are the main ones that popped up. Also go back and read the second post in that thread and there is an analysis of your site. Absorb that too.
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I would put forth to the forum folks here, that this is probably a rare opportunity to have input into a website such as this.
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The Indian Arts and Crafts Act (1990) prohibits misrepresentation in the marketing and production of Indian arts and crafts in the USA.
The following statement is taken from the website of the Indian Arts and Craft Board: "It is illegal to offer or display for sale, or sell any art or craft product in a manner that falsely suggests it is Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian or Indian Tribe or Indian arts and crafts organization, resident within the United States. For a first time violation of the Act, an individual can face civil or criminal penalties up to a $250,000 fine or a 5-year prison term, or both. If a business violates the Act, it can face civil penalties or can be prosecuted and fined up to $1,000,000."
This statement, and many more details, can be found at the following url:
http://www.doi.gov/iacb/act.html (http://www.doi.gov/iacb/act.html)
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Dear Sir,
I must confess to finding your comments more confusing than illuminating.
Either you are a businessman, and you are paying the people that you subcontract for the arts and crafts that they provide to you for sale, or you are "helping" them by donating your time, energy, money and good will. Forgive me if I am missing something, but you seem to be conflating the idea of running with the business with the Christian notion of charity. You are justifying the business by claiming that you do charity work. If I am mistaken, please forgive my confusion.
I'm quite familiar with Kyle grocery since they regularly accept my credit card (my stepsons and many friends and relatives live in Kyle). Never heard of them giving cash advances there, but what do I know? I know that I'm not the only mom/grandma who phones in an order and says "don't let the kids be spending it all on pop and cigarettes!" But if you want to send money to people on Pine Ridge, why don't you just wire it through Western Union? There's Western Union right in Kyle at Angel's (across from Kyle Dam road) and they used to have one in Sharp's Corner, too, and also in Martin.
I can understand your reservations about putting up pictures that show you doling our charity - it kind of defeats the purpose, does it not? I can see how it makes you look good, but how does it help the people? Sharing brings as many gifts to the giver as the receiver, maybe more, so why advertise it? Many Lakotas that I know that follow their traditional way, well, they don't really seem to be into bragging and showing off. I've had Elders point out role models to me on the rez, and they always point out individuals who serve the people in quiet, humble ways.
Sir, I have no evidence that this business of yours is run by Lakotas, or even that it includes the work of Lakotas, as all I have to go on is your word that an anonymous elderly Lakota man, who is nameless, sanctions your work, and all the artisans that share their work with you are also anonymous, nameless. In my experience, this is not how a business works.
Furthermore, I want to point out that there are many independent business on Pine Ridge, some amazing artisan ventures, and Lakota people who are working hard to build more business capacity for and amongst their people. I think, for those of us who want to work as allies with Indian people in Indian nations, we should do all we can to make sure we are not trying to speak for the people, or represent ourselves as rescuing those who have never needed to be rescued.
I completely understand your desire to not have the government involved, to give from the heart, to not have your good work and heartfelt sharing rubber-stamped and produced in triplicate, on-file in some bureaucratic office. But if this is the case, why advertise? Do it quietly, and don't draw attention to yourself. Learn from the people. Lakotas have been running their own cottage industries for a long time, supporting each other through non-monetary ventures.
If you want to run a business, use the internet to drum up more customers, if you want to use the Lakota name then, by golly, you need to provide evidence that Lakotas are involved.
best, ska
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My company has been publically scrutinized on this forum. I'd like to have an explanation on just how this forum works other than conjecture, rumors, and possible malicous intent. Below are my responses
Hi, there is no malicious intent here. Here there are people who are concerned and have a right to question when someone is using them to sell product. Conjecture happens when facts cannot be found, if you do not wish conjecture then you should probably provide facts.. if not publicly then perhaps someone here you can talk in private to provide names so they can check out. Rumors happen all the time in any business, and in personal lives too. Public scrutiny happens with many businesses as well as personal if the personal becomes a public matter. Like, say.. Tiger Woods.
So I don't think calling this place rumors is appropriate, nor public scrutiny. The people here have a right to scrutinize a possible exploitation. Possible being the key word. In any case, once a person puts up a business they can expect some rumors and scrutiny even from the general public.
That being said, I want to say that what I read is that you have a business, not a charity, but you use the 'good' the business does for Lakota as a selling point, to gain more business. So when a person is deciding where they should buy their strap, they choose your business over another believing that by doing so they are helping Lakota. Much in the same way I have seen some chocolates for sale that help the rainforest. It is a selling point. May or may not be true, to what percentage, don't know. Which also holds for the chocolate. So, if someone wants to find out exactly how/what your business does do for Lakota, they are going to ask, scrutinize and make conjectures based on the information you provide to them. Same as the chocolate company. Although I understand not posting peoples names on here or on your website, again, you could do so privately with someone here on this board who would be able to then go and confirm what you say.
(just a note, that someone is not me.)
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Who would that "someone" be?
I have a suggestion here to resolve this issue. Please, whoever that "someone" is who can be trusted to validate this information privately, please post to this forum and identify yourself (whether or not by name, your screenname is fine) that you are that someone who will validate. That way, that is documented as part of this thread. THEN that someone and Kenny should talk directly at length. THEN than someone can report their conclusions here. I believe this approach would help ease concerns if a known, trusted person on this forum reviewed Kenny's work, while at the same time honoring Kenny's request, a logical request, to maintain some level or privacy for his contractors. That would be fair, and above reproach, I believe. Just an idea. Please "someone," give this some serious thought.
I have spent about an hour on the phone this morning with Kenny. I now believe I may have done a huge disservice to his company and indeed may end up hurting, very directly, Lakota people on the reservation.
Regarding the need to prove Lakotas are involved, who is the authority to provide this proof? According to my read of the statute, that authorizing body is not established. The statute includes:
All products must be marketed truthfully regarding the Indian heritage and tribal affiliation of the producers, so as not to mislead the consumer. It is illegal to market an art or craft item using the name of a tribe if a member, or certified Indian artisan, of that tribe did not actually create the art or craft item.
Kenny has stated he has files full of documentation to establish this truth of his claims. I had suggested in this forum, that as a courtesy to Kenny, that he be contacted directly by phone or email. He in his posts has asked the same thing. Perhaps if "someone" will call him he can share the names with you in private. I do not know. I do know he need not prove to any one individual who has doubts. All he need be, is real and truthful in his disclosures. That's all the statue requires.
Kenny informed me he was aware of the statute and was when he did his initial research. I believe I confounded the issue in this forum by thinking out loud, so to speak, in my posts that there is some sort of certification that can be done. As far as I can see, no certification like that exists. It is incumbent upon the person or company selling products to honor the statutes, and that's pretty much all that is required as far as I read what the statute covers.
If Kenny were making false claims, he is subject to a $1,000,000 fine according to the statute. Kenny seemed aware of that. That's a pretty big incentive for him not to f--k up.
Kenny's tale of the elder and use of the Lakota name can easily be tracked down, but by whom? Kenny raised some valid points regarding the use of the Lakatoa name. He stated to me he employs only individuals working at home on the Pine Ridge Reservation and has tons of documentation to establish that fact. He tells here in this forum how the name was arrived at. If he were to call his company "Kenny's Fine Straps" he asked me, would that be a true reflection of what the company is about? That's a valid question.
Here is an individual who has named his company Lakota Leathers and, who I now see, is real and heartfelt and IN NO WAY a wannabe (nor am I, I am a don't-give-a-damn-to-be. I know who I am and that is good enough for me). So Kenny says he can easily document his assistance. Ok. But what about Dodge Dakotas? Or the Cherokee Chief? These are examples of exploited names and I doubt anyone can show how Jeep or Dodge has contributed to Indians. Those large corporations have the power to continue screwing Indians and the use of their name. Fine.
Now Kenny comes along. I'm pretty good at discerning bullcrap. I do not detect any at all. Kenny has stepped up to the plate in my opinion. I have read a lot of threads in this forum and never have I seen this happen (but I am a newbie), in what appears to be a positive way. But Kenny is just one guy. You guys could easily squash him like a bug in this forum if you choose to. If you do, he will not be able to defend himself. He is not quite the size of Dodge or Jeep to ignore Indians. He is directly engaged. He should be kicked for that? I do not think so. Not until he has been validated or not.
I do now believe and see he is for real. My thread could prove detrimental not only to his company, but also to the Lakotas he works with. That should be a consideration here. If that is the result of my inquiry, that would be a little difficult to live with, but I will live with it. I have made mistakes in my life and perhaps this is one of them.
In an earlier post I made I had stated that I hoped that some of the artisans cold chime in. Kenny pointed out to me that none of them own computers or are on the internet. How are they going to "chime in?" That's a valid point. His reluctance to publicly identify his artisans and contractors does not mean he he won't identify them. There is a profound difference there. You must stop and consider the damage that could possibly happen if these folks were now plastered all over the internet, the effect and impact that could have. He states that many are already depicted in his videos. To name them by name?
When I made my initial post I did not know his situation of course. When I made my suggestion to name them, I was not considering those potential consequences until Kenny pointed them out to me. His workers work out of their homes. I do clearly understand his concerns.
Again, it would be indeed unfortunate if my inquiry into this company carried the unintended consequence of hurting real Lakota people. That is why I have suggested that someone on this forum post that they will be the one to interview Kenny and post the conclusions here. That seems fair.
If I end up hurting folks because of this, including Kenny (if he is for real, and I do believe his heart is pure on this) that I will live with that knowledge. I have carried burdens before. I do not wish to be know as someone who hurt someone just by being a dumbass.
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The Lakota go to person is Earth7 she is the director of the Standing rock tourism on the Standing Rock Rez. Educated Indian the Administer of this site would also know how to or who from to get verification from. Either would also know about the correct way to label the articles being made as Native American made. "LittleOldMan"
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You seem a bit stressed over all this. I say, don't worry, relax. It will play itself out, will be proven or not. You did the right thing to bring this here. Have faith. The people here are not malicious. Claims can be verified and in due time I suspect they will be. Patience.
Creating a clamor of fear and anxiety does nothing for anybody. If Kenny is legit then he has no worry, if he is not, then perhaps he will learn something.
Don't tie yourself up in knots, it is out of your hands and you should not regret posting. Watch, listen, learn. Patience. :)
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You seem a bit stressed over all this. I say, don't worry, relax. It will play itself out, will be proven or not. You did the right thing to bring this here. Have faith. The people here are not malicious. Claims can be verified and in due time I suspect they will be. Patience.
<snip>
Don't tie yourself up in knots, it is out of your hands and you should not regret posting. Watch, listen, learn. Patience. :)
You are very kind and, of course, you are correct. I will take your advice. I will go do something else now and forget about this for now. I will sit back and let this unfold itself and not worry about it.
It is rather funny, though, that that was my advise to Kenny too. Take a few days, go do something else. I should listen to myself some time LOL
Thank you again. Many blessings.
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Either you are a businessman, and you are paying the people that you subcontract for the arts and crafts that they provide to you for sale, or you are "helping" them by donating your time, energy, money and good will. Forgive me if I am missing something, but you seem to be conflating the idea of running with the business with the Christian notion of charity. You are justifying the business by claiming that you do charity work. If I am mistaken, please forgive my confusion.
... ... ...
Sir, I have no evidence that this business of yours is run by Lakotas, or even that it includes the work of Lakotas, as all I have to go on is your word that an anonymous elderly Lakota man, who is nameless, sanctions your work, and all the artisans that share their work with you are also anonymous, nameless. In my experience, this is not how a business works.
Furthermore, I want to point out that there are many independent business on Pine Ridge, some amazing artisan ventures, and Lakota people who are working hard to build more business capacity for and amongst their people. I think, for those of us who want to work as allies with Indian people in Indian nations, we should do all we can to make sure we are not trying to speak for the people, or represent ourselves as rescuing those who have never needed to be rescued.
I completely understand your desire to not have the government involved, to give from the heart, to not have your good work and heartfelt sharing rubber-stamped and produced in triplicate, on-file in some bureaucratic office. But if this is the case, why advertise? Do it quietly, and don't draw attention to yourself. Learn from the people. Lakotas have been running their own cottage industries for a long time, supporting each other through non-monetary ventures.
If you want to run a business, use the internet to drum up more customers, if you want to use the Lakota name then, by golly, you need to provide evidence that Lakotas are involved.
Exactly.
ETA: http://lakotaleathers.com/About_Us.html
Upon arrival, I had the 'chance' meeting with a nearly 80 year old Lakota elder. It turns out his great great grandfather was Chief Big Foot. The last holdout killed at he wounded knee massacre. His father had the heel of his foot blown off by a hotchkiss gun at the massacre. He is an incredible man... He welcomed us to his home and made us members of his family.
[emphasis added]
I'm looking over your site, Kenny, and I'm noticing that none of the NDNs on your site have names. The white people have names. I guess I'm finding it hard to believe that people would say, "Hey, put our pictures on the Internet and tell people we adopted you, but don't use our names." To me it smacks of colonialism; to be blunt: the objectified faces of nameless People of Color used to sell something to white people. I realize this may sound harsh to you, and is not the response you expected. But this is how you're coming off to at least some of the people who are looking at your website.
It's also odd that the only person you've named who can vouch for you is another non-Lakota (correct me if I'm wrong, but it appeared to me that the Christian charity worker you told us to talk to is non-Lakota). There are plenty of Lakota businesspeople and community workers who are public or semi-public people who should be fine on vouching for you if what you say is accurate.
Again, I'm not saying you don't mean well. I'm saying that, from your website and actions so far, your motivations and profits here are unclear.
Found some more stuff that's of concern:
http://lakotaleathers.com/Custom_Designed_Straps.php
Please note that currently, our custom straps are finished off of the Pine Ridge reservation. While they are Native American made, the artist is not a registered member of the Lakota Sioux tribe. He is working with us very closely to help the people of Pine Ridge become skilled enough to do this type of leather work.
So, if I'm reading this correctly, the unnamed artist is not Lakota. You then claim the people of Pine Ridge do not have the skills to do traditional Lakota leatherwork. You say they need a non-Lakota to teach them how to do this work.
Do you have any idea how offensive this is?
Then you claim all the beadwork is made by "registered" Lakota:
The beadwork on our custom straps is made on the Pine Ridge reservation, by registered members of the Lakota tribe and is incorporated into all of our 'custom straps'.
In order to make this claim in your marketing materials you must comply with the Indian Arts and Crafts act. I also hope your artists are being paid a fair wage.
I guess they don't need non-Lakota to teach them how to do Lakota beadwork.
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While I can appreciate what you may be experiencing from all this, and can understand taking a step back from what appears to be confrontation, I have to wonder what you would do if 100 or more members of this forum contacted you as per your request?
As I stated earlier, if all your work is legit, it can be verified by some of the people here, and you should have no worry. If all legit, then work with, not against. As a business, you can turn the encounters here to advantage, as a positive it can help you streamline your website and clear up misunderstandings and any portions of writing on your site that can be viewed as offensive by the same peoples you say you are assisting by being in business with them.
It is a lot of work, but it is not impossible. To just walk away and leave it for all members to contact you individually seems a lot more work, and/or leaves the situation as more suspicious.
Clearwater, as good a person as he may be is not NA, and it is the NA community that is affected. Yes? So, although it is perhaps good that Clearwater is satisfied, there are all of these people who apparently are not.
Well, I don't intention to drag you into where you do not want to be.. I am not NA, I am just a person who is here. I don't intention to speak for ndn's or anyone other than my own self.. just had some thoughts on this, reading your response, and said them.
Be well.
edit: Another thought, if you do not feel good to give up names to anyone here, then why not ask your workers to contact someone here and verify?
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I just watched the video here: http://lakotaleathers.com/Custom_Designed_Straps.php
It is also on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IedgEwAOjz0
I notice that in addition to no credit being given to the artists, no credit is given to whoever it is whose flute music is used.
And on the custom straps page (http://lakotaleathers.com/Custom_Designed_Straps.php), the "Lakota" beadwork is described as "exotic". Some of the straps being sold have feathers on them, and "medicine bag" type attachments. I'm not sure about the feathers, but some of them looked to me like they might be hawk.
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I think having "medicine bag" type attachments and feathers caters to the wannabe.. just my o.
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Lakota Leathers is a company based on the Pine Ridge Indian reservation in South Dakota, with a satelite office in Sevierville TN
I have emailed some friend on the Pine Ridge Rez and we will see if there is a company there. I feel the only way to get to the matter of things is to go to the source of what is being said.
We manufacture the finest guitar, banjo and mandolin straps available using native Bison (American Buffalo) and Elk hides exclusively.
Here you are speaking of "WE" who is "WE"?[
The hides we select are the strongest and most supple available.
here again you use "WE" All the Natives I know alwyas put there names or initials on thier work, why is it different for you?
Our straps are manufactured using a 'cottage' approach and each purchase helps a Lakota Family.
Helps a family, not the Pine Rudge Rez and I am curious as to how much this family receives as I though it was only those making and beading for you recived pay, so you can see why I am confused.
We can custom make any kind of guitar, banjo, mandolin, or any other musical instrument strap. These straps are our custom orders and designs. While most of these feature Native American patterns, almost anything you desire can be acheived
Here we have "most of these feature Native American PATTERNS, not are made by Native Americans, hmm?
check out the strap that we custom designed for country music legend John Anderson. His strap sports eagle conchos Elk hide construction and his initials in both conchos and beadwork. "WE"
After many months, Kenny & Phyllis have put together a network of people on the reservation who work from their homes creating these lovely straps. Each strap is made from the finest native leathers. " How did you put together this network of people, and since it is a company on Pine Ridge' I am curious how yoiu managed that. Did you have to go through the Council.
Each person who creates a strap shares this experience with their entire family. So far proceeds from strap sales have helped pay for hospital visits, groceries, wood stoves, and many other essentials of daily life. While we are not a charity, our products provide a means of sustanance for an otherwise bleak future.
By purchasing a strap from Lakota Leathers, you help keep the Lakota traditions alive as well as helping a family in need .
I think this may be a sales pitch, of course if I am wrong I will be the first to appologize.
I also have been checking with some friends and the Elder you are speaking of is Leonard Little Finger. I also have emailed him. He is a wonderful Elder and a very gentle soul.
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Dear Mr. Bohling,
I respect your decision to take action and retire the website, which has many, many problems with it.
It is respectful of you to apologize to casual acquaintances or friends who's names you may have "dropped" or bragged about, without thinking through the consequences.
If I may impose upon you, would you also be so kind as to retire the name "Lakota Leathers", as it is inappropriate and misapplied to your current business. Of course, as you point out, failure to do so would, in fact, incur penalty with the Nation itself.
Maybe some of your creative artisan friends from Kyle can help you think of a good new name for your business. And maybe, in the newly named business, the Lakota artisans who work with you will be recognized, respected and represented as carriers of living, breathing cultural traditions that are not "exotic" to this land but are actually born from it.
What a wonderful opportunity for you to rethink your business model and get more guidance from your friends on Pine Ridge. Perhaps some form of business co-operative would be of benefit to all involved.
best, ska
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IF the Lakota are okay with the use of their name, I don't see a problem with it. However, that's a real big IF. Personally, I feel that if y'all are using their name, you should be giving them more credit for the work that they're doing. You keep saying that you're trying to protect their privacy. What artisan wants to keep their identity secret? I think this need for anonymity is yours and not theirs.
Another troubling aspect
So far proceeds from strap sales have helped pay for hospital visits, groceries, wood stoves, and many other essentials of daily life. While we are not a charity, our products provide a means of sustanance for an otherwise bleak future. By purchasing a strap from Lakota Leathers, you help keep the Lakota traditions alive as well as helping a family in need.
I'm an accountant; every two weeks I receive a paycheck. What you've said, above, is tantamount to my employer saying that she helps pay my rent and utilities, puts food on my table, insures that my existence is not bleak. You see the correlation? These men and women are independent contractors; you're paying them for a product, a service. The money they earn is no different than the money I earn. And that part about keeping "Lakota traditions alive" makes me want to scream. What about the Elders on Pine Ridge? That's their job, not yours. Do you even know the traditions?
As someone else pointed out . . . Is this a business or a charity? One or the other. You're talking out of both sides of your mouth.
I really do think you mean well, but you come off as another great white savior. Of course I might wrong. You really may just be in it for the money.
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Wow. Go away for a few days and things change. I got an email this morning from Kenny stating he has taken his website down. Go to his site and it is down temporarily.
I can only imagine the stress this is causing Kenny. To those in this forum, you have asked Kenny to put himself in your shoes. Now please extend him the same courtesy. Put yourself in his shoes. From my point of view, it seems he tried anyway.
He asked me NOT to post his email to me. I will honor that, but I will post my reply back to him. And I have additional comments which follow:
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Date: Sun, 10 Jan 2010 06:03:33 -0800 (PST)
From: Clear Water <clearw@---.com>
Subject: Re: Lakota Leathers
To: Bbanjoboy@---.com
Kenny--
You would have been scrutinized had I done it or not. Someone sooner or later would have asked about you. I read your posts after we spoke and you definitely muddied the waters for yourself. You rambled on and on and mentioned alcholism and stuff totally irrelevant to the dialogue.
I can live with myself no problem. My intentions were not to harm you or anyone. Too bad. I am still calling Jeff this morning to discuss you as you have asked me to do. Sorry I couldn't get around to it more quickly, but I had other things going on.
As mentioned, it would not have mattered if it was me or someone else. You opened yourself wide open on your website.Now you don't have a website due to your own choice. You did not need to do that. That is your choice.I did not take your bsuiness down, You did. Yourself. And it was your decision.
I have read the latest posts and it seems to me, that through the scruiting, several folks were actually trying to help you. Do you not see that? That's clear as day. You could have left you site up until the name was resolved one way or the other. I belive since someone right in the post named the elder and said he was highly respected, and you had already said it was his idea, it would have worked itself out in a positive way. Actually, it still can.
You have shot yourself in the foot. I have ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLESM WITH ANY OF MY ACTIONS IN THIS MATTER.
Of course I won't post your comments to the thread as you have asked. I have been up front with you and straightfoward and have not lied or misrepresented myself to you and have included you in the dialogue. And I have honored every request you have made of me. From my position I gave full benefit of the doubt, from my intial post to this email to you.
Why did you not give yourself the benefit of the doubt?
I unsderstand the position you were in, but your knee-jerk reaction does not serve you of your stated purposes. Patience would have served you well here. Your impatience and reactionary statements to the forum as well as taking your own business down ... hiuh? Makes no sense, Kenny.
The thing is, this thread will continue with or without you. I can live just fine with my actions and decisions. Can you live with your desire not to be questioned, your reactionary knee-jerk reactions, and your decision to take your own business down because you could not handle that? Can you live with your decision to take yourself down? That was not necessary.
I LOGGED IN JUST NOW TO SEE YOUR SITE AND AT LEAST YOU DID NOT KILL YOUR SITE. YOU HAVE LEFT A WINDOW OPEN FOR YOURSELF WHICH IS GOOD. It will still all resolve itself. If you are sincere and for real, you have no worries.
My advise to you was to walk away for a few days and come back. I knew what I was talking about Kenny. Someone else in the thread advised the same this to me, and I took the advise. Too bad you did not understand what I meant. You took it down, you can put it back up. Don't put any blame or guilt trip on me please. It will not stick.
I will call Jeff B----- sometime today.
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COMMENTS: Some posters here have posted obvious questions, and it seems there is some knee-jerk reaction going on here from all directions. Please let this process work itself through. As someone posinted out to me, patience. All the necessary questions have already been asked here in this thread. No purpose is served repeating them over and over until some conclusion is reached and posted here.
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Only the main page of the website has been changed. All the subpages we've linked to are still up and as of now appear to be unaltered: http://lakotaleathers.com/About_Us.html
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Yeah, but I'm supposing if someone doesn't have the 'inner' links that are not showing (now) on the Home page, then it isn't really easily found or accessible. But if someone were looking through here and clicking, well, they'd also have the posts here to see what is wrong with the pages in question?
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All anyone would have to do is google Lakota Leathers. All the info is still out there, except for the Home Page and Guitar Straps. And both those pages still give e-mail address and phone numbers, so no orders are being lost.
Home Page
We're sorry, but we our site is temporarily unavailable and under new construction. We appreciate your understanding. Please feel free to contact us directly via email or phone.
(865)908-1360 (865)963-9303
Email kenny@lakotaleathers.com
Guitar Straps
Please excuse our temporary absence. Our business is in the process of making some necessary changes, and updating our website. Feel free to call us at (865)963-9303 or (865)908-1360 for updated information, or email me directly at kenny@lakotaleathers.com
Sincerely,
Kenny Bohling
Not to mention all the stores which sell the straps.
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4HPIC_enUS306US306&q=lakota+leathers
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Just one small point when it comes to the name Lakota
to remember it is the name of our nation which means the
Oglala's do not have THE say over who uses the name
that decision belongs to the Nation:
which means one must contact all of us.
Oglala (Pine Ridge Indian Reservation)
Si?angu (Rosebud Indian Reservation/Lower Burle Reservation)
Hunkpapa (Standing Rock Reservation/Cheyenne River Reservation)
Blackfeet (Standing Rock Reservation/Cheyenne River Reservation)
Mniconju (Cheyenne River)
Sans Arc (Cheyenne River)
Two-Kettle (Cheyenne River)
7 Bands of the Lakota-Tetonwan (prairie village)
* Sicangu (burnt thighs)
* Itazipco (without bows)
* Sihasapa (black feet)
* Mnicoujou (planters by the water)
* Oohenumpa (two boilings)
* Oglala (scatter at one's self)
* Hunkpapa (head of camp circle)
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From my perspective, the primary issues at hand were whether Lakota Leathers was in fact selling Lakota products and representing itself properly in this respect. The issues of being a business but conducting charity was dealt with almost immediately by Kenny, who seemed to understand the dichotomy this posed. The other issues raised, of the actual base and some way to validate the statements made on the website, remain open. I think those concerns have been pretty well outlined here by myself and others.
The issue of use of the Lakota name was addressed by Kenny and another poster in this forum was in the process, as I understand, of verifying that information. That is still in process, as far as I can tell from my read of these posts.
Regarding the pulling of the website... I do see that he only pulled the homepage. I don't think Kenny is a web designer and I know from experience that changing lots of pages take time. However, until the matters of validation are arrived at, it would seem prudent to wait and see first. You know, kind of that cliche, "Innocent until Proven Guilty" thing we've all heard about. Another way of saying, give the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. If validated it would be hard to stop something then restart it again (kind of what he has done, but by his choice). As far as the other sources of sales go, that it just because Kenny has done a good job or marketing the product and google has picked up on those links. These are not negative or bad things, and I believe the above posts were simply pointing out factual things, that's all.
If validated and shown that Kenny is doing what he says he is doing, is this a bad thing to try to help Laktoas on Pine Ridge Reservation? Somehow, it seems to me, that that would be a good thing and should be encouraged, if not supported and endorsed and embraced outright. To do so would be a bad thing? I guess I'm confused on that point here. the bottom line is he says he is doing good work. Is accepting help from outside somehow a bad thing?
Christianity was raised before and perhaps that is part of his motivation, I do not know. I do know that compassion and love and caring for another human being are universal thing and transcend culture and race. That I do know as truth. Is there some problem with a non-Indian caring for a loving an Indian at a human being level? I would hope not.
Offline, Kenny seems quite stressed and is taking me on personally, but that is understandable and I take no offense. Those communications are irrelevant to this discussion, being background noise, basically. But it is going on. The details don't much matter. Let's just say, the messenger (me) and my intent is being questioned, that's all. I have no problem sleeping at night.
Regarding the need to gain approval by all Lakota nations, as a non-Indian myself, it seems to me, in my humble opinion, that those are political institutions so a unanimous consent would not only be impractical, but may be impossible. That seems a rather high benchmark. I may be well off base is stating these opinions, and if so, my apologies to all as no offense is intended. But has there ever been any instance in which all Lokata councils agree unanimously on anything? I just ask that question from the point being they are political institutions, not necessarily cultural or religious institutions, makes me wonder if that is even do-able.
As others have stated, if this is real, it will work itself out. I continue to give Kenny and Lakota Leathers the benefit of the doubt, but for personal reasons will cease private communications with Kenny of Lakota Leathers. Indeed, this matter is squarely in his hands. He has made sure of that.
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I don't know.. seems to me if a person is upset over a public business that is being scrutinized by people it claims to represent.. well, the people it represents have a right to scrutinize. That should just be understood.
If he wants to employ people and provide them some income, that's fine and a whole different issue. But as a business you can't just take any name and use it as your business name. Any lawyer will tell you so.
If he's just wanting to provide a platform where people can sell their craft, then again, he would need to step aside and let them dictate how and what is written about it.
Just seems some lines have been crossed here. But I don't see where it warrants him having such issue over it. If he Truly was just interested in providing a platform where these people could sell their craft, in this case, hand made leather and bead work instrument straps, then what issue could he have with all these posts and inquiries?
Seems to me, he is bordering on exploitation here.. using Lakota and their hardship to foster a business. Not saying he IS (consciously and intentfully doing) but is bordering on it probably without being aware that he is..
If that's the case, then he can open up and learn something.. and change things so it is not.
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Dear Clearwater,
There are several points you have raised that I would like to respond to. Forgive me, I'm a settler, too, so I tend to over-estimate the worth of my opinion.
Firstly, with respect to your query about Christians helping the Lakota, my husband, who is Sicangu Lakota, and has identified himself as such on this forum, asked me to share his thoughts on this with you:
"We do not need help from the Christians. The Christians already took that which is dear to all of us - this land. Please ask your pope and your Churches to save themselves by re-examining the man-made laws that they have created through their own egos and imposed upon us. Our people are meant to live by the laws that were given to us by the Spirit that is all life. You may be able to help yourselves, if you can learn to listen but first, you must stop trying to destroy us."
With respect to this query of yours:
"If validated and shown that Kenny is doing what he says he is doing, is this a bad thing to try to help Laktoas [sic] on Pine Ridge Reservation?"
Given that we are forcing the Lakota, and other Indigenous nations, to live the problems created by European colonizers and subsequent generations of settlers, I think it would be a fine thing if "Christian charity" could be re-evaluated in light of the dominant society's decision to force poverty on Indians.
I would also like to address this statement of yours: "is accepting help from outside somehow a bad thing?"
As Settlers, and descendants of settlers, Christian or not, we are not "outside" the problem, we ARE the problem.
For me there's a big difference, spiritually and intellectually, between presenting oneself as a kind of "great, White Father" who is "saving the Indians", and recognizing that there is a spiritual cost in doing nothing in the face of witnessing human suffering. In this way, supporting the livelihood of one's friends on Pine Ridge is not so much an act of charity as it is an act of solidarity and humanity. No extra points for being human, just a greater spiritual understanding, and a greater appreciation of the gift that is life. Lakota friends have taught me that anything that I can give with a good heart will come back to me ten times over. I have found this to be true. One's good works are on display for all humanity, there is no need to advertise.
In the case of Mr. Bohling's business, he seems to be missing the point that the Lakota artisans he is working with are greatly helping him, too, by providing works of beauty that anyone could be delighted to display. They are also helping him support himself in a livelihood that he believes in, that allows him to express his beliefs and spiritual values - this kind of "help" they are giving him is priceless and he did not find it anywhere else, apparently not amongst his people, cuz he didn't name his business "Tennessee Leathers" or "Christian Straps". In my experience, Christianized, capitalist societies have a tendency to pretend that non-monetary, sustainable, life-giving support doesn't exist, and also they have a tendency to minimize the value of work done by hand and human labor. Maybe that's why the reciprocal help that Mr. Bohling is getting from his Lakota friends is invisible to him.
Mr. Bohling is not doing Lakota people any favor by selling Lakota beadwork. Their arts and crafts are already well-known and highly sought after. Hundreds of people, perhaps thousands, are pretending to be connected to Lakota culture in order to try to capitalize on and market the glory and beauty that is the Lakota people and their culture. Thousands of non-Indian tourists come into Lakota homelands every year and try to get exquisite Lakota arts and crafts for next to nothing. These tourists are fully aware of the conditions Lakota people are being forced to live in, and many still try to use cutthroat bargaining methods to impose maximum exploitation in the name of a good bargain. I do not know what Mr. Bohling is paying the people he gets beadwork from, but I sure hope it reflects the many hours of work that it takes to create such beautiful handwork.
Regarding your statement: ". . . the need to gain approval by all Lakota nations . . . it seems to me . . . may be impossible. That seems a rather high benchmark."
Exactly. Thank you for stating the obvious. One rarely sees Lakota people taking the very name and identity of their nation and culture and using it to sell stuff. So, if they don't do it, neither should we. This may be antithetical to a capitalist desire to market spirituality and identity as exchange value, but I've learned that capitalism does not support, nor is it supported by, a Lakota way of life.
best, ska
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Greetings ska--
Thanks for your detailed insights.
(For clarity, I should have stated that it is my belief that love and compassion for another human being also transcends religion. I am well aware that Christianity has decimated the Indian people. While raised Christian, I quit the organized church at age 13 when it was clear to me even at that age it was a lot of BS. I do not profess to be Christian. I personally have no issues with Jesus Christ; I do, however, have problems with a lot of his followers. I think many will agree with that.)
I think you pretty much nailed it. Others had indicated that Kenny of Lakota Leathers may be well intended, if not misguided. You have pretty much spelled it out clearly.
You have also helped to clarify for me the things that were bothersome about this whole thing, but I could not quite put my finger on.
Thank you for the clarity and the insightful remarks. It is my hope Mr. Bohling will read and reflect upon your words. There is nothing I can add. Well stated.
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With the related discussion about another group of non-NDNs calling themselves "Lakota", I revisited this site http://www.lakotaleathers.com/
Not much has changed. Kenny Bohling is still calling his business "Lakota Leathers" and using the same logo, even though there is no indication of Lakota people being involved. A friend in Kyle who works in a related field has never heard of this business or anyone who works for them.
Bohling still claims the straps are made by Lakota artists, but I could find no names of artists on the site. None of the work is credited. He is still using photographs of unnamed NDN children to promote his business. The videos that use uncredited Native music are still up. He thanks the music store that loaned them instruments, and names the non-Native musicians who've bought straps, but none of the Native people who are making his business possible are given thanks or even the dignity of a name. Over and over in the videos, white people with names... and Native people with no names.
No mention of whether they are complying with the Native Arts and Crafts act, despite this claim:
http://www.lakotaleathers.com/ (click on "About US")
We employ several families on the reservation. Each Lakota Lethers strap is made by a member of the Lakota Sioux tribe from their home on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota. The purchase of a Lakota Leathers strap helps a Lakota person and helps fight poverty in the poorest county in the entire United States. Thank you for your support
We still don't know if this business, run by non-NDNs, truly benefits any Lakota people. We still don't know if any artists and artisans are fairly compensated, or what their working conditions are. As no names are provided, we don't even know if any NDNs are employed. While some of the previous statements exoticizing the Lakota, and claiming to have been adopted by a Lakota family, have been removed from the website, the use of the photos of unnamed NDNs is still problematic. Especially the use of the images of someone's children. I think the overall effect of the imagery is colonialist and exploitative.
ETA: Googled a bit, and there are multiple sites where the lead used to sell the story and set the company apart from others is that it allegedly benefits Lakota people.
Supple buffalo hide straps preserve Lakota tradition: how Kenny and Phyllis bohling's new strap company is delivering an appealing product--and hope to the nation's poorest region. (http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Supple+buffalo+hide+straps+preserve+Lakota+tradition%3A+how+Kenny+and...-a0230156321)
http://www.jazzmando.com/new/
You don't hear much about the impoverished conditions these proud people live in on the reservation, and the "mission" of Lakota Leathers isn't just about quality straps for mandolin, guitar, banjo, and dobro, it's about providing a livelihood for a small representative of the 30,000 to 40,000 who endure a bare indigenous existence, often as high as 85% unemployment. An opportunity to bring some dignity and capture some of the historic beadmaking traditions of the tribe allow Lakota Leathers a unique, quality product.
Also, the deleted text about being adopted and meeting ceremonial people is still up on Bohling's MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/kennybohling
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Since it was I who started this thread, I feel the need to make this follow-up post.
I notice that Lakota Leathers now is a member of the Pine Ridge Chamber of Commerce.
Is that evidence enough that this is a legitimate company that works with Lakota people? It is my opinion, that this IS enough proof that this company is legitimate and does the right thing.
In an earlier post to this thread, a well respected Lakota elder was cited by name as having been involved with this company. Has that ever been followed-up on? I don't think it has been follow-up on.
Can this thread be moved to "non-frauds" or is this still an open question? If this thread remains an open question (in light of Lakota Leathers now being a member of the Pine Ridge Chamber of Commerce) just wondering why?
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if they are assiciated with pine ridge then they need to be Oglala Leather because they only one band of the nation