NAFPS Forum

General => Research Needed => Topic started by: WINative on January 12, 2021, 05:43:32 pm

Title: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: WINative on January 12, 2021, 05:43:32 pm
We have had several requests for information on her lineage in Wisconsin. These are the only links I can find on her. She reportedly appeared in Milwaukee Native Community in 2009, with No known Native connection, and is now a "cultural expert and Leader."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tjj_gw6ogMU

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/115309332/mary-jane-kalmanson

https://www.spottedeagle.us/wp-www/board/

https://ics-edu.org/staff/administrative-staff/siobhan-marks/
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: Diana on January 12, 2021, 10:46:11 pm
" I am a descendant of Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe and of Cree descent"
Hmmm...I did a quick look at her ancestry, went back on both sides to great grandparents all white. One gg grandparent was from Ireland the rest were Canadian English and Wisconsin. Looked up the Canadian gg grandparents all white. She also mentioned an uncle Neil Oppendyke. He's a well known....I'm not sure how to describe him. He's definitely white but seems to have a fetish for anything Indian. So much so that he put on powwows and learned how to bead. Here's his obituary. And as far as I  can tell she's not related to him. https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/4211503/Neil-Oppendike

Here's part of his obituary.  "He was a Boy Scout leader, and had a lifelong passion for American Indian lore. He put on Indian pow wows in the early 70’s in Prophetstown, and developed a worldwide reputation for the quality of his Indian beadwork."

Also here's his Facebook page with that Siobhon Marks both dressed up in regalia. https://m.facebook.com/neil.oppendike?tsid=0.6300487768438905&source=result
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: WINative on January 12, 2021, 11:35:43 pm
Thanks Diana. I and others could not find any Native blood on either sides of her family either. But I thought it best to let those skilled in genealogy and with access to more databases to check her out.

I was informed she appropriated her original Ojibwe "Our Grandmothers Strap Dress," idea starting in 2017, from another Non-Native white woman Jessica Diemer-Eaton who runs and does re-enactments at the Woodland Indian Education Program.

https://www.facebook.com/JessicaDiemerEaton

http://www.woodlandindianedu.com/home.html
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: WINative on January 12, 2021, 11:47:44 pm
Thanks Diana. I and others could not find any Native blood on either sides of her family either. But I thought it best to let those skilled in genealogy and with access to more databases to check her out.

I was informed she appropriated her original Ojibwe "Our Grandmothers Strap Dress," idea starting in 2017, from another Non-Native white woman Jessica Diemer-Eaton who runs and does re-enactments at the Woodland Indian Education Program.

https://www.facebook.com/JessicaDiemerEaton

http://www.woodlandindianedu.com/home.html

Here's a Photo of them together from Facebook in 2016.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: Diana on January 13, 2021, 04:29:48 am
Do you know what side of the family she said she got her Indian blood from?
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: WINative on January 13, 2021, 02:53:05 pm
Diana, I believe she claimed on her mother's side.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: WINative on January 17, 2021, 07:09:20 pm
Her Mother Mary Jane Smith, born 1922, died 2008-Irish-French-German from Chippewa Falls Wisconsin
Father Jerome Kalmanson, born 1914, and died 2000-First generation Lithuanian

Maternal grandparents: Frank Smith 1896-1945 Married Jane W. Smith 1897-1981-Chippewa Falls, WI

Maternal Great grandparents: Samuel G. Smith, born 1858, died 1940 Married Adella Jones-1868-1952

Maternal Great-Great grandparents: Alvah Smith, born October 15, 1820 NY-Died October 14, 1905 Chippewa Falls-
Married Sarah Richardson born Sep. 25, 1830 Ontario Canada, died June 1, 1905


Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: WINative on January 21, 2021, 05:03:08 pm
I don't see any responses or serious inquiries on this post yet. This person has been very harmful to the Native American community of Wisconsin. Siobhan Marks is considered by some to be the "Rachel Dolezal of Milwaukee." Not just for the fact she possesses No American Indian blood, but she has also consolidated control and power over three major Native American Non-profits in Milwaukee. She gained entrance through her marketing company Sonsee Array Creative and later obtained board member positions based on her assumed Native American blood. In which she uses to gain opportunities and attention for herself and her partner Marin Mark Webster Denning, former Marquette Warriors Mascot. She was also accepted as a member of the Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge, in  which she uses to market herself as a cultural expert and promotes "Our Grandmothers Dress," as her original idea and research.
She is currently:
Spotted Eagle Inc.-Chairman since June 2015 until present.
Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center-Board of Directors Secretary-since 2016 to present.
Indian Community School-Communications & Marketing Director-Since 2019 to present.



Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: Diana on January 23, 2021, 09:20:18 am
Here is Siobhan Marks mother in the 1930 census with her parents. They are all white. I will be posting her grandparents, great grandparents and up to gg grandparents. Thay are all white.
A relative of Siobhan Marks has posted a family tree for the family and has done a very good and in depth job. Her mother's side of the family goes all the way back to her 5th great grandparents.  We're talking the early 1700s to the late 1600s. She has a very impressive family tree. Lots of distinguished veterans from the civil war up to the WWII. Shame on this women for disrespecting her family like this.


Mary J Smith
in the 1930 United States Federal Census

View1930 United States Federal Census

Name:   Mary J Smith
Birth Year:   abt 1923
Gender:   Female
Race:   White
Age in 1930:   7
Birthplace:   Wisconsin
Marital Status:   Single
Relation to Head of House:   Daughter
Home in 1930:   Eagle Point, Chippewa, Wisconsin, USA
Map of Home:   Eagle Point, Chippewa, Wisconsin
Dwelling Number:   180
Family Number:   185
Attended School:   Yes
Able to Read and Write:   Yes
Father's Birthplace:   Wisconsin
Mother's Birthplace:   Wisconsin

Able to Speak English:   Yes
Household Members   Age   Relationship
Frank Smith
35   Head
Jane Smith
34   Wife
Mary J Smith   7   Daughter
Ethel M Smith
2   Daughter

Frank Smith
in the 1930 United States Federal Census

View1930 United States Federal Census

Name:   Frank Smith
Birth Year:   abt 1895
Gender:   Male
Race:   White
Age in 1930:   35
Birthplace:   Wisconsin
Marital Status:   Married
Relation to Head of House:   Head
Home in 1930:   Eagle Point, Chippewa, Wisconsin, USA
Map of Home:   Eagle Point, Chippewa, Wisconsin
Dwelling Number:   180
Family Number:   185
Home Owned or Rented:   Rented
Home Value:   10
Radio Set:   No
Lives on Farm:   No
Age at First Marriage:   23
Attended School:   No
Able to Read and Write:   Yes
Father's Birthplace:   Minnesota
Mother's Birthplace:   Wisconsin

Able to Speak English:   Yes
Occupation:   Farmer
Industry:   General Farm
Class of Worker:   Working on own account
Employment:   Yes
Veteran:   Yes
War:   WW
Household Members   Age   Relationship
Frank Smith   35   Head
Jane Smith
34   Wife
Mary J Smith
7   Daughter
Ethel M Smith
2   Daughter

Jane Smith
in the 1930 United States Federal Census

View1930 United States Federal Census
 
Name:   Jane Smith
Birth Year:   abt 1896
Gender:   Female
Race:   White
Age in 1930:   34
Birthplace:   Wisconsin
Marital Status:   Married
Relation to Head of House:   Wife
Homemaker?:   Yes
Home in 1930:   Eagle Point, Chippewa, Wisconsin, USA
Map of Home:   Eagle Point, Chippewa, Wisconsin
Dwelling Number:   180
Family Number:   185
Age at First Marriage:   22
Attended School:   No
Able to Read and Write:   Yes
Father's Birthplace:   Canada
Mother's Birthplace:   Wisconsin

Able to Speak English:   Yes
Household Members   Age   Relationship
Frank Smith
35   Head
Jane Smith   34   Wife
Mary J Smith
7   Daughter
Ethel M Smith
2   Daughter
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: Diana on January 24, 2021, 06:55:08 am
Here is Siobhan Marks great grandparents. Samuel Smith and Adella Smith on her father's side, great grandmother's maiden name Jones. In this census Samuel Smith's father in law is living with them. James Jones

Sam Smith
in the 1910 United States Federal Census

View1910 United States Federal Census

Name: Sam Smith
Age in 1910:   54
Birth Year:   abt 1856
Birthplace:   Minnesota
Home in 1910:   Eagle Point, Chippewa, Wisconsin
Race:   White
Gender:   Male
Relation to Head of House:   Head
Marital Status:   Married
Spouse's Name:   Adella Smith
Father's Birthplace:   New York
Mother's Birthplace:   Canada

[Canada French]
Native Tongue:   English
Occupation:   Farmer
Industry:   Farm
Employer, Employee or Other:   Employer
Home Owned or Rented:   Own
Home Free or Mortgaged:   Free
Farm or House:   Farm
Able to read:   Yes
Able to Write:   Yes
Years Married:   25
Neighbors:   View others on page
Household Members   Age   Relationship
Sam Smith   54   Head
Adella Smith
40   Wife
Wilfred Smith
18   Son
Claire Smith
16   Son
Frank Smith
14   Son
Norman Smith
2   Son
Elsie Smith
21   Daughter
James Jones
70   Father-in-law

Adella Smith
in the 1910 United States Federal Census

View1910 United States Federal Census
 
Name:   Adella Smith
[Adella Jones]

Age in 1910:   40
Birth Year:   abt 1870
Birthplace:   Wisconsin
Home in 1910:   Eagle Point, Chippewa, Wisconsin
Race:   White
Gender:   Female
Relation to Head of House:   Wife
Marital Status:   Married
Spouse's Name:   Sam Smith
Father's Name:   James Jones
Father's Birthplace:   Ohio

Mother's Birthplace:   New York
Native Tongue:   English
Able to read:   Yes
Able to Write:   Yes
Years Married:   25
Neighbors:   View others on page
Household Members   Age   Relationship
Sam Smith
54   Head
Adella Smith   40   Wife
Wilfred Smith
18   Son
Claire Smith
16   Son
Frank Smith
14   Son
Norman Smith
2   Son
Elsie Smith
21   Daughter
James Jones
70   Father-in-law

Here is Adella Smith maiden name Jones in the 1880 census with her family.


Adela Jones
 in the 1880 United States Federal Census

View1880 United States Federal Census

Name:   Adela Jones
Age:   10
Birth Date:   Abt 1870
Birthplace:   Wisconsin
Home in 1880:   Wheaton, Chippewa, Wisconsin, USA
Dwelling Number:   6
Race:   White
Gender:   Female
Relation to Head of House:   Daughter
Marital status:   Single
Father's Name:   James Jones
Father's Birthplace:   Ohio
Mother's Name:   Elen Jones
Mother's Birthplace:   New York

Occupation:   At Home
Attended School:   Yes
Neighbors:   View others on page
Household Members:   
Name   Age
James Jones   43
Elen Jones   31
Adela Jones   10
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Dress
Post by: WINative on January 24, 2021, 02:19:45 pm
Siobhan Marks of Muskego, WI has No Native American blood going back five generations, which means she is Not a descendant of Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa or Cree. She is Lithuanian, Irish, French, and German. A White European American.
So based on these lies and deception she should not be doing traditional Ojibwe teachings or leading Milwaukee Native community organizations. If she started out as a White ally she should have remained that, but instead falsified an identity that had to be traced and exposed. Her actions have not been guided by love for the Native American community, but by greed and selfishness.
This site was made for people like her who have risen to the highest levels of a Native community based on a false identity and she is a Fraud and should be identified here as such.

https://gliihc.net/about/board-of-directors/
https://ics-edu.org/staff/administrative-staff/siobhan-marks/
My Anishinaabe name is Zeegwun Noodenese and I am Migizi (Eagle) Clan. I am a descendant of Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe and of Cree descent; I am a First Degree Midewiwin of the Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge in Bad River, WI.  I serve on the board for the Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center and also the Spotted Eagle, Inc. board, and I volunteer my time where ever possible in our Native community. My passions include reclaiming the original dress of our grandmothers and learning the Ojibwe language. I live in Muskego with my partner Mark and our two sons.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: Diana on January 25, 2021, 10:04:10 am
Here is Siobhan Marks great great grandparents. Siobhan's great great grandfather is Alvah Smith and was born in New York. Now there are some discrepancies in some of the censuses. In the 1870 census it shown he was born in Ohio. This is the only time in any of the censuses that says Ohio. The rest always says New York.
In the 1860 census it shows his wife Sophia,  by the 1870 census she is gone. And the 2 children's names are a little distorted and misspelled. Noria I believe was Maria and Samuel ended up as Saul. As you can see by 1870 the names are correct.
I've gone back 4 generations, we are now in the early 1800s and they're all white on the mother's fathers side. I think it's very clear Siobhan Marks is not Indian on her mother's paternal side. Tomorrow I'll start posting on the maternal side of Mary Jane Smith Kalmanson.


Alva Smith in the 1860 United States Federal Census

View1860 United States Federal Census

Name:   Alva Smith
Age:   34
Birth Year:   abt 1826
Gender:   Male
Birth Place:   New York
Home in 1860:   Eyota, Olmsted, Minnesota
Post Office:   Greenfield
Dwelling Number:   734
Family Number:   722
Occupation:   Farmer
Personal Estate Value:   200
Household Members:   
Name   Age
Alva Smith   34
Sophia Smith   27
Noria Smith   4
Saul Smith   2

Alva Smith in the 1870 United States Federal Census

View1870 United States Federal Census

Name:   Alva Smith
Age in 1870:   43
Birth Year:   abt 1827
Birthplace:   Ohio
Dwelling Number:   197
Home in 1870:   Eyota, Olmsted, Minnesota
Race:   White
Gender:   Male
Post Office:   Eyota
Occupation:   Farmer
Attended School:   Y
Male Citizen over 21:   Y
Personal Estate Value:   2000
Inferred Children:   Maria Smith
Samuel Smith
Frederic Smith
Household Members:   
Name   Age
Alva Smith   43
Maria Smith   14
Samuel Smith   12
Frederic Smith   10

Sophia Smith in the 1860 United States Federal Census

View1860 United States Federal Census

Name:   Sophia Smith
Age:   27
Birth Year:   abt 1833
Gender:   Female
Birth Place:   Canada
Home in 1860: Eyota, Olmsted, Minnesota
Post Office:   Greenfield
Dwelling Number:   734
Family Number:   722
Household Members:   
Name   Age
Alva Smith   34
Sophia Smith   27
Noria Smith   4
Saul Smith   
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: Diana on January 27, 2021, 06:20:30 am
Here is Siobhan Marks grandfather's obituary Frank Smith.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/142553219/frank-smith
It has his wife's maiden name in the obituary, which is Wright. Siobhan's gramdmother's name is Ann Jane Wright. In most censuses Siobhan's grandmother's name is just Jane.

Here is Ann Jane Wright in the Wisconsin census 1905.

Ann Jane Wright
in the Wisconsin, U.S., State Censuses, 1855-1905

Wisconsin, U.S., State Censuses, 1855-1905
 
Name:   Ann Jane Wright
Gender:   Female
Race:   White
Marital Status:   Single
Age:   8
Birth Year:   abt 1897
Birth Place:   Wisconsin
Residence Date:   1 Jun 1905
Residence Place:   Marshall, Rusk, Wisconsin, USA
Relationship:   Daughter
Father:   
Samuel Wright
Mother:   
Mary Wright
Line:   43
Neighbors:   View others on page
Household Members   Age   Relationship
Samuel Wright
49   Head
Mary Wright
30   Wife
Ida May Wright
12   Daughter
Nathan Wright
11   Son
Ann Jane Wright   8   Daughter

Also the 1910 federal census.

Ann Jane Wright
in the 1910 United States Federal Census

1910 United States Federal Census
 
Name:   Ann Jane Wright
Age in 1910:   12
Birth Year:   abt 1898
Birthplace:   Wisconsin
Home in 1910:   Lafayette, Chippewa, Wisconsin
Race:   White
Gender:   Female
Relation to Head of House:   Daughter
Marital Status:   Single
Father's Name:   Samuel Wright
Father's Birthplace:   Canada English
Mother's Name:   Mary Wright
Mother's Birthplace:   Wisconsin

Native Tongue:   English
Attended School:   Yes
Able to read:   Yes
Able to Write:   Yes
Neighbors:   View others on page
Household Members   Age   Relationship
Samuel Wright
53   Head
Mary Wright
34   Wife
Nathaniel L Wright
16   Son
Ann Jane Wright   12   Daughter

Samuel Wright
in the 1910 United States Federal Census

1910 United States Federal Census

Name:   Samuel Wright
Age in 1910:   53
Birth Year:   abt 1857
Birthplace:   Canada English
Home in 1910:   Lafayette, Chippewa, Wisconsin
Race:   White
Gender:   Male
Immigration Year:   1879
[1874]
Relation to Head of House:   Head
Marital Status:   Married
Spouse's Name:   Mary Wright
Father's Birthplace:   Ireland
Mother's Birthplace:   Canada English

Native Tongue:   English
Occupation:   Farming
Industry:   Gen Farm
Employer, Employee or Other:   Employer
Home Owned or Rented:   Own
Home Free or Mortgaged:   Free
Farm or House:   Farm
Naturalization Status:   Naturalized
Able to read:   Yes
Able to Write:   Yes
Years Married:   19
Number of Children Born:   3
Number of Children Living:   3
Out of Work:   N
Neighbors:   View others on page
Household Members   Age   Relationship
Samuel Wright   53   Head
Mary Wright
34   Wife
Nathaniel L Wright
16   Son
Ann Jane Wright
12   Daughter

Mary Wright
in the 1910 United States Federal Census

1910 United States Federal Census
 
Name:   Mary Wright
Age in 1910:   34
Birth Year:   abt 1876
Birthplace:   Wisconsin
Home in 1910:   Lafayette, Chippewa, Wisconsin
Race:   White
Gender:   Female
Relation to Head of House:   Wife
Marital Status:   Married
Spouse's Name:   Samuel Wright
Father's Birthplace:   Canada English
Mother's Birthplace:   Wisconsin

Native Tongue:   English
Able to read:   Yes
Able to Write:   Yes
Years Married:   19
Number of Children Born:   3
Number of Children Living:   3
Neighbors:   View others on page
Household Members   Age   Relationship
Samuel Wright
53   Head
Mary Wright   34   Wife
Nathaniel L Wright
16   Son
Ann Jane Wright
12   Daughter
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: WINative on February 07, 2021, 05:30:08 pm
No Native American blood has been found for Siobhan Marks on an extensive search going back five generations on every line of her family tree. This is important, because she has been allowed access to leadership and cultural resources that any non-Indian is not.
She has become the "face" of many Native American organizations in Milwaukee, by endearing herself to the leadership and volunteering her time or becoming a workhorse for them. This has corrupted the natural order of leadership and and keeping Native Americans in charge of their own social services. This is purely a power grab by Siobhan Marks, and had worked thus far.
Exposing her is the only way to end this.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: WINative on October 26, 2021, 04:01:42 am
St. Kateri and American Indian Health Service Chicago co-host this All Nations Pow Wow Chicago event to remember the victims and survivors of residential schools. This event precedes the memorial for Every Child Matters and Orange Shirt Day on September 30th.  Grand Entry at 1pm. MC: Mark Denning.
Guest Speaker: Siobhan Marks – Ojibwe. Apparently she fully identifies as Ojibwe only now, and is now a Indian Boarding expert along with her other expertise in Native culture, in which she has self-appointed herself.

https://www.facebook.com/aihschicago/photos/a.10151273107002068/10159343292962068

https://aihschgo.org/event/all-nations-pow-wow/
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: berriesandcream on November 03, 2021, 09:18:41 pm
I totally agree that Siobhan, regardless of Native status, is a very toxic and manipulative person and very damaging to the Native community.

I did a little research myself and noticed that she claims that her great great grandmother is Angeline Corbine who was considered “Indian” on Familysearch. Her great grandmother is Mary Diamond Wright and her grandmother is Ann Jane Wright (Smith). I believe the only similar name in your search is Ann Jane Wright (Smith). I’m a little confused where this would take the search next. Do you still have access to the family tree that her family member posted? I think it would be helpful to see that. 
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: berriesandcream on November 23, 2021, 05:50:02 am
Have seen this posted on fb and brought up again. Only her partner has said that: “Siobhan is who she is, and I believe her….”. But Siobhan has stayed silent the entire time? This thread isn’t abusive by any means. It is very valid to question someone’s Indian status and frankly it happens ALL the time. I don’t see people making a big deal about it when it happens to them. Usually the person being questioned provides proof of lineage, family, what they claim, etc but she is not doing that? That feels very weird to me.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: berriesandcream on December 03, 2021, 05:16:11 pm
Back again. Have seen Marin’s post on Facebook. He is trying to turn this into something it is not. At first he claimed people questioning her ancestry were telling her how to dress. Now he claims it is colorism. There is no attack on Native people and the color of their skin. Yes, she is white and very very white passing. She does not present as a brown or black person. So what. Boo hoo. You cannot experience colorism as a white person. She has white parents so yes she IS in fact white. It would be wrong of her to say that she is Native first and then white. If a police officer were to pull her over how would they view her? He is just using this as a tool to get people back on her side. It’s honestly sickening.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: WINative on December 03, 2021, 10:32:31 pm
Is that Marin "Mark" Denning the former Marquette University "First Warrior" mascot who your speaking of?
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: berriesandcream on December 04, 2021, 03:46:10 am
Yes, her partner.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: WINative on December 05, 2021, 04:49:36 pm
It appears Mark is defending her actions and distracting everyone from her lack of response to any requests for her lineage, by claiming sexism and colorism. As was pointed out to a common question that is asked by most Native people to one another. I think her refusal to respond and lack of proof makes it more apparent to everyone her lack of verifiable American Indian blood. Which in this case is cultural appropriation, and the Milwaukee community will have to decide on how to address? There is also Professor Margaret Noodin on this site and being researched and who has not responded and claims Ojibwe.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: WINative on January 14, 2022, 06:31:10 pm
Siobhan Marks and her partner Mark Denning appear in this video promoting a "Unity Fire"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcN9wPYcM-U&list=FLtMMuOZ8XnJ4O5kvjSw7LRQ&index=1
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: WINative on April 27, 2022, 08:54:36 pm
Preceding the week of May 5th (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day) AIHSC and partners St Kateri Center of Chicago, UIC Native American Support Program, Cook County Forest Preserve, Waking Women Healing Institute Chicago Therapy Collective, Cook County Human Relations Commission will host a PowWow on April 30th to remember the survivors and victims of violence in the indigenous community. Location: Bunker Hill Forest Preserve, W. Harts Road, Niles Illinois 60714. Gates open at 11am. Grand Entry at 12pm noon. ATTENDANCE IS FREE! Learn more at: aihschgo.org/event/mmiw-event

3:30pm: Siobhan Marks Red Dress Presentation

• Special Red Dress Presentation:
Siobhan Marks (Lac Courte Oreilles of Lake Superior)

https://www.facebook.com/events/222272833398778/
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: WINative on January 03, 2023, 06:48:43 pm
More information to ponder regarding her works and identity, which the research and results done on here have not been challenged or responded to.

https://www.apg-wi.com/ashland_daily_press/news/regional/grandmother-s-dress-connects-women-to-their-culture/article_bbb01405-bd3a-5293-8006-4af5e3a6f857.html
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: Waubizee on January 10, 2023, 06:04:30 pm
Tansi, Anin. I know Siobhan Marks and Mark Denning personally. I was Siobhan's sponsor to enter the Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge some years ago. The Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge does not accept petitions to enter the Midewiwin Lodge from individuals who do not have Indigenous ancestry. As her sponsor, I needed to ensure for myself that Siobhan does indeed have Anishinabe ancestry: she provided me with more than enough documentation to confirm it. I will add that I have a research background (PhD) and am more than capable of checking the veracity of her documentation. Personally, I am a Cree-Icelandic status Indian of  Fisher River Cree Nation, Manitoba. I support the current movement to expose 'pretendians' etc., we have had a few very high profile Indigenous race-shifters in Canada over the last few years, Burassa, Boydon, Turpell-Lafond, Lovelace, etc. all accomplished individuals in their own right who chose to embellish or create a fraudulent Indigenous identity. However, it seems to me that the movement can make mistakes, and its validity will be whether we are willing and able to correct it when individuals are wrongly targeted. I want to add that I found the hateful comments made about Marks (over and above commentary on her Indigenous identity) on this site reflect more poorly on the writer than it does on Siobhan.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: Diana on January 10, 2023, 07:24:11 pm
Heavy sigh, when you can measure your Indian blood on a head of a pin you ain't Indian.

Lim lemtsh,

Diana
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: Advanced Smite on January 11, 2023, 02:18:46 am
Tansi, Anin. I know Siobhan Marks and Mark Denning personally. I was Siobhan's sponsor to enter the Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge some years ago. The Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge does not accept petitions to enter the Midewiwin Lodge from individuals who do not have Indigenous ancestry. As her sponsor, I needed to ensure for myself that Siobhan does indeed have Anishinabe ancestry: she provided me with more than enough documentation to confirm it. I will add that I have a research background (PhD) and am more than capable of checking the veracity of her documentation. Personally, I am a Cree-Icelandic status Indian of  Fisher River Cree Nation, Manitoba. I support the current movement to expose 'pretendians' etc., we have had a few very high profile Indigenous race-shifters in Canada over the last few years, Burassa, Boydon, Turpell-Lafond, Lovelace, etc. all accomplished individuals in their own right who chose to embellish or create a fraudulent Indigenous identity. However, it seems to me that the movement can make mistakes, and its validity will be whether we are willing and able to correct it when individuals are wrongly targeted. I want to add that I found the hateful comments made about Marks (over and above commentary on her Indigenous identity) on this site reflect more poorly on the writer than it does on Siobhan.

Waubizee - I'm relieved to hear that Siobhan Marks may be Anishinaabe (an LCO descendant). While I can't speak for everyone on this thread, I feel like most NAFPS users would prefer to be proven wrong. My understanding is that NAFPS will move a thread from "Research Needed" to "Non Frauds" with supporting documentation. I'd be willing to compile and post supporting documentation related to genealogy if you point me to the correct ancestor. I understand if you're planning to post the documentation yourself though.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: WINative on January 11, 2023, 05:19:32 am
I think it would put closure on the subject since Siobhan Marks family tree was compiled on here going five generations back and no Native/Indian ancestors were found on any of the records, and this has been posted almost 2 years.
No one has yet posted any documentation or disputed the information found here. If you or she can provide documentation that would help this issue. Most Native people have no problem talking about their Native family history or lineage or providing proof if requested, which from my understanding, Siobhan Marks has never done for anyone. She did not come from a Native community or connect with one until her 50s.
It does help if she has some Native blood, but even a vast amount and being enrolled would not justify her actions in becoming a Native culture expert in just over 12 years and running roughshod over community members who stand in her way of what she desires.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: Waubizee on January 12, 2023, 03:31:28 pm
I wrote this to the moderator last year, but was having difficulty figuring out how to post. I have copies of all the genealogical information on Siobhan. Yes, I am quite aware that she did not grow up with a strong Anishinaabe identity or connections to LCO, but was able to confirm she has Anishinaabe ancestry (in the late 1800s, which is much more current than many of the claims others are making to ancestry that go back to the 1600s).  I don't regard Siobhan as a "cultural expert" and have never seen her "ride roughshod" against anyone. Even if she does/did, that does not negate her rightful claim to having Anishinaabe ancestry, I know/have known quite a few Anishinaabe people with public profiles with whom I disagree on their presentation/teaching-perspectives/treatment of others, but I wouldn't use my personal opinion of them to question their lineage. It is up to the Anishinaabe community who look to her to decide whether or not they respect her contributions to their cultural initiatives, is it not? Also, Siobhan and Mark do a lot of work together as a couple, and I've yet to hear that anyone questions Mark's legitimacy as a culturally-knowledgable person.
 
From: Rainey Gaywish <raineygaywish16@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Siobhan Marks: re: "research needed" on her claim to Ojibway ancestry
Date: January 9, 2022 at 3:16:54 PM CST
To: naf ps <nafps_13@yahoo.com>

I read everything you posted about Siobhan. I don’t know who did the genealogy that you have on the site. Did the research I sent to you show up in the email (as links)? If so, you would see her actual ancestry research, which differs from the research you have on the site. Please confirm whether you were able to see the documentation that I included in my earlier email, and whether you reviewed it against what you have on the site. You listed her profile as “research needed” which I have sent to you.

Just to review, on your site, you have her and her mother correctly listed. Her maternal grand parents are Frank Smith, her maternal grandmother is Ann Jane Wright.

From there, the information on your site then notes her maternal great grandparents as as Samuel G. Smith and Adella Jones. These MAY be her paternal great grandparents, Frank Smith’s parents. Her maternal great grandmother was Ann Jane Wright, and HER parents were Samuel Wright and Mary Diamond Wright. Mary Diamond Wright’s parents were Benjamin Desmeules Diamond and Angeline Corbine. Angeline Corbine’s mother was Madeline Baptiste Corbine. 

To correct:
Her maternal great grandparents were NOT Samuel G. Smith and Adella Jones. They  were Benjamin Desmeules Diamond and Angeline Corbine.

If the person(s) who did the research is interested in correcting genealogical errors, and correcting the misinformation on your website, please let me know.

I assume that you are interested in accuracy on your webpage, and if so, I am providing information to correct what you have currently on the site concerning Siobhan Marks.

Ekosi, Migwetch,
Rainey Gaywish
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: Defend the Sacred on January 12, 2023, 11:58:40 pm
Hi Waubizee, I'm so sorry you've had trouble getting through. We've had a lot of problems with forum functions over the past year or so. I'm talking to another admin now and we never saw your message. We're looking into this now and hopefully we can clear some of this up.

For myself, I'd like to re-iterate that the priority here is honesty and transparency, no matter what the records show. And no matter what opinions anyone here has about how those records should be interpreted, any conclusions about what they mean lie with the Indigenous community in question. It's their call whether or not to claim someone, and what standards they set for that. It's not the call of anyone from outside that community.

I wrote this to the moderator last year, but was having difficulty figuring out how to post. I have copies of all the genealogical information on Siobhan. Yes, I am quite aware that she did not grow up with a strong Anishinaabe identity or connections to LCO, but was able to confirm she has Anishinaabe ancestry (in the late 1800s, which is much more current than many of the claims others are making to ancestry that go back to the 1600s). 
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: educatedindian on January 13, 2023, 03:09:37 pm
I wrote this to the moderator last year, but was having difficulty figuring out how to post. I have copies of all the genealogical information on Siobhan. Yes, I am quite aware that she did not grow up with a strong Anishinaabe identity or connections to LCO, but was able to confirm she has Anishinaabe ancestry (in the late 1800s, which is much more current than many of the claims others are making to ancestry that go back to the 1600s).  I don't regard Siobhan as a "cultural expert" and have never seen her "ride roughshod" against anyone. Even if she does/did, that does not negate her rightful claim to having Anishinaabe ancestry, I know/have known quite a few Anishinaabe people with public profiles with whom I disagree on their presentation/teaching-perspectives/treatment of others, but I wouldn't use my personal opinion of them to question their lineage. It is up to the Anishinaabe community who look to her to decide whether or not they respect her contributions to their cultural initiatives, is it not? Also, Siobhan and Mark do a lot of work together as a couple, and I've yet to hear that anyone questions Mark's legitimacy as a culturally-knowledgable person.


I have to come in here and point out my own failure on this. I just now checked old messages and found the email exchange between us.

I confirm you wrote several times about not being able to post and I passed along the tech problem to the other mods. As has already been mentioned, our tech problems got far worse. But I did not think to post the genealogy you sent me. I did not ask to either.

To all reading this, one reason SM has never been moved to Frauds is not just because there's been conflicting accounts of her genealogy. This forum was originally aimed solely at frauds who pose as medicine people or "shamans." Later we included anyone posing as Native who benefitted from the falsehood.

Never do we go after someone who just repeated what they were falsely believed, or taught as family stories. They must gain something from it. A good recent example is Marie Cruz who called herself Sacheen Littlefeather. She made up the name and posed as Yaqui, which is as common among Mexicans as Cherokee claims are among whites. Except for two small roles in exploitation films, there was no other benefit to her. She spent her life establishing theaters and hospices. I think because she was doing good, the many people who knew of her falsehoods, not just family, never came forward.

Has SM ever benefitted from the alleged lack of ancestry? Is it OK if she calls herself a descendant and continues her work? Those are questions for all involved.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: WINative on January 13, 2023, 06:42:51 pm
We neglected to go that far back in Siobhan Marks family tree here, so her great-great-great grandmother Madeline was listed as an Indian in 1885 being born in 1802. So that would make Siobhan Marks at most 1/32 Ojibwe ancestry. Which is very distant, since there’s jokes about even great grandmothers being Indian princesses.
Since Madeline married a white man as did all of her descendants and they all identified as white from thereafter, and do not appear on any Indian Census records. All her ancestors have lived in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin which is over 90% white on every census, and Siobhan herself has lived in Muskego since at least 1996, a suburb of Milwaukee in Waukesha County with a population of 97% white in the last census. She has no ties to the Milwaukee Native community, and her family and lodge are many hours drive away from where she does her business and extracts resources, so they cannot censure her effectively, nor have the right to advance her claims over other Indigenous people who are enrolled and connected to their nations.
The Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge has a right to set their membership levels at wherever they choose, if it’s under a “One Drop Rule,” that’s their right, but all other Indigenous communities and Native people have a right to consider 1/32 not enough blood quantum for leadership or cultural positions. Each community and person can set their own standards and Three Fires cannot force her membership with them on other Native people.  If they choose to condone her behavior and actions, and still speak out and defend her, then they bear part of the responsibility as well.
Siobhan Marks acting as a Gatekeeper for the Indian Community School, Gerald Ignace Indian Health Clinic, and Spotted Eagle Inc. is not acceptable to me or appropriate based on her background. She is occupying important positions of power in the Milwaukee Native community, in which she does not have the background, experience, or right to occupy. She has given cultural teachings, and pushed Native people out of their jobs, decided who got hired or fired, and made others uncomfortable while choosing others for opportunities who are close to her or belong the Three Fires as well, all while hanging on this very distant connection to her families past to justify it all. She has re-written community history that she has taken no part in with inaccurate information and sources, in order to be the media spokesperson for the Milwaukee Native community. She has lived with white privilege all her life, so this must allow her to feel she can go anywhere and takeover a community space she is unfamiliar with.
The greatest weakness of an Urban Native community is allowing people to self-identify and accepting everyone at their word and not doing anything until the damage has been done.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: Smart Mule on January 13, 2023, 08:42:50 pm
Siobhan's mother was Mary Jane Smith. Siobhan's grandmother was Ann Jane Wright. Her great grandmother was Mary Diamond. Her great great grandmother was Angeline Corbine, born at LCO and recorded as half Indian on the 1880 census. Her 3rd great grandmother was Madeline Wasbakosi/Wabakosi who was married to Jean/John Baptiste Corbin/Corbine (and a bunch of other weird spellings). Madeline died in 1901. This means she directly interacted with Mary and Ann Jane. Ann Jane would have been able to tell Siobhan about Madeline's experiences as she heard them from Madeline herself.

Does this make it okay for Siobhan to ostracize members of the community as a descendant? Nope, it sure doesn't. It should actually make her more aware of her privilege in my opinion. She really does have a responsibility to those who are hurt by her conduct. Rather than send in a friend it would be nice if she were to come here and dialogue. If she continues to ignore the concerns of the community, it only adds to the appearance that she is of the position that she believes she is above actual urban community members. And that is upsetting to say the least.

I do have documentation showing that Angeline was clearly  1/2 but I am having an impossible time uploading attachments. If one goes here https://chequamegonhistory.wordpress.com/tag/john-baptiste-corbine/ (https://chequamegonhistory.wordpress.com/tag/john-baptiste-corbine/) under the heading {$180.00 Stamp Int Revenue U.S.}, if you click on the first blue box for Chippewa Certificate No. 228, it will bring you here https://glorecords.blm.gov/details/patent/default.aspx?accession=0377-179&docClass=CT&sid=qa4encts.oad#patentDetailsTabIndex=1 (https://glorecords.blm.gov/details/patent/default.aspx?accession=0377-179&docClass=CT&sid=qa4encts.oad#patentDetailsTabIndex=1) which is the half breed land script for Madeline and Jean/John's children.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: NAFPS Housekeeping on January 13, 2023, 09:22:37 pm
Relevant section added to above post; full page of census here:
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: Smart Mule on January 13, 2023, 09:25:36 pm
Thanks for adding the images House Keeping!
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: Diana on January 13, 2023, 09:27:27 pm
"We neglected to go that far back in Siobhan Marks family tree here"
No we did not Winative!!! 2 years ago I msg'd you several times about what I found about Siobhan Marks. I have all the msgs. I told you that I found she may have been related to Madeline Corbine and Angeline Diamond. Madeline Corbine appears in the 1880 census with her daughter Angeline and family. In the census her race is down as I. Her daughter's race is down as1/2 I.  The others are white as is Angelines. You have to look at the original census to see the Indian blood.

I have looked and looked for thier Tribal affiliation and I can't find them on any Tribal rolls. There is another Madeline Corine who was born in 1865. She is on the Lac Courte Oreille Tribal rolls. I believe and have seen this Madeline Corbine 2 being mistaken for the Madeline Corbine born in 1802.

I was still working on this genealogy when I informed Winative about this, I sent him all the info and yes he is correct about the blood quantum being1/32. If these people are her relatives which I told Winative that I was pretty sure they were I would post the info.

During this time 2 years ago we had some very bad storms in my area and I had some damage to my house and got distracted with insurance adjusters and workmen etc etc. When I finally got back to NAFPS, Winative had posted that Siobhan Marks was not Indian. I contacted the moderators with the information and what Winative had posted. I'm not sure what happened but things fell through the cracks.

Now here we are 2 yrs later and there is alot of disinformation.

Yes, I did see a family tree and some of the info is wrong. Like I said before people keep mistaking this Madeline Corbine 2  born 1865 who is on the Tribal rolls. I cannot find Madeline or Angeline on any Tribal rolls. If someone can prove what Indian Tribe these 2 people are from that would be great. In the mean time the only place where it says Madeline Corbine and Angeline Diamond are Indian is in the 1880 census.

We neglected to go that far back in Siobhan Marks family tree here, so her great-great-great grandmother Madeline was listed as an Indian in 1885 being born in 1802. So that would make Siobhan Marks at most 1/32 Ojibwe ancestry. Which is very distant, since there’s jokes about even great grandmothers being Indian princesses.
Since Madeline married a white man as did all of her descendants and they all identified as white from thereafter, and do not appear on any Indian Census records. All her ancestors have lived in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin which is over 90% white on every census, and Siobhan herself has lived in Muskego since at least 1996, a suburb of Milwaukee in Waukesha County with a population of 97% white in the last census. She has no ties to the Milwaukee Native community, and her family and lodge are many hours drive away from where she does her business and extracts resources, so they cannot censure her effectively, nor have the right to advance her claims over other Indigenous people who are enrolled and connected to their nations.
The Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge has a right to set their membership levels at wherever they choose, if it’s under a “One Drop Rule,” that’s their right, but all other Indigenous communities and Native people have a right to consider 1/32 not enough blood quantum for leadership or cultural positions. Each community and person can set their own standards and Three Fires cannot force her membership with them on other Native people.  If they choose to condone her behavior and actions, and still speak out and defend her, then they bear part of the responsibility as well.
Siobhan Marks acting as a Gatekeeper for the Indian Community School, Gerald Ignace Indian Health Clinic, and Spotted Eagle Inc. is not acceptable to me or appropriate based on her background. She is occupying important positions of power in the Milwaukee Native community, in which she does not have the background, experience, or right to occupy. She has given cultural teachings, and pushed Native people out of their jobs, decided who got hired or fired, and made others uncomfortable while choosing others for opportunities who are close to her or belong the Three Fires as well, all while hanging on this very distant connection to her families past to justify it all. She has re-written community history that she has taken no part in with inaccurate information and sources, in order to be the media spokesperson for the Milwaukee Native community. She has lived with white privilege all her life, so this must allow her to feel she can go anywhere and takeover a community space she is unfamiliar with.
The greatest weakness of an Urban Native community is allowing people to self-identify and accepting everyone at their word and not doing anything until the damage has been done.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: Defend the Sacred on January 13, 2023, 09:59:47 pm
"We neglected to go that far back in Siobhan Marks family tree here"
No we did not Winative!!! 2 years ago I msg'd you several times about what I found about Siobhan Marks. I have all the msgs. I told you that I found she may have been related to Madeline Corbine and Angeline Diamond.

Confirming what Diana says here. I was cc'ed on these messages. Diana wanted to post the genealogy and I told her to go ahead. When things seemed to be going in circles I told her to do what she needed to do. WINative did what they did. I pretty much stayed out of it, which I now realize was a mistake.

The data I was shown about Marks' possible heritage at the time... was unclear and confusing. It wasn't what was just posted above and, honestly, I had no idea whether the woman had heritage or not. I wasn't in a space to deal with it. But I was always adamant that if someone had found a possibility of heritage, that should be disclosed. I insisted the members I spoke with be honest and transparent about their findings.

Unfortunately, with the other, very serious hassles we had going on with the board, and my other responsibilities, I did not adequately follow up. I didn't have the time or energy to get involved in this thread and forgot to keep an eye on what was and was not posted, whether those discrepancies were ever cleaned up, or even what section this thread was in. I didn't have a chance to do any of my own research on Marks.

That was clearly a mistake on my part, but there were circumstances. We're all volunteers here and we've had a lot on our plates. I'm sorry it got to this point.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: WINative on January 13, 2023, 10:11:29 pm
I can confirm what both of you said and there was some uncertainty in the records at the time, andso  I thought that she or her family should confirm their ancestry or post the correct information which I indicated at the time, and which has just been done now.
So I want to move on beyond the records, now that the proper information has been received and confirmed, and I will retract my previous statements that Siobhan Marks has No Native blood, when in fact she has 1/32 Indian blood.
I hope this helps to clarify my part at least, which has become a distraction to the issue and post.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: WINative on January 23, 2023, 10:11:12 pm
It looks like Lac Courte Oreilles has some of the lowest blood quantum requirements of all Wisconsin Tribal Nations for enrollment. They operate under Lineal Descent, with no specific blood amount required, but must be able to trace to an ancestor from the 1940 census for LCO as listed below.
Ms. Siobhan Marks being 1/32 and far removed from an ancestor on the LCO tribal census roll and is therefore ineligible for enrollment at Lac Courte Oreilles, and labels herself a "Descendant."
So it would be illegal for her to manufacture, market, or sell her Grandmother's Strap Dresses or any others items, as Native American made under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 posted link below also.
Under the Act, an Indian is defined as a member of any federally or officially State recognized tribe of the United States, or an individual certified as an Indian artisan by an Indian tribe.

https://www.doi.gov/iacb/act?fbclid=IwAR1-aqv0z4boKEKId-XakLzWGXf7T8X8iPM92D39ErgvqMYPLExX9huv5Wg

https://www.lcotribe.com/tribal-constitution

Article II: Membership

Section 1. The membership of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin shall consist of the following persons:

All persons of Lac Courte Oreilles Chippewa Indian Blood whose names appeared on the official census roll of the Band as of January 1, 1940, or whose names were eligible for inclusion in such rolls, PROVIDED, such persons are citizens of the United States and are not enrolled with another tribe, band or group of Indians. This roll will be the basic membership roll.

Any lineal descendant of a member born prior to the effective date of this Constitution, provided, an application for enrollment is filed with the Governing Board and provided further, that such person is not enrolled with another tribe, band or group of Indians.

Any person gaining membership after the effective date of this Constitution through ordinances enacted under Section 2 of this Article.

 

Section 2. The Governing Board shall enact the ordinance subject to approval of the Secretary of the Interior stating the criteria for future membership and adoption of the new members. Such ordinance shall include the provision that to be eligible for membership persons must possess Lac Courte Oreilles Indian blood and must be a lineal descendant of an enrolled member. Any amendments to the ordinance shall require approval of the Secretary of the Interior.

Section 3. Any person who has been rejected for enrollment as a member of the Band shall have the right of appeal to the Secretary of the Interior, whose decision shall be final.

Section 4. The Governing Board shall have the power to enact ordinances governing loss of membership, such ordinance subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Interior. The ordinance shall include a provision for appeal of decisions to the Secretary of the Interior.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: Waubizee on March 10, 2023, 07:12:40 pm
I'm curious how Siobhan sharing her research that she did on the strap dress has anything to do with the issue of whether/what % of ancestry she has. I am not aware of her 'manufacturing' or selling strap dresses (in contravention of the IACA1990 Act) but maybe she is, go ahead, report her to those authorities. What I DO know is that almost all of the research she did on strap dresses was with museums that have strap dresses in their holdings, and that information (from museums) was most likely research by white historians and archivists. Her workshops are no different than one of those individuals sharing their research with the general public or with Native American groups who want to hear it. I attended one of her strap dress workshops, because I know her and also because I am aware that the Cree women from northern Canada (some who are my own Cree ancestors) historically wore strap dresses and distinctive hoods. Siobhan conducts a good workshop, and is very respectful of the knowledge she has gathered. On another note, If Siobhan is in any position to hire or fire people, confront the agency that employs her or on which she holds a committee/board seat,,, etc. The blood quantum question is a minefield, the administrators of this site have not, as far as I know determined a cut-off % /timeline to determine who is in or who is out.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: educatedindian on March 11, 2023, 08:05:30 pm
I'm curious how Siobhan sharing her research that she did on the strap dress has anything to do with the issue of whether/what % of ancestry she has. I am not aware of her 'manufacturing' or selling strap dresses (in contravention of the IACA1990 Act) but maybe she is, go ahead, report her to those authorities. What I DO know is that almost all of the research she did on strap dresses was with museums that have strap dresses in their holdings, and that information (from museums) was most likely research by white historians and archivists. Her workshops are no different than one of those individuals sharing their research with the general public or with Native American groups who want to hear it. I attended one of her strap dress workshops, because I know her and also because I am aware that the Cree women from northern Canada (some who are my own Cree ancestors) historically wore strap dresses and distinctive hoods. Siobhan conducts a good workshop, and is very respectful of the knowledge she has gathered. On another note, If Siobhan is in any position to hire or fire people, confront the agency that employs her or on which she holds a committee/board seat,,, etc. The blood quantum question is a minefield, the administrators of this site have not, as far as I know determined a cut-off % /timeline to determine who is in or who is out.

We don't determine that, or even say we should have any say in that. Each tribal nation or community has its own standards.

Obviously they are going to be different, sometimes different within that nation in different time periods. This thread has stayed under Research because there are very different opinions within the same community.

We, NAFPS, don't research anyone just for BQ, ancestry, or claims of it. It must be shown they benefit, money, power.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: WINative on August 27, 2023, 06:35:34 pm
I wanted to put one thing in perspective after not thinking about this threat for a few months. 1/32 blood quantum is equivalent to 3%. I think those familiar with DNA Ancestry will understand that is not much in a person's full DNA composition. Many Indigenous people have similar small percentages of European blood, English, Irish, German, Polish, French, Greek or Jewish, etc. But they cannot appear in any of those communities and expect a warm reception and to be invited or accepted to be a leader or cultural expert based on these newfound low percentages of DNA.
What is it about White Privilege that allows them to think they can do that in Indigenous communities and that they often get away with it?
I think this is definitely a systemic issue and associated with historical trauma that allows urban Native American communities to be overran such as they are in the United States. Just seeing all the Fraud and Research Needed threads shows there's a major problem. There has to be solutions other than asking everyone new to a community for their tribal ID or DNA report.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: Diana on August 27, 2023, 08:27:30 pm
I don't see anything wrong with asking someone for their Tribal ID. Or asking what Tribe they're from or who their family is. If they're for real, they won't mind at all. It's only the fakes that evade the question or get aggressive when you inquire further.




I wanted to put one thing in perspective after not thinking about this threat for a few months. 1/32 blood quantum is equivalent to 3%. I think those familiar with DNA Ancestry will understand that is not much in a person's full DNA composition. Many Indigenous people have similar small percentages of European blood, English, Irish, German, Polish, French, Greek or Jewish, etc. But they cannot appear in any of those communities and expect a warm reception and to be invited or accepted to be a leader or cultural expert based on these newfound low percentages of DNA.
What is it about White Privilege that allows them to think they can do that in Indigenous communities and that they often get away with it?
I think this is definitely a systemic issue and associated with historical trauma that allows urban Native American communities to be overran such as they are in the United States. Just seeing all the Fraud and Research Needed threads shows there's a major problem. There has to be solutions other than asking everyone new to a community for their tribal ID or DNA report.
Title: Re: Siobhan Marks Our Grandmothers Strap Dress
Post by: WINative on September 07, 2023, 02:58:54 am
Indian Community School 2022 990 Form
Already controversial for past 20 years because of the amount of money the board members are making and has risen each year since 1999.
Miss Marks has benefitted financially with her relationship with fellow Three Fires Midwiwin member and Board Member Diane Amour.