NAFPS Forum

J.R. Ghosthorse, Fernando Bruno Aranda Jr, age 61, transitioned peacefully, on November 19, 2024.

One-of-a-kind spirit, relative, and Warrior; a Sundancer who suffered for the people and helped many. J.R. was our best friend, father, son, brother, cousin, he made everyone laugh, cry, feel loved even in the darkest times. You are a light that ripples through time, Space Pirate.

Soar high and free. There is no death, just a changing of worlds. We are grateful to carry the stories and wisdom you passed on. May you visit often and guard over those who love you. Let the ancestors welcome you home, safe travels and much love on your journey.

J.R. is survived by his children; Dominique Rae Longton, Justin Ray Aranda, Sydney Rae Ghosthorse and Jetta Lee Ghosthorse. His grandchildren, Jaiden Bender, Gunner Longton, and Stella Longton. His mother, BJ Tankersley. Brother, Patrick Regino Aranda, sister, Johnnie Lee Aranda Somerville (Robert Allen Somerville) and nephew, Mason Jay Aranda. Hunka siblings; Paul Ghosthorse, Chad Ghosthorse, and Starr Lilli Martinez-Mize.

Wopila Pilamaya, Thank you to all the Sundance family, friends and family. Mitakuye Oyasin

this is why i am in favor of possibly expanding board to a few new topics

one being arts/music/cinema

and one being scholastic/activism

Incident involving Vianne Timmons is latest high-profile case of apparent cultural identity fraud:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/15/vianne-timmons-canadian-university-president-indigenous-claim

MUN president Vianne Timmons apologizes, takes temporary leave, as Mi'kmaw claims scrutinized
Board of regents striking Indigenous roundtable to discuss issue
Ariana Kelland · CBC News · Posted: Mar 13, 2023 7:58 AM EDT | Last Updated: March 13, 2023

Memorial University president steps aside in latest 'pretendian' Indigenous controversy
Vianne Timmons has often cited Mi’kmaw ancestry in her CV and official bios, but a CBC probe was unable to find any evidence of an Indigenous ancestor
Author of the article:By Tristin Hopper _ Published Mar 15, 2023

Vianne Timmons removed as president of Memorial University
Board of regents made announcement Thursday afternoon in MUN's Gazette
Ariana Kelland · CBC News · Posted: Apr 06, 2023 11:46 AM EDT | Last Updated: April 7, 2023

VIANNE TIMMONS: 'These have been very difficult weeks' — former Memorial University president speaks out about firing
'I had never imagined that my 32 years of university administration would end like this'
Author of the article:Contributed, PNI Atlantic — Published Apr 28, 2023  •  Last updated Apr 28, 2023

Walking the line
For years, Vianne Timmons claimed on her CV and professional bios that she was a member of an unrecognized Mi’kmaw band. She says it didn’t open any doors for her. — By Ariana Kelland and Katie Breen — Mar. 8, 2023

On Feb. 22, 2019, Vianne Timmons walked onto stage holding an eagle feather — gifted by a student — with her newly awarded Indspire trophy resting against her hip.

“I’m sad that I wasn’t raised knowing it but excited that I have the opportunity to learn more and ... my father did not have that opportunity.”

The president of Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador says she has always been careful to make the distinction that she has Mi’kmaw heritage but is not Indigenous — despite accepting an honour that Indspire calls one of the most prestigious awards by Indigenous people, for Indigenous people.

In the past, she has publicly aligned herself with Bras d’Or Mi’kmaq First Nation, an unrecognized band. The membership was cited repeatedly in her CV and biographies for multiple appointments, including a national advisory board.

Now a CBC News investigation is raising questions about the clarity of her claims, the amount of research the top academic has done herself about her ancestry, and what doors — if any — have been opened for her as a result.

See also: https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/anthropology/faculty/sturmcd

My Initial Response to TAAF:
A week ago, I received a letter of accusation from the TAAF. I responded on the morning of February 6th with the letter linked below. I am still reviewing the allegations they have publicly made against me and will respond in full once I have an opportunity to do so. In the meantime, I wish to note that there are several errors, including in their genealogical research of my paternal grandmother’s line.

TAAF Letter to Circe Sturm 2-4-25.docx
Response to TAAF 2025-02-05.pdf

-Circe Sturm, February 14, 2025