Michael Haney
Michael Haney is on his journey home. Michael passed away on October 8, 2005. The funeral is on Thursday, October 13th in Seminole, Oklahoma.
Mike will be remembered for his sincere dedication to Native people throughout this continent. He was a longtime activist and member of the American Indian Movement. The National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media, in which Mike was a founding member, will honor Mike by continuing his work as steadfast as he did when he was well. We promise we will stand up, get arrested, and get beat up like Mike did for his beliefs.
Mike will be missed by his many sister and brother friends of the American Indian Movement, and the National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media. Mike touched so many people with his sweet personality. We were so saddened to lose Mike and found it hard to express the magnitude of this loss. We need some help, so we created this blog so that those of you who worked with Mike and loved Mike will honor him here.
American Indian Movement Grand Governing Council
National Coalition on Racism in Sport and Media
Post your memorial at:
AIMGGC@worldnet.att.net
October 12, 2005
Peace be unto to you, Mike.
Friends forever
My sincere condolences to the family of Mike Haney. We're going to miss Mike. He was a down strong warrior. His work is done, and he did his best. We love you, Mike.
Muskrat
Mike's 57 years on this earth was an inspiration to us all. He did much in his brief life for his people, and helped to raise the consciousness of others as well. Be at peace.
Minneapolis, MN
A few days ago, I received an email letting me know that Michael Haney was in an ICU ward at an Oklahoma hospital. Today, I received the call with the news that none of us wants to hear. Mike died yesterday, Saturday, October 8, 2005.
Mike will be badly missed for a number of contributions that he made, during his life, to the American Indians living in the United States as well as other marginalized people. Mike's compassion had no boundaries. If you were in trouble or hurting or had been mistreated, it didn't matter to him what your color was, your spiritual values were or what the problem was. He just charged ahead and did what he could and when Mike went into action, he was able to accomplish much.
Its difficult to imagine a world without Mike's bigness. He was an imposing figure physically, but he had to be because of the responsibilities he was charged with from his Creator at the time of his birth. He involved himself in a myriad of problems and finding their solutions. His base probably was his role with the American Indian Movement and he tackled the problems around repatriation, land disputes, and more recently the situation with offensive images. He gave of himself wholeheartedly and never looked back. Never said, "I think I'll sit this one out."
He appeared at many demonstrations and fearlessly responded to the insults, negative comments and questions designed to make the demonstrators (American Indians) look bad no matter how the questions were answered.
Least you think that he had only one side, I also appreciated his huge and sometimes irreverent sense of humor. He could find humor in any situation and never failed to recognize it even when it meant he had to laugh at himself.
Mike will be sorely missed by those of us who involved ourselves in unpopular movements. In fact, he built some of those movements and like many American Indian activists, he didn't always think about what these movements asked of him and he waited until his illness passed the point of being fixed before seeking medical attention.
Mike, from his new home, can be proud of many of his accomplishments but I think he would be proudest of the fact that he lived and died as a warrior in the true sense of the word. He cared about the underpriviledged, the sick, the children and the elderly and the elders.
Sammy Toineeta
The Committee of 500 Years of Dignity and Resistance and Lake Erie Native American Council of Cleveland Ohio are deeply saddened to hear the passing of Mike Haney.
Mike was a strong influence in Cleveland. He joined with us to demonstrate against the Cleveland Baseball Team and to educate the Cleveland baseball fans of the racist logo ("Chief Wahoo") and also the name "Indians." With his great wit and strong conviction Mike had the respect and admiration of all who knew him in our community.
We had always looked forward to Mike's visits during the baseball season and we knew there would not be a dull moment while he was with us.
Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Haney family.
I know why Mike was everywhere and never slowed down for a minute when he was working on an issue. I know why once you met and worked with Mike, you knew you would never forget this man. I know why he treated you like a dear relative and always remembered you once he met you. I know why he so loved and cherished his mom and dad and his family members. I know why Mike enjoyed life to the fullest and was always laughing and not sad or mad. I know why he always had a gleam in his eyes and a big smile on his face and a voice filled with laughter and delight. I know why Mike was a positive amongst so much negative. I know why Mike loved to take you out eat any chance he could. I know why I'm going to miss Mike because he lived such a short life, but left a gigantic print on your soul.
Janice
October 13, 2005
Vernon, my friend; I know how close you and Mike were and you could not have asked for a good friend as you had with Mike. So I know the suffering you are having with his "Taking the Journey." So if it means anything, my sympathies are sent to you and the others at the Council Headquarters! I will fast in memory of our Brother, Mike!
Bruce Two Eagles
This morning we were wrapping up and shipping 3 banners for the demo in Kansas City on Sunday in protest of the team there that uses a disparaging team name that insults Native people of this land. We were thinking that the protesters are heading to Kansas City right from saying farewell to Mike Haney in Oklahoma today. We couldn't think of a better way to honor Mike Haney then to head off to a demonstration in support of the National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media. Mike wouldn't have it any other way. Bet he'll be there with you.
J and A
Minneapolis
October 14, 2005
My daughter and I send our deepest sympathies for the loss of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Seems like Mike lit a candle in people's hearts throughout the country. He had a thunderous voice that drew respect and he was an eloquent speaker. He was nice to everyone. He did the best that he could to help the American Indian people. He was a warrior, because he sacrificed his life for his people. Now he has reached the other side. He leaves a great legacy for his children and grandchildren.
Ah ho
Marilyn Yeahquo, a Kiowa sister, Tulsa, OK
Vernon,
The loss of our brother is sad yet his Spirit will always be remembered because of the things he has done for our people just as you and others have. My prayers are with the Haney family and with all the Aimsters who knew Mike and shared time with him. He truely will be missed by all of us.
Arthur Medicine Eagle
Please accept our organization's deepest and heartfelt condolences to Michael's family and friends. Michael was the true description of what a CHIEF is and what the true meaning of being someone who always put his people first. I am and always will be indebted to Michael for the insight and compassion that he taught me as an activist for our people. We, as a people owe him our gratitude and honor. May his journey be guided by our ancestor's spirits.
Pilamayo Pelo.
Sonny Skyhawk, Founder
American Indians in Film & Television
October 15, 2005
Mike, Thanks for staying by my side during my ups and downs. Your courage and drive made me stronger to endure the politics of a tribal government. You were there to advise me and to take charge of some of the most difficult issues confronting me that I could not have accomplished without your presence. You stood tall and never wavered in all that you believed in. You sacrificed a lot while supporting me, and as a result we will be remembered as the most productive administration of the twentieth century. Mere words cannot say what is in our hearts knowing that you will not be coming by our home for a visit and a few laughs. The family will truely miss you for now, but there will be time when we will meet again. May God take good care of you.
Jerry Haney and family
October 16, 2005
To all that have had the pleasure of his conversation, we know he lives on. Always looking for my time to come.
Thanks Mike
Jeff O'Brien
Greetings to all brothers and sisters!
I thank you for honoring my husband, Michael Haney. I truly believe the Creator blessed many of us by allowing Michael to come into our lives. He is no longer ill, he can no longer be hurt. He is well and watching us now. He is here at this stadium. I know that many times I was afraid that I would receive that call when he was traveling that he would be hurt. Still, he told me that he needed to be at an event to somehow "stop" the hurt of our people. I tell you now that he has left us some homework to do!! I will not disappoint him, I hope to see all of you, and continue to work for the better for our children. He was proud of all of your dedication to our cause, I hope that you will too, lead our people into the life that he wanted our people to have. I will stand with every one of you before death as I did with Michael, MVTO (Thank you).
In Spirit,
Cheri Haney
CheriHaney@aol.com
October 17, 2005
TOP TEN WAYS TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF MIKE HANEY
10. Tell a joke - It doesn't have to be very funny.
...just smile real big and laugh real hard and
everyone will laugh with you.
9. Engage in gift-giving as though it were an
Olympic event and you are competing with Jim Thorpe.
8. Drop in unexpectedly on your friends and drag them
off on some crusade for Indian rights. They may not
appreciate it at first but they'll be glad you did
before it's over.
7. Whenever a cashey supporter offers to buy you
dinner, be sure to bring about 15 or 20 hungry
Indians.
6. Open your dooor and welcome in any Indian that
happens by.
5. Brag about your family so everyone will know how
much you love them.
4. Drop everything and run to support an Indian
community in distress even if they can't pay you for
your expenses and expertise.
3. Tell stories to the youth - they may not seem to listen
at times, but in the long run they'll learn
from you and love you for it.
2. Listen to an elder, even if it makes you miss a
flight or late for a paying gig.
...AND THE NUMBER ONE WAY TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF
MIKE HANEY...
1. Devote your entire life to serving our Indian
people even if you aren't always rewarded or even
appreciated for it.
Katrina Coker
To the family of Michael,
My deepest condolences. To the warriors who remain, Michael showed through his example how the Modern Warrior of our people are to be. Through his example we can move forward in honor of all that he did for our people. Stand up and let our heart move you to protect others and make this world what Creator intended it to be.
Blessings to all,
Sarah Crow Wolf
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/
October 19, 2005
Greetings,
On a trip out each to work on yet another mascot issue, I had the Honor of meeting with Mike Haney. I cooked him some breakfast for the day. I will always remember the kindness of his response to this simple act of humanity.
Also I will never forget the way he was attacked from behind by that security guard at the university that has a white student dressed up as a native prancing around in the gymnasium. Those of us who knew him personally knew if he wanted to he could of body slammed that guard flat on that gym floor like a dime.
But this was not the way of this Warrior for the people.
As a Veteran, Father and a Man I will always remember Mike for his humbleness and kindness.
Gitzi Migwetch Niijii,
Glen Douglas
October 24, 2005
First and foremost, AHO Michael! My smoke rises in your honor this day. Your service to your Creator and to the just cause of all native people has been an inspirational path of a true Brother and Warrior. To my cousein Cheri and family, I share your pain and you are always in my prayers. Michael, Hashtahli apisat ia tuk lachi.
Yahkoke,
P. Porter
For Mike:
O si yo to all my relations,
As you know, the University of Illinois Board of Trustees has entered an appeal with the NCAA asking to be exempt from the list of universities using "Hostile and Abusive Indian Imagery, Names, Logos and/or Mascots." It is imperative that you let the NCAA (and the U of I) know about your struggles over the years to end this "Tradition of Institutionalized Racims" at the UIUC campus. Time is running out and we must act today!
If the NCAA grants the U of I's appeal, our attempts to retire the Chief are all but gone. Now, for the first time in the history of this struggle, we have a powerful, mainstream ally in the NCAA. If this appeal fails the BOT of the U of I and the UIUC will face serious financial consequences if they choose to continue their "Tradition Racism."
Years ago our dear departed brother Michael Haney gave us a formula to end the Chief's reign of racism. Michael instructed us to first "remove the fun" that the fans get from this tradition, and then "Hit them in their wallets." To this end, we have kept up the protests and UIUC games where the Chief performs (football, basketball, women's volleyball, and even at the Final Four Games in St. Louis last semester). As for the "Hit them in their wallets," we have brought litigation against both the BOT of the university and against the fans themselves. All of these efforts have been, pretty much, like a Toy Poodle biting at the ankles of the BOT and Illiniwek fans, but with the NCAA resolution, this has changed.
Please take a few moments to write the NCAA voicing your approval of their bold and honorable resolution to remove racist imagery from the NCAA voicing your approval of their stand...Roger Fontana, Sophomore, Parkland College
Here is the sample letter and info:
Paste the following addresses into the "to" line of your email program.
mbrand@ncaa.org; bfranklin@ncaa.org; mthompsn@uillinois.edu; bjwhite@uiuc.edu; rhh@uiuc.edu; pillow@uiuc.edu
Paste this into your subject line:
UIUC's Appeal to NCAA, dated October 13, 2005
Paste this into the message portion, and add your name at the bottom.
Dr. Myles Brand, President
Dr. Bernard Franklin, Senior Vice President
The National Collegiate Athletic Association
Mr. Lawrence Eppley, Chair
University of Illinois Board of Trustees
Mr. Joseph P. White, President
Mr. Richard Herman, Chancellor
University of Illinois
I understand the University of Illinois has filed an appeal regarding the NCAA policy on the use of American Indian mascots, nicknames, and imagery. The NCAA policy is commendable and I encourage the NCAA to deny UIUC's appeal. I urge UIUC's leadership to act responsibly and immediately retire Chief Illiniwek, the logo, symbol, and the name.
Sincerely,
November 4, 2005
I am not much with words. When I go to gatherings I meet a lot of wonderful people that are very comfortable to talk with. Michael Haney was one such person.
Although I have only met him a few times, he had meant a lot to me. There are many kinds of heroes. It does not matter what race or ethnic background they are. What makes a person a hero is what he or she has done to go beyond the call of duty when it is needed in time of crisis and need. Michael Haney was one these Heroes.
An elder who lived in the cultural and spiritual traditions. He held a central role in native life and political decision-making.
I was stunned by the news of Michael Haney's death...He passes on with Honor and Dignity. My thoughts are with those who were close to him and I wish them lots of strength to get through his passing.
Charles "Red Shirt" Spicer
Keetoowah Band Four Winds Tribe,
Louisiana Cherokee
November 5, 2005
I will always remember Michael's sense of humor and sense of duty. They always seemed to go hand in hand. I'll never forget the way he introduced himself at the Bring Peltier Home Rally in
"My name is Michael Haney. My father is Creek and Seminole and my mother is a full blood Oglala. I have some white in me too, but I can't prove it."
That strikes to a serious point while making everyone laugh out loud.
I always felt welcome in his home and in his company on the road.
Cheri...my prayers go out to you and the family. If there's anything I can do...
With much Respect,
Andy Mader
Mike,
I will remember you last showing up at my door with Cheri and your son in Kentucky on the way to Washington DC. Needing a cat nap, black coffee, some oil, a little food and a smile. You wanted us to go with as we had many times before. On that night we could not.
Mike I tried to learn fearlessness from you and we fought many battles together. Dixon Mounds, Cleveland, Atlanta, disrupting homecoming at UI Champagne, and all the other actions we took and you always seemed to force us to have fun doing it. Wherever we were the International House of Pancakes or Shoney's became our office.
I will never forget the time you demanded we come to Cleveland immediately for the kick off of the base ball season at Jacob's field. In your usual style you finagled us a couple of rooms at the Ritz Carlton and we packed those rooms with Indians and activists for two days. the highlight of our stay was when you took all of us to the breakfast buffet (I have no clue who paid for it but it wasn't us) and we all sat down. Scraggly, tired, road weary and ready for a protest. We all sat there proud to be your guests. All of the sudden we noticed them coming in. I started laughing. There they were. The bulk of the Cleveland ball club. I said Mike can you believe this and he smiled winked and said "goooood food huh?"
Mike always had a way of being in the right place at the right time. As if his strategy was unfolding perfectly (except those times it wasn't but we don't need to go into that). When five of us found our way into the end zone at homecoming and unfurled a banner that said "Indians aren't your mascots" across our knees at half time. We literally brought halftime to a screeching halt for 50,000 fans. The police actually had to protect us the fans were so mad. We made our point and at the end of half time we got up and walked out slowly.
I remember the moment that transfixed you in my memory forever though. The night after we shut down DIxon Mounds as we listened to the radio as we were leaving the state of Illinois when the radio news came on and announced the state police were looking for a group of Indians who had attempted to rebury the 128 remains of their people at the museum exhibit at Dixon Mounds. We were in a smoke filled car and you put in a cassette of some good pow-wow music in the stereo looked over your shoulder and said "good one, huh". I couldn't believe later that the state agreed to shut down the burial exhibit. We all thought we were going to be sitting in a concrete room for quite some time. We didn't always walk away unscathed but Mike you always made it look easy.
The funniest thing I ever remember Mike doing and have on video? Well we showed up in Atlanta to protest the World Series between the Atlanta and Cleveland franchises. There were only a handful of us there. Maybe twenty. We had secured a protest zone at the main entrance where tens of thousands of fans would be walking in. The justice department was there to "observe". The city of Atlanta assigned their elite "Red Dog" squad to "protect us". We got there before Mike. We had our drum, a 1000 watt PA system (Mike demanded it), and some signs. Mike got there and shook everyone's hand and then he opened up a bag he had and donned a sheet and a hood not covering his face and pulled out a small cross about the size of a rubber tomahawk. He then proceeded to announce he had found an alternative to the Atlanta Braves mascot. It would be the Georgia Klansmen or the Georgia Crackers and proceeded to do the crucifix chop. This is definitely the funniest and most poignant video of any protest or action in my archive. Fans confronting Mike donned with make up and chicken feathers told Mike he was a racist. He asked them if they had been one of the characters in Deliverance. Things got interesting from that point on. Mike had a sense of humor.
Mike, you are one of the brightest stars that have guided me through the years. Many may complain that you overstepped your bounds in trying to stand up for your people, but to me
you taught me to do whatever it took to get the job done and have fun doing it.
My friend we looked at many a starry sky together, we smoked, ate, laughed, got detained, and sang. I know you are smiling wherever you are. We carry the gifts you gave us and we will hand them on. Stories, advice, choke cherries, smoke, and dreams of a day when people truly enjoy justice. My elder you taught us well. To fight injustice and have a good time doing it.
Tom Pearce
December 2, 2005
GOODNIGHT GALLIANT WARRIOR................
December 2, 2005
GOODNIGHT GALLIANT WARRIOR................
Chris Tumlin
posted by American Indian Movement Grand Governing Council at 8:18 AM
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