[Thunderwolf]

Due to receiving a PM from another member, I thought I would provide a resource thread on the CCAI, an organization began in 1950. It serves a couple purposes. One, it is an organization for those who are of Indian descent who are and are not actual "card carrying" Indians. A person may also become adopted if recognized by the chief/another member as living one's life in an Indian manner or by walking one's path in the Red Way. A second purpose is the preservation of Indian lore and the promotion of Indian values via education and community. Third is the recognition that many Indians and/or Indian friendly persons exist....on and off the Rez; card carrying and non card carrying; full blood and mixed/partial blood....yet, all part of the First Nation or First People. Since 1987, it has been headed or chiefed by Leland Conner, a Turtle Clan Chief of the Piqua Band of the Shawnee Tribe. In 1998, I myself was adopted (in an open air ceremony) into the CCAI, with Leland Conner/Thunderhawk officiating it with his wife, Summer Dawn. My mother was also adopted into the CCAI at that time. If I can, I will add more to this thread if able.

[Thunderwolf]

Although hard to read, this is a newspaper clipping from the Logan Daily News (2005) mentioning Leland Conner/Thunderhawk being issued a certificate from the National Museum of the American Indian by the Smithsonian Institute. Leland is considered a local expert on Native American history in southern Ohio. For further info on that museum, go to: www.AmericanIndian.si.edu

[Thunderwolf]

Another newspaper clipping from the Daily Business Editor (Sept 2003) honoring Leland again by acknowledging that his name will appear on the Wall of Tolerance at the new Civil Rights Memorial Center in Montgomery, Alabama. His name was chosen because of his promotion of tolerance through his dedication to the American Indian culture.

[Thunderwolf]

Pics of Leland Conner/Thunderhawk
Leland is in his 70's.
He has also been the National Director of the American Indian Lore Association. He has been a Continental Chief of the CCAI since 1987. He is listed in more than 35 National and International Directories, including Marquis, Who's Who In The World. He also does Native American consulting for movies, authors, governments, and any other researchers worldwide. He was President of the Hocking County Historical Society and is referred to as "the official historian of Hocking County". Leland also sat on the Logan City Council, active in local issues and tourism.

There is scant little on the Net about the CCAI, but the contact info is correct which is provided on this web page:
http://www.manta.com/comsite5/bin/pd...4490&id=jlnms3

[neptunemars]

hi there,

Just a random question, do you know where I can contact Leland Conner (chief Thunderhawk) ? I used to be in contact with him but lost contact a few years ago and would like to try get back in contact with him. does he have a web site or email address?

thank you so much for your time.

[Thunderwolf]

I just responded to your PM. He remembers you, neptunemars. He will contact you via email.

Wolfie

[Thunderwolf]

...




I have some very sad and grave news to report to interested members.

My mother, Spirit Dancer, just called me today to report that a wonderful and great man perished Friday 11/16/2007 in a major car accident. This man was Leland Conner/Thunderhawk.


.............................................................................


The way it was reported to me is as follows:

On 11/16/2007, a 13 year old boy stole a Rent To Own Truck near Lancaster, Ohio...hitting three cars before hitting 4 more cars on Route 33, about one mile south of Lancaster. Life flight was involved. 3 people are in a local hospital, currently listed as critical. One of these critical is Leland's wife, Summer Dawn. Leland did not survive the accident when this 13 year old hit him. The 13 year old was taken to a nearby children's hospital. Leland was 77 years old...and was an Indian chief known world wide. For those who did not know him, he was a very compassionate and gentle man who devoted his life in the betterment of the Indian and in Indian causes. He was a teacher, a wise man, a scholar, a community and national activist, an elder, and a friend. He was truly an inspiration to many of us all. Medicine Eagle (a member on our board) and her children were the last of us to meet and coorespond with him before this happened. My mother and I are in great sorrow over this terrible news and tragic loss.

This is all I know at this time.

Again, I am sorry to report this.

[sirI]

Originally Posted by Thunderwolf

I have some very sad and grave news to report to interested members.

My mother, Spirit Dancer, just called me today to report that a wonderful and great man perished Friday 11/16/2007 in a major car accident. This man was Leland Conner/Thunderhawk.

The way it was reported to me is as follows:

On 11/16/2007, a 13 year old boy stole a Rent To Own Truck near Lancaster, Ohio...hitting three cars before hitting 4 more cars on Route 33, about one mile south of Lancaster. Life flight was involved. 3 people are in a local hospital, currently listed as critical. One of these critical is Leland's wife, Summer Dawn. Leland did not survive the accident when this 13 year old hit him. The 13 year old was taken to a nearby children's hospital. Leland was 77 years old...and is a Indian chief known world wide. For those who did not know him, he was a very compassionate and gentle man who devoted his life in the betterment of the Indian and in Indian causes. He was a teacher, a wise man, a scholar, a community and national activist, an elder, and a friend. He was truly an inspiration to many of us all. My mother and I are in great sorrow over this terrible news and loss. This is all I know at this time.

Again, I am sorry to report this.

My heart is heavy, Thunderwolf.

I shall burn sage for his white Spirit.........

May the smoke be the breath of my prayers rising to the Creator.

[Medicine Eagle]

I just recieved the news. My family and I are also devistated. My sorrow is also very deep. I can't quit crying. Thank you Wolfie for introducing me to this great man and his sweet wife. I had not gotten to tell you about the insane trip we had yet. Medicine Eagle is the name he gave me. I just talked to Summer Dawn about flying her and Leland to Az, after I get there and get everybody settled. We wanted to be able to spend more time with them. I can't tell those of you who did not know him, what a very special person he was. He was a humble, kind, generous person. He would have told you that he was nothing special. But he was extrodinary. I called and got an update on Summer Dawn his wife. Her status has been upgraded to serious from critical. I have to go I can't see the keys anymors from crying. I just felt like I should post something about this amazing man and how much the world lost with the death of this one man.

[sirI]

My sincere sympathy extended to you, Medicine Eagle. I am so sorry for you loss........may you be at peace, my sister.