Request for Donations

January 24, 2008

Dear Editor,

Hi, I am a Mohawk from Akwesasne.  I am presently incarcerated in a state facility.  We have a Native group here and practice the ceremonies, traditions of the Iroquois, Haudenosaunee.  The Native group here needs a lot of assistance and possibly donations of tapes of our songs and traditions; videos, DVD, history books, beads, relating to us, the Iroquois.  We are also looking for speakers, spiritual advisors or anyone who could help us better educate ourselves in getting in touch with the creator and teaching us so we may pass down this knowledge to our children and love ones.  We would also like to receive your newspaper if possible as a donation?  You may send the newspaper directly to me, George Swan - 07-13-3527 and use this # after my name.  We are in need of drums, rattles and ceremonial shirts, at the present time, there are only 5 of us.  We want to utilize this time to better understand who we are and what we are through our traditions, songs and way of life!

Anything that you may want to send, you can send to my c/o Native group (religious articles, etc.).  Make sure there is a return address.  Rev. Cook is our coordinating chaplin, if you can help us, please contact my by letter.  “We really enjoy your paper,” in this “environment”, it’s good to see and hear what our people are doing!  We meet for a hour of prayers, Mon. - Fri.

If you can assist and help in anyway, we would greatly appreciate your assistance!

Niawen Kowa

George W. Swan 07-13-3527

Livingston Correctional Facility

P.O. Box 1991, Rt. 36, Sonyea Rd.

Sonyea, N.Y.  14556