Clara Caufield. Photo from Native News Project / University of Montana School of Journalism
Putting A Cheyenne Voice to bed for a while
By Clara Caufield
www.nsweekly.com Well, it’s been quite an adventure, for five years and ten months, first creating and then running A Cheyenne Voice newspaper, mostly a one-person undertaking. And, for the past few years, writing for Native Sun News, as a columnist and correspondent has actually saved the bacon upon more than one occasion. In the meantime, I have slowly sunk into poverty. Thus, now it is time for a change, a new adventure recently offered to me that I cannot resist. So, I announce to all the faithful readers, advertisers, sponsors, contributors and even critics that I and A Cheyenne Voice are taking a sabbatical and much needed rest to re-charge our batteries, seek some inspiration and make a little money in the process. Journalism and the newspaper business, especially on a poverty-reservation, such as Northern Cheyenne with a very small private sector, is a very tough proposition. I was recently offered and accepted a wonderful job opportunity from some former employers, owners of the Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch, located in the mountains outside of Big Timber, Montana, only about 30 miles as the crow flies from Yellowstone Park. For the 2016 season, I will be there on site managing that ranch, in their family for over 70 years. After Labor Day comes hunting camp, where I will once again don apron to cook. Come November, I will come back home to the Rez, to see if the community would like A Cheyenne Voice resurrected, although I will not bother to ask the Tribal Council. Of course, by then, there will be a new one. They sure like newspapers when running for office, but not after being elected. Maybe we tattle on them too much. In the meantime, I’m not giving up on journalism or writing, due to the grace of Native Sun News which will still welcomes my columns. Mayhap, I will now pen about grizzly bears, buffalo, elk, moose, deer, sage grouse, etc. which abundantly inhabit that area. And, since I have permission from my new employers to jet home on a bi-monthly basis (to check on Mom), maybe I can “grab” a story or two about Cheyenne country. I have already got permission to cover the 140th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Big Horn, when about 200 Sioux riders and many more Cheyenne will gather, with many more celebratory events to occur. And, as many of the affluent guests at such dude ranches are fascinated with Native Americans, perhaps I can correct or modify some of the misconceptions or stereotypes about us that they will surely bring with them. As a “half-cowboy, half-Indian” person, I might be able to do that. By the time I get done with them, they are convinced I am a contemporary, but somewhat aged, version of Annie Oakley. It will be wonderful to spend the summer season in a place where the only “state of emergency” might be an intrusive grizzly bear or a guest falling off a gentle dude horse. In closing, I deeply thank all those who have been faithful readers and supporters of A Cheyenne Voice for all these years. I will miss most of you and so say “Sta-vah-sah-whooms” (I will see you again): Whether you like it or not. (Native Sun News Editor’s note: It is always a sad thing to see a newspaper close even if it only temporarily. Clara Caufield has not only been a blessing to Native Sun News, but a friend, enthusiastic supporter and a great journalist. For those who have tried so hard, running a newspaper is a tough job. Not only is there swift criticism that oftentimes far outweighs the kudos, but there is the task of working 80 hours per week for little or no pay. Tim Giago recalls that when he started the Lakota Times on the poorest county in America, the Pine Ridge Reservation’s then Shannon County, working 7 straight months, 7 days a week, without a day off and no pay. We wish Clara the best and we just might come up there and try some of her home cooking. She will continue to grace us with her writing and wisdom whenever she can and we appreciate it) (Clara Caufield can be reached at acheyennecvoice@gmail.com)
For more news and opinion, visit the all-new Native Sun News website: Putting A Cheyenne Voice to bed for a while Copyright permission Native Sun News
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