Greetings;

I am saddened by the controversy that is goiong on out there that I feel it is my responsibility to tell the truth about the situation concerning Mat and Jason. I have known Mat for many years, and have known Jason for several years.

When I came out to Sundance last year, Mat discussed with me what was going on with him and Jason. There was going to be a meeting with the Chief and Mark and Sugar, so Mat asked Ben Carnes and I, if we would be there to bear witness on what was said and done. We agreed to go with him.

What happened that evening was clear. Both men stated their positions, and after awhile they came to an agreement. Mat would dance and Jason would drum. No bad feelings. That night I believed everything to be resolved between them. The dance came and ended. Both men were seen talking and shaking hands after the dance.

Now I hear it has become a LISN issue, has been characterized as a LISN issue since the beginning, and is now is threatening the well being of your family, and the Sundance community. Both men know that it was never a LISN issue. It has always been an issue between two Head-strong individuals, nothing more, nothing less. To try to make it a LISN issue is wrong!

I hope that by speaking out this issue will come to an end. I remember that evening Mark, Sugar, and Chief Billy were going out of their way by not taking sides. Mat and Dawn were married at Tayac Territory, Mat has always been close to the Tayacs. Jason is a good friend of the family as well, therefore it was impossible for the people involved to take sides. The issue was resolved decently, fairly, and honestly. Each man was given a fair hearing and shook hands on it.

I have been involved with the Sundance since its beginning. I hope that my word is helpful in resolving the current conflict. Our prayers, from our Church Community are with you.

For our Earth Mother, I remain,

Tomas EagleBear

(Original letter on file with the Piscataway Indian Nation.)