Hello to all my Creek Nation brothers and sisters. Let me just first explain that I am a mix blood. My father is from the Upper Creek Family and my mother is of unknown Cherokee ancestory. I was raised to try to "act white" try to "talk white" and whatever I do don't mention my hunting tendacies. I just recently graduated Auburn University w/ a four year degree in Criminology. I have been trying for over 6 years now to become employed with the Alabama Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources. This dept is a prime example of "good ole white boy jim crow still exists" mentality. The men in this dept have become scared of me for several reasons. The primary reasons are because I am a female, a hunter, a disabled (but skilled) individual, and finally a pissed off mix blood. A while back my recruiter asked me what was my race? I said white ( that's the best answer in Alabama ) I could tell he expected white and something else. When I told him I was also indian he immediantly asked me if I had a IBA number. I told him no of course not remember our history? Well then I was upset. He told me had I had a IBA number then the dept would have to hire me. Well Creek Nation I love ya'll. I wish ya'll would come back! I have stomped the hills of the Coosa Valley and the Talladega National Forests for over a decade and I still feel the presence of my ancestors. What I can not beleive though is how NA people have resorted to a white mans methodology of geneology record keeping and NA profiling. I will look one day in my spare time ( when I am not fighting the gov ) and go and try to get my Great Great Grandmothers name and prove my authenticity. However I don't have time and I don't think genetics necessarily make someone Indian. I think it is how we beleive, live, work, and play that makes us Indian. I am a 27 year old woman who can hunt, trap, fish, clean, cook and run a home. However unfortunately I have learned though my best tool for fighting government is education. As a result I am also educated at the insistence and expense of white men. However the state of Alabama may have educated me but I still refuse to work until they turn me back loose out in my woods. If I was a white male or a government recognized NA then I would already be out there but since I am exactly opposite the opportunity to get back into my woods is severly lessened. Anyway I didn't come on here to tell you a sob story but I did come on here to tell you that some of us were left behind in the home mountains of the Coosa Valley and wish everyday for our lost family and love ones to come back and help fight the government. The battle is still ongoing.