James "Magaska" Swan

 

 

 

UUWS Founder:

 

 

I'm a Native American Activist! (I try my best anyway) My father "Orlando Swan 4/4" from Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, “Whitehorse, S.D." where we are both enrolled members.

 

My mother " Dorothy (Marshall) Stewart 1/2" from Rosebud Sioux Tribe "Spring Creek"(enrolled member). We moved to the (High-Point, projects) in Seattle Washington after the 1972 Flood we were living in Lakota Homes at that time.

 

After Graduation from an all Indian High School "Indian Heritage High School" in 1979, I went into the "Navy" (Aviation survival equipment technician) and spent most of my time overseas (3-years). Traveling from country to country mostly in the Western Pacific region & spending a couple months off the coast of Iran. When I got out of the Navy, I received a "Bad Conduct Discharge" due to my lack of conformity to the rules and regulations of the military, I was accused of being mischievous … LOL. I did get an upgrade to Honorable after two years. My Discharge was for non-criminal offences.

 

I came back to Seattle went University of Washington I received a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, then worked in a Steel Mill as a Journeymen "Millwright" Mechanic, for the next 10-years. Then in 1992 I move back home to South Dakota (Never to Leave Again) … LOL. I have been a Fancy Dancer since I was 15-years old. I danced in the opening Ceremonies of the 1990 "Goodwill Games" in Seattle Washington, with "North American Dance theater". I was working on going Traditional (Getting old) but decided to advocate for Native rights. I Sun dance and have for the last 27 years. I have supported, local Native Activist groups and other Native Organizations for about 20-years here in Rapid City South Dakota and about 15-years in Seattle (with the "Leonard Peltier" Defense committee for about 3-years) back in the Mid-Late 70's. I am a life supporter of A.I.M. (American Indian Movement) My uncles and Family members have always either been in or supported A.I.M. It’s in our blood...LOL.

 

I started "United Urban Warrior Society" in 2010 and have been active in the group since. I have two daughters Tabitha & Quanah & four Grandchildren. Aside from a 40-hour week job as a Direct Support Professional (DPS) working with people with disabilities., I spend most of my free time on the computer managing & promoting U.U.W.S. and researching related issues on the net. I'm almost done with my first book called Iyeska. Its about native American activism. I am active in my spirituality. On a real personal note, I stopped smoking cigarettes about in 2009, stopped drinking in 2010 years ago. Never used drugs accept a smoking weed back then. stopped in 2009 I set my old habits and life down, picked up my Pipe (Chanupa) and simply just walked away and never looked back...I am by no means a perfect person and I know there is allot of haters out there, but I'm doing the best I can. I have no regrets and I thank Tunkasila for the strength courage to do this and I will continue doing what I am doing until the end....

 

~James "Magaska" Swan~