Before you forward me the next mean-spirited email about how President Obama and the Democrats are Socialists and out to destroy the country, I want you to read this cartoon and look deep within yourselves and ask, WWJD (like it says on your bracelets)?

Then if you still want to send the email, at least I won’t feel so bad about deleting it without reading it.

Originally posted on the Jobsanger blog.

Here we are with Honor Society before their concert. Nephew Andrew is on the right.

We got a chance to visit with our nephew, Andrew Lee, and his band, Honor Society, before their concert Tuesday night at the Varsity theater in Dinkytown. We had not met Andrew before, so it was good to finally put a face to all the stories we’ve been hearing from his Uncle Dave. Andrew and his bandmates couldn’t have been nicer and politely posed for pictures with us. The band put on a great show — Uncle Dave was right, these guys are very talented. I didn’t realize what a big deal they had become until I checked out their Facebook page and found the video of them singing the national anthem at the NFL Pro Bowl game. The band also sang the anthem at the Twins game on Wednesday. These guys are really on their way up. Check them out on Facebook, Twitter or, better yet, buy their music on iTunes. Tell them Uncle Art sent you….

Our nephew Andrew singing with Honor Society on Tuesday

Singer Michael Bruno performs with Honor Society

Outside the Varsity theater in Minneapolis before the show

We lost another strong Indian woman this week, my good friend and colleague, Minnie Two Shoes. Minnie was a journalist and a strong presence in the Twin Cities American Indian community. She pressed me into service a few months ago to help her plan this summer’s Native American Journalists Association conference in St. Paul. She said those magic words she knew would work with me: “Come over to the Circle office. There’ll be food. Ehhhhhhh.” The first meeting I attended started with frybread from the Wolves Den (the best in town) and Minnie’s own buffalo stew and wojapi. I ate and laughed until I couldn’t see straight. She had me at frybread.

NAJA just won’t be the same without Minnie, her laugh, her energy, her wisdom, her presence. But we should all be comforted by the fact that a new generation of native reporters, writers, photographers and artists has been nurtured by her love, strength and passion for telling our stories in our own words.

I’m going to miss you like hell Minnie. Much love and safe journey to the Creator.

Wilma and I got a chance to visit on her trip to Minneapolis a few years ago.

Wilma Mankiller, the first elected woman chief of my nation, walked on this morning. All of us who were inspired by her beautiful strength, her profound love for the Cherokee nation and its citizens, her passion and determination to make life better for all Indian people will miss her terribly. When I look at my daughters confidently walking the path to adulthood, sure of who they are as young native women, I thank Wilma for her example and her inspiration. A lot of people talk about the concept of “servant leadership.” Wilma lived that life.

Here is what President Obama had to say about Wilma’s passing:

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Wilma Mankiller today. As the Cherokee Nation’s first female chief, she transformed the Nation-to-Nation relationship between the Cherokee Nation and the Federal Government, and served as an inspiration to women in Indian Country and across America. A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, she was recognized for her vision and commitment to a brighter future for all Americans. Her legacy will continue to encourage and motivate all who carry on her work. Michelle and I offer our condolences to Wilma’s family, especially her husband Charlie and two daughters, Gina and Felicia, as well as the Cherokee Nation and all those who knew her and were touched by her good works.

And here is a statement from our current chief, Chad Smith:

Our personal and national hearts are heavy with sorrow and sadness with the passing this morning of Wilma Mankiller. We feel overwhelmed and lost when we realize she has left us, but we should reflect on what legacy she leaves us. We are better people and a stronger tribal nation because her example of Cherokee leadership, statesmanship, humility, grace, determination and decisiveness.

Click here for a tribute from the Cherokee Nation.

Below is a video by my friend Paul DeMain, interviewing another good friend, Mark Trahant, about his memories of Wilma. The pictorial essay at the end of the video, featuring music from the Cherokee Nation Choir, left me with a lump in my throat. Nice work, Paul, Kim and all the rest at News From Indian Country.

Finally, I wanted to leave you with Wilma’s view of her legacy. Her words were spot on, as always.

I want to be remembered as the person who helped us restore faith in ourselves.

wado atsilvsgi ale donadagohvi. tohiyi.