Am I a FOOL for doing a Gratitude Friday today?!? You tell me...LOL

by Leland P. Morrill Adopted Native American Citizenship Affected by The REAL ID Act of 2005 on Friday, April 1, 2011 at 6:19pm

It's Gratitude Friday. 

I'm struggling with this one because it wasn't my best of weeks. 

First I'm going off topic, just facebooked my cousin Ryan who is in Iraq fighting for our freedom. To him THANK YOU. He is the son of my Aunt Kaye, my adopted father Stan Morrill's younger sister. That was the highlight of my day.

Second, my friend Troy who I leaned on heavily this week. Troy has been a great friend for 26+ years, He's heard  every triumph, struggle, brainstorm and witnessed the progress of my family research. He also witnessed this week a company failed that other partners, my parents and I invested in a few years ago & had promoted. Tuesday the  doors of that company closed. It was a short walk away from my adopted parents' home...actually about a mile, but close enough to walk given you have a luxury called time. Troy also has helped me cope with other family business difficulties, during our current Depression, by being a sounding board, talking about life and moving forward. I hope everyone of you have found great frends to turn to during life's ups and downs. Thanks Troy. 

My friend Troy (right) and I at the openning of the Mike O'Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge above Hoover Dam

Third, family both adopted and biological. My adopted sister Ginny (born Virginia Bitsui) and I last night spent about 3 hours on the phone & computer together. She lives in Magna Utah and I live in Los Angeles, California. She recounted her re-aquaintance with the Bitsui family, how her sister works for a hospital in Chinle, where they live, family dynamics, her struggle with understanding the culture and her want to learn Navajo and perhaps attending the "Navajo College".  We spent the majority of the three hours virtually "driving" through Chinle recounting childhood memories as foster children to the Morrills. From 1969 ot 1971 we lived behind the old LDS/Mormon Church close to Navajo Blvd & Indian Route 27. The hill behind the old church was our playground. My sister and I also virtually "drove" around Chinle up by the Hospital on Indian Route 102 and close to Chief Manuelito Blvd, up and down the Highway 191 past the new LDS/Mormon Church, the Shell Gas Station, A&W, Burger King & shopping center up north of Chinle where her natural family lives. We had alot of fun. It was great hearing her story that dated from 1992 until just a few years ago when she went to her nieces wedding in a hogan north of Chinle.

My sister I was adopted with on July 15, 1971 Ginny and I. Her biological family is the Bitsui's from the Chinle area.

My biological Uncle Bob also gave his word to write out and notorize a statement on my behalf to the Navajo Nation Office of Vital Statistics. He and my Aunt Ruth called me "conference call" and talked. I talked to my adopted mom today & she said she would do the same.

So, even though it seems like my private & professional life has plummeted as far as it can go, there still is a beacon of light, HOPE...and a ton of gratitude.

Thank you friends, family, fellow researchers, WWWpeeps for all the great info, for reading and especially to those who are there for me in my darkest hour before the dawn.

I feel loved and and extremely grateful.- Leland

__________________________________________________________________________

An update of my research. As you know I was adopted out of the Navajo Nation in 1971 with my sister Ginny. She was documented, I was not. I have had to struggle to figure out how to survive these past few years with on&off temporary State issued identification papers.  Not the plastic State issued ID/Drivers license but paper...like the ones you copy to. Here's what I always carry with me, a copy of my adoption papers & my paper ID in this black case.

YUP I carry this case with my adoption papers in it and my paper ID card just in case.

Try taking that to your job interview or favourite dance hall, bowling alley, venue, airport, bank, credit union or store..a paper id is not treated the same, very much second class. I can tell you from experience, no-one accepts it at first & you have to explain to them and point out that the paper temporary ID is really valid & then I back it up with a copy of my adoption papers. This is a loophole, a disparity when one is  adopted without a Navajo census number, certificate of indian blood or birth certificate, post REAL ID ACT of 2005 enacted January 01, 2010.

virtual driving along Window Rock Blvd today...Google Style

As you know the Window Rock Navajo Nation Vital Statistics Office was closed Monday Tuesday and Wednesday this  week so the wait was long to call back. I emailed Leonard Benally March 31 at 8:10am notifying him to expect a notorized affidavit from my Uncle Bob. I called in the afternoon just before 3pm. Leonard Benally and Alisia Milford were not in and Marge was acting Manager of the Window Rock Vital Statistics Office. We talked for a very long while she knew a Virgil Kirk who was born in 1923 talked about a Carolyn Kirk who is a Judge and several other Kirks. We also went over some of my research  verbally again & she checked some of my research. She said she would call Leonard tomorrow (Friday).

Today is Friday! TGIF!!

I called Leonard Benally and he hasn't received my Uncle Bob's notorized affidavit. Not too surprising because I've had problems with this office recieving mail before. Oddly enough Velma (keeper of the mail log) was there, she must be back from sick leave, now that I think of it, shoulda talked to her.  Anyhow we talked and I also told him I was going to a conference on April 8-9, 2011...next Friday and Saturday at UCLA School of Law. 

Robert Groves, Director of the U.S. Census, is scheduled to speak Saturday & also in attendance will be Chief Justice 

Alex Kozinski, Congresswoman Judy Chu and former Rep. Patrick Murphy from Pennsylvania who I met in March 2011.  I'm definately bringing my documentation and furthering my cause, intending to make an impression with them problems the Real ID Act of 2005 is inflicting on undocumented adopted Native Americans.

So, kids...next Friday the "Gratitude Friday" may be delayed until late Saturday evening....after I digest information shared through the conference.

Please LIKE my page. Please comment or make suggestions if you'd like! Thank you for reading!!  Leland P. Morrill

GRATITUDE FRIDAY! and AMAZING NEWS...you will want to read this entry! Comment please & LIKE my page!!

by Leland P. Morrill Adopted Native American Citizenship Affected by The REAL ID Act of 2005 on Friday, March 18, 2011 at 11:53am

Your note has been created.

Today is GRATITUDE FRIDAY! Also, RED FRIDAY (for the Troops) 

TGIF WWWpeeps. This week started well. I'll actually start with Saturday, as this is now Friday.

Saturday I attended a Human Rights Campaign Gala in Los Angeles. Had a great time, networked, blabbed on, etc. I also met with former U.S. Representative (PA) Patrick Murphy. We didn't really discuss in detail but he's aware of what I am going through now. That was my two cents for publicity for this page at the HRC Gala.

At the 2011 Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Gala March 2011 with former U.S. Representative Patrick Murphy

Monday I met with a biological cousin Matthew (Matt) downtown Los Angeles. He was here on his very first vacation with his wife. She was studying so I didn't get to meet her. Matt met me at Phillipes downtown Los Angeles. We then took the conversation to Placita Olvera. I showed him my documentation & he asked what he could do to help. I really couldn't think of anything as he doesn't live on the reservation. Throughout the week though, I thought, well geneology and pictures would be great. I presented the geneology idea in an email. He's still on vacation so I haven't heard back  yet. I also read some of his blog because I got stuck in my research & needed some diversion & actually found inspiration & renewed energy from it, THANKS MATTHEW!

My uncle...

**********GREAT INTERUPTION HERE!!!*****************

Gwen Granados from NARA (National Archives and Records Administration) just called me back from the Perris California office. She needs Linda Carolyn Kirk's death date. She wasn't able to release information but I asked, can you say YES or NO? So I confirmed some of my research. 

• December 17, 1943 is Linda Carolyn Kirk's birth date
• Alice Kirk was her mother and died in 1964. Alice moved to California and may be buried here instead of Arizona or New Mexico. Gwen told me that Alice was previously married to an Abraham McCabe perhaps in 1958-1959. 
• Harry Kirk was Linda's father on record so more research on that.
• Linda does have a census number but now I need to provide a death date for that to be released. 
• Linda also attended Phoenix Indian school in the summer of 1960!!! Gwen can't release any records until she has confirmation of Linda Carolyn Kirks' death date.

I told Gwen Linda worked at the Federal Building in Albuquerque so she probably has a social security number. Gwen said the Social Security Administration has a death index and to try Albuquerque & do a few years search if I don't have a date of death. So...yet another lead.

WOWZERZ and Double WOWZERZ!!

I started to say something about Uncle Bob.

Uncle Bob and Aunt Ruth spent much of last Sunday on the phone & internet. Also on Saturday they went to the Ganado Community Cemetary to look for a grave. Most had been vandalized so that was unfortunate. They also attended a family potluck & asked around, no new information. Sunday, Aunt Ruth said St Michaels Catholic Church may have kept cemetary records...so I called and talked to Brother John. I had previously written to Father Flann but never received a response. Brother John talked to Father Flann & no death date. SO, I asked about birth information. Quite a few minutes later, 86 year old Father Flan came up with a Linda Carolyn Kirk born December 17, 1943. WOW..progress. I also asked about my info, nothing there, at least we have the Linda info. Uncle Bob was going to have Aunt Barbara in Albuquerque try and visit the San Domingo Pueblo and try to find out information for Edward "Eddie" Kirk (who we think is my biological father). 

That's it for this entry. So, if any of you out there are also searching, think about contacting Nara http:www.nara.gov about Indian Boarding School records for ancestors. Keep in mind you need Birth, Death info to access the actual records. 

So today being GRATITUDE FRIDAY, I'm thankful to have met Matthew, my cousin, Thankful for Gwen's info from NARA and her guidance, Thankful to Uncle Bob and Aunt Ruth for their search, time, questioning of relatives & also info to get me to St Michaels. Thankful for Father Flann & Brother John of St Michaels for providing verbal birth information. Thankful to Cyndy Taylor for connecting me to Uncle Bob and Aunt Ruth and her continual inquiries about my research.  Also, to all those hidden people who I don't know the names of...oh all the people from Nara, from Ft Worth, Denver, San Bruno and Perris because they came through and sent me office to office until I talked to Gwen this morning (Friday March 18,2011) 

I am grateful!  TGIF indeed. 

LELAND here. I just found out though to use the Social Security Death Index a subscription price of $995.00 has to be paid. So, another financial hurdle...yup it's expensive to do all this.

http://www.ntis.gov/products/ssa-online.aspx

Anyone wanna donate?!? email: lelandpmorrill@gmail.com 

HELLO!

HELLO
pondering over my personal state of affairs
out the window I see weeds growing without dirt
on the roof of a building, no sprinklers, no shade,
most of the leaves are "burned" or dried off,
but
they still thrive.
"I" right now :

• Being self employed in a Depression
• Overcoming hurdles from one sovereign nation to another
• Attempting to enroll into the Navajo Nation with incomplete paper documentation, Mostly verbal.
• Fighting hard to retain my United States Citizenship which is temporary until July 13, 2011
• Overcoming legal issues, bills,  and providing as much information as I need to move forward
• Blogging, making others aware of my own citizenship cause and realizing there are many more
• from many walks of life
• Maintaining relationships with people currently helping me with every aspect of my life as I move forward
• Counting on core friends and aquaintances familiar with my situation for decades, leaning on them

HARD...many times.
GRATEFUL

• Hoping those who I don't communicate do not take the absense incorrectly.
• Searching and finding people willing to help, assigning them tasks and inquiring about their resources.
• Maintaining a balance with my adopted family while discovering an exciting new family The Kirks.
• Verbalizing evidence, paperwork found, documentation needed to forcast further research, finding more resources

HELLO JELLO,
Yes it's tiring, 18 hour days minimum, 20 on a good day.
Breaks?!? What are those?
The balance act of stress, time management, advertising, blogging, researching, phone tags, making others aware of what needs to be done, an order. Creating documentation of my path...STRESS.

Then I think of these plants, no shade, sprinklers,  what they must be going through...10 on a roof growing through cracks high above the city of angels.
HELLO STRESS,
welcome
IT's MY TURN.

by Lele

I talked to my Biological Uncle Bob last night!!!! I rewrote my personal history. My adopted mom Gwena Morrill was on mark.

Last night (March 02,2011) I was able to talk to my biological Uncle Bob.

My biological Uncle Bob

(click on image to enlarge)

I am still reeling from just the honor to be able to talk to blood relatives. Being adopted that is a pinnacle moment in personal history. He told me about my mother Linda Kirk, about her paternal clan "The Tangle Clan" and Maternal Clan "Many Goats Clan" tentatively my father's clan "San Felipe Clan" . I must have asked a hundred questions to which Uncle Bob was way too polite to answer. Many had to do with my mother, my research, I openned up research notes and just went down the line of thirty plus people with the surname KIRK, some related by blood some with the same last name with other relations through marriages, etc. 

I also found out that my adopted mom, Gwena Morrill's account wasn't too far off. I felt bad reading her statement that my little brother Christopher was dead. Bob & everyone else thought I was the one who was dead. 

My Uncle Bob was in Junior High School in Ganado when my mom was in a car accident in Albuquerque New Mexico. They received a call from the hospital in Albuquerque stating she had been in an auto accident and was in critical condition. There was no transportation or money to get to Albuquerque, New Mexico from Ganado, Arizona so no one went. She died there and her body was transported back to Ganado Arizona where she is now buried. 

Just writing that last paragraph makes my heart ache. No one may have been there at the hospital by my mom Linda Kirk's side when she was in pain and died. What a travesty.

Meanwhile, I'm assuming Christopher and I were in Albuquerque and this may be when I was placed in the Saint Anthony's Orphanage in Albuquerque.

My adopted mother had St Anthony's  information on a scrap of paper that has survived these 40 plus years. Somehow Christopher and I ended back up in Arizona. My little brother Christopher ended up somewhere with "relatives" at some point and this is what my adopted mom Gwena Morrill wrote (and what I read to Uncle Bob):

" We were told you had a younger brother named Christopher that lived with John Kirk and his wife.  I don't recall her name.  Their son (I can't think of his name, but he was maybe 5 to 8 years older than you) told me about Christopher.  I was taking him home from seminary in the seminary van.  I had you and Virginia with me.  You would have been 3 or 4.  I was thinking he was 10, but can't remember for sure.  He asked me if you were Leland Kirk.  I said yes.  He then told me your little brother Christopher had lived with them.  He said something like this. "One night when he went to bed, he was fine.  The next morning he was dead so we moved."-Gwena Morrill Fri, Feb 11, 2011 at 3:16 PM

My little brother Christopher, may he rest in peace knowing he is not forgotten, is deceased. 

Somehow the messages got mixed up on the Kirk side of the family because they thought I was deceased/dead. Thankfully I am with the living.

Around that time according to my mom, Gwena Morrill:

"Welfare told us you'd been living with your grandparents in the sheep camp.  We later learned it was your mother's grandparents.  It kind of seems like their name was Pacheco, but our friend said Andy(?) said your name was Kirk.

 it was there that you were in a fire.  Your (great) grandfather was blind. Your (great) grandmother went out with the sheep.  They lived in a hogan with an open fire pit.  You walked into the fire and was burned.  That was our understanding of why you were in the hospital for 2 months before being placed with us."-Gwena Morrill Fri, Feb 11, 2011 at 3:16 PM

Uncle Bob cannot recall a sheep camp so that was puzzling to him. They didn't know where Christopher and I were for a while & I (Leland Pacheco Kirk) was presumed dead at some point. 

After being in a fire, according to my health records obtained during research, I went to the Keams Canyon Arizona PHS INDIAN HOSPITAL on June 16,1969  with foot burns, a broken arm (dislocated "Ankylosis" right  elbow that was never reset correctly), and of course severe malnutrition.  I was transfered from there after one month (I think that's what "RTC 1Mo." means) to the Gallup New Mexico Indian Hospital "Gallup 802" on July 19,1969.  I stayed there until I was placed into a foster home on September 19,1969.

That foster family is Stanley  and Gwena  Morrill. I went back for a check up in Gallup one last time on October 21, 1969. I also have hospital records that date until May 28, 1970.

My sister Virginia Bitsui and I (Leland Pacheco Kirk) were adopted on July 15,1971.

REMEMBER I was adopted without:

• a Certificate of Navajo Blood,
• a Birth Certificate,
• a Census Number,

no trace to the Navajo Nation except a Final Judgement of Adoption issued in the Trial Court of the Navajo Tribe; Judicial District of Chinle Arizona.

• Judge Joe G Bennalley was the Judge, Trial Court of the Navajo Tribe
• Pearl Baautista was the Clerk, Courts of the Navajo Tribe who signed my final adoption papers without notifiying the Kirk family in any way.

My mother, Gwena Morrill did apply for a Birth Certificate and that application still sits in a file where Alisia Millford of the Window Rock Navajo Office of Vital Records verified that document still sits after 40 years, never answered or followed up by any member of the Navajo Nation Tribal Court system.

July 16, 1971 Virginia, me and my baby brother Shaun who'd been adopted in Phoenix  moved with the Morrills to Burford Ontario Canada. I think we stopped over at my new Uncle and Aunt Tony & Viola Monk's in Chicago on the way...could be wrong on that one. 

We talked all about my growing up. About what little details of Linda Kirk and Kirk family history and relatives.

It was an amazing conversation. I hope EVERY READER is able to experience the candid conversation with a blood relative of all the research, how long they've looked for you and how long you've looked for them. I hope my story finds some media attention through my blog and facebook page so others can find the resources and ways to research based on my story.  I thank each and everyone who reads these blog/note entries because the more exposure comes of Native Americans Affected by THE REAL ID ACT of 2005, the more people can be helped.

There were others who I had written to throughout the years:

1. Catholic Pator/Rev Blane Grein, OFM Chinle Arizona---no reply or response
2. Rev Flann O'Neil OFM, Ganado Arizona---no reply or response
3. Rev Gilbert Schneider OFM Fort Defiance AZ ---no reply

STILL I NEVER GAVE UP... YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO GIVE UP, it is YOUR HISTORY and YOUR PEOPLE!

I'm fortunate. My Uncle Bob has agreed to help me obtain what documents I need, even agreeing to go to Window Rock the Navajo Nation Capitol to assist and ask why these documents were not given.

I thank him in advance for this. I also gained an aunt Aunt Ruth, who will most likely read this blog and note! I am blessed to know the both of them after 42 years.

Thank you again.

Leland Pacheco Morrill born Leland Pacheco Kirk

My mom's paternal clan "The Tangle Clan" and My mom's Maternal Clan "Many Goats Clan" tentatively my father's clan "San Felipe Clan"

(I HAVE TO LEARN HOW TO SAY THAT RIGHT) Sorry no offense intended. I'm just doing a quick re-entry into the Navajo Customs.

UTAH DMV Evil or Good? You tell me...I'm Illegal...or not. I'm NAVAJO!

INSIDE: Salt Lake Fair Park Office DMV
(click on picture to enlarge)

I went to the Salt Lake Fair Park Office Tuesday January 11, 2011. Because of the new The REAL ID ACT of 2005  Law that took effect a year ago I have to prove my birth, well I'd been working on this and then my "temporary" 6 month State issued Drivers License expired. I came back to Salt Lake Fair Park Office to renew and (the supervisor) "JOYCE" was at the entrance counter denying people left and right.

The Fair Park DMV has a high minority population it services, I saw this disparity. I thought to myself: "I hope I don't get that lady!" Sure enough, after she denied the lady in front of me her print-out from the local Social Security Office as one proof of residency I knew I might have a problem. A print-out from the Social Security office used to be valid, especially in the case where one lost their wallet and might have to wait weeks for that department to send a new card in the mail.

My turn at the "entrance" counter with "JOYCE" (NOTE: I didn't know her name yet nor that she was a supervisor). I've been trying to obtain a State issued Birth Certificate but being born on a Navajo Reservation without documentation of the birth, it's been difficult. I had several different documents I knew wouldn't work but a previous supervisor said as long as I'd bring those in they'd renew my Utah Drivers License for an additional temporary period of 6 months.
This lady, Joyce (later found to be a supervisor) looked at me at my documents, said: "I want to see evidence you've talked with the Arizona Vital Statistics." I pulled out an Arizona "birth certificate" receipt. She then told me that's all she wanted to see. I attempted to show her more but then she said "Are you trying to create trouble?" I said no, but that I had more documents. She then gave me a numbered ticket (like you get at butcher counter), told me to go wait for my number to be called, which I did. As soon as my number was called I went to that DMV Clerk Counter. I started talking to the clerk. Out of the corner of my eye saw Joyce come round. She stood directly behind the clerk. She then said I was creating trouble and to extend my Utah Drivers License ONE MONTH ONLY. The clerk gave me a "What did you do?" look and Joyce watched his every move from behind, keystrokes and screen as he printed out my one month paper temporary Utah Drivers License Extension.

I left, somewhat disappointed and VERY FRUSTRATED wondering who to call. Well my friend JIM had some connections so, on the cellphone I called. He agreed to meet with me and we met at the Gateway Mall. I also met his brother Joe. Between the two of them , they called (D) Utah Senator Gene Davis, told him of my plight. He called Forrest Cutch, UT Director of Indian Affairs who called Nannette Rolfe, Director of UT D.M.V. and her staff personnel called me. By then we were at JIM's office in Murray. The next day (Wednesday) I was told my Utah D.M.V. contact was Jill Laws. I called and told her the above. She had me fax my documents to her. She then arranged for me to speak to another Utah D.M.V. supervisor "JOHN" at the same Salt Lake Fair Park Office D.M.V. Thursday Jan 13, 2011 I went in again at 7a.m. John helped me along with a clerk and I received my 6 month paper Drivers License Extension. He also scanned my documents as per Jill Laws. Once finished, I left but not before pointing out my Joyce (the supervisor).

I tell my account because:

1. The DMV needs to know there are variances that were overlooked by THE REAL ID ACT of 2005. and also this  may help other Native Americans/Illegal/ and others understand they are not the only ones who are mistreated at State DMV's.
2. I never knew there was a Navajo Nation Vital Statistics Office, Forrest Cutch told me and how to contact them. 
3. H.R. 418: THE REAL ID ACT of 2005 requires proof of U.S. Citizenship, I am Navajo, native american without a birth certificate bc my birth wasn't recorded BUT I was adopted through the Navajo Nation Childrens Court, have numerous Indian Hospital records showing my birth and proof of indian blood (100%), my Navajo Nation Final Decree of Adoption. THESE ARE NOT STATE ISSUED, so they do not count as proof of U.S. citizenship/lawful presence.

If anyone ever run across Native Americans having a problem:

1. The  State D.M.V. may not know about a Native American Vital Statistics and H.R. 418: THE REAL ID ACT of 2005 does not refer back to Native Americans and their resources.
2. Native Americans may not know that the State may have a Director of Indian Affairs to assist with supplying documentation toward getting an "Indian" census card or "Tribal" birth certificate/record.  I hope this information helps others & that it helps pave a path for Native Americans in EVERY United State of America.

Remember you cannot do this on your own, here are the names of some people who helped me:

Forrest Cutch Director, Utah Division of Indian Affairs

Nannette Rolfe, Director, Utah Department of Public Safety Drivers License Division P.O. Box 144501. Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4501
nrolfe@utah.gov

Jill Laws Utah Department of Public Safety Drivers License Division
Phone 801-964-3369
Fax 801-964-4482

NOTE: a special thanks goes to my friend JIM: James A. Gonzales of Salt Lake, who's political connections helped me with this process.

DMV Supervisor JOYCE wrote:

"Extend for one month only"

in the "Examiner Notes and Completed Date Stamp" box.

Attached are the two "tickets" for my "visits" to the UTAH DMV Fair Park Office.

(click on picture to enlarge)

*If you would like to contribute, have vital information that will help, please email lelandpmorrill@gmail.com using the subject line:Adoption: Leland Kirk