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My name is William Speer

I was born in Weed, California .  I joined the navy in 1964 and I am a Vietnam Vet.  My wife, Lynda and I, have been together for 40 years.  Together we have four children, Frank, Andrea, Wendy, and  Billy.  We also have many grandchildren and even a few great grandchildren.

It took 30 years to prove my Shasta Indian heritage.  My grandmother never wanted us to tell anyone that we were Indians.  I found out that my grandmother, her brothers and sisters were all taken away from their mother when they were young, by the B.I.A.  They were split up and some of them went to Greenville Indian School .  While others, went to Riverside Indian School , and Oregon Indian Schools . 

My grandmother’s brother Liberty , some how died at an Oregon Indian School .  This is why my grandmother never wanted to talk about being an Indian.  She was afraid the B.I.A would come and take her children away.

Many of our people have been taught to be ashamed.  We have lost our lands-our language-our fishing and hunting right, and many of our customs.  I want this to change!  This is why I am on the Shasta Indian Council.  I know if our tribe works together, we can reach our goals.  I want our children, grandchildren, and our great-grandchildren to look back and be proud of who they are, and who their ancestors were.

William Speer Sr.

Council Member
Shasta Indian Nation

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