Ishi the Last Stone Age Indian

Whereas Ishi, the last reported Yahi Californis Indian, has widespread national appeal and significance because:

1) Ishi symbolizes the Native Indian American's struggle nationwide and by virtue of his inner strength, was a survivor and preserver of the Native "old Ways" (values) and ancient arts:

(2) Nationwide newspaper coverage documented his arrival on Aughst 28, 1911, as America's last reported Stone Age Indian, at what was then the outskirts of the City of Oroille, Butte County, California;

(3) Nationwide newspaper coverage documented both the discovery in1998 of Ishi's Brain, having been kept in the Smithsonian Institution for over82 years, and Ishi's repatriation ceremony back to the Ishi Wilderness in mid-July 2000,

(4) Members of traditional archery associations nationwide and internationally vererate Ishi as the master bowyer and teacher of this ancient art,

(5) Ishi's saga also has been documented in several non-fiction books, novels, film documentaries, screen plays, and in live theater and circulated nationwide: (6) Lastly, Dr.T.Pope wrote about Ishi,

"And so, alone and unafraid, departed the Last Wild Indian of America. He closes a chapter in history. He looked upon us as sophisticated children --smart, but not wise. We knew many things and much that is false. He knew nature, which is always true. His were the qualities of character that last forever. He was kind; he had courage and self-restraint, and though all had been taken from him, there was no bitterness in his heart. His soul was that of a child, his mind that of a philosopher" (T.Kroeber 1961: 237-238);

Now therefore, we, the undersigned respectfully petition the U.S. Postal Service to issue on 28 August 2011 a U.S. Commemorative postal stame in honor of Ishi.