The Locator - Troy Dunn

Dear Mr.Troy Dunn,

We are writing to you from Chicago, IL. We are a Native American interfaith spiritual center, here for the Indian community since 1982. Our good friend, Bill Buchholtz, came to us several years ago--serving us with his gifts and talents--never holding back. One day a Native Elder from our community gifted him with a flute, saying "Here Bill, you have Native blood; you can play this Native flute." He plays as beautifully as any Native American who is playing professionally--and he plays with heart and spirit. He has played for weddings, funerals, graduations, Confirmations, cultural presentations, churches, professionals, and for elite events, etc.

Bill has proven that he has Native blood through DNA tests; he cannot document the fact that he has Native heritage because there is no designation on his birth certificate that his father is Indian. He knows his father's name: Joseph L. Allison. Shortly after he was born, his mother gave him up for adoption. He only learned that he was adopted because of an argument that broke out at his grade school play ground. He was nine years old when he heard the truth. Now he longs to know the rest of the story, and has been blocked at every turn. This is disheartening. His deepest desire is to be connected to his original identity. Nothing can fill this void.

He has no social security number for his biological father, and can go no further in his research. He has tried to go many routes--even trying through the Department of Defense--the U. S. Navy--but every route is a dead-end because he has no social security number for his biological father. His mother is deceased, and possibly his father. But he has no way of knowing this. There are other siblings, but these folks do not want any contact. Bill wants nothing from them except information about his roots.

We were very excited to find out about the miracles that you and your program assistants have done in finding the roots and relatives of many others. Could you please help our friend, Bill. He has not been accepted as being "authentic" because he cannot obtain a tribal I. D. card. What is blocking him is the absence of his father's social security number. As we understand it, he has a right to a nationality and information about his genetics. This would give him great peace! Please help in any way you can.

Please see his website:www.playingfromspirit.org. He hasn't a mean bone in his body; however, he is challenged on many levels for playing Native flute beautifully and well. This would be the best gift he could ever receive! This could be the greatest gift our Center could ever pray for!

Thank you for reading our letter of request for our good friend, Bill Buchholtz! Please let us know if there is anything we can do to assist. Bill has many Native American Indian friends who support him in this life-long quest.

Florence D.(Mohawk) has said to him: "I'm very proud of you and your playing--and how willing you are to share it."

Inez Running Bear Dennison (Rosebud Sioux) and Irene Big Eagle (Odawa) have said, "I would give you encouragement, Bill. There is still something out there that can help. Your birth-father needs prayers to come forward and come to his senses." To Mr. Dunn: "This man needs help. Please help him."

The above Elders are strong members of the Chicago Indian community. They are continuing to pray that you, Mr. Dunn, help to find his birth-father. You are his last hope!

Sincerely,

Sr. Patricia Mulkey, OSF, Director
Georgina Debassige-Roy (Ojibway) Assistant Director
Anawim Center - Chicago, IL anawimcenter.org
773-561-6155