Obituary of John Houston Talley II

John Houston Talley, a Mohawk and the radio host of Portland's "Indian World" on KBOO radio for 33 years, passed into the spirit world on March 25, 2012. He was 81 years old. John was an icon in the Portland Area Indian community. His work at KBOO was volunteer, and when asked why, he replied: “People say, ‘Well, why do you do that for no money?’ And I say, ‘Because people need the communications. They need the service.’ And that’s my gift to the community.” John used his show to tell news from Indian Country, and to promote Native American musicians, authors, artists and causes. He mentored other Native Americans who learned from him how to host a radio show. At the time of his 25th anniversary on the radio, John was interviewed by Indian Country Today: [At the time of his] 25th anniversary show, Talley [said] he ... realized, looking back, how productive the show [had] been and what a difference it made in Indian country. Through a different kind of activism he helped contribute to Native people getting involved in political campaigns and issues from education to economics. He has helped Native artists sell their work, Native writers sell their books and Native musicians promote their music. [in 2000, he said he wanted ] to dedicate the show to people who follow the traditional ways and the youths who are his hope for the future. “One of the things ‘Indian World’ has tried to do is to take the traditional Indian values and show how they are still valid in this year ... To respect the earth, don’t litter, recycle, preserve things. Respect the elders and take care of the children. … These things are very important … and it’s very valuable that we maintain perspective in these things and realize the positive things that our people have contributed.” John was a former co-chair of AIM's local chapter in Seattle, and brought food and medical supplies to the siege at Wounded Knee. He was proud to say he was arrested for his efforts, but never charged. During his life, he served on the boards of multiple non-profits, including the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA), the Bow and Arrow Culture Club in Portland, and the Portland Regional Telecommunication Corporation (PRETC). John was a veteran of the US Army during the Korean War. He served three tours in Korea. John said that it was during this time that he developed a life-long love of Indian food which he credited to being stationed with troops from India during one of their holidays and sharing meals with them. John was raised in Syracuse, NY, by Bertha Talley, whose family embraced him as one of their own. John is survived by his sister, Catherine Everhart Conrad, of Florida, 13 nieces and nephews, and dozens of great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and numerous close friends. John's late parents were Julia Gray Everhart and John Talley, Sr. His late brothers were Elmer Everhart, Ernst Everhart and Harvey Everhart. His late sisters were Florence Everhart Gates and Geraldine Everhart. John's life will be celebrated on Friday, May 25, at 2:30 p.m. at Portland State University's Native American Student and Community Center. The MC will be Terry Cross of NICWA. Family, many artists and friends from the Portland area and beyond will gather to remember John. Musicians who could not attend sent musical tributes, including songs from Gary Small and Joanne Shenandoah. Others will perform, tell stories, read poetry and offer remembrances of John as part of the event. Volunteers and friends from the Portland area, and John's family have planned this event as a group to celebrate the life and memory of their relative, dear friend and mentor. A private burial in Willamette National Cemetery will be held. John's family will gather again later in the year at Akwesasne to remember him. The family asks that those who wish can make contributions to the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) in John's name. Arrangements by Crown Memorial Center - Tualatin