Responses to the Declaration:
War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality

November 4, 1999 to Present

The following are responses to the statment concerning the exploitation of Lakota ceremonies. Anyone is free to submit a response to this statement provided you include explicit permission to post the statement to the internet. Each response must be individually processed by the web masters so please be patient if this process takes a little time. We ask that people be respectful in their responses and address the issues and not individual persons.

Due to the size of the responses I have divided them into smaller sections. You may read the most recent responses below in reverse chronlogy (newest to oldest). There are also archives of comments:

You may also refer back to the site with the original statement. This will help those of you who visit frequently to check for new postings.

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From: Lowe, Dawn dawn.lowe@corp.rmi.net
Sent: Saturday, August 26, 2000

You have my permission to print this, thank you.

WOW, where to begin. i guess i can only look at my self in regards to this. i would be termed a wannabe... A person who has spent her whole life searching for The Great Spirit and the right path to him. If thats the red road than fine.

My first encounter with a medicine person, was a Lakotah elder and he was out there teaching and doing sweats with whites and Indians alike. He loved people, he helped people, not skin color. He did vision Quests and so forth- he did what he was supposed to do for the Creator- he healed people.

My next incounter with a Lakotah Medicine Person was a bad one. He did a vision quest for all peoples of race. i watched white women married to indian men, scramble around in the rain getting their skirts wet trying to make a feast for the returning questers. The indian women were dry, under a big tree laughing at them

He wanted complete loyaty to him to be given, no matter what the emotional and spiritual expense. He was and still is high up on that pedistal with many Natives and white people bowing to his authority. He broke apart many faimlies(mine included). I was so desperate to find that part of myself lost long ago by my relatives fear of judjment. That i allowed this man rulership of me. i guess this would be a cult if you thought about it. A cult run by a fullblooded Indian-Lakotah Indian.

Later when the cerimony was done we went to pine ridge. There was a sweat being held by one of my Lakotah friend's uncle. He was selling entrance fees for a couple hundred per head. The people that were just comming out when we arrived. They were all visiting from Europe.

From the beautiful medicine elders and peace keepers to the ugliest, i have seen both. Like all humans around the world there is good and bad in all races. The Native Americans have one of the last remaining cultures that could possibly save everyone on this planet- and now a few want to hold on to it, like holding on to water, with your fist. I guess i don't understand.

BlackElk talked about a day when everyone of every color would be dancing under the sacred tree. In fact the Buffalo calf Miracle was born to a white faimly. And Medicine Wheel was shot by a Lakotah.

i have been at the end of ugly jokes and reverse discrimination so many times. My own faimly has spent sleepless nights and much sorrow because of both whites and indians alike. i am half indian half white, and i feel so much for both of my peoples. i have watched many friends suffer because of the Wiccans as well. and many of us seekers have suffered from Christans. Many of my Celtic friends have been turned away by their own kinds exclusiveness. Just like many of my half indian brothers and sisters.

Will this turn my heart-no, i do not surve Wicca or Native America or Christians. I serve Creator. And creator leads me. Sometimes I do forget to listen and i fall, or i get hurt by my brothers and sisters self rightious judgments.

When i saw this Declaration, it hurt. How can anyone put a measure on the Great Spirit-or that beautiful Lakotah healer i first mentioned. Many wrong things have been done by people everywhere to people everywhere. You cannot go anywhere on this globe and not find a crime or tragedy caused by one human to another. We can all take that pain and heal the wounds, or we can keep throwing salt on it like this "Declaration" does.

So as I look out at this polluted world from my corporate window, i think of the good in the future that our children can bring. i think of the writers of the declaration, and pray quietly from my cubical for their wounds to heal. i pray for those that caused them such misery as well. i pray for all the elders and the peace keepers that so many of us in all nations and cultures have forgotten, that they all be blessed with love and remember the source of all. i pray for balance for all of my brothers and sisters and peace to the ones that have hurt all the seekers. Only love can change the evil that all peoples do to their brothers and sisters. And, we can sit here till the Earth wants us no more and then cry out to the creator for help as one voice; or we can become one voice raised in love to The Great Spirit. Itherway we will all be asking for the creator, no matter which spoke of the wheel we choose.

Humbly yours D. T.

Thanks for printing this and anyone who wants can reach me at Bearchant@yahoo.com

YES!! Please Post it, and with my deepest thanks

Yes, you have my permission to post this response.

I fully support the Lakota standing up to non-initiates who claim to be teaching, or worse, selling, their sacred ceremonies and tools. As an initiate in my tradition, I am obliged to do the same when I see or hear of someone trying to use the name or ceremonies of the Order I belong to without proper training and initiation. While my tradition does not have the familial ties that the Lakota tradition has to its initiates, the principle is the same...sacred ways belong to the people that they were given to and earned by, and should not be shared without that people's consent or lightly given to those who do not deserve them.

Now the question is...who is entitled to give that consent? Who takes the responsibility for checking that initiates are properly trained or authorized to the spiritual authority they claim? It is a confusing world for non-Lakota...one person says that they are authorized to share teachings, another says that the person sharing teachings is a fraud. Some people go to great lengths to share cultural stories and promote interest and understanding of how much Native Americans have contributed to American culture, and ask non-indigenous people to take a great role in helping the general American public to realize that; others are offended if a non-indigenous person speaks of Native issues at all. Until there is greater agreement from Lakota and native people on the subject, this confusion can only continue.

I agree that commercialism is one of the worst aspects of the new religious movements, and it's not good for anyone, Lakota or otherwise. Many people, however, who are being dismissed as "new agers" or "wanna be's" are in fact sincere people trying to rediscover their ancestral ways and live them, and are working to find a way to do this in a unsupportive culture. To hear the criticism of this expressed in many of these messages, it almost seems that many people want all people of European descent to be good "white" people, go to church, and look for no deeper meaning than the shallow commercial culture we're inheriting. There's a lot of stereotyping being expressed about new agers and pagans; so how is that any different from the stereotyping that has been hurting the Lakota and other tribes for so long?

Responsibility lies on both sides. For people of non-Lakota descent, encourage others to stop supporting ready made religion. If we are ever going to reclaim what our ancestors had, we can't do it through buying it in a store. Their beliefs and ways were built on a real relationship with the earth and with their families, and unless we honor that and emulate it we cannot legitimately call ourselves their heirs. Expecting another cultures sacred prayers and ceremonies to "save us" is cowardly and shameful.

For Lakota people, and other tribes experiencing the same difficultly, clarify what belongs to you and what doesn't. A person who sweats as part of their spiritual cleansing in a facility made from natural products is not necessarily performing an Inipi ceremony. A person performing a ceremonial dance in animal skins and feathers may not be "playing Indian". Not long ago, as an owner of a pagan supply store, I asked people who I knew were educated about their traditions and carried a measure of responsibility in their communities to recommend authors or companies that represented their belief and culture in a responsible way or whose promotion would benefit their people. I also invited them to give me a list of authors/people etc. who they knew and could prove to be frauds or exploiting their culture and beliefs, with the pledge that I would not carry that material in my store. I never heard back from anyone willing to do this among the Lakota. When people are worried about being properly respectful to an Elder, how do they question that person's authority or right to be teaching? It sounds like each side needs to speak to their own before accusing each other.

It is good that this Declaration has been made; it shows that the resolve of the Lakota people and the importance of stopping the commercialization of Lakota rites. But without clarification and greater understanding of what is common ground and what is off limits, it threatens to turn into an unproductive brawl. I am sorry if my words offend, but I am speaking as plainly as I know how. Until we do so, we cannot reach understanding. On a positive note, this site is a very good thing...now that these things are being expressed maybe there would be a way for people to get together and come to an agreement on specific ways this problem can be solved, and the exploitation of ALL ancestral ways stopped.

Sincerely,
Mikhelle Taylor

From: todd ambrose darkstar413@webtv.net
Sent: Thursday, August 24, 2000

You may publish my response

I am a 26 year old white man who practises shamanism. I Learned some basics from books, but all of the ceremonies I perform come from the spirits and my heart. I do hold a pipe ceremony, but not with a Lakota style pipe. I would not want to take from a tradition from that I don't understand. I learn from the spirits. I feel that your decleration of war is misguided. I understand that you are angry about your traditions being exploited., and I apologize for the way my ancestors hve treated you. But you should be fighting this misrepresentation and exploitation by using truth, not hate. Many people now, espically whites are spiritually lost. Christianity has more to do with social repression than with spirituality. People are looking for something deep and meaningful in their lives to connect them with the web of life. Ths leads many to charlatans. I myself never would charge a fee for people to participate in one of my ceremonies, I feel this is wrong. I do possess some ceremonial items-- I consider these power objects to be used only for the purpose they are made for-- I don't hang a dream catcher from my rearview mirror. What I am saying is that there are many non-natives who are trying to follow ancient ways the best we can. We have very little to go on. I do agree that it is wrong for someone to take from a tradition without fully understanding the tradition. I would love to someday learn a traditional native ceremony. I will not practice it until I am fully knowledgeable about how to conduct it. I do not want to fight with the Lakota, there's enough war already in the world. I hope that we can stand together in peace

From: Harold Trull, Jr. HT23658@alltel.net
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2000

You have my permission to print this.

I question how anyone can say a person isn't an Indian just by looking at them. Do some Indians mistakenly believe that the only 'True Indians' are 100 percent? If you believe that, your Nations will die and disappear. The numbers of 100 percent Indians grows smaller with each spirit leaving this life. I am not 100 percent, yet I am still an Indian and I am proud of my ways. I look like a white man, but you cannot see my heart. Many people look Indian on the outside, but their hearts are not Indian. I agree whole-heartedly that war should be waged on false Shamans and those who seek financially to gain from our traditions, no matter if they are white, black, or Indian! Spirituality is not for sale. If you are upset at the 'white looking man' in the dances, are you only looking at the color of his skin? Are you overlooking their knowledge and spiritual giving of the dance? Do the 'white looking men' ever win at the contests, and since I know they do, why? It is because they are showing the proper representation of the dance. It is because they understand the meaning of the dance and suffer for their spirituality. Are some 100 percent Indians jealous that 'white looking men' might understand the ways better than they do? I cannot say. Do not discriminate against me because I am a breed. I have had to accept that in the white mans world but until now I have never had to accept it among my Indian Brothers and Sisters.

I am not responsible for my ancestors interbreeding with others, be they white, black, or other Nations of Indian Peoples. If I am to be held responsible for this, then why not hold our ancestors responsible for giving up our lands to the white man? Why not hold our ancestors responsible for allowing the white man to remove our Sweat Lodges from our culture? Why not hold our Indian Brothers and Sisters responsible for writing a Declaration of War in the white mans legal language? How many Indian Nations have WHEREAS in their language? I feel on this issue the same as I do about Television Evangelists who are in it for money and the same as I do about Catholics and Protestants killing each other in the name of their God. I feel that Creator will deal with those spirits on His timetable, not ours.

Harold Trull, Jr. - Cherokee

From: Dynamack@aol.com Dynamack@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2000

I give permission and full rights to print this letter if you see fit even though I know you wont.

This declaration is no better than the racial hatred and attempted genocide that was forced upon the Nations to begin with. I am intrigued by the racial overtones found throughout this document, and appalled by some of the letters in response. One wrote about the movie, Dances with Wolves and how it opened the door to Indian wannabe's, While another complained about the sale of sacred items to whites.( The eagle is not found in cities like; Chicago, LA, or NYC so how are we getting them)? I personally know several Native American friends who worked in the movie as stunt riders and they seemed quit proud to be a part of it. Not to mention that the movie's leading actors were not white s with bad make-up wearing Cherokee head dress and saying HOW every five minutes, but highly talented Indian actor's like Trudell, Greene, and the many others who proved their talents cant be denied due to ethnicity.

I am angered by the fact that there are WHITES who are violating your sacred ideals but to blatantly call every Caucasian who's read Black Elk a WAN NABE is ludicrous. I am as white as they come, My family immigrated from Scotland and had no part in any of the fight for or against your people. I do not claim to be a Native American and by looking at my appearance you would never guess that I know anything about your culture, But I do. I spent many years in the Rapid City area and have friends which live on Rosebud and Pine Ridge. Through my frequent stays on the "Rez" I have seen and learned a lot. Many of the ideals have not only saved my life but truly helped me to understand history and the world around me in general. It is important that as a Nation (USA), we must teach our children about the past so it will never happen again. Knowledge is power. I only wish that the time I spent reading this declaration and writing this letter in return was spent doing something more positive, Like help in the repairs of some of the reservations school bldg.'s which are still unsafe to learn in, (BIA?), or lobby the release of AIM members imprisoned still to this day. Maybe ask the politicians, Why are South Dakota highways leading to the reservations unsafe, filled with potholes and "why die" signs, but the road up to mt. rushmore is redone every year? We might not be brothers in religion, but we are all allies in the WAR for equality.

sincerely;
TM1

From: Kevin Childs kcisfree@worldnet.att.net
Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2000

Yes, you may post this inquiry.

Hello,

I was recently in europe, wales to be exact. I heard a lot about mending the sacred hoop and the white buffalo calf woman. I am very interested in connecting w/people involved in mending the sacred hoop before leaving USA for good, to return home - to a foreign country, which is nonetheless home, because that is where my heart lies, and that is where my friends are.

I do not expect to meet anyone involved in the peace movement here, before I leave; so I say unto to you all: "Peace".

Kevin Childs kcisfree@att.net
http://home.att.net/~Anam_Cara
Becoming Independent
To know what you prefer, instead of humbly saying Amen to what the world tells you you ought to prefer, is to have kept your soul alive.
-Robert Louis Stevenson

From: David Krizaj krizaj@phy.ucsf.edu
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2000

please feel free to post my response should you feel it contributes to the debate

what is a re-ligion? it is a way for us to seek guidance in our lives, a way to opening our hearts and to connect to the web that we are a part of. There are many names for religions, but what counts is not the name but the strengh of the faith and the purity of the intention.

if there are any wars to be fought, let them be fought against our own ignorance, which separates us from our fellow living beings and from our ancestors. Those who know better have a responsibility to help. If they do not have this innate help instinct, then they do not know no matter how many rituals they'd learnt.

No charlatan can threaten those whose hearts are strong and gentle.

all my relations

David

From: Steve Stevenson sssh@ior.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2000

I am a white male who has never participated in any of the acts described in this paper. I agree with your resolutions fully and understand your position. I am saddened to see some of the stupid behaviors of white people who have no respect for your traditions.

I give you permission to post this.

Steve Stevenson

From: Nat D a_mother@email.com
Sent: Monday, July 31, 2000

First of all feel free to print this.

I write this on behalf of my son.

I am white and born and raised in Europe, but my son is 1/8 Oglala-Lakota.

I am his mother and feel I should teach him at least something about his people, and that education is the only true answer against charlatans..

My son *will* ask me about his people, just like I did about mine. For the record I don't know who my father is and I know what it's like to miss a piece of your own history.

I never got my answer, but see no reason why he shouldn't.

His grandfather was from a time when Natives were "blanket niggers" and his grandfather was ashamed of being Native.

I don't think that shame and hate are my son's appropriate haritage...

I agree with the declaration but I do hope the authors have the ability to recognise their enemies from their friends....

Oscar Wilde wrote that that wich is spiritual has to be found inside yourself or not at all, because it is not something someone can give to you, wich is what I believe.

I also believe that individual people CAN agree with the Lakota's on their beliefs and see the strenght inside it, weather they are Native or not.

People often don't feel secure and strong enough to go by what they themselves feel.

Most people are afraid to look inside themselves so they adopt what seems "wise" or "correct" to them from movies books soap operas whatever.

However those that have the courage to actually look inside themselves become strong and will find th

eir own way to the great spirit or whatever one names it.

If you don't have it inside nothing and noone can ever give it to you.

To be courageous is not to be fearless, it is to overcome one's fears.

I hope we have common ground here.

Feel free to reply to this.

From: Joseph Cione :jcione@home.com
Sent: Friday, July 14, 2000

I give permission for this to be posted.

I am an anthropologist who is studying Lakota spirituality. Although I am of full European descent, I feel appalled at the abuse of Native American spirituality who are trying to find a spiritual "quick fix". People try to seek Lakota spirituality with preconceived notions. Unlike Judeo-Christian religions, Native American religions are not "universal" that is they don't send out missionaries to "convert" people of other faiths. It is a part of their culture. These New Age faith seekers pick and choose certain aspects of religion - thus making a mockery of it. Is it not enough that Europeans destroyed the way of life of a people - now they are perverting even the spirituality of a great people. It is a terrible sight to see such religious items as the peace peace and the sweat lodges portrayed as toys or gimmicks. This is a great injustice that would not be tolerated if the shoe were on the other foot, if you will. People with supposed good intentions are really destroying a religious tradition by changing it. People should appreciate Lakota spirituality - and for that matter all Native American spirituality for what it is rather than taking it on as their own!

From: Deb customart@unforgettable.com
Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2000

You may post this message.
customart@unforgettable.com

All my life I've lived near and around Native Americans. They have been my friends and I've done much business with them. I've seen their heartbreak when my state broke treaties, and I've seen their losses. I've always admired the cultures and longed for the unity of the people (as it ought to be.) I've always respected their privacy and their honor. I've attended, supported and enjoyed powwows.

Last summer I had the opportunity to work with a woman of Native American heritage (the tribe is not important.) I watched her make a dreamcatcher one day, and went home and made my own. Not long afterward, I received a dream message from two white buffalo in the clouds of the sky. After that, I received a dream message from a black panther. I've since received messages from other spirit guides as well.

I began reading to learn all I could about the White Buffalo, and it brought me some understanding of the messages. One of the most important things I learned was the need for all people to come together in peace.

Yes, it is wrong for anyone to use the culture of any people in disrespectful ways. There is friendship, love, respect and admiration for Native Americans. The nations of the world must all learn to share and respect each other, not just Lakota. This must not be ignored. It is what we all have been asked to strive for.

The nations will only unite when people stop building walls to divide them. Pushing people away will never bring about unity.

Teach the ignorant, and share with us your valued lessons so that we can all learn to live with respect for the world around us. Mitakuye Oyasin.

From: Fred Calliou fredcalliou@powersurfr.com
Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2000

June, 2000
With permission to print,
Thank-you for this page re. Declaration and responses shared. All words remind me I need to be:
(a) taught by one in authority & not attempt to teach until I am directed.
(b) not exploit what I learn for whatever gain (financial, ego stroking,
pride enhancement, self-justification for any purpose). (c) accept who I am with loving compassion.
(d) to speak, write and listen with compassion.
(e) to remember truly God (Higher Power, Creator or Manitou or whatever signifier other readers use) is aware of every act, thought, feeling I freely choose to create and I do answer to God alone when I walk on.
(f) that spirituality without daily discipline and praxis is meaningless ceremony, especially if compassion is absent.
(g) to be grateful to all persons who, since babyhood, taught me anything about God and living a life in service to Good and not Evil.
(h) to live my spirituality/religious life humbly to promote a culture of loving compassion evident beyond participation at Mass, sweatlodge or other ceremony as spirituality is the foundation for living and shaping a shared, common world and not just playtime or 'feel good' time.
(i) humble and respect how challenging it is to be of compassionate heart and mind 24-7, believing the Creator loves all whether we pass or fail as long as our desire is to love each other as we do love ourselves.

Ho
Sharilyn Calliou
Council Woman, Michel First Nation
calliou@home.com

From: NamelessRace@cs.com NamelessRace@cs.com
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2000

If you wish to post this response, please do. My permission is granted.

In regard to Declaration: War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality, I understand and agree with much of what was said. I feel however this Declaration was written in anger, and subsequently something is missing. Something of compassion and understanding, something in the way of the "Human Factor."

I agree there is much exploitation and commercialism of the Lakota, and of the Spirits. There are too many that would buy a pipe, learn a few Lakota words and talk a great deal on the white buffalo, and otherwise know nothing about the Lakota spirituality, while claiming to be a Holy Man. and this wrong. This is wrong, and it needs to be stopped. Not only does it reflect poorly on the Lakota, it reflects poorly on the Spirits. And because there are those who would believe these ignorant individuals, so much misinformation and falsity is spread about the Native Way.

I do not want to see the station of the Holy Men and the Medicine Men be mocked or misrepresented by uneducated and mal-practicing individuals. I do not wish the see Sacred Lakota rites be scandalized by profiteers. These things are part of the Lakota heritage and must be kept pure for sake of keeping the Lakota, the Lakota.

However, the Creator does not belong to the Lakota. The Spirits do not belong to the Lakota. The Creator and the Spirits govern all people and they are for all people. There are non-Natives who do not claim to be that which they are not, and respect the ways of the Native. There are those who walk the Spirit-path in humility and pray with the Pipe. This does not make them bad people, or a people trying to exploit the Lakota ways. This makes them people who have found a way to talk to the Creator, and a people who seek to learn so they might live according to Spiritual Law of the Creator.

The "white world" does not listen to the voice of the Lakota. But they listen to the voice of whites. Instead of being angry with white who have sincere love and respect in their hearts for Native ways and the Lakota people, considering making them an ally so the Lakota voice may be heard in the overpowering white world. Maybe this is why the Creator has called these whites to Spirit-path of the Lakota.

From: Jill Wilder jilainered@yahoo.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2000

You have my permission to post this response.

I am not an expert by far, but simply one of His students. I have mixed heritage from across the world and find it difficult and confusing to learn and seek my spiritual path. I agree with your efforts in protecting your ways. However, I am concerned of those who are lost and can not find their way. I have a deep relationship with the Creator, and as I walk my path He leads me, but the trickster will also put forks in my road and I begin to question things but I also learn. It is very sad that those who profess to know go forth and teach, need in reality to practice and learn more...........after all doesn't wisdom come with time.........long time....like generations. I have learned quickly to respect the old ways and honor them only through participation guided by an Elder of true traditions. I pray for all the People to become whole again and respect the ways.

Jill Wilder, of Chickasaw/Irish/Welsch/Spanish descent.
Jillw@mvstihl.com

From: Jeff Tucker lookback@rapidnet.com
Sent: Sunday, June 11, 2000

How silly!!!!!! every True Spiritual Person I know many who are no longer with us , Frank Fools Crow Robert Steed, John Fire LameDeer, just to name a few all said with out one stutter in their voice that NO ONE owns Spirit how the hell can you steal something that is free. We walk around with our fats assed chest stuck out and our lips down on the ground and Blame Blame Blame!!!! Get off this kick of blaming everyone around you and take a good hard look at our own actions, Our people are Sick we are stuck in addictions and unspeakable abuse do you honestly think some white guy or or gal brought this on us??? Hell I lived back east for a few years and there was not a week that went by that some Lakota or some other tribal member was not back there making a name for themselves,,,,so lets take a look at our own pile of crap. There is no way a Man or woman can sit and say Mitakuye Oyasin and not walk that concept ,,,if you do it will bite you in the ass....We have 4...Four colors that fly in the wind at our WiWang Wacipi we have no power to take one single color out. If you all think you have power over the mystery perhaps you better take it up with that same Mystery to change the color of Wope ( White Buffalo Calf Maiden) perhaps you can convince him to change her color to red I don't know. In any case We have these folks running all over the country claming to be watching out for Lakota Traditions and calling everyone wanna be's and all the time the official language of this same Org. Is?????.....you guessed it Lakota and good many of them look pretty damn Irish to.....So Brothers and Sisters lets grow up it is either Mitakuye Oyasin or it is Racism .

certainly go for it [regarding permission to post]

From: scott sanders twistedsixty@hotmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 06, 2000

I only contain a small amount of Cherokee blood in me, but it makes me sick to see the people of this land exploting something most do not understand, these cultures should be preserved and treated with the utmost respect...how would you anglo-saxon americans like it if your culture or for a better word traditions were mocked and stripped away, christmas, july 4th, any other american holiday. How would that make you feel, America has taken enough from these people, leave them be. we could learn alot from their culture...and all of these new age fanatics had better learn the meaning of respect before they venture inhto territory that isn't theirs... again i must say that all indigenous cultures should be preserved and nothing should be taken from these peoples, of not anymore that has already been raped from them...take a mintue and put yourself in their situation!

sorry I forgot to add that, but YES you have my full permission to post my comment in anyway...

SQUILLY@webtv.net SQUILLY@webtv.net
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2000

Spiritualty is for ALL! It shouldn't matter what color you are!!

Do you think the creator segregates us this way??? I think He looks at ones heart to make the call & I try to do the same. (though I fail sometimes, He neve does )

I believe that the one thing He (or She if you believe that way) wants for all, is for us to STOP FIGHTING & LOVE EACH OTHER!!!

The one who said we should all help each other get closer to this magnificent force/being had right (WELL SAID!!) I think also that instead of warring with these people you should strive to educate them in the ways so that it will be sacred & treated as such! But your very declaration of war flies in the face of what spirituality is about!! LOVING EACH OTHER! & TOLERNCE!!

Am I suggesting that you allow people to play indian & cheapen your culture NO! Not at ALL!!

There are people who will always be Ignorant & disrepectful to those around them. But... they also serve there purpose in this world! To test those who do & are on the path. WE are ALL on the same earth, in the same universe. The only differences we have is from what we were taught so if all compare notes, MAYBE therein lies the answer!

I also want to commend those of the Rainbow tribe I believe you are on the right track! Keep up the good work- but be careful not to desecrate & cheapen that which is good by trying to profit from that which should be given freely!!

Thanks Rick

Create a smile for someone even if it's yours :)

From: CougarStorm2000@aol.com CougarStorm2000@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 09, 2000

I am not Native American, but my husband is 1/4 Blackfoot, 1/4 Cherokee and his great grandmother was 1/2 Choctaw. He is, after many years of being christian, taking his first tentative steps on the spiritual path that is his birthright, and trying to find out who he truly is.

Although I agree that anyone who exploits or charges for sharing or teaching spiritual ways (ANY spiritual ways) should be shunned and stopped whenever possible, I cannot for the life of me understand why or how these Lakotas can claim to own a sacred path. (Considering how often the whites seperated entire families and adopted native children into the white world with little or no knowledge of their own heritage, who can truly say a person isn't Indian?)

Spiritual truth is spiritual truth. It has no boundaries, and cannot be owned, because it is of the Creator. The Native American sacred ways developed over many centuries in and from this land.

The ceremonies which bring blessings are finely attuned to the needs of the land itself, and of the people who dwell on that land. Every sound, every movement, every pulse is finely crafted to bring people into alignment with Spirit; even people who don't know what it's all about. (for instance, Children).

Yes, the Lakota way IS sacred. And although some of the deeper mysteries are specifically geared for indian physiology, that very sacredness should not be desecrated by isolationist practices. It seems to me that it is only right to share the outer wisdom so that others can live in harmony with the very land that freely shares it's bounty.

You who try to dictate how Spirit manifests and speaks to others are guilty of the very same narrow-mindedness that the white christians used to subjugate your people. How then, can you continue to claim Sacredness?

From: TnglupinBu@aol.com TnglupinBu@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, May 04, 2000 12:54 PM

Please post this.

I think it is a good thing that people have made this declaration. I also think that it is a good thing that people are imitating your way of life. It is difficult for us all to come together in a way that pleases everyone. It seems that we must always start from opposite ends, and work from there. The traditional ways should be preserved by those that love those ways. Their responsibility is great, and I pray they are succesfull in their endeavors. But do not forget, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Each individual must try to find their path in whatever way they can. We are mostly children, and respect is one of our hardest lessons. Please be patient, be forgiving while you do what needs to be done. Tom Albury

From: Jason Thompson kin_of_odin@hotmail.com
Sent: Friday, March 31, 2000

You have my permission to post this response.

Ha! Right on! As anyone who knows history and sociology could say, the last step in the destruction of a conquered people is the absoption and trivialization of its culture by the conquerors. I'm glad to see the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota are standing up and fighting. With this kind of attitude they just might keep their culture intact. Any non Native Americans who disagree with the Lakota's right to keep their culture exclusive, who are trying to appropriate what does not belong to them are guilty of cultural warfare themselves, and should be tolerated by neither the Lakota nor by any others with any sense of honor. Hey, people, it's an ethnic religion. Their property! Not yours!

I'm glad to see this for another reason too. I am a neopagan (Asatru, NOT Wiccan) and I have despaired to see so many neopagans appropriating elements of other non European religions and diluting our traditions and beliefs. This has had the effect of trivializing our traditions and weakening the otherwise rich relationship we could have with our gods, ancestors, and ways. A religious system can only give depth when fully understood within its own cultural context, something that cannot be done if it's bastardized with other paths.

-Jason Thompson
Kin of the Old Gods Temple

From: Myrdinwylt@aol.com Myrdinwylt@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2000

First I give permission to use these writings in their entirety.

I have held my peace for several years now regarding the declaration. In part because I agree that there are misuses by many peoples of all the human races of spiritual practices. However, I see more and more misinformation being printed on what is lumped together as white spirituality and the wannabe syndrome.

Shamanism is not only relegated to Turtle Island's first people. Every culture has practiced a form of it, period. The word shaman itself comes from Siberia, not Turtle Island. It is from the Tungus folk.

That the white man searches for a different spirituality that ties him closer to the One should be encouraged and not dismissed. But how I hate the term "white". Just as there are different tribes even among the Lakota, so are there many tribes in the white generalization.

I am a Celt who has found a teacher whose family has kept alive the old shamanic traditions of my Island people, albiet for several centuries underground. Her PhD thesis is on surviving literature that proves this scientifically.

She teaches the Celtic highland tradition as her mother and grandmother has taught her, and while it has much in common with many Turtle Island traditions (as do many shamnic traditions around the world - none of them new age), it also has unique cultural differences.

Our chants are in ancient Irish, our methods are ancient, our forms of divinity unique to our people. We recognize the Mother/Father/Creator as being smaller components of the One in All.

And through it all, we seek Oneness for all the people, both human and non-human, as was our ancestors way.

When you use the term Tungus term shaman, you need to understand what it means. It is not a way of personal power. Simply put, it is a complete surrendering of the ego to do Spirit's will, in what ever way Spirit directs. Period. Being human, many forget that it is a way of life of servitude to the One. It is not something you do, it is something you are. From that stand point, it does not really matter where your blood came from in this life time. The Celts understand that we go from life time to life time, and are not married to a culture for eternity. But if you are called by Spirit, that is a committment that spans eternity.

Your traditions are not our traditions, although there is much common ground. Your beliefs are not our beliefs, but there is much common ground. For those who truly walk the path of Spirit, however, have their hearts joined to the source.

I give a plea to end the hatred that devours our young. I ask that respect be given for others who walk a different path at the direction of Spirit. Your ways should be honored. All ways who serve Spirit should be honored.

Moran gradh,
Jim Murphy of Clan Murchada who follows the tenents of the Tuatha De'

From: Barbara L. Crowe b.l.crowe@worldnet.att.net
Sent: Friday, March 17, 2000

I am responding to your question about the letter that I sent. I would like for it to be posted on the web page.

My name is Patricia Crowe. I am part Creek, but I have been taught the way of the Lakota by a man whose name is James Gillihan of New Harmony, Indiana. Jim is the pipe keeper of Sitting Bull's Pipe. Back in May of 1999 Jim gave me a Lakota name. Mapia Iyan Win/Arranges the Clouds Woman. I quit agree with the fact that there are people out there who are going around and saying that they are Lakota Wichasha Wakons. And they really are of another race or of a cult, like the New Age Movement. I don't appreciate the fact that I have to hear from people that all American Indians are apart of the New Age Movement. I mostly hear this from whites. The white man had better stop this stupid act that they are doing. They are making the Lakota people as well as all other American Indian Nations look bad. I don't know much about the American Indian Movement, but I think they should be asked to get involved since stupid little Dicky Wilson is around to stop anything. I myself wish that I didn't have any white blood in me. It makes me ashamed of what my white ancestors did to your people. I know that it might not help, but I want to apologize for everything. I hope that I haven't offened anyone. Please accept my apology. Thanks for reading this letter. I hope to keep in contact. Keep in touch. My E-mail address is b.l.crowe@worldnet.att.net

From: carol watkins pobabe@webtv.net
Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2000

What can I do to help? I am not a full blooded indian, but my ancestry is on both sides. It was so long ago, but I am not unaware as to what you are saying. I am more white than indian, but my heart belongs to my ancestor who were. I am saying this in honesty. Carol

I do not agree with hatred, Or fear of the unknown, which is what prejudiceness is, because we are scared of something or someone because they are different?

yes, ifyou feel it is alright. [permission to post]

From: Bob Foelsch hapypapy@nwlink.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2000

You have my permission to print this

I am white, and have at one point been in most religions either directly or by proxy (such as lumping one group together just as the Abrahamic faiths) I am not appaled by what is being said here, the exploitation of any religious tradition is a serious matter. What does trouble me is the fact that there are some whites out there who do wish to learn more about your religion, and some who wish to follow it. (I use the word religion loosely mind you.) I am one of these, an honest seeker of the native way, and am a bit troubled by the way you have the white man portrayed, some of us do wish to exploit it, but many seekers honestly want to follow. Are we not the children and creations of the same great spirit? I may be white, but I do not wear my skin proudly after what we have done.

Thank you for your time.
Frank Marler

From: Healthy Choice healthychoice@earthlink.net
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2000

No group of people have the right or authority to claim a specific way of worship as being only theirs. The ways of the earth have always been gifts to the entire race. While I agree that no one except a Lakota full-blood can claim the authority to pour a traditional Lakota Sweat Lodge according to the gifts of their ancestors, anyone can go into the womb of Mother and pray. The Earth will not reject someone because of the color of their skin.

I know there is exploitation. Spirit will deal with that.

I believe we are all related. I first heard the words "Mitakuye Oyasin" from a full-blood Lakota spiritual leader, and first prayed it in a Lakota Sweat Lodge. I believed it. How can keeping our paths so divided lend itself to a coming together in peace and harmony?

My own life has been greatly blessed by participation in Sacred Lakota Ceremony. You would deny me that because I am not full-blood Lakota, but would Great Spirit deny a sincere heart because of the color of skin? Is God prejudiced in that way? I don't believe it.

I walk a blended-tradition way. The teachings of the East, the Red Road, the true teachings of Christ (bearing no resemblance to the white man teachings which many Native-Americans, with good reason, reject), and other paths that have crossed mine have all blessed my life and my path of service in this life.

For me it is important -- a point of integrity -- to speak this out when working with others and when conducting ceremonies. I always do preface my work by saying that I do not represent myself as a teacher or keeper of traditional Native spirituality -- that this is the work of the Shamans and Elders within each tribe. I believe that, if those who are doing non-traditional ceremony would be very specific and clear about it, then there would be no confusion on the issue of what is and isn't traditional. Some would seem to ride on the coattails of Native traditions and I know this is part of the exploitation you speak of.

I respect the traditions of the Lakota and other traditions, and also respect the vision of performing Sacred Ceremony as it has come to me. I totally agree that it would be wrong for me, or any other person who shares the Sacred Lodge, to present themselves as keepers of traditional Lakota ritual. However, it is not spiritual desecration or wrong for me to conduct a blended-tradition ceremony, according to the relation of my heart to Great Spirit.

As for charging money, I understand the view. When the work of the Shaman was respected, the community cared for their needs. It is no longer that way, for the Native spiritual worker or the non-native. Maybe the respect of the people for the value of the medicine workers is less than it once was. Either way, I do not judge Native people who accept money to live while they continue their work. To me, it is an energy exchange that supports important, even vital work on the planet.

WAR IS NOT AN ANSWER. It never will be.

Living Light,
Neva Howell
you may print this email.

From: Coyotelightning@aol.com Coyotelightning@aol.com
Sent: Friday, January 28, 2000

you have my permision to print my response

I UNDERSTAND THE ANGER THAT SOME OF YOU FEEL. i FEEL IT ALSO WHENEVER I SEE SOME ONE TRYING TO MAKE A DOLLAR FROM ANY SPIRITUAL PATH OR PRACTICE. PEOPLE THAT FOLLOW THE NEWAGE SAY THAT THERE MUST BE AN EXCHANGE OF ENERGY. THIS ELIMINATES ANY GUILT ONE MIGHT FEEL FOR RECEIVING FUNDS FOR DOING CEREMONY. ITS NOT ANY DIFFERANT THAN PASSING THE OFFERING PLATE AROUND IN CHURCH. THIS SOCIOTY THAT MOST OF US HAVE TO LIVE IN CULTIVATES THE IDEA THAT ANYTHING CAN BE BOUGHT INCLUDING SPIRITUAL PROGRESS. ITS REALLY JUST A LEARNING PROCESS THAT HAS AN EFFECT ON TWO ENDS. PEOPLE THAT BELEIVE THEY HAVE A CULTURAL [BOOD] RIGHT TO A CERTAIN PATH FEEL UPSET WHEN THEY SEE SOMEONE DABLE OR SELL THEMSELF IN A PATH THEY WERE NOT BORN INTO OR KNOW LESS ABOUT THAN THEY PUT ON. THE OTHER END OF THIS IS THAT THE ONES THAT FEEL THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO REEP SOMETHING THAT THE CREATOR FREELY GIVES BECAUSE THEY PAID FOR AND DID NOT EARN PLANT A SEED THAT WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE THEM TO LOOK WITHIN FOR SOMETHING THAT DIDNT NEED TO BE BOUGHT IN THE FIRST PLACE. IN THE END WE WILL ALL REACH THE SAME PLACE FOR WE ALL TRAVEL ALL THE WAY TO ENLIGHTENMENT EVENTUALLY. AS FOR THE CHANUMPA AS LONG AS THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT BELEIVE THEY SHOULD DIG THE STONE FROM AND SELL IT THERE WILL BE THOSE THAT WANT TO HAVE A PIPE. SOME PEOPLE THINK THEY ARE JUST A WALL ORNAMENT SOME PEOPLE ARE REAL PIPE CARRIERS. YOU CANT DRIVE A CAR IF YOU DONT HAVE THE KEYS. I BELEIVE WE ALL HAVE TO FACE THE FACT THAT WE LIVE IN A WORLD RIGHT NOW WHERE THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT WILL TELL YOU ANYTHING. THAT IS THIER LESSON IF YOU ARE SMART ENOUGH NOT TO GET INVOLVED WITH THEM. MOST OF THE PEOPLE THAT YOULL SEE GETTING INVOLVED IN NATIVE CEREMONY WILL CLIMB IN A SWEAT TODAY AND THROW THIER TRASH OUT OF THE CAR WINDOW TOMMAROW. SURE IT IS UPSETTING BUT IF YOU DONT GET SOMETHING THAN YOU JUST DONT GET IT . THESE PEOPLE CANT TAKE ANYTHING AWAY FROM ANYONE. THERE IS NO NEED FOR ANGER,THOSE THAT ANGER YOU CONQUER YOU. A PERSON ONLY NEEDS ENOUGH ANGER TO GET THEM TO MOVE TO MUCH ANGER IS GIVING YOUR POWER AWAY. IT IS A SHAME TO SEE PEOPLE THAT HOLD A SACRED PATH SO CLOSE TO THIER HEARTS BECOME SO ANGREE AT THE BLIND ONES IN THIS WORLD.OFTEN TIMES I FEEL SADNESS FOR THE STATE OF ELOHI IN MY SADNESS I FEEL THAT SHE RECOGNIZES ME AS HER CHILD. THE KEY THAT NATIVES HOLD FOR THE REST OF THE WORLD IS THE KNOWLEDGE THAT THE EARTH IS ALIVE. IF WE CONTINUE TO PUT ACROSS AN IMAGE OF FRUSTRATION WE SHOW THE WORLD THAT WE ARE NOT STANDING IN A PLACE THAT OTHERS CAN LEARN ANYTHING FROM. I WOULD VENTURE TO SAY THAT THE SPIRITS THAT WALKED WITH OUR ANCESTERS YESTERDAY MAY WALK WITH SOME LIKE MINDED INDIVIDUALS THAT DONT FIT THE PEDIGREE. I KNOW THAT THIER VISION WAS GREATER AND THE CREATER MAKES ROOM FOR ALL OF HIS CHILDREN. A DEFINITION IS ONLY THAT IN ITSELF EVERY THING MUST CHANGE UNTIL IN INDIVIDUALLITY WE CAN BE THE SAME. ONE EARTH ONE MIND ONE HEART ONE CREATER. ALL MY RELATIONS

MWolfbrother@aol.com MWolfbrother@aol.com
Sent: Saturday, February 19, 2000

You have My permission to post this response.

I would like to relate my story if you would indulge me.First of all I am white, I am supposed to have some Indian blood in my family but I have no idea where or what tribe.

I was an alcoholic and drug addict for 23 of my first 33 years of life.Thats 23 years of wondering this Earth lost and searching.At the bottom of My barrell I was running drugs across the country and in passing through Kansas one time I got busted, go figure.

I had been drawn to the Native ways all my life but had no idea as follow up on My intrests.While in a county jail awaiting trial I met a young girl,(also incarcerated),who was local and was having books brought into her by her family.Almost all of these books were on Native Spirituality.She was nice enough to share these books with me.

Upon reading some of these(Black Elk especially) I felt I had awakened something that had lain dormant for years.

To make a long story short, I ended up only having to serve 8 months of incarceration.Upon my release I was paroled to a half-way house in Kansas.I had already decided that I wanted to pursue the Native ways but had no idea where to start.I was placed in a treatment class through the parole office.One of the things they stress is finding a Higher Power to help in your recovery.I related how I wanted to follow the Way.It turned out that one of the counselors friends just happened to be a Lakota woman who held ceremonies.I was introduced to her and told her what I was intrested in.She watched me for six months to make sure I was going to stay clean and sober before she invited me to a ceremony.That was four years ago and my life has not been the same since.I have never met anyone quite like this woman, it turned out that she has been healing people in the Lakota way since she was four years old.She regularly holds healing ceremonies for anyone who is hurting.She never charges anyone for this help and tells everyone that if someone wants to chagre for a ceremony to run from them.I have watched this woman give and give of herself and her gift and never ask anything in return.I have also seen people lose cancers and other maladies in her ceremony and never offer anything in return.I have been very fortunate to have her as a teacher and a friend.She is teaching me and others the old ways and also the respect of what she teaches.I would never claim to be Native or try to pass myself off as anything other than what I am, and thats a poor dumb whiteboy who knows nothing.I truly believe that Tankashila led me to her to save my Spirit and Soul.I am eternally grateful to her for being willing to teach a way to lead a better more spiritual life.Iknow one thing for certain,I would not have stayed clean and sober for the past 3 1/2 + and would not even be here probally if it were not for her and others like her.You have my solemn oath that I will always respect the ways of the People.This has been sealed with the Pipe and I am forever bound to this oath.I can never fully repay the People for what they have given me.I can respect them and the Way,and love them with every fiber of my being.

Thank you.
Mitakyue Ouasin.

From: Rick Nelson toptuner@mindspring.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2000

Just read your declaration of war on the wannabes and whites that abuse your tribe's beliefs. I've seen a lot of it all over America, and can't stand it myself. I am Tanana Athabaskan and they don't much pay my tribe much attention the way they do yours, but I would be outraged if my tribal customs were abused the way I see it being done with yours. We only have to put up with tourists with camcorders for the most part. Have to keep them from over running the dancers and singers.

I have tried to say something at some of the events I've attended, but I get told that there's no harm being done, and I get blamed for being a troublemaker. I have seen the lord's prayer recited in Lakota to open "traditional" ceromonies, and have been invited to sweats that local white "shamans" run for profit. I think they need a "real" Indian to make them more profitable. Whites have actually asked me to sell them eagle feathers. One wannabe was going to hang them on his motorcycle. My native friends say that there's nothing we can do about it, the whites run everything, so I no longer attend most of these events.

To find that someone in the tribes would want to do something about the abuses makes me feel better about the way things are going, and the wannabes just might not be the people running things in the future. I was beginning to think they might just push all the Indians out of thier way.

So now after reading your declaration, I will continue to be a "troublemaker" whenever I come across these people, if only to be a thorn in thier side.

On a side note, I race a bike named "Troublemaker" in ADBA.

Sincerely,
Rick Nelson

You actually want to post this? no problem.

From: Andrew Dickey adickey@Rational.Com
Sent: Monday, February 07, 2000

Please post this you have my permission!

I'm sorry to see such a page! I am white as white bread can get. I will continue to learn about Native americans and help them any way possible. I will continue to learn. Above all I will denounce ignorance and BIGOTRY. I believe in fighting for your rights and freedom to be as you are providing it harms none! This is a catholic page right? I think most Natives are nature based or believe in the Great Mystery or some other form. Some are some form of Catholic or christian if I am correct. I heard these people called Apples. So what? We all must find our own way!! BTW I am a reversed Apple. White outside but native inside. Maybe even a Skinwalker. I dunno!!

Pilamaya,
Black Sable Knight
(European Nick Name)
Andrew Dickey
(Scottish Decent legal name)
By Blood Scandinavian!!

From: Nikki nikki@clinic.net
Sent: Monday, February 07, 2000

Yes, you have my permission to post this to the internet.

The concerns expressed in the declaration have been bothering me, too. Onthe one hand, many good teachings of Lakota elders have been generously shared with the world, there have been those who have exploited this generosity and perverted those teachings.

I'm utterly flabbergasted that some respondents to this declaration are so ready to take exception to it. Perhaps they aren't aware of what's actually happening, or maybe they're trying to justify their own exploitation of someone else's heritage. Either way, I think they have a lot to learn, and the first thing they need to learn is how to listen.

I see nothing in your declaration for an honest seeker of spiritual truth to take offense at. I see plenty to give one pause before presuming to co-opt the traditions of others, or to assume roles they simply aren't qualified for. It's a message that could save a lot of people from the consequenses of a lot of folly. Please keep it up!

Nicole Storm

From: Indian Country Today editor@indiancountry.com
Sent: Monday, January 31, 2000

yes, you may print this. This message does not reflect the opinion of the Indian Country Today newspaper. This opinion is strickly my own.

The declaration didn't just pop up out of no where. The Lakota-Dakota-Nakota have met on this issue since 1990. In fact, the Great Sioux Nation noticed an increase in non-Indian participation soon after "Dances With Wolves" came out. Sadly, non-Indians wanted a piece of the romanticized version of what they saw on this movie. Captive whitewoman becomes "Lakota", a white military man becomes "Lakota" everyone lives in peace in harmony, the end.

I grew up on the Pine Ridge reservation and I've watched more and more of our own people using our spirituality as economic relief. I've seen non-Indians pay big bucks just to go into a ceremony so they can find "ENLIGHTENMENT????"

The declaration is a concensus of a majority and only a few of our people out right sell their birthright. I don't mind sharing in prayer, but some things should be left alone. We barely got our right to pray in our own way back, in 1978. Now, there's a sundance in every community of every reservation of the Great Sioux Nation. I don't see any of the non-Indians going to the Arapaho and Cheyenne sundances, non-Indians aren't allowed. I don't hear anyone complaining. But, Dances with Wolves wasn't about the Arapaho and Cheyenne, it was about the Lakota ...

So, if anyone doesn't like the declaration, why take it up on a website, go to the reservations and ask around how people feel about non-Indians participating in the most sacred of ceremonies that was outlawed by the U.S. Government.

I, personally think it's a fad for non-Indians, but hey, long blond hair, blue eyes, braid wraps, bone chokers, feathers, no one wanted to dress like that in the 1970s and 80s. Now, it's the craze.

Check out the Lakota Oyate website and learn a little more about how the declaration came about. Thanks!

Karen

From: Htacaiyank@aol.com Htacaiyank@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2000

I am a enrolled member of the sicangu band of the Lakota Nation and would like to lend my support to the efforts of my tahansi and hankasi to put a stop to the exploitation of our Lakota spirituality. I would also like to add my concerns about the way our pow wows and sun-dances are being conducted. I see our traditional pow wows being replaced by Barnum and Bailey side shows. Dancing and singing has always been for the honor of Mother Earth Wakan Tanka and each other, but now the dances and songs are being sold to the best dancers and singers for the wasicu's maza ska. To this traditionalist the most sacred ceremony brought to the Lakota Oyate,by Ptehincala ska Winyan, is the Sun-Dance. These dances have become too frequent for any kind of meaningful spirituality to come out from them no matter who is conducting the ceremony.

I

give you the required permission to publish this letter and welcome any and all respectful discussion concerning my feelings about the complicity of our own people when it comes to Spirituality Exploitation

Ake
Wacinyankinkte Htaca Iyanke

From: Jim Coleman yazoo@worldnet.att.net
Sent: Sunday, December 26, 1999

Yes, you may post this.

First, I support the declaration. I interpret it as simply a declaration of war against hypocrisy, not an attempt to control or restrict anyone's spirituality. What would the Christian community say if I read a few books and suddenly decided, without the sanction of one of the groups, to declare myself a prophet, priest or pastor and began offering communion ceromonies, healings, baptisms, confessionals, or spectacular masses in order to profit from them. They would immediately denounce me as a fraud and an exploiter. In fact, the world is full of just such people, we call them televangelists.

Second, yes, I am a "wannabe". I wannabe just what The Creator intended for me to be. No more, no less. If he had intended for me to be a "full blooded" Lakota or Zuni, or Dineh he would have made me so. He didn't. I will not question His judgement.

Third, I find in the stories of many tribes and in the words of Fool's Crow and Black Elk, powerful inspiration to seek the path He intended for me. I am trying to do just that. My quest does not require that I intrude on anyone's sacred cultural rituals. I only wish to share their wisdom. I know very little. I need all the help I can get.

Thank you.
Jim Coleman

From: CTIS4ME@aol.com
Sent: Friday, December 10, 1999

You have my permission to publish this letter.

To the gentlemen who published a "Declaration of War against exploiters of Lakota Spirituality"

Your misuse of terminology and your obvious ignorance of your own cultural history undercuts your argument against exploitation.

The word shaman is taken from the Siberian Tungus word "saman". There are many equivalent terms throughout Central and Northern Asia. (Russian, from Tungus šaman, Buddhist monk, shaman, from Tocharian samâne, from Prakrit samaNa, from Sanskrit sramaNah, from srámah, religious exercise)1 But for our purposes we will define shamanism as follows:

Shamanism is a spiritual practice, which includes: · a controlled trance state induced by various means
· a working relationship with a helping spirit or ally
· entering the work with clear intention

This does not describe all the activities which may be closely aligned with, or even essentially the same as shamanism. While the term "shamanism" may be specific to the Tungus, the activities it describes can be found in various cultural settings. This does not mean that shamanism can be found in all cultures, or that it is common and widespread within these cultures. Indeed, shamans have been considered a fringe element; heretical, unaccepted, misunderstood and even feared in many cultures.

Neither the concept nor the terminology of shamanism is indigenous to the Lakota. Therefore "whites" cannot exploit you by following a shamanic path. Perhaps the Tungus of Siberia could claim exploitation, but given the criteria listed, certainly not the Lakota.

If you have studied any history of spirituality or mythology, you would understand that religions "borrow" from each other constantly. This is not only true for Western cultures, but also for indigenous American cultures. You can trace the travels of particular myths and beliefs through various regions and tribes. It is doubtful that Lakota Spirituality is as pure as you would like to believe. It has almost certainly borrowed and incorporated spiritual practices from other tribes. Would you accuse the Lakota of the exploitation of their fellow Indians?

When you can make a claim to the ultimate truth and when you can state that claim without specious or generalized arguments, the world may be ready to listen.

Thank you for your time.

Lillith Fayre

From: Boissevain & Morton Regional Library mailto:mbom@techplus.com
Sent: Monday, December 06, 1999 7:41 PM

you may post this

,

you know, that Lakota idea is so darn good I want the same thing too. I want everyone on the planet who's not a Celt to stop using Celtic names. All you McLeods, Mackenzies, Macdonalds, Leasks, Spences, Tanners, and especially MacKays who are not Celts, should stop pretending they are by using our names and usurping our ancient sacred customs.

The same goes for using Gaelic words like bannock or ceileidh, and especially anglicized spellings like Erin go braugh which mangle the root word. Oh, and I want everyone who is not Celtic to stop eating porridge.

And I'm particulary incenses at how the Celtic Feast of the Dead, which the English call All Hallows Eve, is being desecrated by non-Celts who dress up their children in a parody of our ancient shamanic practices.

Of course, it is too late for all that. The practices are out of the bag. People can listen to Riverdance and enjoy it even if they aren't Celts. And I thank them for it.

It may be, that all you non-Celts know of my people is that we wear dresses, talk with funny accents, play bag pipes, and have clans. But even if that's all you know, you know my culture isn't necessarily the same as yours. That's a beginning for respect.

The truth is that history and cultural realities are far more complex than anything that can be contained in a declaration, or a handed down tradition. The writers of the declaration wrote in a style of the Western polemic, hardly appropriate to a Medicine Wheel approach, not at all in a sunwise manner. They represent their own syncretic religion, which probably emerged as recently as the 1400 to 1500's, as having some kind of ownership for shamanism -- a word we learned from another culture and time altogether.

The Lakota religion, like all of the Medicine Wheel family, like the religion of every culture has a great deal to offer the world. It is for the believer to decide what to believe, what to accept, and never ever is a "declaration of war" on a matter of religion an appropriate response.

In the study of comparative religion I have often heard a technical term applied to so-called "secret religions." After a time, they are simply grouped in with other "dead" religions.

What the writers of the declaration need to remember, is that the so-called White Colonial power doesn't want Lakota religion shared. Exclusivity and ethnic purity only serve imperial masters. Religion must be spirited manifested. If they are afraid to manifest it, to allow others to manifest it, they are in the wrong line of work.

So the next time somebody dresses up a kid as ghost, remember you are parodying my ancient religion. And I thank you for it. Because you have rememberd its basic messages about life and death, and ignored all the drivel that muddied the message.

All religions are adaptations.

Bennacht

James A. M. Ritchie

From: Joseph Devere jodevere@memorynetwork.com
Sent: Saturday, December 04, 1999

Relatives,

Lets acertain the source. This is a CATHOLIC home page. These are the people who killed people that did not convert in the 1800's Remember? This is obviously a document ponied by the catholic church to discourage white people from becoming assimilated into an earth based way based on the truth. I agree with the statements of the profiteering and the new age movement. I just spent a couple days bringing needed supplies to Navajo elders resisting relocation in arizona. You know what I noticed? 90% of the people helping these elders were WHITE!? These are bold statements you are making here. The visions of the spiritual leaders I know is uniting the races. I was born on this land. perhaps I should join the morman church and aid them in the assimilation and robbing the native people of their lands. These written words inspire hate and separation. I do not believe these were written by a lakota spiritual leader but another ploy to the catholic church from losing more people to earth based spiritual practices. Don't you catholics know? JESUS WAS A SUNDANCER! he fasted in the wilderness and offered his body up as a sacrifice. I invite all catholics to walk the path of christ. instead of talk about it once a week I challenge you to walk your prayers 24/7. find a sweat seek a guide didn't you know your church is responsible for more deaths than the holocaust. Seek the truth and the truth will set you free. My prayer is that those who found themselves on the the good red road stay here. Those who use these ceremonies disrespectfully will have spirit to answer to. these ceremonies were illegal till the 1970's and now we are going to stop people from praying?

Good try father, I don't believe this propaganda at all.

Aho,
Joe

From: Jim Robertson jim_robertson@barefootcreations.com
Sent: Friday, December 03, 1999

You may post this response:

I was greatly saddened to read this Declaration of War. It resonates the same racist attitudes and expressions of hatred from the whites that contributed to the plight of the native peoples today. The negative use of the terms "wannabees" and "non-Indians" rings of other negative slang terminology referring to other races. The native peoples should be very proud of their spirituality and their culture. However, pride of one's history and spirituality does not, and cannot, justify the continued cycle of hatred, racism, and prejudice. I strongly doubt the Creator put the native peoples here to hide amongst themselves and shun all others.

Do the authors of this Declaration have special vision into the souls of those they label as "wannabees"? Are they inferring that only native blood is worthy of spiritual beauty and enlightenment? What of those with mixed blood? Are we evil also? I was not born on a reservation because my ancestors made a decision to leave. That decision does not limit my capability to love and be loved. It does not diminish my ability to understand and appreciate the beauty of native spirituality. Maybe the authors of the declaration have special knowledge that the Creator does not want them to share the beauty and wonder of their culture and spiritual beliefs with outsiders? That does not seem likely of the Creator.

We are all human. We all walk this sacred planet. We all come from a mix of histories that we should be proud of and histories we should be ashamed of. The native peoples are no different. Their cultural history is not unblemished with events of killing and conquering. I agree that the native peoples were greatly wronged in the past by the American peoples (and to a smaller extent still are today). I would support programs that would provide help for the native peoples in raising themselves from poverty. I would support programs that would return more lands to the native peoples (such as the Black Hills to the Lakota). I know many people of non-Indian blood who agree with me on these things. However, the greatest roadblock to the native peoples today is the native peoples themselves. Stop looking for someone else to blame. The persons responsible for the plight of the native peoples all died many years ago. The native peoples who were directly wronged died long ago. Now is the time for the descendants of all peoples to stop hating, stop arguing, stop killing, stop dying and begin to heal and grow.

The authors of the Declaration and various respondents made statements about the spiritually dead whites. Maybe some are. There are spiritually lost persons all over the world. Not all people are strong enough to find their spiritual center without guidance...not even among the native peoples. Maybe if these native peoples stopped being racists and began beings teachers, they could begin providing a positive energy between cultures. I personally believe that there is a great spiritual disparity and void in the mainstream American culture. Hence many persons are once again looking to the Christian organizations for guidance because that is the cornerstone of their culture. But that cornerstone is no longer sufficient for many people. Those teachings have separated us from the planet, from the earth mother, from the Creator. Maybe the native peoples need to act as guides and teachers to bring all peoples of "Indian heart" back to the red path. A great teacher brings more long term good to the world than a great warrior.

In very harsh, very blunt words: Stop crying. Stop whining. Stop drinking. Stop abusing drugs. Stop hating. Stop blaming others. Find your own positive spiritual center before you chastise others for their lack of one. Plan for your peoples future as a group based on spiritual bonds not blood bonds. Recruit the help, the aid, the assistance of pure hearted outsiders who want to help, to share, to participate. Start working to improve the conditions of your people from the inside out. How many natives on the reservations can speak their native tongue? How many know the spiritual and cultural history of your people? Begin working in a positive manner with a positive energy for a positive purpose.

I end with a thought to ponder: Maybe the Creator took all that the good things of life and split them among all the peoples of the earth. Each tribe was given some small piece or pieces of the puzzle. Each tribe thought they had the whole picture, the whole puzzle, the whole answer. But the Creator's true intention was for us to come together as one people. Then we might take the best of all cultures and finally put the world back as it was intended. Which pieces of the puzzle do we really know?

I wish only the best for the earth,

Jim Robertson

From: Irene M. J. Archambault tacaska@prairie.lakes.com
Sent: Friday, November 26, 1999

"Ray Bucko, S.J." wrote: Do you want this posted to the discussion list? Sure, why not! Thank you, Irene Archambault

I am a Cheyenne (married to a Lakota). I was raised (by my adopted mother) in the Catholic religion, and by my natural grandparents in my native "religion". Natives view "religion" in a very different way from others. Our spirituality is a living, breathing, all encompassing part of our everyday lives and of our entire being. All that we are, all that we do, and the way we live is part of our spirituality. The ceremonies performed are only one small part of our spirituality . . . they do not even come close to encompassing all of it.

I mean no disrespect . . . but I feel that any individual who was not raised in that spirituality cannot truly teach about it. This may also include Natives. There is one other thing to consider . . . perhaps, it is not so wise to teach about Native "religion", simply because they do not want it. There are some things better off left unanalyzed, and alone.

Thank you,

Irene Archambault

From: Damon A. Young y_damon@hotmail.com
Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 1999

Feel free to post this response.

I have to admit, I find this statement by the Lakota people to be both bold and necessary. As someone doing research into the appropriation and exploitation of indigenous and 'traditional' cultures, I am aware of the degree to which many non-indigenous and non-'traditional' people are stealing the sacred words, icons, artifacts, and mystique associated with the Lakota people, for instance.

Indeed, on my own soil, the sacred elements of the indigenous people of Australia are continually being exploited by Germans, Americans, British, and so forth, and by some Australians. Australians, in turn, then exploit the Hindus, the Buddhists, American Indians, and so forth, with slightly less interest in our own indigenous art, simply because we're busy taking away their land rights and keeping them in abject poverty. We steal their land, their security, and safety, but, adding insult to injury, we also steal their mystique and spiritual prestige in the guise of 'novelty'.

T

o those who would call the Lakota people 'fundamentalists', I ask you to think a little more deeply about the uniqueness of cultures, and the importance of virtuous intent when engaging with them. Yes, it would be unfair to safeguard the 'one truth', to become insular, to become xenophobic in the face of interest. But this is not what the Lakota statement is suggesting. It is suggesting that, in lieu of the continual superficial appropriation of their culture, of the stealing of their cultural sanctity for prestige rather than understanding, the Lakota people must stand firm, and claim the traditions that they have been bequeathed.

As far as I am concerned, there is no other reaction to this "offensive and harmful pseudo-religious hodgepodge."

Good luck, and best wishes.

Damon A. Young
Ph.D. student, Philosophy
Swinburne University, Australia

From: Kathryn Spurlock aine@tampabay.rr.com
Sent: Saturday, November 20, 1999

I can understand you getting upset at those who would use traditions for profit just to make money and lots of it....BUT I am a "white" woman who has a cherokee ancestor and, ever since I found that out, I have been almost obsessed with finding out everything about the Cherokee culture. I want to learn everything about it. I found a book called "The Medicine of the Cherokee: the way of right relationship" and I have been reading that, hoping (ignorantly) that I could be a medicine woman one day. I think the idea of healing others is awesome (and humbling, of course). I try to teach myself this not to exploit the Cherokee culture but to understand it, Even the Cherokee Elders from the past have said that the goal of the Native Americans have been and should be to educate the rest of the world. And the author of this book repeatedly states that WE ARE ALL BROTHERS AND SISTERS and that the healing traditions of different peoples around the world are very similar.

No one has the right to judge nor to condemn others, not even the Native Americans. We are all brothers and sisters with the Earth Mother and Father Sky as our parents. We should stop hating and start loving each other ... even when our brothers and sisters are lead on the wrong path or going about things the wrong way or are misinformed. If you think that these people are misinformed, then it is your duty not to condemn them nor to judge them nor to hate them but to educate them.

But just remember this: I want to learn the healing Medicine of the Cherokee 1)to connect with my Native American roots which were all but erased from our family history. ( They won't be if I can help it!); 2) to learn to heal myself through the natural traditions of the Cherokee culture and 3) to heal my family through the natural traditions of the Cherokee. The "modern" ways of doing things are not working in our society. I think that, if we were to go back to the old ways (minus the sacrifices, human and otherwise, of course!), or at least incorporate them with modern ways, we would be a whole lot better off. These are my motives but I am, also, poor so if I were good/knowledgeable at the healing medicinal ways and someone else needed healing and I could provide it, I might charge for it but only as a "donation" Kind of like a barter system. But only because I am poor at the moment. If I was better off financially, the idea of charging for anything would not even cross my mind. I would refuse payment, in fact, because I would figure it an honour to provide healing to that person. (even though I am poor, I still would but my children have to eat.)

That is not exploiting the old traditions. That is survival. If I was not hurting for money and I charged for healing someone using the old traditions, that is exploitation and I definately do not approve of that.

At the moment, though, I have two jobs (just got hired at my second job today!) so I will now have some money coming in so that means that what I learn about Cherokee Medicine I can use as it was intended - to heal people from the heart with no concern about "what's in it for me".

The author of that book made a good point: When Kane (on the original Kung-fu) says "I am Kane. I will help you.", that is the Native American way of thinking. Is it? Or is it "You are white. You are my enemy and I will hate you."? I think that we ALL can learn alot from that show ("Kung Fu"). We ALL (Native Americans, also.) can learn compassion and understanding and wisdom and love, unconditional love, from that show.

Please don't get angry and hateful towards others just because they haven't reached the same level of wisdom that you have (if you have reached a higher level of wisdom than them -- that is something you have to search your soul to find out, isn't it?). If you truly are wiser than them, have truly reached a higher level of wisdom than them, then you should have no problem being patient and loving towards them despite their ignorance and would be more than willing to help them to reach your level of wisdom, to help them understand. Wouldn't you?

Maybe you need to do what that author said and go to a mountain and sit under a tree and listen to "Grandfather Rock" and take His advice on what to do, how to approach this situation and those people.

We ALL are given traditions and wisdom and knowledge not to hoard away but to share with each other. If everyone in the world were to share their ancient traditions and knowledge and wisdom with everyone else in the world, everyone in the world would be wise and compassionate and loving and peaceful and ...

Isn't THAT the way of GOOD MEDICINE?

Winterstorm Bear c/o aine@tampabay.rr.com

Do I give you permission to publish what I said? Yes! I have nothing to hide and nothing to be ashamed of. Anyone who does have a problem with someone publishing their words, beliefs, etc. also has something to hide and/or to be ashamed of.

The point is this: I know that I am on the right path. I have been told that I am on the right path spiritually. If that is so, then I don't care what you or anyone else thinks of me. Period.

Kathryn Spurlock
AKA Aine Rhiannon Branwen
AKA Winterstorm Bear

P.S.S. - Oh, and before anyone jumps to conclusions, I was NOT condemning Native Americans for desctriminating against the whites. What I meant was that the native americans are angry at the "whites" and the "whites" are angry at the native americans and the "black" americans and the "white" americans are fighting and the Christians and the Pagans are fighting and etc. It is rediculous! I am sick of all this fighting.

Oh, and, even though I am poor, I did not nor ever have sold healing services to anyone. I might have bartered them..ie: " I will get you something to heal yourself but do you think that you can do this for me or get this for me? If you can, great! If not, oh, well, no big deal."

Would that be considered exploiting?

I personally don't think so.

Kate Spurlock

From: Daniel Brown dbrown@k12.oit.umass.edu
Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 1999

Hello there... you have my permission to print this.

There are two parallel tracks here...one that is indeed exploitation, the other inspiration.

As far as the former, the exploitation is real. If you makes you feel any better, after sucking native spirituality for all it's worth, the hucksters are working on the new latest fad, namely the Celtic Craze. This is not spiritual wannabees, as much as it is American Corporate Culture that would make a buck selling their mothers into slavery. Co-opting is a sick American tradition and nothing is immune to it. And yes, there are a fair share of gen-u-wine Indians riding the money train on this one, including some Lakota "medicine men". Of course, how does on "objectively" tell the real ones from the fakes?

The other side of the coin is that there is a true and sincere hunger for spirit among us white folks who were born into a materialistic culture and knew at an early age how lifeless it was. What you might not be seeing are those of us without the phony Indian names and the made-in-Taiwan Shaman Sticks who are using ritual to transform ourselves into more aware people. Not for money, fame or ego. Merely privately and respectfully for ourselves. You are inaccurate when some of you say that whites are devoid of spiritual understanding. Not true. Quite a few of us have had visions all our lives, profound ones in fact. It’s just we lived in a culture that gave us no reinforcement (or frequently had us committed). So we were also strangers in our own land. My initial attachment to Lakota spirituality happened strictly by chance and there was no desire in me to exploit it. It merely assured me that I wasn’t crazy. That others understood that reality had a spirit base to it. From there, I developed my own template to stay connected, one that no longer had to borrow from yours.

There is a marked lack of objectivity from Indian to Anglo as well as the other way around, Also, I am not so naive to think all Indians (or for that matter, all Lakota) agree unanimously. While declaring war might satisfy some macho impulses, the purpose of war is to win. And if you wish to win,I would suggest allying yourself with white spirit seekers, many of whom want to do the right thing and NOT exploit native peoples. They might be naive but they aren’t General Custer with crystals. Get them on your side and most of them will help with the housecleaning you desire. This might be done through some constructive networking and education. And many would agree with another writer that any profits made from native spirituality should go, at least in part, to the betterment of life on the res. Again, please don’t stereotype us as all being alike...we ain’t.

Allies are always more desirable in battle than more enemies.

Thanks for the opportunity. This is a work in progress.....-DAN

From: Morkleb oink@freewwweb.com
Sent: Saturday, November 06, 1999

I give permission to print this as seems fit.

I have recently come across this page and I am not sure as to it's purpose. My reply breaks down into three parts. The first is questioning the authority of those making the Declaration. I was taught that to determine the truth of a thing it should be questioned. If it is truth then it can not be invalidated.

After reading the Declaration, my first question is, how can a trio (as that is the number of signers of the Declaration) claim to represent the "recognized traditional spiritual leaders, traditional elders, and grass roots advocates of the Lakota people", when there is no mention of who these Leaders are, who the Elders are, and the names of the Grass Root Organizations that they claim to represent.

There is no mention of who these People are, who gives the recognition, or the groups they represent. If they are unnamed then how can they be recognized by other races or by their own People. If they have this power to represent their People, then they should give due recognition to their People and those Organizations.

The Second part is to question the purpose of the Declaration.

Although this seems a "stupid question", it does have validity. Are these individuals creating a binding document for their Nation. One that calls for complete and total obedience by them and their People. The obvious parallel that comes to mind is the American "Declaration of Independence". It was not a belief that was shared by all, but by a very large group, and "all" were caught up in its effects. Is this the intent of the document? To unify a Nation against all outsiders. If so, it is a noble purpose and I give my prayers to that end. Any People that have been cast into such dispair and ruin and can bring themselves out of it, are a great and noble People. I have seen evidence of this regaining of one self and I feel that it is a good thing. However, I have not seen no large coming together, to support this particular Declaration, and that there seems to be no support of the Nation behind it.

Why was this document written in pseudo-legal form and not in a normal spoken form. I can not guess as to the need for that, only to wonder about it.

Why is this document filled with racial and/or ethnic slurs. I have always been taught that, those with small minds and low self-esteem, use these types of terms as a means to elevate themselves. It does not give credence or justification to a cause, when these practices are used. Also I see that there is a claim to theft, disrespect, desecration, exploitation, among other items; there is also a call for all the "true people" to band together to stop these practices... "utilizing whatever specific tactics are necessary and sufficient -- for example demonstrations, boycotts, press conferences, and ACTS OF DIRECT INTERVENTION".

The last part of the quote was capitalized by me and not the originators of the statement. My purpose being that, if you look at all "supremacist doctrine", it always seems to include some form of the above statement. That being that force is always an option when things do not go as one would wish. Now this may or may not be their intent..... but put together with the rest of their statement...... this is what they are saying.

While these claims can not be disputed, as that all things that can bring a profit are stolen, desecrated, and abused by those seeking that profit. I wonder that this group feels that all of these forms of abuse are directed at their nation alone. Did all American Indians receive their Spirituality from the Lakota? If so, why is there not a call to stop those Peoples from practicing any form of Lakota Spirituality. This would be an uncontrolled dilution of those practices.

The third part is a specific question aimed at statement #7 of the resolution. That ... "our highest duty as Indian People: to preserve the purity of our precious traditions for our future generations, so that our children and our children's children will survive and prosper in the sacred manner intended for each of our respective Peoples by our Creator." It is my understanding that the highest duty of one is to serve his/her Creator in a manner of reverence and humility. Placing oneself above all others does not seem to fill these requirements.


In answer to the questions that will be asked:
Yes, I have American Indian lineage, from the Comanche Nation
No, I am of mixed blood, I claim bloodlines from both sides of the Atlantic. Which gives me the strength and power from all my ancestry.
Yes, I have practiced and do practice forms of Spirituality named in the above mentioned Declaration. I draw my rights to do so from the Creator himself and not from an individual.
Yes, I find this entire question of OWNERSHIP an affront to my Creator

If a People wish to control a thing, then that thing has little value. If a People wish to guide a thing, THEN THAT THING MAY BE OF VALUE. The value is given by the respect given to that thing, not to those who guide that thing. Things that belong to the Creator have value because honor and respect is given to the Creator and his creations, not to those who assume or claim ownership of those things.

This is something that a People or person needs to consider before making such a Declaration

Mark Johnson
morkleb77@yahoo.com

From: Rickie Lee ricabil@gte.net
Sent: Friday, November 05, 1999

Yes, of course you may post my message but please, if you have the time, help me to understand more by answering my questions.

I am not of Indian ancestry but my respect is high for you. I've always wished I had been born with Indian heritage. I value your beliefs & traditions. I am not a follower of christianity.

I would like to take this time to personally apologize for what my fellow white people have done to your people. I'm well aware that my apology may mean nothing because the past is the past but I have made a promise to myself to learn all I can of your heritage, which includes your love of spirit & earth & go forth educating others of your true spiritualism (if I may call it that).

My one main interest is that of spirituality. As I have said before, I am not a christian mainly because I have learned so much of what it's history is & how it's main goal is to control the masses. They preach love but their actions prove their inner hatred & prejudice for all who believe different.

I even have a problem concerning the name to use when referring to the creator. I seem to feel that if I refer to it as God, I'm leaning towards the christian beliefs. This may be a silly, rebellious way of thinking but my repulsive feelings towards them prohibits me using 'their' name for it.

Also, could you please tell me why you refer to your beliefs as 'religion'? Isn't that a white mans word for an organized religious group?

I'm very sorry for being so confuse but I learned a very long time ago that if I don't ask questions, I may nver know the answers.

Thank you for your very informative site.

My best wishes, (Ms) Rickie N ----- In a world so filled with hatred and violence, you should be happy that I love, no matter who I love.

From: Troy & Marti mmorley@lucasco.net
Sent: Thursday, November 04, 1999

I agree and disagree with the war declaration. When someone takes a religion and twists it and makes it their own it's either New Age or a cult. I don't believe that Native religion should be held back from those who truely seek wisdom from it. Especially us " wannabe's" who are searching for what our ancestors decided to hide, water down, or forget. I have always been proud of my native blood, even if it is only 1/4. I have no paper proof yet so I am not worthy of my blood. I want to know more about my ancestors and their ways. I also believe I want to help and join in the struggles that the tribes of my ancestors face. But that does not matter.... full-bloods and "proving" members only have that right to take their tribes for granted. I believe if one proves themself worthy, you should welcome them in with open arms. You are going to have those snakes in the grass who will try to rob you, but if you are using good judgement - that should be very minimal.

yes, please post my message.

Another unproven1/4 blood "wannabe"
Marti



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