Responses to the Declaration:
War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality

February 6, 1996 to November 11th 1996

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.

Date: Tue, 06 Feb 1996
From: a softer smile into yellow daffodils: S003CMV@desire.wright.edu

I recently wrote about my feelings on the Wounded Knee Memorial. I am new to the internet and I hope I have actually managed to reach you.

My comments in this letter reflect upon the "war against wannabes," etc. I agree with the reasons and the arguments you have all put forth for the maintainence and guarding of your scared traditions. It is as it should be, for all the reasons that you list, but still I am deeply troubled.

Why? Well, one day, here in Dayton, Ohio, I spoke with a female member of the Miami Valley Council for Native Americans. Because of my feelings, I wanted to participate, help and belong. She asked if I was Native American, and I said , Well if I am, it is distant, 1/32 nd or less. She then informed me that even though I had a descendent that was Native American, I could not be considered really Native American unless I was 1/16 or greater. As I stood there and looked at her, feeling somewhat disapointed if not confused, I asked, "I thought that being Native American, was something that you feel in your heart, not your skin?" She agreed, but said that membership was reserved only for descended, 1/16 or more Native Americans.

All my life I have felt a kinship. Maybe it stems from my admiration of my father, who looked quite Native with his black hair, dark eyes, dark skin and facial features that were clearly descended, and my grandfather whose features were even more pronounced. And, they both retained some part of personality that seemed inherited, and from their distant past. My great great grandmother, who I will never have the privilage of knowing, and who by all accounts we know as only 1/2 Osage, stares back at me from a photo. She stands beside her husband, a white man-Henry Fields, whom I know even less about. As I look at her, I wonder where she came from, who her people were, who her mother or father may have been, and I know I will never know the answers. But is she less my great great gradmother? Is she any less a part of me? No, not in my heart and not in some primal memory of mine that seems to understand even though I am ignorant of the facts, or the connections. Still, my heart will ever be searching.

I am what you all call a 'wannabe.' I have been called things before in my life, and that one stings. It stings because it reminds me that I don't have clear link to my heritage. It stings because, it feels like it belittles my sincerity, or my intent-much like you all must feel if someone uses a sacred rite out of context of its' purpose. And I have to be a 'wannabe,' because I am not allowed to belong. I did not grow up with the traditions. I do not know them. I did not grow up with clear images. I only dream them, or wonder why my heart yearns to know with clarity. I seek out something I respect, and understand, but do not belong to. And can I be so different from so many others who want to choose this better way, after learning the weakness of what they have been taught, or reared in? What they reject because of its' hipocrasey or emptiness? When the doors are shut to so many of us, how can we learn? It was easier to become a brother or sister 200 years ago, then it is to become one today.

Sincerely, Catherine Mary Vance- great great granddaughter of Alice Thorn-Fields; an Osage forgotten.

Date: Mon, 19 Feb 96 21:58:52 UT
From: "MIKE FLEAGLE" TEHILA@msn.com

White people are spiritually bankrupt and many of us are searching for a more relevant way of interpreting reality. Enlightened whites are aware of the world wide exploitation of native peoples. As for myself, western religions offer nothing close to how I see the world. Lakota spirtuality holds paramount the idea that the natural world is sacred. This is the ultimate truth of human existence. Where can I find this truth in any western religion? It doesn't exist. Ideas and spirituality are free. I can not be Lakota. But I am free to feel Lakota. I am learning Lakota language and I will travel to the sacred places not to be Lakota but to worship the land as sacred and to learn from those who feel the same as myself. The painful lessons of the past however, can not be repeated.

It is the never ending obligation of native peoples to protect what they hold sacred from those who have shown they would exploit it. It is my understanding that the writers of this proclamation wish to end commercialization of their way of life and this is a good thing. But remember, thousands of whites are searching for a new way. A way that respects the land and all that is on it. A new OLD way. I hope they don't pay too much for it. It has always been free.

Mike S. Fleagle, RN E-mail tehila @ MSN.com

Date: Sun, 25 Feb 1996
From: "David J. Rodman" djr@ilhawaii.net

Permission is granted to quote this message in its entirety, anywhere.

----

The truth does not belong to anyone. The sacred ceremonies of the ancient Lakotas also do not belong to anyone - they belong to Tobtob, to Wakan Tanka, to Taku Skanskan.

Is it wrong to charge money for a sacred ceremony? Yes, of course it's wrong. And no spiritual values can be gained from such a ceremony, so everyone involved loses and no one gains, not really.

I agree completely that those who would exploit the old ways in order to serve their own egos should not be accepted or supported.

I also agree with Charles Chipps, Ta Canupa Wakan, who says that no spirit has ever given a message just for one nation alone.

The spiritual world is for all nations, but not for everyone. There are those who cannot do these things, who do not care. They come in all colors. And there are those who are the Red Nation, Human Beings, Earth People, who do these things in the ancient ways, who do care. They come in all colors, too.

Let us declare a war against bad ideas, false "shamans", and phony leaders. And let our only weapons be better ideas, and the truth.

Mitakuye Oyasin

Date: Mon, 18 Mar 1996 08:06:37 -0800
From: latgale@ix.netcom.com (Eriks Humeyumptewa )

I am a Hopi and see the misuse of religious traditions everyday. All native religions recently have become part of the greater economy of today and our religions seem to be for sale. I can walk into any 'new age' store and now find supposedly sacred corn meal (blue no less) for sale, along with other "religious" items. The instuctions always say to use it for blessings and what not. But do these people really know how to use it? Should they be using it? Probably not. People always say that they are free to worship as they choose. While this may be true, one should be careful. Using a religion you don't understand can be just as dangerous as using a gun you don;t know how to use. It could blow up in your face.

Another thing to consider is that like most things with native peoples, it has been appropriated by the anglo world. Not only do people of the east come and steal our land from under us, they also can't keep their hands to their own religions. They corrupt the world and then try to escape on somebody elses wings. They seek to take something they couldn't comprehend. Learning 'x' language and studying 'x' religion does NOT make one 'x'. I see people that that say they are living the "hopi way". Yet they fail to comprehend the most basic things about us and even follow the most basic tenets of our ways. They misuse everything and make it bad: kachinas, songs, religious icons, you name it. How many people really know what Kokopelli stands for? Sure as shooting not just the flute and fertility figure as anglo america sees. Somethings can only be understood and learned from the inside. Anthropologists may think they have a good picture of us, and new agers and free-religion users may think that they are doing things rightand for some good. But the truth is that the picture is blurry, and more harm than good happens. Stick to your own ways, and be content with you and your ways. Don't be the one holding that "smoking gun" when it goes off by mistake. Just because you didn't know how to use it right.

all contents are the sole views of this author and in no way reflect the views of other unless otherwise stated. i.e I don't speak for anyone but myself - to do so would be folly

ERIKS HUMEYUMPTEWA

PLEASE POST THIS. THANK YOU.
Permission is granted to post this message.
Apirl 3, 1996

With regard to the "war against wannabees" I appreciate being able to post my two cents worth here. I can understand why Native Americans want to guard their ceremonies and sacred traditions from the "wasicu" as he has taken practically everything else from him. But I refuse to be blamed for something I had nothing to do with. Am I to be condemned because of the color of my skin? Are the german baby boomers to be blamed for the holocaust?

Unfortunately, there are a number of white people who feel that after having read a few books on Native American spirituality they are "shamen or medicine men". They claim supernatural powers, and perform what they call Native American ceremonies. All for a price of course. A true shaman/medicine/holy man does not ask to be paid when called upon to share his wisdom. If they want to show respect for the Native Americans and gain their trust, then they shoudn't try to interfere in their sacred traditions and claim themselves to be what they are not.

On the other hand, there are many who are turning to Native American spirituality because they realize what is really important nowadays - to live in harmony with Mother Earth. But then we are told that if we don't have a certain blood percentage we can't belong. What does that have to do with wanting to express our admiration and respect for their ways of life. Isn't that why the four directions represent the four colors of mankind? Then shouldn't people of all colors be allowed to join if their intentions are sincere?

How do you expect the white man to learn to change from his destructive ways if you close the door on him. There are many of us out here ready and willing to listen and learn. If I could have it my way, for starters, all the sacred sites would be returned to the Native Americans and Leonard Peltier would be freed.

Some of us are "called upon" to change or to go a certain path. And when that call comes, no matter what color/race/religion one is, he/she must heed the call. And remember, even the revered Ta'Shunke Witko (Crazy Horse) had a vision, where he saw the white man climbing the mountain and asking the Native American for help in showing him how to walk the Red Road. I too, am planning a trip this summer to all the historical sites of the Teton Lakotas to pray and pay my respects the the great ones and their land.

Isn't it a change for the better that everyone wants here? Don't lock us out because of a few ignorant people. The Sacred Hoop is at stake, but unless we join hands and work together towards a better future for the generations to come, as well as for peace on earth, it will remain broken forever.

Mitakuye Oyasin - Linda Chirayunon
thunderhawk@earthlink.net
Date: Wed, 03 Apr 1996 22:03:10
From: mattie@aztec.asu.edu (MATTIE RUSHING)
Reply-To: mattie@aztec.asu.edu

Please feel free to post my message, and to pass it along to those who signed the Declaration. Who knows, it might stir the debate, and clear the air. After all, I'm doing this in a good way, and that is how I was taught to do things be my teacher.

Thanks,
Steve Williams,Sr.

I read your Declaration of War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spiritually with great interest. I have a question however. I follow the Lakota ways. I have done the Visionquest, and now have the honor of being a Pipe carrier. I was put out by a Lakota Medicine Man, by the way. I have taken part in the Inipi, and have also lead several. I have never asked for, in any way, shape, of form, for money. When asked, I would tell the person that i t was traditional to offer tobacco. Once, after it was over, I found someone gave me some money, inside the tobacco package. I gave that money to a group in Dallas, Texas, to help the People. After saying all this, my question is simple. Am I wrong to do this, because I am white. I hold all the traditions in nothing but the highest honor, and intend to keep doing so. Even if you say I am am wrong to follow your ways. I have studied the history of the Lakota, and I think I understand why you feel this way. It seems like the spiritually is all the whites have left you, the rest, the way of life you followed, the Buffalo, the culture and society have been replaced with the white way. And this was, and is still wrong. Am I correct in this idea?

Please allow some place for whites, and others, those who truly follow the Red Road, to keep to the path. For my part, I would be willing to try and correct any wrongs against the Lakota, and the other nations, whenever possible. Thank you for hearing my words.

Mitakuye oyas'in,
Steve Williams, Sr.

Date: Sun, 07 Apr 1996 20:27:18 -0700
From: tracy vonder.voman@wolsi.com

I am borrowing a friend's computer to respond to the subject of mis- appropriation of Sacred Lakota rituals. I am part Mohawk/white, & I have read a great deal about Lakota spirituality, which I admire greatly. There is much I have incorporated into my own life and spirituality and I am grateful that such info is so readily available. However, I am appalled and disgusted with the way it has been grasped by these crazy "new age" people, and their absurd white "shamans". The worst part of it is their ridiculous claims that what they are doing & teaching is traditional, legitimate, authentic, and authorized. Why can they not simply apply what they have learned within their own lives, without contributing to a bunch of commercial nonsense?!?!???

I appreciate having the chance to express my opinion on this subject.

Pila Maye,
Mary

Date: Tue, 09 Apr 1996
From: Gail Schultz <itzeo@rapidnet.com>

Permission is Granted to Post this message, in hopes that it may touch the heart and provide a stepping stone between the Nations of peoples.

I, also, am carrying the blood of my ancestors...Lakota blood. I, also, do not have a sufficient amount of this blood to be recognized for it. I, also, follow my heart when it speaks to me and believe that the rituals and Spiritual beliefs that are Sacred have been misappropriated by many for the purpose of greed. Not only the rituals of the Lakota, but of the wasicu churches as well.

These occurrances, my brothers and sisters (because we ARE all related), are signs of the time to heal wounds, not to carry an ax. The birth of the White Calf, the fact that she changes colors, the Sacred colors, is a visible sign to all nations that we must unite. Can we all open our hearts, look in, and say we are doing something to make this happen?

In my heart, I believe that the Native people of North America were doing things correct, the ways and Spirituality protected the land and the people; kept them close to what is truly important for life. The whites that invaded this continent really messed things up. Since my early childhood I have been more 'Native' in my heart than 'White' and have found myself on a path that brought me to where I am now, in the Sacred Black Hills.

Living where I do, I feel the Sacredness of this ground and understand the feelings of the Lakota about the majority of the whites living near me. Many things have happened to me since living here, things I search out a true Medicine Man to help me understand. But, because of the color of my skin, it is difficult to find one to help me. I have been to Bear Butte and sweated. I went acting as 'family' of a Native friend of mine when she went seeking a vision. (She is 7/8ths Lakota, adopted by whites at birth, and I was encouraging her to return to her Spirituality.) I did not sleep that night and was granted my first vision. I wasn't sure if it was a vision and spoke to the Medicine Man that was there, telling him what I saw. No one there knew of my ancestor's blood, for I hadn't said a word to anyone. Yet in the sweatlodge, when the seekers returned, the spirits recognized my blood and welcomed me back. This man has moved and I cannot locate him now, and the second vision I have had is one I need to find a true Medicine Man to help me with, for it has many facets to it. Because of the charletans out and about, this is especially difficult for one of my skin hue.

Wakan Tanka is much wiser than we are, sees the hearts of us where we only see the color of skin. The messengers he sends are much wiser than we are, seeing our hearts and not the color of skin. Isn't it time to stop looking at the color of skin and look into the hearts of those around us for the benefit of us all? Who can say why Hawk has gifted a wasicu woman, because Hawk has. Only Wakan Tanka knows the answer.

Yes, there are those who would misuse the Sacred ways, but there are also those whose eyes and hearts have been led on a path to follow those ways for the betterment of them and not for greed. When you store food, as an example, if one item is bad do you throw away the whole store and go without for another season, or do you pick out the bad item and keep the good??? By seeing only the color of skin, we are throwing away the whole store for the rotting of one group. This, I feel, is not what Wakan Tanka wants. He would not want the people to starve. Starve many do because they do not see that there is much good in the hearts of many although the color of their skin is lighter, paler, darker, white, black, yellow, red, green or purple! They may be fat with food in their bellies, but they starve for the lack of being on a true path, the right road. If they seek help, who will help them? Will you? Can you?

June 21st of this year will be a day of celebration and prayer. The ceremony at Devil's Tower is said to be for indiginous people. What is the definition of indiginous??? If this is to be a prayer for peace between all the nations, why is it for indiginous people only???? I feel compelled to attend this ceremony, but respect for the Sacred ways and fear that I will not be welcomed for the color of my skin instead of what is in my heart creates sadness within me and I sit on my heels on making a definite decision whether to attend or not. And I know that I am not alone in this feeling. The prayers are to bring us together. How many will sit on their heels, and in doing so, slow the uniting of all people? Where do we, as individuals, begin the healing?

Perhaps a mixture of beliefs at this point may help.....'forgive them for they know not what they do' would be a better attitude to take. Teach the greedy ones the error of their ways by completing their education. Make them understand completely what they are attempting to do so that they may act more correct and bring the truth to others for the right reasons, and not for greed. Open our hearts to a more complete understanding and allow our physical eyes on our faces to see past the color of the skin of the other person.

I hope I am able to overcome my feelings about the upcoming ceremony. To show up and not be welcomed would tear my heart because I have seen the good that can come of this. Protection of the Sacred ways is important, yes. But closing doors to those who in their hearts are led to follow the Red Road only prolongs the discrimination and hatred we are faced with now.

We Are All Related, Mitakuye Oyasin
Gail Schultz email itzeo@rapidnet.com

Isn't it true that after every bad thunderstorm, the sky fills with a rainbow??? And what more is a rainbow than the mixture of all colors working together in harmony???

Date: Thu, 13 Apr 1995 19:01:59 -0700
From: Thomas M hudson hudson@ag.net

Permission granted to re-post as needed.

It is about time OUR Warriors returned to take their rightful place among the people and become the Pretectors of the Ways Of The Wisdom and Peace Elders.

Thomas Hudson
Executive Director
Seneca Indian Historical Society
"So the Teachings may live in Peace"
Date: Wed, 17 Apr 1996 14:41:36 -0700
From: reggie@uwyo.edu

I do hereby give permission to post my comments on this most important subject!

I am Lakota. I was born a Lakota. I will die a Lakota. I feel that a large amount of people are genuinely and sincerely serious about "following the Canku Luta". I feel that their intentions are good. I also feel that there is room for people to learn and follow this road but I also feel that in some ways they must look at some of the truths involved in doing so. I had a friend who became a Cannupa-carrier and he did all the things that he was supposed to do. He was and still is a very caring and giving person. He recently found out the truth in this matter of being a Cannupa-carrier. He found out that despite all of his intentions and good things that he has done he can never be "connected". This connection that I am talking about runs in the genes...blood...relations or whatever you want to call it. My grandfather's father and his uncles and aunts were involved in history. They were at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. They were involved in the attempt to resurrect the beliefs thru the Ghost Dance era. They were involved in the hiding and performing of the sacred Wiwacipi (Sundance). I can sit here and point to these people and say that I have their blood running in my viens. I can sit here and point at my children and say that they too have that same blood running in their veins as well. Most of the white people can not do that! I say most because I can never tell when and if my words will come back to haunt me. Better safe than sorry. I am not saying that white people are all bad, either. I am not saying that they can not learn about my people. Look what Black Elk did. He did what he did not only for the Lakotas but he also did it so that all people can learn about us...if they so desire. My Unci (grandmother) used to tell me that Tunkashila made all of the peoples in the colors of the four directions. And he did it for a purpose and that was so that all of the people could hopefully learn to live together in peace one day. She was a smart woman. So I sit here and I say to all of you wannabes you can learn what you need to learn for yourselves but remember that the spirits only come and talk to the ones that have the blood and language of their ancestors. I really haven't heard of any German, Scottish, or any other kind of speaking spirits yet. I have only heard of Lakota speaking spirits. I guess it is that way because I am Lakota. I sit here and try to be compassionate, empathetic, sincere in these words. I don't try and sit here being hateful and mean when I say these things because I was not taught to be that way by these ways. I would like to correspond with anyone who feels that they would like to about this. My email address is somewhere on this message I hope and if it not here it is: Reggie@uwyo.edu. My name is Reggie Roan Eagle and I am Lakota. I can say a lot of these things because I do follow my ways.

Pilamiyelo! Mitakayapi! Le anpetu ki lila wastelo!
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 1996 17:55:53 -0600
From: Lori Cantu lori.cantu@mail.utexas.edu

I must say that I support nearly all that is said here. Also, I am white, and understand the meaning of "sacred" as it pertains to the things of lakota spirituality, and it makes me sad to think that such statements do not allow for any "whites" to follow such a path. Obviously, NO traditional belief can exist out of context, and the commercialization of ANY belief is repugnant to me, and anyone who appreciates the truth which is contained in it. I consider myself a traditionalist in belief, and I follow no organized ritual or paraphenalia which has not been "given" to me in a significant way, a "sacred" way. Certainly I have done extensive research, but more in cheyenne beliefs, which share a number of common truths with the lakota, but are seldom, if ever discussed or studied outside of a few circles.

What bothers me most, I guess, is the almost "white" sense of ownership over belief. I must confess my ignorance, but I cannot believe that a people who never chose to preach their ideas due to the very personal and close social ties that these beliefs gives them to their society and universe can wish to organize a movement which confines such ideas to only one group. These rituals, beliefs and truths are gifts to a people. If you wish to show discomfort in the misuse ( and it is very, very terrible misuse I have witnessed) then it is, however un-traditional in nature, necessary to carry on with teaching and sharing of both the ideas, the societal context and the rituals with those who convey the proper respect, understanding and intent, WHOMEVER they may be. It is, I believe, possible to carry on in context and, more importantly, intent despite the changes in society. All societies change, and with it, we must choose to either lose or retain that which we hold sacred. The only ways we can truly lose it, is by watering it down in the manner you rightly condemn, or by denying its significance and context in a present form.

Yes, it is both the responsibility of the lakota to maintain that which is sacred, and to keep it forever sacred. It is not within the nature of these gifts, however, to be exclusive. Condemnation is as much an act of ignorance as desecration. It is always the responsibility of one with knowledge to give it, in the same manner that it was once received, to those who truly need it.

I am sorry that I have been denied societal access to a culture for which I have so much respect, but there is no solution for that. My access has been spiritual and given by my brothers who live as animals, in the forests and high places, and who travel in the wind. I cannot deny them as teachers, nor say that they are native in origin or white. I belong to them first, and to a society second, but they have never said what I am or questioned my intent. I do not condemn your actions, your intent is evident and very sincere. But I do believe that the only way to combat ignorance is with truth, and that cannot be done without sharing it.

Robert Swim
r.swim@mail.utexas.edu
 Please share this with anyone who wishes it.
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 1996 11:59:26 -0500 (EST)
From: "Ann McClain Roher, Senior Composition Instructor"
WADC_ROHER@tccsa.ohio.gov

Yes. By all means, feel free to "post" my query. Thank you again for your help.

I am seeking information of a personal nature. In response to your Lakota Declaration of War, I am confused. I do understand your position about the selling of your spirituality. I do not understand what is available to white people who seek to learn about the Good Red Road.

I have been made a Relative by Choice personally by Grandmother Twilah Nitsch of the Seneca Wolf Clan. She has taught me a great deal, and I have always paid for her teaching. I have never tried to hold classes or workshops regarding her teachings. I learn so that I become a better two-legged and so that I walk my talk. I did not seek to be in her family but was honored when she asked me to be. I believe in Black Elk's prophecy that only when the sons and daughters of the white man take up the way of the pipe will the Sacred Hoop be mended. How do I learn if the color of my skin eliminates me from the source of learning? I notice on your postings that other whites are asking similar questions. In this critical time of Earth Changes, how are we to learn? Where can we turn? Shutting out all white people due to color will not mend the Sacred Hoop, will it?

I do not want to be Red. Ever since my earliest memory, I have wanted to do what I could to help and to heal. Wakan Tanka has blessed me with certain abilities which I use for the good of All. How can I overcome the color of my skin with your people? If people like me do not overcome this, how will the Sacred Hoop be mended?

Ann McClain Roher
Deh-ya-gut-gweh-hanowah (She Dances on the Turtle)

Date: Wed, 01 May 96 15:16:15 -0700
From: Sue Conklin <conklins@usva1.dyncorp.com>

You have my permission to post this statement and I welcome any dialogue about it. My comments are directed to the authors and supporters of the Declaration of War.

My reaction to your Declaration of War is deep sadness and some confusion. I am so sorry that in a world that is becoming increasingly enlightened, there are still some people who would disrespectfully exploit another peoples' spirituality. I suspect as much of that is due to ignorance as the desire for profit.

About the confusion - I am blessed to have spent my entire life in multi-cultural east coast areas where exchange of ideas between people of different ethnic and racial backgrounds is common. It is wonderful to share our traditions and religious ceremonies with each other; doing so makes us realize how alike we all really are. As a deeply spiritual white American of mixed European background who has always felt a deep connection to the Earth Mother and all of her creations I must ask you - Where is the line between education and exploitation? I have attended lectures and/or read books by full blood Lakota, Oneida, Cherokee and others who welcome the white interest in learning about their culture. There are many of us who are learning our true American history for the first time and believe me we are struggling with it! If only this kind of dialogue had happened when whites first encountered your ancestors, our history may have been very different.

Isn't it true that so long as any one group of people view themselves as separate they will remain separate and separateness by its very nature breeds conflict? Isn't separateness contrary to the fundamental concept that we are all related? How can we hope to have peace and harmony in the world if we haven't first achieved it in our own hearts and minds?

I respectfully ask you to consider this - what if for every handful of people that do in fact exploit your religion there were hundreds who recognize its wisdom and feel a fundamental kinship to it? I believe with every ounce of my being that this is the case.

You have every right to the privacy of your most sacred ceremonies. That is without question. But we are in fact entering a "new age" of awareness and more and more people of all races and cultures are seeking to heal themselves, each other and the planet. In order for this healing to occur, there must be forgiveness. Forgiveness allows us to let go of the past and accept others who are different from us as our brothers and sisters. For forgiveness to happen there must be mutual respect. And mutual respect is not possible without knowledge and understanding.

I would ask that you try not to judge to harshly people whom you consiser to be "new age" types. The overwhelming majority of these people, I believe, are absolutely sincere in their desire for peace and harmony and believe that at the spiritual level we truly are all related.

Date: Thu, 02 May 1996 15:34:39 EDT
From: gml6974@msu.oscs.montana.edu

Permission given to print my comments.

I am a Minnicoujou, Lakota woman from the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. I am currently attending Montana State University pursuing a graduate degree.

I have read through the comments made and feel I can not continue until I have commented also.

I believe the comments made by Indian people speaking out against the exploitation of Lakota spirituality are done with a feeling of having to protect that which is very sacred to us - our spirituality, which in essence is our whole being. We have continuously shared our knowledge with the White people, and they have continued to take ownership of that knowledge. The non-Indian tries to justify his rights by saying the Creator says we all need to live together in harmony. What they seem to forget is that the Creator gave each nation of people a way to communicate with him. To the Lakota we were given the Seven Sacred Rites, he did not give this to everyone, he gave them to the Lakota. To other nations he gave them their own way. We as Indian people know first hand that you can't be someone you are not. We have survived the boarding schools, the relocations, reservation life, but we have done this with a knowledge deep within us of knowing who we are, not white but Lakota. We come into balance with our world and are able move within the two world fairly comfortably, because we have to. Non-Indians are continously looking for something that is not theirs to claim, it is time they research their own roots and they may find they belong somewhere, until then they will continue to search and exploit what they don't understand and find words to justify it.

Date: Thu, 2 May 1996 16:03:15
From: Alberta Miller GAM8279@trex2.oscs.montana.edu

I wish to comment on the issue of Lakota spiritual exploitation. There is and should be no debate over this. What is ours in terms of ceremonies has been granted to us in a holy way for the purpose of protection and survival of the Lakota nation. Though there are many arguments set forth by the wasicu as to why they should be included, I believe that the decision has already been made, and not by the ikce wicasa. We were granted these gifts and according to the teachings, we were instructed to take care of these sacred ways. No doubt, our Creator gave all people a sacred path to follow in a manner which protects them. For the wasicu, please respect our wishes. Look to your own roots and follow the sacred teachings of your own ancestry whether it be German, Scottish, French, English or whatever. For other Native Americans who are teaching these holy ways to the wasicu, please consider the fact that we must reserve these teachings and pass them on to our children and grandchildren. Our own Lakota children are in dire need of spiritual counseling yet you take the holy ways and pass them on to non-Indians who do not understand our sacredness and therefore, abuse them. I know that in some cases, the ego overtakes the spirit and controls the individuals who do this. We came through a century of overt abuse and now it appears that we are undergoing covert abuse with these intrusions. Just because we stand up and want to protect our culture does not mean we are ignorant or racist. You can be a good, productive, spiritual person without trying to be Indian. As you know, these qualities come from inside, not outside. I sincerely hope the June 21st event remains an indigenous event for we need this time to share and pray for our future. As Native Americans we have been sharing, caring and generous with you all since you arrived on our shores. We taught you how to grow different varieties of food, we gave you 150 (at least) different types of medicines and the foundation for your government. We have also given you our men to fight your battles and in many cases, our babies were given up because of the deception of the legal systems. If you have good thoughts in your heart, put those thoughts into your action and do good for your own community. Make peace with your own siblings and revere your old people. Be a good example for other white people to follow. You do not need to sit in a sweatlodge to do this. Thank you, Alberta Iron Cloud

E-mail: aanta@boreale.se
This message was sent by Chameleon

-------------------------------------

This message might be displayed in the section of comments to the Lakota declaration.... but not anywhere else.

I agree wholeheartedly with the statement of these Lakota / Dakota elders, the sad fact is that it's not only their spirituality/philosophy that is misused. The strangest thing about these abusers is that they mix element from different cultures and traditions and thereby corrupt those cultures they often state that they admire. I'd like to mention that a link have been created to this page.

With best regards Aanta.

From: aufgg@uno.edu
Please feel free to post my response. I believe that the spirit of Native Americans lives in the heart of every man and every woman who have deep respect for the earth and everything in it. This respect also extends to the sacred ceremonies which are a gift and they should never be used in ing for all that is. The white man's religion does not offer this depth. Maybe it is a result of too much concern with amassing wealth, maybe something got lost trying to accumulate material goods. Maybe it was the original instructions the creator gav m of a gentle old spirit who showed me the way. Many other non-Natives are also searching but do not have a guide. Should those searchers be forsaken only because they do not have the right bloodlines? I do not think so. I realize that there is a lot h and respect for all that is.
Alexander U. Falster emacipyapi yelo.
Webkeeper's note: this message arrived garbled

Date: Sat, 18 May 1996
From: Ishgooda ishgooda@tdi.net

PERMISSION IS GRANTED TO POST THIS

All things birthed by Mother Earth are beautiful. Some of us remain in awe of all that is and are driven to offer up praise and prayer at any given moment. Others see all that is beautiful and instead of enjoying the very wonderment that these things are here, they "buy" or steal them then expect praise to be offered to them because they "own" beautiful things.

These people do not stop. Now they covet the very core of our beings. I have nighmares where I see Spirtuality Certificates and Documents hanging on den walls like trophies complete with names and dates. (John Running Fox/Shamrocky reservation/Spirituality purchased 1996), along with sacred pipes, ghost shirts, mandallas, dream catchers and suveniors from the Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves, and Washington Red Skins.

I have heard enough anger and frustration from those who are demanding explanations as to why they cannot find anyone to "teach" them spirituality. Here is one explanation I personally like. The words are my fathers.

"Teach me chocolate!" The young man demanded of his elder. "I will do anything, pay any price you want me to. Just please, teach me chocolate."

The elder asked, "Have you ever gotten your own chocolate and experienced it for yourself?"

"Well, no, but you've had chocolate since you were a child and I'm just starting out. I've never had chocolate and I wouldn't know where to begin. I don't even know what it looks like, so why can't you just teach me ?"

Putting a piece of chocolate into his mouth, the elder smiled and ignored the young man.

In frustration the young man begged. "Can you at least tell me where to buy a book about chocolate?"

Nicolette

Date: Tue, 21 May 1996
From: Dave Trombly panaman@bcfreenet.seflin.lib.fl.us

I give my permission to post this anywhere!

I agree with the Statement of War against the wannabees and sham-men. I think it's disgracefull for anyone to steal or subvert anyone's spiritual practice.

That's something I had to come to grips with in my own life. I'd read a book about Lakota spiritual practices and I was gung-ho to learn them and become a shaman.

But, later I realized that it would be innapropriate for me to do that. While I may identify with Lakota beliefs, it would be innapropriate for me to use their words or their ceremonies in my spiritual practices.

Rather, I should, in my own way, put into practice what I belive in. For example, I identify and belive that the earth is sacred, therefore, I don't litter, I don't peel out in my car (when I had one) I don't skid my bike intentionally on the ground, etc...

I related to an above post where the elder says "Have you ever bought your own chocolate and experienced it yourself" That's what I'm doing, forming my own spirituality from the ground up.

And while the beliefs of my spirituality may in someways be similar to Lakota beliefs, it will never become a copy of Lakota beliefs or anyone eleses beliefs.

Thanks!

Date: Tue, 21 May 1996
From: HPNIE@aol.com

Permission granted to reproduce.

Face it, Popeye is the final authority on this, and I quote; "I yam what I yam an thats all that I yam!"

Love & Kisses,

Goyomac

Date: Thu, 23 May 1996 23:18:50 -0500 (EST)
From: a softer smile into yellow daffodils S003CMV@desire.wright.edu

I have recently read the new postings, and wanted to respond on the board. Some people I have responded to personally, who have contacted me. I did contact one fellow today without him contacting me first. I don't want to be an antagonist. I don't want to tread where I might step on something and hurt it.. ..that's not how I feel. But I feel compelled to respond only to clarify what it is I feel I have to say. Since this seems to be a forum for comments and maybe friendly debate, I hope that you post this comment of mine, along with this letter too, if you want.

I have to ask, if we do not need to sit in a sweat lodge to learn to do this: to be a good example, to follow a good path-than why should you need to do this? ? the boundries that you sit up are indeed isolationist in another way from the isolation imposed through violence of reservations by whites, years ago. All are tragedies to the spirit of the people-all people. Seperation is a fact of life, and yet look what it has done throughout history-created wars, created hate, created misunderstanding, racism and isolation.

What the Native American was of the past, he/she is not now. You can no more lay claim to that than I can. But if our ancestor spirits speak to us all, and ask us to come together in wisdom and understanding...what harm is there in that ? What fear must you hold onto?

I am well aware that white skin has played the role in the destruction of the old ways, but I won't be a target for someone elses crimes because I am white skinned. I myself decide not to pass judgement on a single person for that tiny difference. All humans need nourishment to nuture being human; earth, air, water, sun and love. No people can deny another people that and be justified. If there are no seperate paths to follow because history has lead us all here to this one......where the earth is raped daily by modernization, and society is decaying.......do we save it together? Or only ourselves?

I can't use any native language to say good-bye and peace, because it would be pretentious of me since I don't know any......Peace

Catherine Mary Vance

Date: Sun, 26 May 96
From: Ken Larson kglarson@ix.netcom.com

Aho oyate! There is cause for concern. As a wasichu (white man) I have seen many books, and seen 'wannabees' here in my state of Colorado - pretend to know the ways of the Lakota and other Plains Indian nations. No 'wasichu' can ever really know the spiritual ways, nor should we covet them either. It is not only Lakota elders that are angry. I know Ute, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Pawnee, Crow, Navaho and Cherokee that feel their ways are being misinterpreted. These new age shamans are hucksters and should be exposed as such. We non-indians must come to the realization that the spiritual ways are not public property, and therefore we do not have a right to appropriate them or disseminate them sacriligiously.

Permission granted to post this statement.

Date: Sat, 01 Jun 1996 01:10:30 -0700
From: David Allen dsallen@mother.com

permission to post

The declaration seems like the work of an immature group to me. Though they claim to represent the elders I doubt that. Bravo! for the gusto and fire of the words, but you'll grow out of the hatred in time. I choose to believe the words of Wallace Black Elk an actual elder. Oh yeah, all European ancient cultures included shaman to the best of my knowledge, We borrow from American tradition simply because it is not ten thousand years removed from our grasp, and don't forget our ancestors were hung and burned at the stake for praticing our beliefs, a bit worse than being commecialized.

Nova L'abbe

Date: Sun, 2 Jun 1996
From: "Robert P. Autry" robautry@crl.com

Why I am here, I am not sure, so the path that has brought me will be my story.

Some few months back, a television show featured a story about the birth of the White Buffalo Calf. The program went into why this was an important spiritual sign to the Native Peoples and this indicated great events were about to begin.

I watched with causal interest as I have no background with Indians other than I think (but am not sure) my maternal Grandmother was 1/8 Cherokee. So much for that I thought, until my wife was awakened by a terrible nightmare she had a couple of nights after the TV show aired. She then began to tell me about the dream and that there was a young woman with long silky dark hair and that she must have been Indian because the whole dream was set in desert area (there were cactus in the landscape). I had my wife write down the whole dream as she remembered it, so that the details would not be forgotten. I asked my wife if she had seen the TV show about the White Buffalo Calf, no she had not, and didn't have the slightest idea what the dream meant or knew anything about a white buffalo. I will include at the end of this message the entire text of my wife's dream as it was written by her own hand. I have drawn some conclusions, but ask that anyone that can draw meaning from it to please forward your thoughts to me via Email.

At this point my interest had been peaked and then began searching the Internet for references to the White Buffalo Calf. I found many references and pursued them to varying depths trying find what I felt was a path I was being guided along. I found Arvol Looking Horse's call to join in the ceremonies at Grey Horn Butte. All of these things were coming to me at a time when a great change was coming to my own sprit. Many things from past experience were becoming clear and many things now seem to be taking my mind to deeper thought and understanding. I felt almost compelled to travel to Grey Horn Butte and see what I thought was something that is the beginning of a new start for both myself and the Native Peoples. But now I find that I am not welcome. And so I will not go. This is beginning of the time of great change for all people. There will be people of all kinds showing up at your door step. Do not think that these people were sent as a plague on your people, they are returning according to your prophecies. Tatanka has sent them. As the colors of the Calf change, so shall the colors of the people that are sent. Do not let violence occur at the gathering. There are many who are compelled to corrupt this event. Peace and let God's blessings be on you.

My wife's Dream as she wrote it.

My dream starts when I am working my Flea Antique Booth. I was alone because the other worker did not show up. It seemed like it was located in Dacula but was more like a concession stand in the middle of an old Southwestern Trailer Park maybe Arizona because it was warm & there were cactus. Margie the shop owner lived in one of The Trailers which I notice looked like The old trailer I've seen on T.V. which Were small & curled down at the Back. This reminded me of the Southwest because these Trailers reminded me of Buffalo the way they hold there large heads down when they Graze.

Preston comes to shop & wants to know when I can leave. I tell him I can't because Margie keeps coming out of Trailer & she would get mad. It begin to get darker & red outside & Preston is getting Very mad because I won't leave because I am afraid of be fussed at by The owner.

He goes down & start yelling around the Trailer something stupid like - Margie won't let you leave over & over. I pull down the board & close up (because it looks more like a concession stand.)

I go down to try to calm Preston down but he grabs me & throws me on the ground at the Trailer - he won't stop yelling - he grinds his snake skin Boots - which I have never seen him wear before in my Back at my Tail Bone & keeps grinding & I keep yelling with pain, I get up he catches me again. Somehow he falls & get cut & scratches on his face & head from rocks which form the perimeter of the walk way. I look back at him when he has me on the ground digging his Boot heel in my spine & he looks & acts like he is possessed & foaming at the Mouth.

I start yelling for help to get someone to call police & a girl opens the door.

She sticks her head out the door & wonders what is an person doing in her Trailer. All I could see was from her chest up. She had thick, Beautiful shiny & long Black hair & had it pulled Back loosely at the neck. I thought she was Indian but maybe from Generations ago because her skin was too pale.

Then she just looked at me & Pointed at the parking area in front of the Trailer & it was the police pulling up. Because I had yelled for someone to call the police. At that time Preston was still stomping me & as he saw the police it was as if demons took over and hurled something at the police car - Preston's face looked like a mad possessed thing.

The big Ball of Energy went through the police car Window & hit the police & he was dead. My last thought before I woke up was there was No one to save us then & woke up.

permission granted to post this message in response to War message.

Regards,
robautry@crl.com
Date: Mon, 3 Jun 1996
From: wabun@ix.netcom.com (Phil & LaShelle Varley )

Hello, my name is Phil Varley and I am part Cherokee. To what extent I don't know as I haven't worked out my genealogy. I not only agree that the Lakota spirituality is being exploited but all Native American spirituality. The "White Man" is lost in todays world. And for a good number of us, and I say us because I am more white than Native American, we have only the more modern religions to practice. I see this exploitation as another aspect of the whites profiting from the Native Americans. But I also see a reversal happening now. It's true that many of the spiritual items of the Native Americans are being sold in novelty shops by "white men" as "Authentic Native American" items. But I am seeing more Native Americans selling these same items also at inflated prices. It seems to me that everyone is trying to profit monetarily, from everyone else. I too have become interested in the "Native American Spirituality" as I believe it is really the only religion in this world that is going to save our earth and our people of all nations. I believe the Native Americans hold the secrets of power that no other nationality holds. It is said that the "White Man" will turn to the "Native Americans" for their teachings. That the Native American" will come forth after a hundred years of almost non-existence and teach us their ways. So how is one going to learn if the non-Native Americans are not allowed to participate in the secret ceremonies? How are we going to "become one" if the "Native Americans" are excluding us from their secret lessons brought through the many years of past by the "Elders"? If we can't accept everyone and teach everyone because everyone is not "Native American", then the exploitation of the Native American is goin to continue, and we will never have balance, peace and harmony, with Mother Earth. We will never become One! I defend the Native American, and I feel that many enjustices have been committed against the Native American. But I feel saddened by the fact that I am not accepted as an equal or a Native American. I was born in Oklahoma! Who will take me under their wing and show me the "Red Path"? I suppose I will have to do it on my own by purchasing the spiritual items I feel I need from the novelty shops. I suppose that because I want to follow the "Sacred Path" I will pay the high prices of the special items I feel I need to do this. And I suppose that because I am not at least one half Native American I will never know the secret teachings and ceremonials of the Native American!

Permission is given to reproduce this statement in it's entirety.

Date: Wed, 05 Jun 1996 20:07:57 PDT
From: bd7@ny.frontiercomm.net

Permission to post this message is freely given.

With deep grief for wrongs done all beings on our mother, and with respect for feelings of anger and protectiveness which have been expressed in response, I ask that you consider why all "whites" must be considered as belonging to a group of exploiters anymore than all "reds" should be labelled in damaging ways? I do not believe it to be right to judge a two-legged by his/her heritage. Denying a someone who is earnestly seeking access to sacred teachings is as harmful and wrong as forcing sacred teachings on someone.

Ultimately, what we each feel in our hearts cannot be denied us. As a previous poster said in the "chocolate" story, it is what we seek for ourselves, both within our hearts and on our mother, which defines us. There are many roads to the same destination.

"Mitakuye oyasin" -- we are all related.

Date: Tue, 11 Jun 1996
From: Linden Gilbert & Victoria Stoll

Permission granted to post:

Many good people have a true spiritual path, and sometimes this involves some degree of Native tradition ... but if one is on a true path, one respects the source of the spiritual influences that come. Most of the Tribes once welcomed whites and taught them about their ways. Some Elders are called to teach non-Indians about these things. But no one has a "right" to these things. They are given, and if you take with without permission, without returning the proper respect, without everything being done that is required, you are stealing, you are colonizing, you are no different than the ones who came here 500 years ago and ever since to take what they could. "Wasicu" means "fat takers" ... we are left with bones, but the old ways never disappeared. Would you take these too? Much has been lost, but not all. As someone said, if you use something that you have not been trained to use and given permission to use, it is dangerous not only to you, but to everyone around you, and you should stop. Those who understand these times understand what is happening and why. So if the Lakota, or the Dineh, the Hopi, or any other Tribe says, "These are our things, they are not for you, they are not for sale," you must respect this. You were given the chance, and you failed the most basic test, that of respect. Don't continue in this way and don't continue in your demand of a "right" to what is not yours. If something is meant for you, it will be given in the proper way. If not, and you use it, you are serving the wrong master.

Linden Gilbert
Kootenai/Tsalagi/Irish (Tuatha d'Danaan)
Date: Tue, 11 Jun 1996
From: olds@ix.netcom.com (Olds Printing)

Such words of hate I just read. It is sad to see such white society answers to your problems. The Mother Earth is crying out of mans abuses on her. True the Native Amer. people have much to be angry about. But anger is such a negative thing, you try to explain things in anger and not even the rocks will listen. Only your spirit will darken. True, many (alot) of New Age type wannabe teachers are getting rich by abusing your beutiful religon. But if one, yes just even one of their students stops hurting the Earth or becomes a better person, is this such a bad thing?

If you want to preserve that, which is your peoples religion. Look to your teachings for your answers, look beyond the ceremonies, but to what they are teaching.

I think you will find your answers, in teaching. It is the easy path to complain. It is a true and hard path to teach.

The people are thirsty, you can let them wander and drink poison... or give them clean water to drink.

...Teach Teach Teach...

Peace
L.Wiley
Permission granted to post/reprint

Date: Fri, 14 Jun 1996
From: guest@sailor.lib.md.us (guest login)

You may reprint my message. I am saddened at this time of world unity that so much energy is being spent on division. Our small turtle island can only stand so much. Why not concentrate our energies on the task at hand - UNITY? There is much to be done.

Date: Fri, 14 Jun 96
From: bud bud@colosys.net

please feel free to post this opinion!

I am an Oglala Lakota... I also am a breeded wasichu. My father is Lakota and his father, too. I am only 25 years old, and although I grew up on the rez in the Martin S.D. area I NEVER was encouraged to learn my traditional heritage. This is because of the cultural genocide and the repressive regime articulated by the U.S. government. However, the Great Spirit Wakan Tanka has made sure that the eye of my heart, my chante ishna, awaken to realize that the Dark Night of the Lakota is embarking on the hours of the morning star. I am coming to realize that this world is about to change. I am a college student far away from my people, and I know very little of who I really am- yet I KNOW WHO I AM- I AM AN OGLALA LAKOTA and that is the most important thing to me in my life. I understand that the seven sacred rites include the Hunkpapi ceremony, the making of relatives. In traditional lakota culture we Lakota are already all brothers and sisters as relatives, therefore this ceremony is intended to extend the ideals of Lakota soceity outward to 'other peoples', in turn making our family more numerous, which in turn allows us a larger voice in the struggle against the inhumanitarian atrocities of the U.S. government against all Indian Nations. We HAVE to get together, as Jim Morrison said, "One More TIME!" The great coalition of Lakota and Cheyenne as well as several other small factions of different Nations- rose and defeated the U.S. Army- We WON THE WAR. We must again accept ALLIANCES with 'other peoples' and fight this cultural genocide of a great race of people.

I will join the war against any and all charlatans who are exploiting, abusing and misrepresenting the sacred traditions and spiritual practices of the Lakota as well as any other Indian Nation. It is time, however, to create alliances.... To restore the great Red Road of all Indian cultures. This could be done 'in a good way'. That is what my heart tells me.

I have to go now, dont own a computer but if any one wants to write:

Travis Coats
Box 882772
S.S. CO 80488

I would really like to have some dialog with those who are 'home'

Date: Fri, 14 Jun 1996
From: guest@sailor.lib.md.us (guest login)

You may reprint my message. I am saddened at this time of world unity that so much energy is being spent on division. Our small turtle island can only stand so much. Why not concentrate our energies on the task at hand - UNITY? There is much to be done.

Date: Mon, 17 Jun 1996
From: Coyotry

I'm crushed! You didn't include my comments...

But I like reading other people's comments, anyways. I agree with the people who say white people should not take red people's religion.

If you can't find God with what you have, you won't find him by taking what someone else has.

You can post this if you want--fat chance!:)

From: "Higgins, Barry" <HIGGINS@infosys.bhs.org>
Date: Tue, 18 Jun 96 1996

I don't know if you are still excepting these but I felt compelled to sent this, sorry about the length. P.S. My son's nickname was Bucko.

Barry D. Higgins

I give this site and any others the rights to post or publish this response to the Declaration of War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality.

My life is dedicated to trying to learning, live, and teach that which is directed to me by the Creator, (in his most generic form). My goal is to maintaining a sense balance within this while I am on this Earth plane. When I first read the Declaration, on another web-site, I was disturbed and concerned as to how readers would interpret what was said, the real message. I hesitated in giving this reply but Spirit has told me it is the right thing to do. So I cast my teaching stone into the water and hope the learning ripples spread across the water. This note is somewhat lengthy so do with it as you may. "Mitakuye oyasin"

Often like a campfire story that is passed around from person to person, one can not help but add or subtract from the original message that was being told and becomes confused and distorted. Recently I was at an intertribal POW POW in New England. The pulse of the gathering was about the "locals trying to shut down our scared practices". People were taking sides on issues, rallying supporters, donations, calling AIM in to take political care of the locals, etc. Only by walking in balance could one really see what was happening. A nearby Campground owner was bent out of shape that the POW POW grounds owners allow the vendors to camp onsite during the period of the gathering and he was losing money that was not his in the first place. Greed turned into anger which came back as revenge and they called the Board of Health about unsanitary conditions, no showers and inadequate food safety procedures at the POW POW. The Board of Health shut down the food concession and required that a public hearing be required on the future of the remaining conditions. Some interpreted and escalated this as a shut-down and the banning of the religious rights granted by the constitution and some broken treaties. War parties were formed on all sides to do battle. Quite frankly I do not participate in either radical or ultraconservative behavior, so I don+t know the outcome as yet. But the real message here was how one man+s greed could turn to jeopardize the life of the POW POW for everyone, and how both warring attacked each other rather than the problem. In a perfect world no one would have complained and no one would have been hurt. In a near perfect world the nearby Campground should have been boycotted for his greed. The POW POW site should have either corrected the health safety issues or shut-down only those aspects of the POW POW in violation until they could be corrected. I+m sure this would have taking much less energy than that which was spent fighting. Arranging alternate food service and camping arrangements would have stopped this stampeding buffalo with it+s head to low to really see where he was going. Only by walking in balance would they see the real issues and work on fight to fix them. And our friend at the nearby Campground would still be missing the money that was not his in the first place.

What does this have to do with the Declaration? Well, fear and greed are created by the ego and ego is the absence of love, ego exists only in the mind, ego is the "The Blue Man" that Black Elk saw in his vision. Without love and respect for one another we will destroy all that is important to us and our spiritual growth. I won+t leave any body out here as "it takes all kinds" and We ARE all related. The Great Spirit will eventually take care of the greedy, although we may not actually see it but it will happen. So fear is the main cause of barriers of race and religion. Man's instinct is to fight that which he fears threatens his very survival. One should not declare war on those who walk a path of truth. The strength of our medicine in multiplied when we come together in truth, understanding, and love. The medicine of the objects, rituals, practices of any culture have no power in the hands of the unbelieving, unknowing, and undeserving. We should always be sure to really understand who is our REAL enemy and why we must fight them before we attack. I support a cold war against "phonies" and "opportunistic parasites". To do this the answer is to educate the "buyer". Spend your time teaching the right way, teach truth, honor and respect. This is the only way to preserve the sacred nature of that which has been taught us all. Only then can we avoid the misunderstandings of fear which blocks the universal mission of love given to us by the Creator, it is OUR responsibility.

Some might be wondering if I am Black, White, Yellow or Red. Actually I am many colors and many cultures, Celtic, French Canadian, Native American, and a sprinkling of others. I+m the product of love not cultural elitism. The Natural Way has always been in my path as it has in the culture of my genetics and as so I will continue to follow along this path despite those who would like to force me from it. The Creator speaks to us ALLl in the language that we might most easily understand his words. He only asks that we listen carefully with an open heart, learn, and follow the path to true attainment. Only then can we fulfill the vision of the mended sacred hoop and accept that WE ARE ALL RELATED.

Blessings to all that are healed by these words.

Date: Wed, 19 Jun 1996
From: "This is a PUBLIC (anonymous) workstation" <public@library.wright.edu>

...but some of those same ancestors in the religion you refer to-Christianity-decimated and destroyed many Native Americans in the name of the Father and the Son, in the name of progress and under the sanctioned guise of Manifest Destiny. I have argued that I won't be blamed for another generations crimes, and wrong choices for all of humanity.....because I am white, but a mockery was made of the christian faith a long time ago, as today......and now by the color of our skin, we are condemned. It is no less than our ancestors have done. I have not done it, but I cannot say that my immediate ancestors did not. If the Native American sees us thus, than our ancestors have created it, unwillingly, we have inherited the reproach of peoples whose ancestors and selves have suffered. I still must ask, if I am innocent, will those people in turn condemn me too. What answers than? What can I learn to do to find a salve that heals? Or can I even? But I have a phylosophical question to pose to anyone.......who's to say all these diverging roads and beliefs are really antagonistic? It seems mankind makes them such out of vanity, or out of greed for self-gain and the creator can only sigh. What as two-leggeds can we do to unite us?

* my permission is given to post

Catherine Mary Vance
June 27, 1996

The future is good for those who embrace change.

To enrollees, find your brothers & sisters, don't declare war on them. The US government made adoption the only choice for too many. If you shoot your brothers & sisters, you are the government's dogs!

The US bureaucracy says he's 15/64th White Earth, 1/64th short of "the-real-thing". The US bureaucracy cannot tell him if he's maybe 1/64th (or 1/4th) Lakota, Menominee, or Fox, at least not without PhDs & lawyers uncscrambling the code to the bureaucracy, to the adoptions, the microfilm, the census-that-wasn't-a-census. He's still stopped by the cops, just like you, for his skin, he's still shot at for walking along side the road, but you declare war on him!

The US bureaucracy can't help the Apache born in East LA, born to parents who enlisted, fought, drank, worked in the fields, as they were told to do, after their own parents relented, from torture and deprivation. So, they look like Mexicans, they live in LA, they must be illegals. We can safely ignore him. He's wasted, a repeat felon, an Apache spirit in urban warfare. But he's not enrolled. Forget him. He's a casualty.

These friends of mine are rejected by you, the tribes, the whites, the hispanics, the blacks, the government, the schools, the courts. Cast out of the system which swallowed them as infants, you now want to shoot?

You, too, treat these people as dogs. You can help him, but you declare war on him?

Rather than declaring war on those to whom you stand a chance of alliance, rather than being devisive pawns to the corporate-state who don't want ANY coalition for the native american... rather than this, find your urban relatives, help them. They are not dogs. If you must hate the new-agers, then do so, but take care of your own. We are all related.

I forgot to grant permission. Please use my comments. These friends of mine need a voice somewhere.

Date: Fri, 21 Jun 1996
From: KIRKJ@edinboro.edu

I have read the Declaration of War and some of the responses by whites and Native Americans. I am a white person myself and feel that the Lakota people have been exploited far too much already. Whites should stay out of the Lakota's business. I obviously did not participate in the destruction of the Lakota's old way of life, but my existence in our culture today puts me in a position of being somewhat at fault. White's should stay out!!!!!

Permission is granted to post message sent on the subject Declaration of War.

June 27, 1996

Permission to print

I Agree that something should be done about the exploitation of the sacred ceremonies But i think declaring war against all those who sincerely respect and truly would like to understand these belief systems is wrong. I'm from Tasmania Australia and the Native American way of life has even come here brought down by people who have sun danced , vision quest ,have been given pipes and have learnt these ways from true acknowledged medicine men and if wakan tanka had said these things are for the lakota only how come they were taught these things. I understand some things like the sundance and others should remain with and only be done by true medicine people but things like sweat ,vision quest people feel the truth and power in such things and even though they haven't been trained will conduct these ceremonies and generally a lot of people have good intentions but because their wrong dosen't mean you declare war against them It would be nice if you could lead those who sincerely want to understand like Children which they are like in these ways rather than condeming them. We have sweat lodge and the man who takes us has spent many years going back and forth learning with an old friend the lokota way and was given permission by this elder to conduct sweat, take people on vision quest and he is also is a pipe carrier he was instructed that he must not charge any money for these things and he dosn't. I believe the fall of such a great nation had to happen because the need to evolve and so many warriors would paint their faces black and go out and kill. War causes nothing but distruction I ask why you could not guide those who have open hearts let them go out an get their own visions and maybe they will not need to use your ceremonies but now All men need a guide and are calling for some one to lead them

dave
E-mail Geof@ice.net

Date: Thu, 27 Jun 96
From: Suzanne Miles suzannem@dis.wa.gov
Organization: WA DIS/OITO

This is from a speech by Lee Brown, at the 1986 Contintental Indigenous Council.

"Always along the path of these prophecies, we could have come together. We still could. If we could stop the racial and religious disharmony, we would not have to go through this third shaking. The elders say the chance of that is pretty slim. It seems to me like it's pretty slim, too. But they say what we can do is cushion it. We can cushion it so it won't be quite as bad..."

"And now it is us. We are the ones they spoke of long ago. They say to be alive, to come into creation and to live upon the earth at this time is a great honor."

I hope you have the opportunity to read this text in full Web Address for this site

Permission to post granted.

Date: Sat, 29 Jun 1996
From: Weyaho@aol.com

With Greatset Respect,

I find it hard to take exception to the out rage felt by a people who feel that their spiritual sacredness is being mocked, misrepresented, and misused. Very probably if Jesus were to return today he would see the same mockery, misrepresentation, amd misuse of his original spirituality. However I believe that the higher power whether that of Jesus or the Lakota Indians is not as concerned with the either intentional nor unintentional mistakes of human beings in their search for Him/She/It as He/She/It is with the heart stance of those who are truly seeking to become one with the higher power. It is in the trying that we attain our goal and we learn more each time around as we seek the Way. I believe more would come of education from the heart rather than condemnation of our differences.

Please feel free to post my message - my name is Jessica Pitts and my screen names include Ponitrax and Weyaho.

Date: Tue, 02 Jul 96
From: Cliff Church Salish@worldnet.att.net

I am a Montana Salish tribal member living in Seattle. Right now, for $125.00., I can go to any one of several locations around Puget Sound and experience a "sweat lodge" ceremony. It seems wrong. There are "Native American" shops around here where I can stop by, gulp herbal tea while Carlos Nakai serenades in the background, and then walk into another room where there are 5 or 6 "suyapis" learning how to sing and use a hand drum. What am I saying here? I don't know, really. It's just that in past generations white people living on the rez (and among Indians) were often times accepted and thought of as no different, especially when they were in the same social and financial stewpot as the Indians. Now, it seems there is an assualt on Native Culture and beliefs. Nearly everything has been "appropriated" from us, if not stolen outright, and in many cases our spiritual beliefs are all that is left. I don't know if I am expressing myself well enough. I think you actually have to be an Indian to understand. Well, that's my two cents worth too. :)
-Cliff Church
Seattle, Wa.

Editor's Note: This message came through truncated

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996
From: Jane K Webb <jade1@midwest.net>

With all of the violence and chaos in society today I believe the mention of "declaring war" will only fall on deaf ears because everyone seems to be conditioned to it. Drive by shootings, gang wars, domestic violence, senseless killings, sexual assa nother Woodstock, especially with the support of wannabe's that may or may not have a little ancient ancestors blood. It seems logical wannabes aren't the real threat because imitating their "ideal" long enough is bound to become a positive instead of neg

It is common knowledge people are more educated these days, and a lot of sick truths have become clear to the public over the past few years, about our history, and our Government. With all of the new means of communication, media, and publications p

There is new interest in Native American peoples because we are like children that were lied to and now we want to learn more of the facts straight from the source. We are not wannabes as much as we are trying to "adopt" our brothers and sisters by being

Many whites are more aware how much Native Americans were wronged, and there is much empathy among most. Many are sympathizers, many are lost about what to say or do...many fear what they don't know...some are still in the dark...and there are those

Furthermore, I regret deep in my heart to say this because it is a painful truth...but a lot of Native Americans are just like the wannabes. The reason I make this statement is clear. Tribes were separated, the people were forced to live white lifest hat the difference is between a Native American with white blood and a white person with Native American blood? Which one is the wannabe? This is like the old question is a glass of water full or empty?

Simply, we live in a new age! Time is running out. It's too late to rehash who did what. We all know what happened and who is at fault. It is time to focus on what to do now and for the future generations to reestablish the major loss to all of us, not ju

I don't know if I'm a wannabe or not...I don't care much about putting tags on people.. that is like the pot calling the kettle black...all I can say is in my heart I belive in as much as I could learn about Native American beliefs in my heart so str

It infuriates me to pick up a pair of moccosins in a tourist shop only to find "made in Taiwan or Japan" inside. It infuriates me when I discover retreats for vacationing people in Wisconsin, that are supposedly Native American but are operated by wh

In conclusion, Native American people will be helping themselves in the long run for sharing knowledge to educate whites about a better way of life...we are all connected and what one group does effects the other. I can only imagine a better world if

No I don't blame anyone Native American for their anger and distrust, or fear of more problems for associating with the white race. There is a difference between associating and learning how to live together, than moving in. In reality, I don't belie

There isn't a lot of blood in me but there is some...and it's enough to give me feelings of pride and enough to give me a sense of loyalty and caring. It's enough to invest a lot of energy in educating myself as much as possible and I have strong des together this time around.

Yes, I grant permission to publish my opinions and it is also o.k. to cut or edit what I've written into a shorter document.

Jane Webb 7/8/96

Date: Tue, 09 Jul 96
From: mtnbird mtnbird@digisys.ne

Regarding the "Declaration of War..." treatise: I wish to express my respect for those who created it. The emphasis on resisting those who PERVERT the sacred traditions deserves to be honored by all Native and Non-Native peoples. I myself am non-native. I was not fortunate enough to be born this way. I do not presume any false authority on myself or pretend to be Native when I am not. I do respect with all my heart the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people, and I feel they have the most beautiful culture and traditions on this earth. That is why I urge all non-native people to respect their right to possess and protect their religion and not to pretent or presume to participate at all or in any way that is offensive to them.

I know that some select few have been honored and asked to participate in genuine ceremonials in a sacred manner by honnorable Native People. This is an exception, and not something we should take upon ourselves for any reason. New Age shamanism is destroying many religions. What it is doing to my friends who are Native Americans is some of the worst abomination. We who are non-native must support the Native Peoples by our cooperation and non-interference. If we will do this, then we can truly do a sacred act.

Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996
From: trip@island.net (Slat/Reverdy/Saunders)

Hi Bucko! (Love that name!) Had a few problems with my E-mail configuration. My permission to post this response may or may not have arrived for you. You have my permission. And, if there is anyway you can correct the spelling typos to make me look pretty, sure would appreciate it. Thanks. Cwest

Nobody wins a war, and once started, war never ends. I ask tht you understand that some people are seeking, and in their quest, they may stumble onto the wrong path. Few get it right the first time , but the fact that they are trying, questing, and wanting to understand is not entirely a bad thing. Understanding the ways of others makes room for all of us to get along, side by side on this rock. Exploitation is inevitable, and sad. However, deceivers tend to fall more swiftly when more truth is available to expose them. Keeping all things secret from others can only lead to suspicion of other cultures and practices. It is abhorent to see exploitation, but be careful not to address everything that is merely different, as exploitation. Those who are in it for the money, the cult dieification, leave them alone, and support those who are genuine in their quest. Put your energies towards the good, not the negative. The negative is overwhelming and a virtual black hole that drains energy that could better be spent supporting the good work that is being done.

Caution also against whom you call non-Indian. There are many tribes and few "pure" bloods. Racism under any color, is unworthy of a spiritual warrior. Educate people, share with people, and they will better understand what is right and what isn't. To attack only generates anger, and leaves you with less than you started with.

People coming to the understanding of their ancestors, of all races cannot do anything but increase the understanding of all races and cultures.

Find a way to support your people without attacking other people. Sometimes, you might be surprised at who you really are, and who they really are.

And don't dismiss the messages you get from people you don't expect to get them from. If the answer comes, listen to the answer. If it is false, you can ignore it, regardless of what race speaks it. If it is true, it can help you.

The Creator created us all. No one is better or worse than the other. We are all learning. Some of us struggle more than others. It is better if we help each other. But if the anger is what is feeding you, then you are feeding the anger and it alone gains strength.

Yours with my heart,
Mitakuye Oyasin,
Cathy West

Date: Mon, 22 Jul 1996
From: Nexx3@aol.com

I can understand the want of a people to preserve their heritage, and I certainly support the idea of such a drive. However, I think that this statement unneccasarily eliminates non-Indians who wish to learn the reality of the Lakota religion. I have looked into many avenues of spiritual belief, and none have seemed to suit me. This statement makes me feel, as a white man, that I am unworthy to even attempt to learn the truth of a rich spiritual tradition that is still within the land around us.

My message didn't include it, but you have my Full permission to print it.

Please, feel free to post this (sorry about the glut of mail).

I just finished reading the responses to the Declaration and I see something very odd. Many of we whites are afraid. We are now be discriminated against because of our color, and we are being forced from something we either would like to experience or something we loved because of our color. One response exhorted whites to stay with our own religion. Another said we can't because all the practitioners of those religions were slain in a purge of the "heathens". I have no Native American blood. My ancestry is mostly Celtic, and I am proud to be a Celt. We Celts had our version of Wounded Knee. On the island of Mona, between Britain and Ireland, the druids and bards and kings of my people were slaughtered for their land and their worship of the Great Mother. Several hundred, maybe even a thousand years of a culture died on the Ilse of Mona, victims of an expanding, Christian empire. To those who would exhort me to follow my own ancestors beliefs, I say "I would, if someone could but tell me what they are." To those who worry over the commcerialization of their beliefs, I point to druidism, and say "There is what remains of my peoples beliefs. Were I to learn from them, I would recieve the some quality of education as if I had learned your belief from a man whose business cards say 'Native Beliefs for not big Wampum!". My beliefs are gone, killed much as yours were. I now am turned away from the last belief that resembles my peoples because of the content of my skin. My people did not survive the Ilse of Mona. Your people now turn your backs on the refugees who fell to the same conqueror. That conqueror is a Christian Empire, concerned only with possession, not the spirit, of the land.

Date: Thu, 06 Jun 1996 11:07:55 -0500
From: "G.CHANDO GILMORE" gchando@connecti.com

While I agree that we should protect our religion and our traditions,I would caution that we do not become so radical in doing so that we exclude those who were dispersed by government policies in the early 1900's and the children of those who were forced to accept white man's ways.

It would be wise to remember that many of us,myself included,are the products of Indians forced away from our tribes by the policy of forcing adoptions of Indian children into white families.It was just such a purpose that these forced adoptions had behind them.They were designed to remove us from our tribes and heritage.We as Indians need these lost members to return for they are perhaps the key to our very survival.We need this influx of new blood and we need to encourage these lost ones to return to their tribes.The policy of denying all who would return is not good.We need to establish some sort of mechanism as a clearing house for those who are Indian and who only seek to return to the places from which they were stolen so many years ago.We need to insure that we do not deny our own people the place that is rightfully theirs......G.Chando

gchando@connecti.com

Please post this.......

Date: Fri, 07 Jun 96 13:42:07 EDT
From: Dave Shrum DLS@SRUVM.SRU.EDU

I am posting this in response to the "Declaration of War against the Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality." Please post as you see fit.

I fully agree with these people who have penned this declaration. Now that they have declared war on those exploiters of their spiritual truths; I ask them to remember that not only are there people in the world taking advantage of others who are willing to pay money for Lakota spiritually, but also every other religion on earth.

In recent years past, there have been several cases brought to light where "Christian" ministers were arested, brought to trial, and imprisoned for for defrauding people who believed these ministers were of God. So, there have always been charlatans in this world and as the old saying goes, "There's a fool born every minute."

These charlatans will be found out in time and the first clue should be, are they charging a fee for their services? If they are, they aren't doing it for the people they are doing it to the people.

What worries me most about this declaration is that there are Pipe Carriers and Sun Dancers that are actually doing ceremonies for non-natives that are real. They do because they realize that the only way the Sacred Circle can ever come together and we can live in peace; in harmony with Mother Earth, is for there to be understanding between us all. Are they to be ostracized by their families and Nations because they are doing what they feel the Great Spirit wants them too?

I honestly believe He has had a plan with everything that has happened through out history. He had to have some way of bringing us together. It's very sad "my race" had to be so greedy and couldn't see the way it should have been. For this, I'm very sorry. I realize that doesn't help much but I believe there are great numbers of us who have finally come to the point where we can see.

As for the blood, I'm 1/8th Cherokee; can't that blood, the blood of my ancestors and their spirits, reach through and speak to us or does it and do they just lie there; dead? I don't believe so.

I believe Wakan Tanka has spoken to my heart and used what little native blood I have to show me the path he wants me to take. I just pray He gives me the endurance and the faith to follow it and walk the Red Road.

Wakan Tanka grant we become one family

Dave Shrum
dls@sruvm.sru.edu

Date: Fri, 7 Jun 1996 21:28:52 -0400
From: Protxbridg@aol.com

You have my permission to post this anywhere you see fit.

The first time I saw this declaration, it was given to me by a very angry Lakota woman as I was providing security at Selo Blackcrow's sundance last year. She saw that I was white (mostly) and from her manner, that I was one of the stealers of these sacred traditions. I read it, and said to her that I agreed with most of what was said in it. As we talked, she became aware that I was a human being, like her, and she became less angry.

My feelings on this, and my persuit of a pure spiritual way cause me to think every day. Many non native people say that they have a right to practice the way they want, many native people say they should follow their own traditions. Both are right, and both are not right. I believe the true way to God or Tankasheila is through that which is close to his way. At one time, European faith was close to God and Earth Mother. Jesus was close in this way, so called "pagan" European religions were also close in this way. But over time, european religion became self serving, a tool of the powerful.

Many see this today as hipocritical, and have no connection, like lost children. Native people who belive in thier traditions have not lost that connection. Oren Lyons,the faithkeeper of the Onondaga people once had a meeting with other elders wondering what to do with these "lost children" showing up at their doorstep. They decided to teach them. Why? They knew that they had a responsibility to go against what the world was becoming. A world of man, without a spiritual root. That was a responsible decision. They knew that what was going on outside was everyone's problem...theirs too, despite who had caused it. The trees are dying from the top, time grows short. The badger is fierce, but it cannot fight from its hole. What will happen to our world cannot be counteracted from behind a fence. Many allies are needed.

Remember what happened at Greasy Grass? Did the Lakota do it alone? Find out who is your brother and who is not. You can't tell that by their color. Then the rainbow warriors will come together for what is coming. We will need them. Every one.

Jon Watts

Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996

"The future is good for those who accept change"

Why is this June 27 entry anonymous? Whoever wrote it is one of the very few who is making sense and not mouthing off or whining. I'd like to be able to communicate with him. Impossible. No address.

Maybe if these BS artists would commit to standing on the hill for 4 days, or dancing for 4 days w/o food or water, the Spirits would give them some understanding.

One thing that needs understanding; the whole 500 yr old history is one of Indians betraying Indians. As the conquest moved west, there was always an Indian or group of Indians willing to sell out. "King Phillip" in New England, Tecumseh at Tippecanoe, , the Lakota leaders, etc. etc. clean through the continent to California & the Pacific. Every time a leader tried to organize resistance to the advancing horde, i.e. the big councils at what is now Detroit, where leaders were called together from all over the Eastern part of the country, some traitor did their efforts in. In the 1970s we had a guy named Doug D. It is still going on.

These declarers of war fit the picture perfectly. Dividers & conquerers, they are doing their bit for the subverters of Indian unity.

All my Relations hasn't anything to do with skin color. It has to do with Red Power, and that Red Power is the God given power of life - our life blood - which we share with the animals.

Publish this if you want, throw it in the trash, makes no difference to me. I would like whoever wrote the June 27 entry to get it. I think he already has it.

From: "Corwyn J. Alambar" cja8174@runt.ca.boeing.com
Date: Thu, 1 Aug 1996 14:28:55 -0700

Permission is hereby granted to post this to your web page. (This is the thoughts of the author only, so please, attribute it to nettiger@wolfe.net. My employer has no stance on this issue)

The thoughts this essay evoked in me are beyond words. I can feel the sorrow, the pain of those who are suffering from the wholesale co-option of their spiritual beliefs.

There are false spiritual leaders out there. We have seen them all, in every religio. It is these charlatans, who pervert the message of the religion they purport to advance, that are causing the true damage. It is against these that your efforts should be invested.

Stop and ask yourself - why is it that there is such a fascination with the ways of the Native Americans on the part of "non-Natives"? Could it be that they sense the world out of balance that they currently inhabit, and the moral vaccuity and bankruptcy of their institutions and ways of life?

This essay cuts me a lot closer to home than you may at first realize. My great-grandfather was Lakota Sioux, and I was searching for information on the tribe of my own ancestry, in the hopes of coming closer to them. Maybe to learn of my past, and offer what little I can in return. To find such anger, however, makes my blood run cold.

I have no illusions of my ancestry, no delusions I want verified. I don't expect to be walked down the paths and shown things done like they are some kind of historical recreation. I am on a search for the TRUTH of my ancestry. A truth, it seems, I would be denied.

I cannot document my great-grandfather's membership in the Lakota tribe. He disappeared when my grandmother was only a few years old, and though she hass often sought him, there are precious few leads, and nothing that can "prove" my claims. Just memories, now that his wife, my great-grandmother, has passed on.

So am I to be denied because of this quirk of history, that like so many others there is no trail back four generations for me to follow? I know my ancestry, and I have longed to come closer to understanding, becoming whole. But, in a way, you have declared war on me... You have declared war on the "half-breeds", and thus, on yourselves.

I am sorry that I must put it that way. I feel sorrow for the pain that would drive you to such. And I hope, at some point, to maybe someday be able to learn of my heritage, from the hearts of those who know it best.

-Corwyn Alambar (nettiger@wolfe.net)

Date: Tue, 06 Aug 1996
From: "Lars-R." lrmoe@online.no

They have ridiculed us.
They have tortured us.
They have killed us.
They have tried by all means available to them to silence us.

They still do.

You have only suffered this abuse for a few generations. Thus some among you have been able to preserve your traditions.

Us being all who have dared to seek different answers than They. Us includes You. You being the Red People. They being the various guises of western monotheism, be They religious or political.

I'm not attempting too sleight your suffering. It has been grievous. What I'm saying is, that you are not alone. You were not the first to fall under the heel of western power-mongers, and you were not last.

Your surviving wisdom could help restore some of the connection between Mother Earth, The Creator and their lost children. Be they Red, White, Black or Yellow. Most indigenous European traditions are only faint echos in memory. Time is so short, and there is so much to do. We should not be wasting it, fighting against each other. Then we only serve the purpose of our enemies.

This at least is what they have told, those of your elders who have come forth. The subject declaration of war, is in direct conflict with the teachings of those Holy Men.

Crazy Horse
Nicholas Black Elk
Wallace Black Elk

Even the simplest WanaBe is a potential friend. A potential allay. They should not be sent away, but each should be allowed to participate at what level the individual is ready for. Only a few is strong enough in spirit to carry a Chanunpa. Selecting people to carry the Chanunpa is within the realm of Tunkashila. We should not presume.

This fight has perpetuated for thousands of years. Not five hundred. Now for the firs time there are faint light on the horizon, desperately trying to outshine the roaring thunder of approaching cataclysm. The Chanunpa stirs at a time where common moral stand

ards has risen to a level where They can not wantonly kill us any more.

We should all seek back to the old ways together, taking with us the few good things that modern society has to offer. We should all stand together against repression and exploitation. Mother Earth can only win if we unite.

As the Dreamtime fades in Australia, You are the only true torchbearers left against the tyrannies of thought-control so profound in most of the Eurasian cultures throughout history.

Tunkashila and Mother Earth is All. We are all related.

I'm White.
I'm European.
I seek the connection.
Lars-R. Moe

Date: Tue, 6 Aug 1996
From: Steve Veeneman steveve@ns.comm.mot.com
Reply-To: steveve@juno.com

You have permission to post this email but please use my home address for replies: steveve@juno.com Thanks.

I sympathise with the sentiments driving the declaration, but one statement caught my eye and may be worth some thought.

Occasionally I read of someone saying that all people should go to the religion of their ancestors.

Should I go to the religion of my ancestors? Such a religion would make me at war with the natural world around me. Such a religion would have me ignore the advice and help of the spirits, even the spirits of my ancestors themselves. Such a religion would make me an enemy of good hearted people, and deny my ability to share an open heart with good people of every tribe.

I am not an African and I do not want to be an African, but I play drums for an african dance troupe. I respect what I am told and honor the tradition the best I can.

I am not a Lakota nor do I want to be one, but I have Lakota friends who tell me what I can do. I respect what I am told and honor them the best I can.

I beg all who read this to search their hearts and think about what all the people need. Please listen to the spirits of healing that are sweeping this planet. Please remember that we are all weak and pitiful and deserve nothing.

If you have an unbroken religious tradition that offers help at a time when your clan needs it, then that is good. If you meet someone whose religion was buried thousands of years ago, and whose ancestors were told lies instead of the truth, and who are now confused and empty and looking for a true path, please think of what you can do.

I ask you not to weaken your own tradition in any way. I ask that the wisdom your tradition gives you can be expressed in some way that can help. Point such people to their dreams if you can help in no other way.

The behavior of respected elders is like this, is it not? In my short life that is what I have seen, and my heart is overfull with thanks this day.

Truly we are all related.

From: QAAQ13B@prodigy.com (MISS VRTREENA R JENKINS)
Date: Thu, 22 Aug 1996

Dear Ray,
Here is the letter that I wrote in reguards to the article on "War Against Exploiters". You have my permission to publish it. I would also like your input on what I have written. Thank you so much!

It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter. I am outraged and pained by the disrespect given to the Lakota people. I have witnessed the selling of sacred objects to the public. I realize that most of this is strictly based on the lust for money and toward this I strongly disagree. My Grandfather is a medicine man. Half Indian and half Black describes three out of four of my Grandparents. Because my skin is the color of chocolate I am ignored and looked upon as being a wannabe. Mind you I have never acted disrespectfully in the presence of anyone. Don't I have the right to know my heritage? I believe a definition should be drawn to distinguish the difference between people like myself and the true exploiters of Native American culture. Even though measures have been taken to prevent the raping of the heritage I forsee the denial to those of us who need to learn to understand the "gifts" given/inherited. If we are not taught how will we learn and pass it on to our children and our children's children? I would welcome ALL views. That is all I have to say.

Date: Sun, 18 Aug 1996
From: Tom Schindler tnsharly@erinet.com

I have read the many rsponses to the dlecration of war.i do not intend to offend anyone in my response.The Lakota should be and justified in being outraged at the selling of spirituality.I am white 58 years old and follow my heart each day as i offer prayer to the great spirit i have no intention to bother anyone else. I have not been able to find any reference that tells me that only the Lakota can speak to Wanka Tanka.It is also strange to me that a jesiut manages this page as they were with the spanish who first came to this continent to kill native americans.Maybe it is a way to keep whites from following a religion that the catholic church does not believe in? It is only a question but the jesuits are a little like the vaticant marines.peace to all you to father.You have my permission to use this letter. Thomas n Schindler

From: "Dark Childe" voyager@one.net
Date: Mon, 2 Sep 1996

First, there can be no doubt whatever that many are benefiting financially from the exploitation of Native American spiritual practices. There can be no argument that there are many books, courses and objects that are of no actual value at all, but are being passed off as Native American spirituality.

That kind of thing should stop (but in today's world of greed it won't).

On the other hand, we cannot and should not be punished for the circumstances of our birth. I am white with, as far as I know, no Native American blood at all, yet I have great respect for Native American traditions and have received some training in those from a half-blood. If I do what I do with respect for the spirituality of the Native Americans, then why should I be banned from doing so just because of the circumstances of my birth?

I think the best thing to do is to set up some kind of Internet site which points out specific written, etc. examples of exploitation of Native American spirituality, and encourage people not to buy or use them.

If you think it is worth posting and have no objections to it feel free to post. Peace.

Date: Thu, 5 Sep 1996
From: MHASBHD883@aol.com

I give my permission to post this anywhere, anytime.

I cannot remember when my first concious belief in the way of life that is taught by the People happened. I was raised as a white in a white man's world. I am not sure if my blood is 1/8 or 1/32 Souix. I know that my spirit is 100% native American. My father and his brothers were lucky enough to carry the outward distinctions of their heritage. When I was a child, my mother was happy to latch onto the "everyone wants to have a little Indian blood in them" theme and tell my brothers and sisters and I that we had none in us. She still does, even now.

My father would not have been out of place around any council fire. On looks alone his claim to his heritage would have been accepted. My claim comes without the outward signs. Even having grown up in the city, my father celebrated a close-ness with nature that most people never have. This love of the natural existence he instilled in me. I, personally, have never felt fully a part of the white race.

Where I cannot connect to most whites, I feel an unaccountable connection to the ways of the Souix. I have never had any training in any ceremonies or cultural specifics, but there are things that come naturally to me from my heritage. Such things as a natural harmony with wild things and a yearning to be out of the confines of white society. I tell these things not as an attempt to persuade anyone of anything, but merely as a statement of how I feel.

Having felt as alone as I many times have, I have been on many unplanned spirit quests. I have felt close to the wolf and the eagle. My brother, wolf, has been with me throughout my adult life. As a young man, the spirit world opened to me many times. Since I did not understand what was happening in my life it scared me. No-one guided me, and I did all I could to close off myself from these visions. I spent 18 years drowning and drugging these doors closed. When my Higher Spirit finally granted me a peace, and I stopped killing myself, I finally realized what I had turned away from...what I have lost.

I intend to now turn back to those things I have lost and attempt to regain them. I will soon attempt a sweat ceremony on my own to regain that contact which I so nearly destroyed. To those who would call me a wannabee, I say this. "This is not what I want to be. This is what I am. White, mixed, Souix, Cherokee etc., It does not matter. I ask that you accept what I could not for so long. That others too are of the People. Who are you to judge if Wakantanka does not?" Black Elk, I believe, said that his vision showed that it would be up to the people to lead the white race to the way. Forgive me if I misquote him, but I do believe that is what he said.

Please, do not turn your back on others of the people simply because you do not feel that each has enough blood to be Souix. I suffered for so long because I was not taught. I am not claiming that there are none who would make a dollar by spreading their lies. There are many, no doubt. Let the actions of each person be your measuring stick. I ask that each of you be aware that with-in those of us who are not held close to the tribe burns a fire as hot as those of you who are.

As I said before,"I do not say these things to prove anything, to anyone. These are truths. The truths which have guided my life up to this point. I thank you for allowing me this space to speak. Be peaceful, be strong, be united!"

I welcome e-mail from anyone. MHASBHD883@aol.com

Date: Sun, 15 Sep 1996
From: David Threlkeld threl@metronet.com

Permission to post this thingy.

Well, looks like we've come full circle. Cultural elitism and forced exclusion/inclusion have once again reared their ugly heads. Anger and fear were the original catalysts in the beginning of this unfortunate race war, and these same immature emotions are resurfacing. One would think that everyone would want to have this whole ordeal over with. I'm your average over-read white boy and I too scorn these damaging new age businesses that attempt to sell religion to a society that thinks everything can be bought or sold. Sorry, I yam what I yam. I don't say these words with malice nor do I want to be a "shaman", but think of what you are saying. All natives are not noble purveyors of all truth, and, by that same token, all whites are not yuppie profiteers. In this day and age who is native and who isn't? With all of european society's destruction and separation of native american culture, it is hard to say who is closer. It's all just cultural elitism in the end. As the posting somewhere above stated, if you turn these thirsty people away to drink poison they will come back to you with that poison. That poison is hatred, fear and anger.

To All Natives-- You are faced with a great challenge that may save our rapidly deteriorating land: People are now coming to you for help. They are willing to learn. With acceptance and education of these converts you can achieve your goals and weed out the desecration.

I just saw a page asking for donations for children living on a reservation. I was moved... then I saw the "Declaration" and some of these posts. We should all look at ourselves... WHAT ARE WE ALL COMING TO?!?!?

Depressed about the whole thing,

Dave

Date: Wed, 25 Sep 96
From: james mcdowall j.mcdowall@newport.ac.uk

I give my permission to post this reply.

Like many other's in this world you have choosen to hold agaist us things that we ourselves have no control over. Was it me who killed thousands of innocent people, was it me who put you on reservations and took away your lands. No So why punish those who are trying not to become like their ansestor's, We are all willing to learn, all willing to help heal the damage done to mother earth, If not then It may be to late. I belive that my fear's are coming true, You are slowing turning into the white man, Racist, hatred, Greed these are all traits of the corrupt white man. Stop and listen with your hearts about what you are doing, try to understand that not all whites are the same, I care and I will continue on the path as is my destiny to do so.

With love, Honor, Kindest Regards,

James Mcdowall.

Date: Sat, 28 Sep 1996
From: Jyaphia@aol.com

You have my permission to post this.

I read the Lakota declaration of war last winter and was deeply moved by the expression of outrage. I am a white woman who has been journeying long to discover a politics and spirituality that do not contradict each other. Along the way I participated in some of this exploitation native spirituality all in the name of reclaiming my own connection with the earth and her divinity. I can only apologize for that and say that I will not do this again and I will work hard to teach my daughter and my people another way.

Today I do anti racist work. As a white person I have come to understand, because people of color took the time to struggle with me, that I must know who I am and what my heritage is. What's more I must understand that issues of racism and exploitation are not merely legacies of my ancestors, they are realities for me.

I drink daily from the cup of white privilege whether I choose to or not. I did not invent it so I will not defend it. It is merely a reality of the world that we live in. I can not choose to stop benefitting from racism any more than people of color can choose to stop being hurt from it. Coming to terms with this liberates me to stop defending myself because I intend to be a good person and find ways to do real work that can help to end racism.

I do this by taking direction from the organized, accountable leadership of communities of color. In relation to the discussion about the exploitation of native religion it means that I must consider as I listen to anyone attempt to represent their community or their people, how do they answer to their people? For example, this summer I was approached about the use of my church's space for a ceremony that would celebrate White Buffalo Day. The white person who approached me was rather dismayed when I asked what kind of relationship the Native Shaman she wanted to bring in had to his own people and life in their communities. She said that she had never heard anyone raise such questions to him. I spent some time trying to explain to her what i meant, that I was concerned about being taught the mysteries of a people's religion when my own people had taken so much else that was valuable away from them already. I asked her if she would be comfortable talking to him about these issues. She was not. I asked her to send me some of his literature so that I could get a sense for myself. Well sure enough his literature was all about his personal revelations in which the ancestors had told him it was time to reveal the secrets of his traditions. Nowhere were his people and their communities who are largely living in great poverty even mentioned. I could not support bringing this shaman to hold ceremonies for confused white people at my church.

I do anti racist trainng and part of what we do is encourage whites to consider what "White Culture" is. This is always interesting. Most of us will first deny it. We are either "just individuals" or we suddenly culturally Irish, Italian, English or whatever. Occaisionally some white person, usually a woman, will say "What if we find our own culture boring?".

I say this is a good place to begin. White privlege has generated a culture that is robbed of much of its sensuousness, its connection to the earth. White women are encouraged to be thin and hairless (the prescribed flowing tresses aside). We are taught to to be waiflike and disconnected from our menses, our birthing, our eating and so much of what makes us alive. I can not speak so much for my brothers but I know that they too have lost or given up much to drink from the cup of white privelege. I tell these things, not to generate sympathy for us poor white folks but to try to express what I see happening with us as a people.

My question to whites who would "follow the Red Road" is when will you come to terms with who you/we are. If you feel kinship with Lakota then why express it in a way that only serves to make you feel better while it signifies exploitation to so many Lakota? Our Grandmothers and Grandfathers were systematically robbed of their spirituality through the holocost agasinst witches and other pagan peoples of Europe. The murder of our ancestors created in us, a people who once held that the law of life was "Do as you will and harm none" , a culture that perpetrated the enslavement of Africans and the invasion of the homelands of Native Americans. This white culture continues to perpetrate the genocide of Africans and Native Americans and our journey to reclaim and rebuild a a European American spirituality that is whole must account for this relationship if we are to be at peace with the Divine... by any name.

Occaisionally these days I am invited to a ceremony by Native Americans or by African Americans with whom I work and struggle to end racism. These invitiations come because by the work that I do it is clear that I am committed to wholeness of all of our peoples. I approach these spaces with a great sense of humbleness and honor because they do not come from people who worship with whites very often and they do not come to me often. No matter how committed I am, I am still white, I tend to act like a white person and I still mess up. But, I can grow and I can learn and I can apologize when I am wrong. Blessed be to you all .

Jyaphia Christos

Date: Sun, 29 Sep 1996
From: "Kevin E. Rohla" CMPT123@KGV1.bems.boeing.com
FROM: Kevin E. Rohla

This letter is sent to those peoples interested in the "Declaration of War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality".

Firstly, I would like to thank all those involved in writing this declaration! I would like to thank all those who responded in kind to the declaration and those that post these materials. I read all the comments up to 9/27/96. I read everything as closely as possible for me. I found that I have been moved in my consciousness by everything that has been stated! After much thought and soul searching I feel compelled to respond to these writings in kind.

I write this from my "white" American middle class, bachelor level education, non-Christian perspective. I am of a profusely mixed, predominately European family. I was not actively exposed to deep spirituality in my first twenty four years even though I was Baptized when i was six. It was not until I met the person I would later marry that I realized the difference between religion and spirituality. From that point on I have been both actively and inactively searching for my own personal spirituality and how that relates to all things known and unknown.

That pursuit of understanding is what led me here to this web site and ultimately to respond to this highly charged declaration. When I first read the declaration I was angry! At who and for what reason I knew not at the time. My background prompted me to pick apart the words and technical meaning and try to disprove or find falsehood to the logic behind what was written. The more I drew upon my inner guidance the more I found the words of the declaration to be more of a Reaffirmation of a long standing war of bullets and ideals. A war that has only been covered in false peace and broken promises. An invasion of body, mind, and spirit of all native people. A war that glows curiously hot in my sheltered soul.

Why would I not be content to allow the past transgressions to continue as my ancestors have? Why am I so drawn to my spirituality? Why am I moved to drum so fervently during spiritual ceremonies? Every question I asked I was returned with three more questions as an answer. The deeper I go the more I feel that the reaffirmation of war rings true to me.

My Western Culture ancestors have been at war with their native pagan ancestors for over three millennia (Pagan means to me: a practitioner of an Earth Religion; from the Latin paganus, a country dweller). My native ancestors practiced an Earth Religion that follows the same universal native belief that the worshipper is in harmony with the earth and with all life. Such religions oppose the idea that the world, and its inhabitants, are a resource to be subdued and exploited. So when the Western Conquistadors and pioneers arrived here, in what was for them the new world, they went to war with the pagans they found here. The Western Centralized power culture has always been threatened by the individual power and self enlightenment found in the Earth, and Nature based religions and societies of the native peoples of this planet. This conflict of being has fostered an attitude of destruction of native people and ideals in order to save them from themselves (and to create a larger market share for the Western way of life). These and many other reasons have fueled the conflict that I feel inside and see in the faces of others like me who wish to follow a spiritual/pagan path during our walk here on Earth.

However, this path of enlightenment, for Europeans, has been covered over by thousands of years of transgressions and whole sale slaughter of the ancient natives of Europe. The knowledge that remains has been buried so deeply and protected by such thick walls that only through spiritual means can a person begin to rediscover those ancient truths that my native ancestors of Europe shared with all their native relatives of this world. Those of us European descendants who wish to follow a spiritual path are branded as Satan worshipers, Witches, charlatans, cult followers, wannabe Indians, among many other terms used through out the ages. My motives for choosing to walk a pagan spiritual path are mine alone. I am responsible for my actions (and lack of action) unto the great creative force that binds us all.

I have witnessed all of the different types of transgressions that are listed in the declaration of war. By individuals like myself, or ones who wish to be more in tune with nature yet still maintain their western life style, or who just want to make a buck, or all of the above. I agree with everything in the "Declaration of War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality". The taking of Native spirituality and using it out of context or place is as much of an atrocity as the wholesale destruction of our native ancestors was. I wish to transform the flame of war that glows cherry hot in me. I am becoming an enlightened soul at one with all others.

I see the flame of the Lakota people's spirituality as with all other native peoples of this world as light houses in a violent storm. I feel that my people and I of the European Pagan way are like boats cast adrift on a wave of violent, dark energy that engulfs us all. Some of these travelers wish to take the few flames that are left and build one big fire. Some people wish to travel along and take some of each of the flames to call their own. And some would like to use the light cast from the fires that burn in the existing native cultures to guide us who have lost theirs through the dark times that we are currently riding out.

I am becoming one of those people who is guided by spirit to the buried counsel fires of my ancient native tribes. Knowing that each of the lost ancient tribes will be revived by individuals that follow there own true path of our own European Pagan ancestors. Knowing that this can not be accomplished by following any Cult like group or any other native society of the world. Knowing that I can only observe