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. Responses to the Declaration:
War Against Exploiters of Lakota SpiritualityNovember 17, 1996 to February 6, 1997
Due to the size of the responses I have divided them into smaller sections. You may read the most recent responses below in reverse chronlogy (newest to oldest). There are also archives of comments:
You may also refer back to the site with the original statement. This will help those of you who visit frequently to check for new postings.
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- from November 17, 1996 to February 6, 1997
- from February 6, 1996 to November 11th 1996
Date: Mon, 27 Jan 1997 (posted Feb 6, 1997)
Thank you for creating this dialogue. I give permission for you to post this statement to the internet. I would like to ask you to visit a website which posts my essay, entitled "Wanting to Be Indian: When Spiritual Searching Turns Into Cultural Theft." I am a white woman with distant Native ancestry (Innu) who has been leading workshops since 1992, trying to help non-Indians understand the problem of cultural theft of Indigenous spiritual practices. Last year, a small group of us formed an organization: RESPECT, Inc., which stands for Responsible Ethics for Spirituality--Project to End Cultural Theft. Since I have spoken my heart in that essay, I won't say more in this letter. Is it possible to create a link to RESPECT's web site? If not, can you post the url: http://www.netgate.net/~jsd/respect.html
From: Mykeboston@aol.com
Date: Wed, 05 Feb 1997
From: Joy Bonham ljbonham@worldnet.att.netThis message comes from one who honors her grandmother's people, the Shoshoni, who once roamed the deserts of CalNeva and her grandfather's people, the McCleod clan who lived in the land known as Scotland. Because there is more of a resemblance to my grandfather's clan than my grandmother's, I am not allowed, by 'Native Americans', to honor any of her traditions. Though they may protest, her spirit is with me and guides me on my path. I do not profit in any way from this other than the development of my own soul.
Hopi legends say that one of the signs that the end of the Fourth world is upon us ...is that 'Native Americans' will no longer understand the deeper meaning of their religion. I believe this to be true. The realization that we 'are all one with the Great Spirit' has been lost in a sea of 'us' and 'them'.
Chief Seattle, a very wise man once said , "The President in Washington sends word that he wishes to buy our land. But how can you buy or sell the sky? the land? The idea is strange to us. If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them? ... This we know: the earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. "
I say... how can one own connection with spirit? We are all spirit! No matter what form spirit chooses to express itself, and by whom, it is still spirit. Given freely to those who are able to receive it.
As stated in my first response, you may post.
Date: Tue, 04 Feb 1997
From: Kimberly White kmadisonw@earthlink.net
Subject: Lakota DelcarationI give permission to post my response, provided there is room...
Being an African American woman, I wholeheartedly agree with the stance taken by the Lakota Nation against the white man, once again, coming in, destroying that which is good, then seeing the profit to be gained by it, turn around and exploit it; declare that it is "good" to them and to curse the people from whom he stole that which is theirs and sacred to begin with. They try to use shame to manipulate the Native leaders and their Nation to give them their way.
Funny how the white man once fashioned laws against the Native Nations to prohibit them from practicing their spirituality because he couldn't understand it and now his decendents want to cry foul because they don't want anyone reminding them that the sins of the father are visited upon his sons--that's in their Christian bible, the truth of which they're running from at breakneck speed.
By any means necessary, those to whom the spirit was handed down are the ones who determine the practice... that concept works for the Catholic Church--why should it not work for Native people? Because they're not white? Hardly.
KMadisonW
Date: Sun, 02 Feb 1997
From: CherokeeDr@aol.com
Subject: war on Lakota SpiritualityMy response may be published if you see fit...
it is also quite short and to the point.
Selling spiritualism, whether it be Native American, regardless of Tribe, or any other type , is a practice that any person should abhor. But the day that spirituality -in any form- can be "stolen" is the day that spirituality does not exist in the first place. No one "owns" any form of spirtuality that is authentic. To share one's spirituality so that others may learn from it is what spirituality is in the first place and surely what the great Spirit intended. I fully support the Lakota's objection to the selling of their religion.... but I DO NOT support their claim to "owning" spiritualism in any form, just as I do not support racism in any form. It seems to me that in many cases, what we are actually seeing is "racism" because the words "wannabes" or "new agers" are almost always tied to the dialogue. Regardless of how much some people want to disavow it...under our skins we are all brothers and sisters. If someone wants to share your spiritualism ...with sincere motivations....and YOU REFUSE....then actually, you had no spiritualism to share in the first place!
The very word "spiritualism" knows no race, no color, no tribe, no country.
Tony McClure, Cherokee
Date: Thu, 30 Jan 1997
From: Misty43074@aol.com
Subject: desecration of Native Amerian Religion
My heart goes out to all peoples whose religions are being abused and used for profit. Greed has been the main tool of the destruction of a beautiful world and its people since the first European-Native American contact. I believe we'd all be living more useful and spiritual lives if we took the time in the very beginning to learn from the Native Americans of all tribes.Instead of trying to destroy them. Thank you for the oppurtunity to say what has been in my heart since I was a very young chid. We are all on short journey in this life I wish we ALL could go with Peace Love and Respect for each other!That is my prayer for all humankind.You have my parmission to read publish or write me.
Date: Mon, 27 Jan 1997
Resent-from: bucko@creighton.edu
From: Mrkpasqual@aol.com
Subject: WAR ON WANNABEESMY NAME IS MARK PASQUALINO,
AN ITALIAN AMERICAN MALE BORN IN THIS COUNTRY IN AUGUST OF 1963. MY SPIRITUAL BACKROUND STARTED OFF IN CATHOLICISCM. THERE I LEARNED MANY STORIES AND SCRIPTURES OF WHO GOD AND JESUS WERE AND JUST HOW I WAS SUPPOSED TO ACT IN THIS WORLD.
IN MY HEART I HAVE DISAGREED WITH MANY OF THE THINGS I HAVE BEEN TOLD AND OR TAUGHT. SO I SOUGHT A DIFFERANT VIEW. MY PATH HAS LED ME TO NEW AGE AWARENESS AND EVEN MEN'S GROUPS.
MY PRAYERS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN TO THE CREATOR THAT I WOULD NOT GO THE WRONG WAY. AS I HAVE WALKED MY JOURNEY MY STEPS HAVE LED ME TO SOMETHING CALLED THE GOOD RED ROAD. NOW , ME CLAIMING TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND ALL THE TRADITIONS OF THE LAKOTA WAY, WOULD BE A CLAIM I WOULD DARE NOT MAKE .
NEVERTHELESS, MY JOURNEY HAS BROUGHT ME TO THIS PLACE. I T BROUGHT ME HERE NOT OUT OF WANTING TO BE A PART OF A GROUP , OR FAD, BUT BECAUSE IT IS A PATH OF TRUTH. AND I DO WANT TO LIVE MY LIFE WITH PEOPLE WHO SEEK TRUTH. MY HEART IS RED AND SO IS MY BLOOD. I HAVE BEEN TO CEREMONIES AND WALKED OUT ON OTHERS. I TOO HAVE SEEN THE DISRESPECT AND DISHONOR OF TRADITIONS HANDED DOWN THROUGH THE AGES .
MY WANTING IS THIS THAT WE ALL BE ABLE TO FOLLOW THE PATH OF SPIRIT; FREELY , YET WITH RESPECT. I WILL BE TRAVELLING TO THE DAKOTAS SOON IN MY LIFE TO PURSUE THIS PATH AND LEARN MORE FROM THE ELDERS AND THE ONES WHO KNOW. I AM TIRED OF POWOWS WHERE ALL I SEE IS MORE CAPITALISM BLEEDING THE HEARTS OF THE ANCESTORS BY SELLING THEIR TRADITIONS.
WHEN I SEE MY NATIVE AMERICAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS I PRAY TO SPIRIT THAT THEY SEE MY HEART .
SPIRIT TALKS TO US ALL IN DIFFERANT WAYS; ONE WAY I HAVE BEEN SPOKEN TO HAS
BEEN THROUGH AN EAGLE. I WAS HEARING AN EAGLE SCREECHING IN MY EAR FOR
WEEKS UNTIL I WROTE THE FOLLOWING POEM. NOW I CAN HEAR THE EAGLE'S CRY BUT
IN MY HEART WITH LOVE.
THIS IS A GIFT TO THE PEOPLE FOR IT HAS BEEN THROUGH THEIR SUFFERING THAT IT
HAS BEEN INSPIRED TO ME. I HOPE AND PRAY THAT
IT IS RECEIVED WITH LOVE.
EAGLE'S CRY
FROM RUINS OF THE ANCIENT
TO MOUNTAINS ON HIGH
LIVES THE ECHOED SHRILL
OF THE EAGLE'S CRY
THE GIFT OF THE BUFFALO
FROM SPIRIT TO MAN
BESTOW TO AND GATHER FROM
BUT RAPE NOT THIS LAND
THE STORIES OF WHITE MAN
HOW VALIANT AND BOLD
BY FORK-TONGUED TUTORS
UNTRUTHS THEY HAVE TOLD
BARGAINS AND SWINDLES
FROM THE NEW WHITE MAN YEARS
GAVE GENESIS TO THE RED ONES
NEW RIVER OF TEARS
MASSACRED AND VANQUISED
HOLOCAUST AND HELL
BUTCHERED CHILD FROM THE NATION OF RED
CO-ERCED FROM THEIR NATIVE DWELL
BUTTERFLY MOURNS THE PASSING 0F DAWN
HUMMINGBIRD WEEPS IS DESPAIR
TEARS OF SERENITY FROM DOE UNTO FAWN
AS MOUNTIAN LION GRIEVES WITH THE BEAR
RABBIT HE SCURRIES, TIMID AND FRIGHTENED
FEARFUL OF WHAT'S COME TO PASS
COYOTE CRIES FAINTLY TO THE MOON IN THE SKY
FOR THE DEATH OF THE RED ONES IN MASS
THE CREEPIES AND CRAWLIES; FOURLEGGED AND WINGED ONES
DESPONDENT FOR THE BLOOD THAT'S BEEN SHED
UNITE IN DISMAY THAT THE LEGENDS AND SONGS
BIDE SILENT ALONG WITH THE DEAD
AS WITH WHALES ARE THE RECORDS AND SONGS OF EARTH'S PAST
THE LESSONS OF CREATURES AND RED MEN WILL LAST
THE LEGENDS CAN BE HEARKEND FROM MORNING 'TILL NIGH
IN THE ECHOED SHRILL OF THE EAGLE'S CRY
mark g pasqualino
1993 all rights reservedI THANKYOU FOR ALLOWING ME MY TIME TO EXPRESS MY OPINION. I LOOK FOR A WORLD WHERE MI TAKUYE OYASIN IS TRULY WHAT LIES IN ALL OF OUR HEARTS.
YOU HAVE MY PERMISSION TO PRINT THIS IN WHOLE ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO RESPOND PERSONALLY MAY CONTACT ME AT( MRKPASQUAL@AOL.COM )
Date: Mon, 27 Jan 1997
From: Dadeeyo@aol.com
Subject: On Declaring WarMy own experience with war, it being of an entirely secular nature in East Asia, is that people prosecute it by killing other poeple. Of wars over religious matters, I have no direct experience, however I am a student of history and can claim some small knowlege of these matters as well.
Is this a good day to die, I ask the Lakota? What are you willing to do to protect your beliefs and rituals from profanation by those not of your people?
Do you think that the Lakota are the first conquered people who's gods and beliefs were taken as spoil by the conqueror? It is a European tradition which began before the Greeks and did not end when the Romans brought Isis and Horus to Rome from Egypt.
It may be that the survival of the Lakota and the other native peoples of this land is pinned on their ability to pass their traditions uncontaminated to those that are yet unborn. I am not qualified to debate it. I suggest that you remember all of it, however. Not just the nice parts.
I do not apologize for the Americans and Europeans who raped this continent and waged genocidal war on you. I hate the Crooks and the Sheridans and the greedy bastards who followed in their bloody tracks for my own reasons, although not with as good a reason as you. I also disbelieve the myth of the Red Man in a state of grace with nature, finding equalibruim in the order of things. One only has to look at the Anasazi ruins to know that the American Dream Time would have come to an ending. The population, even without the European presence, would have expanded to the the limit of the food supply.
When old men declare war, young men fight it. Or has the Lakota learned a new kind of war. One fought with whereas's and the puffy chested posturing of talkers.
I have betrayed a certain level of animus to this declaration, have I not? Generally, in this country, we frown on folks killing other folks over religion. Actually, that is my personal limit of tolerance.
There are better ways to protect your culture and your lives. I suggest you explore them.
You may, of course, post this response as you see fit.
Date: Sat, 25 Jan 1997 14:07:38 -0500 (EST)
From: JGood57254@aol.comi agree and support the statements, i am come from a variety of ethnic back grounds but my hereitage is as a Vietnam veteran. The Lakota people have allowed me to come and heal in their sacred ceremonies, the sweat lodges, the vision quests, and the sundance. The dominant white culture has turned its back on the Vietnam veterans and the Lakota have welcomed me into their ways and ceremonies of healing and I owe them a debt of gratittude.
Jake Good
Portland OrYes please post
Date: Sat, 25 Jan 1997
From: DUWONNIE@aol.com
Subject: Native american indigestion...It is really hard to put your thoughts down into words here. You don't have to publish this if you don't want to...I am a white american. The only native american I have in me is my Great Grandmother was Cherokee.
I am also a Christian. I try to distinguish between native american culture and christianity. I have a deep respect for native american culture and I sincerely wish I could say I didn't live in such a time or a place where there is no respect for the earth or it's living creatures. It seems like members of my race were born without brains. The only goal people have today is to get through today as fast as I can and who cares who I runover in the process or what immoral steps I take to achieve my goals. The only thing I see on this Earth since the white man took over the Indian's land is destruction, greed and immorality. I truly believe that if the Indians had had the right to flourish on thier land--this earth wouldn't be the way it is today. It is sickening and disgusting. It is polluted. If it could, it would cry. It can't, so I cry for it.
We have to travel to see what little is left of nature. I am surprised that there is any wildlife (a few squirrels and deers) left where I live. People just mow them over in thier cars. I look crazy stopping to let them cross the road and at times I have used my car to shield them from getting hit. It seems that the biggest accomplishment the white man has today is that he thinks he is going to pollute this planet and then, in his infinite wisdom, live on another one. Yeah, right. Instead of feeding his own people, he uses billions of dollars to fund space research so that when he gets through trashing this planet--he can move on to the next one.
What a bunch of fools. I understand the Lakota not wanting thier sacred ceremonies in a five and dime show. I have not fully read all of the articles yet, but what touched me most out of what I read is that sixteen year old Lakota boy being embarrassed that his native american brothers were getting involved with the side show.
Likewise, I would like to let him know how embarrassed I am to have been born in America, and to have to trace part of my heritage to people that ruthlessly mowed over the indians to make way for progress. And look what they have progressed to. How many casinos do you think there will be in the year 2000? How many murders? How many homeless and unemployed? How did the Indians do it back then? How did they survive without money??? Without a wardrobe and ten pairs of shoes.....without McDonald's drive up window.......without painting thier faces for a half an hour in the morning and being totally color-coordinated in thier attire......and oh yes, I must not forget to take my teal green purse today!!!
As you can tell, I don't get along with well or socialize with a lot of my brethren. I am just not into the same things as them. Oh, well, you can't go back to change the way things were....nothing will be the same ever again. No wonder these people would like to hold sacred the few things that are left to them.
Signed, Bury my heart please, it is breaking.
DUWONNIE@Aol.com
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 1997
From: Madamerkf@aol.com
Subject: Re: The exploitation of Lakota ceremonies wasI give you permission to post my statement anywhere you would like to:
My name is Wendy Wallach
How do I begin to tell how how I feel at this very moment, trying to compose something to be read by people around the world? How do I convey to you what I have experienced over the past few years? And like wise, how do I dare justify my right to worship and beleive in the one thing that has kept me going through so many hard times? I am no medicine person; nor shaman; nor teacher; nor student. I have no extraordinary gifts spiritually, nor do I profess to know what is right or wrong for anyone but myself. I do know that I have received comfort and new eyes and ears from Native American spirituality.......
I am a New York Jew, raised in a somewhat religious background, raised never to question or look beyond what I was taught as a child. And it served me just fine until I experienced the death of a boyfriend in my mid twenties. I called my local rabbi for help, as I was dying inside myself; life had lost the joy that I was always able to extract from my day to day everyday, and I needed help in a way that I had never needed it before. But, he had no answers beyond spiritual rhetoric and dogma. So, I went to my local synaogue thinking, " well, God must be here and here he will hel me. " But, the place was actually physically cold to me, the songs meaningless, the dogma hypocritical. And I was left standing there, now not only emotionally empty but spiritually empty as well.
Well, by and by through a series of what I consider spiritual interventions, I was lead to a run of the mill psychic. My goal at that point was to contact my boyfriend to see if he wanted me to join him. That is what I wanted to do. But, during this "reading" she told me among other things, that I should look into the Native Way of thinking, that it would give me the answers i was so desperate for.
So, now my problem was finding a real, live Indian in Lower New York. Wouldn't you know, while browsing at a bookstore, I cam across a notice for a workshop. Desperately seeking my life back, I went. It was okay, the "indians" were nice enough, but the DRUMS!!! I remmeber so vividly sitting on a wooden floor, and feeling the drumbeat in my heart, almost as if it were the kind of machine you see on the hospital TV shows, where the guy goes into cardiac arrest and they put the paddles on and go "CLEAR!"
It was at this point that I had my first taste of the healing journey that I was to begin. They were Lakota ( real) from Flandeu, S.D. and I was entranced by the feeling I got from him and his family. I asked nothing, knew nothing, as a matter of fact, my first sweat was scary as I had no idea what this guy was going to do. I had simply called him asking for the help he had stated in the workshop that he was here to give, and he asked me to come to his house for the weekend and he would help me. And he did. It was as simple as that. In that first sweatlodge, which I was never asked any money for, I died and was reborn. Without it, I would have shriveled away to nothing. Someone, something, took pity on me ( and I was pitiful) and saved me. I did not, and have never questioned the method to the madness, only eternally give thanks for the madness itself.
My story continues...I became entwined in this man and his family. In the beginning, it was good. But somewhere along the line, the word got out about him, and people started showing up with lots of money, new cars, and expensive gifts. I can't explain the whole thing, but it was like he was on this road and came to a fork. He seems to have taken the road to the money and fame, and somewhere left the beauty of what he did behind. I seperated from this man and his family, lost contact , andI eventually moved to S.D., and stayed there for five years. And, I plan to come home again soon. But, this man, even though he did some very bad things in the name of spirit, was the instrument to me getting my life back. How can I condemn that? How can you condemn that? I like to think that the Great Spirit protected me by getting me out from a bad situation. But, see, the teachings were good. And I listened close enough to know that one does NOT spend outrageous amounts of money for love. Close enough to think with my heart and my brain, close enough to approach anything from a sacred way...whether it is an inipi, or a pipe ceremony, or a sunset I run very fast from someone who says they have a monopoly on the right way.
If you do not wish for me to participate in your ceremony that you conduct, I will politely say thank you for answering my question and leave you be. If I never participate in a sweatlodge or pipe ceremony again, that is OK too. I carry my belief in my heart, I try to help people, I try not to get stressed over day to day things, and I say an immediate thanks when I narrowly avoid an accident in my car. I teach my daughter that the stars are her sisters and that the moon is her grandmother. That is good, no matter where I learn it from.
So, it is good to let the "false" prophets out there know that someone is watching, and the account will have to be balanced in some way very soon. But, conversely, where would I be without my "false" prophet today?
Thank you for letting me finaly get this off my chest. I welcome responses at : Madame RKF@AOL.COM
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 1997
From: HONDAH1@aol.com
Subject: responceI give full permission to use this letter in all or part as you deem fit and correct
Harry Walker
As an Native American myself I find that I am standing on the side of all Native Americans. Vut I do believe the war that is being fought should start from within.
I see far too many Native Americans selling and exploiting their own cultures and believes. First we have to let go of tourism and hold our own spirituality sacred and stop selling it for profit. Then maybe the non Native culture will be a little easier to handle.
HONDAH1 @ AOL.COM
Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997
You may (if the content is agreeable), print my response. However, I am not out for debate over the internet, so I would kindly ask you not to post my email address (it is at my place of work).
From: Bob SnyderI feel that there is much truth in what is being stated by the Lakota on abuse of spirituality, and Native American culture in general. But, as a spiritual seeker myself, I must say that anger and revenge does not heal the wounds. There are also soundrels who "sell" Christianity, Hinduism, Buddism etc.for their own good; and have perscuted each other's sect for cultural differences etc. But we, as individuals and spiritual seekers, have the right to choose whether we will follow the charlatans, or be true to our own chosen paths in seeking truth. There is no wrong in speaking out against such practices, but making hostile remarks and threats only tend to entrench those "false prophets"in their ivory towers. In the eyes of the Spirit only the sincerity of the "one who seeks" will matter.
Perhaps we all are at the beginning of a time when people from all races, cultures and spiritual beliefs can truly make an effort to understand each other by sharing philosphical and spiritual beliefs. Our planet is suffering under the assualt of pesiticides, depletion of the ozone layer, loss of our forests and wild lands to unchecked development, and the constant threat of war. The people of the earth are suffering in many ways: poverty, sickness, "cultural cleansing", over-population. The earth may soon no longer be able to sustain our existence in any kind of benevolent manner.
Why not then, all spiritual seekers make an effort to work together to bring about mutual respect for all the people of this earth, by sharing their "insights of the Truth"; instead of keeping the "stone clenched in our hand and out of sight. I believe that all cultures need to come together to maintain the health of the earth and ourselves as one people.
Bob Snyder
Central Pennsylvania
From: Erose2u@aol.com
Date: Tue, 14 Jan 1997
Subject: revision to: response to war against exploitersDuring our earth walk we all have occasion to choose to hold onto something we hold very dear to our hearts and further choose not to share same with others. Such a choice of not sharing is one based on fear . . . the fear of losing that which we hold onto so dearly. Fear hurts us as much as it hurts those we attack.
A man walked along the edge of a river and found what to him was a beautiful river stone. Its surface was very smooth, its color was jet black, yet there was a brilliance that shone from it. He continued his walk from village to village where others saw this magnificent stone.
Within the villages he passed through, there were others who saw the great attention the stone was getting, and they too wanted to create such great attention. So, they walked the borders of their village looking for interesting stones. When they found one that looked like that of the man's, they showed it to the people and exclaimed that such stones were to be prized by all. This happened in many of the towns the man passed through but he wasn't aware of such happenings until he began his return trip back to his own village.
As he again visited each village, he saw how others tried to capitalize on a facsimile of the beauty and grandeur of his own stone. At first he became very upset and angry because they were taking the attention away from his own stone. People no longer saw the value in his stone-it became no different than the other ones they've seen. This upset the man considerably. Anger began taking its toll on this man. He started becoming bitter and separated himself from the others. His mind became closed and his body became more and more rigid with the tenseness of anger. Soon, his hand became very stiff with what seemed to be arthritis. One day the beautiful, smooth stone fell out of his hand, and because his fingers were now too stiff, he could no longer hold it in his hands.
He sat beside the stone, weeping its loss. He sat there, at the outskirt of his own village, crying day in and day out. He prayed to Spirit that he could one day again hold his beloved stone.
With the rising of the sun, on this one particular day, he wiped the tears from his eyes with his wrists. With the tears of anger and sadness wiped from his vision, he once again could see clearly the beauty and value of his stone. Quietly he sat, hours upon hours, peacefully admiring his own stone once again. Without thinking, he reached down to the stone, picked it up, and placed it in his hand. Totally surprised, he realized that he could once again move his fingers. Elated, he jumped to his feet and cried a song of gratitude to Spirit for answering his prayer. And in his dance of joy he felt warmth overcome the hand which held the stone. He felt compelled to sit down and open his hand.
"You needn't hold me so tight in your hand," said the Stone Person. "Do you not realize that it was I who chose you to behold me? I chose you because I knew you would respect and value me for what I am. But you became deceived by what others were doing. You allowed them to make you believe that I was worthless. Because of that, you no longer valued me. And when you lost respect for me, you lost respect for yourself. You cried out to our Creator that we could be One again. Do you now realize that we were and always shall be one? Do you now see that it was not the others who degraded me? Instead, it was you! You no longer believed in me. You allowed your anger to destroy our togetherness, our oneness. Don't you realize that the honor and respect you have for me can never be duplicated by another person. The relationship we shared is for us, and us alone. Not even the people of your own village would be able to duplicate our love for one another. The best they or anyone could do is to create what would appear to be a similar form of our relationship."
"Within your prayer to Creator is the realization that all exists through the will of Creator. In other words, nothing . . . no thing . . . is truly yours to tightly possess and to keep from others. So, with that in mind, please carry me lightly and share me with others so that I can give to them the same pleasure I give to you. In your sharing, you will never lose me. Remember, it is I who have chosen you to behold me."
(You have my permission to post this message. It is my hope that I have not attacked anyone's point of view; instead, it was my choice to give them another point of view. Peace.)
Date: Sun, 12 Jan 1997
From: MAROTR@aol.com
Subject: Lakota SpiritualityGreetings,
My name is Michael Rende (MAROTR@aol.com). I am a non-Indian am agree and disagree with your stance on Lakota Spirituality. Understanding that the U.S. government tried to commit genocide and has never to this day honored a treaty with Native Nations and many non-Indians today have illusions of a time- tradition made romantic by poorly done hollywood westerns, it is not hard to see why such sacred traditions are desired to be kept Sacred. However, I had the blessing to attend a Sun Dance last July in Pine Ridge and have participated in numerous Lodges and have found Lakota Spirituality to be my Spirituality. Like all paths I am observing , participating and taking it slow. To the best of my ability I honestly hold my commitment and ceremonies sacred. From practicing Lakota Spirituality as taught to me by a Pine Ridge Lakota, I am finding a truth within myself I was not able to reach practicing other spiritual practices. Should I now stop my sincere practice since I am not Lakota. I am a "Native American" in the sense I to was born on this land even though I was born in a white skin this time around. Isn't the Ghost Dance about brotherhood? doesn't Mitakye Oyasin mean "ALL my relations"? I cannot see a change in the way we "whites" live without help from our Native brothers. Many of us just never had the exposure or opportunity. Regardless I thank the Creator for the gift of allowing me to participate in Lakota Ceremonies and the positive growth it has helped create in my life. Thank you for the opportunity to express my views.
Ray, you may post my letter. Thanks again for the opportunity.
Sincerely,
Michael RendeDate: Fri, 10 Jan 1997
From: FIFTY3TRK@aol.com
Subject: Lakota, Dakota, Nakota Declaration of WarIn response to the Declaration of War, I feel anger toward the continuing onslaught of Native American Culture, a war that has lasted for hundreds of years; I support the movement in everyway. While an undergraduate student, I studied Hollywood's exploitation of native people through the many films that have been made over the last seventy or so years. My instructor was Chippewa. This stage of destruction of indigenous beliefs, history and religion is evident by films such as Pocohontas where cute, lovable figures and story-lines disfigure the reality of a people that have known genocide at the hands of a majority so possessed by material gain and wealth. As for those imitators of native religion for capital gain, coalition building and activism seem one of the few weapons remaining for the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people. As a former environmental activist, I offer my support to the indigenous people who strive to protect what remains of their culture and religion; to those who support false prophets and "johnny come lately's," I offer scorn and life-long criticism.
Yes, I would like this posted. Thank you for the follow-up
I give you express permission to print my response to the Lakotas Declaration of War along with my e-mail address.
Subj: Re: The Declaration of War
Date: 97-01-09
From: LSRandKCR@aol.comI am responding to your Declaration of War web site. I'm afraid what I have to say is not going to be liked very much, but never the less, it is the truth of my perception as a seeker, not a teacher or wannabe Shaman. I'm just a regular ole white girl who happened to almost die three years ago when a guy ran a stop light and into my car breaking my neck, twisting my spine, and sending me on a journey for physical healing that lead to a greater journey -- a spiritual and soul healing journey.
HERE IT COMES: I don't see how this Declaration of War can be a true rally to preserve the sacred spiritual rituals and ceremonies of the Lakota people by getting false practitioners of their faith to fess up, be exposed, or to be "run outta town." I do see it as a call to themselves to rally around their culture and to get THEMSELVES and their CHILDREN to rally around their beliefs. Unfortunately, it is easier to get people excited and pumped about a cause under the rally of a war cry that to get them pumped about a cause under the ringing of a church bell or beating of a drum.
Why? I dunno. Probably because WE ARE ALL still evolving spiritually and have yet to rise above our physical realities and primal fear that SOME ONE ELSE is the enemy. Again, not being real smart or wannabe shaman or NA, it has been my humbling experience that if I'm enraged at someone else's actions, it is because I need to address the FEAR and ANGER I have toward MYSELF for not taking the time to see and seek the truth that lives beyond the physical and into the next and higher realms of reality.
As for the repeated statement, "if it were the Christian faith under attack and being represented by so many false practitioners and their sacred objects being attacked, there would be an outcry 100 times louder." Well... Have you turned on the tube lately and taken a peek at the "God Chosen Evangelists" who are just waiting to take your money in return for "a healing only Jesus can provide through my direct link and monopoly on Him." (Usually spoken with great sincerity and a Southern accent.)
Also, Have you ever seen a Magnetic Mary on a dashboard of a pickup truck?
And yet, has anyone heard that great outcry a 100 times louder than your own coming from any white or black or red or yellow or brown Christian? (Maybe a little shuffling of feet, looking away, and pretending TV doesn't exist.) Believe me, the Judeo-Christian faith is under attack from false practitioners and people looking to make a buck on the backs of those who suffer and seek spiritual guidance and healing as well.
But I do not think a Christian war cry would change the status quo. As will not the Lakotas' war cry. I'm assuming that anyone reading this page is a spiritual seeker and has prayed at least once in their lives, enough to know where and how the real power of Our Creator is manifested and brought into this world. But again, getting people to trade in their primal excitment for a battle cry for the real excitement of spiritual healing and change that they would find in a sweatlodge or prayer meeting, ain't gonna happen. At least not yet.
Not to bore you, but this is what I have discovered in the past three years of my own spiritual journey of healing. First, my pain and hurt are not the only type that exists. There are as many types of pain, disease, and hurt as their are stars in the heavens. But, in the infinite compassion and wisdom of Our Creator, there are also just as many cures, NOT BANDAID TREATMENTS AS OUR CURRENT MEDICAL ESTABLISHMENT WOULD HAVE US BELIEVE, but Sacred Holy Healing Cures Through Many Paths of Faith, that are always available to us when we take the time to seek them out. Seeking healing sometimes means seeking a healer, but usually it means discovering our ability to heal ourselves with the Holy Guidance of Our Creator.
Second, my journey toward healing, spiritual or physical, is MY JOURNEY. I have met more people on a path of pain and suffering than I had ever dared to imagine there could be, but they were on THEIR JOURNEY. Third, my mistakes in discovering my connection to Our Creator, including my misplaced trust in all sorts of supposed authority figures on healing, are MY mistakes and MY MOST SACRED TEACHERS.
Yes, that's right, I believe the War Cry of the Lakotas should be recognized with great compassion and support for what it is. A cry for themselves to rally their own and reestablish, honor, and preserve their connection to Our Creator. But I truly believe that if sending up a cry to wage war on the false prophets and fake healers of today is their mission, well, they have their work cut out for them.
Perhaps instead, they could allow the inevitable to happen. People, all of us seekers, will find the false medicine and fake healers out for ourselves. For that is our chosen path and journey, be it as tough a teacher as there ever was.
As for keeping their religion secret and just for Lakotas, well, just as the herbs in my garden have different properties of healing, so do our perceptions of Our Creator and our practices, ceremonies, and rituals, have diverse accesses to approaching and facilitating healing. Keeping a certain herb from cross-breeding with another in order to keep its properties of healing pure is a key for medicinal herbology. But another key is knowing which herbs complement and form stronger medicines when used together.
I respect and support the Lakota people's struggle to preserve their ancient ways of honoring Our Creator and healing their tribe. But I, as someone who has experience tremendous suffering, could not find it in my heart to deny anyone who is also suffering access to a possible source of healing, or dishonor their chosen path, no matter how foolish and unnecesarry it may appear to me. Especially if I were the keeper of that source. Preserve it, YES. Send up a war cry to shame and denounce those who are seeking healing as if I could see into their hearts and determine whether or not they were sincere enough to deserve the revealing of my secrets, NO.
And again, being just a dumb ole white girl who just got a computer and was happy to see a web site like this one after surfing an ocean of driveling muck for a month, I will send up out of my white-skinned body prayers, smoke, song, and a wish for the Lakota people to find healing for themselves under their war cry, and for them to find it in their hearts to heal their anger and rage at whiteys like me so we can get on to the crisis looming before all of us dwelling on Mother Earth. The healing of our planet will occur by remembering who we are, by preserving and honoring our diverse ways of accessing the sacred, and ultimately, by sharing our many gifts, thus creating a complementary medicine strong enough to heal our planet and elevate ourselves to a higher plane of reality.
Who knows. Maybe in this next millenium we will be grown up enough to run as swiftly toward the sound of a drum beat or church bell, with laughter in our hearts, as we now run toward our battle cries with fear and rage.
Date: Wed, 8 Jan 1997
From: Mishiho@aol.com
Subject: Declaration of War!Please be so kind as to post my reaction and response to the "Declaration of War."
I found the Declaration of War to be fair and just. It's long overdue and was only a matter of time that it be printed. The media, carpetbaggers of all walks and gender, including, unfortunately Native Americans, and Hollywood opportunists, have gone out of their way for at least a hundred years to print and convey stupid stories of Native Americans in Dime novels, silent and voice film presentations that berate our heritage and freeze us in a time long past. Yes, they have stolen our very "religious ceremonies" and mocked them with such slang terms as "Indian Rain Dance." They speak in halting tongues as if they have never been formally educated and adorn themselves with a mish/mash of authentic (made in Taiwan) Indian Jewelry. Everyone of them is benevolent in their manerisms till it makes you sick to listen to them.
Native American People are real People -- with real traditions, hopes, wants, beliefs and a desire for a better future. They cry and bleed like everyone else on the planet.
Would you, could you advertise a solemn Catholic or Jewish ceremony for money -- come to the sacred religious ceremony at our flea market this weekend? Try our authentic low-fat communion? Don't think for a minute that you could get away with it for more than a day!
Shamans are in Russia and the minds and vocabularies of the Archeologists and the "Hip New Ager's," and that is where they need to stay.
For those that petal their brand of the "old ways," walking the "red path," repatriation and reburial of questionable remains, resurection of prehistoric wanabe tribes and sweating in tar paper shacks for a sign or vision , and "at a price you can afford," it's time to get tough, and this Declaration is only the beginning for a People who are far beyond the point of being fed up with the nonsense.
I personally, strongly support the Declarations and its initiatives!
Gary J. Gabehart, President
Inter-Tribal Council of American Indians, Inc.
From: "Frank" barillaro@videotron.ca
Subject: Response
Date: Sat, 4 Jan 1997We place too much value on things. When we drive a fancy car or wear fancy clothes, we think we are special. When we do not have what are neighbors have, we think we are inferior to them in some ways. When we have a scared pipe or wear a Christian cross, we think we are spiritual because we have them. But do things really make us spiritual? If today I smoke the pipe and I am truly spiritual and tomorrow someone comes and takes my pipe, do I cease being spiritual? We rely too much on things and what we own, to define who we are. A pipe is just stone, a communion host just a wafer. Those that think that these things are more than just stones and wafers have smoke in their eyes. So let those who have them, keep them and let those who seek them out, find them. Maybe on one clear day they will see the stone and the wafer for what they really are. And on that day the mask of the plastic shaman will be apparent, as will be the mask of the non-plastic shaman. I challenge all those who read this to look behind the mask. Put down your spiritual things and peel off your skin. Drain your blood, dismember your flesh and toss your bones into a heap. Now what is left? Is there a need for war now?
For what it is worth - permission granted to post this message. The e-mail address can also be included.
Date: Fri, 3 Jan 1997
From: CWeaver
Subject: DECLORATION OF WARI am mortified at what i have just read. Being new to the internet i thought that i would explore some new age information (of witch i am also new to). I have decided that i do not want to have anything to do with anyone who would seek to slater a peoples sacred and holy religion. Thank God that i happend upon your page in time. to think that i could have gotten involved with such gouls makes me sick to my heart. while i do not understand some of your angry words angainst my white skin (perhaps i miss-understand the meaning), i hear what you are saying. Please accsept my humble support and know that this person will take one writters advice and seek my own religious traditions (the Celtic and Germanic people).
you have my permission to use this letter,please do not publish my address for it is only temporary. thank you,
heidi
X-ROUTED: Fri, 3 Jan 1997
Reply-To: "Spirit@sos.on.ca"
Subject: Native SpiritualityI am Fish Clan Potawatomi. I have seen much exploitation and distortion of our Sacred Way of Life. We as Native peoples do not own Spirituality but we do have a Life Pathway which leads us into Spirituality through our ceremonies. Many people of all colors, creeds, religions, etc., have experienced dreams and visions about the natural world or Nature. That is fine. As I stated, we do not own the market on Spirituality. What we do have is a beautiful harmonious life. We strive to Walk in Balance, Walk in the True Beauty of Wisdom using what was given to us by the Creator. It is ours. I'm talking about our ceremonies. They have great power. If you wish to go to a true Holy Person or Medicine Person, then seek the protocol for approaching them for healing such as offering a gift of tobacco. Do not just take our ceremonies and prostitute them for selfish or monetary reasons. For if you do, you prostitute yourself and a Sacred Teaching that does not belong to you. All people were tribal at one point in time. Search your roots and see what your own people have to offer. We can all live in balance and harmony because we are related. We live in a global village called earth. Respect one another. If you seek enlightenment then pray, and believe in that prayer, for if you do then you will go FAR. The Declaration is NOT too harsh. My people have been pushed into a corner. We have been killed, starved and beaten. We have a right to protect our teachings. They were given to us in Trust. Our old ones and now, many young ones are filled with a deep hurt because they see our way of life dying and becoming distorted. A tremendously beautiful Pathway to the Creator is becoming distorted. It's true. The Earth has her Song of Life. So do you. Again, we do not own Spirituality. But we do own a wonderful CULTURE that leads us into spirituality. It is ours. Where is yours? What is its origin? Why do you not practise what is yours? The fish does not seek to fly in the air like the hawk, yet in the water the fish has it's own ways and its own wisdom. Find yourself and then share with us. Can you not observe the powerful Eagle in the sky as easily as I? Do you not feel the sacred West Wind as I do? What Song do you hear in the babbling brook? This is spirituality. You do not need to exploit Native cultural practises to find it. Just pray and respect life. For if you love life, it will love you. If you touch Life in a good way, then it will touch you.
Brian George.
You have permission to do what you will with this, for it comes from my heart. We must TOGETHER build a Lodge of Understanding for all people, all CHILDREN.
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 1997
From: Hotawolf28@aol.comIf this is the cite to post response's to the Declaration of War against People steeling Lakota spirituality I hearty give my permission to post these next lines on the web. I read the document which declares war on those who would degrade Lakota traditions and spiritual beliefs. I read it on the WEB and I read it from people in South Dakota who believed in the words of that document.. I thought about what it meant and how I felt about it for many months since. To come to a conclusion about something quickly is not how I had been taught.
This is a declaration of war for spiritual ways to be held sacred and not to be exploited. In my travels I have heard it said that this is not unlike what other peoples on this earth have done in the past. That it is just another war in the name of some God or system of worship. I thought about this too for a while. I say now that it is not like what other peoples have done in the past. Going to war holding their sacred texts above their head in rightful justification by their Gods word.
What this declaration is, is a people trying to hold on to what is their own way to believe and to walk in a good way. I don’t support nor do I fight against this document. It just is,, It exists. I will watch what this brings about. In this life each of us has a role to play.
The Creator of all things has a plan, and it is my pitiful opinion that the people who wrote this Declaration should be praised for it even if I don’t support or denounce them.
Paul J. Lee
Hotawolf28 @AOL.com
Date: Wed, 01 Jan 1997
From: Dianne Smith elkwoman@bellsouth.net
Subject: responseI write to all people! Two leggeds who read this tell all the other peoples around you. The peoples hearts are broken their fath and beleifs sold for money. My heart is sad. I remember one thing that keeps me. Grandfather said if ever you are charged money or exchange of goods for any teaching or cerominy,it is fake or bad medicien. Walk away and pray for their understanding.Pray hard and give of yourself so that others can life. Pray that wisdom and not knowlage may come to those who steal these thing to sell them for money and gain. Speak through the pipe and sell nothing. Scared things are gifts from the spirits they can't be bought and sold to another. These pipes that are bought and sold have no power, no medicen, they are as fake as those who charge goods or money to those who come asking for help. Pray hard and remember these scarcred things. Ask and It shall be given . Take or buy it and it is worthless. Remember brothers and sisters these things are not real. Walk away and pray for their help. Spirit will teach them!!!! It is not our place to judge or place judgement on the false things of this world. What they do not have in their hearts and spirits they truly cannot buy with all the gold and silver they have stolen from our mothers breast. Walk away and pray for them all in your hearts and in your minds be silent. They can take our land, they can take our food, they can take our lives and still we live. My grandfather prayed for me 6 generations ago and then they took his land and he had to move far away. Now 160 years later I have come full circle. Yes I am mix!!!! No my blood is not pure. I am more white than red, more red than black, more black than yellow. But My HEART is still here in the land of my grandfathers. I proclame a right to pray in the way my people did 6000 years ago, and I will die praying that my great, great, great, great grandson can pray as I do now. Just like my grandfather prayed for me so many long years ago. He new things would become mixed like me. But he also knew these ways would servive. I thank him now and forever more for keeping this thing. Now it's my turn.
James Little Deer.
You may use this as your heart tells you to. But I do ask that it be your heart and not your mind. I have grown up in this world and know that my greatest enemy is myself
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996
From: JensTouch@aol.com
Subject: Lakota DeclarationI have heard and read this declaration and it has the message of anger with good cause spoken loudly throughout it's contents. How this voice can bring understanding between whites and Lakota. This country has begun to consume itself and everything within its borders. Outside of this country people practice sacred pipe ceremony ( it is not Lakota) , they practice spirit journeys with a drum. The drum is everywhere in the world. No one owns it. It is part of the web in which we all are woven. Can one people lay claim to a drum, a pipe.
Two years ago I was struck by lightning and survived to become a shaman. If I don't look authentic enough am I a plastic shaman? I don't charge money. The spirits took me they didn't ask my race first. Who on this earth can decide why.
The statements made in the declaration divide people. Aren't we divided enough within already. The Great Spirit is a voice that unifies all that is divided .
The spirits don't ask questions first. They simply come. I've seen many races in the spirit-world. Why do people hold fast to thier seperateness when it brings anger and pain to do so. We are all related.
Please post
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996
Subject: responseDear Friends,
You have my permission to post my response on the net re: the relevant decree. Please withhold my E-mail address. Thank you.
It seems to me that it has been a vain pursuit of any human being of any ethnicity, race, nation, tradition, culture, history etc. of any era to formally and physically war against its opposition.
I believe that the Great Mysterious enlightens us to the truth that our enemies are "not flesh and blood" but "are principalities and powers" of darkness, hatred, wrath, accusation, and condemnation.
The beauty and truth of the Lakota way persists in the souls of those human beings who have humbled themselves in the presence of the Great Spirit, our Messiah and Savior. The Lakota way may have been a medium for the Great Spirit just as the way of the Essenes may have been. These were means to a direction, toward salvation and understanding, but they were not redemption in and of themselves.
I believe that I have personally tasted your anger to some degree. The Spirit which quickens me, incites a gnawing anger which, although authentic, must be subdued in hope and faith and in fact channeled to love.
May the love of the Christ deliver us into the freedom and unknown we long for which we see in the pines, eagles, and buffalo He has so graciously given us.
Sincerely,
Chad
From: Est2ndkidz@aol.com
Resent-Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996
To: bucko@creighton.edu
Subject: Response To War DeclarationI have not seen a response made by a young native yet so I will give you mine. I think the declaration is a wonderful step in the right direction.I think that only people with strong native blood can completely appreciate and understand it's meaning.
I am a six-teen year old Lakota that is very scared. I can see the sacred things my grandparents first introduced me to be destroyed more and more every year. Pipestone pipes are sold along side rebel flags,"Indian Magic" books are pushed off on tourist and young brothers dress like fools so some little kid can have his picture taken with a "scarey Injun". I see this stuff and more everytime I go on the reservation and I just set and think,"What are my Kids gonna have?"
People say that the declaration is harsh,I dont think thats true at all. If the christian church fell under attack like our spirituality has been under the response would be a hundred times worse. People need to stop and think about the things they hold most dear to themselves,then they need to imagine that thing being slowly destroyed in front of them.That is how I feel everytime I see a wannabe.
My family was indian long before indian was cool. They suffered every kind of hardship you can imagine as did just about every american indian.They put everything they had into the land,because they were born from it.They,I and the authors of the Declaration know what it is to be indian.Leave us alone;let us have what very little you have not already taken.
If this can be of any use you may use it and my e-mail address on your page.
THANK YOU,
C.H. White
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996
From: MountainPa@aol.com
To: bucko@creighton.edu
Subject: We are all relatedGreetings! I hear your dilemma and offer some food for thought. If you find it to be of nutritional value, feel free to post my words.
Walk your talk and teach by example. Often I hear "We are all related," but rarely am I treated as a respected relation. The Grandfathers in the Spirit World stand along the path and offer assistance to anyone who comes along. They don't reject the whites who are on the path, but see what's in their hearts.
Ask yourselves why Great Spirit brought the four races together on one continent. If you are one quarter Native American, do you equally honor your other three ancestors who are of some other race? You cannot love and respect yourself if you deny them. Follow their footsteps back in history, and you may find much to admire. You cannot be a whole person while rejecting a large part of your heritage.
People come to you asking the way to live in harmony with nature, and you push them away into the arms of the "Plastic Shaman." Some of them will learn enough of the basics to be able to ove on to better teachers. That's better than nothing.
I don't go to you or to them. My teachers come to me. I've never met a tree or stone or feather or bone who didn't freely gift me a valuable truth. Some Native Americans resent that, as if they feel I'm depriving them of receiving what was offered. These teaching gifts come from an unlimited source and are available to everyone.
I carry the sacred pipe in my heart, not in my hand. I try to become a walking pipe ceremony every day, inviting all my relations into my world.
Teach by example. Walk the good red road and your worth will be recognized. Guide the seekers by telling them how to spot a phony Medicine Man. Offer your own teachings out of love and respect for the seekers and their Creator, and they will know who is genuine. Everyone will benefit. Don't tell them to clean up the environment until you've first cleaned up the trash at home.
Then we can all work together towards a better world.
Respectfully yours,
Sue White Eagle
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996
From: Isis11111@aol.com
To: bucko@creighton.edu
Subject: Response to DeclarationThere is no way I could or would dispute the emotions and energy behind your statement. I do understand totally your disgust at the freedoms that have been taken with your spiritual customs. I am a witch and have felt that disgust when unlearned and untrained wannabes try to pass themselves off in my tradition also.
How do you answer those of us who do identify with your spirituality though? I can claim a native american great grandmother, who is one of my spirit guides, and feel that I have somehow acquired one of the keys to the lock.. but what if it were direction from my own soul alone that made me admire and emulate your customs?
It is my opinion that now is the time we teach one another. The spiritual path has been so devalued and ignored that overwhelming harm has been pressed upon many cultures.. not only Native American. That my race is behind much of this harm gives me no pride. I chose to walk a more spiritual path, acknowledge the truth in customs and lifestyles that I myself have not been born into, and everyday learn something that will make me a better human being. Please do not refuse to teach this soul on the basis of my skin. This is something we have all learned is incorrect.
Beat back the false shamans and role-players and I'll gladly help. There is falsity in so many areas that needs to be fought. But those of us who are truly guided to learning a better spiritual journey please don't block out for reasons of our birth.
You are free to post if you like.
hathor@cheta.net
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 1996
From: MICHAEL <MICHAEL@ashland.or.us>
Subject: response to war declarationI, too, was once on the path of war over the issues within the delaration. I had the anger contained in the words, "first they steal the land, now they come to steal our pipe." I no longer feel that way and wish to take the time to explain why.
In 1932 when the genocide was nearly complete Hehaka Sapa (Black Elk) our holy grandfather of Wounded Knee Creek at Pine Ridge Reservation told the white man John Neihardt of the sacred traditions. I think Hehaka Sapa was truly afraid that the old ways would be lost forever and in his words did this, "to help my people in understanding the greatness of our own tradition and also to help bring peace upon the earth among men, within men and between the whole of creation."
But the blood proved to be strong and the people survived. So now I wonder, are the ceremonies and the sacred ways for the Lakota alone?
What of other Natives of the full-blood? the half-bloods? the quarter-bloods? I'd like to know that the wisdom and power will be accessible to my two sons- of the eighth-blood? Then what of those with a "drop" of native blood and those of good heart with no blood?
I realize it is the white brothers' way to take over everything, take control, and that is offensive. But actually I do not worry about the wannabes or shamans with dark hearts. You see, the white brothers have no patience. They try something and have to move on, their culture is born with wheels- no roots. So they will try being Buddists, then try farming, then crystals, then sweat lodge...and they'll move on. At the worst it is one white cheating another white. At best, I hope that some with good hearts, understanding and respect can honor the old ways.
Now I'm thinking of Agness Baker Pilgrim, elder and spokesperson of the Yurok and Siletz people here in Calif. & Oregon. Whenever I'm with her and she welcomes the people to pray...I can hear her like she's standing in front of me...she says, "C'mon let's give thanks to this great mother earth, and I don't care what color you are, we better start working together because this is the only earth we got, so pray with me."
So I don't worry about the white brother taking over the sacred things, I do worry that the Native children turn their backs on the elders and the ceremonies. That is our struggle- keeping the children's hearts open to the drum, the songs and remembering who they are. Thank you.
You may print this in the responses to the declaration.
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 1996
From: Rolf Beckman <balans@algonet.se>
Subject: Please feel free to show this message and adressIm a plastic shaman.
White, born into the swedish lutheran church. I have found religious inspiration in the shamanic ways; We run a sweatlodge at our farm, we look for the signs of nature, we listen, we smell, we move into differtent realities.
Any ceremony is holy, all cermonies are good. Every time people meet in the name of spirit there is confirmation of what we want to be.
No one can steal lakota ceremony, only you can loose your touch. Rejoice in the inspiration that the red mans way have given to so many people. More than any people you have become a symbol of a truth that we all know - the truth of who we really are, of being Man.
Be proud that we are looking for your knowledge, the more you teach it the stronger it will be.
Don´t loose sight of the overall picture. It doesn´t matter if a ceremony isn´t done in exactly the right way, it doesn´t even matter wether its main purpose is money, what matters is that people are looking for a better way.
My prayer is: All one people.
God bless you and Merry Christmas
From: dpierson@kiwi.dep.anl.gov (Pierson) Subject:
Date: Mon, 23 Dec 1996I give my permission to post this, (along with my e-mail address) if you feel it is worthy.
I do not and never have claimed native blood. I have native friends on and off the reservations. I have travelled across the country to various powwows and reservations. I have been attending powwows for about ten years now. I know a little here and there, but claim to be an expert at nothing.
"Why do you dance?" I have been asked by natives and non-natives. To be honest, I cannot give a clear answer. Am I a "wannabe" by your definition because I dance at Powwows? I feel good when I dance and the circle is a place of comfort to me. I respect Dakota tradition. I do not attend sweatlodges or other ceremonies, and I try to avoid certain religious or spiritual activities because I feel it is not my place without invitation. I only hope that I can help keep some traditions going despite being non-native.
Native elders (Dakota, Ho-Chunk, Menomonee, Ojibwa) have told me that the circle is for everyone. My Dakota friends end their prayers with "Mitakuye Oyasin"- We are all related. So why the harsh words? We all pray to one Creator, but some choose to do it differently. Good or bad, things change. The Apostles would not recognize a "Christian" service today, it is religious synchretism- a blend of religions. Africans perform tribal religion and practice Christianity together. Many Christians place a tree in their homes during the Christmas season- which is "Pagan" tradition. The pipe has been introduced to Catholic services. Peyote and Christ- another example of a blending of religion. If you witness a blending of religion and hear it to be "Traditional," correct the error. Help the misguided.
I have seen the "crystal people" at powwows and 16 year-old white kids claiming to be pipe-carriers. I understand the resentment, but do not attack the people, attack the ignorance. If you wish to see change, teach these misguided people the proper ways. I am just a white guy, I do not claim to be an expert at anything. I try to stay away from the "crystal people;" I am not the one to correct them. Natives need to correct these misguided, ignorant people.
Then there are those trying to make a buck off of religion. This is nothing new. Salvation used to be "granted" to anyone if they had enough gold.
People are still taught today to give during church service and they feel better for a time (but they'll walk around a homeless person with a sneer, so much for charity...) Ignorance needs to be fought at many levels. If native elders were to speak up about these people trying to make a buck off an inipi ceremony, I am sure they would be heard. These cons would make no money and stop their foolishness.
I guess all I'm trying to say is fight ignorance, not people. There's too much hatred in the world. Babies play together despite ethnic or racial differences, adults should be this wise. Hatred is a learned behavior. Stereotypes hurt everyone (He's a was'itu...drunkin' injun...lazy n****r), look at the soul of a person and not the skin color. We are all God's children. We all have to share this Earth and keep it healthy for our kids and grandkids. Let's all get along and teach each other and learn from each other. If somebody is teaching something incorrectly, teach them the correct way (and teach them who should and who shouldn't be doing certain things).
Peace and education combined are much stronger than threats and ignorance.
-Dan
Date: Mon, 16 Dec 1996
From: mike mike@pls.comWar is a strong word, and it may be considered by some to be a hollow word without sufficient physical force to back it up, but in a time of clogged ears only strong words pass. Also, only the shallow resort to thinking in terms of mere physical force.
A small man attempts to belittle what is larger than himself. A weak man attempts to cripple that which is stronger than himself. A narrow minded man attempts to cut and shrink what cannot fit in his head, because he cannot admit that he cannot grasp a larger thought. An avaricious man strips out of the sacred that which can be bought and sold, because he sees value only in those things.
Surely, what is being done to beliefs held by native peoples isn't any worse than what has been done by televangelists to Christianity, and is much in the same vein: why is the "New Age" adaptation of native beliefs any worse? Also, there is gold in other places in the world, and gold is mined in much the same way wherever it is found: why is it any worse when it is stripped from the Black Hills?
IT IS BECAUSE THESE THINGS ARE RARE IN OUR CURRENT SET OF PLACES THAT IT IS WORSE. IT IS BECAUSE THESE THINGS ARE WEAKER IN THIS AGE IT IS CRUEL. IT IS BECAUSE THE SPIRIT OF GREED IS STRONGER THAN EVER IN OUR CULTURE THAT IT IS WRONG.
Can you say this and believe it: "If it were my beliefs that were being endangered, I would pledge myself as a soldier and join a war to defend the things I hold in MY heart". Of course you can, and you may have done that at some point in your life. Why should one expect less of any other people-- particularly people like the ones that lived here first and still live here?
Why is "Do unto others..." such a tough thing to understand and practice? People seeking a better way of life and a deeper understanding could do well to start with this simple rule.
This statement may be posted if you see fit: thank you.
Mike Mc Morris
From: "Graeme White" Iron_bark@onaustralia.com.au
Date: Thu, 12 Dec 1996
Subject: Yes please post itIn reply to the teaching of Native religion
I guess Living in Australia we don't completely understand what happens over there .I was told not so long ago by some Native American friends that I have met on the Internet that people are abusing the Native Religion (ie become a Medicine man for $100 ) .Ever since being told about the abuse of such a Sacred thing I have been looking in our local shops and Native American shops over here, and have found that even here there are people who hold Ceremonies and meetings one place even holds Drum nights where a few people get together and beat drums. I was Invited to a meeting of such people They where called the Snake Clan (Think that name is good should have heard what they where calling them selves).But I do know right from wrong and did not attend ( I couldn't have keeped a straight face anyway).
I guess what I'm getting at is that all over the world there are going to be people who are going to acted like a Native Person. Even in Australia. What upsets me is that people like this are going to destroy any chances for the people who really want to learn and that will respect the way in which it is intend.
Just my little bit
Graeme
If you like you can e-mail me here Iron_bark@onaustralia.com.au
Date: Tues, 10 Dec 96
From: megan_raddant_at_nyc1166.nvs@nvs.nynexcorp.com
Subject: Yes, please print thisIt really disturbs me to see the word "war" associated with traditional Lakota spirituality. I'm not an expert on this subject, but I thought that "peace" was one of the major concerns associated with that religion. At any rate, peace seems to me to be the greatest issue facing mankind today, and spiritual leaders should be doing what they can to encourage understanding not further division. If ideas are being appropriated incorrectly, please educate those involved. Condemnation is the easy way.
I agree that it is important for people of all races to know their heritage. With my mother I have traced back our lineage to realize that various parts of me are German, French, English, Spanish and Jewish and Romanian. I have traced the religious influences through Catholocism to the Quakers to the Church of England, to a Jewish adventurer, and on one side, back to the Celtic who at one time occupied a vast portion of the European continent, and intermingled with many other races via trade, including the Egyptians, the Greeks, Etruscans, and on and on. What this research and my subsequent studies of history proved to me is that within my own genes are proof that "we are all related", because all of those peoples are within me. Trace back the history of humans and we may find (who knows) that we all come from the African continent. Look up into the stars long enough and you may discover you're from some other part of the universe!
Also, as far as the concept of who's land is who's, I realized through tracing our geneology that various different of my ancestors had been forced to flee one country or another and relocate from one period to another due to takeovers. I realized that human beings have been stealing territories from each other since the beginning of time. Think of the Romans. Napolean. Gengis Khan. Look at what is happening in Tibet even as I write this. What happened to the Aztecs? Don't tell me that a Lakotas never fought any other Indian tribe for the purpose of acquiring land.
We are talking about HUMAN NATURE.
And even after all of this research, I still don't know where I am from beyond realizing that I am a combination of light and water and minerals. So, I come from the earth.
I had been living in New York and at one time I was illegally evicted and made homeless (another class of displaced persons: the poor). I took off, I went traveling. I couldn't find a place to live. I couldn't find a job. I have been all over the United States twice now, went to Europe, went to Mexico twice. Many times I cried because I did not know where to be. One morning at dawn I found myself feeling extremely sad and tired because we couldn't even find a place to park. We stopped by a stream outside of Taos, just to stop, to sit. An Indian man came and told me I could not sit there, I was on Indian land. I said to him that I meant no disrespect, but that I myself had no where to go and couldn't I just sit for a while. "No". I mean no disrespect even here, but I must say, at least he had somewhere to be. I'm sorry that there are reservations. But I tell you, I didn't even have that. The man left and another indian came by, coming down from the hills. He bent to take a drink from the stream, wild horses came down too. He smiled a most beautiful smile and said "Welcome!" And I felt love. And then I was "HOME".
So, people, where ever you may be from, whatever you are, whatever your religion, help one another - love one another. Let's try to understand one another. No more of this word "WAR".
Date: Mon, 09 Dec 1996
From: Bert Bennett bben@telcomplus.comThe People of the sacred mountain
Four centuries have passed since the arrival of the first boat-load of refugees. Desperate outcasts from their communities landing onto the shores of the place we call our homeland, the north American continent. Two hundred and fifty-seven years passed before these erstwhile immigrants set their first foot onto the inland empire of the majestic Black Hills located in Wyoming and South Dakota. The area was the homeland of the suhtave, otherwise noted in History references as the evasive kite people or the So o? t a eo. The homeland became very popular for buffalo hunters, miners, gamblers, robbers and individuals seeking to acquire wealth in a short period of time. This wealth was derived from the marketing and exploitation of the natural resources. Murder, looting, rape and extortion were common as the blades of grass on the prairie. The Suhtave posed a threat to the ownership of the wealth of the Black Hills. They were either killed or driven off the boundaries of the homeland. Sometimes we wonder if these people will ever find peace so they can discontinue their path of war and destruction upon the world. It would be regal to live with sensible neighbors who extend peace, friendship and goodwill to the whole world.
The Suhtave genesis began here with the oral heritage continuing to anchor their beginning in the Black Hills land and environment. With the westward expansion of European settlement, other tribal people were pushed out of their homelands and driven westward into areas not contaminated by the presence of the new diseases of these explorers from another world. The Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho people were relocated off their home grounds into the Suhtave homeland. The life of the Suhtave changed dramatically in this tribal restructuring period. The displaced tribal people warred with the Suhtave for territory dominion. Eventually peace was initiated amongst all the tribes and an alliance was formed to live in peace and friendship. The Suhtave allowed these tribes to view the spiritual practices of the Suhtave. Their inclusion into the mainstream spiritual faith-keeping and guardianship of the heritage was strictly forbidden. This was evident in the principle origin of the Suhtave spiritual heritage.
A spiritual entity borne of this continent was searching for a home. It came to a village, stayed for a time but traveled on as it could not live with the people and their way of life. It came to another village, stayed with those people for awhile but moved on as it could not live with those people and their way of life. It came to a third village, stayed again for awhile but traveled on as it could not live with those people and their way of life. It came upon a fourth village, observed the people caring for each other, sharing everything and living a life of peace in their creation.. The spiritual entity realized this form of peace and decided to stay with these people. This fourth village was the home of the Suhtave people.
The spiritual entity made its presence known to the people and they accepted the merging of the spiritual entity into their nationhood. It revealed to the Suhtave people a spiritual heritage that was timeless and without end. This spiritual heritage and entity is with the present Suhtave descendants. It is said the other villages visited by the spiritual entity were those of the Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. The spiritual teachings and lodges were eventually entered by the Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho people as intertribal marriage with the Suhtave occurred. Their combined tribal populations out-numbered the Suhtave so it was merely a matter of time before they initiated a plan to assist the Suhtave with the faith-keeping and guardianship principles of the spiritual heritage. This action cumulated in the separation of the teachings and contents of the spiritual heritage from the Suhtave.
Although these latter tribal groups continue to adhere partially to the teachings of the original instructions and spiritual functions. The genesis has changed to reflect the infrastructure of those particular tribal groups prior to their acquisition of the spiritual entity's' teachings from the Suhtave. Each have a partial recollection in the total content of the original instructions and teachings of the spiritual entity. Decades of spiritual unity was severed by the isolation of these tribal groups onto reservations. Suhtave descendants are identified as members of these tribes in the United States Federal Census Bureau although they are of a tribal distinction in their own identity. These remnants of the descendants of the Suhtave, the people of the sacred mountain, continue to live with the tribal group they are affiliated with.
In the heritage of the Suhtave,
Chief Samuel Lee American Horse,
Northern Cheyenne.
Please post!
Send E-mail responses to
Chief Samuel Lee American Horse
C/O bben@telcomplus.com
Date: Sat, 07 Dec 1996
From: "jennifer sinclair" JLSinclair@msn.comI recently read the posting on "Declaration of War Against Exploiters" on a MSN Native Forum Bulletin Board and felt compelled to ask more questions of myself and others. I was referred to your e-mail address at the Lakota Home Page and would like to forward to you my response posted in the NA Forum (with a few editorial changes to suit the new forum).
I recognize the intent of the declaration is to protect the sacred traditions and spiritual practices of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people and I know I may re-evaluate how I feel about this declaration. In fact I would appreciate it if you, or anyone else, could provide me with an address to contact any one of the three individuals that have signed there names to the bottom, as I would like to clarify their intent. I noticed that Wilmer Stampede Mesteth is a professor, was this declaration written to invoke his students to respond to who we are? It certainly left me with questions.
I agree with some of the declaration and some I need further clarification on. Regardless I think it opens up a fascinating debate on our Culture as First Nations people today. Does Culture change and adapt to its surroundings, both time and physical? Should it?
There was a recent debate in NA Forum on people charging for "sweats" and an article posted on "Who's Stereotyping Whom?". I think it would be fascinating to learn of peoples opinions on what or how our culture should be defined. Where do we draw the line between educating the non-native population and exploitation of our culture. Is there a way to stop the tide of "New Agers" and "Wannabes" are these people bad people or are they just trying to find their own path in life.
Culture by its definition is a slippery fellow as culture is defined as developing intellectual and moral faculties by education or the integrated pattern of human behavior that includes thought, speech, action, and artifacts. And depends upon mans capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations and the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious or social group. This definition is taken from Webster's Collegiate Dictionary.
With this definition in mind and with all the new technology facing us, the way and the lessons we teach our children differ from the way our parents taught us let alone the lessons from our grandparents. The values and morals we teach remain but don't we now apply them to "today" isn't this a slow change to our "traditional teachings"?. What is "traditional knowledge"?
Isn't history mere thoughts and memories from experiences of the past? Must we dwell so heavily on the past that we cannot move forward? We all have experiences from our pasts both good and harsh. We take those memories learn from them and move forward. I constantly read comments and postings from people referring to the "white world" and "white People" and what they have done to us as Native people. Are we a really "loving group" or is this a stereotype because how can we profess to be one and mention another group with such distaste?
My Parents and Brothers and Sisters are White I am of First Nation decent. I was adopted. I grew up in a family where my parents thought all Indians were lazy drunks and my sister called me Eerie (ugly and scary). As an Adult I have come to terms with my experiences and I am very pleased to say that through patience and perseverance (on my part) my family and I are coming together through education. This was brought on primarily through the discovery of my biological family and the first hand discovery of who I am as an Indian person (and also cause I didn't think it was possible to divorce my family haha). Must we learn and remember from our past..... no doubt. But isn't that all? Do we need to continue the bitterness or can we rise above our experiences and rediscover ourselves?
Meegwetch Ainee
Jennifer Sinclair
JLSinclair@msn.comPermission to post is granted
Date: Fri, 06 Dec 1996
From: "sdef!" savage@easynet.co.uk
Reply-To: savage@easynet.co.ukOn behalf of South Downs Earth First! in the UK, I would like to express our support for your declaration. The rest of this message is from me only, but I am sure the whole group would agree.
Although many people may consider your declaration extreme or an over reaction, this is probably because they underestimate the seriousness of the transgression, through ignorance of the importance of these aspects of life to you and through ignorance of your ways. I am not claiming to have superior knowledge here, I realise that if I don't speak your language fluently and live within your culture my understanding can only ever be incomplete. Your traditions are your own, and if you say they have been exploited, then they have, and no-one but the Lakota are qualified to dispute this.
All over the world, from West Papua to Alaska people and all beings are involved in a war not of their making, a war against life, and the number of whites opposing the onward march of progress with their whole being is growing. We dance around fires and play drums (not as often as we would like) and have reverence for the earth and its creatures, but we have no illusions about who we are. We are all related but we are not all Lakota. Please don't dilute your no compromise stand. You represent the only hope for the future of humanity.
you have my permission to print this letter.
If there is anything we can do to help, tell us. We would be honoured to call ourselves allies.
Andy
Subject: permission to post granted
Date: Mon, 16 Dec 1996
From: "J.R. Golen" wgolen@longmeadow.mec.edu
Reply-To: wgolen@longmeadow.mec.eduI have read several of the other responses that have been posted, and I have read and re-read the original declaration of war. I think that I am now informed enough to give my two-bits worth.
Initially, I skimmed the declaration, and thought it went a little too far. After a couple of careful reviews, I have to say that I agree with the majority of it.
For two years, I was fortunate, indeed blessed, to have worked at a school for Lakota children in South Dakota. I was carried to that place simply because I was looking for a job after college, and could not find anything in the teaching field a little closer to home (in Massachusetts). I did not go to South Dakota seeking any spiritual revelations, merely employment. What I did find, however, was more than I had ever imagined.
The school was a boarding school, but not the stereotypical government boarding school of the past. This was a place that parents sent their children out of choice, often a difficult choice of love. Some parents sent their children because they knew their own problems with alcohol, and knew that this school would be a better place. Some sent their children because, no matter how much they loved their children, and no matter how stable they themselves were, the lack of opportunities on the reservations make providing what they want to provide for their children difficult at best.
Enough of that. The declaration did leave me with some questions. Most notably, where is the line drawn between "hucksters" and "wannabes?" Is it drawn along purely racial lines? If that were the case, I'd have to disagree.
Several Lakota people worked at the school where I worked. One woman was a Pipe Carrier from the Rosebud Reservation. She ran the Sweat Lodge ceremonies at the school, primarily for the children. There was also a gentleman from the Crow Creek Reservation who had some spiritual ties to the school, and he was associated with one of the Sundances at Crow Creek.
These people never charged anything in the way of money for their knowledge. (As elders, if I went to speak with them, I would bring a tobacco offering out of respect.) I was indeed privileged to participate in the sacred sweat lodge ceremony. At first, I was leary of it, being that I'm white. (My great-great-great-great grandmother was Native Canadian, so that's a very distant relation.) After participating a number of times, I came to realize that it was a wonderful experience, that I would not trade for anything.
After my first year, it came upon me to prepare the lodge, tend the fire and door. I felt so unworthy of such an honor! And humble!!! (My predecesor, who was also white, and who had first brought me into the Sacred Circle, was a very special man, and it was not easy filling his role.)
I learned so much about myself through the culture and beliefs of the Lakota. It brought me the inner peace that I had never completely had.
Iam not a wannabe or a huckster. I did not go seeking the Ways of the Pipe or pay for them. I did find the way, however, or maybe it found me. What I did and continue to do is with the utmost respect, reverence and conviction.
One of the only things I miss from my two years in South Dakota is the Sweat Lodge and all that goes with it. I miss the children even more.
I did not really discuss much of my own spirituality here, because I don't feel its necessarily the right place. I would love however, to discuss or hear from someone at my e-mail address.
We are all related,
J.R. Golen
Subject: Please post this
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 1996
From: andrei@megalink.net
From: Scott Knox
Leeds Maine
email andrei@megalink.netIn these days and times, there are many of your ancestors that have returned in white bodies. I am white on the outside, but know that I am red on the inside. I am a pipe carrier, and have found Great Spirit within, please don't confuse us with those others who will always exploit what they can for thier almighty dollar. I don't need to learn the sacred way through them, I, or anyone who really cares to, only needs to go within, to find the truth.
Thank You
Subject: please print it, feel free to print my e-mail adress
Date: Fri, 13 Dec 1996
From: Rolf Beckman rolf@advisors.seWhenever a religious ceremony connects the participating people with spirit it is of spirit and is no longer the possession of any culture or church. The ceremony is a tool for spirit to come through.The sweatlodge is a beautiful tool for coming into contact with spirit. Im truly greatful for the native americans whos shown me this tool, but I dont think that they own it in any way. It is a way to pray and be heard and be in contact with "God" in a way thats peronal as any meeting with "God" has to be. I think maybe the Lakotas can be very proud - and happy -that so many people seek their way.The planet sure needs it. How can anybody steal it if you give it away?
Rolf Beckman, plastic shaman
balans@algonet.se
Date: Fri, 13 Dec 1996
From: Rainlady2@aol.comI give my permission to have my response posted
I am white...Irish/Hungarian mix, and i felt a deep ned to respond to the Declaration of War.
Many years ago i began an independent study of the Lakota Nation. too, started with EEd mcGaa's book, "Mother Earth Spirituality", and many other books of the same type....namely those authors who did not present the truth.
I am very thankful that a lady who heads the NA bulletin board on GNN, another on-line provider, e-mailed me and steered me in the right direction in my study. She warned me about those "plastic shamans", and I became a very discerning reader, first checking out the validity of the author.
Inshort, I learned alot about the Lakota Nation, and on my own, not in any college. But, what i ultimately learned is that true Lakota spirituality cannot be learned from a book. It must be experienced.
And so, I must agree with the Tribal Elders. The white man has stolen so much from the Lakota, as well as other NA Nations. It is not hard to sympathize with their feelings about "plastic shamans" and "new agers" who would distort these teachings.
And I will state that I would gladly stand shoulder to shoulder with any NA who is fighting to save his sacred spiritual practices and culture. Quite simply, I would say, respect their wishes, as they would respect yours.
The Lakota, Nakota and Dakota are a proud people, and they should be.
All of you have my deepest respect and understanding. I am willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with you to fight this war!
Rainlady2@aol.com
Subject: Yes please post it
From: "Graeme White" Iron_bark@onaustralia.com.au
Date: Thu, 12 Dec 1996In reply to the teaching of Native religion
I guess Living in Australia we don't completely understand what happens over there .I was told not so long ago by some Native American friends that I have met on the Internet that people are abusing the Native Religion (ie become a Medicine man for $100 ) .Ever since being told about the abuse of such a Sacred thing I have been looking in our local shops and Native American shops over here, and have found that even here there are people who hold Ceremonies and meetings one place even holds Drum nights where a few people get together and beat drums. I was Invited to a meeting of such people They where called the Snake Clan (Think that name is good should have heard what they where calling them selves).But I do know right from wrong and did not attend ( I couldn't have keeped a straight face anyway). I guess what I'm getting at is that all over the world there are going to be people who are going to acted like a Native Person. Even in Australia. What upsets me is that people like this are going to destroy any chances for the people who really want to learn and that will respect the way in which it is intend.
Just my little bit
Graeme
If you like you can e-mail me here Iron_bark@onaustralia.com.au
From: "Leon Matthews" lmatthews@gwtc.net
Date: Thu, 5 Dec 1996
Permission Granted to Post is Given.
I read the statement with great pleasure. I am Lakota from Pine Ridge. My father is from Wounded Knee and mother is from the Slim Butte community. I am a Christian because of choice. I choose to follow the way of the Bible because I believe in what the Lord Jesus did on the Cross for the whole world. People will often say that I have turned my back on our Lakota people, but this is not true. Our people adapted to many ways as they lived on the plains. When the message of Christ came our people listened with RESPECT.
Respect is something that many of our own people do not follow. We have many problems with our children disrespecting our own people. They follow the ways of MTV and Vidoe movie from Hollywood about Gangs. Our people were the caretakers of the earth and yet when you look around you can see that our people have lost their ways. I moved home because of the message the Bible has for our people and the people of the worlld.
New Age people are looking for Spirituality because they have lost their way. Our way of life as Lakota people have been seen through many books and studies. They need to show respect when they go to the Sundances and other spriritual meeting. When they start pulling out the crystals this bothers many of the spiritual leaders. They should ask for permission before they do this.
Our people have also been part of the blame. When the New Agers come they bring money and gifts like cars and other expensive offerings. We need to address this issue before we declare war on these other people. If we do not address this problem of our own people than they become the enemy also.
Thank you for your willingness to place these responses. I will close with the statement that the New Agers are eclectic and they will bring even the dark powers into their ways. Feel free to contact me throght e-mail if you want to talk more about this issue.
Sincerely Lakota
Date: Thu, 5 Dec 1996
From: JStutz7310@aol.com
As the Lakota People have seen their traditional ways stolen and misrepresented, so have the Cherokee People and all of the other tribes. Many non Native Americans claim to follow either the Lakota or Cherokee path and have stolen from all tribes. The Lakota has no exclusive claim to the theft.
I am a mixed blood that cannot "prove" my ancestory and therefore am rejected by many people of the different nations as a wannabe. Well "Friend", I still will fight for you, Grandfather has charged me with that task, as there are some of us out here on the outside of your world that have gotten beyond the ego and pride of your own self.
We look beyond the narrow thinking of a single tribe and honor the teachings of all tribes. We do NOT want to be as the Lakota, closed minded, we look to the Hopi, the keepers of the sacred stones, to the Cherokee, for their willingness to educate those who seek, and to the other tribes that know the truth of a world of all nations.
I have been honored by some very respected Elders, for my walk amongst those who would be racist and claim to be the injured party. I see in my own visions of the world to be - ALL nations as one. The Lakota have the four colors of the four races of the world and give honor to those colors, the four races also deserve the same honor.
Your traditions lay soul claim to items that other nations also call their own. Pipestone of any color should NEVER be as a commodity to be bought and sold, however, the use by anyone who has been taught the proper manner and respect of the pipe should not be disgraced with disrespectful deeds and words of hate and contempt as is now happening. The Eagle and Hawk are also dishonored by the disrespect given to those who aren't a BIA cardholder but have the vision given to them by Grandfather. Grandfather has given the Mother Earth and all her creatures for us to honor and respect, ALL of us of all colors.
Division of the Nations plays right into the hands of the government, divide, seperate and keep the pot stirred, that's what they want. Well, it seems to be working quite well. In the end there will be the Lakota off by themselves while the others are pulling together into a strong force that can get things done.
I wish you no harm, Lakota Nation, I pray for you.
The young bloods who are out and about causing harm to others only fan the fires of the government. This whole American nation is now held hostage by the government and as long as radical elements commit the "crimes" that the government has said are illegal, it will only weaken the efforts of all.
I give permission to post this.
Date: Tue, 03 Dec
From: Zachary Androus free420@selway.umt.eduYou have my permission to post this message.
I hope that my experiences are of value to those who have taken the time to consider these issues. At the age of 17, in a suburb of Washington, D.C., I purchased the book Mother Earth Spirituality, by Ed McGaa, Eagle Man. I resonated magnificently with McGaa's feelings that the Lakota traditions held the keys for "healing urselves and our planet", and decided to focus my college career on Native Studies. The first logical step to me was to enroll at Sinte Gleska College, the tribal college on Rosebud Reservation (occupied by the Siangu Lakota), which I promptly did. An employer of mine had been given the address of a person on Pine Ridge who she had never met, and who I contacted. I left the East Coast with my "canunpa" and full of McGaa's work.
Within a day of my arrival outside of Porcupine SD, in Wounded Knee district, it became clear to me that what was going on in Lakota country had nothing to do with what Ed had been writing about. I never revealed the fact that I had purchased a pipe with which I earnestly attempted to pray, for fear of offending my hosts and seriously embarrasing myself. As my host was giving the young wasicu from the city a crash course on Lakota social manners, she said something which has stuck with me. In regards to my questions about teachers and spiritual paths, she said that if it's written in a book, that there's a good indication that it is of no actual value. I spent half a year between Pine Ridge and Rosebud, and in that time was brought as a guest to ceremony. Participating in Lakota ceremony with Lakota people in Lakota country illustrated very clearly to me the differences between the society and culture that produced me and the one that produced my Lakota friends. It occured to me that if I made an extremely rigorous study of many years that I might begin to come close to gaining insight into some of the concepts which obviously were vastly more complex than McGaa's (or W. Black Elk's or Brooke Medicine Ego's, or Jamie Scams') pandering to the ecological guilt and colonially consumptive tendencies of discontent industrial Americans. I left SD for the Univ. of Montana, where I am a senior in Native Studies. Academically I have kept the Lakota expereince as my focus, and am fascinated by the dynamic of individuals such as McGaa or W. Black Elk, who represent an extremely sensitive and volatile philosophical debate within Native communities.
Personally, however, I am in full support of the position articulated by the Lakota/Dakota/Nakota Declaration. My experience in Lakota country and my academic studies have made it clear to me that in the absence of the language, concepts that are integral to understanding the metaphysics and epistomology of the Lakota are lacking. The difference in conceptual universes was most clear in the company of birth speakers; we actually walked side by side in worlds governed by different sets of physical laws, natural laws, and processes of cause and change. William Powers, in his work Sacred Language explores some of these language/spiritual system dynamics in the experience of young Lakota who were raised speaking English first and are faced with the difficulties inherent in not mis-learning Lakota concepts as the Western concepts they are generally identified with (WakanTanka and God, for example).
I welcome electronic dialogue (free420@selway.umt.edu) on any of these issues, or on any of the issues surrounding the tendencies of the United States to try to assume cultural and social proprietorship over elements of other cultures. I am very grateful for the opportunity to addrress these issues in an open forum.
Zachary Androutsos-Androus, Missoula, MT
Date: Mon, 2 Dec 96
From: "K.G. Hanson" kirbatron1@msn.comYou have my permission to post this, for what it's worth...
I am as white as typing paper--Irish and Norwegian. My ancestors came to this country after the official "Indian Wars" were over. I have never participated in any discrimination against Native people, nor have I ever shown disrespect to any Native religion, either by downgrading it, or by trying to practice it. However, I read your statement, and I agree with it, in its entirety. I have seen examples of what you write about, and I think you deserve an apology. You will never get an apology from the people who so desperately need to give you one. Sometimes, a person must speak for others of their ilk who won't.
Therefore, I am sorry. Please accept my apology.
P.S. You can print my e-mail address, if you can figure out what it is, I'm new to the 'net
Date: Fri, 15 Nov 96
From: Mark Bahti bahti@theriver.comPeriodically Anglo people come in to my place of business and profess embarassment over their heritage and a desire to follow or learn "the Indian Way".
I ask them what their response would be if a Lakota were to move in next door and asked to go to church with them to learn 'the true way', and expressed embarassment and shame over being Lakota.
They don't get it.
Then I suggest that they need to learn, understand, embrace, and respect their own culture first - otherwise they cannot even pretend to undertand and respect the culture of someone else.
They don't get it.
And then many anthropologists, museum diectors, and archaeologists wonder why there is such intensity behind NAGPRA and IPR issues.
Guess they don't get it either.
Sorry - yes, I'd be happy to have you post it. Many thanks
From: John Cooper 105104.1135@compuserve.com
Date: Fri, 29 Nov 1996
Subject: response to statement:War
Message text written by John Cooper
You have my permission to post this statement.
I have read your statement of war and have this to say: Why are you, the Lakota, overeacting about all this. Come on, a statement of War? This so called "War" is pointless. Their is no way you can stop the falsification of your religious beliefs compleatly, and you shouldn't try. It is obvious that the people that are misusing your religion will not succede. If they don't have a pure heart and have truly been told by a higher power to go on that path, then they will fail, and them failing spiritualy will hurt them in more ways than any law or court case could do.I think that you should focus your attencion on retrieving your sacrad objects that are trapped in musems, and use them in the way they were ment to be used. I think this would be the most effective way to preserve the traditional way of worship. But I also belive that the Lakota way is the right path for me, and if one day I meet one of the traditional Lakotas then we will both know that it was ment to be and it shouldn't matter if I am Black,White,Hispanic,Asian, or Native American. I know the Lakota religion isn't a exclusive club based on race, so if that is what the so called "traditional" Lakotas think it is, then they should take a look at their own path and see if they are the ones that are misinterpreting the religion of their elders.
Once again, you have my permission to print this letter.
Your friend,
Zach Cooper
From: glenn@odyssee.net (Glenn, Gear)
Subject: lakota spirituality
Date: Fri, 29 Nov 1996
WED. NOV 27, 96
FROM: ELAINE MARI AND MING DINH
you have permission to post anywhere like
ELAINE IS A WHITE IRISH\ANGLO\SCOTTISH\WELSH CANADIAN, AND MING IS A VIETAMESE BORN CANADIAN.
ELAINE: I have read most of the responses to the statement about white exploitation of Lakota spirituality and what I see is native people speaking and white people not listening, so what else is new. I find the unmitigated arrogance of white people who think that they have a right to what native people own, not only embarassing but dangerous and agree with the loaded gun analogy of one woman who wrote.
Look at what our arrogance has gotten us, so far in this continant we have attempted to steal, and yes we are responsible, as we are still living on native land and off of native exploitation. Look at the enviornmental racism of our oil and waterpower companies..If we want to do something about our spiritual bankruptcy I feel we need to start with action to change our consumption of native lives for our comfort, not to mention our consumption of native peoples spirits as well.
One letter writer said, and I agree, that history is intricately linked with spirituality and because of our unaddressed history of oppression we have lost our spirit, we can only build our spirituality out of our actions in the world, our lived experience. Lets start now by listening the best we know how and build on that.
MING: i don't know exactly what it is that white people are trying to find when they go looking to other cultures for answers, especially answers of a spiritual nature. I don't think that spirituality works very well when taken out of context. It seems very clear to me, for instance, that I'm not a native person, so why would I try to follow that spiritual path? Anyways, that's not an argument I want to follow at this point.
What I see a lot of and what really bugs me is how people are so selective in what they want to learn when they talk about learning about "other cultures". They only want to see the nice side, the side that's a little different, so they can feel like they're learning something new. It wouldn't be so bad if they weren't so resisting learning about the other side of things, you know, the part where their ancestors killed off most of your ancestors so they could steal your land, the part where their grandparents had yours in chains to work their (stolen) land, and now they want to wear your clothes because that's cool and they don't see how insulting that is. Not even when you say "ahem, excuse me but...". They have the gall to act all injured about it,"but what did I do???"
You tell them about what they did, and they say that it wasn't them and they're not responsible. You tell them about what they're doing now to destroy the land and undermine your culture, and they still say it's not them and they're not responsible. I guess these "evil " white poeple don't really exist, since no one is taking responsibility, but we're still going to hell in a handbasket.
It's not so bad, learning about the "ugly" side of things, it really helps you to understand the world around you, and your place in it. Then maybe you won't have such a need to go "find yourself" in somebody else's sweat lodge or temple or...you know what I mean. Well some of you do. Hi there.
please feel free to write to glenn@odyssee.net (try not to whine)
Date: Fri, 22 Nov 1996
From: Daibhidh Cleidhannach ds0215@broncho.ucok.edu
To: bucko@creighton.edu
Subject: lakota document
feel free to post this, if you like...
The Lakota document was quite refreshing to read, and reflects the feelings of some in the Indian community here in Oklahoma. I am a speaker of choctaw and seminole, although not fluent, and have known some practitioners of Native medicine. After years of observation and participation in Native American culture, I have come to the conclusion that much of what you may find in the "New Age" section at the bookstore regarding Native American religion is garbage. Please browse the site at the Fourth World Documentation Project. They have a beautiful site with many documents, most of which are political. Look in the directory entitled "other documents" and read AIM.TXT and ELDERS.TXT. ELDERS.TXT says that knowlege of Native medicine is ALWAYS passed from one person to another in the tribal language. This I found interesting and very similar to what I have seen in Oklahoma. So if you are interested in following traditional Native ways, don't waste your money on a book from the new age section. Stick with books which are academically sound. Trust me, if you are Anglo like I am, you won't get close to the real thing until you have been accepted and trusted within a traditional family at the very least. If you want to participate in traditional Native American religion, wait until you are asked. Otherwise, give it the respect it deserves by keeping your distance.
Sincerely,
David A. Schneider
University of Central Oklahoma
From: humbert@goldrush.com
Date: Wed, 20 Nov 1996
X-Sender: humbert@GOLDRUSH.COM
I'm not much of a computer person. I thought that my note would be read then posted. Yes please post it, thank you. John Humbert
So many wise people, I wish that I were wise also.
I find myself agreeing most with the feelings expressed in the comment signed Jon ThunderChild.
Is it dogma, native american, asian, european, african that pleases the Creator? Is it how his children treat one another? Does he hear your words or does he read what is in your heart? My grandfather's people first made the europeans welcome. That was a mistake. Then they made war against them, and that was a mistake. Then they fought for them, and that too was a mistake. Which of these mistakes could they have avoided? None. Their ceremonies no longer exist as they were, but only as wannabes think they were. Some of these wannabes are their descendants, some are white, some are black.
The hoop has a color in each direction, is it accident that they are the same as the colors of mankind?
I am so happy for those of you who know the answers. I can only have questions and hope to do what is right. Perhaps some day I will be so lucky as to know what is in the mind of the Creator so well that I will be bold enough to tell other seekers of truth, wannabes of all colors, how they should behave, how they should conduct themselves according to what I think is true.
Date: Sun, 17 Nov 1996
From: Hdhntr1@aol.comSpirituality should know no color. Is not the spirituality of the Native American that of 'pureness' of nature, from the Great Spirit, who lives everywhere, in all things? To suggest that only a person with a certain % of NA blood line can be truly NA 'spiritual' is akin to the Black man saying that others cannot appreciate what his race feels or thinks. Baloney.
Native Americans feel that the white folk have missed the boat on our environment for 200 years. If all whites would get some real spirituality from real natives, perhaps our world would be better off.
I am white. REAL white. My ancestors are from Scandanavia and Belgium. When I was a child I had the opportunity of 'choosing' any church I would like to attend, including synagogue. I went to a Lutheran College and a Church of England College (Cambridge). I had 'religion' poured down my throat. I am also a student of eastern religions, and the spirituality of martial arts.
Throughout my life I objected to one major aspects of most religions/spirituality: They all seemed to worship 'things'....crosses, faces, inside ceremonies, higherarchies, original sin, etc, etc, ad nauseum. NONE said to me:'go outside and find what a god or spirit created before you'. None told me that a great spirit was in all living things. All I had to do was to walk outside and look at a tree or see an animal to KNOW where the great spirit lived. All religions seem to put us two-leggeds as ABOVE all other things.
My wife and I met some Lakota at a pow-wow. We learned what they felt and what they believed. We read. We listened. We thought and felt. We now know where our hearts are. We probably believe in NA spirituality more than most full-bloods. For us it is not 'new age'. It is what we believe.
We will never pay for spirituality. We will give. I will stop anyone who preaches Lakota spiritualism, and then asks for money. We are not 'wanna-bes', we are "wanna not be's" (wanna not be untrue to ourselves).
The worst thing any NA could do is to try to keep us from believing what we have found as a great gift from our Lakota friends. I will never be a Native American. But I will be true to the Great Spirit. If pure NA's accept me for my beliefs, that is wonderful. If they don't, that's ok too. We should all remember that we ARE all related. Thinking any other way got is to where we are now....and that isn't good.
I'm not sure that I made a lucid point here...except: be pure to belief, we ARE all related, don't practice what other 'religions' practice...non-tolerance. Last...don't pay for spirituality. If we did we might as well be catholic.
Robert Schepens
My Lakota friends gave me the name 'WhiteHawk'. I am proud of that name.
You may publish my response.
R.A. Schepens
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