Responses to the Declaration:
War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality

February 9, 1997 to May 10, 1997

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.

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Date: Sat, 10 May 1997
From: pezzuti pezzuti@whatitis.com

You may post this response.

I support the declaration of war against those who desecrate the Lakota history, religion, culture, and people for their own gain.

I am an Italian/Norwegian/Irish/French American who has always been deeply fascinated by the Native American peoples, especially the Lakota. I began educating myself by reading books about the area, history, and vanished generations of the Lakota while I was in college. I soon discovered that the lies we were fed in grade school were present in many of these "scholarly" works. I then expended my effort to ensure that everything I read in the future was a book either written and supported by the Lakota, or if not written by, definitely supported by the Lakota. My choices included Custer Died for your Sins and God is Red (Vine Deloria), Black Elk Speaks, The Sacred Pipe, In the Spirit of Crazy Horse, and many others.

Throughout my reading I developed a great respect for the Lakota of both the past and the present. I has deeply angered to read about the treatment of Leonard Peltier. I was ashamed to read about the government's disregarding of the Treaty of 1876. I was sickened by reading about Wounded Knee (both times). I learned that the Lakota are a people of their word who have never stopped fighting for what is theirs. I learned the treatment of Native Americans hasn't changed much since the 1800's. I learned that people were still fighting for their rights, their land, and their lives.

In 1992 I traveled throughout the western United States, spending about six days in Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming. I visited the Badlands, Little Bighorn, Paha Sapa, and Pine Ridge. My companion and I tried as hard as we could to avoid seeing the front of "Mount Rushmore" with its sacreligous carvings and non-stop commercialism. We were the only ones paying our respects to the fallen Lakota and other Native Americans at Little Bighorn. We walked past the "National Park" barriers in the Badlands and went out to see it for ourselves.

But there is one memory from my journeys through the Lakota Nation that always stands out above the others. We pulled into Wounded Knee around dusk on a summers evening. Their were a few people around, taking down the stands were they sold things to tourists. As I sat there in the front seat, I realized I couldn't bring myself to get out and go to the site of a 100 year old massacre. I was too ashamed. I didn't want to be seen an another dumb tourist crying tears for something they knew nothing about. I could not get out. I did not get out. I was too ashamed of what the government of this country did then, and is still doing now.

Perception is everything. If people believe that they are being led on a "real-live vision quest" or are really practicing another culture's religion they will not see the desecration they are perpetrating. Knowledge is strength. If the messages within the Declaration of War are spread to enough people, then the masses will begin to realize that their blasphemy must cease. To do nothing less than demand the immediate ending of hundreds of years of brutality, murder, and exploitation of the Lakota and other Native American peoples would be an injustice to all of mankind. Anger is a Gift.

Christopher A. Pezzola
May 10, 1997

Date: Fri, 9 May 1997
From: LaauLapaau@aol.com

I am Kanaka Maoli, a Native Hawaiian. My ancestors too were stripped of their language, forbidden to practice their own spirituality and exposed to deadly, foreign diseases. Yes, I was not there when it all happened, but I do live with the consequences of those unfortunate acts of ignorance. It's not been easy to recover my culture in bits and pieces.

The truly horrifying part of what I've read in some of these posts is the lack of understanding of exactly how hard it has been for all native people to regain what was almost lost completely. We have struggled to keep our rituals and spirituality pure, lest we lose it all over again. There is also a lack of comprehension that what is being said is NOT that war is being waged against ALL people; just the ones who have no respect. Although I don't believe in aggression, I do believe that this Declaration of War is a representation of how native cultures feel it is still necessary to fight for respect. Though it saddens me that this is one of the most powerful ways that they can be heard, I thank the Lakota for upholding and defending their own true Way.

And then, there is this business of "sharing" our cultures. Yes, we should share. However, a large part of sharing is asking permission to take. Has this been done? Why would we be happy about anyone, of our people or outside, perverting our spirituality to justify their "channeled" information? Why can't they just say that their information is of their own truth? THESE are the ones who mock that which is sacred to others. THESE are the ones who need to read this Declaration of War so that they might see that yes, we do mind when what is sacred to us becomes mere ego-trips and a source of income for others. I am praying that when this Lakota prophecy is fulfilled, each of the colors will be represented by those who respect the Ways of the others. I pray that each will be wise, honest and full of honor.

Finally, I still say that if you have truly pure intentions and want to learn another's cultural spirituality, by all means, study, ask and discover that true Way. Nobody has said that you shouldn't do this. Even take with you what you like and toss what you don't. Formulate your own understanding of the Universe, your own spirituality. But please, don't change the recipe, serve it to the World on an expensive silver platter, then call it "authentic cuisine." It leaves a very, very bad taste.

E Ola Mau,
Kapua'ena

FROM: "WOLF" WOLF@INFONET.ISL.NET
DATE: THU, 8 MAY 1997

YOU MAY POST THIS LETTER

i agree with many of the statements against exploiting the lakota ceremonies, i will explain later.

the name given to me by my grandfather is shadow, i am a lakota man from pine ridge, sd. i can not prove my ancestrial roots at this time but i am currently searching. my grandmother also has cherokee blood-lines. i grew up in an abusive home on my fathers side, my mother was very caring and taught me a few thing about the lakota peoples. my grandfather would deliver clothing out to pine ridge every year for people who needed them he was accepted by the people.

i currently carry the responsibility of a sweat lodge, i also have many people who depend on the lodge to keep them focused. i to use the lodge to stay focused and to prepare me for the other side. this is not a game nor is it a place for curious eyes, it is a place of truth, focus, accountibility, trust, and peace. the creator sees and knows fully of those individuals that are playing games and they will learn the hard way, not by the creator but by their own hands. this is a lifetime commitment and i will continue to be here for those that the creator sends, i do not exploit the lodge, i wait for those people to come forth in a good hearted way. this way of life is a very serious way and can not be taken lightly. i speak to you in a straight way.

see ya around, shadow

From: "jasmine" jasmine@shore.intercom.ne
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 1997

permission granted to print/post.

I've read most of the letters posted and find all the hate over welling , I myself have sione blood line but it's so far back and my family never kept up with the spirits or such, what I've learned was from reading books like wallace black elks. I have tried to trace down my family tree with no help. and no luck I personally wish that someone would have kept our traditions so that I could have taught it to my children .

so what i'm saying to you all is why fight over whos right or wrong but teach those whom you feel really are sincere.................. you can't tell me that you wouldn't know!!

thank you for you time

deborah bogush
(jasmine)- E-nou-ack

Subject: Re: Religious discussions & permission to post
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 1997
From: Smith Family gringa@centuryinter.net
Reply-To: gringa@centuryinter.net

Don't give in to the "Us verses Them" mentality. Together we will withstand anything; divided, we all go down. Spirituality is an individual thing. It can't be completely or properly described. How does one teach a religion except by living it? What works for me, based on my personal life-experiences, may not work for someone else. All I could ever hope to do is set an example for those who come after me. If my example "looks" more like a "Native American" (what does THAT mean?!!!) type of religion or spiritual path, then who has the authority to say that it can't be mine simply because my skin color doesn't match or my (at this piont, unknown) ancestral heritage isn't "Native American"? In any case, the dialoge (it's a tradition) should continue. Resolution is not possible on a mass scale; it must be done on an individual basis. Keep the spiritual pathways open for all...no one has the right to dictate the navigations/directions to ones own spirituality. Wado.

By all means, please post this with the first reply.

The subject of "stealing one's religion" is obviously a touchy one for many people, for just as many reasons. After just skimming over most of the responses and going over the original Declaration, my first reaction was to not give in to the "Us vs. Them" mentality. Together we will withstand anything; divided, we all go down. Spirituality is an individual thing. It can't be completely or properly described. How does one teach a religion except by living it? What works for me, based on my personal life-experiences, may not work for someone else. All I could ever hope to do is set an example for those who come after me. If my example "looks" more like a "Native American"-type of religion (what does THAT mean?!!) or spiritual path, then who has the authority to say that it can't be mine simply because my skin color doesn't "match" or my ancestral heritage (at this point, is unknown) isn't "Native American"? In any case, the dialoge should continue; it's the one tradition to continue down through the ages unchanged. Resolution isn't possible on a mass scale; it can only be done on an individual basis...one at a time. Keep the spiritual pathways open for all. No one has the right to dictate the navigations or directions for anyone else's spirituality. After taking several days to get my thoughts out, I still couldn't understand how one could "steal" what cannot be captured. How arrogant to think that because your skin's a certain color, or because you're part of a certain heritage that you can "own" a religion or a way of expressing spirituality. All religions have icons that help the practitioners express that which they believe to be sacred: the cross, the chalice, the Minorah, the pipe, etc. When the religious icon becomes the focal point, then there is no spirituality. Instead it becomes "ego". When the Creator (Great Spirit, God, Jehovah, Wakan Tanka, Grandfather, the Great Mystery, the Holy Spirit, Yahewahe, etc.) created, which "color" was given THE TRUE spirituality? Is there just one? It is said that this land was once a sea-to-sea forest. If a man watches the sun as it begins its journey across the sky, is HE the only one who "owns" the sacredness of the day? We saw the fish and saw how they moved in the water and wanted to do the same. We saw the feathered ones and wanted to fly also. We wanted the strength of the buffalo and the courage of the bear also. For all our relations, we've borrowed something from them. In doing so, did we "steal" their sacredness? When the Sacred Dog became the measuring stick for one's wealth, did it change the spirituality of The People? With the introduction of glass beads, cloth, metal utencils, and thundersticks, did these things change the spirituality or did the spirituality change when those things were misused?

"Tradition" is following a certain way of what has always been done. It's not tradition to tell another man what path to take. It's not tradition to horde your gifts. It IS tradition to show others how to properly "behave" or "act" through one's own behavior and to share with all of what you have. Just as our children need teaching to learn the traditions, so will all others who wish to become part of the global community. Several years ago, I had a dream unlike all others I've ever had in my then-35 years. It had to do with being in a field, gathering berries or something like that, with a group of other young people. We were gathering food for the village where we all lived. While I was dressed in the same (traditional) way as any of the other young women, the (lighter) shade of my skin gave the others reason to taunt me. I couldn't understand why they were being so mean to me; in all other ways, I was the same. I was from the same tribe, the same village, the same area. The dream shifted and I was walking through the village; passing by the teepees, kids dodging in and out. Then I found myself in a longhouse. I was going toward the center area, careful to mind my manners and not look into the areas of other families. It was dark inside but the sun was shining brightly outside, and I carefully stepped around the fire-ring in the center. Now nothing was different about me and no one was teasing me. To the best of my knowledge, I've never been in such a place (except, perhaps when I was very small and my mother used to take me to visit the reservations around the Albuquerque area--my (adoptive) mother is Cherokee). About a year ago, some people I'd just met claimed to have seen a dove sleeping with a wolf and proclaimed it a miracle. A miracle to whom? The wolf and dove obviously thought nothing of it. Is it a miracle when opposing forces can sit down together and share peace? I understand why some wouldn't want to see what they consider sacred to be misused and abused. At the same time, it must be understood that those same "things" are nothing special to those who would use and abuse the imitations of the original, sacred items. Forgive the ramblings but much gratitude is given to those who continue this important dialoge!!! I am extremely! grateful for the space (and not just this cyber one) and consideration that is given to my words. As my new friends say..."Wado". As I grew up saying..."Adios, y vaya con su Dios. Y tambien, con mucho paz!" (Goodbye, and go with your God. And also with much peace!) All (civil) dialoge would be most welcome via email.

Date: Mon, 28 Apr 1997
From: Pam Rickard pamr@gte.net

Thank you for the opportunity to responsd. I am very white in my ancestry, but I deeply admire what little I know of the American Indian way. I have mixed feelings about the responses I have read at this sight, but I appreciate people sharing their thoughts freely. I wish for appreciation and understanding among people.

I am writing today because I was outraged today while watching television. A certain car/truck company which I will not name here was promoting a product on a commercial spot. I was disgusted to see the use of American Indian music and imagery to see the product. I did call the company's customer service phone number to complain. I would encourage others to do the same.

Thank you for your attention.
Pam Rickard
pamie@juno.com

Permission is granted to post this message.

Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997
From: Russell Wilcoxon
Reply-To: tracker@halcyon.com

I give permission for this to be posted.

I agree with the Declaration of War.

I can only say that all things sacred will be made profane by greed.

We live in interesting times folks. I am of European descent. My seventh great-grandfather was Miles Standish. So if you're a remaining member of one of the peoples that were destroyed, (Directly or indirectly by my ancestors. I wasn't there.) please listen to the heart of the descendant of the people who did the atrocious.

I live North of Seattle. I have been able to watch the forest cut, and paved to shopping malls. I didn't understand, and it hurts. I hear the stories of the abuse of those with greater killing-power perpetuated against those that were of Honor, and Trust. This also hurts.

I have known eleven people that have commited suicide. The first was my brother who was 21, and I was fourteen. At that time is when my spiritual path began. I keep hearing of more. Good people too. This hurts.

The future I percieve is pretty grim, for all grandchildren, of all blood. My purpose is to nurture what hope I can. In the face of fear, and hoplessness. The Celts were so efficiantly wiped out or driven undergound that I doubt there's much left for me to find. I'd be a fool to trust everything/anything said to be my "native" teachings.

You people are lucky to have your old-ways intact. Share them, or not as your heart directs. Remember that the false-tree bears false fruit.

I am seventh generation of this land. I am a boat on a raging river. My heart is here with no guidance other than my heart. I use the inipi as a technique, and with reverence. I am told that it is the womb of the Earth Mother. I respect it as such. I do not practise the Lakota ways as I do not know them. There are others that do. I come to the inipi when invited.

I practise my prayers the best I can. I can always improve, but I'm weak.

Keep strong your resolve to expose the false trees. I do my best to steer clear of them.

If we can share a prayer together, I beleive that were are better off for doing this. How shall we recognise each other? I hold no Medicine bundles, no pipe. I might carry the sacred herbs.

All things that are sacred, shall be made profane, for the love of money. Therefor I have nothing. I am Native to nothing. I just hope that my heart survives to pass along some hope.

With all respect,
Russell Wilcoxon
tracker@halcyon.com

Date: Fri, 25 Apr 1997
From: ShineyEgg@aol.com

Yes you have my permission to post this response .

Hello My name is Mark Richards . I would like to thank the Lakota Elders for their collective declaration of war against the explotation of there sacred ways. I have trouble understanding war . I do feel that there comes a time one must take a stand for what you believe in though .

Reading through all the respones I have noticed there is quite a bit anger & confusion being expressed regarding this declaration . It seems that a lot of non-Lakota people have taken this as a personal attack against them . I find this hard to believe.

That is , I find it hard to belive in my heart that this WAR is being declared on Human Beings in general regardless of skin color or national origin . I feel that this is not the way of the Elders of the Lakota nation . Just a feeling I have .

In closing , I would just like tell you all I Love you unconditionally. You are all my family always .

Love Mark

Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997
From: texx@web-o.net (Waldrop, Paul)

Brothers,

When will they stop? When they have destroyed us as a people? When all that is left of us are writings in books? What will be the end result? Do they really think that they can remake us into thier image?

They call us savage and uncivilized, but never in spoken history did we put up our old one's into homes and forget about them. Never did our children wander the streets without a family. Yet, we are the one's in need, in thier eyes.

To quote John (Fire) Lame Deer:

"Listen to the air. You can hear it, feel it, smell it, taste it. Woniya waken--the holy air--which renews all by it's breath. You have made it hard for us to experience nature in the good way by being part of it. You have raped and violated our lands, always saying, "Gimme, gimme, gimme," and never giving anything back. You have changed the animals. There is power in a buffalo--spiritual, magic power--but there is no power in an Angus, in a Hereford. There is power in an antelope, but not in a goat or sheep, which holds still while you butcher it. There was great power in the wolf, even in a coyote. You have made him into a freak, a lapdog. You can't do much with a cat, which is like an Indian, unchangeable. So you fix it, alter it, declaw it, even cut it's vocal cords so you can experiment on it in a laboratory without being disturbed by it's cries."

When, I ask, will enough be enough? We, the ikce wicasa must join together, for I fear, if we do not, then, what will become of us?

From: "LMadison" mtsuntrd@webslnger.com
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 1997

Hi

I revised my posting and would like to have it placed instead if possible. Below is the revision.

I am glad that this discussion has come to a fore front.

I am Native American yet my ancestor has been lost. My family is fully aware that Native American blood is running in my genes. I would be 1/16 American Native. Records were lost, burned etc. or the shame (NO disrespect intended) that was placed upon relatives, by others, caused silence. Only till now in our family is it acceptable to admit the Native American part in us. I am from Iowa by birth and have much Scottish ancestry also. I have done many sweat lodges in the last 3 years in the Bozeman, MT area where I now live. Some sweats were with Lakota some with all whites. I have respected in all ways the Great Spirit and the Sacred Rituals That I have been shown when participating in the Sacred Sweat. I feel in my heart the reverence of the Lodge and feel I've experienced the power and humility the lodge brings to my Spirit. The feeling about this debate hurts my Heart. The respect for the Native American I cannot express, it is a feeling. The absolute disrespect that the "Whites", predominately Christian beliefs, have caused is to me universal to the destruction of other faiths & Mother Earth. Now in referring to Mother Earth I'm referring to my Scottish heritage, The Celtic Side, not the American Native. Both Mother Earth Spirit beliefs adhere to the sacredness of the four directions and have sacred rites of worshiping the four directions. Both spiritual beliefs believe that all the "things" of earth have Spirit and that we as Humans can be transformed and that we all can see though these Spirit Eyes. My effort here is to make claim that it is the "Belief" not the skin color or blood of our ancestors that makes a People. We all look with different eyes at the Great Spirit. We are shown this as we make our journey walk around the circle of the Medicine Wheel. Now the Lakota after many years of enslavement and cultural eradication finally has the political right to practice the Rites of the Ancestors. I admire the Native American's courage to keep the Spirit within especially in the necessary to practice in secrecy.

The Celtic Religion in this country is also now being explored by the "Whites" as an alternative spiritual path apart from traditional Christianity, yet this IS their traditional European religion before Christianity. The Celtic Rituals had to go underground also. They to were Burned at the stake and destroyed for their beliefs. The People have been labeled Savages, Pagans, Heathens and many other disrespectable labels have been used to rationalize that one is righteous and superior to others (earthly "beings" included) and they can Control Mother Earth and others beliefs.

I am not saying here that Christianity caused this impoundment of these two similar beliefs. I am saying that it is the all righteous attitude of the people that believed in Christianity at the time of domination that caused this subjugation.

These righteous believers took only that that rationalized their enthrocentric focused superiority which caused the censorship of both the Native American & the Celtic Spiritual beliefs & the reverence of Mother Earth.

The Day is soon when Mother Earth will balance herself again and Black Elk's vision will come true. Could NOW the People of the four directions look together as many sacred hearts and look to The Great Spirit in one heart, just maybe, just maybe, we of the four directions kill the Blue Man and be One People Again.

Whites, Reds, Yellows And Blacks have lost the wholeness we all knew when we were more directly dependent and aware of the Spirit in each part of Mother Earth.

Explore the Hatred in your own Heart. Explore the experience and the sacredness of all as did the ancestors experience. Listen to the Spirit Heart not the your anger. Feel the Spirit that all of Mother Earth is one. To be righteous or exclusive in your way of worship only separate that which is in reality and in Spirit One.

Blood does not make a brave man. A respect filled Heart makes a Brave People.

Larry D. Madison "Wolf That See With No Eyes"
E-mail: mtsuntrd@webslnger.com

Life without Black would surely make White blind You.

Date: Mon, 21 Apr 97
From: Rick Durrenberg dberg@cwnet.com

I can't apologize for all whites. I do apologize for myself. I smoke my pipe and I make offerings to the Four Directions, the Great Spirit, and to Mother Earth. If that offends anyone, I apologize. It is not my intent to offend anyone but simply to worship in my own way. I had the Lutheran religion crammed down my throat at a very young age. And at that very young age, I knew it was wrong. Since then I have looked for the venue or link through which I can thank whatever powers that be for what we have been given. I don't claim to be a shaman or Holy Man or anything other than a plain old white guy who wants to give thanks and do it the right way. Having had no training other than what I have been able to read, I doubt that I am performing any ceremony in a correct way - but as near as I can tell, I'm doing it as correctly as I can. I don't read "new age indian" junk, I don't consider myself "new age", and I really don't want to be "new age". Native American traditions are centuries old and more. Until my ancestors arrived and messed everything up, these were the best ways of doing things. I aspire to learn these old ways. But as yet, I've found no one to teach me.

That's OK though. Maybe being white I have no choice but to be labeled a "new age indian" and have war declared against me. Whites have done worse to all non-whites. If this is the case, perhaps I've just gotta live out the punishment for my ancestors' sins. I can accept that. I hope that everyone else on my side of the line can also accept it because it's a bed our grandparents made for us to lay in and there's no changing it.

But I only want to ask this - What if it really IS OK for whites to learn about and take part in your religious ceremonies? What if we really do believe this way? What if we are just as pure of heart as you are? I just can't believe that all whites are incapable of this (although I readily admit that a very large number of them/us are unpure when it comes to matters of honor and spirituality).

Bottom line, please don't run us all down. Maybe 99% of us need to be run down, but there is that small percentage of us who desperately want to do things right, who don't want to be insulting to you, and who would probably fight on your side in this battle if you will let us. Good luck in your endeavors.

Sincerely
- R. D'berg

By all means, post my E-Mail address or whatever you need to do if you decide to post this entry on your web page.

Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997
From: Pavestone@aol.com

Defeat the exploiters of bad intention, and control the good people who sell the sacred objects.

How will you do this? All religions suffer from those who fulfill the need to know at a profit. All people must learn who to follow and who to reject.

Offer your knowledge and your love through approved channels. Keep close the secret and teach respect for the sacred. But share the love of the earth and the knowledge of how to use it.

Many of us walk sacred paths that are parallel to the Good Red Road. Do not reject us. Embrace us and we will help defeat the greedy, power seekers who destroy good hearts.

If you create avenues for seekers to learn NA culture, you will make friends. Is it not traditional for friends to exchange gifts for the greater good?

War on those who would exploit your sacred rituals, but open yourself to those who wish to be your friends. Welcome us on your own terms. Yes, many will come to see dances as an amusement. Let them come and go. Sell them crafts for they will want to buy such things. On your own terms they will take what you would have them take, respect what you would have them respect, and leave a small measure of thier wealth as a token of respect and love.

How can the old ones refuse friends of good heart. You will always have to defend yourselves from bad hearts for they may come frome anywhere. There are high stakes games going on at all the resevations, I think. And I don't mean just gambling.

Buddhists, Pagans, Boy Scouts, and all lovers of wilderness. Turn the wannabes to people who want to be your friends. And keep the exit open for the tourists.

Wars are won by nations with powerful friends.

Pavestone @ aol.com

Yes, thank you. Please post my note.

Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997
From: RWeber6298@aol.com

Sir:

I agree and wholeheartedly support your statement. Living here in Texas I am quite far from my home on the White Mountain Apache Reservation in Northeastern Arizona. Feeling homesick, I joined an organization called Texas Intertribal Indian Organization. At their spring powwow I was amused (to say the least) at all the blonde haired, blue eyed Indians, many in full regalia. The head man dancer was a youngster in his teens who was whiter than white.

I have not attended any more of their functions.

I do not understand the "fad" that has come about in the last few years for everyone to claim Indian heritage. When I was growing up, no one wanted to have anything to do with the "damned Indians". We were seen as nothing but drunks and parasites living off the "good graces" of the government. Most were lucky if they could secure any kind of employment, and then were given only menial, low paying jobs. Nowadays, everyone claims to have been one of us. Amazing.

Thank you for letting me voice my opinion.

Certainly, you may reprint my comments. I would appreciate it if you would.

Rick Weber

Date: Fri, 18 Apr 1997
From: Hotawolf28@aol.com

You may post this

I hear many Non "NA" people talking about "Native spirituality". I seldom hear any talk about the day to day existence of so called "native Americans". I see people paying great sums of money to be apart of something that will enrich their own lives. I seldom see them use what they gain for the people. Do these people understand what it is like for people of the Lakota, Dakota, Seneca, Shinob and all the rest of the nations. to see something they hold sacred, exploited for no higher reason then to make money from it? Do they understand that to us that is blasphemy.

I have heard it said that the "Indian Wars" ended in the late 1800's. This is untrue, the war is still going on. We fight to keep what is left, and to recover what is lost. We fight so that our children and thier childrens children will be able to look back at thier ancestors and say, "These are my people, I am proud of them."

Let the fight go on.
Paul

Date: Wed, 16 Apr 97
From: pap.ron@zianet.com
Subject: Re: Declaration of War against Exploiters of Lakota Religion "Please Post"

I spent my time as an apprentice in Wanbli. Onci gave me my pipe and I now travel around the country. The family I learned from is keepers of the old ways. I walk with my pipe with respect for the old ways and the people who showed them to me. I have come across many individuals claiming to be conducting traditional Lakota ceremonies. Unfortunately, these persons are not conducting traditional Lakota ceremonies. I personally, have been told by some of these individuals that what I learned on Pine Ridge was incorrect because they had read something different in a book. In particular, Pipe ceremonies and sweat lodge construction and ceremonies. If you are using pieces of a old religion to make up your own, you are desecrating the old ways you steal from. Self Respect, Listening, sharing and humility are hard to find these days. If you wish to learn the old ways, seek a teacher and put down the books. I have never learned anything of significant spiritual value by paying for it with green money, usually blood sweat and tears. I feel individuals exploiting Lakota religion for green money should be exposed as quickly and publicly as possible. I have also had people tell me I do not know what I'm doing when conducting ceremonies because they have participated in supposed Lakota ceremonies at rainbow gatherings. There are so many different individuals distorting the old ways for their own personal gain that it is extremely disheartening. How could someone that was taught the old ways sell them like a cheap whore ? Free Leonard Peltier.

Mitakeoyasin
James Armstrong

From: "Niemela, Douglas B." niemelad@HUACHUCA-EMH1.ARMY.MIL
Date: Tue, 15 Apr 1997

To All,

You may do what you please with my words! I would however have preferred to voice my thoughts orally, instead of writing them. If you are Lakota, then be Lakota and be proud of your great culture and tradition! Respect all that the Great Creator has given you. Very simply, walk the good red road. If you are not Lakota and have been touched by the spirit, I say, pursue your beliefs, be respectful, and seek the truth in the right way! If you are sincere and speak from the heart, a true human being will notice.

With Respect, DUG NIEMELA

From: "Wanda Clowater" wwolf@somtel.com
Date: Wed, 09 Apr 97 08:06:26 PDT

Yes, you may feel free to post my responce.

I'm a Spiritual Being of the Creator, I believe it Respect for all cultures.

As the creator would want it to be. The time has come not for fighting, but for Prayer's, for Old Ways, for Mother Earth is the one in need, and she cries, for her pain. This pain has been caused by greed of all peoples not one race but, a few of all. (Mostly White!)

The time is here, when all peoples of all Races need to join together, in order to survive, for only a few will. They will be a few that are spiritual, people that believe in all living things, people that learn or know the olds ways.

These things the Creator brings, to those who will listen, sometimes they are red, sometimes they are white, or yellow, or even black it doesn't matter, because inside we are all the same. We are all related, and we are all part of Mother Earth.

Spirituality can not be brought, it must be freely given, and the gifts that the Creator gives us are to be used to help and teach others. Using ones gifts for greed will bring, pain and dishonor to the one who abuses it. This is done in the Creators time, not ours.

I am White in skin, but I have always been Red in heart Maybe I don't fully understand, but I have been beaten in the name of Christian Religion, by the hands of my own parents who called me heathen, because I ran to the woods to be with the Creator, because at the age of 4, I saw and heard things that they could not. I hear the Trees cry when they are cut, I hear the rocks talk of the times past, and feel the life that once was.

I choose to walk the Red Road, because that is who I am and what I am about. I am no one with out the Creator, and no one else is either.

Be anger if you choose to but, your anger will not help the Sacred Pipe, or Hoop, it will not save Mother Earth, Prayer's and learning the Old Ways, are the only thing now that needs and must be done.

I sent Prayers for all, and place tabacco as an offering to the Creator.

Mequetch with Peace and Love for all,

Flying Geese

wwolf@somtel.com

From: tashunka@iol.it
Date: Fri, 11 Apr 97

Thanks for this opportunity.

I give permission for You to post this statement to the internet (if You would).

First of all, thanks again to meet You, I am an Italian woman my name is Daniela.

Since I was a little child I have always loved American Natives.

Perhaps this is impossible to believe because I am a white but I sincerly believe that the Red Road is the right way that all over people must follow to meet Great Spirit.

I also believe that Great Spirit speaked and speaks to all hearts and there are not differents colours of hearts. I know that perhaps I could not speak in these terms but what kind of possibilities there are for people like me who want sincerly learn?

In all countries there are men or women who want have money profits from their services,or simply they want to walk on the bad-way.

Please give us only one possibility and Your help.

Please I would like to correspond about this argoment with every people and if there is an American Native who would like to correspond with me by e-mail I will be very very happy and gratefull.

Thanks and CIAO. Daniela

Name withheld by request
Date: Fri, 11 Apr 1997

You have my permission to print this.

I agree with the declaration of war on charltans, but I do not think it should apply to honest and truthful seekers of knowledge, especially in our troubled times.

The teachings are for everyone, black, white, red, and yellow. The birth of Miracle proves this, as she, the sacred buffalo, was born and changed into all colors. Notice that she was born white. Maybe this can show that all whites aren't out to steal the sacred from the people, but rather to seek harmony - and may herald the return of the sacred.

I came to the native ways after a serious personal crisis. It took several years, but I found help thru native ways. First, I worked with a healer of the Taino tribe - the tribe of current day Dominican Republic - which is where C. Columbus first set foot. The Taino were the first indigenous people who came in contact with the "white man". My story is a mirror of Columbus, but it differs because I came to the people for HEALING and not to discover gold.

I next worked with a Lakota man who is now deceased - a victim of the afteraffects of the Vietnam war. He taught me Lakota ways. For 3 years, I sweat with him almost every week - and sometimes 3 times a week. Let me tell you - often, it was just he and I and the spirits in that Inipi. It was lonely for both of us. Where were all the indigenous brothers and sisters ? Why was it me (a white man) and not some younger Lakota brother in that lodge suffering to learn the way? You may have answers for these questions, or you may not.

I worked and suffered for what I was taught. (I also had a lot of good laughs!) As it turns out, I'm the last person that my friend "taught" his ways. Why me, a 'waisichu'? The creator has a mind of its own.

I respect what I have been given and I will stand in peace with it. I never paid a nickel for any teaching or ceremony - and never will. This, I am proud of.

I also will stand up against any new ager who is 'playing Indian' or any indigenous person who is out there 'selling the medicine' or 'putting on a good show for those white people'. I have done this in the past, and I have been threatened with DEATH for exposing a Lakota man (who will remain un-named) who was selling sweats & Chanupa ceremonies & "Sundance Workshops". I broke up this man's little money-party before "war" was declared; I did it because in my heart I knew he was wrong. Liars and 'plastic medicine men' come in all colors. People who wish to exploit the Lakota teachings (and those who make the most money from it) are often Lakota themselves - I have seen this many times, both on the reservation & off.

I am suggesting an additional 'amendment' to the Declaration of War. This is: that healers, medicine men, pipecarriers, Sundancers will refrain from disrespect and/or abuse (physical, emotional, spiritual, or sexual) of ALL women, both in ceremony and in daily life.

I have seen many women suffer these abuses REPEATEDLY at the hands of so-called 'spiritual men', and it is sickening. 'Spiritual men', especially those of ceremonial capacity, set the example for the rest of the men - and until they can set a good example, the spirituality is poisoned - just as it is poisoned by the selling of the ways. Everything is connected; everything goes round the circle. Until we can respect the women, we really don't respect the teachings of the White Buffalo Maiden. Remember the story of the two braves who found her?

Thanks for letting me ramble.

Date: Wed, 09 Apr 97
From: noon@cts.com
Subject: This is permission to add my post!

I am not sure what I can do but I support this effort 200 %. I am willing to help if I can.

Michael

Date: Wed, 09 Apr 1997
From: Manitoba Warriors Online manitoba@canadamail.com

Sounds good in it's present form (permission to post)

One behalf of the membership of the Manitoba Warriors, we extend our support to you and your efforts to bring attention to the theft of traditional practices, by non Native people who feel that they can find the 'Indian' within them by taking part in ceremonies and purchasing sacred items. If only we could count the times our members have gone to powwows and seen people selling and buying items that were never ment to be sold. We rescently recieved a letter from another First Nation's person complaining to us about how we were going to wreck his business by telling people that what he is selling has no spiritual value when they buy it from him and his mail order business. He stated that since he is Dakota it is, his 'tradition', and we should respect it, as we all have different traditions. We replyed to this man in this way: We have Dakota brothers within our Society and in none of the traditions that they have given does it say that they are obliged to sell sweetgrass and tobacco ties as you are doing. This man and his "Corporation", as he puts it, also advertise the painting of "traditional" west coast designs. It is scenes such as this that need to be addressed and condemned by all First Nations people.

So we agree with your efforts and fully support condemnation of acts like these. We also assure you that we the Manitoba Warrior membership will not allow any individual professing to be a spiritual leader to hold their tollbooth sweats in Manitoba Warrior territory.

Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997
From: AIMAZ@aol.com

You have my explicit permission to post this response.

To all who may read these words...I have seen the bastardization of Lakota Spirituality. I have seen the profiteering, by both Indian and non-Indian individuals. I have seen the sale of Inipi, of Sundance, of the Sacred Pipe, of Eagle Feathers, of Medicines and it enrages me.

I have been in the arbor at Sundances where there were more non-Indian people present than Indians. I have seen Indian people selling Sacred Pipes at pow-wows, making a profit from this instead of teaching their children the correct way to use them. I have heard the stories of Inipi where white people had painted themselves blue and when the invited Indian person showed up to conduct the ceremony, he was asked, "are you the guru for this evening's festivites?"

I want to know this. When, exactly, did it become "cool" to be Indian? My Grandmother had to try and pass off my mother and uncle as white to avoid the harassment and violence that would surely befall them if anyone knew the truth. When I was growing up on the reservation, I had to attend a non-Indian school because the school on the rez shut down. Being a 1/2 breed, (no I don't mind the term), I was basically subjected to 2 fights a day. One at the school for being an "Injun" and one back home from the other Indian kids for being light-skinned. I could understand the rage of the Indian kids having had our land shrunk to a miniscule reservation lot from the vast areas we once inhabited by the dominant culture in this country. I never quite understood the anger of the White kids though. Many of them came from farms and ranches that were located on reservation land. They had wealth, prominance, an almost aristocratic air about them. I guess I just didn't understand why they hated us so much.

However, it would be easier for me to understand their motivations than it would be for me to understand the motivations of non-Indian people who think they can "convert" to Indian spirituality as if it were some type of religion.

Indian spirituality, be it Lakota, Cheyenne, Cherokee, Akimel O'otham or any other nation's beliefs belong to that nation for a reason. That reason is that it was the spirituality given them by the Creator to assist those people in their daily lives.

Yes, kids, all Nations have their own. Not every Nation Sundances, not every Nation has Inipi, not every Nation uses the Pipe. If you think that they do, put away your "Dances with Wolves" video tape and try again.

There was some intercultural exchanges of spirituality. This is true. My people the Tsistsistas (Cheyenne) are also Sundancers. It is not just a Lakota thing. Much of the exchange of ceremonies and spirituality came from marriages to people of other Nations, or learning another Nation's ways due to participation, by invitation, in their ceremonies during the summer gatherings that would take place, particularly among the Plains Nations.

I hear much talk, via the internet, and at New Age Bookstores about Inipi, Sundancing and the Sacred Pipe. What about the Native American Church and the Peyote Ceremonies? Isn't this fascinating enough, or spiritual enough, or "cool" enough to try and use and sell too?

I know Mr. Standing Elk and his family and agree with the Lakota Elders in their declaration of war. I also believe that if you scholarly types who talk about the sharing of spirituality would read the document a little closer, you would find that the war is not declared on all non-Indian people who participate in ceremony. There are many non-Indians who participate by way of invitation in the ceremonies of the various Nations. The War is being declared primarily on those who seek to profit from or bastardize the ceremonies and rituals, be they Indian or non-Indian.

For members of a culture who all but wiped Indian people from the face of the Earth, who outlawed our spiritual practices and languages, who have taken our children, penned us on reservations, registered us like dogs, sterilized our women, introduced us to disease and alcohol and basically attempted to take any type of human dignity and pride from us, to suddenly think that Indian spirituality will be their redemption is an abomination. If your particular religion or spirituality does not suit you, then by all means, try to find one that does. However, don't look upon Indians as Earth-saving, tree-hugging, super-environmentalist saviors of you or your race.

I have spoken and it is so.

In Struggle,
A. R. Mader - Prison Liaison
American Indian Movement
Arizona Chapter

Date: Wed, 02 Apr 1997
From: Ishnakr@aol.com
Subject: Declaration of war

This may be posted along with my e-mail address.

Culture. What is a cuture or a tradition? Where did it start?

I am a European-American of Scottish descent. What is Scottish culture? Did'nt the Celtic cultures come before Scottish. What is the difference between Celtic spiritual beliefes and those of Native Americans? Tradition.

Where did the Lakota traditions come from? They did not always exist as they are now. Life started in Africa. If one wanted to get rediculouse about it, we could say that the Lakota are not following the Culture properly, because they are not following African traditions. But we know that through time and migration, various tribes and clans formed, as well as adopted traditions. They integrated ideas and beliefs and gave them their own identity. These wandering tribes are what eventually became the Celts, the Jews, the Austrailian Aborigines, the Hawiians, and yes even the Lakota.

Cultures intermingle. Cultures connect. Cultures adapt. Cultures evolve. It is rediculouse to want to confine yourself to tradition, saying "This is the way it has to be forever". Are you absolutely certain that your ancestors who first came to this beautiful land were exactly as you are now, and called themselves Lakota?

I know that my ancestors who first inhabited the Northern British Ilses did not call themselves Scottish. Before them there were the Picts, who through intemingling with southern celts, Normans, and Vikings eventually became the Scots.

So now, here I am, a Scotsman in Indian land. Should I totally ignore the traditions of the natives of this land simply because I am not of their heritage? Should I totally lose my Scottish Heritage and follow the Lakota traditions exclusively? Or should I assist in unifying all the children of the Eternal Spirit by recognizing the validity of all the paths in my life? I have to make my own medicine.

I deeply understand the fear of losing your heritage, but staying strict to traditions and denying cultural evolution is stagnation. Cultural stagnation breeds ignorance, and racism. This is something that needs to be overcome. We should all be grateful for the individulas who are willing to embrace one culture while still holding onto their own heritage.

As I have said maybe too many times already I am Scottish blood-----but first and foremost----I am a HUMAN BEING.

As far as the "New Agers" go, let them dabble. It may be the begining of a spiritual enlightenment for them.

Yes, I hate to see anything exploited for material profit, especially spirituality and religion, But unfortunately we live in a capitolistic society. And that is what happens to such things. Is it not best to at least hope that the consumers of the exploited meterials will gain some interests in the universal truths, which may lead them to further spiritual discovery?

If we limit our paths by saying "Unless you are doing it my way, you are doing it wrong", it makes us no better than those who condemn us for not believing strictly in their theology.

My the Eternal spirit bless one of you, and may the light of truth and Harmony shine in all our hearts......

Date: Wed, 02 Apr 1997
From: Ishnakr@aol.com

This may be posted along with my e-mail address.

Culture. What is a cuture or a tradition? Where did it start?

I am a European-American of Scottish descent. What is Scottish culture? Did'nt the Celtic cultures come before Scottish. What is the difference between Celtic spiritual beliefes and those of Native Americans? Tradition.

Where did the Lakota traditions come from? They did not always exist as they are now. Life started in Africa. If one wanted to get rediculouse about it, we could say that the Lakota are not following the Culture properly, because they are not following African traditions. But we know that through time and migration, various tribes and clans formed, as well as adopted traditions. They integrated ideas and beliefs and gave them their own identity. These wandering tribes are what eventually became the Celts, the Jews, the Austrailian Aborigines, the Hawiians, and yes even the Lakota.

Cultures intermingle. Cultures connect. Cultures adapt. Cultures evolve. It is rediculouse to want to confine yourself to tradition, saying "This is the way it has to be forever". Are you absolutely certain that your ancestors who first came to this beautiful land were exactly as you are now, and called themselves Lakota?

I know that my ancestors who first inhabited the Northern British Ilses did not call themselves Scottish. Before them there were the Picts, who through intemingling with southern celts, Normans, and Vikings eventually became the Scots.

So now, here I am, a Scotsman in Indian land. Should I totally ignore the traditions of the natives of this land simply because I am not of their heritage? Should I totally lose my Scottish Heritage and follow the Lakota traditions exclusively? Or should I assist in unifying all the children of the Eternal Spirit by recognizing the validity of all the paths in my life? I have to make my own medicine.

I deeply understand the fear of losing your heritage, but staying strict to traditions and denying cultural evolution is stagnation. Cultural stagnation breeds ignorance, and racism. This is something that needs to be overcome. We should all be grateful for the individulas who are willing to embrace one culture while still holding onto their own heritage.

As I have said maybe too many times already I am Scottish blood-----but first and foremost----I am a HUMAN BEING.

As far as the "New Agers" go, let them dabble. It may be the begining of a spiritual enlightenment for them.

Yes, I hate to see anything exploited for material profit, especially spirituality and religion, But unfortunately we live in a capitolistic society. And that is what happens to such things. Is it not best to at least hope that the consumers of the exploited meterials will gain some interests in the universal truths, which may lead them to further spiritual discovery?

If we limit our paths by saying "Unless you are doing it my way, you are doing it wrong", it makes us no better than those who condemn us for not believing strictly in their theology.

My the Eternal spirit bless one of you, and may the light of truth and Harmony shine in all our hearts......

Date: Mon, 17 Mar 1997
From: karel.ceurremans@skynet.be (Ceurremans Karel)
Subject: Lakota Spirituality

I would like to participate also in the discussion raised by the "Declaration of War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality", so I hereby send you some personal thoughts.

I don't object that you would post my e-mail address (karel.ceurremans(skynet.be) with these, I sincerely hope to receive some reactions from Indian spiritual leaders as this is a subject that troubles me deeply.

DECLARATION OF WAR against EXPLOITERS of LAKOTA SPIRITUALITY
Some strictly personal thoughts from a European non-Indian.

Having read, re-read and then read again the Lakota "Declaration of War", I would like to share a few personal thoughts with its authors and with anyone who is genuinely interested - not for personal material gain - in traditional Indian spirituality, for it touches a subject that has been bothering my soul for many years already.

One could say that I am more or less an "outsider" - being European, without ancestors who have emigrated to America at one time or another, I don't feel directly involved in or responsible for all the historical abuses that the Native peoples have suffered and are still suffering (except maybe for a general feeling that I am white, and that all these abuses were caused by whites...)

In my opinion, no righteous person can object to anything expressed in this Lakota "Declaration of War", all the statements are acceptable in the way they are written, i.e. directed against the wrong ways Indian spirituality is being used, against its exploitation (as a mockery, for commercial profit, as an imitation just for fun, etc).

One point however which is not clearly addressed is that of non-Indians who are honest students of Indian spirituality, who have studied "in a good way" the ceremonies, the beliefs, the symbols, the crafts, traditions and culture of an entirely different people and have found spiritual fulfilment in their practice. The "Declaration" does mention "non-Indians having organized themselves in imitation tribes, etc..." and uses the term "expropriation", but as far as I could understand here also the purpose of "commercialization" is linked to these phenomena.

But what do Indian spiritual leaders think about non-Indians who have found that Indian spirituality is the fulfilment of their spiritual needs, often as the result of a long (sometimes lifelong) quest ?

Of course, Indian spirituality is first of all something which belongs to Indians, but it is also part of a larger treasure, part of the spirituality of the whole human race, just as all other religions and beliefs. It is not only a legacy to its own people, but to mankind as a whole as well. All religions, all forms of spirituality, all man's efforts to explain the unexplainable are but different faces of a multi-faceted diamond, and man should be free to choose which facet he wants to use to try and glimpse the light hidden inside this diamond of truth. To try and hide one of this diamond's facets for one's own exclusive use does not seem right to me.

Of course, everybody can become a carpenter, a teacher, an engineer, whatever, and a white man can never "become an Indian". You can become a catholic, a protestant, a boudhist, a muslim, study a "foreign" religion and accept it, even become part of a "foreign" religious community if its spiritual leaders accept you - and so I would think that anybody could possibly become "Indian" in the sense of embracing Indian religion and spirituality. This is not "stealing", "expropriating" or "exploiting", provided of course that one's motives are pure and honest.

And there are people who have honestly tried to explain, both Indian and non-Indian. Is Black Elk to be considered as a "white man's shaman" ? Are the Laubins "commercial profiteers" ? Debo, Vestal, Amos Bad Heart Bull, Kroeber, Cushing, Catlin, Mails ?

On the other hand: I am not a Jew, but would strongly object that someone use a self-made copy of the Tora and stage a Jewish religious ceremony. I am not a Catholic, but would disapprove of someone dressing in self-made priest's garments and using a calice bought in an antique store to perform an imitation of a mass.

By the same token I refuse to become a member of some "white men's Indian tribe" and I do not attend their "Indian ceremonies", as the authority of the people who lead them is doubtful to me.

I do not even perform any personal ceremonies because it just does not "feel right".

Perhaps I can illustrate this feeling of uneasiness with the following: five years ago I bought a very beautiful catlinite pipe, which I wanted to become my personal (non ceremonial) pipe. I have spent not many days but many months in decorating it in the traditional way with braided quillwork and other personal symbols. I have read everything I could find about the proper way to smoke, including Black Elk's "The Seven Rites of the Pipe". Still, until now I have never smoked it with other people or even privately, I do not even show it to others - because my pipe still has not been "opened up" in the correct sacred way and I don't want to risk using such a powerful symbol in a wrong way.

And my heart remains full with questions, which I try to resume as follows: where do respectful and honest "wannabes" who don't intend to exploite, abuse or misrepresent Indian spirituality, have to go for guidance ?

Where can we find a "Declaration of Peace with Believers in Lakota Spirituality" ?

Sincerely yours,
Karel Ceurremans

Date: Thu, 13 Mar 1997
From: Hawk1052@aol.com
Subject: Statement about the Declaration of War

My brothers and sisters on the Good Red Road,

I have read your War Statement and it grieves me. Was it not prophesized by one of your ancestors that in the coming end of an era, that there will be from the 4 directions, people of different tribals, Red, Yellow, White and Black, gathering at the Sacred Circle to dance the Sacred Dance, to learn the Sacred Path?

How can one comprehend that the descendants of this elder could be so cold or blinded, or so full of ego, as to think they could hold back the ocean wave? True, there are charltans, but so are there among you. You, yourselves are not totally pure or innocent. There are ways of separating the chaffs from those who sincerely wish to follow the path.

I beg you, as your ancestor did before. Do not shut the door on the wind. It will only tear down your own house. Embrace the ones that seeks to walk the sacred path according to the traditions of the sleeping elders. Soon, Mother Earth will rise to walk among her children as she did the days of eons and she will teach what you wish not to teach. She will show all of her children, visions that you are too blinded to see. She will speak to her children and you will not hear because you are too deaf. She will touch them but not you because you have grown cold and have a hard shell. She will draw them to herself but not you because you have turned away from your own destiny which is to teach. The nation of Lakota, once a nation of teachers, have become a nation of dimwits and dunces, drunkards, laggards and cowards. In saying you wish to preserve the purity of your heritage, you have condemmed it to extinction. Instead of being the light, you instead became the darkness.

Go ahead and have your war. Go ahead and turn away all those seeking the Sacred Path. Go ahead and have your silly protest. You can not stop that which is coming like a tidal wave. You can not hold back the Wind. You can not stop the Sun nor the Rain. It's coming. Are you ready??

Silent Hawk

PS You can publish this response.

Date: Tue, 11 Mar 1997
From: Maija Murphy ravenmoon@igc.apc.org
Subject: NewAge Native American Spirituality

Hello!

I can understand the offense & outrage Native people have about the exploitation of their sacred rituals,ceremonies and so forth.

Unfortunately I don't think many people are very honest with themselves as to their motives to trying to follow the "New age Native Spirituality". How many people have I just pissed off? [smile] Hold on a

minute folks and just hear me out...

People in general have lost a sense of connection to roots, ancestors ,to the Earth, and natural cycles and many of these people happen to be white (although not all). Out of this I can understand how many would find other culture's sacred rituals and ceremonies drawing them like a magnet. I have heard many people say, "well I don't feel anything toward my own ancestors.. I was born here, I was raised here, I don't know who they are! This seems more natural to me.." I think that these feelings ought to clue people on a bit about themselves. If you can't accept your roots or will not bother yourself to delve in and find out about your own people, you should really be asking yourself over and over, "WHY?" What is so repelling about it? I think you have to go farther than, "I just don't feel any connection" because that's part of what's making you quest.

Do you know who you are? I think knowing your people is essential to knowing who you are and what you may learn once you start to read, ask,listen and think may astound you and be so profound! I think it is "missing the boat" to reject your own ancestors because you "don't know them".They are very present, waiting for your acknowledgement and to ignore them to me is an insult and I don't care what "faith" or belief system you have.

While I think it is very important to honor the first people of this land and their ancestors,etc.. I think that to do so means also respecting what they really _don't_ care to share with us and truly respect that. As a Wiccan I don't share my rituals with all who are curious because they may not use them appropriately,may not understand them,etc.. and that could be dangerous on many levels,at the least..it demeans my belefs.

I had dreams for 2-3 years of Native American spirtual beings and other things that were clearly Native in their symbology that I never had any knowledge of and that _is the truth_. However I realized that while these " spiritual messengers" were not of my ancestry, it mattered little as they were just teaching me a few simple things to get me back on track so to speak, in a very basic way (understanding the world you live in,the Earth and so forth..) and then I knew it was important to reconnect to the Earth,ancestors and so on but it DIDN'T signify that I needed to covet,mimic,enact, Native American ceremonies and so on to do it. I found my own unique way and that is powerful and healing for me. Now I don't want to come off as nutty,flakey,newagey,etc.. I am me, I accept how things "work" where I am concerned, that dreams and intuition and so on are part of the make up of being human so if any reading this simply want to lable me "another nut" or crazy that's their perrogative, I couldn't care less.

I think ritual, connection to the world/s you live in or are a part of are important and it is one reason why people are doing this. It is unfortunate that people involved in "Native Ways" don't seem to realize that it is creating a black market for eagle feathers,etc.. and that even in my belief (I am Wiccan) power names/sacred names are reserved for ceremony and ONLY shared with those deeply trusted if at all and are not thrown around to impress others with their powerful sound/words because then they are not powerful anymore.Sure it's true Native people haven't cornered the use of drumming,sacred names, ritual, observation of the cycles and respect for them and forces,feathers, animal spirits that relate to & help humans and that is even more to why people should not be so reluctant to find out about their own people/s and find their own unique why of expressing themselves spiritually...witches will tell new wiccans to devise their own rituals rather then to copy them from any books or anyone else's because we know that their is more power that way in what you are doing as then it emnanates from within you as well as working with other energies/spiritual forces. That is our belief and incidently we don't believe in harming people and other life but are very peace-loving people who believe in living responsibly on this planet and thinking long and hard about our ritual effects before we do them .. I just want others who have so many misconceptions about my religion to understand this basic fact. We are not satanists but are lovers of life,period and respect the world and realities that we live and particpate in. Our aim is to live with respect for ourselves,all others/other life and to live with respect to the natural cycles and honor them and Divinity.We know to hurt another without it being in need of protecting ourselves or loved ones will result in our own harm in the end. We seek to work with the natural energies we believe Divinity has made and we don't seek to "convert others to our way".We have better things to do.

Pardon me for my lengthy reply but this is something I have talked with Indian people about for the last two years and I have never really been able to express my feelings about this topic as they have evolved.

Blessings to all,
Maija Murphy
You have my permisson to print this.

Date: Wed, 05 Mar 1997
From: MWavra@aol.com
Subject: response to stealing spirituality

My permission is given to post this

I did not set out to be on a spiritual path. I've had strong dreams with seeming Indian content. I thought this strange because I don't have a lot of Indian in my genetic background. When I mentioned this to a friend, she said perhaps I picked these symbols up because I was born here. Whatever. I'm surprised that spiritual poohbahs are telling me because I don't have an Indian shell I can't participate in my own experience. You sound like lawyers.

Date: Sat, 01 Mar 1997
Subject: Native Spirituality (Declaration of War)
Sender: Chip CFJACOBS@gnn.com

You may post this if you wish.

Ho Kola,

It seems to me that more of the two legged need to listen to our Grandfather. The four colors of the medicine wheel, the colored flags on the sundance tree "mitakuye oyasin" and "Black Elk Speaks" all tell the story. Perhaps it is time for more two leggeds to learn of the vision quest, and to listen to our Grandfather, in the sweat lodge. All people bleed red. Our Creator is all around us. Open your eyes, and listen to the wind, your heart and your mind. Mitakuye oysin.

Tate Topa

Date: Wed, 26 Feb 1997
Resent-from: bucko@creighton.edu
From: ERhrafn@aol.com
Subject: LDoW/ Response

[I, Paal-Eirik Filssunu, LoreWarder of the Eagles Reaches/AErnfolk give my permission for use of this response ....]

I fully support the traditional concerns and ideals conveyed in this Lakota Declaration of War....

I belong to the North American European Folk. I am not and have 'never been' Lakota or of any other People other than my own North American Folk who are Nordic and White skinned.

The Lakota Declaration, keeping charge of the traditional ways, is valid in my eyes and I would say the same words in regard to my own People's culture, values and ways.

I do not disagree with knowledge of any peoples' heritage, as in learning of them so that I may know something of their manners, but I do abhor the marketing and abuse of sacred beliefs by outside forces.

Wishing the Traditionals well,
Haalwunsjen.....!

Paal-Eirik Filssunu,
LoreWarder/ Laarwardi;
Eagles Reaches/AErnfolk;
North American Folk Community/
Amerykergemaegen
ERhrafn@aol.com

Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997
From: CodySarah@aol.com
Subject: Desicration of Lakota Religion

I give my permission to reprint this.

I haven't read all of the fine print yet. I'll have to wait until I have more than five minutes. But, I have read enough to understand the gist of the declaration.

I am a white woman of German descent--not a drop of Native American blood flows through my veins. It wasn't until very recently that I became interested in the Native American culture. I must admit that it is a fascinating one. In my paper written for a college course, I examined the historical treatment of the Native Americans by focusing on Lakota Sioux--in particular, the Massacre and the Seige of Wounded Knee. The more I researched for the paper, the more my heart was wrenched. I cannot understand how one "race" could mistreat, rape, and virtually destroy another "race."

What makes a race but the different ways, beliefs, that which is on the inside? If I can understand the religious beliefs of the Native Americans better than those of the Germans, be they Catholic or Protestant, what race am I? Am I to wear one label simply because that is what my ancestors believed? I hope not.

I am in no way advocating the exploitation of any religion in any way. I only hope that we, the human race, do not become so protective of our beliefs that we cannot share with others who wish to learn. We teach our children to share. We, too, should share. Yet, we must also remember that it was because of the Native American's willingness to share with the white settlers that they were eventually made homeless on their native land.

It may seem rather simplistic and childlike, but is it so wrong to have the desire to see the greed on the part of the "white man" put to rest after centuries? I think not.

I could ramble on forever about this subject. In a nutshell, those not raised in the Lakota way should not seek to profit from that which is held dear to a people. Also, the Lakota should seek to inform and educate those who truly respect and honor their ways (those like myself).

Ruth E.
CodySarah@aol.com

Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997
From: Derek Taylor dataylor@mail.wsu.edu
Subject: Response to Lakota Declaration of "War"

I have read your declaration and do not see how anyone could find your words offensive, because your aims are certainly admirable. I am thinking, possibly the ones who have been profiting from their brand of "Native American spirituality" might be offended, but the rest of us should not be. Like many "Americans", I am a mixture of different peoples with differing customs and beliefs, possibly including Native American ancestors, though further geneological research is needed. It makes me very sad to know that, a few generations ago, if one had a Native American ancestor, the "tracks were covered", so to speak, making it difficult for those coming later to ascertain those origins. Anyway, those of us with "mixed" backgrounds, for the most part, do not mean any disrespect in trying to discover more about some small part of ourselves. And for this reason, I whole-heartedly agree that Native American spirituality should be taken from the hands - and pocketbooks - of New Age pretenders who are always finding new ways to corrupt many spiritual traditions....remember all the Buddhist and Hindu wannabes of the 1960's? Even though I was just a kid, I recall them quite vividly. Also, as I was born and raised a Christian, it angers me when I see people turning a dollar - or several million dollars - on the name of Jesus Christ. People looking to profit from a spiritual path give any religion a bad name. So, may our Creator be with the Native American peoples in their quest to preserve their cultures and spiritual traditions.

Now, having said all that I would like to add that it is my sincere hope that some kind of responsible sharing or cultural exchange can occur at some level. I am not interested in what some "shaman" wannabe has to say, but I am very interested in what those who are authorized to speak on behalf of a culture have to say or to share. I hope that those of us who have, or may have, some small connection to those of you who are "full-bloods", might not be totally cut off from knowing more about that little corner of ourselves that did not originate in Europe or wherever else. We know that Hollywood, that loathsome place, won't give us any useful information. And history books don't quite work, either.

One last thought. It was my pleasure to have a met a Native American not long ago who shared a Creation story with my husband and me. He said that the Great Spirit created a man and woman of every color, gave a specific gift to each of the couples, then sent them to different parts of the Earth, only to come back together when each couple had perfected their gift and ready to share with the other couples. Well, it would seem like we are "back together again",here in America, and it would seem to me that it would be a shame to lose the chance to truly share what we know and what we have to offer one another. But, again, the sharing must be done by those who have the consent of their culture to do so and in the manner they see appropriate.

I give you express permission to post this comment, although, for reasons of privacy, I would appreciate it very much if you did not post my email address. Thank you for graciously allowing me to express my opinion.

Julie Taylor

Date: Sat, 22 Feb 1997
From: OLDINDEE@aol.com
Subject: "war"

I am a native woman raised in Califorina and we have our share of "New Agers", most of which are just people with a good heart but needing more direction. What I have seen is not only a number of "want-a-be's" but an alarming number of full bloods who sell this product ( I hesitate to call it religion it seldom is anything but a scam). We as native people have to be carefull not to harm the inocent souls looking for hope. Some how people must learn not everything is for sell and our faith is not for sell ever.I most certianly give my permission to post this message.

Date: Sat, 22 Feb 1997
From: GUSBOATER@aol.com
Subject: War on .....

How does a (person, group, culture) own God (or however you refer to the center of spirituality)? If I "steal" (your word, not mine) your idea of spirituality, does that mean there is any less for you?

Universal Truths are just that: Universal. They do not know boundaries of race or even religion. If any group claims they are the only ones entitled to a version of spirituality then they have become the thing they hate. I find it sadly ironic that something that has a chance of bringing people of different backgrounds closer together is being so hotly contested as a way to seperate and discriminate "us versus them".

You say "It's a crime to steal that which belongs to my people". I say to you :It is a crime to keep from me that which will help me grow and heal my heart."

I give my permission to have this posted.

Date: Thu, 20 Feb 1997
From: Wicasawkn@aol.com
Subject: The ownership of the truth

The Christians say that God wont allow you into heaven unless you believe as they do.

The Muslims believe that all non-Muslims are unclean in the sight of God.

The Lakota believe that they must declare war on others to protect the ownership of a ritual.

It's all words.

What does Great Spirit think? Has anyone asked? I resent being lumped in with others just because my eyes are blue and my hair is blonde. I resent being judged by the religion of my ancestors.

Great Spirit believes that all paths that lead to knowing and understanding the sacred nature of the universe are the right paths. I asked.

go ahead and include this in the discussion.

Date: Tue, 18 Feb 1997
From: FLCowboy25@aol.com
Subject: War against exploiters of Lakota spirituality

I give my permission to print this response.

I am a white man who would like to share my response with all that will have it. I would like to start by saying that years ago I turned my back to the Catholic church because I felt that they were to hipacritical and materialistic. I came across the New Age movement shortly after that. It wasn't untill I was in the Marine Corps. though that my spiritual search brought me to Wakan-Tanka. I had a period like everyone in life when I went through some tuff times and my life was in a whirl wind. I was at wits end untill I got an interesting invitation. I was invited by a couple of buddies of mine to an Inipi ceremony. They told me it was just the thing that I needed to help me focus on what was going on in my life. They couldn't of been more right.

After that day I spent a lot of time with the man who ran the sweat (more like a couple of years even after I got out of the service) . Although I got a lot of flack from his students, since I was the only one around without any Native ancestery, I never complained about any of the hazing because I felt they had every right to be weary of me. White people have exploited Native American culture in every way possible. In any book store in this country almost every book on the subject of shamanism is written by a white person. They were only trying to see test my true intentions.

I agree totally that Native Americans should be weary about outsiders intentions, but judge their hearts and help those whose hearts are true. They should also do whatever they think they need to to protect their beliefs and what remains to be their way of life. Protect what is Wakan.

D. Velez (the wasichu) e-mail at FLCowboy25@aol.com

Date: Sun, 16 Feb 1997
From: LilithSnow@aol.com
Subject: debate

you have my permission to post this and my address

I am thinking that we usually attack that which we have no understanding of,or that we fear. Why all the disdain for the 'wannabe' , the new ager? What is there to fear from the plastic shaman? I see loftiness and superority in this posturing. It is illogical that they can steal your power if they cannot possess it by your own definition.I cannot steal your spiritual heritage, only be given a glimpse, perhaps that I might have a greater understanding. One more thought....are we each then, to be locked into our inherited or birthright religion, ?....seems a bit limiting and would result with no growth of as a planetary nation.. Thank you no... there are many injustices to be fought that would result in a much better pathway for all , in my humble opinion. I think that by taking this position , you are owning the harm these people might incur.

Date: Sat, 15 Feb 1997

To Whom It May Concern:

My first reaction to reading this Statement is that although the Lakota People continue to hold bad feelings toward the 'whites' who harmed and discriminated in the past against them, this Statement is reverse discrimination. This is the USA and as such, though not a Native American, I can and will practice any religion that is meaningful to me. If I do so, it is with respect. To do so without respect would, in my opinion, be sacreligious.

Secondly, shamanism has been in the world longer than the Native American Indian has inhabited this land. Therefore, the claim that shamanism somehow belongs to or is exclusively part of the Native American Religion is erroneous.

Please believe me, Beloved Native American brothers and sisters, I have no wish to 'copy' or steal any of your beliefs or rituals. That which I do to express my spirituality arises out of the guidance of Spirit. Whether it is the same Spirit as guides you is not of importance to me. I do not begrudge your right to practice your beliefs as you are guided. Please allow me to do the same.

P.S. You have my permission to publish the above statement, but please do not publish my e-mail address.

Thank you.

Date: Fri, 14 Feb 1997
From: wil snipgiga@mcn.org
Subject: reply to lakota

You may print this. To all Native People, I have only one Question: Which of us is not a Child of the Creator? Let he who is without Sin cast the first stone. My Thanks to all Elders for Sharing the Knowledge and Medicine with this One. It is my Belief that only thoose with a Belly Button have the Right to Be on this Sphere of Creation. Who among you is Fit to Judge the Creator? The Creator Makes No Mistakes. As my Elder Cheyenne Brother{ He asked to Adopt me} says," The only Person in Your Way is that One in the Mirror. Please notify me of any Declaration of Peace. War binds you to the Enemy. Thank You, All My Relations. William Ivy,snipgiga@mcn.org

Will Ivy
snipgiga@mcn.org

Date: Fri, 14 Feb 1997
Subject: you may print this-jackson@bigmagic.com
Resent-to: rbucko@FAIR1.FAIRFIELD.EDU

Personally I agree with this whole heartedly.I was in a store in NYC yesterday and I saw a Dreamcatcher keychain.Does this keep bad dreams away from keys or locks?that is my question.The main problem here is that the spirits could be angered by people who innocently want some thing for selfish non-spiritual reasons ,and someone or thier family could get hurt.People do not realize the power of the spirits .They can be very mischevious and have a sense of humor quite thier own. Also charging for Inipi is wrong.You can not sell spirituality.It has got to be given in a sacred manner.Certain things just demand respect.

Miye Pida ,jackson


>Date: Tue, 11 Feb 1997
From: "Perrin, Thomas W." tperrin937@worldnet.att.net
Subject: Native Spirituality
Organization: Tom's Quick Guide to the Internet & The World Wide Web

My name is Thomas W. Perrin. Much of what I have to say about the exploitation of aboriginal spirituality comes from my experience as a bookseller. I am a founder and former co-owner of Perrin & Treggett Booksellers, which for many years was a primary force in the fight against alcoholism and other forms of drug abuse and their consequences.

Many of our clientele came from families which were spiritually bankrupt. That is, whatever spirituality they had was lost in an alcoholic history, or submerged beneath a materialistic fog. In recovery, these same persons were introduced to values in self-help groups which closely approximate many values held by native peoples. Again, many of these same people, or persons like them, saw much of what they liked in native cultures, and apparently could not find these values in their own culture. And so they took from the natives.

I have been troubled for a long time about the practice in non-native circles of the unprincipled borrowing and use of portions of native culture. It's the same as giving portions of a Catholic mass to a bunch of school boys to play with. It's insulting and demeaning. We whites do not share the totalilty of the native experience and culture, and no amount of wishful fantasy is going to change that. It is simply wrong and disrespectful for us to appropriate those portions of a culture considered sacred by a people. It's just not the same as eating Pizza.

I am a practicing Pagan - that is, I belong to no organized religion. But an essential part of my faith is to honor and respect the faith of others. The other side of this is that I expect my faith to be honored by others, at least to the extent that I be left alone to practice it. Spirituality is an intense private experience. It cannot be institutionalized, packaged or sold. I am not too sure that it can even be adequately explained to others. At least, I have not been successful in doing so.

We see much to admire in native faiths. But our culture is different, and I am not convinced that the essence of one faith can be translated into another culture without damage to the essence. In other words, it cannot be cloned.

So where does that leave us? If our own values are lacking, perhaps there are native values which we could admire and emulate: an unconditional respect for the faiths of others, love of nature, a personal dialogue with the God of our understanding, selflessness among our leaders. If we could do these and more, then perhaps we would discover a more precious spiritual life.

When I was a child, one of my caretakers for several years was a young Mohawk woman. I have a Mohawk brother. I don't want to be an Indian. I have enough problems being who I am.

Thomas W. Perrin
tperrin937@worldnet.att.net
February 11, 1997

Explicit permission is given to reproduce this statement in any discussion of spirituality.

Date: Mon, 10 Feb 1997
From: Mariann Clayburg ASissy@msn.com
Subject: Response to Declaration of War

Mitakuye Oyasin
You have permission to post my response, if you feel it has merit.

I am a married white non-Native American woman of 43. I have been honored to attend Lakota sweat lodge on several occasions, when I lived in Denver, CO. Robert, the interpreter (he refused to call himself a medicine man, since he was not fininshed learning the right ways, yet), taught me that we are all one under the Great Spirit.

My heart breaks for Robert and all Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota peoples knowing that their spirituality iss being stolen. However, when one sees the true beauty of Lakotans beliefs, it is easy to see why others wish to emulate these beliefs.

Respectfully, I ask that white and red try to see the good in the other. We need each other too much to have further war.

Mitakuye Oyasin,
Mariann Clayburg

Date: Sun, 09 Feb
From: Peace37@aol.com
Subject: Honor/ Resect

I give my permission for my response to be used in any manner that you need or want.

I am not of Native American heritage, to my knowledge. I do know I am of Celtic and German heritage. I believe that the "American" peoples should leave the land alone that you dwell on.

The peoples of Native American heritage were severly taken advantage of by the colonists of the Americas' . As well were the Africans when they were taken and stripped of their native land and culture. All people have been, in some form or another, culturally abused. Be they Native Indians. African-American, Irish, Jewish, German. Japanesse,or all the other cultures that live on Mother Earth.

Some how, people need to unite together to protect our culture, heritage, ancient beliefs, and Honor the Surpreme Being and the gift he gave us:

Mother Earth.

We all need to honor each other as well. We are all brothers and sisters in the eyes of the Creator. I hope that one day we will all come together knowing that we are all equal and knowing that No race is above another.

Peace 2-U



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