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 SpiritualityMay 11, 1997 to October 31, 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:
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Date: Sun, 19 Oct 1997
From: Brad Beckwith windy36@mlode.comYes you have my permission to post Thank you
I would like to say that, One I am white skinned I did not have a choice in this matter. My heart and soul have no color, I am not a religious person. I am a spiritual person. My wife is an Indian, so together we walk the path of life. I hope that this does not offend anyone? At the same time we do not follow any particular form of spirituality only that we open our hearts and let the Great Spirit of life guide us along. My Grand Father wants to build a sweat lodge on our home in the Sonora mountains. My Question is will this upset you? and does this make you at war with me? Are we or are we not all related? All things in life the trees the plants animals people are one. Every cell is only the fraction of the whole. We are connected in ways that most shall never understand. If this offends any body, I am sorry.
Date: Wed, 18 Jun 1997
Posted October 22, 1997
From: Makpiya@aol.comI give permission to post and publish this message.
I've read a lot of responses to the "Declaration" by people who purport to be Christians. One says "I can sympathize with your outrage ...." Then he goes on to lecture us about how we should pray! I find the hypocrisy verrry interesting. While there are many good Christians who do more than sympathize, they live the word of their prophet, there are many who do not appear to be among the "chosen few." Most Christians do not appear to be Christians to us so they shouldn't feel too bad.
Some of our elders say that Lakotas knew about the coming of that man, Jesus, to Christian people. They say he was called "Star Child" in Lakota. They say those people heard him and then killed him. We do not kill our messengers from Wakan Tanka so who has the greater spiritual veracity, they or us? They talk about "him." Verrry interesting that Wakan Tanka has told them alone that "he" is male! I never knew that. I know that the interpretation of the "word" of Wakan Tanka, the Bible, uses gender specific language when discussing some things of the spirit. We have read that Bible and everything there is true. But we know there are four levels of understanding and that the written is only the first level of understanding, the child's.
Some Christians choose to only see that level because they are afraid of the spirit of God, afraid to really go for it! It is easier to loose themselves in those words on a page. They don't have to think about it, just say, "See, it is written," when every anthro and historian knows that the true meaning of spiritual things can not be easily ascertained from a translation into another tongue. Non-Lakotas, trying to understand what Lakotas are saying, are a good example.
I am surprised to see that one man who responded can interpret for us whether or not God is angry or sad. Perhaps others like him will tell us that God has crew-cut blond hair, blue eyes, is six feet tall and likes women with big hair. Maybe he can send me a picture of God or maybe just give me "His" e-mail address. HEY CHRISTIAN MAN, no MAN can know the face of God! Don't you believe your own Bible? Oh, sorry, maybe you're not a MAN then.
One Christian man said, "There is only one God and only one way to reach him..." I know that is false. There are many ways to pray. All you have to do is say with all your heart and great humility, "Please help me." And you can say that in English, German, Yiddish, Lakota, as a Christian, Muslim, Budhist, or a Lakota. For everybody's sake, I hope that everyone will foreswear their own hypocrisy, ignorance, sexism, insensitivity, intolerance, and fear. Let us all pray for one another..
Fred Pierce
Posted: October 22, 1997
Date: Mon, 4 Aug 1997
From: MCBCabral@aol.comI was deeply moved reading the proposed position of the Lakota people trying to keep what is there's pure and untouched by people who seek to skim the surface of the beliefs, convining themselves that they have delved into it's depths and become one with something too ancient to be understood in half a lifetime, let alone a year or two. And from those, more despicable characters who see a trend and want to profit by it.
Being a white, anglo saxon female, I am left stymied as to how to delve deeper into a culture and belief that calls to me, without offending those who have earned the right to be there either due to their depth and commitment, or due to their inherited blood.
Thank you for letting me say this.
Posted October 22, 1997
Date: Sun, 03 Aug 1997
From: "J. Lance al'Baati" alas@mindspring.comYou have my permission to post this statement.
My name is Lance al-Baati. I support the Declaration. I also support the right of non-Native Americans to seek out the Red Road if they do so with an open heart. I have heard many of the things said here.I have heard that no matter how sincere one is, they can never fully undrestand the Ways unless they are full or part Native American. I have also heard that one should keep to traditions of one's own culture. I myself have followed the Red Road for several years and have a question. I am 1/4 Turkimon (a small ethnic group located in northern Iraq), 1/4 Jew, 1/4 Cherokee, and the rest is made up of African American, German, Portuguese, and French. Would someone like to tell me exactly which religion to subscribe to?
Pila Maya! Mitakuye Oyasin!
From: B2byBlu3s@aol.com
Subject: Response to the statement
Posted: October 16, 1`997
Date: Sun, 28 Sep 1997
To: bucko@creighton.eduI give you permission to post this response to the statement on the exploitation of the Lakota Traditions and Spirituality.
I think this is awful that people would be so disrespectful to one's traditions and beliefs and take it to the exteme. I have recently found out that my grandmother on my mother's side is Huron Indian. She is in failing health and very old and her memory is not what is was so I am not able to ask questions about my heritage. This exploitation, I feel will put a damper on my research in trying to find out about the traditions and beliefs of my Native American Heritage.
People should just mind their own business and leave sacred beliefs, ceremonies, and traditions alone.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond.
Sincerely,
Kimberly
From: Teresa Copping-gill
Subject: reply to declaration of War
Date: Thu, 09 Oct 1997You have permission to print this statement. Please use the email address acdc@agt.net.
I am white, Canadian, of European descent. I follow a Celtic pagan path. It has been extremely difficult for Europeans seeking a spiritual path closer to the mother to find it from our own history. Our pagan ancestors were almost completely assimilated by the onset of Christianity. To reconstruct our "tribal" roots from the limited information available has been frustrating, and often ridiculed. It is obvious why many whites would choose to follow an American aboriginal path instead. For many, it feels much more "authentic" than that what we are trying to reconstruct. After all, there are "real" Indians to teach the spirituality, not self made "druids" and "shamans".
The other very real problem encountered by North American white pagans, is the simple fact that our original spirituality grew up in Northern Europe. As you yourselves know, paganism, and tribal type spirituality is tied very closely to the land. Imagine the interesting happenings when a Celtic pagan spends some serious time in the wilderness of North America. Trust me when I say that the spirits and energies existing here are not the same as those in northern Europe. I have myself encountered beings of non-european origin, despite the fact that I do not consider myself a native wannabe. Left with the choice of accepting a native guide, or rejecting a spiritual experience, I of course accepted the guide.
Yes, I understand your disgust and dispair at the holocaust of "new age" wannbes on your culture and religion. But I ask that you not reject all white North American pagans out of hand. Some of us just find that the land will not be separated from it's roots, and does not always accept willingly the immigration of European Old Ones.
Walk lightly and see clearly,
Terri Gill
Yes, you may publish my message.
From: The Saint
Subject: Response to "Decleration of War"To whom it may concern:
I can not prove my Native American lineage, however it was through a vision that I have become a Pipe Carrier. Tunkasula has called me to be a Spirit Warrior and my fight is in the Spirit World through prayer.
I can not turn away from the completion of my vision until Tunkasula releases me or unless I die. I can not continue this fight without the Chanunpa. In a good way I walk the Red Road with great respect for the old ways and all things.
In a good way I would ask that those (Takalas) who would declare war on those of us who can not prove our place to consider the words of Foolscrow:
"These (sacred) ceremonies do not belong to Indians alone. they can be done by all who have the right attitude...and who are honest and sincere about their beliefs in Wakan Tanka (Great Spirit) and follow the rules."
Mitakuya Oyasin!
**Please do not publish on my E-Mail address**
Date: Sun, 05 Oct 1997
From: pbingaman@macalester.edu (Patrick Bingaman)
Subject: Declaration of War, etc.
X-Sender: pbingaman@apollo.cc.macalester.eduTo those who read this, greetings.
My thoughts on the "Declaration of War"; you have my permission to post this statement.
I think it's been three years, now, that I've known of the Declaration of War, since the time I was about fifteen years old. Since I've gone to college, seen more of the world than my own little corner, I've come to learn a few things. And because of that, my idea of this Declaration has changed.
And I also think that the entire argument rests on the question of who could be considered Indian. Some people are under the impression that we live in a magical world where, if you happen to find 1/32 Cherokee blood, you are transported to the happy land of enrollment cards and "Dances with Wolves." Other people are under the impression that the only Indian is a full-blood from the plains.
Some people think this way, and they are definitely vocal. But in the places I've been, and the people I've been around (which number many) don't seem to think that way. At all. In the magical world of Indian Country, there appears to be a very well-defined line from this perspective. Either you ARE Indian, or you AREN'T. It's pretty simple.
As for the wannabes and plastic medicine men, it will catch up with them sooner or later. Indians aren't stupid people. Every step over that line between Indian and non-Indian fosters more hatred against non-Indians, especially against whites. One should -expect- backlash in these instances of cultural appropriation and romanticism.
Basically, what I am getting at: find out on which side of the line you belong. If you get down to the nitty-gritty, it's very, very simple.
Thanks for your time,
Patrick D. Bingaman
Gaa-waabaabinaganikang AnishinabeChair, Coalition of Native American Students
Coalition on Diversity and Multiculturalism
Macalester College, St. Paul, MN
Date: Sat, 04 Oct 1997
From: "C.Maat" c.maat@MCI2000.com
Subject: Accept Declaration of War; spiritual strife for Sioux sacrednessI, Christopher A. Maat, accept the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota declaration of war concerning religious, spiritual or sacred matters being reduced to commercial enter- prize and lack of meaning or significance due to uninitiated use. I hereby consider myself an enemy and you may count coup against me ( of sorts). May my path should it cross yours be a peaceful one.
I permit any reprinting of this response and welcome useful dialogue- cmaat@hemet.
cerf.fred.org
Date: Sun, 28 Sep 1997
From: BullRoarer@aol.comYou have my permission to print this response if you wish. Here is my story:
"The Man Without a Soul" I was born with white skin in the year 1944. My father was a soldier I think, and I was born as the result of a one night stand, and then he was gone. My "mother" then took up with another man, but concealed the fact that she had children for fear of losing him. She gave me away when I was six months old, and I was raised by my adopted parents who were Catholics. I was educated in Catholic schools through elementary and high school grades. When I was thirteen years old, my adopted father died. We were never close. My adopted mother and I existed in the years following his death in a love/hate relationship for reasons I need not go into.
At about the age of thirteen, I began to question many things. I got into trouble constantly in school for asking the "wrong" questions and reading the wrong books not approved by the nuns and the church.
By the time I was seventeen, I declared myself to be an atheist, and left home on my seventeenth birthday to join the Navy. While in the Navy I became close friends with a person of Jewish descent, and often went to "temple" with him. I also went to many churches to see what they were all about, because Catholics then were told not to attend non-Catholic ceremonies, and I had never been to Protestant churches. Later, when I was stationed in Hawaii, I became friends with the Jewish chaplain, and eventually converted to Judaism. Being from San Antonio, Texas, I grew up around many Mexican people. They called me "gringo", and other things. In Hawaii, I was "haole" to the Hawaiians. To my Jewish friends I was one of the "goyim", and they often whispered amoung themselves while looking at me when I came to "temple". Even though I was a convert, I sensed that I was not really accpeted. Some even accused me of motives I knew nothing about, or said I was a "wannabe".When I left the service in 1965, I travelled around a lot. I was in Haight-Ashbury in 1967, and like many others in that time, my world was changed forever by the changes sweeping America during the sixties. Like many others, I was introduced to Hindu and Buddhist beliefs from a variety of sources. And of course, the civil rights movements were in full swing, and I marched for Black rights, but found that to many Blacks I was still a "honky", and could never atone for what my "ancestors" did to them. I also became aware of what European Christians did to the "native" peoples of the "Americas" as the land was "colonized" and "claimed" for God, King, and Country.
I was also a protester against the "Military-Industrial" complex, the Vietnam War, and all the other absurdities of mainstream American culture. I was a "hippie", a drop-out, a turned-on freak. And, oh yea, we were going to change the world. After all, all you need is love, right? And now, it is the year 1997, I am fifty-three years old, and most of the things I believed in or had faith in, I now know were nothing but lies, scams, and just more of the same sickness that seems to pervade this and many other cultures around the world. The true face of the "dis-ease" is greed, lust for power and control over others, and I will never understand why, when we are only on this earth for such a short while, we waste our time with that which causes so much suffering.
I have searched for something true, something with heart, something legitimate, something that cannot be sold or corrupted, all my life. I have searched for my "roots" and found I had none I would want to claim, I cannot stand up and salute the flag of the country I live in and feel anything good about it, because I reject the values it stands for. I look at the "religious" and political leaders of America, and see nothing I admire. They are all scam artists who seek to control and exploit, they have no truth, or honesty, or heart about them. And so, there are those who hate me because of the color of my skin, and because of what "my" ancestors did, and my white "brothers" are only interested in how they can exploit me and make me a slave and own my soul. And so I called this piece "The Man Without a Soul" because I belong nowhere, and everyone else thinks they own my soul.
I understand the statement made by the "elders", who resent others who have stolen and sold their "soul". My soul has also been stolen and sold. Should we not seek that which has truth, which has heart, which is not crooked and deceitful? And how can we stop those who have no good motives in them? It has been going on since the dawn of time, and there has always been a "war" between the two forces.
What path I now follow I only term the path of the warrior. What it means to me is that I am a spiritual seeker and "warrior" who stands by myself, with my soul being owned by no-one but me, and I search out and encounter the mysteries and power of the universe, life, and the Creator as best I can. As I have studied and encountered many different "paths", I sometimes frame my actions in terms of those things that seem legitimate means of encountering truth directly for myself. I suppose that someone looking at me without knowing my inner thoughts and motives, might say that I am some sort of borrower or "wannabe", but they would be mistaken. If I do some act or ceremony, it is because I seek the 'heart of the matter". I deeply resent all who would "sell" spiritual knowledge. I have never paid anyone to sit in a sweatlodge, nor would I. But as a spiritual warrior, I understand something of the meaning, purpose, and spirit of the sweatlodge, and I could see how with the right preparation of my spirit and heart, it would be a good thing for me to do with the proper guidance and motive.
I have no desire to steal Lakota or any other tribes' spiritual heritage , and I am also at "war" with all who try to sell any religious path for their own power and greed trip. The "New Age" movement is certainly full of such people, as are the traditional churches.
All I ask is that you put no label on me, or make any assumptions about me based on the color of my skin, and I promise to give you the same respect. I do what I do on my path because I have reclaimed my stolen soul, and I will answer to no one- it is between me and the "Great Spirit". I will seek for the place that has truth, that has heart, that is not a lie, and I will stand on where it leads me and apologize to no one for it. If anyone of "Native American" heritage shares with me what is truth, what has heart, and what is not a lie, I can only be thankful for such help on my own path. And were I to then disgrace myself and my soul by "selling" it, then I would be no warrior and deserving of nothing but contempt, as well as bringing about my own ruin. "America" is a "Nation" in deep trouble, and the source is a spiritual disease that goes back into its sources and origin, that is undoubtedly why you are seeing so many people who are "wannabe" something or others. And there are those who will be quick to prey on them, including Indians as well as Whites. At least they know something is wrong, and all true spiritual "warriors", "medicine people", "shamans", should speak the truth to them, attack what is phoney, and rejoice when anyone of any color skin finally has the spiritual maturity to stand on their own as a warrior and not be manipulated, and walk truthfully and honestly and cease trying to exploit and be exploited.
A person who I speak with on the internet is of Hawaiian heritage, and she told me that her teacher would often say, "there is only one race, the human race", and this is certainly truth. I also say, there is only one "Turtle Island", and we are all here together for the days of our lives, and either we walk in peace and love together, or else we distort the truth and exploit each other. We make this island either a heaven or hell, and "when will we ever learn..." that it is our choice, and simply stop the nonsense. We must all wage that war within ourselves to walk with honor. So please, do not assume anything about me because of the color of my skin... that is part of the problem, not the solution, to spiritual sickness. I am trying to stand as a warrior, and that means I don't sell out, and warriors should stand together on the day of battle...
Bullroarer@aol.com
From: Dancing Eagle weavings@swbell.net
I do give permission to post this message, my only requirement is that it carry the following:
(c) 1997, Dancing Eagle, Tulsa, OK, c/o weavings@swbell.net
It may also be reprinted, but must carry the copyright notice.
Marc Tripp (aka Dancing Eagle)
The words and hearts of the Elders are well within this document. I fully understand their fears and they are not unfounded.
Having spent the last 20+ years in constant study of the multitude of Spiritual Paths that exist on our Great Earth Mother, I have been blessed by those who are willing to teach and guide me in the area of American Indian Spirituality. I was not fortunate enough to be raised on reservation, since my family felt it unwise to hold to their Indian traditions. I would not have had that chance without these Medicine people's faith in me, and their faith in their own Spiritual guidance.
The fact that any person would sell Spirituality in any form, shows how little they have learned from their teachers. But to restrict Spiritual truth, may be no a little better. What gifts of the Great Spirit can be owned by any individual or people? What of those who blend Christian Spirituality with Traditional Indian. By the declaration should not the rites, rituals and prayers of the Christians be refused of the American Indian?
If we are 'all related', then we are all related to the Creator. So my brothers, will you refuse to share what our Father has taught you?
These are my words,
Dancing Eagle
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997
From: HSBFARM@aol.com
Subject: re: front page
To: bucko@creighton.eduumm...not quite sure what is being said about the Shaman's. I thought it did not matter the color of your skin or background but that you understood the spiritualism that backed the name. I am not native american therefore I am quite sure some will shake their heads and dismiss me but I am wishing to understand why this seems to be such a negative route to take. Instead of feeling like or seeing this as something negative why not offer your assistance with them so they will understand why this is sacred. Or why you don't wish them to commercialize this. I am quite sure that there are a number of individuals who would be more than willing to help with this action. Sincerely, a very confused being :) Love and Light to you. :)
(P.S. if you wish to post it, it is fine, if not, that is fine also.) :)
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997
From:withheld on request
Subject: oops! re UFO inquiryRe my inquiry about mixing UFO messages and "channellings" with Native religions -- I made a mistake asking that my name be withheld. I have re-read the post and seen that messages must include names. But please do not put my Email address if possible, as I don't like to be "spammed".
To repeat my question:
I am in support of the declaration against exploitation of your spirituality. I agree, selling that which is sacred is a disgraceful sacriledge and I don't know of any religion which condones this.
I am interested in comments from the writers of this declaratoin or from any other qualified (tribal) persons on a matter which has me very perplexed. There are messages on Internet lately, about mixing UFO material with Native religions. I've even seen some of your elders involved with this, some even go so far as to say that sacred persons of your traditional religious history were actually ET's from UFO's. There are messages circulating, notes from events where there were UFO talks and talks on Native religion, even Native ceremonies were done there, and often admission is charged.
Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997
From: Rennie Grant clrlssns@erols.com
Subject: Lakota declaration of WarGreetings,
To start, yes you can print this.
I am of Scot and Russian heritage. I am jewish and proud to be. My people have suffered tremendously at the hands of one of the most treacherous and evil empires the world has seen. (Nazi Germany) I can honestly say that as a second generation survivor of this holocaust I can relate.
5 years ago I was introduced to a Lakota man named Al. He had recently recovered from a serious drug and alcohol addiction and was living in his van, by choice. He was a student of a Lakota trained but half white medicine man. We would sit for hours discussing life and the spiritual aspects of what we do. He asked me to sweat with him. He said I had a true, spiritual understanding of Lakota ways and he would be honored if I would attend. I did. Since then I have sweated more times than I can count. I was recently gifted with a red stone pipe. (For 3 years I carried a soapstone pipe that I made. I refused a redstone one on the grounds that I did not want to offend the spirits).
I have always been sensitive to the fact that the spiritual ground on which I walk is a highly divisive one. I am a member of the Morningstar fellowship ( A Native spiritual fellowship) and I have what some would call a "wannabe" name. See's no Eagle. It was givin' to me by my Creek brother. If what I do offends some native brothers and sisters, than I am sorry for that. But this road has chosen me. Not I it. I have gotten recovery from severe depression, sex and drug addiction and have a happy life which I share with my lovely wife. (Who happens to attend church evey sunday).
I have never paid nor charged for any ceremony. I have offered some the opportunity to attend the Sweatlodge the fellowship keeps on my parents property in Pennsylvania. Most decline. Those that do not come away more aware then before. When people come around that give the "New Age " vibe, they either learn to respect what we do or they are asked not to return. I believe the truly spiritual give. That is the tenent I live by. In all areas of my life.
I wish to thank Wakan Tanka for giving me back my life. I will accept the declaration of war against thosed who desecrate our path. I will do all I can to stop the sale of Turtle Island. I swear as a pipe carrier that anywhere I see an abuse, I will take action to stop it. This is what I can do today to at least in part help correct the evils whites bestowed upon those with Native blood. I only ask not to be lumped into a catagory because I am White. I am a second generation American. Meaning my family arrived here after 1900. Both my Grandparents had parents from Europe. I will fight and die for three things only. (Not necesarily in this order).
1. My family
Respect to those who walk the Good Red Road.
2. My country
3. My spirituality and those associated with it.
See's no Eagle
Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997
From: YELLOWNO3@aol.com
Subject: war...You have my full permission to use this statement.
Actually, it's more of a question. How many of these people who "practice native spiritualism" are involved with the politics of the people? How many have taken an interest in James Bay, or the stand off on Cherokee land in Oklahoma? How many really care that the B.I.A. lost over a million dollars and can't account for it? How many know about Eugene Bear Lincoln who is sitting in jail, awaiting trail in Covelo, Ca because the Feds are trying to pin the murder of his friend and a Federal Agent on him? Yes, just like Leonard Peltier....
If it doesn't make a difference to you, then you are worthless to indigenous people all over the world and you have proven yourself as an enemy to tribes around the global community. You are just part of the problem.
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997
From: Anne Frost afrost@accessus.net
Subject: Lakota Declaration of War against exploiters of religionYou have my explicit permission to post the following:
Everyday, we live in a world that denies the existence of Indian people and everyday there are people who wish to recreate and exploit a romantic legend of the past.
I do not believe the declaration of war is aimed at people who are honestly seeking to live as a Lakota. The key words are honesty and sincerity. The Lakota and all Native peoples have been through a lot in the last 500+ years. Those of you that condemn this statement should never forget that. There are not many things left in Indian life to be stolen or abused. Religion was one of these things until, people, enamored of the myths about the brave spiritual warriors of the plains, decided to recreate what they believed to be someone else's ceremonies in an effort to capture a supposedly simpler and more "connected with the creator" life. BUT they are not honest about this - they make things up and then sell these ceremonies.
These made-up ceremonies are sold as Lakota ceremonies (or other people's ceremonies). This is nonsense! It should censured! It violates the truth in advertising concept our enterprise system is based on. It is an insult to Indians everywhere that this is thoughtlessly allowed to continue. It is not enough that an individual should make up a ceremony, but mostly they sell these ceremonies.
It is free to go to Mass. It is free to go to synagogue. Whether or not you are Catholic or Jewish, no one will charge you to attend these weekly services nor will they charge you to be part of any other sacrament or religious expression. Native religions are not meant to be different than this. And yet people charge for Native American Spirituality, like it was a history class at the local community college.
On top of that, there are Indian people (not many - most are just people claiming to be indian), who are desperate enough for money or recognition who sell parts of ceremonies to unsuspecting people. This will only stop when Indian people are recognized and respected by the public at large. When the majority of people here recognize that Indians are alive today with their own traditions and begin to allow Indians to support themselves, then we can make some headway in solving our own problems. As long as, indian religion, culture, images and art are exploited, we cannot make headway.
I am very glad that the Lakota elders have published this declaration of war. It was needed. These things needed to be said. I am not sorry that there are people who are offended. If offense is what is necessary to bring this problem to everyone's attention and to correct, then it should be given. Enough is enough!
Nia:wen Onen
Anne Pouliot, Mohawk
Date: Sun, 31 Aug 1997
From: James Rusk rjrusk@ican.net
Subject: Declaration of WarThe profanities of the plastic shaman are clear. But what is being fought for?
God's gift of a ritual to a nation provides a voice to every individual in the nation. When a ritual is perverted, its meaning is lost to the nation forever - the moment of its creation, which was carried through tradition, passes.
No effort can correct this mistake.
What is lost to the nation is not always lost to the individual. Ezekiel was the first in the Jewish tradition to recognize this. He prophesied against his nation, standing as an individual before God.
After defiling all things sacred to Israel, through the defilement of his body, Ezekiel was able to receive the entire tradition of Judaism from God. If he had tried to keep the rituals sacred in his own mind, he would not have been able to receive from God.
If possible, please post on the internet.
The e-mail I am using is shared, so please keep it private.
Mark Rusk - Willowdale, ON, Canada
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997
From: "John H. Farr" JHFarr@ZOOZONE.COMYou have my permission to publish this short response.
Spirituality cannot be stolen. Exploited, certainly, but never stolen. Native American spiritual wisdom has entered my soul and changed me forever. I will never be anything other than a white man, but the openness in my heart is real. I respect your pain. But the Creator's truth belongs to everybody who will let it into their hearts, and I have felt it. If it comes to me through Lakota spirituality or anything else, so be it: I don't know how to reach inside and turn the love off, and I wouldn't want to try.
Sincerely & respectfully, JHFarr@ZOOZONE.COM
Date: Tue, 29 Jul 1997
From: South Dakota Literacy Council sdlcpin@rapidnet.comI am an enrolled member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe and reside on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation approximately thirty two years. I am very proud of the Oglala Lakotas as being rich with their language and culture. It was through a spiritual vision that my family has relocated from the banks of the Missouri River. Therefore I consider myself as a humble Lakota person who prays for unity among our people and to show respect for one another to survive from the social problems of alcoholism, drug abusive, poverty, violence, and gangs. My heart has been pretty heavy for the past four years as the exploitation of our sacred religion is increasing each year. That is the reason why our elderlys,Lakota women and children, and the youth are tremendously suffering from the social factors on daily basis. If the individual who makes a committment to dance for the annual Sundance. The individual would refrain from alcohol, drugs, and violence for this ritual. If this individual doesn't refrain from alcohol and drugs. The Great Spirit would obviously punish our innocent people. We cannot fool him as He knows about our thoughts. Therefore there are too many deaths and suffering among our people as the purpose of the sacred pipe is to help us overcome our weaknesses and strive for a better generation. In conclusion I would like to express my feelings on the recent list of false names of Lakota shamans circulating. I feel bad for the person who is collecting names as I am on the list and there are well respected individuals who are also listed. I do not proclaim to be a medicine woman as I am recovering from the Lyme Disease as I have a close contact with the Great Spirit. I truly believe in our traditional spirituality of walking on the Red Road, learning about the roles of the Teton Men and Women for the four phases of life /pre-reservation life and present, preserving the rituals and customs, and learn about the treaties, and to help the younger generation understand their culture and language. I am praying for this person to be cautious as we as Lakotas cannot judge our own people as Great Grandfather is the one who would ask about our mission after we enter the spirit world. Therefore we are here on Turtle Island to help our people and the other races spiritually as the future generation would live a harmonious life.
Thank you for your time of reading my expression on the exploitation. May the Great Spirit Bless Our People With the Best of Health and Guidance to Help Our Loved Ones Who Are in Dire Need of Spiritual Help.
Sincerely,
Phyllis Swift HawkJust to inform you that I give you my permission to publish my response. Thank you for your time.
From: regndug@webtv.net (regina shultz)
Date: Wed, 20 Aug 1997I give my permission to post this response and my e-mail address.
Let's face it, "New Age" is really "Old Age". People of European heritage, whose own religions have been so bastardized as to be unrecognizable by the founders, are walking around spiritually lost; which the Native American people knew when they first met us. We are just now waking up to that fact, and many are searching for something to fill that void. Searching in the past, to regain what they lost. How lucky you are to have held onto your spiritual heritage.
Unfortunately, greedy people of all races recognize a get rich quick scheme when they see it, and aren't above taking what doesn't belong to them to do it. Please don't blame all people who have discovered that you have a true path. It is obvious to anyone searching for their own. The problem is, there is no one left to teach us, so out of desperation, some people listen to and pay these false shamans. Pity us. We are spiritually starving. Will you leave us out in the cold?
I realize that this may sound ironic considering what little pity, mercy and respect were shown to the Native American peoples, among a host of others, by European peoples through out history. I am appalled by the atrocities carried out in the name of government, religion and racism, but I don't believe you have to be held reponsible for any actions but your own. What actions will you be remembered for?
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997
From: MIGRYWLF2@aol.comTo the Lakota People:
I have read your Declaration. I have in my possession sacred red pipe stone. I carve this stone, saving dust, chips and all pieces. The stone is carved into pipes which I have given as gifts to NA friends and only a single non-Native. All fully understand the sacredness of the stone they receive. At NO TIME, in the past, present or future, has the stone or anything carved with the stone ever been sold, bartered or misused by me or anyone to whom it was given. I carry nothing in my heart except extreme reverence for what is in my possession. I believe in my heart that my ability to carve is a gift to me from the Creator. To act disrespectful and use this gift for any personal gain would be an insult to the Creator.
At NO TIME have I ever been part of or attempted to immitate, misrepresnt or otherwise practice traditional Lakota spiritual practices. I am writing this to the Lakota people as both a statement of intention and a declaration of my most sincere respect for what belongs to the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota and is theirs. I am not part of and will never be part of any group or community with which the Lakota people have identified in this declaration.
yes, this may be posted
Date: Sun, 10 Aug 1997
From: EcoFarm@aol.comYou may post this response.
I agree strongly with the declaration concerning the exploitation of Lakota ceremonies. Would the Catholic Church stand for the same? I think not. I am totally opposed to phony shamans, the new age "pay for a vision" scams and the like. I support the return of the Black Hills to the Lakota people. I am 100% European decendant and am ashamed of the treatment ALL Native people of Americas. I feel the devestation of Native Culture and the ravaging of the land in the name of "Americanizing" is the single biggest injustice in the history of all humanity.
That being said I would like to say that a friend of mine (white) about 5 years ago built a sweatlodge in our backyard and together we took a sweat bath. It was an amazing experience for me and a form of medicine I have come to need in my life. It cures all that ailes, and helps me connect with the healing energies of Mother Earth. Never do we try to copy Lakota ceremonies, rather we step inside, offer a personal prayer of thanks, and take our sweat with quiet meditation and prayers for healing of all that is. We don't advertise to people that we do this, we share it with a few special friends, but we do sweat on a regular basis. I am very sorry if by doing this I have explotied in any way the sacred sweat ceremony. Truly, that is not the intent, but simply to heal our bodies, sweat out poisions, spiritual and environmental, and pray for the healing of the world.
I am an organic farmer and work with the earth and her creatures every day. We (my husband and I) are working for healing. We are trying to raise the awareness of white America. We are trying to steer people away from pollution and poisons in food production and heal the land we farm, bring the soil back to life. The food we grow is empowered with spritiual energy and love for all that is, this we hope helps to raise the consciousness of all those who partake of it, including ourselves. We need cosmic energy to do this. We need God contact and understanding. We are white people without a religion, we have our own spirituality. We know the earth is our mother and we must take care of her. We know the white race has spread like a cancer over her glorious land. We grieve for all that has been lost and have hope for future-changes. We write letters in support of Native American rights, human rights, environmental rights. Further the rights Further the rights Further the rights of all of creation. We are building a solar home to reduce greenhouse gasses. What more can we do?
Are there Native people who understand our need of the sweat lodge? How can you turn your back on something that is healing you? I believe that God is ok with us doing this, we don't try to be Lakota we simply need to sweat out our sins.
Love comes to you and you follow-
S. Morris
Feel free, you may edit any and all grammarical errors if necessary.
Date: Fri, 08 Aug 1997
From: Carey Wilber carey2@isomedia.com"@isomedia.comAnd this is why many "white European" scholars have a problem since they do not even realize that "Indian religion" ("spirituality") is more than about tradition but a manner of living which we have managed to have lost many eons ago (at least in the time frame of European history). The problem and the popularity of "Indian (or Native American) spirituality" (a so very kitchy expression when you think about it) is that these people have still managed to retain some vestiges of this style of living. We, on the other hand, are realizing more and more that we are on the "outside" looking "in" but at things that have since lost any viable conception for us in any meaningful sense of experience except for this loss we cannot yet name. It is that which the Indians reflect back to us, this irreperable sense of loss that we are using them to give rebirth to those inexplicable things, those experiences (by our conceptions) by imitating those who we think still retain that lost "thing" we cannot name or see or feel anymore.
So we are confronted with a very basic issue, and that issue is the right and manner of people to live their sense of style--and in this case it would appear that the Indians have a very profound sense of style that appears "religious" in aspect. However, we also have to understand that this "style" has managed, and will manage, to defy description because the one who is studying these people is not really going to be a part of them. . The inner workings of 'traditional Indians' will never be that accessible to us, the style of their living will never be fully comprehended by us; we could on the other hand possibly learn from them but without having to imitate them. I would say that they would have a comprehensive outlook toward phenomenality that would be totally unique to them but not to us. . But we should by no means be like some who would absolutely adopt Indian ways only for the sake of their own personality makeovers. Those we can call pitiful. And to be more precise when in defining New Age and Agers we can say simply--New Age is nothing more than a bunch of people talking about experiences that they will never have. J. Campell anyone?
Please publish this in your response area.. .
Date: Fri, 1 Aug 1997
From: Aile23@aol.comGreetings to the Indian Folk who have not sold out!!!!
Nothing revolts me more than tribal folk (of all different heritages) that have taken on the religion, culture, and morals of the "Oppressors". The Oppressors did not begin their evils in the Americas. You who know European History should realize that the oppression began when a group of people came together and decided that they would be the means by which the common man would communicate/worship/relate to the Spritual Forces in the Universe. That instead of each individual having their own personal relationship with the Creator (and his various manifestations) they would be the "priests", "ministers", or "rabbis", that would "talk" to God and intercede for the common person. Naturally this meant that the common man would provide for these spiritual intercessors with the finest food and clothing, the "intercessors" being much too busy to labor. The worst of these people used the misrepresented life and teachings of an excellent individual (Jesus Christ) to enslave tribal folk all over the world.
Beginning with the Teutons, and spreading outward like a cancer (see the most excellent novel "Snowcrash" for a more detailed description of the viral aspects of Christianity), the Oppressors have established a New World Order that keeps most of the world enslaved while allowing the Oppressors free rein to pursue luxurious lifestyles and acquire unearned goods.
At least the Indians are within a few generations of their Tribal culture and can speak with their Elders about their cultural heritage. Us of Nordic, Celtic, and Teutonic heritage have been so long separted from our Tribal heritage, that it is very difficult to connect back to it. I say to the Indian Folk who are furious at the appropriation of their religious heritage by the wannabe's, right on!!! The Oppressor will use this against you to sedate the mainstream people into accepting their oppression. Keep your Tribal religion pure and reject the evil slave religion of the Oppressors. We Asatru will respect you as fellow Tribal folk of a different but equal heritage. We do not want Indians, Africans, or Japanese folk pursuing our ceremonies either. Remain strong, Tribal Brothers and Sisters!!!!! Hail Wodan, Thunar, Tyr, Frey, and Freya!!!!!
From: sweetgrass2@webtv.net
Date: Sat, 26 Jul 1997I hope it's okay to respond to a response but I really want to respond to Dick Williamson's post. Dick: I'd like to excuse bad behavior by chalking it up to ignorance, & frequently I think that is true. But sometimes people are just plain mean & it comes from some great deficit within themselves. Your grandmother sounds like she was a remarkable woman who gave you a great gift. The fact that she persevered against all the tremendous odds tells me that even though it had to have been difficult, & at times heartbreaking, ultimately, she knew better than her detractors, & she knew she knew better. I hope you find some comfort in that. I'm sure that she & many others are pleased as punch that you "act like an Indian" and you don't have to justify yourself to anybody. Sounds like she did a darn good job to me.
Date: Fri, 25 Jul 1997
From: Lew Luton
Reply-To: luton@ozemail.com.auI have been exposed to Lakota Spiritual Ways since 1982 or thereabouts. I have found them to be powerful and full of meaning. Last year I was made a hunka brother to a man who I respect and admire. A man who I have known for many years.
I live in Australia and I have seen many distrotions of what I know to be the truth spring up.I wish I could say that it was only from the white people. Three visitors, "medicine men" have been placed under investigation by the Federal authorities. They left Australia under a cloud, just ahead of the posse so to speak. Poor representatives of Native American Spiritual Leaders. I will not name them for they know who they are.
On the other hand I have been inviting a spiritual leader to Australia for many years. He is a grand example of what a human being should be. I am deeply concerned about the abuse of Lakota Spiritual Ways. I have experienced their power and healing. I want to walk the Red Road and have done so for many years. I approached the hunka ceremony with a great deal of caution because I had once been very hurt by being called a wannabe. I know I am not born Lakota. I am who I am. I wish to walk a spiritual which I find has much power and comfort. The declaration of war does not make me feel comfortable, but I will continue to walk the road which has chosen me as much as I have chosen it.
You may publish this.
Lew Luton
Subject: declaration / ok to publish
From: sweetgrass2@webtv.net
Date: Thu, 24 Jul 1997I am almost afraid to start this note the way I want to because I know that as soon as the dreaded "F" word shows, some minds & hearts will close...but here goes......I am a feminist. I can't imagine feminists turning away men in droves who might (in my dreams) come forward saying, "We see the error of our ways. We would like you to show us how to (you fill in the blank) because we have come to see it as a better path." Why would we turn them away, saying "It is ours, you are merely a wannabe & because you have not walked a mile in our shoes you have no right to benefit from what we have learned," even though ultimately that would benefit us all? As a (I'm sure some would call me) wannabe. I can't imagine why you would turn me away, one who comes respectfully & hopefully seeking a better path. I don't want to do it the wrong way either. So why don't you show me the right way? I am 47, white, female, & have never felt comfortable with any religious affiliation. I did not have children because of what I see in the world around me. It's a place full of people suffering from "a great loneliness of spirit" and behaving in unspeakable ways. I had no idea it was "cool" to be Native American when, for some reason still unbeknownst to me, I became consciously drawn to it several years ago. (I had no idea it was "cool" until 2 weeks ago when i started browsing the Net, & people are saying so) Upon reflection, it dawned on me that ever since I was a child I had been drawn to it just by virtue of what my heart responded to. You know those Hollywood movies? I always felt better about the "indians" than I did the "cowboys". I could cite a whole chronology of other things in my life that became apparent to me upon reflection, but I won't. Fast forward to several years ago when I started reading about Native Americans in earnest, & you know what my initial reaction was? "Amazing. These people are like me." The point is, I came to this new awareness of your culture with my own point of view already intact. I did not appropriate it. What reading about your culture did though, was validate me. You see, my sensibilities & desires existed first, but I had nowhere to go with them. I have always felt "odd", out of place, in "my" society. I had & have much trouble relating to much of it. I know this may offend some, but the more I read of your culture, the more it felt like home to me. I felt compelled to find something written about history from a Native American point of view. I started with "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee". I have since read numerous books, but I am unsure as to which are the "truest". Any sincere suggestions are welcome. I have attended 2 pow-wows. Say whatever you will about this, but they move me in a way sitting in church never did. Truth is, I don't know how anyone can read about, or come to know your culture, & not understand that it is the "road we should walk." Knowing this yourselves, how can you not agree that it is the road we should ALL walk? Identify & ignore the charlatans & fakes, the same way I identify & ignore those men who proclaim to understand and/or embrace feminism, but it's really posturing, a line, a way to be "cool". They are of no consequence. I would say that the sooner we all seek the path of the Red Road, the sooner we, & mother earth, & father sky, & all our relations, will heal. Something tells me that if the Europeans who came here had been wannabe's, the indigenous people would have shown them how to do it right & well, with dignity & respect. Can you imagine what a different place this continent (& possibly the world) would be? Doesn't it make sense that the Native American energy that was for thousands of years, & still is today, an integral part of this continent, might just be strong enough to be sweeping up those of us who claim no blood relation but are receptive to the power of its eternal truth? Isn't it better late than never? I have faith that the Great Spirit knows who comes with a sincere heart. Isn't that ultimately what it is about?
Respectfully,
Joyce
(okay to publish with e-mail address)
From: "Dick Williamson" williamsond@tamsco.com
Date: Thu, 24 Jul 1997You have my explicit permission to post this statement in response to the Declaration.
During the turn of the century, my grandmother left the Pine Ridge area with my white grandfather under the auspices of the Governments Assimilation Program. It was not fashionable to be an Indian in those days so mixing with whites was encouraged. My Grandfather was killed in an accident leaving her with 13 children whom she raised completely on her own. No welfare, foodstamps or handouts. She lived on a small farm in south western Ohio and spent almost every waking moment in support of her family. She literally spent hours in the fields and woods picking wild berries and trapping small game in order to feed her children. My grandmother raised me as a result of my father leaving for parts unknown and my mother's presumable disinterest in raising a mixed blood child. My grandmother became my life. She taught me to hunt and fish. She taught me about nature and spiritual matters and the importance of being connected to the Earth. I remember my grandmother carrying me through the woods at night explaining in detail the genesis of every sound that was made. I developed a profound respect for her in addition to a deep abiding love. I also remember hearing the disparaging remarks of people who refered to my grandmother as the "crazy old Indian". There is no describing the anger that I feel even today for the whites, mean spiritedness and insensitivity toward this beautiful soul. Because of my grandmother, I have always known who I am. The problem is, no one else seems to. Am I supposed to feel ashamed and embarrassed for celebrating life in the indian tradition as my grandmother taught me to do, just because I am a mixed blood? How much indian blood must one have before he is called an Indian? My grandmother always told me that it is a matter of the heart and spirit. I am fifty one years old and have nothing to prove to anyone. I hope that I do not offend anyone for acting like an Indian but my grandmother would have wanted it that way.
From: "Carey Wilber" carey2@isomedia.com
Date: Wed, 23 Jul 1997You have my permission and my co-author's as well as she is the Lakota and I am not. Her name is Zandra Apple and she comes from Pine Ridge. I used to be from Woodstock, NY. A strange and wonderful world that I come from a New Age thing-a-ma-jig and Zandra is the real thing--as they say. However, I had a number of Native American friends over the years as Zandra has had her share of non-Lakotas, but all things being equal we both find this assault on American Indian spirituality something out of a horror novel and we both liked what the "natives" have been saying so far--looks like they aren't too happy "with the exploitation"(quoted from Zandra).
For myself, all I can tell you White wannabees is that you are all looking in the (maybe) the right places for the wrong reasons. I think what motivates half of these New Agers is power. All the ones I have seen, met, talked with, seemed to have these funny looks in their eyes. Guys, am I dreaming this?
Zandra, on the other hand, is asking: "Why are we who don't live on the Rez fighting these battles while the folks back home are sending out directives on how to fight this battle? My nearest Lakota neighbor is one family 30 miles north (from Seattle) and another Lakota family 30 miles south (same place) both of whom are struggling with survival issues. And how many non-Lakotas live between me and my nearest Lakota neighbors who are both 30 miles away in both directions? Approximately two million, give or take a couple hundred thousand, right?"
Carey says: I think that it is more than a numbers game involved. LIke some of the other writers are saying, there is a kind of a sickness going on with these people and you know what? They' re right!
However, we may be digressing. I don't see how I can go out and adopt Native spirituality (I witnessed some) if it was never a part of who I was in the first place. Two, Native Spirituality is not an evagalizing kind of religious philosophy where we have to get down on our knees and say only the "White Buffalo Calf Woman" (maid) can save our souls. I thought that was for Jesus Christ to do. But friends, lets put things in this perspective too. I happen to know (from personal experience) that there more things and wonders in this life than we really know about. If you're really concerned about those things I would suggest that you read in Genesis where Jacob had the dream of the Ladder and those angels going up and down on it. Think it over, that must mean something. If you haven't been there, then friend you don't know. Why pick on the Indians for your deficiencies?
Zandra says: " I am angry about what is going on over here (in the Seattle area) the way our Keeper of the Sacred Pipe is being used by non-Lakota people to boost their own stature in the local communities. When our Sacred Pipe Keeper was here in April 1997(in the general Seattle area), I was denied access to him (and I'm Lakota!) by the people who paid him to appear. I could not afford access nor an audience with him. Now those organizers have achieved their status in the local communities and are professing close ties to the Pipe Keeper. Hows does this relationship benefit the People who are supposed to be beneficiary of our Pipe Keeper? What should we ask of those who authored this Declaration about this situation that I saw with the Pipe Keeper. How can I fight this battle on spirituality when our Pipe Keeper is out here encouraging Lakota traditions be observed by those who attend his speaking engagements.
Date: Tue, 22 Jul 1997
From: "William C. Ballard" wcb@tscnet.comThank you. Eloquently written, How do they say? By the people, for the people. I am an enrollie at Pine Ridge. I live in Washington (the state) The Puget Sound Area.
There seems to be alot of people who want to be someone else other than what they're born into. Talk of third world countrys- send money- buy an orphan/see "your" child grow. Since when has the reservations been thought of as not third world?
Bureaucratic promises of a better tomorrow?
don't know if you want to print this, but thank you sir
Respectfully, WCB
W.C.BallardHey Kola You have Explicit Permission from William C. Ballard to print what I've written to your Web Page, Now and in the Future. And I Thank You very much. All my Relations
Date: Sat, 19 Jul 1997
From: wiha@gate.netHonorable People
Not long ago, I made a conscious descision to find some manner of communication that would allow for my voice to be heard by a variety of people. Although I had absolutely no knowledge of computors many people that I knew suggested and urged me to give it a try. You see computors are entirely contrary to the simplicity, and privacy of life that I have tried to enjoy when outside influences of a very complicated day and age would permit it. I have not spent my life accumulating wealth and material possessions. These things are not really important to me. In actual truth I have spent much time in avoiding material wealth. It complicates life too much for me to be comfortable. I am not so naive that I completely reject it. I simply choose to use no more than I need. It is how my early Lenape ancestors led their life. It is how my Mother who was of Scotch/Irish descent led her life. It is how my Father's Mother who was my Lenape connection, led her life. Not all in our family have chosen this way. It has however been a individual decision in our choice. I looked at the number of choices available but my decision to follow in one ancestor's footsteps over another was based on a pull inside that says this is the truth. This is who you are.
The voice inside is spirit. The Amerindian understands this voice. It is what guides his walk of life. It is Sacred. It is our interconnectedness with all that the creator is and has done. If your heart has hardened the voice of real truth becomes still out of neglect. If your heart has hardened it becomes deaf to your questions and pleas.
Spirituality that can be bought and sold is not spirituality at all. This is truth. It also has no power. This is truth. It is demeaning to to the individual that finds out that he or she has been fooled by the seller of this five and dime spirituality. This is truth. It demeans what I am. Hardly! I am what I am. Only I can demean that. Only you can demean what you are. Take responsibility for your own foolishness. Don't blame another fool. It demeans you. This is truth.
Over the past week I have watched as a Christian Empire flounders for answers to the ridicule it has subjected itself to from leadership of what would seem to be of questionable integrity. It is not for me to judge whether the leadership went astray at this time. I do not know all the facts. However it turns out, all Christians are not equal in blame. If they share a common blame it is in that they placed their faith in a mortal person rather than the spirit within which is one and the same as that of the creator. They should take that responsibility. Does it demean all Christians? Only if they are foolish enough to lose their faith in that they believe to be holy and sacred.
It is that way with those things the Amerindian holds sacred. I would hope that all people who stand behind the sacred pipe understands the difference behind a pipe for sale in a glass case and a sacred pipe that is what it is based on the respect and connection it has by the individual that has it in his possession. It is why we guard it with care. With out this respect and care it is a pipe in a case, period. It can not be demeaned but the user can demean himself or herself. If you think my words do not speak the truth, I would suggest you take them, unaltered to the elders. Before they pass judgement on them, let them get to know me as a person. When they look at their lives and reflect on the lives of those before them they will know the truth and give it to you straight. I would hope that their hearts have not hardened. I understand if they have but hardened hearts are not true hearts, It is indeed so.
I wish to thank Raymond A Bucko for maintaining a site that through dialogue will lead to a better understanding of the Amerindian, particularly of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota nations. I also thank those that have had the courage to speak of these things which I also believe will inturn make for a world that allows for individual freedom and respect, without persecution or hardened hearts.
You most likely will hear from me again. I am a easy person to find and anyone with private thoughts on these matters can reach me via e-mail as listed above. Or you may write or visit I and my wife for the time being at
12030 Holbrook Dr. Apt 3/Bldg 15
Hudson, Florida
34667In the meantime, keep this in mind. While we occupy ourselves with a few foolish Shaman pretenders.Hate groups and crooked politicians and special interests groups are out to steal more than your spirituality, which cannot be stolen. If you would like to know what they are up to, just spell out "HATE" and click the browser. Then perhaps you will find it easier to make allies.
Don't claim to walk in balance when your heart is hardened or worse yet gone. If you have something to say worthwhile, share it. If you don't, listen, learn and then teach by example.
To the People and their Spirits with Respect
From our lodge to yours
Luther S Krider aka Ghostfeather
Wilma, Brings a RainbowMy permission to post was inadvertantly omitted from my original messgage sent July 19th. 1997 at 16:55:08 -0400. I remailed it but wanted to send this as a back-up You have my permission to post the message
Luther S Krider aka Ghostfeather
From: "S. Todd Bridenball" brideapp@tomatoweb.com
Date: Sat, 28 Jun 1997 (posted July 18)You have my explicit permission to post this response to the declaration and the reviews of said declaration.
I say this as a result of reading most of the responses to the exploitation of the Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota ways. I am Siksika and Paikunni. I also have roots in Cherokee and white. It frustrates me as a Native person to have sacred songs on tape or some guy pouring water who doesn't understand why He's pourin water. I've grown up in white society and know them from all sides. I've never met a native bro or sis that had to be taught another way of living, that wasn't forced on them. Many people say that it is Native Pride to feel this way or that they feel jilted because no one will "teach 'em da ways..." Understand first the history of the dominant society, and not just in books but understand what really happened. Imagine if Aliens landed here on this planet and killed your Mom, Sister, father, brother, they took away your cars and gas stations and convenient stores. they made it illegal to practice Christianity and then they moved you and whom ever was left to the most desolate places that they deemed as unuseful. Then they took the children of the surviving generation and made them learn how to be them. Then 100 short years later they ask your grandson to "teach em". irregardless of the problems that exist today amongst the native people, the ways to learn are to help, shut up, and listen with more than your ears. to touch with out your hands and speak with out voices. Provide some insistence on local agencies to provide aid to the third world here in Your U.S. quit kidding yourself on the conditions of what a true human being is and just become One. P.S. if it was pre-1978 you 'da found yourself surrounded by the feds for sweatin' with a native, it was nt until then that Native religion was "legalized". Get a clue. Due You think that if I got one of those cool lookin' Bishop caps and that collar thingy that You could hold mass for the local ministries? Just thought I'd ask...S.Todd Bridenball
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 1997
From: GregLauver@aol.comHello?
I think you guys who are responding are missing the main point, which is:
There are a tremendous number of people who ARE seriously exploiting Indian ways, making a mockery of them for FINANCIAL, not spiritual gain.
Granted, many of us are also pissing off about you doing ANY of our practices, regardless of your spiritual sincerity, because the above is SO widespread and SO far off the mark that we even have outsiders telling us WE aren't doing it right! And these guys are making big bucks off of it. Worse, they are doing serious spiritual damage to people who are suckered into paying for these pseudo-ceremonies, AND upsetting our Mother as well.
There is no way that I'm going to be upset with you, if you use SOME of these ceremonies just for yourself, PRIVATELY, NOT for profit, and NOT to gain a following for the purpose of self-aggrandizement. There are certain ceremonies you should NOT attempt to do by yourself - for these, you need someone who is AUTHORIZED.
But, if you are running one of these $300 sweat lodges, if you own a gift shop and have a Chanumpa assembled in your glass display case for $275, then I want you to look real close at those hot rocks in the middle of your so-called lodge, I want you to bend down and get a good look at that miserable sacred pipe that is crying inside that case, and then I want you to know that you are staring in the face of your death. We don't NEED to declare war on you - you have done it yourself - you have declared war on your own spirit - you are the two-hearts - you are the work of the Blue Man of whom Hehaka Sapa spoke. I have seen the work of the Blue Man in a vision, and I wanted to DIE from sorrow at what I saw. You may gain a fat profit from facsimilies of our ceremonies and sacred objects, but you will lose your soul. But, hey, maybe you got the "real" thing: a "real" Chanumpa made by a "real" Indian, a "real" ceremony taught to you by a "real" Indian. Maybe so - but if you charge one red cent for it, or if you want to use it to make yourself into the Big Medicine Person or High Priest(ess), then I can say without reservation that the "real" just went "bye-bye". So sorry, tough luck, that's the way your spirit crumbles. If you were only hurting yourself, I wouldn't complain; but unfortunately, you are probably taking other more innocent people down into the sewer with you. That's a crime.
For the rest of you, who are sincerely trying to do things right (like I outlined before), most of us (including the many Traditional Elders who have been my teachers, friends, and family) have no beef with you. So quit wasting your precious life with all this whining and go forward in peace, in beauty, and with the Spirit.
{This can be used freely. Just don't edit it.}
Subject: Permission to print
Date: Thu, 17 Jul 1997
From: "Curt Yazza, Sr." curt.yazza@NAU.EDUYa'at'eeh'
I could beat around the bush forever and say that I agree with everyone and disagree with everyone else, but I really need to get myhomework done....
white shamanism is one of the most disrespectful acts that one human can do to another human. Not only does it negate the lives and cultures of all of our indigenous people on this mother earth, it is also indicative of the spiritual void which has taken hold of the segment of american culture that was reared to believe in themselves and money.
Perhaps it would be a better position to declare pity and prayer on these lost souls instead of declaring war. War would be to kind of a punishment for them, for they bring their own end by their actions. Although their claims that they have been enlightened to this "New" level of spirituality, they are only attempting to avoid their impending finality of physical existence.
Perhaps these impostrous adolescents are in need of a good kick in the ass or a handful of valium. Whatever the case, it is obvious that they do not respect the teachings of their elders or their history. Their behaviors lay claim to the falsities which are entertwined in american society and which are praised as sthe basis of capitalism, the american dream, free enterprise, rugged individualism, manifest destiny, freedom of religion, apple pie, free toys at the fast food joint, and bedweting.... Come on people! Get it together! You can't fool every one!
I see the news and there are instances where people are facing prisosn sentences and/or fines for inpersonating doctors, priests, police officers, shrinks, intellects, dead movie stars, and grown ups. Well, police, doctors, and priests anyway.... I haven't heard of an american impersonating a clown or a dog catcher YET. Back to the subject. Most of these people are doled out a sentence which is meant to serve as their debt to society.
How is it that white shamans are taken with less than meanial consideration than is granted to carnival barkers when they are commiting the equivolent of impersonating both doctor and priest?
Its one thing for someone to find their sense of spirituality in the teachings of our indigenous people and our way of life and "Being." but it is entirely another thing for these people to claim that they have somehow been granted the "Power" to heal. Oh yeah, there is another relavent american religious belief that we need to take into consideration hear: The fact that these people have been taught that somehow they can be blessed as being next to their god by others who are no less mortal than they are! You know who I'm talking about, yeah, yeah, yeah, those televangelists who proslethise out of one end while they adulterize out of the other. No wonder these people are so misconceived!!!!
Don't get me wrong here. I'm not trying to make light of the white shaman's right to make an ass out him/herself. Of course they have every right to do so in this "Free American Society!" The longer they are able to hide behind the hipocritical freedoms that they so deservingly endowed upon themselves, the nearer they get to they own demise. All the money and followers can't change that fact.
I say that all of the people who pay these fakes with their money, bodies, sex, counterfiet offerings, and "Trust." That you, yeah you with the false sense of security. Need to have some respect for yourselves and for your elders, and your parents! Oh my! Just think of what they think of you! (feeling shamed yet?) All those years of hard and strict american indoctrination, just to find out that you've become a person who thinks that they are related somehow to an indigenous people. Try going to bed without hanging a crystal or burning some molested sage tonight. See where your true intentions lie. And don't dishonor your people by pretending to be someone that you're not.
It still takes ten times more energy and action to be an indigenous person in our own creation than it will ever take for yuo to be an american.
One time I was talking to one of my best white friends (yes, Ido hae white friends), and I realized something that I shared with him. I said to my brother, "It would kill a whiteman if he had to be an Indian for 24 hours, but then it would also kill an Indian if he had to be a whiteman for 24 hours." We thought about it for a while and we both decided to be ourselves, and be friends. He is still my brother.
So, if any of you wanna-bees really mean it. I want to see you beside us when the next fight for indigenous rights happens. the next Indian War will show just how committed to your beliefs you are. Otherwise quit playing games and quit ripping your own people off!
I invite all responses. Do It Sober!!!!!
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997
From: wiha@gate.netTo All that are truly concerned
Please hear my heart as well as my words for these are very important times. Make no mistake when I say that I understand and share the concerns of the individuals that felt the Declaration of War was a necessary instrument of protest. It is the right of any individual to protest against any human indignity that causes such emotional upheaval. No individual has an abstact right to declare war on another individual however. It is my firm belief that war can never achieve its original objectives. There have been a few instances that I would say it was as a last and necessary resort, given the particular leadership of the individual peoples involved at the time. Additionally, Declarations of War have traditionally been made Government against Government, Nation to Nation. Do the principals that initiated this Declaration speak for all of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people. They say they represent the recognized traditional leaders. Exactly who are these recognized leaders and exactly who is it that recognizes them? Are these recognized leaders willing to share responsibility in what ever harm comes to innocent people that are caught in the middle or their own people who do not share the notion that war is justifiable or necessary? Have the absentee people been consulted? The fact that many of the people in reference left their reservations long ago does not abrogate their rights to be included. Many of these people did not give up their traditional ways. They merely refused to be imprisioned to the boundaries of a reservation. Even if their grand parents chose assimilation over starvation that also does not abrogate or minimize their descendants voice in tribal matters. Unless all voices are heard I would consider the Declaration of War a useless instrument of protest. To some extent it did gain some attention to a prolific problem. It got my attention as well as the number of people that have taken the time to bring about some very interesting, important and intelligent dialoge. You see, I am just one voice of many that knows only too well the horrors of war. Leaders, whether they be elders or youngsters should be the finest examples of wisdom, moral fortitude, and intellectual ability that any identifiable group can endorse. My own personal opinion is that anyone initiating war probably lacks either some or all of the above qualities.
My spiritual beliefs are my own.They are based on my own interpretations of what I have learned in my life's walk. Quite likely they are heavily influenced by past and present culture. Spiritual heritage is not easily definable as to its origin and much of it has been lost in genesis of our ancient people. With each new generation comes change and often the changes are heavily influenced through contact with other individuals. In reality we are individuals first. We look similar but we are different in many ways. Their are no two alike and so it is with our spiritual ways. What I do and how I do it in spiritual matters is up to me. It is not for anyone to say that it is not my way simply because it looks similar to your ways. I can guarantee you my way works for me. If it is similar to your way then we simply have something in common. No more, no less. If we have commonalities why would you declare war on me. At the very least we should be friends and allies in our common endeavors. To assume that the Lakota, Dakota, Nakota people are the only people with an inherrent right or proper knowlege to stand behind the sacred pipe, conduct sweatlodges, or sundances or any other sacred ceremony is disrespectful of all the many other Amerindian nations that have similar ceremonies. What of the absentees and the un-recognized Nations. They are merely un-recognized because the U S Government was more successful at assimilation and extermination than they have been The Plains Nations. Those on the Eastern sea board were unfortunate enough to have a couple hundred years head start on extinction. Believe it or not their are still a few remaining although their voices are lost primarily because Amerindian leadership is minimal at best and without courage at worst. The government couffers has had this effect. As long as the government holds the economic influence that it has over the Amerindian, the Amerindian will not be successful in the preservation of their cultural ways no matter how many Declarations of War that are in existence.
If the Amerindian turns his back on anyone that he might call ally then he shares in his own cultural genecide. If you want to free yourselves then find and include all your absentee people. Turn your back on no other, whether he be Fullblood, Breed, ancestor, Sympathizer, look-a-like, wanne-be or Mikey-Mouse. There are no un-needed allies. Anyone that has a genuine concern for Mother Earth, indigenous peoples, persecuted peoples, can have a place next to me. Black, white, yellow, Red or Brown.
We, I and my family, will support any and all resolutions that reflect a responsible course of action by a responsible group of leaders that will lead to a way of life that supports the inherrent right to individual freedom. If we must have institutions in order to share what is here then make that institution truly representative of all people of the globe.
By all means permission is granted to print this response.
Luther S Krider aka Ghost Feather
Lenape Descendent.
Date: Mon, 07 Jul 1997
From: "Fernando J.Storch"
Reply-To: Fstorch@fccjvm.fccj.cc.fl.usTo All My Relatives,
I give permission to post this letter. These are my words and they stand by themselves. Blessings to the people. So many thoughts crowd my head. My sister had a hunka ceremony and I learned so much. We came together in a good way and we prayed and sang and danced and I welcomed my new family with open arms and opened heart. We sat in the lodge and sweated and were naked to each other, no masks, no facades, just ourselves. I read that word "WAR" and I think "Please Father, not again". I know I am new to the path, just taking my first steps on the good red road, but I think "How can I serve the people?". Maybe it is in saying "Enough...point out fakes and wannabes, and charlatans and posers, but don't drive away the seekers and the searchers, the people like me who were shown a beautiful thing and grew like flowers in the spring". I know I am a small two-leg trying to walk closer to my Father and Mother, stumbling, falling short, and straying, but I know I had a close moment and I want to take it with me out into the world. So I say in humility and meekness, "Take the poser and show him the way, tell the faker the way, guide the wannabe on the way, take the negative and turn it toward the light". I think that is the way to help bring the people together, and isn't that what it's all about? I write this in a good way, after praying and asking for guidance.I am may be washicu... and gaijin and haole, gwailoh and gringo... heathen, goyim and infidel. I am someone who is not someone to someone else. I pray and dance and drum and sing for the day that this is not so.
Mitakuye Oyasin
Anthony
Date: Thu, 10 Jul 97
From: Rob-Roy McGregor mc734247@utkux.utcc.utk.eduDear: Wilmer Stampede Mesteth;(Oglala Lakota);Traditional Spiritual Leader & Lakota Culture Instructor; Oglala Lakota College,Pine Ridge, South Dakota.
Darrel Standing Elk;(Sicangu Lakota); President, Center for the Spirit,San Francisco, California, & Pine Ridge South Dakota.
Phyllis Swift Hawk;(Kul Wicasa Lakota); Tiospaye Wounspe Waokiye; Wanblee, South Dakota.
You have my permision to post this letter. With great rspect and humility I speak to you the TRUTH SO HELP ME GOD. I seek your peace.
My name is Rob-Roy Mcgregor II. I was given the name "Strong Cross" in 1989 at my first week long pow wow in Goodwater, Alabama by the children of the Native Americans hosting the pow wow that I had become family to by the end of the week. I have been devoted to the gathering of The Rainbow Family of Living Light of July 1st-7th, since my first gathering in 1989. I have also been devoted to the regional gatherings of the Cumberland Rainbow family in Kentucky,the Katuah Tribe,in East Tennessee. I was chosen by the Katuah Tribe,in East Tennessee, to be focalizer in 1992. I was focalizer until the Katuah Summer Soltice gathering 1996. the Katuah Tribe, in East Tennessee, is not Cherokee. Katuah is a Cherokee word that was chosen by individuals to gather in the name of sometime in the 70's. My first Katuah gathering was in 1990.
Why have I been devoted with all my energy to "wannabe Indians of new age, neo pagan, occult oriented movements"? Will I continue to support these movements in their present form now that I am fully aware that the Lakota people declare war upon these movements? Do I want to make enemys of your own people?
I became aware of the Living Jesus Christ within me January 1st, 1989. I was filled the Holy Ghost while at the Alter of a Pentacostal Church in Defuniak Springs, Florida. I was 23 years old. I was born in Royal Oak, Michigan on March 24, 1966. My father is Dr. Erich Nasti, an immigrant from Vienna, Austria. He has a Doctorate in Vetrinary Medicine from the University of Vienna. He was a Luftwaffe fighter pilot in World War II for Adolph Hitler. He is now an American Citizen of The United States. He is not a Nazi. He is not proud of the horrors he witnessed during the war. He is grateful for being released from a Russian concentration camp at the end of the war. My mother is Beverly Mcgregor. She was born in Washington D.C. My mother and Father were divorced when I was 2. My dad is Rob-Roy McGregor. He was born in Iowa. I have one sister. She is Michelle Anne Nasti. We both have the same mother and father. We are all Americans.
Promptly after my experience at the Alter, I moved to Los Angelos to pursue an education in film production. I attended the Community College of Los Angelos for two months. My attention turned to a mission in downtown Los Angelos. My friend and roommate Eddie Nix and I were skateboarders. I was owner of a rising skateboard shorts company called Bolsa at the time. I had accounts with Nordstroms Dept. stores in the Northern California area including San Francisco. They did not sell very well because we never completed our advertising mission. Our objective was to arrive in San Francisco, CA for the grand opening of the San Francisco Nordstroms Dept.Store. Our Bolsa Shorts were hanging in the store. Our plan was to perform a skateboard exhibition at the opening to advertise our line. We left Los Angelos on skateboards for San Francisco. In Santa Barbara we changed our objective. We arrived in Santa Barbera at dusk. We decided to spend the night there near the by-pass and a all night restaurant. It was here that we met a homeless old man with white/gray hair and beard wearing a Native American style leather shoulder bag. I only know him by the name Spirit Walker. This is the name he introduced himself to us by. We talked late into the night. I was wearing a huipil(Mayan) that matched my Bolsa shorts. I did not know that I was wearing a huipil. Spirit Walker told us about what I was wearing then had the idea to get something from his bag. He pulled out another Huipil then gave it to Eddie. We also learn that he was on his way to a the Rainbow Family 4th of July gathering. We decided we wanted to go with Spirit Walker to the gathering. My first gathering was to be in Nevada. Words are not capable of conveying the joy, love, and healing I felt, witnessed,recieved and gave at this gathering. I know in my heart,mind,and spirit that God wanted me to be there. Los Angelos quickly became a distant nightmare while God embraced me with God's vision for my life.
Date: Mon, 30 Jun 1997
Subject: Permission granted to post
From: hutch@nccmail.attmail.com (Donna Hutchinson)In response to the exploitation statement, I humbly submit my comments.
I was a spiritually "lost soul" most of my life until I read "Black Elk Speaks" about 10 years ago. Does that make me a bad person because after reading it I found my own inner peace?
I have several Lakota-English,English-Lakota dictionaries..does wanting to learn something I find beautiful make me guilty of exploitation? I "taught" myself to do intricate beadwork because I liked what I could do with my hands..does that make me quilty?
I don't have any idea where my ancestors came from or what they believed in. Anyone who knew anything is long gone from this earth. All I know is some of them came thru Ellis Island and when the fine officials at Ellis couldn't pronounce their names, they changed the spelling to fit America. THEY changed generations with that one solitary act. Wouldn't this be exploitation?
I am not a Lakota "wanna-be"..nor do I participate in any sacred ceremonies, but I do find great solace in their spiritual connection to the living earth. I pay attention to the writings of their greatest elders and try to learn. Find some small way to understand.
I can't take back the "hurt" the Lakota have suffered at the hands of the whites from the past..I can't give back what was taken from them in the name of national expansion. What I can give them is respect, and the hope that in some way they know I honor them.
I keep the Lakota in my heart...a strong,but silent strength.
Thank you.
Donna L. Hutchinson
DHutchi733@aol.com
Subject: Lokota "WAR" Ok to post
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 1997
From: Jim May
Reply-To: catinfo@cavern.uark.eduI am of two decents both Europian and The Muscogee (Creek) Nation. My great grand father was born on the "Trail of Tears", was choosen to become a member of the "House of Warriors" of the Muscogee Nation. He fought aginist the hated "yanks" in the "Indian Regiment" During the Civil War at the Battle of Pea Ridge in Ark. My Great Grandmother (also a Muscogee) was orphaned during the Civil War's aftermath. Into my late fourthies I was an angery man and felt the weight of grief of my Indian Ancesters.
This brought me eventually to the Sacred Mt.(Bear Butte). My Great Grand Father stood in front of me (During my Vision)and told me that I did not honor them and I must show them respect. I left the mt. traveled back to Oklahoma to thier grave and honored them. I feel this gives me the right to add my voice to the "War". I Am a Pipe Carrier and hold Lodges and do Ceremony for both "whites" and "mixed bloods". I "walk in spirit" with the guidence of my ancesters. The understanding of the Medicine Wheel is self respect.
Many of the people I have brought to the Lodge were "fadders" and "New Agers". The Lodge did change them even though they preceeded on to the next new "thing". A few truly follow the "Path" with devotion and walk-their-talk. I do not appoligise for them or for myself for the path of spirit is truly their and my own. I am mearly a gate keeper of the East.
From my Quest to Bear Butte I know that all Lakota did not feel the same as the ones who declaried war. What sorrows me is not the "whites" stealing our Native Ways but the pain, decent and anger in the hearts of my brothers and sisters. The "Whites " will never go away. Can we just do a Looks-Within and find peace with our own hearts. As for the "War" aginst plastic shamans, new agers and the like, I see them as the warriors. Thirty years ago being an indian was not a thing to be proud of. Now its everywhere, hundreds and hundreds of people are searching for any Native ancestery. People read every thing they can find about Indians. Don"t you see we have already won the "WAR". In time "This palce, This Turtle Island" prevades all.
May Your Head Be in Father Sky, Your Feet Be Planted on Mother Earth and Your Heart Be Open.
Jim May (Two Feathers)
Date: Thu, 19 Jun 1997
From: Brian Clouthier bclouthier@ameritech.netBrothers and Sisters,
I have read your declaration and it saddens me for many reasons. I won't talk about all of them because I know that some of them are my own self.
My heritage is not Lakota, Oglala nor Nakota. It is Blackfoot and French (Canadian). My family suppressed my Blackfoot heritage from me as I was growing up. To be honest with you; I wasn't really interested in discovering it, because as a youth, I was only taught from the beliefs of dominant society. However, I always had a strong connection with Mother. As I became an older person, I "discovered" on my own, the heritage that I was hurting for.
Upon the path of discovery, Creator pushed the Lakota tradition onto my path. I have discovered many places outside of your sacred lands to participate in many inipi and dance ceremonies. I have also self taught and learned from elders, a true and honest path. As you state, there are desecrations to the ways of the Lakota, but there are also many true and honest, respectful teachers. Just as in anything else in life, Coyote is everywhere.
I am honoured and humbled by the Lakota traditions. My life would not be as it is, without having experienced these honoured and traditional, sacred ways. My regret is that I did not know them as a boy.
I share ceremony with many people, some mixed, some totally non-native american. I have met many Lakota elders and also some other elders who are nons as well. A teacher is a teacher. I am on the outside and honour you. I thank you and your people for these traditions and spiritual lessons. Creator put us all here to live together and to show the ways to the next seven generations. Some of our grandmothers and grandfathers were very selfish and ignorant; on all sides of the two-leggeds. I have met good and bad of all races and all creation, but that is a lesson in itself. The blessings of the sacred sweat lodge should be for everyone that has good intent. I may add, that some with large egos and hateful hearts would be best humbled if they were to experience a sweat. There are certainly ceremonies that should stay with the people on the lands that are unfortunately called "reservations". Ceremonies such as Sundance truely do not belong in dominant society because they (we) are not ready for it yet. Vision Quest is an honour and if done in a sacred way, is very powerful. Many people that I know, criticize me for the ceremonies that Creator has blessed me with, that have come from my Lakota brothers and sisters, grandmothers and grandfathers. They call me "wannabe" or "playing Indian", both which are untrue and sadden me. I also get criticized for not drinking alcohol or using drugs. Many want to know where I learn my patience from. My answer is prayer. Some of my closer friends honour me for my practices. This is not for my ego that I say this, but to let you know the influence these sacred rituals have in my life.
I once was in a lodge and it came to me that I was going to teach children, especially teenagers, the value of Spirit. I do this now in my community and sometimes use stories from my learning in my teaching. I do not do this for money; it is a volunteer thing. I have many that come and learn Spirit from my lessons that I have gained through dancing, inipi and questing. This is something that we are supposed to do...take care of the next seven generations. I don't feel that race or creed can be superior to Spirit. The Lakota people have many wonderful lessons to teach. I am very happy that Creator put me on this path and am thankful to the Lakota nations.
I pray that your wishes come true, for they are mine as well. The only difference is that we honour Creator together and any prayer for profit is wrong.
Walk in beauty,
mitakuye oyasin
wakanneyja chante wishasta
Date: Fri, 13 Jun 1997
From: Makpiya@aol.comI give permission for posting of this letter. All of the comments here represent my own opinions and not those of any group or tribe. I have read the War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality document and everything contained therein is true. Nothing I see there demeans anyone or restricts anyone's right to pray. The men and women who drafted it appear to have been quite precise in their use of language so one should really read what they say and not "read into" what they say from their own bias. Everything there appears to be veritable.
To Lynna, its true what you say about our spirituality and our culture and identity. But the most important reason for our concern about the stealing of our ways is not Indian Pride and it's not about spiritual pridefulness. It is about the power of prayer and the capability of our ceremonies to "get" something from Wakan Tanka. These ceremonies, "even" the inipi - sweat lodge, are powerful gatherers of collective prayer. These ceremonies have evolved over generations sometimes. They work. The ceremonies are, collectively and individually, a mosaic or gestalt that is what it is. To move or change something in that "way" that is significant may cause some change in that ceremony and then we cannot be certain of THAT ceremony's outcome. I was taught that it was better not to do or participate in ceremonies if you are not sure of the outcome, that is, participate only if it is done in a "right" way. This "right" way is kind of nebulous. They say for every medicine man there is a different ceremony. This is because, although there may be a general form for a ceremony, like so-called Indian time*, each ceremony evolves in a particular way for a reason. That's why you can't just do a ceremony from form and begin to "practice." There is no exact way to run a sweat or any other ceremony but it had better be right!. These ceremonies bring power and it is very easy to hurt oneself or others just by being careless or, usually, not having sufficient experience and the sanction of the people of that way.
To Ron Wilcox. You know, for me, its all about respect. You asked how can one learn. Our way is not about educating you or anyone else. Its about prayer! What we do is not a game nor is it for everybody. We need not explain but even among the Lakota, most people do not aspire nor will ever carry the pipe for the people, but some Indian and non-Indian people look upon our ways as some sort of Judeo/Christian/Castenada holy grail kind of quest thing. But it is the people of a particular way, the ickte wicasa, who bring real power to our ceremonies with prayer. We understand that perhaps you have not found a good way of praying for yourself. Maybe our way feels good to you. Maybe something went boomp in the night for you, I don't know. But it seems to me that its OK for you to come and pray with us. For me, I want all the good prayer I can get, I'm greedy for it. But when you come and pray with us, we are praying with and for you too. This one man here says, "I will pray with you but you have to leave these ceremonies here when you leave. I do not give you permission to use our things." Oh, you could do it because one seems to be able to get away with anything in America. We ask you not to so! We don't want you to hurt yourself or others, or us! How do you get permission or consent? Well, its kinda like, if you have to ask then you missed it. Again, this is not Tunkashila School 101. We cannot separate our spirituality from the icons and metaphors of our culture. Even our language was given to us to pray with. Our culture lives. We are not an archeologoical relic. Respect.
To Kellysw. With all due respect and humility I suggest that it is a contradiction in terms to say one is all White but has a red heart. I do understand the metaphor. But perhaps what many people do not understand is that there is a very marked CULTURAL mindset that seems to be shared by most indigenous peoples of North America that is NOT shared by those who come from the Eurocentric milieu. The things you suggest should be a priority come from YOUR cultural bias which can not have been Lakota! For us NOTHING is more important than this way of life that was given to us, NOTHING. All the symptoms of disfunction you describe are precisely that, symptoms. For all Lakotas whose actions today will affect our Takoshas, maybe for 7 generations, the only good way is the Pipe Way, we are people of the Pipe. When the people come to the Pipe all of your symptoms go away. We get everything through prayer. I am no medicine man but this war I fight is for the spirits my children's children children. Alcoholism, poverty, suicide, abuse, lying, stealing, killing, disrespect, hating, destroying are hard things to choose to do or to participate in when one walks this way. Choices.
To ShaRae01, thank you for your sincere thoughts. I will remember you and your family in my prayers. Yeah, sometimes we forget that when someone is hurting themselves or others or is just hurting and maybe doing what we perceive to be bad things, the best thing we can do in any circumstance is to pray. Prayer is the strongest medicine there is, maybe the only true medicine. I don't really know, it is Wakan, but maybe that's what "faith" means. But human beings do what human beings do. Choices. Keep your prayers strong.
Generally, it's very frustrating to deal with Euros. They say they have a good heart, so they say they respect Indian ways. Then they tell you about this wonderful experience they have at some ceremony that rips off a particular Indian people. They'll say, "We don't want to take sides because its political." "They" always try to play off our just concerns and desires off as being "political," even when the truth is right there. I know I get really really tired of dealing with continued hypocrisy. But that's the way of life for many in America today.
Indian Time
Wasichu time is sequential time,
Like straight-line dancing.Indian time is intuitive time,
Like heavy-petting!We have a page here in Ca. called Oskate Notes:
http://members.aol.com/makpiya/homepage/INDEX.HTML
Go There: Oskate NotesFred Pierce
Wo Lakota!Mitakuye Oasin
Date: 12 Jun 97
From: Allan Flasch 71773.1026@CompuServe.COMTo the people who posted the Declaration of War,
I can sympathize with your outrage over the crass commercialization of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota religions by people for whom the dollar bill is God. They've always been around, and in our North American society that measures people by the size of the bank account, house, car and what-have-you, they always will be. The Creator of ALL peoples--be they Indian, white, black or whatever--allows them to exist as a means of sorting out those who will really seek HIM from those who really seek money and power.
What you seem to fail to realize, however, is that our Creator is just that--the Creator of ALL of us. He did not make Indians superior to white people or vice versa. Neither did he intend for us to hate or despise one another, or for that matter learn about him in any sort of secret way, whether Lakota or any other. There is only one God and only one way to reach him. That is through his Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as much for George Armstrong Custer's sins as he did for Crazy Horse's and Sitting Bull's. In Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile (nor American, Canadian, Lakota or Blackfoot). We are all the same in his sight, and until you come to understand and practise this in all aspects of your individual lives you are NOT serving him or glorifying him. Neither is he pleased with "Declarations of War," except as they may be declarations of war against spiritual ignorance in ourselves and others.
Todd Sauve
CanadaWebmaster: Please feel free to post this message.
Subject: My comments - feel free to post (including address)
Date: Mon, 09 Jun 1997
From: Lynna Landstreet lynna@geocities.com
Reply-To: lynna@geocities.comReading through all the responses here is a bit saddening - there are so many people who just don't seem to understand, and this letter is addressed to them:
"But why do they hate people who sincerely want to follow their ways?" you say. "How can anyone own the sacred? Isn't what's good for one good for all?"
Well, no, it isn't. And it's not about hate, or divisiveness, or ownership. It's about culture and identity and knowing who you are -and who you're not. There is *no* one way that is right or true for everyone - that's a myth spread by evangelical religions that seek dominance over the world.
Traditional, indigenous religions, be they North American, European, or of any other kind, are inextricably rooted in culture - they are *not* universal, and to try to tear them out of the context in which they evolved and graft them onto a completely foreign culture and worldview is to do violence to them. A Sun Dance makes no more sense outside of the context of Lakota culture than does a Seidhr ceremony outside of the context of Norse culture or a Druidic ritual outside of the context of Celtic culture. Religion is not some separate, isolated cateogry of experience - it is a part of who you are.
It especially saddens me to see people saying "But the ways of our own ancestors are lost - there are no more Celts", or Saxons, or whatever one may be. But there are - we are them. In every European culture, remnants the old ways have survived in folk belief and custom. It may be painstaking work to weave these scattered fragments back together, but it is vitally important work, because only when we do that will we have a tapestry that is truly our own.
And there are many of us trying - for Celtic ways, look to groups like Imbas or the Clannada na Gadelica. For Norse beliefs, look to the various Asatru traditions. And for all the others, too, there are people out there working to regain what has been lost, to gather the pieces and reweave them into wholeness. Wouldn't you rather participate in that work than continue to try and wrest pieces of someone else's faith away while they are fighting to keep them?
"But we're not the ancient Celts or Vikings or Greeks," you say. True, but you damn well aren't Lakota either! The truth you seek - your own truth, not some fantasized universal one - lies in your own ancestry, not in someone else's. And until you realize that, you will never find the fulfillment you want.
The most intense religious experience I have ever had took place when a coyote showed me the way to the Gods of my own ancestors. The great mother Danu and the forest lord Bile claimed me as their own, and I finally knew where I belonged. The old gods still live, and they will teach you if you will let them. All you have to do is open your eyes...
Blessed be,
Lynna
Date: Mon, 9 Jun 1997
From: SStockw387@aol.comI give permission for posting of this letter.
It is unfortunate that in all cultures there is bad. Ifeel we are all resposible for living in a good way. money is at the root of all evil,It promotes greed,envy, jealousy, and hate most people of all races are spritualy dead .The thrist for money and social acceptability prosperity in the eyes of there peers and relations. is most likely the cause. If people could find contantment with in themselves we would all be better of as A society .
I am by no means taking up one culture or another every one has been wrong at one time or another . It is our personable responsibility to do what is right , The answers are inside of all our hearts . When my nfamily comes together we try to pray as one heart to send one voice to spirit . any one who exploites spirit for profit will be dealt with by spirit . those of us who know right can only just keep doing right live in a good way , and pray for those who don't .
MITAKUYE OYASIN
SEAN PENNADate: Wed, 4 Jun 1997
From: SBrin7@aol.comI have studied the history of the Lakota people for many years, long before it was the "fashionable" thing to do. I read with great admiration the declaration to stop the abominable practices now carried out by those "wannabes, psychics" and whatever else they deem to call themselves. Your culture and heritage is yours, not mine. Nor will it ever be. My prayers are with you as you fight and struggle to keep what is sacred and true from being merchandised and sold to those who have no inkling of what it is they are chosing to embrace. I come from a part of Louisiana where the Acadians are many. The music, culture, of these people is being hawked across the country as "cajun". My friends of french descent tell me they remember well of being slapped, struck with rulers and other forms of punishment simply for speaking their native tongue in school. They were called dumb and stupid. Now they are a "cultural gift" to the world. How the times do seem to change.
My children proudly proclaim their native american heritage. (Cherokee) They visited a local new age store in Baton Rouge and were appalled at Cherokee dolls made in Pakistan. Books telling of how to conduct a vision quest. It goes on and on. Thank you for allowing me to spout off. Several friends of mine belong to the Houma tribe and have been saying these same things for years. Keep the faith.
You may post my message
Sylvia Brinson
Ozark, Missouri
SBrin7@aol.com
Date: Sat, 31 May 1997
From: ATLANTISUP@aol.comMy permission is given to post this response.
Knowledge breeds understanding. I am not a wannabe be I am interested in Lakota culture. Just as I am interested in many others. I believe that those whites, and others, that lead sweat lodges, moon ceremonies, etc. in the name of some greater truth are as wrong as those non-whites that encourage the practice.
But is it wrong to empathize with a spiritually and earth centered culture? Is it wrong to want to learn? Is it wrong, just because I am white, to want to respect these cultures and expand myself?
I fully understand the anger of true native leaders in the exploitation of their beliefs. But I do not believe it is right to judge all by the improper actions of a few. Is it not Lakota belief that we are connected? If we are all connected should we not all be looked at as individuals and accepted for what is in our hearts?
I am not an "Indian". I do not want to be an "Indian". But I do believe in and respect the philosophy of Native Peoples. I want to learn so that I can understand. I want to connect, in my own way, to the energy of the earth. I want to increase my own knowing and spirituality. Will I be shut out, just because I am white? I hope not.
From: "Ron Wilcox" wilcox@EastKY.Com
Date: Wed, 28 May 1997Being new to computers, on-line,and all the rest of these electronic gizmos, I humbly respond to the Lakota people. I realize that their religion is very sacred to them and should remain so, but how are people of this Earth supposed to learn if no one is willing to teach? I awake each morning, praying that the Creator will send me someone to teach and guide me on my journey. I continue to learn on my own with the use of these electronic gizmos. May I continue to learn. May the Lakota people continue their traditions in peace. May they find love for all people. We are all of this Earth and we are all brothers. May we treat each other as such. I am only beginning to find out about my Cherokee ancestors, but I hope when I do, that I will be open-minded enough to share what I've learned. I agree that the Lakota religion should not be exploited for profit. But again, I raise the question, How are people to learn? Thank you for the information. My response may be posted.
Subject: You may post this response
Date: Tue, 27 May 1997
From: kellysw kellysw@jetlink.netIt is with a sad heart that I write this. I am hurt to see people of high education and background put all that they have learned into writing a document of hate. Yes hate. I have been to Pine Ridge and go out there every year to help with Sundance. I spend all of my vacation time helping get the Sundance ready to go. It requires ALLOT of work , as all who have done so know.
While I spend my time living without running water, electricity, or a phone I watch and learn. Some of the people I work with invite me over to take a bath and have a cup of coffee. I talk with them and more important, LISTEN to them and thier problems. By reading this "War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality" it seems to me the Authors have not listened to the needs of the people living in their own back yard.
Here are a few of the problems I have heard from the people that live there, AND participate in ceremony:
1. Pine Ridge reservation is the poorest location in all of the United States.
2. Alcoholism and Drug addiction is an epidemic.
3. Domestic violence and child abuse is one of the highest in the nation.
4. The leading cause of death among young men is suicide.
It is easy to focus on issues like Lakota Spirituality. The people of this document can say that they are fighting for the Lakota people, and protection their rights. They can say that this is a very hard mission that will require allot of hard work, that it is impossible to ever be successfull. That the white man has raped the Lakota Spirituality and that they have appointed themselves to turn it around.
I say that they have picked the easy way out. The Lakota people that live on the reservation that participate in ceremony are fine with their own spirituality. They are some of the hardest praying people I have ever had the privilege to be with and help. The real hard fight is to fight poverty, alcoholism, and domestic violence. Ask yourself the following question: If you had to fight a war, and by winning that war you could gain something, what would give the most to the Lakota people by fighting?
If there is to be war then it should be on something that will help the Lakota people, not take something away from someone else.
I recommend a war on the following:
1. Alcoholism and Drug addiction
2. Poverty
3. Suicide
This is what is destroying the Lakota people, not some non-native somewhere cooking rocks and sings songs. If you really care for the Lakota people help them where they really need it.
btw: I am white on the outside, but my heart is all red.
Please don't respond to this post. I have quit my job and will be leaving in June. I will be staying at Porcupine on the Pine Ridge reservation for the next three months. If you need a target for your hate, I will be there.
kelly
Date: Fri, 23 May 1997
From: ShaRae01@aol.comYou have my permission to print this response.
First, I must EMPHASIZE that I owe my life to members of the Lakota nation. I am a recovering alcoholic and drug addict whose counselor in treatment was a full blooded Lakota named Louis. He followed me around for many days telling me that I was on the Red Road.
I argued with him. I told him that it was "fashionably" for people to claim to be "part Indian" and because my heritage has ever been "proven" I would never say that I was. I felt it was disrespectful to so many human beings who have already suffered too much. But he insisted...he said he could see it in me. My skin tone, the high cheek bones...the hair...the eyes...yes, I "look" Indian....but I have never been one to just go on that.
After Louis talked about how our life runs in a circle...and that we must stop and remove those things that fall in our path...those things that break the power of the circle...a word kept coming into my head. I could not pronounce it...so I just wrote it down. I asked him later what it meant...he just looked at me and smiled and said it meant "Great Spirit." Louis was always so calm about those coincidences...he just said that I was on the Red Road....
I am sorry to say that Louis died of cancer two years ago and is now buried among his people...but I know he now has a greater walk than we could ever dream. I also never had the chance to thank him. So to honor him and his people, I named my son Jazz Lakota...
I would be devastated if I thought I had ever done anything to disrespect the Lakota people. Many keep crossing my path of life...and they always point me down that Red Road. I attend "Talking Stick" meetings as regular as I can with a 14 month old...which brings me to the point of my discussion...
I am in an awkward position here...I know of my heritage and try to walk that path courageously and proudly....but it's the white man's validation that I struggle with. I am not on a "role" nor do I ever wish to be...for that might mean that I was only looking for all those so-called benefits the whites claim the Indians get. I will not attend sweat lodges or ceremonies unless I am asked. I am even hesitant to attend Powwows....
Yet I pray every day...in the way Louis told me to...in the way my friends have suggested....and I never hesitate to thank the Creator for the Lakota people...
So I am stuck in the middle of belonging yet never belonging...and it's a tough road to walk. But it's also necessary to me. It's the result of what my white ancestors have done. They robbed me of the knowledge of my ancestory and the old ways. So I must enter these "Talking Stick" meetings with an overwhelming sense of humbleness...I MUST deal with all Native people with my head bowed in respect...they deseve it.
And I struggle with those whites that adopt the smudging and ceremony as their own in these meetings...I know, as a person in recovery, that it may be helping them to stay sober...yet it burns at my heart for the lack of respect they show. I know it is simply through ignorance they do this...yet how do I point it out to them? I don't want to disrupt their recovery...yet they really don't understand what they are doing.
I had a dream about it a month or so ago. I dreamt that a woman was crying...she had been attacked and had everything stolen from her. Her attackers returned to take anything they had left behind. Since she had nothing else...the woman reached inside of herself and took out her heart...she humbly offered it to them on her knees. The attackers merely laughed and slapped it from her hands...she gently picked up the shattered pieces and once again offered those pieces to those in front of her. She knew that they needed it more than her....
For that reason, I now believe that these "Talking Stick" meetings are the true example of humility...it is an example of how a people...who have had everything taken from them...how they are once again giving of themselves to those who might need it more...they have such love....That's why I feel this declaration is valid...and I support it whole heartedly....yet I understand those that might not see it for what it is.
I know many will take offense...and it may be those that are unconsciously doing exactly what this declaration says. But I feel we all need to take it to heart with an open mind...and try to understand where it is coming from. We also need to remember that only the Creator can truly identify those that are sincere...I believe that he and only He will help those that come with humbleness, respect and truth.
As a side note, I would ask the authors of this declaration to understand that sometimes members of their Nation are merely reaching out in the traditional way to help others. If they get burned by doing so, do not condem them...just be there to support their efforts.
With all sincereity and love,
ShaRae01@aol.com
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