Responses to the Declaration:
War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality

April 13, 1998 to October 15, 1998

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

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

From: Cheryl Holbrook natvcat@primenet.com
Sent: Thursday, October 15, 1998

To The Lakota Peoples.

I hope for your sake that all of you can peacefully resolve the issues now facing you. I understand your frustration, anger, and rage. I also understand that I am Cherokee with white skin and blue eyes. Please do not label all "whites" as phoney and profit seekers. For there are many of us who are born with Indian Blood running thourgh our veins yet where raised away from our Native People and traditions due to decisions made long ago by our parents and grandparents.

I would never be so bold as to give myself native titles, native names or attempt to create any type of ceremony and deem it "Cherokee" - for that would be an abomination to my people in my own eyes. I will ask our Creator to bless you, grant you inner peace and direct you in the mission that you seek so that your goals may be met without causing any negative backlash on your native peoples.

I hope this is accepted in the spirit it is sent. One of love and concern, not only for your people, but for mine as well.

Cheryl Holbrook,

Yes you have my permission to post my note.

From: airyn@runningman.rs.itd.umich.edu
Sent: Thursday, October 15, 1998

if you could just include a link to this page, that would pretty much sum up my feelings. i wrote it long, long before i heard of this declaration of war, but i feel it applies.

http://www.umich.edu/~airyn/native.html

if you would like to quote the page instead of linking to it, feel welcome to do so.

peace,
airyn

From: Rev. Debbie Johnson H.Ps. [mailto:Stormywindwalkr@webtv.net]
Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 1998

Yes, you have my permission to post this!

I whole-heartedly agree with your statement and agree that war should be brought about to solve this matter.

I am a proud Half-Breed Cherokee, with my Father being the same. I am a lost soul within the Indian Nation and often get ridiculed because I have no proof of my existence.

It angers me that Non-Indians come to our pow-wows and all of a sudden everyone is Native American! It pains my heart to see the pride of our Brothers and Sisters torn apart by predjudice and hatred.

It also hurts me to see the false replicas of our heritage being sold on street corners and at flea markets. If these Non-Indians only knew the love, time and thoughts that went into our drawings, jewelry, and clothes...maybe they would stop doing this.

What does it take to make them understand that every piece of clothing symbolizes something...royalty, warriors, wife, husband, tribes....can they not see that these false items they sell are an insult to us?

The Peace Pipe is a scared symbol of Peace and should not be duplicated into some other form of art (?), it is used by the Elders of the Tribe when they are talking amongst themselves and is not just used to put tobacco in and smoke like it is nothing.

Our jewlery means alot ot us...it symbolizes our heitage, where we are from, our standing in the tribes, offers protection from the evil spirits and is made by loving hands of our Native Americans.

Our names are sacred to us, given to us for feats we have done, given to the males when they reach warrior status or have successfuly went through intensive Quests, and to us women who inherit certain traits or simply handed down from our forefathers.

My name, Stormy Wind Walker, was shortened by me, my father originally called me Walker of the Stormy Winds....for I used to stand out in the storms and face it coming head on and found no fear to walk in the winds. Part of my heritage that will live within my soul forever.

I find it horrible that a Non-Indian would just say he/she has an Indian name and has no heritage within our tribes. I am a half-breed and have the toughest time claiming MY heritage and find it disturbing that Non-Indians are claiming it from me.

Yes, I agree with declaring war on these people and spreading it out across the country. Let us all join together and let our voices be heard! It needs to be stopped and we need to gain our heritage back and get our tribes and reservations back to US!

Blessings,
Stormy Wind Walker
(Rev. Debbie Johnson)

From: Bravewmn@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, September 27, 1998
Subject: Lakota and all Indian spirituality

I am writing to say that I support the efforts to protect tribal spirituality from the false shamans and wannabes. The true spiritual leaders do not sell their knowledge, or impart it on any who are not of the true spirit. No one can buy spirituality. True spirituality cannot be explained to another. It is something that is present and is recognized in one another by those who have it. If the little ones are brought up in the spiritual ways of our elders, they will have the basis for continuing our religions. We must protect our tribal words and teachings, for we are the ones who have been given the true words.

You may post this message

Bravewmn = brave hearted woman

In the Spirit of Crazy Horse

From: PKlee33347@aol.com" 6-SEP-1998
Subj: web page and fight against the twinkies

I am a 52 year old half blood that is not of your nation. But I am proud at what you say. When I found out I was half white, I wanted to find out about the English as that was my other half that I was not exposed to. Even though I was not raised on the rez, I was raised pretty much in a traditional way. That I have realized as I grew and went to school and knew that we didn't "fit." I have never tried to get registered, in my grandfather's day he was very proud that we were not registered and his mother went to great lengths to keep her children out of the Indian schools. I am proud of my heritage and though I don't have papers, I have never felt unwelcome any where that I have gone for ceremony. I have always felt like I was "home." My traditions are not the same as yours and many others, the one thing that we share is this wonderful love of laughing and a sense of humor that I can find no where else.

No, I have no number, I am not registered with any tribe, but as you are probably aware since I was raised pretty traditional, I have more knowledge than many of our young people today. Many of the people don't even know how to gather herbs. I love to teach them and they love how wonderful it is when you do it in a good way.

I am getting old, but I am glad to see the resistance you are putting up. My children are outraged to this new age "twinkie" garbage as well. Their lives have been much easier than mine and their children will have even easier lives, I wonder if that is good. You who have lived on the rez have kept it for all of us. When I see these people picking pieces of one tradition and then another, mixing with what ever suits them it is a disgrace to them most of all. Our lives, traditions, and beliefs are not a recipe to be added to or pieces left out just so they can have their cake and eat it to.

Know this ... there are many of the people out here that have no registration, but that somehow are being called home. I never left home, I just never had the desperate "need" to prove who I am.

I thank you for those of us out here who have kept the fires sparsely burning alone and come home to the rez to feel as one whenever we start feeling the need to "be with their own." I thank you for fighting what I have been fighting all my life.

I was taught that the white man had lost his spirit and the time would come when we would have to show him how to get it back. I think I am too old, because in all these years, I still don't understand how they think. Hopefully my children will and will be able to help them.

Pat Rainwater Beaver Walker Klee Cosme

If you feel that it would be a positive thing to add this, then please do [post the page to the web]. I was really just letting you know how much I respected what you are doing and that I appreciate it. Living now days with people out there swinging crystals around gets a little scary...if you know what I mean. Take care and thanks again for the great web page ... pat

Date: Fri, 11 Sep 1998
From: TDK kahuna@saipan.com
Subject: Discussion

You may post.

After following this discussion it appears that many Lokata feel their ways are sacred and this is one reason for not sharing. This is fine if it is indeed "sacred". Many of the ways I have been included in and have been a part of has been explained by elders that it is sacred base on each individual's intent, not due to tribal affiliation. The blood line does not matter, the heart and soul does.

Regardless; I have never tried to be anything I am not. What bothers me is that some Lokata will accuse me of "stealing" their ways simply because my ways, what I have found to work for me, may be similar to the Lakota. If I choose to have a sweat, why do the Lakota claim I am stealing their ways when my ancestors in Europe have always used this method for spiritual and physical health? It is recorded as fact long before Columbus sailed the ocen blue. If I make a drum and pound on it or decorate it with beads and feathers, why do many Lakota say I am stealing thier ways? Again, my ancestors did this thousands of years ago, why can't I experience a bit of my family's past without being accused by the Lakota? If I put feathers or beads in my daughter's hair why am I accused of stealing? If I dance around and it just happens to be similar to a Lakota dance, why am I accused again? Are not there other people in the world with histories? Is it possible that in the begining we all came from the same place? Should I be denied my heritage simply because it may be similar to your's?

I have never claimed to be Lakota, I have never claimed to know your ways even though I have been taught much. But still, many ignorant people will claim I am being an "Indian wantabe" everytime I build a sweathouse designed after MY ancestors who came from Europe. This is insulting. Perhaps we should turn the tables over. Maybe say that everytime the Lakota use the sweat they are "Swedish-wantabes", or "Celtic wantabes". After all, we have more written history of Europeans than that of the Lakota, we could then assume that the "Indians" stole this practice from the Europeans. Maybe Erickson introduced the practice in the early Viking days. Every culture has similarities, rather than accuse and claim sole ownership we need to work together and understand our likeness. Besides, how do we know if the Lakota ways weren't stolen from another cultural group?

It is 1998, the past is the past. As long as we live in the past there will be hurt feelings and damnation. Agreed, the past has not been pleasant,has not been fair, nor will it ever. What is done is done. If it truly were possible to right every wrong from the past, I should be in Europe collecting all the property stolen from my ancestors in the 1500's. I should be given restitution for my ancestors who were murdered for their land. But then, it wasn't stolen from me, it was from my ancestors. What was taken from the Lakota and other tribes in the 1800's weren't taken from you, but your grandfathers. We need to take the present, live in the present and work towards the future. Holding onto the past creates resentment, anger, fear, and makes it impossible to love. If you want to live in the past then give up your trucks and cars, your European clothing, your brick and wood houses, McDonalds, guns, alcohol, money, processed foods, medicine, etc. You can live in the present and make it so the past is never repeated. By staying in the past you become part of the problem. We need to accept the past (no matter how unpleasant), live in the present, and make the future better for our children. Give up the narrow mindedness, open your hearts and minds and grow. "The realities of yesterday are not today's realities."

Date: Sun, 06 Sep 1998
From: guyanD@earthlink.net (Lauree Guyer)

you may post this poem if you wish

there is no need for war
amongst true brothers
changes are on the horizon
mother earth is finished cutting fingers
she herself will swallow us up
without feeling
without compassion
without remorse
father sky has spoken
the fraternals are his children
given the first knowledge
incomplete, as children are not adults
they prepare for the way to come
they provide for their own
they feel justified
the daughters of liberty are calling
quietly
to those who would listen
to those who would hear
to those who would act
as mother earth also provides
for her children
the face of adversity
gives birth to a sense of fairness
now that we have eaten
from the tree of knowlege
will we walk in the footsteps
of the sun?
will we participate in the
creator's plan?
or will we behave as the false brotherhood?
the only outcome which is uncertain
is our own
for it has not yet been written
knowing and not knowing
this is the only true power we possess
the creator will pass judgement
after the first tide
as it was before
as it is to come
as it will be again
all will know us by our fruits
more will follow
as the hoops within the hoop
mother earth will punish
without feeling
without compassion
without remorse
the meek shall inherit the earth
will you wait
to wield your power?
will you meet the spirits
of your ancestors?
who have given you the gift
of knowing and not knowing
count the generations
from the dance of the ghost
it shall begin
and end
and begin again

Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1998
From: SandHill99@aol.com
Subject: War Against Exploitation of Lakota Spirituality

You have my permission to print this.

Having read several of the comments posted from some of the "non-Indians" I felt compelled to reply. All of the exploitation, ceremonies, bookwriting etc. should be stopped. I, too, am considered a non Indian, since I have just a small amount of Indian blood, but my fiancee does have Lakota Blood and he has introduced to the Lakota way, for want of a better way of saying it. He gave me a couple of books to read and I found myself feeling much better after doing so and having been reading anything I can get my hands on so that I can learn more. I think the Lakota and their beliefs are wonderful. After reading books on Lakota spirituality I get a very awesome feeling of peace. If I am going to read material on ceremonies, spiritual beliefs and the Lakota way of life, I want the information to be correct and true not a bunch of half truths and lies that have been written in order to make a quick buck. The only to learn is to study and I try to make sure that what I read has been written and published by reputable people, that's why I am happy to see this become an issue and support it completely. I don't mind being non Indian, but I see absolutely no reason for me to be an ignorant non Indian. Thanks

Shelley Gay

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998
From: "Brockhagen, Tom" BrockhagenT@gateway.daugherty.com
Subject: Declaration of War

To Whom It May Concern,

You have my permission to post my response.

As a non-native, white person, I guess I would be considered a wasichu. In so doing, I likewise suppose that I am condeming myself by agreeing to every very essence of your Declaration of War.

I am deeply saddened by what we wasichu have done and continue to do to the spirit of all 500 Nations. We have not the right, nor the freedom to behave such.

I am truly sorry. (Meek words for such a sincere statement.)

However, being a member of the "non-native" class of people to whom you declare war, and agreeing with your Declaration, I would have to declare war on myself. But I refuse to declare war on myself for simply being associated with or grouped together with a "non-native" class of people.

My family has some long-diluted relations with the Chippewa. Over the centuries, our native blood is all but gone. So as a white man, I was raised Catholic, studied under the Jesuits, and learned to live my life according to Jesuit philosophies. That is, until I read Archie Fire Lame Deer's book Gift of Power. It changed my life to the core. And, though I've tried to reach Mr. Lame Deer, I completely understand and respect his privacy in the matter.

Relatively speaking, I know very, very little about Lakota history, culture, and spiritualism. Nevertheless, what I do know has inexplicably drawn me closer to my soul. And what I have learned has created a force inside me that wants to learn more.

I have learned that I can never be a native of any tribe of the turtle continent. But if I could live my life as you have taught me, wouldn't that be okay? Wouldn't that make me a better person?

I know I could never understand your history, culture, and spiritualism the way that you or your ancestors do. But why won't you let me try?

One thing is for sure - I know that you won't let me try because I am a 'wasichu' and you only see a 'wasichu' when you look at me. You don't know my heart. You don't know the pain and guilt I feel when I learn about the atrocities that were levied against you. And you don't know the happiness and joy I feel when I achieve some level of harmony after practicing what I have learned from you.

I have never tried to teach what I have learned, nor have I ever profited from what I have learned. But I have reaped great personal gains - rewards that you have taught me to cherish. I should not be ashamed of this and I will not declare war on myself for this.

I am not angry - just confused. Where do I stand in your Declaration of War?

Tom Brockhagen

brockhagent@daugherty.com

Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1998
From: Erin Pettid pettidsis@email.msn.com
Subject: re: war

As a American Indian descendant I fully support this effort in keeping the Lakota and all indian life entact and sacred. I only have a small part of Lakota in me but after living in New Zealand for years I have become very proud of my indian heritage. We need to keep these practices that are scared...sacred...As a people the Lakota have had to endure enough & it is definately time for us with mixed blood to stand up and be proud of our heritage & take a stand to ensure "our" people are no longer victimized & that all movies etc that are made show the TRUE aspect and not a Hollywood's thinking of how it was or is now. I feel it is important for all of us who are Lakota descendants to stand up and fight this atrocity...because without the spirits, ceremonies we would not be the people we are today we would not be here.

Maureen Pettid

you may use my email address

I was thinking this morning about knowledge, sacred or otherwise, and just how dangerous it can be. To "know about" a certain thing in itself is not dangerous, but to use that knowledge....

I thought about the knowledge of nuclear weapons, how destructive that knowledge could be if we all had it, and worse, if even a fraction of those who "knew" about it decided to use it for whatever reason, be it a bomb or an energy source. With knowledge comes responsibility for that knowledge. but the truth is, most of us are just NOT THAT RESPONSIBLE.

How much more important is SACRED KNOWLEDGE. In irresponsible hands, it could be devestating. We do not expect our United States government to openly share its secret of nuclear energy along with a good supply of uranium to EVERYBODY in the world simply because they might want to KNOW. We expect our government to protect that secret and act responsibly with it, using that knowledge for the good of all without giving it out to too many people. We accept being left out of the loop, so to speak, because we RESPECT the power of nuclear weapons, but we often do not respect Spirit, because too many of us are still at the stage of trying to convince ourselves that God is real. Oh, we go to church, but still we have uncertainty.

In an age where spirituality is treated like entertainment, where we can turn on the television and get instant sermons 24 hours a day, it is very easy to take that POWER for granted. I believe the Lakota are wise to keep that knowledge hidden. Just look around you. Look at what we've done with the knowledge we do have. Have we acted responsibly with it, or do we take it for granted? Has any of the knowledge that is already available in this information voracious society mattered one wit? I look around and see hungry people, war, infidelity, anger, frustration, dirty air, dead trees, a depleted ozone layer, freaky weather....the list is endless.

Until WE become responsible for the knowledge we possess, WE are not ready.

Mitakuye Oyasin
Please Post

P.S. I do not believe the Lakota are keeping people out based on their blood type. Nowhere in the DECLARATION OF WAR did I see where the Lakota specified race as the factor leading to the declaration. What I did see was anger regarding the misuse of the spiritual artifacts and ceremonies from those who are out of the loop. Let the Lakota fulfill their obligation to protect their SACRED KNOWLEDGE without taking it as a personal affront to yourself.

Date: Mon, 15 Jun 1998
From: Karena Wilkes kwilkes@email.msn.com
Subject: Why the Lakota may not share their knowledge

The whole issue of why the Lakota do not share their knowledge reminds me of Bible story where the Ark of the Covenant was being moved to the Tent of Meeting until such time that the temple was built. It was well known that only the priests of the Levitical tribe could touch the Ark, for it was sacrad. Yet, two of the guards who were escorting the Ark thought to themselves, "why should only a priest be able to handle the Ark? Are we not sons of Isreal also?" So, they rushed forward and grabbed the carrying poles on the Ark, and died instantly.

One thing that I pointed out in an earlier posting was that INTENT was a key factor in the Lakota way of living. So the question must be asked, why do you want to know? What do you INTEND to do with the knowledge? If your INTENT is simple curiosity, that is not a good enough reason to share it with you, for the knowledge is sacrad, just like the Ark. If you feel that you deserve it just because you are a member of the human tribe, that also is not a good reason, but, like the two men in the story above, is only vanity on your part. You must search your heart with honesty. All the information you need to be a good person and live well is available to you now. There are tons of books on living and being well. Start there.

Spirit flows all around us. Pay attention to what is around YOU and in your own heart, that is the greatest beginning you can have.

Mitakuye Oyasin
Please Post.

Date: Wed, 12 Aug 1998
From: April Beaupre a.beau@bmts.com

I have so much inside ,I'd like to say , and I want to say it in the right fasion and in love and with great compasion. When I look arround me , when I feel or breath or taste or experiance anything in life and in this universe I am truly greatfull and know this is a gift, that can't be owned by anyone or anything, it can only be shared with those who want to share in it, and all its purity and goodness and if it brings peace and harmony and unity and love than the universe itself will benifit.To withhold truths and conceal knowledge and wisdom is impossable it will find its way to the ones who will use it to the good of all creation.I feel we are all ceated beings of great diversities beautifull in all ways, take away the history, the clothes, and standing naked, we are linked more closely by our blood type, of which there is only four and each one of those change or evolved to survive. O type being the oldest, then A , B and AB.My point being we are all related, and from the same starting point and will eventually end up at the same finish.So in love , I give my permission to post this and my address.

Date: Tue, 11 Aug 1998
From: schweppe schweppe@mcol.net

Yes, you may publish this.

This is my third time trying to write a response to the "Declaration of War."

Though I am not a "new ager," I will continue to explore the gifts God, the Great Spirit, gave to Sioux and other "natives." The Sioux may be the protectors of the seven rites, but they do not "own" them; they are gifts of the Great Spirit to be used for the benefit of all the human race. The Jews may be the ones to whom God first gave the Torah; but the Torah is a gift from the Great Spirit to be used for the benefit of all the human race. The Gospel of Jesus of Nazareth, too, is not something given to a few for the sake of the few, but a gift from God to be shared with all the human race. No race can "own" what is given by the Great Spirit; guardians, yes, but not owners with sole privileges.

Red, White, Yellow, Black - the blood still has the same source - the Great Spirit. When will we begin to live in that truth?

Perhaps I will write more later. Comments are welcome.

David Schweppe
Aledo, Illinois

Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 (posted late)
From: Bryan Maloney bjm10@cornell.edu
Subject: Response to the declaration of war

First, permission is granted to publish this.

Now that that's out of the way.

It's about time! I'm glad to see that you're kicking a** and taking names. What's sad is the number of respondants who are pretty much sans clue regarding the actual substance of the declaration. I didn't see one mention of "blood quanta" in the declaration, I saw mention of non-Indian charlatans and wannabes. Last time I checked, the "blood quanta" requirement was a US Feddie requirement, not a requirement of any tribe, and the last time I asked anybody in one of the North American tribes (a Miami), the US Feds' definition of who was and wasn't "Indian" doesn't hold much water when it comes to a tribe defining who is and isn't in the tribe. So why are all these people whining about "blood quanta" or "ancestry"?

Date: Mon, 01 Jun 1998 (Posted Late)
From: Karena Wilkes kwilkes@email.msn.com
Subject: War on Exploitation of Lakota Spirituality and Traditions

Dear friends:

Coming from a multi-cultural background, I can appreciate how quickly misunderstandings can occur across cultures. All my grandparents come from various corners of the globe and are culturaly different: Cherokee, Bangali, German-Irish-Black American, and Nigirian-Hatian. Each have particular ways of looking at the world and, as you've probably guessed, family reunions are a trip!

Unfortunatly, each side tends to have tunnel vision when it comes to relating across cultural lines and respect becomes the key to keeping things festive and happy. In the case of Lakota spirituality, Americans forget how dependent our fellow countryman are upon money and material wealth not only to survive, but to validate their self-worth and purpose for existance in the eyes of other Americans. Without realizing we are stepping on toes, that one thing alone causes the most problems.

How, you ask? Well, consider how many of us, feeling a certain affinity with native ways and wanting to be closer to it, go out and purchase dream catchers, artificial pipes, mandelas, etc. First off, we are probably NOT purchasing these from native americans themselves, but vendors who get these artifacts from as far away as China. AND...even if we did purchase them from native americans, they probably DO NOT follow traditional ways and have become AMERICANIZED to the point that the almighty dollar is the most important thing in the exchange. Innocently, we have offended our native american brothers.

One important thing to remember about the TRADITIONAL native culture is that RESPECT and INTENT are the cornerstone of their way of living. Every thought and action are important, and each article given to another (usually handcrafted with painstaking precision) or piece of oral tradition comes from the center of one's own being and therefore, would not be for sale.

However, some of the letters I have read show a true desire to know the Lakota or other tribal ways. A good start is observing nature, the ways of our wild brothers and sisters. How the male song bird seranades his intended mate, the way the crow knows where all the action is, learning how to appreciate nature in awe and silence without the company of others or worring about hectic schedules. Learning patience and respect.

Mitakuye oyasin,

K. Wilkes
Kwilkes@msn.com

You have my permission to post this missive.

From: jrp05@gnofn.org
Sent: Saturday, August 01, 1998

Forbidden Love

AnimA, the soul of WhiteMan, was tired of crying. Her husband was cruel and stupid, when he was around at all. But she was tired of sitting alone at night and crying. She slipped out the back door of that pink picket fence house, followed the sound of the drum and the scent of the grass and the light of the moon and the stars. She was off on her own adventure.

She met PanIndian and they fell into each other's arms. He knew what a woman needs. And the way she looked at him and listened to his stories, he felt like a god in her eyes. She offered herself to him. How could he refuse a gift? And as for his own wife, Tradition, well ... what she doesn't know won't hurt her.

They both knew it was wrong, but nature must have its way. She named the baby NewAge. All babies are beautiful. But with those mixed features she'd have a hard time. And such a spoiled brat besides!

His wife found out, called all the relatives, declared war. Funny how love and war always seem to lead to one another. Yet still PanIndian and AnimA meet in all their agreed upon places. They've gotten pretty brazen about it lately.

Love is a strange thing. Forbidden love especialy strange. And the women always seems to get the worst end of it.

You may print this.

"HotDog"

From: Chris Moos moosepapa@hotmail.com
Sent: Friday, July 31, 1998 12:07 PM

Please post on comments board

To the persons responsible for this "Declaration" and any other misconception of european "Exploitation"

My name is Chris Little Bear In A Tree M. and I attend an AA group populated largely by descendents of many plains indian tribes, largely Ouichita and Sioux (mostly Nakota, with other nations represented), many of us have adopted, or more appropriately have been adopted by, the religious and spiritual beliefs and practices of the nomadic hunting plains tribes. A majority of our belief and spirituality is based on the Lakota traditions. This belief and practice not only is deeply integral to our sobriety but also our heritage. I admit that not all of our group are even remotely descendent of any of the First People, but if there heart is true and they really want to celebrate praise and mourn with us I and noone else among us will denythem. There is a decent possibility that we don't always perform the Seven Sacred Ceremoies correctly, the arrogance and disdain of the majority of the N.A. community has prevented us from properly learning the ways. I am1/8 Lakota Sioux (Oglala I believe) 1/16 Cherokee and 1/16 crow, so I am only 25% blood and half of that Lakota. The rest of my heritage is largely French/Irish/Spanish/English immigrant, so in your eyes I am "wasichu" not "brother". How dare you presume to judge me, my spirituality is between my higher power and myself  not yours or any other leader your refusal to teach and inform those of us who weren't registered (no damn card because it wasn't a good thing back in the da to tell anyone that you had blood) or born on a res is the proprieter of this result not exploitation. You keep it mysterious and people will speculate and fill in the blanks. You seem to perceive yourselves as a higher, more holy people. I do not believe that is true maybe just a little more in tune with the Spirit but not better. I do not depreciate the tragedy of N.A. history over the past 500 yrs and I do not condone the anti N.A. movement of the past or the continuing campaign of quiet suppression and division. I do resent this attack on my spiritual practices and my right to my heritage. Wake and smell the present, it is both horrifying and intoxicating. I am not the white flood from europe I am an American and so are you.

Please e-mail me with comments either yea or nay i will reply if so requested

Chris Little Bear In A Tree M.

From: DIANE CALDWELL mailto:diane5@bellsouth.net
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 1998

HOPE YOU RECEIVE THIS IN THE SPIRIT OF UNITY THAT IS WAS WRITTEN.

There are several "Native Americans" that are very much interested in the learning and keeping alive of the sacred traditions of all Native American nations. The opposition that many of us encounter is we are not recognized as Native Americans by a government that has oppressed our people for hundreds of years therefore our own people refuse to recognize our heritage. My own story will be very familiar to others that know that they are of Native American heritage but cannot produce documented proof because the old ones passed on many years ago and were afraid to tell their children and grandchildren of their heritage, many documents were changed or destroyed due to the prejudice at the time they were growing up. Let us face facts. The prejudice is still alive and well against Native Americans as well as other minorities. My plea is for all my relations (BIA card or no BIA card) to walk together in one spirit. Until we stand strong in one spirit and support each nations rights we will never see the fulfillment of the prophecy of our ancestors (for the red man to again become the caretaker of Mother Earth and pass this sacred knowledge to people of all nations of the world so that our Mother can be healed). Time is growing short for this to happen. I would appreciate any help that you can afford me in bringing all native nations together in unity as well as assistance in teaching all native people, not just federally recognized native people, the traditions and history of our ancestors and helping them and their children to carry on these traditions. I realize that many of you who will receive this will not agree with me, but let me ask you to open up your hearts and reevaluate the importance of the BIA card given to you by a government that has never supported you. Those of us without the BIA card are the Ghost Children of your ancestors!! I ask that we be allowed to stand with our brothers and sisters in unity for a better world for all, especially future generations. I am not asking what my people can do for me. I am asking what my people will allow me to do for them.

All comments good or bad are welcome. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I can be contacted at diane5@bellsouth.net

We are all of one spirit and we are all the children of the Great Spirit.

Diane Caldwell

Yes. Please post to internet in discussion area.

Thanks Diane Caldwell
From: "Hans G. Andersson" hasse@m9.sprynet.com
Subject: war (permission to publish)

 You are authorized to post my statement

Brothers and Sisters,

How sad

* if the relation with the Great Spirit is turned into a "property" right

* if Native American Wisdom were transformed into a strange brew of greed, narrow-mindedness and apartheid

How tragical

* when you quarrel about God

* to witness a war for a genetic, race-based spirituality that excludes people of the "wrong" skin color, and even some with the "right" skin color - but, not enough genetic purity

I pray that the Wind will blow away your spiritual apartheid, that the Rain will wash away your line in the sand, and that the Sun will fill your hearts with love of all things of the Earth.

Hans G. Andersson
Hgawolfnyc
hasse@sprynet.com

When the Earth is sick
and the animals have disappeared,
there will come a tribe of peoples
from all creeds, colours and cultures
who will restore the Earth to its former
beauty.

This tribe will be called "The Warriors of the Rainbow".

Cree Indian Prophecy

From: Brian Bruce mailto:brian89@earthlink.net
Sent: Tuesday, July 07, 1998

I asking of THE NATIVE NATIONS of all this?

My grandmother was Cherokee from N.C. her husband was born in Oaklahoma on the reservation. Of a native mother and part native and white father in 1889. This is on my fathers side on my mothers side her grandfather was said to be a full blooded Cherokee. I am trying to check theses facts I have dark brown hair brown eyes and a ruddy complextion and high cheek bones I am ask if I am indian I say yes PROUDLY.

I am not asking for nothing from no one just to learn the ways and to know about my grandparents. I am honorable man of 38 and a son that is all so learing the ways.

I have met a Bro half lakota and half white who was showed some if not all of the ways. By his Chief and honored with PIPE CARRIER before his chief died.

I have sit in my first sweat and looking forword to the next one. Now does this make me bad a wannabe not worthy of learing the Sacred Ways

Is my heart not pure enough I have grew up being ashamed of being half native or indian now I want to learn of these things. If I have disrespected you or anyone with this letter I am sorry.

For all of theses words are from my heart with tears.

I do not lie or drink or smoke. For I get high and pleasure frome life and all the beauty mother earth has giving us. For I am taught that drinking and things of that nature are not the way.

May all your prays be answered

Brian

Yes you have my permission

I just want to be accepeted for who I am whites made fun of me all my life. I just want to have the chance to see and learn and experience the red side of me.

You could put this with my other letter Thank You. I am brian89@ earthlink if you would like to write me. I take my native side very serious. NO JOKES PLEASE.

Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998
From: Markderder@aol.com
Subject: unity of all peoples

You may post this.

All spiritual paths should be respected, certainly, but to declare war based on cultural matters seems to me to be a big mistake. The real war in the United States isn't just against Indians but the unconscious war of the wealthy businessman against humanity itself and against nature. Instead of focusing on the symbolic we should focus on the real--on actual human lives. The destruction of the environment and the immiseration of poor and working class people ought to be the main focus of Indians and non-Indians alike. We need to respect our differences and work out our differences based on multicultural values but we need to see that our common enemy is the American right wing--conservatism and its unconscious and conscious cultural war against all non-white cultures and against all poor people globally. People of color need to find common purpose with socially awake whites in order to end racism and for the transformation of global society.

Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998
From: TDK kahuna@saipan.com
Subject: Lakota Discussion...

(You May Post)

I've been following this discussion for over a year now and find it interesting. I keep reading the words traditional and religion but in reality few seem to fully understand. A few writers point out that there is no Lakota religion. Some point out that tradition changes. What may be considered traditional today in actuality is far different than 400 years ago so who is to say what truly is traditional or not? What the elders know is what was taught to them, but were they truly taught the "traditional" way or a new way?

If you look into history you'll find that society and culture changes, we have little control over it, things will change. So do traditions and ways of life. Those who refuse to change will be left behind and often hurt. Understanding those changes and learning from the past and applying that to the future is what makes the difference.

I've been told by many "traditionlist" that only an "indian" should use a drum. Well what about everyone else's traditional background? Almost every culture and people in the world at some point developed and used drums, and feathers, and pipes, and headresses, and sweat lodges. Should these people be denied thier history because the Lakota think that only they have these things? The other point is that these are "things", what you personally do with them, how you use them is what may or not make them spiritual. If you travel the world and study different people and their cultures you'll find that the things they use and the method they use it will be very similar in nature to the Lakota. If you remember further in history, we are all of the same making, we all stem from the same original parents therefore why should it matter what the color of our skin is or the language we speak?

Religion...Again study your history, go back further than 300 years. Religion is an organized way of belief. Traditionally in ANY culture, there was not a religion. Each community had their own beliefs, their own spirituality that was a way of life. Not something you necessarily teach, it was what you did, how you lived. Spiriuality comes from within, you don't need a special pipe or sweat to be spiritual or practice spirituality, these things may assist, but to focus on these things is to miss out on true spirituality. Many dances and ceremonies were purely recreational until culture started changing, then these dances were claimed as spiritual in attempts to overt the natural procession of change. Today many cultures/religions practice ceremonies, dances, sweats without knowing the true significance. Along the line a story was made up and that story became known as truth. But in reality people forgot the truth.

Example: There was a little girl who was watching her mother prepare a roast for dinner, the mother cut off both ends of the roast before putting into the oven. The girl asked. "Mom, why did you cut the ends off?" mom was stumped and replied, "I don't know, I guess because my mother always did, that's just how you do it." The little girl was not satisfied and asked again. They then decided to call up grandma and ask, "Grandma, why do you cut the ends off the roast?" to which she replied, "I've never thought about it, I guess because thats the way my mother always did it." The little girl was persistent to find out what the significance was to cutting the ends off the roast, "why do we have this family tradition?"

They then called great-grandma who replied "My mother always cut the ends off, that's just the right way to cook a roast." From there the little girl decided she had to go see her great-great- grandmother who was living in a nursing home. Again the girl asked the question to which GGG replied, "Oh, the roast thing, well in those days we had to cut the ends of the roast off so it would fit into the pan, you see we only had a small pan this size and the roast was usually this big" she stated showing with her hands. This family for half a century carried on a tradition that was started out of practicality, as most all traditions in the world are started.

This is not meant to be negative to any group of people, only to point out that what we may have been tought as truth or tradition, most likely isn't, we must study our past and realize where we all came from. The Lokata did not always live in the Dakotas, all people in the Americas came from somewhere else, that is on e reason the similarities match other cultures in the world. Rather than point out our differences and being greedy thinking noone is like us, face the fact that we are more alike than different, we are all related, we are all of the same race. Differences divide people and cause destruction. Lets build rather than destroy. Knowledge is power and sharing knowledge helps understanding. Withholding knowledge creates misunderstandings. Failure to obtain knowledge and understanding creates failure and disillusionment to the facts. My message here is not only for the Lakota, but all people of all cultures.

(TDK)

Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 (received July 4, 1998)
From: "C.Maat" c.maat@MCI2000.com
Subject: response to declararation/ permission to list E-mail post address

I have sued for peace; giving gifts and returned all parts of a converted pipe-stone semi-indian design (? originally designed for marijuana) pipe to brothers and sisters of the University of South Dakota's Native American Cultural Center in Vermillion S.D.. I had met Mr. Doyle Pipe On Head and have additionally named him Dolphin and all action to this Sioux 'band' will clear me of misrepresentation of sacred pipe use.

May the humor of these actions help to stem the abuse of drugs and alcohol as well.

Rev. Christopher Maat CMaat@MCI2000.com

Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998
From: RICHARD LEFEBVRE richardlefebvre@sympatico.ca

I give you my full and complete permission for this to be posted, I want as many people as possible to hear my opinion (or in this case read it)and I want to hear the reactions, please let me know how I can attain the responses... Thank you

Mel Oak Bear

Hello, my namw is Mel.

I am writing to comment on the decalration of war against the non Indians. I understand the point that you're trying to make, that your religion is exploited and is misunderstood and that you only want your people to learn the religion, and also that your people have gone through mockery and descrimination in the past, and maybe even now, because of your religious practices, but what of the non Indians (like myself) who have absolutely no intention of harming the religious practices in any way and would like to learn more about the practices to enrich her life and so what if she was not born Indian, that is not her fault. If she feels that the Shamanic path is important in her life and she wants to learn about it, if your people will automatically close off to her, how will she learn the true way? I am not a "new age" flakie and I have never had any intention of becoming like that, I have never felt comfortable with the religion I grew up with so why should I have to remain practicing something that I do not feel is right in my heart. I understand the exploitation that your religion has experienced, maybe not fully because I have never fully experienced it but I also experience exploitation every time I go outside my house, I am a woman and I live with stereotypes that really hurt me and my self confidence but I have the right to know my own self woth, no matter who or how many of them say that a woman's place is in the kitchen, I know that I do not like cooking, and I let them know and they learn to deal with it. Like I was saying, what of the people, the non Indians who do not wish to exploit your religious practices and only want to learn, will you shun them out? If you do, I will consider that to be the fact that they were not born into a tribe, cannot and never will be able to understand, therefore, racist and descriminating just because of their background. I amd not calling you people bad, I understand the will to preserve your practices, also remember that not all caucasians are out to ruin the practice and not all of us, or any other group are the same. Some people are honest and only wish to do good and some people are just rotten but I don't think that it is fair to shun out and hate the ones that wish to learn and are not able to because of the label you have placed on them before you have ever had the chance of knowing them.

Sincerely

Mel

Date: Mon, 22 Jun 1998
From: Oligafarm@aol.com

Yes [permission to post on net], We are interested in how others feel about this topic, as there me others in our same boat.

We have read that when the white buffalo was born, it was also the rebirth of the old ways, not just amoungst indian tribes and people, but for all people.

What do you do or where do you go if you feel you are trapped in between two worlds . If you are totally uncomfortable in the Christian religon but feel strongly that you belong spiritually somewhere else. I have been exposed to the groups , leaders and cults that you speak of and still felt uncomfortable and that something was just not right. My husband and I worship in our own way and believe that our prayers are very private ,even as individuals. We feel drawn to the Indians ways and both of us have no Indian blood. There is nowhere for us to learn or be informed of the correct ways of the Indians except by books we feel are close to the truth. What happens to people like us who are left on our own because we are not excepted? We feel we have these strong feelings for a reason and can only practice what we feel is right in our hearts. We have no way to receive any guidance if we need it. All we can do is live our lives in a positive manner and live what we feel is good. We are not wannabes but we know that we were greatly touched by something in a past life to feel this drawn to a way of life, as if you are homesick. Please explain this to us if you feel that we are wrong in feeling this way.

Mark and Diana

Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998
From: "L. Deerfield" svedeka@best.com

(please post this)

I find this declaration both encouraging and disheartening.

My perspective is that of a white person who turned down the pipe.

I was working with a mixed group of whites and mixed blood indians in Boulder, Colorado. I learned several Lakota songs, and attended sweatlodges. I was invited to a sundance not to participate but to help out. We were not of the "two months to enlightenment, better have a vision quest fast" school of thought. The commercialization of the religion disgusted me, and I let my objections be known to stores which either sold pipestone or sold cheaply made pipes without pipestone, but with the obvious intent to pass them off as "authentic" on new agers and hippie kids. I spoke out about anyone who charged for sweatlodges or who tried to call what they did "indian" without the education, tradition, or endorsement of any particular tribe.

The time I spent learning Lakota traditions and spiritual practices taught me a great deal about things that I had not understood. I had a better sense of why selling pipestone in a craft fair was offensive, for instance. I also saw a lot of misdirected hatred at the well-meaning and kind hearted folks trying to learn.

In my opinion, education of an in-depth nature is an important tool toward fostering respect. It allows people to see what Lakota spirituality is and is not, and prevents people from lumping it together as one of the "indian religions" or as "an earth religion." The people that are offensive are not those genuinely seeking spirit (albeit clumsily), but those offering gutted and shallow versions of it to anyone who will buy.

I had a dream about recieving a pipe, and talked about it with my teachers. One told me to make a pipe. The other told me to reject it, and if the dream came again she would speak to her elders and see about having me adopted, but to reject it again. If the dream came a third time, she would petition to have a piece of pipestone cut for me. A second dream came. I did not want to carry a pipe, did not feel ready for the responsibility and did not feel it was my place as a white person, so I did not tell my teachers for a long time...but it became difficult to function. It was like I was always walking two inches over from where I thought I was. It was like I never quite woke up from the dream. Everything in my life came to a halt. So I talked to my teacher, but told her I did not feel ready to be adopted. She arranged for me to go with her to the reservation, but I fell ill and had to cancel. After the illness, my sense of balance with the world returned, but I knew it was time to either take what I was doing as the focus of my life or stop. Since I was not ready for the kind of dedication that the spirit indicated it had in mind for me, and because I was wary about the political implications, I chose to stop. I never had a third dream.

To summarize, I think that it is important to teach something of the practices and ideas of any culture if you expect people to understand how to respect it. But that teaching should be separate from a practice. I did not enjoy the position of feeling like I was choosing between a vision from spirit and honoring the ways of the Lakota, and I think that separating education from practice could have prevented that. Years have passed, but if I ever have that third dream, I will be obligated to obey it. But I think the right way to do this is not as a white person, but as an indian. It would be necessary to become an indian, and for it to be a real committment, not part-time or part-way. One of the beautiful things about the Lakota traditions is the possibility for someone who is born an outsider to be adopted. I hope that in an effort to purge the insidious influence of commercialism and new ageism, that does not get pushed aside.

-L. Deerfield

Date: Tue, 02 Jun 1998
From: wiest int'l wiest@ens.net

You have my permission to post this message.

My "white" name is LeMoyne Argo Wiest. My "indian" name is Toka Oyuspa--Catch Enemy. I am Hunkpapa, Wakan band, Rock Creek district of Standing Rock.

My great-great grandfather, Wizi Ogle, was killed attacking Sibley's Minnesota cavalry when they ventured out to "Dakota Territory" (see MN. Sioux uprising). His name can best be interpreted as a concept: "the sun surrounds him like a shirt" or in more artsy terms, like a "halo." He is also referred to as "sun dreamer" or "dreamer of the sun". He is also known as Grey Eagle. He is from a "good" and "important" Hunkpapa family. If you are Lakota, you know what this means. One of Wizi Ogle's wives (from whom I am descended) name is translated as "Woman who goes about on her own." She was an Oglala.

My great-grandfather is Wanblee Hota--Grey Eagle (born 1850). He is also Wakan. It was he who Sitting Bull asked to marry both sisters (Seen by Her Nation or Her Nation Looks to Her) and Four Robes (known as Four Blankets at Pine Ridge), thus gaining a limited amount of importance amongst the Hunkpapa (please, do not overestimate Sitting Bull's importance, though he was important). Grey Eagle participated in the battles of the Rosebud (not under Crazy Horse!), Greasy Grass (Little Big Horn--where there was no specific leader), Milk River (under Long Dog -- not Sitting Bull), and many other forays. He loved to acquire horses from "enemies."

My grandfather's name is "Running Horse" (born 1971). His white name is Clarence Grey Eagle. He, of course, was at Rosebud, Greasy Grass, and Canada (under Black Moon and Four Horns--not Sitting Bull). He was the "prime mover" in returning Sitting Bull's bones to South Dakota (Sitting Bull was buried at Fort Yates, right in the middle of the Yanktonai, or as they are sometimes called, "beggers" and "hangers about the fort."

My mother's name is "Kills at Night Woman." Her white name is Jeanette Grey Eagle-Wiest. She earned a warriors name (a grandfather's name) because she served in the US Navy during WWII. In addition to being descended from Grey Eagle on her father's side, she is descended on her mother's side from Loud Bear, Catch Enemy, Running First, etc.

You have just received a "traditional" (ca. 1800's) introduction to who I am and why you would listen. This is what I have to say:

1. There is NO Lakota religion. There is only a spiritual belief system, which through some ceremonies, bind us together as Lakota.
2. Each and every individual has his own relationship with Wakan Tanka and the spirits. It can be shared with others, but is not a religion.
3. The Hunka ceremony is only for men. It is for an older warrior and a "novice" warrior. It is stronger than blood. It is a rare thing.
4. The "sweat" is only for men. Women have their own ceremonies.
5. The "seeking of a vision" is only for men. Women have their own ceremonies.
6. The "sun dance" piercing is only for men. It is a once in a lifetime event, if done at all.
7. Today, there are "indians" and there are "descendents of indians".

Concerning points 4 & 5 above, old "traditional" women say that bad things will happen if you try to take what belongs to the men. Concerning point 3, the Hunka ceremony has been totally desecrated by your "new age" "for profit" "indian medicine men". Maybe other people and races too.

"White" people can become indians. In the old days, many did. But you can not become an indian for the weekend, or to get out of a punishment for a wrongful deed. A "full-blood" does not necessarily make an indian. This is in reference to point 7.

Yes, whites have done much harm to us. Even worse, we have done more harm to ourselves.

Of course, I only speak for myself and most of the "traditional" Hunkpapas. Please note that my definition of traditional is specific to the ways of the Hunkpapa during a specific time period (roughly 1850 -1890). These ways I learned from my grandfather and mother (who learned from her Grandfathers).

And yes, traditions change, but not always are the changes good.

And I have yet to meet a "holy" man! That is all I have to say.

P.S. If anyone wants to contact me with a good heart, I am at "wiest@ens.net" (for the time being). If you are just "sica", talk to yourself in a mirror.

P.P.S. Please keep in mind that Hunkpapas are similar to Oglala and Brules (sic), but that we are not the same. We Hunkpapas are Saones, and are not of the Titonwan. We are most similar in things to the Mnecojou.

----
Dear Enemies:

A giveaway would be nice. I would post my credit card number and let you all take whatever you feel you deserve, on the honor system of course -- but dogs don't have credit cards.

What I do have to give, though, is a song, with apologies to Louis Prima, who is, after all, "Just a gigalo"

Just a Wanabi

Well .... I'm just a wanabi
Without a tribe ID
That's what they say about me
I dream the prophecies
And ceremonies
But I just a lil' -- wanabi!
I may have had some blood way back when
But grandma went off with whitey
And now she talks to me
But I'm just a wanabi
Life goes on without me!

Cos ....
I ain't got no ID
No card in my pocket
No pedigree on me
And I'm sad and lonely
Won't some plastic medicine man please take a chance with me?
Maybe I can't talk or dance
but I can chop some wood
I'll be real quiet and discreet,
won't shame your neighborhood
Cos I ain't got no ID
I'm just a wanabi!

I wasn't raised this way
So maybe I oughta stay
Back in the Jesuit mission
I'm just a wanabi
But this is what I see:
(Though I got no permit to vision)
The pod has gotta pop
The seeds have gotta drop
And go wherever the wind sends 'em
Or else there won't be
Any more trees --
Life goes on without 'em!

But ... I ain't got no ID
No BIA greencard
No proof in my pocket
And I'm sad and lonely
Some newage hobby horse please --
won't you place a bet on me!
Even little puppies get to eat the crumbs that fall
Please someone throw some water at that stray mutt by the wall (Woof!)
Cos I'm just a wanabi
And life goes on without me!

Date: Fri, 24 Apr 1998
From: Hankpenn Hankpenn@aol.com

Permission for posting granted.

Simply stated: God/Great Spirit/Creator of the Universe/You Name It What You Want is too big to fit inside one religion. You would probably call me a "wannabe", but you would be wrong. I like the perspective that standing in a different place on the circle gives me. Being Indian would be an honor, but then I wouldn't be me, and I couldn't imagine a life without the perspective one gets when viewing things from a distance.

Surely exploitation does exist, but that does not prevent those who wish to practice traditional ceremonies from doing so. Since Spirit is too great to be embodied in any one pipe, prayer, or holy book, you needn't worry so about losing it. Spirit is endless. If such semi-Indian practices help non-Indians gain Spirit while Indians practice their ceremonies as desired, it's a win-win situation. Non-Indians get to be "more there" spiritually without making their Indian brothers "less".

It is true that God sent many messengers and methods. While we were isolated from one another, the messages that fit our environment were the easiest too understand. These days, our environment is much larger. To try to limit the message makes being a spiritual being much harder than it needs to be. We constantly come up against other messages that make sense or don't to us, but that in a multi-cultural society, we must live with. Sometimes, the smaller versions of our religions just don't seem to fit the larger world. Why not recognize that our environment has grown, and as always we must listen to the message as it makes sense to both our hearts and our minds? How wonderful that God cared enough to tell us so many times of a good way to live in His Creation!

You go ahead and make your war and all that noise will drown out the voice of God as He tries to speak to the hearts of the people, all people. I fully support traditional Lakota and other Native American religions for Native people who choose to follow them. However, just as the forcing of Christianity upon unwilling persons was and is wrong, so is the taking away of a method of worship/communion with God that is working to connect people to their Creator.

And yes, sometimes, the pipes, dreamcatchers, songs, and dances are done for purely aesthetic reasons. But I think God appreciates beauty, too, or he wouldn't have made so many pretty colors of people. It is possible for an item or words to be both pleasing to the spirit and to the senses.

Lastly, New Agers is a misnomer. Most of the practices I've heard of are age old. It would appear that seeking a Higher Power/Greater Spirit is a timeless endeavor.

Final thought: White America and the Indian Nations have each held the eagle up in their worlds as an emblem of strength and vision. While they fight each other as to who can describe the eagle's power best, the eagle flies free above it all. You be red or white if you want, I'd rather be the eagle

Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 -- posted May 15, 1998
From: "Dale E. & Kathleen K. Lehman" lehket@erols.com

Amen! The invaders stole everything they could from the natives, and the misguided appropriation of their religion is an attack more serious and more insidious than anything perpetrated at Sand Creek or in the Black Hills. The plastic medicine men must be stopped.

I freely grant my permission to publish this statement on the internet.

--Kathleen Lehman

Date: Mon, 11 May 1998
From: tuka tuka@gate.net
Subject: Re: web-page

Dear Sir,

I give you permission to post it,

Respectfully,
Talking Leaves

Dear Sir,

I have always followed my heart and intution on my beliefs. I am what some people call a mutt or Hienes 57.. I am neither white nor red nor black nor yellow nor brown. The history of my family comes from many parts of this world. I feel very much connected to Mother Earth and to the Native Americans, many to the Lakota's. My father's family came from South Dakota but could not tell you any more then that. I have a love for all life and for all people. I have always followed and believed in the Native ways since I was a small child.. There is a love for nature and people that I do not know very well.

The one thing that our ancestors' have taught us is to love and teach others of the Great Spirit, to respect the land (Mother Earth). We live in a new time and a new era and we must move on with the growth and change in our world and teach others to respect the land and others and to be as one with each other. Their has been so much hate in the past and it needs to end. We need to teach truth, honor and love for every race, religion and culture. This is a time for unity and division. If people are teach the wrong way, then may you need to teach them the right way and seek the truth in yourself as to the right way to do it. People want to know and want to be connect to the land as they once where to Mother earth. There is a little bit of Indian in every one. They all may not be from America but at one time or another they all respected the land as the American Indians did. We need to get connected again....the land is hurting from us abusing the land, and it is not just America it is every land of the world. We all live here and we must work as one to put it back together... Instead of hating of white men or black men or yellow men, let re-focus on clean up our lands of pollution. Let us end the use of illegal drugs or abuse of or pharmacutical drugs and of alcohol in the homes or the guns that the kids are taking to school and killing their class mates. Let us end the violence in the world and make peace and let us all find our paths back to the creator whatever name we give him. But let us do it with an open heart and an open mind.

I practice Native American cermonies and I am on many Native American web pages and have been trained by Native Americans. I am very proud of who I am, and what I do in my spirituality... and will share it openly with any one who is sincere in knowing the truth. I do not do it for profit or for an ego.. I am healer not a rich white or red person... but I am part of the circle of life, as I am a part of Mother Earth as you are... Live life with open eyes that you may see and hear the people around you and know that with each word you speak you say it to a thousand people. That each word becomes a chain and will affect person upon another person. That you only have one time here, in this century and what you say and do, affects people in so many ways. That you may make a change in their lives that you may or may not know...

Live in Peace and Harmony,
Love and Light,

Date: Mon, 04 May 1998 14:37:45 -0700
From: MELANIE TRINKLE melanie.trinkle@Eng.Sun.COM
Subject: Lakota Ceremonies

you have my permission to post this message. E-mail responses encouraged. :)

I am of Austro/Hungarian and Turkish decent. I am third generation here as a U.S. citizen, but I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, and moved to the United States when I was seventeen. To look at me, you would see a white woman. To understand my way of thinking, you would think I was Japanese. To see my spirit, what do you see? Are we not all of the same spiritual substance? Should I be Buddhist, Hindi, muslim, or Catholic? Where am I "from?" I can't even answer that question! Culturally, I am an international citizen. I have lived and travelled all over the world. I have been received warmly in every culture I have crossed paths with. Why? Its a thing called respect. I have never tried to be a "wanna-be". Just wanted to learn from others, and share what little I have with them. (And I'm not a New Ager either!) Is it wrong for my spirit to respond to sacred songs, to leap when our Creator touches my soul? Does anyone have exclusive rights to God??? Will you insist that my dreams are not real or the grandfathers have not visited me?? Believe me, they found me, I did not go looking for them. They sought me out. Will you scorn and mock me for praying the way I do?

I pray for all nations. I am praying for YOU!

I do, however, feel a deep heaviness for exploited sacred things. My heart cries, and my hands hang feeble at my sides. I shudder in horrific amazement, as I study American History. I refuse to be classified with those...those.... creatures! They didn't teach me thorough American History in Japan, so this is fairly new for me. King Solomon said, "With much wisdom comes much sorrow". Well, he sure hit the nail on the head.

So, what can I do about it. Any suggestions?
Mitakuye Oyasin - and I mean ALL my relations!
Melanie

Date: Sun, 03 May 1998
From: FirehairSS FirehairSS@aol.com
Subject: Spirituality/blood quantum

Well, if you will correct my typos, (never proof your own work :-) ) and feel it worthwhile, it's postable.!

Blood quantum has little/not much to do with Sprituality, or how Indian one is, how "pure". We have had sporadic contact with Peoples of the world for 40,000 years. We have not been "pure" since shortly after Creator put us here. My own People, documented some 12/13 thousand years in the N.e. corridor (Lenape/Delaware) My 4th great gradnmother was a Holy Wopman, who taught the Longhouse Ceremonies, etc to the Ohio Delaware and Shawnee......and she was not a full blood, technically speaking, her father being a mixed blood.

Her mixed blood sons md mixed blood women.--as did her grandchildren--and so it went

What of Federal, Reservation Indians, Chiefs, Tribal Council People, who are of high blood quantoum, yet are selling out to the BIA and everyone else while their People go hungry?

Genetics and blood quantum--like I say, have little to do with one's Spirituality, the living of our Ancestors philosphies/ beliefs--which do not require one to wear buckskins, or spout the "I want to live in the woods" routine. Too many of our People are out there attempting to fill the Governmental/ societal image of the "nobel savage" ---which never existed.

Due to Indians not being citizens of the U.S. until June 1924---and many states not recognising even that Federal dictate---with native teachings, language, gatherings, events and ways outlawed, how do you begin to reconcile the inability to learn, teach and be,--- with that?

Many of us have come back late to what should have been ours all along. 60% of this country's Indians is made up of non federal, non reservation, non card carrying, Indians.

As an Activist for Native People (in my own small way) I can assure you, most non governmental Indians are working harder, trying more, and learning faster, who,what they are, where they want to head---than those who were forced onto reservations, and have been born with a number waiting for them..

I'm currently putting together the genealogies of 2 Federal , reservation born and raised, Indians, one a Chief---who does not know past his parent on one side, or past his grandparents on the other---he got his card at birth---that is all that counted., now in his 70s., after a lifetime of alcohol abuse, illness and tragedy, he is seeking his history, his Spirituality, and acceptance. of who he is in total.

If you would reflect on the Ancestral Philosphy, which is a common thread to most tribes, you will understand more of what I saPurety of custom, ways, beleifs, tradition, Spirituality lies within the individual, how they walk their path, how they listen, and how they live.

I wish you well, and safe journies.

Firehair Shining Spirit

Date: Sat, 02 May 1998
From: BUTTER1FLY BUTTER1FLY@aol.com
Subject: Spirituality

yes I would like it posted and comments back. This is a subject that greatly disturbs me.

I am very concerned about the selling and desecration of our culture. I fight daily to keep the ways traditional for my children to carry forward. I am concerned with the way the webpage insinuates the need for blood quantum to keep the ways pure. Many children were taken away from their culture and their people at an early age. The children, now adults, are having trouble finding the connection with the people they come from. Or maybe it is their children or grandchild that are trying to return. Should we deny them for something another culture and/or religious beliefs has done?

Why should we as a people allow the government to determine if we are Native American or not? Why are we the only ones that have to carry a cattle tag (pedigree) of who we are? There is no other culture in the United States that has to do that. Doesn't that make us an easy target? Doesn't that help to divide us as a people? If we unite, we are strong. Our voices are not easily ignored. But if we are divided, as we have been for decades, we are weak and will continue to fall.

I, personally, would prefer to stand strong, with my brothers and sisters. Show an united force of one and win this battle together.

Butter1fly

Date: Sat, 02 May 1998
From: Jim Walker bearboy@uniserve.com
Subject: Declaration of War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality

You may print or publish this in its complete, unaltered, original text. You may use my email address to facilitate any responses.

I applaud the sentiments expressed in this declaration. Everyone I meet is misguided about the way I live. I carry my Grandfather's name. He was a scout, then a hunter, then a warrior, then a medicine man and then a chief. I follow in his footsteps because he was my Grandfather. People try to understand my life instead of living theirs and so they fail to understand any of it. They read books and try to be something they are not.I needed help to know what I know. I would not have made it this far without help. I was taught by respected blanket men, in respected medicine societies. One of the things I was taught about was how to measure all things. I use what I learn from applying that standard. None of this way of life has never been written down because of the danger of misinterpretation. I think that people make things say what they want them to say, anyway. They hear what they want to hear. They behave badly when presented with this kind of information. People are careful when choosing a car or a house. They don't seem to spend as much time or effort on their spirituality. I am not surprised that people think more about the car or the house than about life. Living is hard work and learning about it just gives you more questions that require more living.You should ask yourself about relationships. How are you related to things? How about the meaning of things? Is there more than this? What are you missing? Have you checked your relationship with your Creator lately? Most people lie to themselves and others most of the time. If any of these questions caused you to react, then you are a person who lies to yourself and others. How much do you understand? These words will not be understood just by reading them. Words that are put on paper have no meaning unless you know the person who said them, know what actions lead to an understanding and then live that way. You can't be your own teacher. You need a place to start. Understanding takes years. Don't think that reading a book constitutes a way of life. Read words carefully and incorporate them in all that you think and do and you might experience enough of life to recognize the teachers. Action is a way of life, not words. The teachings in my society describe a way of life. Many people lay claim to that way of life. Few follow it. Some manipulate it for their own benefit. Some separate it from themselves by naming it. Some say they will explain it to you in easy terms. Not many live this way because few are generous and courageous enough to live through the experiences.

This is a strange time that we live in. I am an Indian who is a member of several medicine societies. I worked with plants and animals at a time when it was bad to be an Indian. Indians were looked down upon and suffered because of discrimination. Indians were very unpopular. I have been an Indian all my life. I was born an Indian and never allowed to forget that fact. I have been learning with and teaching Indians for more than a quarter century. I am related by blood to some of the most famous and misunderstood Indians of the last two centuries. It is still bad to be an Indian. I still am a member of those societies and I still work with plants and animals but now I suffer because of a very peculiar form of discrimination. It is now popular to be an Indian. I have met Non-Indians who claim to be better Indians than the Indians I have learned from. Many of these people are self proclaimed shamans, healers, medicine men or women, gurus, seers. According to them, they are better at it than those who carry on backed by more than thousands of years of experience and tradition. These instant achievers pluck their knowledge and wisdom from the air or other mysterious sources and carry no responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

Here are some guidelines for those who seek a truthful way of life. Understand that you are being deceived when:

The truths you seek are costing you in worldly goods and do not require generosity, courage, wisdom and compassion in your personal nature.... There are no practical, useful tools offered for dealing with your problems....You do not have to struggle to understand the way of life that is being taught.... The person teaching you has no verifiable elders whose wisdom they learned and now pass on to you.... You are not being taught how to recognize your elders....You are asked to believe all that is told to you on faith alone....

Matohokshila miyelo, mitakuye oyasin.

Biography:

I am a member of a tribal offshoot of the Lakota (Sihasapa). My ancestral home is the area from the Bow and Elbow rivers (Calgary) of southern Alberta, Canada, south into Montana, USA and westward into the Rocky Mountain Range. I was born in Edmonton, Alberta under the auspices of a Canadian Government "forced genocide by integration" program (which ran in the early 50 - 60's and was later officially denied) for Indians. The Department of Indian Affairs in cooperation with the Department of Social Services coerced my mother (and 10,000+ more like her across Canada) to give up her child, at birth, under the pretense that she was incapable of caring for me. Many of the 10,000+ children were taken off the reserves under fraudulent protective custody or similar orders. I never knew my parents and was adopted by white parents (as part of the integration program) at the age of two months. In 1964 - 1966 ,while staying in the rural area close to Alix, Alberta, Canada I met Walking Buffalo. That summer taught me about my ancestors' way of life and the words we exchanged still guide me. In 1971 I left home and in 1973 began to seriously pursue the traditional ways of my people. By learning and participating in these ways and I became a member of a medicine society and work with medicine societies all over North America.

Date: Tue, 28 Apr 1998
From: Joe & Rhonda Thiaville rjt@bitstorm.net
Subject: wow

Disappointing

Declaring war on those willing to further Native American Spiritualism. You would declare WAR on me? I come in the name of PEACE. You would declare WAR on me? I offer you my PIPE. You would declare WAR on me? I offer you my LODGE and FOOD. You would declare WAR on me? I am sorry you feel you must, I offer my HEART. You declare War on me, when all I want is to give to others what Grandfather has given to me. I may not be able to prove the extent of Native blood in my veins, my eyes are green and my skin may not be as red as others but the truth still resides within me. If war is what you decree than you have already lost, you lose the truth. If war is to be declared then, declare war on Ignorance, not on those who's desires are to be apart of the Great Mystery. I would think that you would be proud to know there are people out there trying hard to walk the sacred path, I would think that you would embrace it. Brothers/Sisters have we missed the point, every day the traditions become a little more blurred, the elders are becoming fewer and less is being passed along, the younger generation is less interested in the old ways and this my friends is the fault of every one.

Remember the Christians who came and degraded the old ways, remember the struggle keeping you/our people together? Have you forgotten hiding to hold sacred ceremonies? Have you forgotten what your grand parents and great grand parents did to keep their spirituality alive? Now when people like my self come to you and ask for guidance and ask to be taught in the old ways of tradition and wisdom and truth, you would send me away? I who come with no roots of my own, no known heritage of my own, a wondering child, you would send me away and deny me?

You wish to declare WAR, then lets do it together, lets declare WAR on IGNORANCE and PHONIES. You wish to win the WAR, then quit being so possessive and share with all Men the truths handed down. Teach those who are willing to learn the old ways regardless of colors or blood lines. I beg you to re consider your decleration, what you are proposing is death to the truth and spirituality of yours and my adopted family. I can't believe that Grandfather would have it any other way I don't believe He would shut the door in the face of any one who's heart is pure.

You would call me a wannabe, you say my name is false, you say as a Medicine Man I am a phony, you say I have no right to claim to be a shaman. These are things you have said. I ask you, how is it that you judge me, do know my heart?

Wakan Tanka nici un
Joseph White Medicine Eagle, The lost Lakota...

If you feel it will be helpful [to post this message], do so. And thanks for even considering it

Yes I give you my permission to post my statement.

Joseph

Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998
From: Jon & Tay cathbad@alltel.net
Subject: On the Lakota Declaration

{I hereby give permission for reprint of this document}

To The Tribal Elders,

I have read the declaration, I have to admit I stood up and cheered when I read it. Let me start by saying, that I myself, am 1/4 Cherokee. My great-grandmother was full blood, and I am very proud of that heritage. But, long I have felt, that I was not native enough to defile and defame the sacred traditions of the native people by presuming to practice their ways. I have watched from afar, and enjoyed the beauty and sacredness of their traditions, and it has given me great pride to know that is a part of my lineage, and that is enough.

What I'm writing to propose is that the Lakota nation might seek to join hands with other native peoples in the United States, and pull some type of forum together that will educate the public as to what 'shamanism' is NOT. #1 start with the root of the word itself - as it comes from the siberian tungus tribes; and not, the native american tribes. I am not proposing that any of your sacred rituals or secrets of tradition be made public. I would not do that, and no one would expect that. What I am proposing, is some sort of documentary, where tribal elders speak out against the rising wave of neo-pagan silliness - that calls itself 'shamanism', and claims to walk 'The Good Red Road'. I think you should expose them, I think you should gather their writings, and their silly little instruction tapes from all the metaphysical book stores that you can. You should view them, cut and splice them, and respond. I think it's time the american people know the truth, about the REAL american people, the Native Americans. We could in fact seek to petition PBS to do a docu-drama on the plight of your people to save their sacred traditions, from the mire that is 'modern paganism'.

I hope you will consider taking on this task, I love my people; don't get me wrong. I don't withhold from practice out of shame. I withhold from practice because my skin is far too white. I practice the traditions of my Gael ancestors. It is a path that closely mirrors your own. It is that which I am comfortable with, and wish I could share with those of you.

I wish you well, in your fight. The Truth will prevail. The Truth is a constant, no one can change that. We have to change their perceptions of that truth.


Gods be with you, Tayame Lawson
Clan MacLaren - NC
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 1998
From: Iain MacAnTsaoir peaceagl@vol.com

I do give permission for this to be posted to the public in any forum deemed appropriate.

Madainn mhath dhuibh,

I am Ian MacAnTsaoir, that is the Gaelic of the name given me by my parents. The name that had been given was the English version of the same name. I am of Gaelic heritage as well as Shawnee.

While I have Shawnee heritage, I was not brought up in Shawnee culture, or around Shawnee people. I was brought up in the white culture around white people. At the age of 16 I experienced some awakening within myself. There were things I recognized as being inherantly wrong with the culture I lived in (I am a citizen of the USA). I began exploring my Native American heritage. I sought the beliefs of these people because at 16, that was the only alternative I could see. Eventually I ended up serving in the Marine Corps, where I was wonded in action in 1982. While recovering I ran into and became friends with Wanbli Sapa, a Lakota man. He taught me to establish a healthy relationship with myself, with the world around me and with Spirit. He taught me, or rather convinced me, of the importance of ancestral ways and of tribal structures. A few eeks before I shipped out, I saw him for the last time, and I promised him that I would seek the ancestral ways of my ancestors. Now I am more White in heritage than I am Red, and it took a long time to figure out that the ancestral ways of my Gaelic ancestors was the road to follow.

Along the way I heard a great many people state that the old ways of the white tribes were gone. I heard them say that Rome had eradicated the tribal structures, and that the Church had eradicated the ancestral ways of the Gael. I am glad I did not listen to them. Though the tribal structures per si are gone, the customs and beliefs and values are not gone. The language, in which so much of the worldview is preserved, still exists. They are there for any who would learn them, take them back up, and live them. It just takes a little effort to find the repositories of the old knowledge, it takes a greater effort to internalize them so as to *live* the old ways, customs and values. It takes effort, but anything worth having is worth working for, and with our history as a race, it is a suprise Spirit is talking to us at all. But Spirit is talking, and pleading even, that we take back our ancestral ways and begin dancing with our relatives in creation and not on them. No one need steal from our Red Cousins, for any reason, everything else is an excuse.

I am involved with an organization that presents freely on the web, the fruits of research into the ways of our Gaelic ancestors. I know what of I am speaking. The old ways of Gael does live still, and there are people all over who independent of each other, are reforming their clanns and tribes, based on those beliefs and values and customs. That organization is called the Clannada na Gadelica, and it stands with the Red Nations in defending their traditional ways against New Age predators, likewise it stands to defend the Gaelic ways, and to help all of our peoples, where we can, to bring these sacred ways back as powerful things in peoples lives.

Beannach leibh, mar sin leat!
Iain MacAnTsaoir,
Taoiseach, Clannada na Gadelica
Comhairleoir, Clann MacAnTsaoir

www.clannada.org
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998
From: jessica williams gentlhwk@transport.com

i can not prove my haritige but i strongly honor your defence of the native american spirituality. too many believe thenselves to be shaman after a weekend workshop. and too many sell thier sudo-spirituality. i would like you to also consider that there are "whites" that do have true and seeking minds.and have the heart of a native american. these people i feel given the opportunity could help keep the old ways alive . i have been to some of the native american message boards and have felt the hate for all whites. i have been called a wannabe by them because i want to learn what my ancesters turned away from for the safety of our family at that time in american history. my great grandfather took a white woman as wife and i lost my haritage. thank you for standing strong for the old ways.i will support your war in any way i can.

sencerely jessica At 06:28 AM 4/15/98 -0400, you wrote:
>do you want this publicly posted?

yes, if you feel it would be in the best interest of understanding.. thank you ...jessica

Date: Tue, 14 Apr 1998
From: SBuck62050 SBuck62050@aol.com

Subject: Response

I understand there should be concern about how the two race idolgies interact and settle into balance. How this concern is mediated is very important to me. I am mostly if not totally of eropean origin. My fathers people have been on this continent for around 400 years, my mothers for about 200 years. In this time why wouldn't we ( my blood family) become more intune with or in balance with the natural spirit of this continent? This is not to minimize those peoples who have been here for 1000s' or 10's of 1000s' of years. Where do those of us go to worship when we know longer believe in capitalism, only poeple have a soal, inanimate objects are dead, and statis is reflected by what we aquire and keep?

Can there be any truth to the visions of some native peoples that tell them native people who have died are returning in the dominate race? If this is so should there be a way for them to keep and express who they once were? I don't have the answers to these questions. I am a ordinary man doing my best to live an up lifting life for those around me and myself. I have had deep intimate expeiences with my sacred pipe. If I am a 'wanabe' it's I wanabe close to the creator. I wanabe showing my sincerety in ways that have been shown to the people of this place.

How to show respect has to be learned. It is possible to have respect in the heart and be outwardly disrespectful out of ignorance. You have my permission to post this. I don't understand why I was not able to access any other opinions.

The Seal of Creighton University
This page is managed by
Rev. Raymond A. Bucko, S.J.
of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology
at Creighton University.

E-Mail: bucko@creighton.edu

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