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I know that quite a few
make posts on the net about traditions and many mean well when they do.
There are some things
that must be understood though. In many cases you are doing a great
disservice to our People. Particularly the ones really trying to learn.
I hear the term "to the Indians it means this" or " the
Indians do it this way " or "this is an Indian Tradition".
Got a question for ya Slick. Just WHAT INDIANS are you
talking about? Seems these posts are seldom specific.
Second, lets get something straight right here and
now...I am ANIYUHNWIYA...one of THE PRINCIPLE PEOPLE......I AM NOT
INDIAN!
I am Native American alright, but so is anyone else who
was born on Turtle Island!
To call me Indian is an insult.
First I did not ask Columbus his opinion on what I
should be called...neither did my ancestors!
Second, the name Indian seems to be just a title for a
stereotype that covers all our People and all our ways.
Don't even try to put us in that classification!
I write a lot about traditions and our People in
general. I do not claim to be all knowing.
I learn what I do from
our Elders and spend a great deal of time just sitting listening to them
talk, not from some crystal toting wannabe with goose feathers, dyed to
look like eagle feathers, in his or her hair trying to tell me they will
put me on the Red Path.
They don't have a clue what the Red Path is.
I make it a point, that if I write something, and an
Elder finds fault in it, I will make it clear to everyone that I made a
mistake and then give them the correct info along with my apology.
Almost every Nation of our People called themselves
"The People", in their own language, in one form are another.
Each Nation had it's own language, it's own customs and
traditions and this should be recognized and not grouped together under
the title Indian Traditions.
There are Indian traditions in India, but NOT HERE.
For those trying to learn I say this. Learn your
Peoples True Name, learn their true customs and traditions of their
Nation.
If you really listen to what you are told it does not
take long to realize who is speaking the truth.
They will not ask for money.
They will not ask for fame nor a following of people.
They will only ask, as do I, that you listen with your
ears and your heart.
That you learn the truth and that you do not let the
truth be smothered by false words.
That you honor your ancestors, your People and
yourself.
So says, Spirit Hawk ^i^ |