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NO MORE HATE!
| Blackfoot |
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| Shield |
My inner soul and spirits are in this page...this is where and with whom I find my most peace.
Unless you have been here or have this in your heart you could never understand the feelings these people bring to me.
| Native Village..Trail of Tears |
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| This village was set up on Hwy 72 on Trail of Tears route..2001 |
The Legend of the White Buffalo
One summer a long time ago, the seven sacred council fires of the Lakota Sioux came together
and camped. The sun was strong and the people were starving for there was no game.
Two young men went out to hunt. Along the way, the two men met a beautiful young woman dressed
in white who floated as she walked. One man had bad desires for the woman and tried to touch her, but was consumed by a cloud
and turned into a pile of bones.
The woman spoke to the second young man and said, "Return to your people and tell them I am
coming." This holy woman brought a wrapped bundle to the people. She unwrapped the bundle giving to the people a sacred pipe
and teaching them how to use it to pray. "With this holy pipe, you will walk like a living prayer," she said. The holy woman
told the Sioux about the value of the buffalo, the women and the children. "You are from Mother Earth," she told the women,
"What you are doing is as great as the warriors do."
Before she left, she told the people she would return. As she walked away, she rolled over
four times, turning into a white female buffalo calf. It is said after that day the Lakota honored their pipe, and buffalo
were plentiful. (from John Lame Deer's telling in 1967).
| My white buffalo photo shoot. :) |
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| Notice how adult buffalo surround baby to protect. :) |
| White Buffalo |
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| I was greatly honored to take pictures of this beauty. |
| This was a scary time !!! |
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| I snapped this picture as Alpha buffalo was charging me. |
| This is Kitagas/Joel |
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| Thanks for the many answers and help, Kitagas..wado...:) |
| This is Rondo |
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| My Native Grass Dancer friend. :) |
| Pat & kids |
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| Marion Pow Wow..l-r..Heather, Pat, Patrick & Rose |
| Robert Mirabal concert |
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| Pow Wow |
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| Robert Mirabal |
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| at Soaring Eagle casino |
| Robert Mirabal |
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Pow Wow Protocol
When you attend a Pow Wow, it is important to remember
that you are a guest, and an observer of ancient ceremonies and traditions that have survived every possible adversity. Here
are things you need to know for proper behavior: Under No Circumstances Is Alcohol Or Drugs Allowed On Pow Wow Grounds. Alcohol
is the greatest curse ever visited on the Native American, and it will not be tolerated. If you come to a Pow Wow drunk, or
you bring alcohol or drugs with you, you will be escorted out by tribal security. If you can't stay sober for a few hours,
then you're in the wrong place. The area for dancing and ceremonies is called the arena, and its boundaries are usually marked
by hay bales set in a circle. There is a sheltered area which can either be in the form of an arbor, or simply a canopy, which
designates a resting place for the elders, the dancers and singers, and the Pow Wow officials. Take care not to sit in these
places, which are easy to spot if you pay attention. There will be chairs, articles of clothing, and other personal belongings
in plain sight.
It is common to see tipis and lodges set up on the grounds.
These Are Not Open To The Public. Pow Wow participants live in the tipis during the gathering and they are, in fact, their
homes for the duration. Respect their privacy. Tipis and other structures set up for classes and demonstrations will be clearly
marked. If a map or guide to the area is offered, it would be a good idea to get one. Once the dance arena has been blessed
with sage and prayer, it becomes spiritual ground. Do not walk across the arena, and don't allow your children to run into
the arena. You will be chastised by the announcer or other Pow Wow official. I can think of no safer place for children than
a Pow Wow, but that should not be a signal for them to run wild and be disrespectful. Don't Take Pictures At Random - Either
Still Shots Or Video. Some large Pow Wows require that you register your camera, and will put a number on it. The announcer
will tell the audience when pictures are permitted. Pay Attention. I have seen cameras confiscated and film destroyed because
people did not listen, and did not take instructions seriously. If there is a particular dance you want to photograph, Ask
Permission Of The Announcer. If he says no, give it up. Some dances are sacred, and are never to be photographed. If you see
a dancer who is especially striking, ask if you may take a picture After He Or She Leaves The Arena. It would be a courtesy
to take his or her name and address and send a print of the photo. Human kindness and consideration are always long remembered,
and deeply appreciated.
Protocol for pictures is different depending upon
the part of the country you're in, and the customs of the Pow Wow Committee. If you see videos being taken, and professional
looking camera crews, chances are they represent a Native organization which sells Pow Wow videos, or newspaper and magazine
photographers who have gotten permission and clearance before the event. Be wise, and be cautious - ask first. A dancer's
clothing is Regalia - not a costume - and is a prized possession. Some regalia has been handed down through the generations,
and is priceless. When a dancer decides to "come out" in a particular style, the regalia reflects the spirit and customs of
the people being honored. This is no small decision, and a "coming out" ceremony for a new dancer is cause for a great celebration.
The regalia is handmade, usually by the dancer, friends and family, and every article has special meaning. It takes years
to collect the items until the regalia is complete, and this involves no small expense. Do Not Ever Touch A Dancer's Regalia
without permission. The regalia is an expression of spirit, and has been prayed over and blessed. Honor it, the person wearing
it, and the living history it represents.
Finally, put aside the Hollywood image of what an "Indian"
looks like. Natives come in all sizes, shapes and colors. From the milky skinned blue-eyed blond and the green-eyed redhead
to the dark brown and black, they are all Native in their heritage, blood and heart. Some are tall and stately; some are short
and stocky. Some have long, angular faces; some have round faces; some have round eyes; some have almond shaped eyes, and
some have a definite Oriental slant to their eyes. As you learn, and become more knowledgable of Native history and anthropology,
you will become aware that these physical characteristics are a clear indication of the lineage of that person's heritage.
Do not be so insensitive as to ask someone if they are "Indian", or "how much Indian are you, anyway"? Would you ask a native
of Japan "how much Japanese are you, anyway"? Don't scoff! It's happened to me.
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NATIVE AMERICAN CODE OF ETHICS
1.Rise with the sun to pray. Pray alone. Pray often. The Great Spirit
will listen, if you only speak.
2.Be tolerant of those who are lost on their path. Ignorance, conceit, anger, jealousy
and greed stem from a lost soul. Pray that they will find guidance.
3.Search for yourself, by yourself. Do not allow others
to make your path for you. It is your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.
4.Treat
the guests in your home with much consideration. Serve them the best food, give them the best bed and treat them with respect
and honor.
5.Do not take what is not yours whether from a person, a community, the wilderness or from a culture. If it
was not earned nor given, it is not yours.
6.Respect all things that are placed upon this earth - whether it be people
or plant.
7.Honor other people's thoughts, wishes and words. Never interrupt another or mock or rudely mimic them. Allow
each person the right to personal expression.
8.Never speak of others in a bad way. The negative energy that you put out
into the universe
will multiply when it returns to you.
9.All persons make mistakes. And all mistakes can be forgiven.
10.Bad
thoughts cause illness of the mind, body and spirit. Practice optimism.
11.Nature is not FOR us, it is a PART of us. They
are part of your worldly family.
12.Children are the seeds of our future. Plant love in their hearts and water them with
wisdom and life's lessons. Give them space to grow.
13.Avoid hurting the hearts of others. The poison of your pain will
return to you.
14.Be truthful at all times. Honesty is the test of one's will and judgement within this universe.
15.Keep
yourself balanced. Your Mental self, Spiritual self, Emotional self, and Physical self - all need to be strong, pure and healthy.
Work out the body to strengthen the mind.
Grow rich in spirit to cure emotional ails.
16.Make conscious decisions as
to who you will be and how you will react.
Be responsible for your own actions.
17.Respect the privacy and personal
space of others. Do not touch the personal property of others - especially sacred and religious objects. This is forbidden.
18.Be
true to yourself first. You cannot nurture and help others if you cannot nurture and help yourself first. Leave your ego outside
when you are trying to help others. There is no room for your pride in a heart that is willing to learn at the hand of another.
19.Respect
others' religious beliefs. Do not force your belief on others. You don't have to agree with their beliefs, but you DO need
to respect them.
Share your good fortune with others. Participate in charity. What you give away will return to you in
ways that make the spirit joyful and proud for what you have done.
If you can live even SOME of these rules every single
day (and it's not that hard to do), then you will be a Warrior in the eyes of the Great Spirit and when He smiles at you,
the sun belongs to YOU on that day!
WALK IN BEAUTY
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The Way of the Circle
When you first arise
in the morning, give thanks to the Creator, to the four directions, to Mother Earth, toFather Sky, and to all of our relations,
for the life within you and for all life around you Remember that all things are connected. All things have purpose, everything
has its place Honor others by treating them with kindness and consideration If you have more than you need for yourself and
your family, consider performing a "giveaway" by distributing your possessions to others who are in need You are bound by
your word, which cannot be broken except by permission of those who the promise was given to Seek harmony and balance in all
things It is always important to remember where you are in relation to everything else, and to contribute to the Circle in
whatever way you can by being a "helper" and protector of life Sharing is the best part of receiving Practice silence and
patience in all things as a reflection of self-control, endurance, dignity, reverence, and inner calm Practice modesty in
all things, by avoiding boasting and loud behavior that attracts attention to yourself Know the things that contribute to
your well-being, and those things that lead to your destruction Always ask permission, and give something for everything that
is received, including giving thanks for, and honoring all living things Be aware of what is around you, what is inside of
you, and always show respect Treat every person from the tiniest child to the oldest elder with respect Do not stare at others;
drop your eyes as a sign of respect, especially in the presence of Elders, teachers, or other honored personsAlways give a
sign of greeting when passing a friend or stranger Never criticize or talk about someone in a harmful, negative way Never
touch something that belongs to someone else without permission Respect the privacy of every person, making sure to never
intrude upon someone's quiet moments or personal space Never interfere in the affairs of another by asking questions or offering
advice Never interrupt others In another persons home, follow his or her customs rather than your own Treat with respect all
things held sacred to others whether you understand these things or not Treat Earth as your mother; give to her, protect her,
honor her; show deep respect for those in the animal world, plant world, and mineral world Listen to guidance offered by all
of your surroundings; expect this guidance to come in the form of prayer, dreams, quiet solitude, and in the words and deeds
of wise Elders, and friends Listen with your heart Learn from your experiences, and always be open to new ones Always remember
that a smile is something sacred, to be shared Live each day as it comes
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Mitakuye Oyasin
( We are all related)
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