I met this Christian man once at a gathering in Six Nay. He was a white guy with tattoos on his arms, and multiple piercings (I have forgotten his name). He said to me, Please dont confuse me with the Christians that did all those horrible things to your people. There is a big difference between what Jesus actually taught, and what is actually written in the bible. I think about that conversation with that man from time to time, because it opened up my eyes to our own Native Practices and belief systems. I question how many of our spiritual practices have remained in tact, and unaffected by colonialism or capitalism. How many Lodge Conductors and Spiritual Leaders can say, that they have never been affected by either. There are too many ceremonies that I have attended, where I see elements of hierarchy, patriarchy, egoism, and nepotism (favoritism). I question, Where do these practices get explained in the 7 Grandfather Teaching or in the Medicine Wheel? Many of these people always preach the Mno Bimaadziwin (the good way of life) but is that way of life more deserving to some, and less so for others? I asked an Aunty to help explain some of this to me, and she said, We live in a time of prophecy, and people are really starting to wake up. This time of prophecy is about the purification. Things will be set back to their natural order. If you listen to your inner spirit you will know what belongs and what doesnt belong. There are many beautiful things about our way of life, prayers, songs, ritual, ceremony etc. But colonization has infiltrated every aspect of Turtle Island, and wed be foolish to not think that our spiritual and ceremonial way of life has not been infiltrated as well. Much like the way men have written the bible to suit capitalism and imperialism, detracting from the original teachings of Jesus, many of our leaders and the teachings they carry must be examined as well. When i see people in positions of leadership sitting perched upon a pedestal, barking orders, treating women and children in a disrespectful manner...something tells me that there is a big difference from what was our original instructions and the way things are practiced now. But no one questions anything. Theyre an Elder or a Leader so it must be right.
Posted on: Fri, 04 Jul 2014 13:47:59 +0000
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