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Speaking the truth

 
first nations son
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User ID: 712645
United States
06/27/2009 04:21 PM
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Speaking the truth
There are good men and bad men just as there are good women and bad women in all cultures, it has
always been so and will always be so. If we encounter either we should move on and leave the bad taste
there, carrying none of it with us. Or, we can bestow on it a favored place in memory and speech and allow it
to continue to impact us and our children and keep paying the price. It is a self destructive choice,
an addiction if you will, and so I see no benefit in wrapping oneself in that blanket. Demand and merit
the respect due you in the only way any of us can by our words and deeds. If we continue blindly shooting
arrows into the sky eventually one will fall to earth striking us.
We never escape our actions. Granted, unforeseen and unwarranted circumstance do and will arise, that
is the nature of life, but what we do or have done to others someone will do likewise to us. And though we
may protest the injustice of it and our innocence the truth will remain that it was just and we were not so
innocent.
Misery can and does love company, but all too often it becomes a gathering place of stagnation and a
feeding frenzy of shared lashing out. Walk away from that for it only serves to prolong that which has no
place in your life. This day will pass, spending it's allotted portions in daylight and darkness as they
all do, what becomes of it and how it is spent is our choice.
There exists a natural balance and as difficult as it may be at times it is incumbent upon each of us
to find it. This is a truth that indigenous people especially should have an understanding of for it is the
basis of our tradition and culture, balance and harmony in all things. We live today, in this day, with
dreams and aspirations for tomorrow. Honor what is worthy that is past never forgetting the injustice and
those who endured and gave their all. Build for tomorrow, but be centered in this day and the problems it
presents,and successive days as they arrive. It is the poetry of life.
And although we all fail at times and lapse into pettiness and acrimony there is no joy, no
reward to be found in insult, argument or misdeeds. No victory, because in the end we wound our own
spirit and step out of the circle defrauding ourselves, our purpose in life, and contribute further
to the growing imbalance of the times we live in. I am as guilty of this as anyone but I take no pride
in it and later admonish myself for having given in to it.
Our deeds and words are like the ripples in a pond emanating from a cast stone, and it is not always
given to us to know or understand their impact or the end of their journey, sometimes they return to us
with unwanted consequence. We have the choice of what we burn, be it bridges, bitter roots or sweet sage
and we should choose wisely for it is descriptive of who we are and will have a lasting effect.
Life is sacred, you are sacred, your nation is sacred, your children are sacred, your family and friends
are sacred, mother earth is sacred, and what you offer to another in truth and respect is sacred. If we accept
and believe in this it will ennoble each of us and a new direction in life will be revealed, our true path.
Expect what you have a right to, but no more than you yourself are willing to give. If you expect
truth, give truth. If you anticipate respect, then give respect where it is due. Create an
environment where these things can find you and thrive. Our hearts speak a separate language, a language of
the spirit peculiar to themselves, and they can have no utterance in the absence of truth and sincerity.
Lacking those they become hardened and calloused, a stranger to their purpose at a debilitating cost to ourselves.
For those who would ridicule or belittle our indigenous men I suggest you wait until your homeland is
taken from you and you are systematically hunted down and slain, starved into submission, gathered up and
forcefully relocated to land no one wants until it is later discovered that there is something of value
there.
Wait until you are the target of a calculated policy of genocide. Wait until you are forced to live in
abject poverty with non existent or sub standard health care and have your children stolen from you by the
black robes and routinely beaten in the name of their god to drive the "Indian" out of them and to bestow
upon them the dubious benefit of their imposed salvation. Wait until the crushing weight and depression of
this and the futility of your inability to do anything about it drives you to drug and alcohol abuse and self
loathing, or worse yet, suicide. Wait until you experience a heartbreaking infant mortality rate among your
people, rampant unemployment and inadequate housing. Wait until your women are raped and brutally mutilated
and you have to hold your child's broken bullet riddled body in your arms and you are stripped of your role
as provider and guardian of your people, which was the source of your greatest pride.
Wait until when even today, in this the 21st century, you remain little more than a card carrying
"registered" visitor in your land subject to the arrogant ineptitude of a distant indifferent self serving
political elite and the narrow minded nipping at your heels of those who cannot or will not acknowledge the
personal issues they need to address.
Wait until these things and then you may actually have some insight and an opinion with merit.
Otherwise please be "civilized" enough to spare them such inanities, it's all been said before and there
is no insult or mockery you can originate, and the bias you spew is neither clever or witty. Judge us
as individuals as you assumedly would anyone else, rather than stereotypically and always accompanied by
demeaning vitriol, mean spirited labels and trite cliche phrases.
If the reader is upset by what I have written their argument is not with me but with historical
fact and the truth and they should direct their discontent there. Or the reader can return to the hollow
comfort of denial,or indignation and continue living with their head in the sand and their posterior pointed
to the heavens for all to see and know them by.
There were no Barbie dolls and toy cars to play with, no Santa Claus, no Easter Bunny, no Tooth Fairy,
no frilly little dresses and Easter bonnets to wear, nothing save sticks and stones and a withering
need. But love, determination and the knowledge of our true selves kept us alive, we have regained our pride
and are finding our strength again. A strength that is and can only be grounded in tradition. A tradition I
might add that is still under the threat of dissolution and theft from those who are not a part of it and
those who would claim a knowledge while putting their own interpretation or spin on it. They are known more
familiarly as wannabes, New Agers and plastic shaman and are a continuing threat to our culture. They are
not of us and we have no place for them despite their many claims of being "adopted", of being given the pipe
and taught the sacred ways- lies and liars one and all. Carrion feeders picking at the bones of our ancestors,
attempting to steal from us what is distinctly ours and ours alone in a glutinous, criminal, grave robbing act
of desecration.
We are not New Agers, Wiccans, Goths, Spiritualists, Reincarnationists or anything other that what we
are, and that is First Nations. Nor do we have Shaman, which is a term heavily favored by those attempting to
pass as our kindred. For those who follow these belief systems if it provides comfort and direction then well
and good for them. But please, please spare us this deluge of crystal carrying "medicine woman" and "shaman"
who have "been taught the sacred ways".
Granted we have medicine women among us but they are not blue eyed albinos clad in "authentic costume" holding forth with some ridiculously contrived "message" while claiming membership in a manufactured tribe and clan of their own making in a feeble attempt at validation.
And unlike the one's on the net who have no hesitation in proclaiming their "powers" while spouting laughable New Age metaphors, our's, the genuine ones, would never think of doing so. The only "channeling" we do is to surf them on the TV.
There is a great site named Twinkie Planet that was founded and is staffed by indigenous people and if
you would like a little insight into these frauds take a look. Also take a moment to Google the NCAI's
official position as presented by Arvol Looking Horse, a 19th generation pipe carrier, dealing with these
frauds. Or NAFPS, a site and forum whose's specific purpose is to expose and debunk. There are many such sites
for those who really want to know and one more if I may entitled dontpaytopray.com
For those who construct their beliefs by rifling through those of others to construct some piecemeal
composite there exists a veritable cornucopia of philosophies and religions to plunder and we would appreciate
it if they displayed the respect they so often allude to for our culture by restricting their plundering and
cultural vacuuming to elsewhere. Our spirits don't speak English, it is that simple, and neither they nor we
will align ourselves with these frauds and their "magic" crystals or "channeled" spirit guides.
If you would be our friend then welcome and be that, but do so mindful that what is distinctly ours is
just that-ours- and you have no right to appropriate it, neither do you honor us by doing so. There is a place
for you at our table as a friend, not as a thief or liar who comes to take what little we have left. If you are
so inclined be appalled, angry or compassionate at the mistreatment, indignities and abuse heaped on the First
Nations people much as you would that of the Holocaust victims or those who survived or failed to survive the
killing fields of Cambodia, Kosevo, Tenochtitlan, Wounded Knee, Sand Creek, Camp Grant, Bear River or the
shameful countless other places that bear witness to humanities horrific inhumanity to it's own, to Mother Earth
and every other living thing that it ever has shared time and space with. But please don't try to be us or
pretend to understand, you aren't, you don't, and you can't. Grant us this one small courtesy after all this
time won't you?
There is no need to instruct us on our history or historical figures. It is, and they are, ours.
And we neither need nor desire an interpretation or corruption of the "facts" as our familiarity with them
comes not from browsing and quoting internet sites, not from "history" books written by the victor, not from
claiming some vague ancestral solidarity, nor from some alleged trace amount of native ancestry, repressed
memory or a "family in denial" who neglected to tell or allow us to be who we are, nor from some "channeled"
spirit but from having lived it and being the progeny of those who endured the first and subsequent waves of
assault.
Many cultures have suffered, unfortunately the best we can do is recognize that and lend what support
we can but we cannot personally feel it as they were the ones who suffered. What has happened and continues to
happen to us is personal as well, tailored to us, and we can feel it and that is the difference as it is for
each victim. Is that so difficult to understand?
Do you feel the identical pain if a friend is injured, or do you require the same injury to truly
experience it? Does the fact that it is the history of the world, a history of intolerance, greed and
colonization, or that it's happened to other cultures in some way qualify the awful truth of it or
lessen it's impact and devastation?
If your character is such that you must attack, attack your own, for all you need do is look around at
the present condition of things and you will find you have ample cause to do so. All the blogging and posting
when compiled becomes biographical in nature, read the book you are writing and determine if it is a read
worth recommending to another.
And to Andrew Windyboy - kinana´skomitin


To our indigenous men I will say, you are who you are, that is inescapable and should be a great source
of pride to you. It isn't enough to verbally claim it and then attempt to adopt the foolishness of a
hiphop gangster personna or the accoutrements of a culture that has historically sought to dominate and
oppress you. If you want to make an impression, if your voiced concern is genuine rather than a profile
affectation for this site and others, and you truly desire to make a difference, then assume the responsibilities
to your people that generations of men before you did-walk in their footsteps ever mindful of your duites,
your legacy, your birthright, and help to save your culture, your people, and secure a future for your
children. For all of us.
Work among your people to address the destructive issues of rampant substance abuse, be it alcohol or
chemical dependency. The crushing poverty, the near non existent health care, joblessness, gangs, crime and
domestic abuse within the family among a generation who is losing its way.
The growing incidence of single parent homes and the children, who without the presence and example of a
caring father become lost and destined to repeat the cycle. These are your people's children, who needlessly
suffer through no fault of their own. Don the mantle of leadership and manhood, accept these duties and then
you can call yourself a warrior. Otherwise you may fool others who know no better but not the Elders,
or people and women of your nation.
Defend the language and traditions, stand against the usurpers who would appropriate it. The land and
freedom were taken from you, are you willing to lose this as well? Live your life within the context of your
culture, put aside attempts to ride on the coat tails of the imagery created by Dances With Wolves while
attaching yourself to this lastest craze of infatuation with our culture and the current resulting crop of
salivating wannabes with stars in their eyes and childish romanticized visions, it is transitory, meaningless
and serves absolutely nothing.If you would claim the sacred ways and words then live them.
There was never a time when talk was enough, and that is a greater truth today then it's ever been.
YOUR PEOPLE NEED YOU, DON'T YOU HEAR THEIR VOICES CALLING?

And to any Europeans reading this- in your eagerness to learn of us and our ways you have allowed and embraced a horde of frauds and wannabes into your country who are blatantly capitalizing on your interest with phony ceremonies and fake claims of ancestry. Check the sites out I have mentioned and having once learned the true nature of these people confront them and hound them from your communities.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Thank you Grandfather for this life, for being one of the people. For being an indigenous man and for my people and family. Thank you for the lean times and the plentiful times, for the being lost and the being found, for the summers warmth and the winters cold, for both the pain and the joy, and the great enduring truth and tradition that First Nations people have always carried and continue to carry with them.


Be at peace, live within the circle. And my wish for you, for all of you, is a life without confusion,
and the opportunity for your children and your children's children to grow up free and playing with toys,
well nourished, warm at night, healthy, secure and happy.
Our land is everything to us...I will tell you one of the things we remember on our land. We remember that our grandfathers paid for it - with their lives."
John Woodenleg-Cheyenne

"The ground on which we stand is sacred ground. It is the blood of our ancestors."
- Chief Plenty Coups, Crow
Celtic (Keltic)

User ID: 701306
United Kingdom
06/27/2009 04:24 PM
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Re: Speaking the truth
[link to www.pbs.org]
It is the Thunderbolt that steers the Universe
- Heraclitus
first nations son  (OP)

User ID: 712645
United States
06/27/2009 05:51 PM
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Re: Speaking the truth
 Quoting: Celtic (Keltic)


You make my point in an undeniable manner-it is always New Age references as a justification rather than the more pertinent ones that come from indigenous people.
Our land is everything to us...I will tell you one of the things we remember on our land. We remember that our grandfathers paid for it - with their lives."
John Woodenleg-Cheyenne

"The ground on which we stand is sacred ground. It is the blood of our ancestors."
- Chief Plenty Coups, Crow
Tann3100

User ID: 713362
United States
06/27/2009 06:09 PM
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Re: Speaking the truth
Hope everyting is well with you bro. Very nice post bro alot of truth.

May the Great Spirit Bless you

Take Care
Tann
first nations son (OP)
User ID: 712645
United States
06/27/2009 06:38 PM
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Re: Speaking the truth
Hope everyting is well with you bro. Very nice post bro alot of truth.

May the Great Spirit Bless you

Take Care
Tann
 Quoting: Tann3100


Thanks Tann- I believe it to be a simple truth-no one would allow a disrespectful person into their house thinking they would have to count the silverware later-should be no different for us.
Expecting a hue and cry, but of what significance are a few more bumps and bruises along the way?
There is a growing unification across the country among indigenous people on and off the rez against all of this and I am pleased to hear and see it.
Rather the injustice and poverty be appropriated-that is what we have the most of.
On the verge of opening an indigenous newsletter/paper on the web soon that will hopefully evolve into a subscription based, mail delivered monthly newspaper as well. There will also be a forum for the exchange of ideas and information and a letters and opinions contribution page.
A contingent of us have been have been working on it this year with great dedication and determination that will soon bear fruit. Will post the link here soon when it is up and running and guarantee there will be no sacred cows.
Stay vocal-it's not difficult to dodge any tomatoes thrown one's way when what you say is the truth. And if a few find their mark wear as badges of honor.
Be well and an advocate for your people.
Tann3100

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06/27/2009 09:49 PM
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Re: Speaking the truth
Thanks Tann- I believe it to be a simple truth-no one would allow a disrespectful person into their house thinking they would have to count the silverware later-should be no different for us.
Expecting a hue and cry, but of what significance are a few more bumps and bruises along the way?
There is a growing unification across the country among indigenous people on and off the rez against all of this and I am pleased to hear and see it.
Rather the injustice and poverty be appropriated-that is what we have the most of.
On the verge of opening an indigenous newsletter/paper on the web soon that will hopefully evolve into a subscription based, mail delivered monthly newspaper as well. There will also be a forum for the exchange of ideas and information and a letters and opinions contribution page.
A contingent of us have been have been working on it this year with great dedication and determination that will soon bear fruit. Will post the link here soon when it is up and running and guarantee there will be no sacred cows.
Stay vocal-it's not difficult to dodge any tomatoes thrown one's way when what you say is the truth. And if a few find their mark wear as badges of honor.
Be well and an advocate for your people.
 Quoting: first nations son 712645


Very true bro. I cant wait to see the newsletter/paper that you are working on. I must say I agree with you seems that alot of people across the U.S. are returning to there roots so to say. Its sad taht so many people have not woken up to see the truth that surrounds us the circle that many have left seems to begin to fill again. I dont know what is to come but I look forward to the furture remembering the past.

here is a song I like to listen to



May the Great Spirit Bless you

Take Care
Tann
first nations son (OP)
User ID: 712645
United States
06/27/2009 10:20 PM
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Re: Speaking the truth
Thanks Tann- I believe it to be a simple truth-no one would allow a disrespectful person into their house thinking they would have to count the silverware later-should be no different for us.
Expecting a hue and cry, but of what significance are a few more bumps and bruises along the way?
There is a growing unification across the country among indigenous people on and off the rez against all of this and I am pleased to hear and see it.
Rather the injustice and poverty be appropriated-that is what we have the most of.
On the verge of opening an indigenous newsletter/paper on the web soon that will hopefully evolve into a subscription based, mail delivered monthly newspaper as well. There will also be a forum for the exchange of ideas and information and a letters and opinions contribution page.
A contingent of us have been have been working on it this year with great dedication and determination that will soon bear fruit. Will post the link here soon when it is up and running and guarantee there will be no sacred cows.
Stay vocal-it's not difficult to dodge any tomatoes thrown one's way when what you say is the truth. And if a few find their mark wear as badges of honor.
Be well and an advocate for your people.


Very true bro. I cant wait to see the newsletter/paper that you are working on. I must say I agree with you seems that alot of people across the U.S. are returning to there roots so to say. Its sad taht so many people have not woken up to see the truth that surrounds us the circle that many have left seems to begin to fill again. I dont know what is to come but I look forward to the furture remembering the past.

here is a song I like to listen to



May the Great Spirit Bless you

Take Care
Tann
 Quoting: Tann3100

Thanks for the video-never heard it before but I like it.
Will post the link as I said and feel free to contribute opinions when it's up.
Anonymous Coward
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07/01/2009 02:21 AM
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Re: Speaking the truth
On behalf of the "Blue Eyed" and fair skinned everywhere,screw you!
Anonymous Coward
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07/01/2009 02:30 AM
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On behalf of the "Blue Eyed" and fair skinned everywhere,screw you!
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 715347


I suspect you aren't blue eyed or fair skinned
first nations son (OP)
User ID: 712645
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07/01/2009 02:52 AM
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Re: Speaking the truth
On behalf of the "Blue Eyed" and fair skinned everywhere,screw you!
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 715347


don't have a problem with blue eyed fair skinned people Bubba-just fools,liars, thieves and phonies regardless of their ethnicity.
Tann3100

User ID: 578719
United States
07/01/2009 08:35 AM
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Re: Speaking the truth
On behalf of the "Blue Eyed" and fair skinned everywhere,screw you!
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 715347


I think your people have already done enough of that.

May the Great Spirit Bless you

Take Care
Tann





GLP