Someone sent me a link to this video a few months back. It documents the return of a herd of buffalo from the Catalina Islands to their homeland in South Dakota and to the Lakota people. Buffalo are very sacred to Native American people- traditionally they provided the people with food, shelter, clothing, and tools. During the colonization of Turtle Island herds of buffalo were killed mercilessly by the European invaders. The story of their return to their homeland touches the spirit of hope and healing. It is also a great metaphor for the journey back home to our indigenous mind.
As the Lakota man says at the end of the film, "They kept us alive a long time. It's our way of life. Their way of life."
1. Establish a healthy relationship with self 2. Develop a spiritual practice 3. Spend at least 20 minutes a day in nature 4. Build “Supportive Relationships” 5. Help Somebody 6. Enroll in a program or activity that expands your awareness of Self 7. Develop the strength and courage to follow your passions
7 Steps to Manifesting
1.Develop a clear vision for PEACE 2. Maintain a focused Intention 3. Embrace a disserving spirit for the attraction of resources that will enable the work to be done 4. Ask for what is needed with clarity and detach from the outcomes 5. Develop confidence – know you know 6. Cultivate an attitude of gratefulness 7. Continually practice the 7 Steps to Inner Peace
Pretty Bird Woman House is a shelter that serves the women of Standing Rock Indian reservation in South Dakota, USA. Two women who work at the house presented on a panel I attended at Netroots Nation 2008 last Friday, July 18th. Alongside Amnesty International’s Amanda Flott (Report Here), Georgia Little Shield and Tinnekkia Williams spoke about The Maze of Injustice that is violence against women on America’s reservations.
In between feeling stunned and trying not to break into loud sobbing, I realized it wasn’t being documented and managed to capture a few clips. Unfortunately, I only caught Tinnekia’s introduction.
A few facts really stood out for me.
In 86 percent of the reported cases of rape or sexual assault, the perpetrators are non-native men.
This exacerbates the issue of jurisdiction. If a woman is native and the perpetrator is non-native:
Offender Victim Jurisdiction
If listed in 18 U.S.C. § 1153, there is federal
jurisdiction, exclusive of the state, but probably
not of the tribe. If the listed offense is not
otherwise defined and punished by federal law
applicable in the special maritime and territorial
jurisdiction of the United States, state law is
assimilated. If not listed in 18 U.S.C. § 1153,
there is federal jurisdiction, exclusive of the state,
but not of the tribe, under 18 U.S.C. § 1152. If the
offense is not defined and punished by a statute
applicable within the special maritime and territorial
jurisdiction of the United States, state law is assimilated
under 18 U.S.C. § 13.
Uncross your eyes because it gets even more confusing, to the point where officers of different law enforcement agencies will argue with each other and walk away from a victim without doing anything. If a state highway runs through your reservation, add another agency. Look Under Focus Sheets.
Often, no official of any kind will show up after an assault. If one does, it may be days or weeks after the assault. Indian Health Services does not stock rape kits so victims must be driven to other healthcare facilities off the reservation, many hours of travel away.
Both Georgia Little Shield and Tinnekkia Williams were so grateful to all the netroots donors and their dedication was very moving. They didn't ask for anything during their panel, but I'm going to ask for donations for them here.
Who We Are
Circle of Ancestors is an inter-cultural community that connects people with their own ancestral traditions through educational programs, experiential learning, ceremonies and other activities.
This reconnection heals and balances, encourages respect for differences and recognition of similarities, deepens community and environmental bonds and promotes peace. Our individual biographies are also available.
Deep Genealogy
Deep Genealogy goes beyond statistical research and reconnects you to the spirit of your ancestors. The ancestors are an integral part of the research; their spirits are guiding and informing the process.
Deep Genealogy is based on the principles of indigenous science. Research methods are holistic and include information from the spiritual, natural and dream worlds.
As in the world's most ancient traditions, Deep Genealogy honors the ancestors. It resacralizes the research process; transforming it from the dry and statistical into a spiritual journey.
