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Luther Standing Bear Oglala Sioux
1868-1937 The American Indian is of the soil, whether it be the region of forests, plains, pueblos, or mesas. He fits into the landscape, for the hand that fashioned the continent also fashioned the man for his surroundings. He once grew as naturally as the wild sunflowers, he belongs just as the buffalo belonged... Out of the Indian approach to life there came a great freedom, an intense and absorbing respect for life, enriching faith in a Supreme Power, and principles of truth, honesty, generosity, equity, and brotherhood as a guide to mundane relations. |
Black Elk Oglala Sioux Holy Man
1863-1950 You have noticed that everything as Indian does is in a circle, and that is because the Power of the World always works in circles, and everything tries to be round..... The Sky is round, and I have heard that the earth is round like a ball, and so are all the stars. The wind, in its greatest power, whirls. Birds make their nest in circles, for theirs is the same religion as ours.... Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing, and always come back again to where they were. The life of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves. |
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The name came from hungry wolf packs that would howl outside the villages of Native Americans during this particular full moon. The Wolf Moon is also known as the Old Moon or the Moon After Yule. The name wolf moon comes from the “Farmer’s Almanac” who were Native Americans who kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full Moon. Here are the other names of full moons that appear on other months. * January – Wolf moon * February – Ice moon * March – Storm moon * April – Growing moon * May – Hare moon * June – Mead moon * July – Hay moon * August – Corn moon * September – Harvest moon * October – Hunter’s moon * November – Snow moon * December – Winter moon. Full moon craziness Many people think full moons cause strange behavior among animals and even humans. In fact several studies over the years have tried to tie lunar phases to births, heart attacks, deaths, suicides, violence, psychiatric hospital admissions and epileptic seizures, and more. Connections have been inclusive or nonexistent. |
"It's very hard to do things in the right manner, but as long as we do things right, we are in turn with the Great Spirit."
--Rolling Thunder, CHEROKEE When we are right with the Great Spirit, we are right with all things. It is impossible to be out of harmony with anything or anybody when we are in harmony with the Great One. So, if during the day a problem crops up and someone makes us mad, the best thing we can do is talk to the Creator first, ask for His help, then continue our conversation with the other person. In this way, our emotional nature will keep aligned with our thoughts, and we will always stay right with the Great Spirit. Great Spirit, I ask You to guide me on the Red Road today |
Traditional people of Indian nations have interpreted the two roads that face the light-skinned race as the road to technology and the road to spirituality. We feel that the road to technology. . . . has led modern society to a damaged and seared earth. Could it be that the road to technology represents a rush to destruction, and that the road to spirituality represents the slower path that the traditional native people have traveled and are now seeking again? The earth is not scorched on this trail. The grass is still growing there. William Commanda |
One story of Spider Woman I have heard many times is about the modern day.
It is said that Spider Woman weaves her web that will unite all people on the earth. Some modern day Indians believe the web She weaves is the internet; that funny thing called the world wide web.....www |
"The ground on which we stand is sacred ground. It is the dust and blood of our ancestors."
--Plenty Coups, CROW Mother Earth is the source of life and the place all life returns to. She gives us life. She feeds us through our journey and she waits for us to return to her. The Indian way is to recognize the earth as the place of our ancestors. That is why certain places on earth are considered sacred areas and sacred land; this is the place of our ancestors. We all need to reflect upon the earth, the place where our ancestors lived. We need to have love and respect for the earth. |
Beauty A sea beauty lies beneath me as I soar upwards. A sea of beauty is in front of me as I soar upwards. Green and Brown beneath blue and white above. A sea of beauty which is life. A wisp of smoke rising upwards, Voices calling and called rising upwards. From the sea of beauty beneath me Into the sea of beauty above me From temporal to eternal life. The bird of beauty looks downward. The spirit of the beauty looks downward. Man, who lives in the beauty looks upward and sees perfection. Then he who lived in beauty looks into the sea; Then he who sang in beauty looks into the sea Then he who spoke in beauty looks into the sea And he sees nothing. Oh man, who was of the beauty. What did you do? Oh man, who sang in the beauty. What did you do? Oh man, who spoke in the beauty. What did you do? Bird of the beauty, can you give me comfort? Spirit of the beauty, can you give me comfort? This smoke which is of the beauty calls to you. I hear the man of the beauty calling me. I see the smoke of the beauty seeking me out. I see worthiness from the beauty coming forth. I will return Man to the beauty. I will return in the song to the beauty. I will return the Wisp to the beauty. You must keep the beauty now or I will not soar. You must keep the beauty now or I will not hear. You must keep the beauty now or I will not see. Keep the beauty alight with the flames of history. Keep the beauty singing with the songs of the past. Keep the beauty speaking with desires of the future. Then the beauty will be forever yours! Riverbird Woman, Turtle Clan, Lenape 1996 |
Four White-Feathered Crows
This story is dedicated to Chief Bill Thompson of the Eastern Lenape Nation who has been an inspiration to me and to many, many others over the years. White Feathered Crow Many, many moons ago, before the two-legged ones were on the Earth, Rainbow Crow, who was a magnificent creature, with beautiful coloring and a magnificent voice, saved the four-leggeds from the Great Snow, but in doing this his beautiful feathers became sooty black, his beak also became black and his voice became hoarse and ugly. But this is another story. Today, Crow is all black and has as his song, the hoarse "CAW". Today, one Crow was flying over the Earth Mother and looked down into a stream and saw his reflection. All of a sudden he noticed that on one wing he had four white feathers. "What is this," he said. "What does this mean?" He looked at himself in bewilderment. He remembered what the Great Spirit had told him when he became all covered with black soot. Crow flew away and then returned to the stream and look again upon his reflection and the four white feathers were still there. "I will ask the Great Spirit what this means." And, he flew up towards where the Great Spirit is to ask Him about his new four white feathers. When Crow came into the presence of the Great Spirit, he called to Him and said, "Great Spirit, look at my wing with the four white feathers. What does this mean?" The Great Spirit looked upon Crow and said to him "It is for you to find out for yourself. But I will tell you what to look for to help you find the answer. You, of all of your family of Crow, are very special in that you will again be able to save your People, not only the four-leggeds and the winged ones, but the two-leggeds also." The Great Spirit then told this special Crow to return to the Earth Mother and listen for Her heartbeat and then he will find the answer he is searching for. He did this because it is more important for an individual to search for his own answer to a question then for someone to tell him the answer directly. Four White-feathered Crow returned to the Earth Mother in a dilemma. "Where can I find the heart beat of the Mother. How will I know it is Her's?" Crow was flying around in a circle listening hard to hear the Mother's heart beat, when all of a sudden he heard in the far distance an even beat of the Drum. As Crow flew in the direction of this Drum beat, it became louder and louder and Crow was filled with a great peace. He came closer to the earth and he saw the two- legged ones, the People, dancing in a circle and in the center of this circle was the Drum which is the heartbeat of the Mother. He came down closer and Crow saw the beauty of the People who were dancing and he followed them around the Circle, going from East to South to West to North. Crow flew around again in the same direction the People were dancing - from East to South to West to North and the peace which was within him became greater and greater as he followed the Circle. He felt a wholeness, a oneness with all: with the four-leggeds, with the ones who fly, with the crawly ones, with the two-leggeds. He felt renewed hope. Crow saw the People in the Circle become one with the Earth Mother. Crow saw the continuity of the Circle as meaning the continuity of the People - that the People would always be one with the Earth Mother as long as they danced to Her glory and were caretakers of Her Earth. He felt renewed hope for all things living. Then, it came to Crow -- the meaning of the four white feathers on his wing. They celebrated the four directions: East, South, North and West. They were a reminder to him and to everyone that the Circle of Life depends upon ALL the People to care for the Earth Mother and to respect Her and to celebrate Her, for without the Earth Mother we have no life and there is no future for our children. And Crow also realized that the Great Spirit had given him this sign so that he could save his People again as he did once before, so very, very long ago. OINK, OINK, OINK A very long time ago, so long ago that there was NOTHING, the Creator looked out into space and created the sky, the sun, the moon, the stars and the Earth. On Turtle Island, which is what is now called the North American continent, there were beautiful mountains, valleys, trees, rocks, lakes, rivers, springs. There was great beauty. It was good. And then the Creator added to this beauty by putting baby animals on Turtle Island. All kinds of animals were put there. And they played with one another, talked to one another, had a wonderful time with one another. The one thing they all enjoyed most was going into the various waters and splashing each other while they cooled off from being warmed by the sun. This was good. Everything was in harmony. Then the animals got older. They started to notice various things about each other. Fox saw that he had a beautiful tail. He looked at buffalo and saw that he had a beautiful tail. Even rabbit, whose tail was short, looked like a little cloud all puffed up. He was beautiful too. Other animals took notice of what they looked like as they saw their reflection in the waters. And when they jumped into the waters, and played and splashed with oneanother, they talked about how they all looked so nice. This was good. Everything was in harmony. Then the animals got older. The started to really see the difference in each other. They saw mouse with its long tail was little. They saw beaver with its flat tail had a beautiful pelt. They saw Cougar had a magnificent pelt and tail. They told each other how beautiful each looked, and went into the waters to cool off and to play with each other. And they splashed and they splashed and they splashed. This was good. Everything was in harmony. Then the animals got older. They started to notice more of the differences in each other and to talk about them, and then they noticed pig. They pointed at pig, laughed at pig. Pig didn't have the beautiful tail of the fox, nor the beautiful pelt of the beaver. All pig had as a little corkscrew of a tail. They other animals thought pig was funny. They started to taunt pig and wouldn't let pig play with them because he had such a funny-looking tail. This was NOT good. Pig went to the other animals and asked them why he couldn't play with them. He asked them what was wrong. The other animals just laughed at pig and pointed to his tail. Then they turned their backs on pig. When pig wanted to go into the waters to cool off, the others wouldn't let him. They told him that he couldn't play with them, and couldn't use the waters they used, because he was a ridiculous-looking animal. When pig started to say something to them, the other animals refused to listen and told pig that from then on whenever he spoke all anyone would hear would be "oink, oink, oink." This was NOT good. The Creator saw that pig was being treated unfairly and He made a great patch of cool mud where pig could roll and keep himself cool. It felt so wonderful to pig to be cool again. He rolled in the mud, cooled his skin, and protected himself from hot rays of the sun. It was good. When he came out from the mud, the other animals looked at pig, and made fun of him because he looked so muddy. They laughed at pig, called him all kinds of names. This was NOT good. When pig tried to say something to the other animals, all the others heard was OINK, OINK, OINK. Then, the Mantantu came and brought flies to Turtle Island. The flies buzzed around the Buffalo, the Elk, the Deer, the Fox. The flies buzzed around all the animals and neither their beautiful tails nor their beautiful fur could keep the f lies away from their eyes, and noses, and mouths. The flies were driving all the animals crazy. They jumped into the waters, but the flies followed them. As soon as they came out of the waters the flies buzzed round them again, and again, and again. This was NOT good. It seemed that nothing was in harmony. The other animals looked all around. Then they saw pig. Pig was not bothered by flies at all. They looked at each other, then ran to Pig and said to Pig "How is it that you aren't bothered by the flies?" Pig, though he was very hurt by what the other animals had done to him, started to tell the fox, the buffalo, the deer, the elk, the beaver, and all the animals, that it was the mud that was keeping the flies away, and that all they had to do was roll in the mud and their problems with the flies would be over; but all the other animals heard Pig say was "Oink, Oink, Oink." How foolish we can be when we refuse to listen or turn our backs upon others who are different than we!!!!!!!!!!!!! Doris Riverbird Woman 2002 HOW COYOTE GAVE AWAY THE MEADOW A long time ago, before the two-leggeds were created; Turtle Island was thought about and therefore became. It was beautiful. Mountains, valleys, lakes, streams: everything one needed to survive in Beauty. Then the Creator put animals on Turtle Island and they grew and were nourished by all the Beauty that was there. The meadows were green and seeds from corn and the berries from the brush were bursting with goodness. The deer was able to graze and to strip the bark from the trees with ease and grow and be fulfilled as he danced his deer dance. The turkey was able to fulfill her needs as well. And the Beauty of the Meadow prevailed over all. Coyote, who was prowling and cavorting as usual, had heard that the Creator had made other lands. And as he was a curious creature anyway, he decided to go exploring what was on the other sides of the oceans of Turtle Island. He first went to what is now known as Europe and surveyed all that was there. He saw beautiful meadows, and huge trees and very happy animals. Now, Coyote, was never really happy unless he was disturbing something. I guess it was inherent in him to sometimes see how far he could "push" others. In many ways, Coyote reminds me of many of the People: never satisfied. In Europe, he met horse and had a most interesting conversation with him. "Horse, you have a beautiful meadow here. Much grass is growing as is hay. But it is nothing like what we have on Turtle Island." Horse just looked at Coyote and continued to munch his grass. "Horse," said Coyote, "you must come and see what real grass is like. You must come to Turtle Island. You can bring, if you wish, some of your own grass to compare it with what we have on Turtle Island; but I can assure you, our grass is much better, greener, filled with more nutrients than that which you have here." Horse was interested in what Coyote told him and felt a little trip would do him no harm, so he took some of his seeds, just in case he needed them, and went to Turtle Island and saw the Beauty that was there. The grass was good in the meadows of Turtle Island. But, Horse took some of his own seeds from his homeland and planted them on the beautiful meadow and from the earth came a wondrous grass that horse could not believe. It was very rich and full and horse was happy. Coyote, in the meantime, traveled to Asia. In Asia he found Chicken pecking away at her most plenteous seeds which were there for her nourishment. Coyote told chicken the same as he told horse and invited her to come to Turtle Island too. And Chicken listened to Coyote and came to Turtle Island with some of her seeds. She, as did horse, found Turtle Island to be very much to her liking and she planted the seeds she had brought with her and there grew a most diverse and pleasant grain. One day, Deer came upon horse in his pasture. Horse invited deer to dinner and told him to partake of this special grass. This, Deer did and found the grass very good and to his liking. In the same way Turkey was invited to partake of the grains which were planted by Chicken, which she did. And she too also was surprised at how good the grain was. BUT, all of a sudden, Deer, while he was talking with Horse, started to neigh. And Turkey, while she was talking with Chicken started to cackle. Others who were near heard this and became very worried. What is happening to Deer and to Chicken. We must go to the wise ones and asked them for their help. We cannot let Deer become Horse; nor Turkey become Chicken. It would not be good for Turtle Island. So some of the old ones approached the old wise Bear and told him what had happened. Bear, in his very deep voice, after much cogitation, said that the old ones were to go and REPLANT the grass and the seeds in the old way. And Bear gave them some of the old seeds which he had been keeping. He told them to go and plant them in the Meadows of Turtle Island. There is plenty of room for both seeds to grow. This way Horse and Chicken can have their grass and seeds; and Deer and Turkey can have theirs. This was done. Deer started to graze in his Meadow and was happy and became Deer again-- didn't neigh. And Turkey stopped clucking like a chicken and started to gobble again as a Turkey should. It has been said that every blade of grass and every dropped seeds is a ceremony, a dance, a song. A very important part of the Culture of the People of Turtle Island. Let the ceremonies, dancing and signing continue in the spirit of the old ones. We do not expect Horse and Chicken to become Deer and Turkey. So please, don't expect Deer and Turkey to become Horse and Chicken. Doris Riverbird Woman 2004 |
Wounded Knee
ODE TO WOUNDED KNEE It is silent tonight, the moon is red filled with the blood of the dead. The innocents are gone, the heart beats not The Soul is not filled with dread. The Soul flies high, on Eagle's wings The Hawk is screeching its song. The field below is a bloody view For the buzzards to feed on our own. But we are not gone, our song still sings In the mouths of the People left. And as long as that song sings loud a clear The Hoop will not be bereft. Doris RiverBird Woman Turtle Clan Eastern Lenape Nation |
".the spirit still has something for us to discover - an herb, a sprig, a flower - a very small flower, maybe you can spend a long time in its contemplation, thinking about it."
--Lame Deer, LAKOTA The world today is about hurry up! Get there faster! Work harder, produce more, hurry up, eat quickly, be on time, don't get stressed- headaches, conflict, drink to calm down, go to training on stress management, time management - STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! Go spend 5 minutes with a flower or a plant. Look at it - think about it - look at its beauty, smell it, close your eyes and smell it again. Touch it; touch with your eyes closed. Listen to it; listen to it with your eyed closed. Slow your mind down. Think about the little things. Now close your eyes and pray. Great Spirit, this feeling of calmness that I have, let me have it all day long |
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Kateri Tekakwitha beatified to become the first native american saint
Interesting to note:
Kateri Tekakwitha beatified to become the first native american saint Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Feastday: July 14 Patron of the environment and ecology b. 1656 d. April 17, 1680 Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin, has not yet been canonized. Kateri was born near the town of Auriesville, New York, in the year 1656, the daughter of a Mohawk warrior. She was four years old when her mother died of smallpox. The disease also attacked Kateri and transfigured her face. She was adopted by her two aunts and an uncle. Kateri became converted as a teenager. She was baptized at the age of twenty and incurred the great hostility of her tribe. Although she had to suffer greatly for her Faith, she remained firm in it. Kateri went to the new Christian colony of Indians in Canada. Here she lived a life dedicated to prayer, penitential practices, and care for the sick and aged. Every morning, even in bitterest winter, she stood before the chapel door until it opened at four and remained there until after the last Mass. She was devoted to the Eucharist and to Jesus Crucified. She died on April 17, 1680 at the age of twenty-four. She is known as the "Lily of the Mohawks". Devotion to Kateri is responsible for establishing Native American ministries in Catholic Churches all over the United States and Canada. Kateri was declared venerable by the Catholic Church in 1943 and she was Beatified in 1980. Work is currently underway to have her Canonized by the Church. Hundreds of thousands have visited shrines to Kateri erected at both St. Francis Xavier and Caughnawaga and at her birth place at Auriesville, New York. Pilgrimages at these sites continue today. Bl. Kateri Teckakwitha is the first Native American to be declared a Blessed. Her feastday is July 14. She is the patroness of the environment and ecology as is St. Francis of Assisi. |
This woman has been kind, gentle, and has much love, All of this has been given with the blessing of the Great Spirit above, But Great Spirit gave her something else and she didn't know it... The Great Spirit gave her the blessing of being a warrior woman as now her light is lit! This warrior woman has come fully alive today, She is no longer anyone's slave or prey, She is taking back her life today, And those who know who she truly is, can stay. No longer will she live the lives of others, She will give back the blames and responsibilities of others where it belongs, For she also has the bear and wolf inside her, which is now so very powerful and uniquely strong. The warrior woman now knows what road she must follow, For others it will be to hard to swallow. Her life was taken from her unknowingly many years ago, And this warrior woman is taking back her life before the next winds blow. Oh Sister Moon you give me the strength as a warrior woman to conquer what's on my path, high above and way beneath, and the much needed strength to take on the wrath. This warrior woman is fully awakened and is taking a stand, taking the problems by the horns with my hand. I will conquer all that is there, all and who comes as they dare. Warrior woman has fully awoken, and many will see that they were mistaken in robbing her of her life. They as a thief, Warrior woman will conquer and have no grief! This warrior woman will protect her people, her son, and those who need her. If anyone hurts them, look out! They will hear a GGGGGGRRRRRRRRR, As they run and shout! This warrior woman is taking back her life, taking back the respect that was taken from her throughout the years ever so slow. This warrior woman is removing pain and hurt from within the heart caused by the knife, from all those who are both family and foe. I am claiming what's mine, and my dignity, From those who live in this society of vanity. I am claiming back in full my heritage. And as a warrior woman, I am going to clean up many years of carnage. For now standing in front of you, you see this warrior woman... you see me. Someone special has taught me to be free, From this day forward for me no more slavery... Gentleness, kindness, and love is part of me, and so is my dignity. This is NOT WEAKNESS, as others believe. But this strength is within me and within you. I will listen to the spirits and grow, I will travel in the whispering winds as they blow. All the work I now do will be for Our People and all nations, I will protect and guide the future generations. Now it is time for me to travel on my new path, As a warrior woman conquering all wrath. If you ever see and want to meet me, Please come, and I will also teach and share with you how to be free. Lady J-Ann |
O'siyo Oginalii
Tsilugi Hello Friends Welcome! Tommi and Ol`Jet Quote:
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"I wanted to feel, smell, hear and see, but not see with my eyes and my mind only. I wanted to see with CANTE ISTA - the eye of the heart."
--Lame Deer, LAKOTA Why is it that some people seem to have peace of mind every day? How do some people remain so darn positive? How do you stay positive if you work or live in a negative environment? How is it that two people can observe the same difficult situation, but one person is upset about it, and other isn't? Two people experiencing the same situation react entirely different. If each morning we ask the Creator to allow us to see with His understanding and with His love, we will open a new way of "seeing". This eye of the heart is a free gift given to us if we ask for it in prayer each day. Grandfather, allow me to see the world and all things You have made through "the eye of my heart." |
"The first peace, which is the most important,
is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize that at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that this center is really everywhere, it is within each of us." ~ Black Elk - Oglala Sioux ~ |
I have a connection to the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha.
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"Thousands of years ago, tribes of human beings suffered great privations in the struggle to survive. In this struggle it was important not only to be able to handle a club, but also to possess the ability to think reasonably, to take care of the knowledge and experience garnered by the tribe, and to develop the links that would provide cooperation with other tribes. Today the entire human race is faced with a similar test. In infinite space many civilizations are bound to exist, among them civilizations that are also wiser and more "successful" than ours. I support the cosmological hypothesis which states that the development of the universe is repeated in its basic features an infinite number of times. In accordance with this, other civilizations, including more "successful" ones, should exist an infinite number of times on the "preceding" and the "following" pages of the Book of the Universe. Yet this should not minimize our sacred endeavors in this world of ours, where, like faint glimmers of light in the dark, we have emerged for a moment from the nothingness of dark unconsciousness of material existence. We must make good the demands of reason and create a life worthy of ourselves and of the goals we only dimly perceive."
(Last paragraph of Sakharov's Nobel Lecture, December 11, 1975) |
"Sometimes, life is very simple, but it is we two-leggeds, we who are thought to be smart that make it complicated."
--Larry P. Aitkin, CHIPPEWA Sometimes it may take years for us to find out what we are really after - it is to be happy. The Elders say, lead a simple life. This doesn't necessarily mean poor, it means simple. There are some things that makes life complicated such as needing control, needing power or being resentful or angry. These things make complications happen. We need to walk in balance in every area of our lives. Great Spirit, let me lead a simple life. |
Written by an 1895 senior of the Cherokee National Female Seminary upon her graduation.
Alma Mater Many years ago, some Indians Left their homes in Alabama Left the red sand hills of Georgia; Left their friends and all behind them And with faces stern and solemn Set out for the western country- For the new land purchased for them Many weary miles they traveled Many hardships they encountered Climbing mountains, crossing rivers, Facing wind and rain and weather Braving hunger and misfortune Till ot last stretched out before them Beautious hills and fertile valleys, Prairie lands and herds of cattle, Beulah land of peace and plenty. This, the goal of all their wanderings, Rest for weary way-worn travelers. Here they settled with their families, Built them homes of log and mortar, Built their chimneys wide and ample, Hung outside the door the latchstring; Tilled the soil, and planted orchards, Herded steers and drove them northwards. Prosperous was this tribe of Indians As the happy years passed o’er them. Spacious grew their humble dwellings, Wide their fields, and rich their orchards. Towns they built for trade and barter, Fairest of all – the town Tahlequah, Nestled in a smiling valley, Wrapped is softest summer sunshine, Kissed by gentle fragrant breezes, With the hill’s strong arms about her- Fairest of all the Nation’s children. In this little town Tahlequah At the bottom of a foot-hill Gushes forth a spring of water Pure and sweet and clear and sparkling As the one the Muses drank from, And our fathers, as they stood there, Drinking the life-giving nectar, Looking upward, looking northwards, Let their eyes rest on this hill-top Felt the spell of Jove upon them, As when in the old time legend, From his forehead sprang Minerva Then came heaps of sand and mortar, Bricks and stones and heavy timbers; Men with axes, saws and hammers, Men with squares, and planes, and trowels, Men with horses, mules and wagons-- All the air was filled with rumbling Sharp reports and heavy pounding, Blasting rock and earth upheavals, When at last the din was over And the darkened sky grew clearer, There arose from out of the chaos, Bright and shining, grand and classic, Graceful arches, Gothic towers, Fit abode for Wisdom’s goddess. Then from all parts of the nation, From humblest homes, and from the richest Came the bright-faced Indian maidens; Maidens fair and maidens dusky, Maidens tall and short and ‘pudgy,’ Came they to this seat of learning; Drank they from this sparkling fountain And with thirsty souls unslaked Longed for more of Hebe’s potion; -- And in time sent back their daughters That their lives might be so sweetened And their days and deeds be fruitful. Should you ask me whence the learning-- Whence the power and pride and greatness Of this tribe of Indian people, I shall point you to this college, That for years has schooled its women Wives and mothers of these people Whose brief story I’ve related. And the maidens now departing From this dear old Alma Mater, From this dear old second Mother Who has cared for them so gently Through the sweet years of their girlhood, Leave the wish and prayer behind them That, as future years roll onward Blotting out our race of people, She may stand here always ready, Glad to welcome Indian children And to keep alive tradition-- Monument to all the greatness Of this proudest Indian Nation. -by an 1895 Senior |
u-ha
a u-wo-du-hi i-ga Have a beautiful day |
Absolutely, Spirit Dancer. I too wish everyone a beautiful day indeed. :angel:
Peace and Love, Andrew |
"One of the essential characteristics we need to learn as men was to be gentle, and to be gentle means to be serene, to enter meditation or a prayerful state in the morning and evening."
--Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA The most important talk we can do during any day, is to start the day with prayer and meditation. We need to ask the Creator to be in our lives. We ask Him to direct our thinking. We ask Him for the courage and the power to be gentle. In the morning quiet time, we make our request for guidance using our spiritual tools. We pray for the people and we pray for ourselves. In the evening we thank the Creator for the day, for the lessons and for the opportunity to be of service to others. Then we go to sleep. Great Spirit, today, show me the power of being gentle. |
ah sss guh tee
ooh nay kwa wah jee day lee knee he knee go he luh ee May Great Spirit Watch Over You Always Wakan Tankan Nici Un (May the Great Spirit walk with you) |
"Because woman lives so close to our first mother, the Earth, she emanates the strength and harmonious nature of all things."
--Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA At an Elders gathering, held in July 1991, we were told the Indian woman would play an instrumental part in leading the healing of Indian nations. The old people said we were to look up to her in a sacred manner. They said the Earth Mother would give the woman special gifts of love. The woman and the Earth Mother are connected in a special way. Women should pay attention to the lessons coming from the earth. Men should treat the women with respect, dignity and honor. Grandfather, Grandmother, give the Indian woman Your strength to heal our earth. |
ah dah lee hay lee jay dee
he ee gah ah dah doe lee gee Appreciate todays blessings |
a-ga-ta-hna-i ~ Wise
go guh ~ Crow a-ga-ta-hna-i ~ Wise ooh goo goo ~ Owl go ~ Lessons ah nah day low kwa sss guh ~ Learning gah no dew ~ Life's nuh wah doe he yaw duh ~ Harmony gah luh kwo dee~ Precious soo nah lay ~ tomorrows |
"Silence and self-control permeate the entirety of our lives."
--Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA The Creator gave us all the Red Road and on this Red Road we are required to think and act in a spiritual way. To make sure I conduct myself according to the Red Road, I must make sure I develop my self discipline. Self control works best when we pray for the courage and power to do the will of the Great Spirit. We are here on the earth to do the will of the Great Spirit. Sometimes, we must battle ourselves to do this. Great Spirit, help me to have my self- control guided by spiritual ways. |
nuh woe tee
uh lee tah ah sss duh gee go loo wah duh dee new dah lay ah jay ay gah Quiet, Breathe deep discover another new day.:harp: |
"Laughter is a necessity in life that does not cost much, and the Old Ones say that one of the greatest healing powers in our life is the ability to laugh."
--Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA Laughter is a good stress eliminator. Laughter causes healing powers to be distributed through our bodies. Laughter helps heal relationships that are having problems. Laughter can change other people. aughter can heal the sick. Laughter is spiritual. One of the greatest gifts among Indian people has been our ability to laugh. Humor is natural to Indian people. Sometimes the only thing left to do is laugh. Great Spirit, allow me to laugh when times get tough. |
Today, I remember to laugh with myself; even when others find fault.
Today my spiritual perscription is to laugh out loud. Blessings, SD |
The secretive habits of the owl, its quiet flight and various calls from whistles, screeches and hoots, have made them objects of fear and superstition. The Creator made no evil creatures. Individuals to whom the owl speaks are very fortunate because messages of the owl are deep, far reaching and complex. |
The Old Man said,`you are both ugly and handsome and you must accept your ugliness as well as your handsomeness in order to really accept yourself."
--Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA My Grandfather told me one time that any person who is judgmental to another is also judgmental to themselves. If we want to be free of being judgmental, we need to first work on how judgmental we are to ourselves. If we quit judging ourselves and start accepting ourselves as we are, we will start accepting others as they are. Then we will experience a level of new freedom. Great Spirit, let me accept myself as I am - honoring both my strengths and my weaknesses. |
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"When a community does something together, that community is very happy, jovial, connected, and unified."
--Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA The Indian People have always been able to adapt. If the hunting changed, we found new hunting grounds. If the earth changed, we moved to a better place. If the river changed course, we followed the river. But with every change, we kept our Indianness and spirituality. Our culture and spirituality have always been our strength. Our culture and spirituality taught us to live in harmony. We must change with the times, but we must maintain our culture and spirituality, always living in harmony. Great Spirit, You have taught us to survive. Let me always maintain my Indianness |
It was our belief that the love of possessions is a weakness to be overcome. Its appeal is to the material part, and if allowed its way, it will in time disturb one's spiritual balance. Therefore, children must early learn the beauty of generosity. They are taught to give what they prize most, that they may taste the happiness of giving. Ohiyesa |
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