One hundred and twenty-three winters ago, on December 29, 1890, some 150 Lakota men, women and children were massacred by the US 7th Calvary Regiment near Wounded Knee Creek on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Some estimate the actual number closer to 300.
The Wounded Knee Massacre is when most American history books
drop American Indians from history.
Snowfall was heavy that December week. The Lakota ancestors killed that day were left in brutal frigid wintry plains of the reservation before a burial party came to bury them in one mass grave. The photograph of Big Foot’s frozen and contorted body is a symbol for all American Indians of what happened to our ancestors.
Some of those who survived were eventually taken to the Episcopal mission in Pine Ridge. Eventually, some of them were able to give an oral history of what happened. One poignant fact of the massacre has remained in my mind since first reading it, and every time I think about Wounded Knee, I remember this:
“It was the fourth day after Christmas in the Year of Our Lord 1890. When the first torn and bleeding bodies were carried into the candlelit church, those who were conscious could see Christmas greenery hanging from the open rafters. Across the chancel front above the pulpit was strung a crudely lettered banner: “Peace on earth, good will to men,”
writes Dee Brown in “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.”
There was no peace on earth for the Lakota four days after Christmas. No wonder so many American Indians question the validity of Christianity.
Later, as absurd as it may sound, some 20 soldiers were given the Medal of Honor – for killing innocent Lakota men, women and children.
The Wounded Knee Massacre is a symbol for all American Indians of what happened to our ancestors.
History records the Wounded Knee Massacre was the last battle of the American Indian war. Unfortunately, it is when most American history books drop American Indians from history, as if well.
Fortunately, American Indians have survived – one generation after another – since Wounded Knee. It is for us who remain to remember our ancestors as we make for a better life for those we encounter today. We are also taught to prepare for the next seven generations, but as we do, we must remember our ancestors.
Today, we remember those ancestors lost on this date in history 122 winters ago.
In late September, Indigenous Elders and Medicine People of North and South America united for four days in sacred ceremony in Green Grass, South Dakota. The significance of this meeting is profound. Its outcome is the Statement which Chief Looking Horse delivers in his native Lakota language, at the United Nations Tillman Chapel. It is the embodiment of a confluence of prophecies which speak to the necessity to activate a new level of consciousness for the benefit of humanity and the earth. Although their statement illuminates the nuclear crisis at Fukushima, the fundamental message is for humanity to spiritually awaken to protect and restore the sacred.
This is an invitation to step into service, to choose to join a collective body of humans that deeply cares about our planet. Please read the Indigenous elders statement here: http://caretakersofmotherearth.com/
If you find resonance, consider signing, asking your own questions, and joining us with good minds and prayer for the healing of life on Earth.
StoneTree Productions is currently in production on a documentary about Chief Arvol Looking Horse and his global peace work. http://www.stonetreeproductions.com
Nov. 8th Tepco will begin moving over 1000 dangerous fuel rods, many giving their lives to do it. 2001 WPPD statement ending from Chief Arvol Looking Horse, I think it fits this terrible scenario we are ALL facing about Fukashima: “You must decide. You can’t avoid it. Each of us is put here in this time and this place to personally decide the future of humankind. Did you think the Creator would create unnecessary people in a time of such terrible danger? Know that you yourself are essential to this World. Believe that! Understand both the blessing and the burden of that. You yourself are desperately needed to save the soul of this World. Did you think you were put here for something less?” Below informational utube of what we are facing and the Elders statement.
(for those that can not open attachment of from Elders.)
Council Statement
This statement reflects the wisdom of the Spiritual People of the Earth, of
North and South America, working in unity to restore peace, harmony and
balance for our collective future and for all living beings. This statement
is written in black and white with a foreign language that is not our own
and does not convey the full depth of our concerns.
The Creator created the People of the Earth into the Land at the beginning
of Creation and gave us a way of life. This way of life has been passed down
generation-to-generation since the beginning. We have not honored this way
of life through our own actions and we must live these original instructions
in order to restore universal balance and harmony. We are a part of
Creation; thus, if we break the Laws of Creation, we destroy ourselves.
We, the Original Caretakers of Mother Earth, have no choice but to follow
and uphold the Original Instructions, which sustains the continuity of Life.
We recognize our umbilical connection to Mother Earth and understand that
she is the source of life, not a resource to be exploited. We speak on
behalf of all Creation today, to communicate an urgent message that man has
gone too far, placing us in the state of survival. We warned that one day
you would not be able to control what you have created. That day is here.
Not heeding warnings from both Nature and the People of the Earth keeps us
on the path of self destruction. This self destructive path has led to the
Fukushima nuclear crisis, Gulf oil spill, tar sands devastation, pipeline
failures, impacts of carbon dioxide emissions and the destruction of ground
water through hydraulic fracking, just to name a few. In addition, these
activities and development continue to cause the deterioration and
destruction of sacred places and sacred waters that are vital for Life.
Powerful technologies are out of control
and are threatening the future of all life
The Fukushima nuclear crisis alone is a threat to the future of humanity.
Yet, our concern goes far beyond this single threat. Our concern is with the
cumulative and compounding devastation that is being wrought by the actions
of human beings around the world. It is the combination of resource
extraction, genetically modified organisms, moral failures, pollution,
introduction of invasive species and much much more that are threatening the
future of life on Earth. The compounding of bad decisions and their
corresponding actions are extremely short-sighted. They do not consider the
future generations and they do not respect or honor the Creator¹s Natural
Law. We strongly urge for the governmental authorities to respond with an
open invitation to work and consult with us to solve the world¹s problems,
without war. We must stop waging war against Mother Earth, and ourselves.
We acknowledge that all of these devastating actions originated in human
beings who are living without regard for the Earth as the source of life.
They have strayed from the Original Instructions by casting aside the
Creator¹s Natural Law. It is now critical for humanity to acknowledge that
we have created a path to self destruction. We must restore the Original
Instructions in our lives to halt this devastation.
The sanctity of the Original Instructions has been violated. As a result,
the Spiritual People of the Earth were called ceremonially to come together
at the home of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle. These Spiritual
Leaders and those that carry great responsibility for their people from both
North and South America came together with the sacred fire for four days at
the end of September 2013 to fulfill their sacred responsibilities. During
this time it was revealed that the spirit of destruction gained its¹
strength by our spiritually disconnected actions. We are all responsible in
varying degrees for calling forth this spirit of destruction, thus we are
all bound to begin restoring what we have damaged by helping one another
recover our sacred responsibility to the Earth. We, the Original Caretakers
of Mother Earth, offer our spiritual insight, wisdom and vision to the
global community to help guide the actions needed to overcome the current
threats to all life.
We only have to look at our own bodies to recognize the sacred purpose of
water on Mother Earth. We respect and honor our spiritual relationship with
the lifeblood of Mother Earth. One does not sell or contaminate their
mother¹s blood. These capitalistic actions must stop and we must recover our
sacred relationship with the Spirit of Water
The People of the Earth understand that the Fukushima nuclear crisis
continues to threaten the future of all life. We understand the full
implications of this crisis even with the suppression of information and the
filtering of truth by the corporate owned media and Nation States. We
strongly urge the media, corporations and Nation States to acknowledge and
convey the true facts that threaten us, so that the international community
may work together to resolve this crisis, based on the foundation of Truth.
We urge the international community, government of Japan and TEPCO to unify
efforts to stabilize and re-mediate the nuclear threat posed at the
Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. To ensure that the Japanese
government and TEPCO are supported with qualified personnel and information,
we urge the inclusion of today¹s nuclear experts from around the world to
collaborate, advise and provide technical assistance to prevent
further radioactive contamination or worse, a nuclear explosion that may
have apocalyptic consequences.
The foundation for peace will be strengthened by
restoring the Original Instructions in ourselves
Prophecies have been shared and sacred instructions were given. We, the
People of the Earth, were instructed that the original wisdom must be shared
again when imbalance and disharmony are upon Mother Earth. In 1994 the
sacred white buffalo, the giver of the sacred pipe, returned to the Lakota,
Dakota and Nakota people bringing forth the sacred message that the winds of
change are here. Since that time many more messengers in the form of white
animals have come, telling us to wake up my children. It
is time. So listen for the sacred instruction.
All Life is sacred. We come into Life as sacred beings. When we abuse the
sacredness of Life we affect all Creation
We urge all Nations and human beings around the world to work with us, the
Original Caretakers of Mother Earth, to restore the Original Instructions
and uphold the Creator¹s Natural Law as a foundation for all decision
making, from this point forward. Our collective future as human beings is in
our hands, we must address the Fukushima nuclear crisis and all actions that
may violate the Creator¹s Natural Law. We have reached the crossroads of
life and the end of our existence. We will avert this potentially
catastrophic nuclear disaster by coming together with good minds and prayer
as a global community of all faiths.
We are the People of the Earth united under the Creator¹s Law with a sacred
covenant to protect and a responsibility to extend Life for all future
generations. We are expressing deep concern for our shared future and urge
everyone to awaken spiritually. We must work in unity to help Mother Earth
heal so that she can bring back balance and harmony for all her children.
Representatives of the Council
Chief Arvol Looking Horse
19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe
Spiritual Leader
The Great Sioux Nation aka Pte Oyate Buffalo People
Bobby C. Billie
Clan Leader and Spiritual Leader
Council of the Original Miccosukee
Simanolee Nation Aboriginal Peoples
Faith Spotted Eagle, Tunkan Inajin Win
Brave Heart Society Grandmother/Headswoman & Ihanktonwan Treaty Council
Ihanktonwan Dakota from the Oceti Sakowin
7 Council Fires
– ADDITIONAL SIGNATURES TO FOLLOW –
3 COUNCIL FUKUSHIMA STATEMENT OCT 2013
November is National American Indian Heritage Month
It is a time to celebrate the rich cultural traditions and proud ancestry of American Indians and recognize "…the vital contributions that American Indians have made and continue to make to the strength, balance, tolerance, and diversity of our society.” Throughout November L&I will celebrate the rich cultural traditions and proud ancestry of American Indians. Scheduled activities include:
Opening Remarks, Invocation, Honoring the First Peoples of Turtle Island with Robert Satiacum, and stay tuned for the magical notes of Roderick Harris, Native Flutist on Friday, November 1, 2013 , Noon–1:30pm, L&I Rotunda.
The return of the Wa He Lut Dancing Turtles on November 14th. The children will perform from 12:00 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the rotunda.
Kisa, founder of GOODTHINKING 4 ALL OUR RELATIONS, November 18th, 2013, 12–1 pm, LNI S130. Come, and get a deeper understanding about the REALITY OF REZ. LIFE: Learn how you too can get involved .
American Indian Heritage Month presents – Dakota 38, November 20th. The film will be 12:00 p.m. to 2 p.m. with discussion in room S130.
To Learn more about American Indian Heritage check out Make No Bones About It website for more information.
Labor and Industries (L&I) Tumwater Office
7273 Linderson Way SW
Tumwater, WA 98501 Map and Directions
Sarah James, a Gwichin elder from Arctic Village, Alaska, is the board chair and a spokesperson for the Gwichin Steering Committee, and has educated people around the world about the porcupine-caribou herd and the importance of protecting the Sacred Place where Life Begins (the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) from oil exploration and drilling. She has received many awards, including the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize, the National Conservation Land Trust Award and the Ecotrust Award for Indigenous Leadership.
I am NOT a costume! was a homework assignment in a social psychology course. Using creative tools to persuade others to agree with your stand. My classmates presented great examples, (not texting and driving for example) and I wanted to have others see my view on this holiday. Theories may include self-affirmation theory, central route persuasion, emotional approach.
Myers, D. G. (2010). Social psychology. (10 ed.). New York, NY: McGrawHill.
This is my first time editing from my mac; it’s fun but time consuming so please have patience as I figure out how to edit. Thanks for your support!
Starting 18 September 2013 in the Powder River Basin, Lummi community members from the House of Tears Carvers will follow the rail route for proposed coal shipments through Cherry Point near Bellingham WA. They will gather people together in a series of ceremonies designed to highlight the risks posed to all of our communities by coal export from the West Coast.
Boldt Decision Memoir: A conversation with Billy Frank Jr. and Prof. Richard Whitney
Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission chairman Billy Frank Jr. sits down with UW Professor Richard Whitney to reminisce about their involvement with tribal treaty rights and the Boldt decision in the 1970s and 1980s. Whitney was the fisheries technical advisor to federal Judge George Boldt, whose opinion in U.S. v. Washington upheld tribal treaty fishing rights for treaties in Western Washington.
Cheif Leonard Squally’s Wake on Friday, September 6th, 2013, 5pm. Nisqually Youth Center.
Salatupki Chief Leonard Squally April 4, 1934 – August 3, 2013 Chief Leonard Squally passed away August 3, 2013 at home. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenny, sister Karen, sons Leander and Kelvin, and wife Colleen. He is survived by son Robert, brothers Lewis and Albert, sisters Caroline Byrd and Elizabeth Thomas, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. A wake will be at 5pm on Friday, September 6, 2013. Funeral will be at 10am on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at the Nisqually Youth Center. The family would like to thank Providence St. Peter Hospital and Hospice, The Nisqually Clinic, and the Nisqually Tribe for the care and attention given to Chief Leonard. We would also like to thank family and friends for their support at the end.
Welcome! It is an honor to contribute and give another voice to the “The First Peoples” of our world.
Make No Bones About It. * KAOS 89.3 FM
Sundays 4pm to 6 pm with your Host, Raven Redbone.Visit KAOS 89.3 FM @ www.kaosradio.org!
Make No Bones About It
Make No Bones About It- Sound Cloud
World Peace and Prayer Day 2013
Encouraging Words from our Elders
"I appreciate your work in giving voice to our peoples. Blessings to you." Grandmother Mona Polacca
Quote of the Month
Yes, our life energy must be a gift for our future. Your life, my life, everybody’s life must follow your given path. So pray or meditate. Follow your inner path and learn just how powerful you are and learn that you are a leader for your people, your family, your children, and the Mother Earth.
-Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Lakota
Make No Bones About It 