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The Red Road honors Earth

THE OLYMPIAN

People from every nation and from all walks of life are being drawn toward what American Indians call the “Red Road.”

This is the term used by American Indians to describe the path each individual travels during their lifetime on Mother Earth. It means walking in a good way with the Earth. The old ones call it “walking softly upon the Earth.”

In my short life, I have witnessed countless stories told by people from all over the world who love life in all forms who are being drawn to the Good Red Road.

This road is a path, a way of seeing and being. It becomes the way one acts, the process one uses, and how one expresses oneself.

There is more to the Red Road than what is spoken or what is written.

For me it is my behavior, my attitude, my way of being, a way I act with responsibility and reverence, so as to not harm or disturb any other life.

I have been blessed by many elders throughout Indian Country, who have shared their stories and wisdom of walking the Red Road.

I try to use all the teachings from the First Nation Peoples, such as walking the Medicine Wheel, listening to the storytellers, learning, singing and drumming the ancient songs and going to sweat lodge ceremony.

Now, many moons later into my life’s journey, I realize the gifts of being a mixed blood or Métis person.

Throughout all of my many life experiences, I continue to learn from all the elders I encounter.

This allows a deeper understanding of how to walk on Mother Earth. As I get older my work becomes more and more clear. I am here to contribute and give another voice to “The First Peoples” who have given and continue to give to our world. In my opinion, the world needs to move forward with more of an indigenous mindset to continue to survive.

I have been honored and blessed to be part of a wonderful people whose whole way of living is harmonious with our Earth and all life. Each day, when we all walk in reverence on Mother Earth and learn to live an ecologically sound lifestyle, all people benefit. So I ask you to take a moment and talk to your elders. Listen to what they have to say. Try to learn from the stories and lessons they can teach you. Try to live in a sustainable way so you can pass this wisdom on to the generations to come.

Brian M. Frisina, aka Raven Redbone, is from Olympia. He hosts a radio show at 5 p.m. Sundays on KAOS and online at kaosradio.org. Contact him at ravenredbone@gmail.com or at www.ravenredbone.worldpress.com. Perspective is coordinated by Interfaith Works in cooperation with The Olympian. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by Interfaith Works or The Olympian.”