Manataka American Indian Council Volume VIII Issue 1 JANUARY 2006
Manataka - Preserving the past today for tomorrow
42 printed pages in this issue
Contents:
Book Review: Keeping the Circle Legends of Old:
Old Man Sea, Butterfly, Blackbird Eco-Notes:
Boycott Kleenex! Letters to the Editor:
Happy Camper Elder Council:
Gayle Sexauer Appointed MAIC Messages:
Manataka needs... Elder's Meditation:
Wallace Black Elk Making Customs:
I Stayed with the Land Feature Story:
WOMEN AND DRUMMING! Outreach:
Manataka Goes Latin! Hawk Speaks:
Gifts from the Ground Poetry Circle:
Blessing of the Waters Healing Basket:
Crossing Over Upcoming Events:
Marcine Quenzer's Report Health Front:
No Sugar Coating Website Updates:
15 new features! Hill & Holler:
Cherokee Drowning Place Women's Circle:
Warrior Woman Teton Rainbows: Bennie LeBeau Sr. Women's Medicine:
Conception time has come Justice Corner:
Protest March - Voting Violations Prayer Basket: Memorial Gift...
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Acercamiento A La American Latina
Manataka Goes Latin!
FELIZ ANO NUEVO!!!!!
Outreach To Latin America . . .
Otto
Riollano Dávila, Manataka Ambassador to Spiritual Elders of Latin
America and Jim Path Finder Ewing, Ceremonial Elder of
Manataka recently released the first section of their work to bring a new and
powerful communication tool to Manataka's efforts to reach out to our brothers
and sisters to the South.
Dávila suggested the idea to the Elder Council after the Summer Gathering and Ewing was asked to begin the conceptualization and coordination process. Ewing developed an outline of necessary elements, researched and wrote articles and served as a liaison to Dávila who provided his invaluable services to translate portions of the Manataka website and created a platform for that he will use to discover the minds and hearts of our Southern family counterparts.
The Elders are thankful to Dávila and Ewing for their professional contributions and their commitment to the ideals of Manataka.
The Elders of The Manataka American Indian Council extend their warmest greetings to our indigenous neighbors to the South and offer a welcome hand of friendship and invitation to join our Circle.
To read the words of Dávila and Ewing, written both in English and Español about who we are, where we are, what we do and what we hope to accomplish with the exchange of information and fellowship offered, please read more below.
Código de Ética Y De Buen Comport Amiento Del Indigena Americano
Mensajey Reña Biográfica Del Embajador A Los Ancianos Espirituales De La América Latina
Gayle Texas Wind Sexauer Appointed to Elder Council
Gayle
"Texas Wind" Sexauer of Fayetteville, AR was recently appointed Public Relations Elder
by unanimous decision. "...Based on her excellent background,
experience, wonderful disposition, strong ideals, and love of Manataka, the
Elders of Manataka made a wise decision in selecting Gayle for this important
position," said MAIC Chair, David Quiet Wind Furr.
Gayle was nominated by Jim Path Finder Ewing and MAIC received some very powerful recommendations from her church, co-workers and friends.
"...Gayle has -- Wisdom - from trials and life experiences comes a personal understanding of sacred truth and from this comes wisdom...I personally believe that Creator has prepared Gayle for special roles of leadership and counseling..." writes Terry Woodward.
James D. Johnson, Associate Pastor of the Sequoyah United Methodist Church writes, "...Gayle has been a steadying influence in the life of our congregation as she has carried out her duties with a sense of love and grace... She welcomes both member and stranger with dignity, acceptance and genuine hospitality..."
Gayle was born in Germany while her father was a Chaplain in the U.S. Army and she has lived in Italy, South Korea and San Antonio, Texas. Gayle provided in-home day care for children for a number of years and home schooled her three daughters. Gayle was most recently Office Administrator for the Sequoyah United Methodist Church.
GOD has a great and abiding love for Manataka. He says that we have the potential to show the world what it means for Humankind to co-exist in harmony with the earth and each other. To bring together people from all walks of life and be a shining example of what it means to connect with each other heart to heart.
We have the GOD gifted opportunity to work together for the highest good of all people and to lovingly support each other through the good times and the bad. We are presented with the choice of realizing and accepting that everyone is unique and gifted as well as learning how to get along instead of being at war with one another over our differences.
"...It
is with a humble and thankful heart that I offer my services as Press Relations
Elder for the Manataka American Indian Council.
I in myself do not feel worthy of this position. I have much to learn. If
it were not for GOD's continuing counsel and the loving encouragement of my
fellow Manataka members I would not have had the courage to pursue it. I
will represent Manataka to the very best of my ability and speak, to all who
will hear, the message of peace that we carry in our hearts," said Gayle.
(Look for a new web page featuring Gayle Texas Wind Sexauer before Spring.)
The Public Relations Elder creates media releases; develops working relationships with television, radio, newspaper and magazines, and organizations. Gayle will chair the Public Relations Committee of 25 members.
Two other positions on the Elder Council remain open. See Announcements below.
NOTICE:
Wolf Dancers
Wolf Dancers Needed. Rocky Thunder Wolf Miller of the Manataka Wolf Society is asking people who dance the Wolf or those who wish to learn to contact him. The Wolf Society will dance in April 2006. A wolf pelt is not required to dance, but we have them if needed -- cost $400-$500. Powerful stuff. manataka@sbcglobal.net
Also See Powwow Now! One of the largest powwow calendars on the Internet today!
By Jim PathFinder Ewing (Nvnehi Awatisgi)
My friend Choctaw Shaman Boe Glasschild and I have for a couple of years discussed finding a way to disseminate shamanic teachings in a good way. It seems there are so many barriers to teaching the ways, so many people who want to say, "...you can do it this way, but not that way..." and so forth. Or that only "this way" is the right way.
We finally decided that maybe it is good to just teach what we know and not count on others for defining which is the way. If these are things we’ve done or know or have seen, and our hearts tell us it’s true, and it’s a good thing, that is the way. So, we are announcing….
Owl Medicine Society
The Owl Medicine Society is an informal, intertribal, cross-cultural fellowship dedicated to sharing healing knowledge and shamanic practices. It meets quarterly in Lena, Miss. Membership is by invitation.
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"Sacred Owl Medicine" by Sue Blondell |
Dues are one cord of wood per year for the Asi/Inipi and all members are expected to provide food for gatherings.
The Society is headed by Boe Many Knives Glasschild of McCool, Miss., and Jim Pathfinder Ewing of Lena, Miss. It is not affiliated with any other group or single tradition but seeks and promotes an eclectic mix of knowledge. For information, write:
Annette
Waya Ewing
P.O. Box 387
Lena, MS 39094
E-mail: laughingfrog@redjellyfish.net
Boe Many Knives Glasschild (Bvshpo Lawa) is an enrolled
member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
Jim PathFinder Ewing (Nvnehi Awatisgi) is an enrolled member of the Southern
Cherokee Tribe & Associated Bands in Texas.
BIG TIME NOTICE...
People of the Manataka Longhouse,
We have a fun and worthwhile project to present for your consideration.
Background
Marcine Quenzer came to Manataka during the Fall Gathering and gave a weekend long presentation of her wonderful art. See Media Release below
She spoke to us and gave us the wisdom of the great Peace Keeper. She shared in our ceremonies and gave a most wonderful gift to the people of Manataka and to Elder David Quiet Wind. See Report on Manataka below - a long but wonderful message
Marcine travels the North American continent delivering her special message of peace. During her travels she meets many spiritual elders, tribal leaders, and thousands of other people who participate in ceremonies. We asked how Manataka could aid in her journeys.
Marcine needs our assistance making 'honoring' gifts for Elders across the country.
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People of Manataka, "...There are occasions in which I need to "honor" people. This is an important native custom. I often leave pieces of my art with them and they seem to be happy with this but there have been times when I would have liked to honor them with something more personal. The Wyandotte Nation has agreed to sponsor me with flags from the nation and this is good for formal presentations but I meet people along the way that go the extra mile so to speak for me or who need a boost in some way. I do not have time to "make" gifts to give these people... Small items because I do not have room for large things. Whatever spirit guides them to make will be fine. And just
anyone who is guided to contribute in this way. If they are not
impressed with a desire to make something, let them know this is OK.
For those who do accept, please include name and address so that they
can be notified as to whom and what situation their gift was
presented. |
Now the decision is yours. Will you go the "extra mile" to make small honor gifts?
If so, please send us a brief message to PeaceGifts@manataka.org saying what you plan to make and how many of each item.
Our goal is 444 small crafts. This will be a fun and worthwhile project.
Thank you.
P.S. Spread this message around. Thanks. We might just make it to 4444 gifts.
October 7, 2005
American Indian Artist to Speak at Gathering
As
part of a full line-up of free seminars, entertainment and ceremonies,
nationally known artist, lecturer and author, Marcine Quenzer of Oklahoma will
present a free seminar entitled “The Great Law of Peace” during the
Manataka Fall Gathering, October 15 at Bald Mountain Park.
Quenzer will demonstrate her painting technique and display a selection of her famous paintings during the event. As an accomplished storyteller, Quenzer will present a number of fascinating and amusing stories.
Marcine is an accomplished artist in many mediums, concentrating on graphite, oils and acrylics. Her work is at home in Europe, as it is in Canada, Hawaii and other places around the nation.
Marcine's early years growing up on a farm in southwestern Idaho instilled a deep and enduring appreciation for the relationship between man and nature. Her father sat her down at the age of four, and helped her draw her first picture. Little did he know that she had a natural gift and it would be the beginning of a life long pursuit.
Marcine takes her inspiration from the traditions and legends of the Native Americans amongst whom she has lived the last 15 years. She combines her artistic talents and personal knowledge of Native American tradition to produce art that preserves the culture of America's Indigenous People. Learning the Native American Life Ways has been the most exciting journey of all. Being able to share it through her art is one of the greatest delights of her life.
In 1996, Marcine did an after school project with the children of the Wyandotte Schools. The art the children created was put on T-shirts and hung in exhibition for the parents. She has worked on many art projects, children's art, calendars, and T-shirts in connection with the Tribal Efforts Against Lead from 1996 until 2001.
Marcine facilitated a cultural center where young people learned to do Native American social dancing, singing and powwow dancing. Often ancient songs could be heard late into the night while young people enjoyed learning traditional ways.
During this time, she created a museum filled with art depicting many Native American stories, creating a special section on Iroquoian woodland culture.
Marcine's family oral history says she is of Blackfoot decent, but has been residing in Oklahoma for the last 10 years, among the Eight Tribes of Ottawa County. She met Kennesatah, an Oneida Elder in 1988. She was given the Indian name, Neawesee, which means the "Creator will answer His way". In 1994 Hubert Sky of Six Nations Reserve officiated in an adoption ceremony between Marcine and Susie Lord as sisters in the family of Rosie Lord, daughter of Amanda Greenback, daughter of Rosie Fox, daughter of Amanda Whitewing, Seneca. Grandma Mandy has the distinction of having maintained the visitor's camp at the stomp grounds for some 80 years. In 1998, Marcine was adopted by Leonard "Catfish" Smith as his "sister" in the Maude Smith Family of the Seneca/Quapaw. And in 1999, in a medicine ceremony, she became "sister" to Bill King, Apache and to Ron Wahwassuck, Potawatamie. Marcine also has an "Uncle", Nahum Hershom, Ojibway.
Marcine's latest endeavor is a series of paintings on the Great Laws that were created by Dekaniwida and Jikohnsaseh, both Hurons of the Northern Great Lakes, and an Onondaga Indian, Hayenwatha hundreds of years ago. This series was first exhibited at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Later that summer, the display toured Germany in the "Good Medicine Tour" sponsored by the City of Tulsa. Because of this work she was named "Associate Artist for the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma". Marcine's work has been invited to participate in the International Peace Festival in Onondaga, the place of the beginning of Peace. She is moving to the very location where the story in her series of paintings takes place. The opportunity to walk the sacred path of the Peace Woman is a dream come true.
Marcine's work instills the desire to create a lasting Peace among all mankind. She says: "Peace is the result of celebrating and enjoying our differences while recognizing our oneness. We are all on this planet together. Let's share and protect it, by being the brothers and sisters we truly are. There is only one Creator by whatever name we call Him and we all are his children."
Quenzer’s presentation is part of a weekend long line up of free seminars, entertainment and ceremonies scheduled to take place at both Bald Mountain Park and Gulpha Gorge Campgrounds.
The theme of this year’s event is “Native American Traditional Learning Weekend” and is sponsored by the Manataka American Indian Council (MAIC), a nonprofit educational, cultural and religious organization based in Hot Springs.
According to the event chairman, Rick Wind Call-er Porea of Little Rock, teaching the “old ways” is important to keep American Indian culture and philosophy alive amid strong influences of modern society.
“Manataka is dedicated to preserving the past today for the sake of tomorrow’s children. We have assembled over a dozen American Indian elders and teachers who will provide some very interesting lessons on a wide variety of subjects – all intended to bring understanding and dispel stereotypical notions about our culture. At the same time, we will have fun participating in dances, crafting and ceremonies,” said Porea.
Religious ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday with the Grand Entry and Flag Ceremony followed by the Pipe Ceremony, Fire Ceremony, and special elder teachings. The Grand Entry will feature the Flag Ceremony with over 15 tribal flags donated to MAIC.
The Naming Ceremony and Making Of A Relative Rites will be begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday. A traditional American Indian wedding is scheduled to take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday and another wedding will take place at 9 a.m. on Sunday in the Manataka Medicine Lodge Tipi. Purification (Sweat) Lodge ceremonies will be held at various times all weekend. A special Honoring Ceremony will be conducted for members and friends of Manataka who have recently crossed the stream of life. The Journey to Manataka prayer ceremonies are not scheduled but will take place at Gulpha Gorge Campgrounds as required by tradition and faith. Over 275 Manataka members and guests prayed at the Fire Circle in Gulpha Gorge last July.
A Gourd Dance and Wolf Dance will precede the traditional Healing Bear Dance ceremony after dark on Saturday evening. Six bear dancers, three wingmen and drummers and singers from the Bear Dance Society of Arkansas are expected to perform this ancient rite. The public is invited to participate in the Bear Dance.
A free concert by Del Lillard of Hot Springs will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening. Lillard will perform selections from his new release “Ghost Trails to Manataka” CD. Other events planned during the weekend include the popular Trade Blanket event, children’s games, storytelling, drumming and singing.
Admission is free. A $1.00 parking donation and $5.00 camping donation are requested. All guests are required to register. There is plenty of level parking for RV's and campers. 75 individual primitive campsites and showers are available at Bald Mountain Park. Food concessions will be open all weekend. Everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs, folding tables and picnic supplies.
Vendors are invited to display original crafts. The fee for booth space is $30.00 for non-members and $5.00 for members. Electrical hook-ups are available on a limited basis at $15 per day.
The Manataka American Indian Council (MAIC) is the largest American Indian organization in Arkansas with members in 45 states and six foreign countries. MAIC’s website, www.manataka.org features over 3,500 printed pages of American Indian history and culture.
For more information or a list of supplies needed for some classes contact Rick Wind Call-er Porea, Event Chairman at 501-821-3120, dragonflyerwind@sbcglobal.net or the MAIC Hot Springs office at 501-627-0555, manataka@sbcglobal.net or log on to http://www.manataka.org
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Dear all,
Report of what has transpired since leaving NY
state. Seems like Creator saves the best for last..... minute.
NJ was great. I got to spend a week with Indians and had such a great time. I was impressed with the ones I met and gifted an eagle feather to a young man who has a great spirit. The first time I looked into his eyes and his spirit, I saw a true spirit and his parents are bringing him up on Red Road. This college event also gave me the money to go home on. From there, I went to Syracuse to visit with Sainte Marie and that seemed to be promising for next summer. It looks like they will sponsor me next year. Along with a 15% royalty off all things produced from my art. Nothing right now but down the road could be very good $ wise. Since I am still on the road without a landing site available, I have not yet followed up on communication with them. Then I went to Manataka, Arkansas
This is an intertribal organization so it had the
mix of some real Indian type stuff and wannabe stuff. Over all, I
liked the organization Lee Standing Bear had, as he had dispersed
"authority" through out the group so that people had
positions and they seemed to function autonomously according to
the strength and power of their Orenda spirit. It was actually ran
very similar to what I imagine would have been done 200 years ago.
The gathering was not just for socialization. It was a weekend of ceremony... of course from different tribes. It brought in a spirit that was overwhelming to me. I felt their sincerity whatever "traditional" faults they may have, their hearts are in what they are trying to do there and so in my view, spirit is with them. I have not heard any direct criticism of this group, only praise, but when ever Ongwehowe shares with others include whites, there is always criticism. Friday night was storytelling, and I shared the creation story. Lee Standing Bear told some but the real stories came from questions of the group assembled as Lee unfolded the story of Manataka, the care takers that have protected the sacred space. Lee is no slouch when it comes to memory and knowledge. However, the spirit in his eyes and face told me what I needed to know. I witnessed a Naming Ceremony...
Haudenosaunee way, family names are used of past
relatives. This has definitely had its drawbacks as people forget
the language, have many relatives living, and naming authority
gets mixed up.
My husband gave me my Indian name. Trained in ceremonial ways of the Seneca Cayuga, and that I had no family to take names from, I felt he was inspired when he gave it to me and have no desire to change it even with what has transpired between us in the last 5 years. In the Manataka Ceremony it was required that the person seeking a name to make something. This imbued the article with their energy so that when an Elder takes it for prayerfully seeking the Indian spirit name, the persons energy goes with. These prayers sought earnestly and often reflected the gifts the person brings forth for their life journey. The effort put in these names was impressive and the ceremony became an honoring ceremony of that person. Perhaps not traditional but in today's world, we need to have ceremony and traditions and must be open to creating new traditions when needed. The fact that this ceremony honored the people and their personal path was really keen to me. There are too few opportunities to acknowledge the good in people and to do so publicly in a way that does not become a status seeking event, and I thought that Manataka had held to the sincerity of it all. There was a ceremony for accepting new members When it was done, I had 15 minutes to share the Peacemaker story so I chose to share a Haudenosaunee Ceremony, the Thanksgiving Address with their intertribal organization. Here I met Carol Orr, Seneca, student of Grandma Twila, Seneca, for 20 years. We connected, she is someone I am most anxious to begin dialog with. She spoke of the end times and that she in a vision saw a crystal cave we will go into if the next ice age becomes a reality but she knew not where it was at. She was at Manataka because she is marrying the chief of the Southern Cherokee Confederation. When I learned that Manataka mountain has 7 crystal caves which were used by the people last time it was necessary to go into the earth, I shared that with her. Of course, I believe that we still have time to turn the transition easily instead of cataclysmic. Saturday night was a Bear dance
Used to the Bear Dance of the Utes, I was looking
forward to it. BUT it was nothing like it. It was a healing
ceremony received from the Yokuts and Kituwah. I was told that 3
days sweats and prayers and fasting were required by the
"bears". In the ceremony, the men wore bear skins, and
at times incredibly "looked" like bears taking on the
bear persona. I witnessed "bears" taking on
"stuff" from the people and helpers using eagle wings to
sweep the "stuff" off of them. I recognized it from
doing medicine sweats with Bill King, Tuba City, and Ron
Wahwassuck, Pottawatamie where often I have taken on
"stuff" during healing of others.
Michael, Spirit Dancer, had to leave before the ceremony began. Michael is in severe physical pain and I offered to stand in the circle for him and he accepted. I thought this would give me an opportunity to see how valid the ceremony was. I was involved in a conversation with Quiet Wind in the circle when I got seized with the coughing out of "stuff" I was familiar with in the sweat. One "bear", Pathfinder and pipe holder, came and lifted it off of me so that it quit. I hope that it was for Michael. One "Bear", Doc also pipe holder, went around to every person and did healing work. When he came to me, he started out as usual but shorly picked up the broken back I have and at that time was experiencing excruciating discomfort from it. His eyes got big and then he lifted the pain from me. In my estimation the ceremony was real. Sunday, was more ceremony
How ever my opportunity to tell the Peacemaker
story did not happen. Three times I had gotten the opportunity to
speak and then someone else spoke and it did not come back to me.
I was getting miffed to travel so far and not do what I came to
do. I wondered if this was for me to stand in my feminine power
and declare my space, but I chose not to.
The day wore on and I never got a chance to speak all day. Okay I thought, what is the purpose of all this. Whirling Rainbow
I had told Bear earlier in the day that I was the
holder of the Whirling Rainbow. It had been given to me by the
ET's on the mountain above Salt Lake City in 2002 and I had been
impressed to establish this for Manataka but it was not to be done
at the baseball field but at the mountain.
They were to choose the place. When the day was
over and we were packed up, the three of us, me, Lee and Dave
Quiet Wind went to the mountain. They showed me a sacred spot
before the mountain which has now been taken over by the park
system and now has a concrete fire pit and benches surrounding
it. Then we went to Quiet Winds property where he had
discovered [five] ancient medicine wheels and had a sweat
lodge set up. We looked and I decided to use the space by the
sweat lodge to establish the Whirling Rainbow for Manataka. If the
sweat lodge was set up right and since the lodge was the gift of a
Lakota Elder (I think) I figured it was set on Mothers heartbeat.
They received twin rainbows, one at the park and
one near these medicine wheels. When I left,
"they" (spirit) began showing me many things, things I
can't share at this time but I began to realize that was the whole
purpose of my going to Manataka and I had achieved what I had been
sent to do.
It reminded me of 2002 when spirit provided a way for me to go to the Olympics at Salt Lake from Wyandotte. I thought I was going to "sell art" and get rich. LOL Many TV stations set up in front of my work ...aimed the other way.... And when it was over, there was only the experience of going upon the mountain side by the five Olympic rings to await the Inter-galactic Federation Mother Ship. All I came away with was this Peace Virus the ET's had telepathically given 12 of us that February night. What in the world am I suppose to do with this in Wyandotte Ok?????
However since leaving OK I have established the
Whirling Rainbow as spirit has directed. At the House of Mica, at
Onondaga Lake; At Vermont; and now at Manataka with the
realization that this was different... it now took on the form of
a real ceremony. A rainbow blanket representing the Rainbow Woman
of Manataka was provided. I took out my personal medicine bundle
and laid it out. This became serious. This became the beginning of
the "new"..... for who ever understands this.... It
proclaimed the end of all old and the beginning of the new.... I
would use the word dispensation.... Age...... The column of
tornado energy going down into Mother and up into the universe,
and it began to pulsate in time to Mother's heart beat, and
into the earth spirit (etheric) grid and into the earth physical (ley
lines) grid forever changing/ enhancing/ empowering the peace
imbued within this land.
And for the first time, I was told that the work I do of establishing the Whirling Rainbow and Peace, is under the Divine Spirit of Creation, as she spins, weaves, and we, the people, together create the New. The ceremony holds the energy of the First Mother of all Ongwehowe, -The Earth Mother, -the Rainbow Woman of Turtle Island (White Buffalo Calf Woman; Mother Mary), And the Great Peace Woman officiating. It is imbued with the feminine energy. It is now serious; reverent, powerful. Wow. I was awed. My knees shaking. Never did I expect it to become this..... where is this heading???? Where is this going???? I haven't a clue and it is best that way... cause you can't run and hide...... one innocently just keep following Spirit and look behind to see the path that has led to it and say Wow. Awesome. I am now in Missouri where I will be until Thanksgiving. For now Ona Marcine |
Memories of the 2005 Manataka Fall Gathering
i stayed with the land...
As i smoothed over the hoop below the sweat lodge on my knees with my hands, i knew that i was kneeling on hundreds of holy prayers. Not prayers for personal gain or needs, mostly for Mother Earth and the Universe, as they are most needy. i planted corn, oats and chickpeas at the site. i stayed with the land.
The water from the creek germinated the seed and they sprouted within days. i saw the deer return, i heard them say a prayer of thanks, as they grazed on the wonderful greens. Thank you to the kind two legged that broke the soil as they sat touching the earth, which grew these sprouts. Rare when the leaves are falling. They said thank you to the rooted tribe for providing the seeds that grew into their favorite foods. They said thank you to the moving water along beside, to the birds that sang the songs leading them there, to the Sun that provides for all. They said all of that in their footprints as that was all they left behind. i stayed with the land.
The loud hawk perched often on a dead tree outside my camp, screeching as he did at the Gathering. He was always there when i returned from the Mountain, telling me he already knew the things i learned while i was amongst the trees. He told me this was a holy place, made holy by our prayers and motivations. He told me this has always been a holy place, he told me it always would be. He told me that with his screams, that was all he left behind. i stayed with the land.
The footprints of the deer and the screech of the hawk will always be there. The running water, the trees, the seeds, the birds, the sun, will always be there. The drums, the weddings and flutes, the wolves and the bears will always be there. The sacred hoop will tell the next ones to come, that they are on holy ground, the stone tribe told me so. i stayed with the land.
As i looked back to make sure their was no litter or signs of our passing, the trees told me to come again soon, and to bring more friends to the next Gathering because they like our singing, especially the Bear Songs. i said farewell to the land.
Why had i stayed with the land? i had stayed with the land for all the people at the Gathering. i stayed with the land because i learned from the Gathering and i learned from all the people at the Gathering and then i learned from the land.
By Laughing Crow
MANATAKA.ORG WEBSITE DECEMBER UPDATES
#15 Survival of the Sun Dance New! #14 Indian Note Cards - For Any Occasion #13 Timpsula - Indian Bread Root - Turnips Cooking #12 The Tonkawa Story - Cultural History #11 National Native American Veterans Association #10 Diabeticine An Herbal Treatment for Diabetes # 9 Ghost Trails to Manataka Great Sound! # 8 Sacred Bear Butte Threatened! # 7 Story of Grandmother Corn (Cherokee) # 6 Sid-di-pou-i-wi-ta -- A Wintun Story New! # 5 Universal Medicine Wheel New! # 4 Native Remedies - Herbal cures for what ails you # 3 Red Road Drums - Beautiful Sounds! # 2 Clear Mountain Jewelry Over 900 Inexpensive Styles! # 1 "The Shores Within" - eBook - 8 Medicine Way Lessons
Tomorrow's Children
By Tsolagiu RuizRazo
Raising children in today's world is difficult. This book teaches parents how to raise children according to traditional customs and values. A good book! $21.95 Read More
Wisdom of Elders:
Traditional American Indian Foods 70+ page, soft-bound cookbook is brimming with recipes, tribal profiles, authentic preparation methods, as well as colorful ideas for menu planning. $21.95
Ghost Trails to Manataka CD
By Del Lillard
Stirring music. Intense, emotional and beautiful. Hear the legends of the Place of Peace. A Moving Experience. Only $19.95 Read More
Wisdom Walkers
By Corina Roberts
A provocative novel about ancient North America and the journey of two women. Dispels migration myths. Only $19.95 Read More
Manataka Flag
Now Available!
Only $85
Boycott Kleenex!
Winter officially started December 21, and we are well into cold and flu season. Next time you reach for a Kleenex brand facial tissue to blow your nose....STOP! and honor Greenpeace's efforts to boycott Kleenex and other Kimberly-Clark products!
Greenpeace is urging consumers to boycott Kimberly-Clark, the largest tissue-products company in the world, makers of Kleenex, Scott, Viva and Cottonelle brand products, because the company is clear-cutting ancient forests in Canada, including the Heart of the Boreal Forest, to produce their paper products. Additionally, the company uses chlorine to whiten their paper products; chlorine used during the wood pulp bleaching process produces dioxin, a highly toxic substance in the environment.
"Kimberly-Clark produces 4 million tons of tissue products annually and generates net sales of $14.3 billion. The company has offices, factories and mills in 38 countries and its products are sold in 150 countries. In North America, less than 19% of the pulp that Kimberly-Clark uses for its disposable tissue products comes from recycled sources. The rest comes directly from forests like Canada’s Boreal. Most of the consumer products sold in local grocery stores, including Kleenex brand products, contain no recycled fiber whatsoever. Despite the fact that it has the capacity to make a much higher percentage of its products from post-consumer recycled fiber, Kimberly-Clark chose, in 2004, to use 3.3 million tons of virgin fiber to produce its tissue paper products globally" (information from Greenpeace e-newsletter).
Alternatives to Kleenex and other "mainstream" commercial tissues is to buy toilet paper and facial tissue from companies that use recycled paper! The July/August 2005 issue of Sierra, the magazine of the Sierra Club, states that Americans use 400 million miles of toilet paper each year! "If none of it were made from recycled paper, we would use up the equivalent of 50 million trees"!
The magazine goes on to explain the terms "post-consumer" when it applies to recycled paper: post-consumer paper is "paper that's been recycled after people actually use it. Otherwise, papermakers can use the word 'recycled' for scraps and trimmings that never even left the mill. Calling such stuff recycled is like a food label screaming 'cholesterol free' on a product that didn't have it in the first place."
Many big-name companies have toilet paper stating they do contain 20% authentic post-consumer waste. However, Sierra cites the company Seventh Generation as having the highest post-consumer content in its 100% recycled paper toilet tissue--80 percent (with 20% pre-consumer). I have been using Seventh Generation products for years, and find it to be an environmentally responsible company that not only uses recycled paper, but uses hydrogen peroxide (breaks down into hydrogen and water in the environment) and sodium hydrosulfite, a non-toxic biodegradable bleach made from salt and oxygen, to bleach their toilet and facial tissue. Their paper products are also free of dyes, inks, and fragrances.
I do want to note that the box of Seventh Generation's facial tissue states that it is "100% recycled paper, 20% minimum post-consumer, 80% pre-consumer"; in other words, the post-consumer amount is not as high as in their toilet paper. Suggestion: don't buy the facial tissue, and use the toilet paper to blow your nose.
Better yet, don't use tissue to blow your nose with at all! At a retreat I attended, we got around to talking about ways to be responsible to the environment, and the following suggestions were made in order to use less facial tissue and save trees:
1)use cloth handkerchiefs instead of facial tissue and throw the used cloth in the washing machine with your clothes; 2) go in the bathroom, turn on the tap, and blow your nose in your hand and then rinse and wash your hands well in the sink (wash for at least 15 seconds with soap under hot running water to kill viruses); 3) blow your nose on any convenient piece of apparel you are wearing, such as a scarf, and throw it in with the wash. Personally, I prefer the cloth handkerchief.
One woman at the retreat told of how she'd given up using toilet paper. She uses TP for "poop" as she put it (why are adults so squeemish about saying "bowel movement" and "urinate"?) but uses a soft cloth to wipe with for "pee", then rinses it out after each use. I grimaced when she said this-- I don't think I'm going to go this far, but I have tried to use less toilet paper squares per wipe, and I have been recycling the empty cardboard toilet paper rolls for years.
May you, your loved ones, and Great Mother Earth be well this season of sneezin'!
~Liora Leah Zack
RESOURCES:
Seventh Generation: http://www.seventhgen.com includes information on all of their products, including eco-friendly household cleaning products.
If you can't find Seventh Generation products in your local stores, go to http://www.treecycle.com/cattissue.html to purchase paper products in bulk from Treecycle, a wholesaler. They also have information about other paper products, including computer paper.
Or try Cari Amici for Seventh Generation paper and cleaning products: http://cariamici.net/seventh-generation-m-25.html?page=2&sort=4a&osCsid=7a4af8e9b202752d017ae00566d497
"How to shop for household paper products"; NRDC lists other eco-friendly companies and their paper products: http://www.nrdc.org/land/forests/gtissue.asp
For excellent information about the hazards of chlorine, and alternatives to its use: http://www.seventhgeneration.com/site/pp.asp?c=coIHKTMHF&b=84419#4
Greepeace Action Campaign to Boycott Kimberly-Clark: http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/news/kimberly-clark
National Resources Defense Council Action Campaign to Save the Heart of the Boreal Forest in Canada: http://www.savebiogems.org/boreal/
Manataka Video Store New!
WOMEN AND DRUMMING
By Grandmother Selma - Ocali Nation
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Traditional teaching is as relevant today as it was in the time of my Ancestors. It is a blueprint for human behavior - it connects us to the teachers of the natural and supernatural worlds, celestial beings, plants, animals, earth, air, fire, water -- respected equals, in other words, whose unique traits provide models for living in a "good way." There are lessons to be learned from both the seen and unseen worlds -- to be passed down from generation to generation through songs, drumming, stories, sharing, caring, medicine wheel teachings and ceremony." -- Grandmother Selma - Ocali Nation |
THE PERFECT HARMONY OF THE DRUM AND THE EARTH MOTHER
The magic of the Drum and its relation to Mother Earth's heartbeat moves one's
consciousness into the inner worlds of vision, experience, and learning. It is
often a time and place for Medicine Wheel teachings, of power animals and spirit
guides of inner reflection and connection or re-connection to
those things that really matter.
The Drum takes us to that special place where we can reconnect to those things
that truly matter to our spirits, minds, emotions and body.
In other words, Spiritual and Physical integrity follows nerve, blood flows
according to deepest cell needs, our spirits are fed, we are in rhythm with the
Earth Mother.
THE DRUM IS FEMALE AND HUMAN
For Native people, the drum represents the universal heartbeat of Noo Halidzoks
(Mother Earth) - the universal goddess and mother to us all. Her heartbeat on
the drum can be done in a variety of ways, here are two suggestions:
Tsimshian: Four steady beats, followed for two quick beats - one, two three,
four, one/two, two three four, one/two, two, three, four.....)
Anishinabe - two rhythmic beats - one/two - one/two - one/two.....
The first sound that was heard in the world was the heartbeat of Mother Earth.
Native people manifest this heart beat through playing a special rhythm on the
drum. This rhythm facilitates healing and realignment of the four realms of
human existence (Mental, Spiritual, Emotional, Physical) because the Creator
revolves around the rhythm. The drum when combined with the voice, creates a hum
that rests between the voice and the drum and is thought to be the spirits of
the Ancestors.
Therefore, Native hand drums are not percussion instruments per se or a toy,
they are considered female and human because of their direct tie to the earth.
When playing a drum, it should never be hammered in an aggressive way, this
suggests giving it a 'beating' and one must never 'hit' a woman in this manner!
The teaching goes even further by stating that the drum mallet should not be
referred to as a 'beater' because of the suggestion of aggression contained in
the word. Ms Thunderbird refers to all her drum mallets as 'Feather Joe'.
The Big Drum was a gift from the women to the men a very long time ago, so that
men could experience a resonant connection to the Earth Mother that naturally
occurs with women. Therefore, it has been tribal custom for the most part, that
women not sit at the big drum or play it. As Native history
has evolved, this practice has changed from tribe to tribe, and there are more
and more instances where women are taking back the big drum, and raising their
voices in joy. Also, this in some part has been borne out of the fact that many
families who had only girl children, continued to pass down the important
teachings.
THE DESTRUCTION OF MOTHER EARTH
One of the reasons that the earth is being destroyed at such an alarming rate,
is the disconnect that humans have with her. We no longer hear her heartbeat. We
lose ourselves in our quest for security through the acquisition of material
possessions, paying little heed to the devastating cost to the environment in
our zeal to have stuff, and look good. The drum is a constant reminder of the
responsibility humans have toward the preservation and health of the Earth
Mother
WOMEN PLAYING THE BIG DRUM
In the twenty-first century, as Indigenous cultures continued to adapt, evolve
and move forward, and given the fact that women are taking back the drum which
is their right to do because of the lack of leadership shown by Native men, it
is becoming more common to see women big drum groups at
powwows. This is a slow evolution because of the fierce patrilineal protection
of turf (unfortunately learned behavior by Native Men).
There has been much animosity and outright refusal to allow women drum groups to
participate at certain powwows and other events. If women think they are
"offending" men by playing the big drum, Thunderbird suggests that
those men who are offended are hanging onto territory which they do not own and,
therefore, have no right to claim ownership, for the simple reason that the drum
(no matter the size) is a universal symbol of healing, harmony, dignity, honor
and wisdom.
Wherein, it is true that women, a long time ago, gave the big drum to men so
they could feel the resonant connection to the Earth Mother that women,
naturally feel, the gift did come with some strings attached.
That is, men were to respect women, and women's leadership role in the
community; they were never to raise their voices or hands against women or
children, they were to protect the "giver of life" at all costs.
Alas, this has not come to pass, and the prophecy that states, "when the
maple trees start dying from the top, women will take back the drum" is
starting to happen. Men have not fulfilled their promises, and women must now
re-assert themselves in order to save themselves, their children and the
Earth Mother.
"Get with it, times have changed, women's voices must be heard by whatever
means if Mother Earth has any chance of survival."
OWNERSHIP OF THE DRUM AND DRUM ETIQUETTE
The drum is the exclusive property of the person who made it; or purchased it;
or traded for it; or had it given to them as a gift OR prayed for it. It is not
community property unless that is its purpose. If the drum belongs to an
individual, then permission must be given by that individual for anyone else to
even touch it much less play it. In other words, look but do not touch unless
permission has been given. Keep reminding yourself that the drum is human and
one does not fondle other humans without
permission! Accord the drum the same respect.
THE VOICE OF THE DRUM
Just like humans, each drum has its own very unique voice and vibration. Each
animal from which the drum is made has its own unique medicine; its spirit is
part of the drum. In order to give a drum its voice it needs to woken' in sacred
ceremony. Until the ceremony takes place the drum should not be
played.
During
ceremony the drum is first dedicated to the Original Creator. The drum is
a sacred object, therefore, when not in use it should be shrouded in its own bag
made of natural materials, i.e. 100% cotton, animal hide). Hanging the drum on a
wall as an art piece diminishes its voice and purpose. You wouldn't hang a human
on a wall to be admired, and as the drum is human, it should not be put there
either. The drum should always be placed skin-side up as a sign of respect.
PLAYING THE DRUM
"The drum is the Great Spirit's favorite instrument. That's why we were
all given a heartbeat." --Mano, Navajo Elder
Prayers are said each time the drum is used.
Prayers that ask Original Creator for the ability to sing in a good way.
Prayers that thank the Creator for the animal that gave it's life to become the hide for the drum.
Prayers for the people who hear, that they would be blessed and feel good when they hear the songs played.
In other words the drum is prayed for before it comes to the person, dedicated in prayer before it is used and prayed for before each use.
THE
MAGIC OF DRUMMING CIRCLES
People from many different backgrounds are getting together to create
connections through the sheer joy of drum rhythms. Drumming circles are the
ultimate stress reducer, the Prozac of the natural world if you will. It is a
time for everyone to get together and just be. Natural bio-chemicals in the body
are released which help boost the immune system, among other things Inner
chatter is instantly quieted, and a peaceful meditative state is often the
result, as the drum connects with your own heartbeat. Adults
re-learn how to play and have fun because remember, the drum is the ear of the
Great Mystery. Peace on earth becomes a reality.
MESSAGES FROM THE DRUM
I am Mother Earth's heartbeat and the sacred gift of Creation.
I am the universal heartbeat of the seen and unseen worlds.
I put the drummer in touch with creation itself.
I speak to all people equally and peacefully.
I fulfill and create spiritual, mental, emotional and physical balance.
I am a powerful non-verbal form of peaceful communication.
I am the practice of peace.
I am renewal, re-growth and fulfillment.
I am the pulse of the Universe.
I am alert, alive and ready to move the drummer to another state of consciousness.
My top represents the sky.
My bottom represents the earth.
My stitching represents the warriors for peace who play me.
I am the ancient wisdom of the Ancestors.
The hand of the drummer is never raised in anger.
The hand of the drummer should not be raised above the heart, for I am peace, I release tension, emotional stress and mental fatigue.
I reconnect with the natural rhythms of the drummer.
I remind you that Creation is alive and sacred.
I take you to the dream world to let your unconscious speak with your conscious in safety and harmony.
When you play with me there is a synchronization of energy, a unity and a common purpose.
When
you hear the rhythm of the group drumming and contribute your beat, you are
listening and playing, receptive and creative at the same time. All My Relations
Hugs, Gram Selma
A long time ago as the mighty sea rolled along the land, a butterfly flew over and landed on a wave close to the shore. Butterfly tickled Old Man Sea and his wave withdrew just as a RedWing Blackbird flew over. Another wave came up from the depths and made itself taller trying to get a worm from Redwing Blackbird's beak. Beautiful Butterfly landed on the tall wave and tickled it ever so lightly and Old Man Sea lost his grasp on the worm as he laughed.
Old Man Sea said, "Forget it, I will put my waves back inside the shore!" Soon the sea was smooth as glass.
As Butterfly and Redwing Blackbird sat on the land, a big ship came by sending huge water waves up onto the shore tickling both winged friends.
With a big laugh Old Man Sea said, "...Now I got you two lovely fly creatures!" Then with a sigh Old Man Sea returned to his domain and was calm and happy the rest of the day and into the night. Has he laid back within his banks, the Wind Woman heard Old Man Sea chuckling to himself about his encounter with the Butterfly and Redwing Blackbird.
As time passed, Old Man Sea lay eternally looking up at the sky, sun, moon and stars. Because Old Man Sea's waters are all over the earth, he could see everywhere, all at the same time, over the Earth Mother.
He thought to himself, ""0h our Creator has made so many beautiful things; I can lie here see all around me flying in the heavens. They fly between Heaven and Mother Earth in Father Sky."
"I see all because my children flow into me and we become one. I see all the land and all things on the land as I roll along in my banks, or drift upwards into the sky as fog and cloud, or I gently sprinkle myself across the body of our Mother. I see the animals, four legged and two legged. I see the grass blowing in the wind. Sometimes, I like to fly through the air and sit on the Wise Ones, the trees. I see the winged ones in their nest or flying high above. I see humans walking and running day and night.
"I am like Creator, I keep watch night and day. I keep my ears open and I hear everything that is said in different languages of the people, the animals, fish and birds.
"I hear and feel Wind Woman from the four sacred directions, North, East, South, and West.
"Wind Woman brings the vibration and the voice of Creator who whispers to me, "Many forms I have created on Mother Earth. I made all things both male and female so that they may walk together, love each other and all things. In this way, they are as I created. All things are of one body, one blood and one soul. Man must become one in spirit and in harmony with the Mother Earth. Without harmony on Mother Earth and respect for all things, Man is not one in Spirit.
"Then Old Man Sea heard Wind Woman breath the words of the Creator, "Soon it will come to pass that the lands will be as I made them. At that time, all nations will be as one. Peace be still -- for it is at hand and it shall be so!"
~Helen RedWing
Happy Camper
As enrolled members of the Choctaw Nation, my family and I are so very happy to also be members of the Manataka American Indian Council. We have learned a great deal about our culture in the past three years, made so many new friends, and enjoyed attending the events. We all have grown spiritually and intellectually. We cannot say enough good about Manataka and its wonderful leadership.
~J. Smith and family.
It is a Shame...
It is a shame that the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affair (BIA) and the National Park Service (NPS) are committing so many atrocities against our people. They exploit our land for the benefit of big corporations and feed our poor "commodity" garbage that poisons their health. They steal our trust fund monies, and turn our tribal leaders into cowering dogs with threats of financial retribution. They no longer use bullets against us -- much too messy, but instead use economic blackmail, power politics and insane bureaucratic regulations to control our populations.
Now is the time to bring an end to this 'civilized' form of genocide. It is time to resist and remove the economic threats. It is time for tribes and all Americans to rely upon themselves and community organizations they create instead of a accepting the so-called authority of a bunch of power and money hungry idiots in Washington. Let your voice be known!
A
BRAND NEW MUSIC CD
