A Spiritual Message to America from the Nation's Native Elders
This Message to America is the result of the National Indian Council on Aging's year 2000 Conference in Duluth, Minnesota. More than 1700 elders from 108 tribes across America attended and contributed to the words in this message. Think about your elders as you read this. They came together, setting aside tribal and political differences in order for you and your children to have some words of wisdom to help you in your lives. Please pass this on to as many people as you can, both Native and non-Native alike. These are the words of our Native elders, but the values expressed can be appreciated by all of humanity. Once you have read it, you are responsible for it. These are the elders' hopes and dreams for the world you re-create every day.
If you have any questions, please call (505) 292-2001.
Brooke Mosay Ammann
NICOA Assistant Director
A SPIRITUAL MESSAGE TO AMERICA
As we stand before the dawn of a new millennium, we pray for America's survival, our survival. We pray that we will be given strength by the Creator to follow the footsteps of our forefathers to share our love, respect and compassion for one another. There is good in everyone because the Creator has put a little of Himself in all of us.
We pray for forgiveness for the pain and suffering we have caused one another.
We pray that our children will not repeat our mistakes. We pray that we can respect the diversity of America;all life is sacred. Every child born is a precious gift of our Creator. It is our sacred trust to embrace children from all walks of life because we are part of the same family. We pray that children will honor and respect their elders-that is where the wisdom comes from. This respect will not allow forgotten elders. We are all equal, with each having our own special gift to contribute. These values allow our youth to become leaders and workers in our society. Children, you are our future and our hope for the people. Stand and be courageous. We pray to learn and use the wisdom of all that has come before us, to achieve personal successes and to contribute to those of others. Only when our young ones learn respect for everything can they evolve.
EARTH
We pray for respect and love of Mother Earth because she is the foundation of human survival and we must keep her pollution-free for those who will travel after us. Protect her water, air, soil, trees,forests, plants and animals. Do not just take and waste resources. Make it a priority to conserve. The land is given to us by the Creator to care for, not to own. If we take care of the land, the land will take care of us.
UNITY
We should have respect for each other. We pray for commitment and responsible behavior in order to help those in need and to give them support and friendship. Be an example in life that others may follow; serve people, community and country.
We should all strive to be leaders and contributors. Do not sit back and let others plan and do all the thinking. Let us unite together so that we may have the strength to protect our future. Strength comes from working through trials and tribulations.
HEALTH
Spiritual health is the key to holistic health. We pray to have the discipline to set healthy examples for our children to follow. Respecting everyone and everything in the universe starts with self-respect. Take time to listen and take care of your body and spirit.
FAMILY AND YOUTH
Family is important and precious. Always let them know that they are loved. Let your children and grandchildren know you are always there to love and support them and that they mean the world to you no matter what they do or say. Children are of infinite value. Live what you teach. Spiritual values, honesty, and integrity start in the home. We pray for the youth. We must teach the youth to work together and respect all that is living on our Mother Earth. We need to convey to our younger generations that the survival of our people lies in spirituality.
PEACE
We pray to learn ways to settle differences peacefully. Teach respect for each other's ideas. Value honesty on all levels, from children to parents to community to governments. We will be happy when we create peace with each other.
To the 7th Generation
- Survive
- Keep hopes and dreams
- Take care of yourself
- Remember your spirit
- Be there for each other
- Respect courage
- Share knowledge
- Always keep learning
- Remember your true values
The founder of News from Native California, Malcolm Margolin, is an old and dear friend of mine, the author of "The Ohlone Way," a publisher and a great friend to California Indians.
MONUMENTS MAY BE RESCINDED, CHENEY SAYS
Republican vice presidential hopeful Dick Cheney raised the possibility Thursday that some of the new national monuments created by President Clinton could be reviewed and possibly rescinded if he and George W. Bush are elected in November. Source: Associated Press
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2006, Oct... I found a site that has an enlightened man running it and reports on the Outdoor Scene and what we (humans) are doing to our world, and what we can expect in our future. Well worth the time to check out!
Tuesday, 21st September National Day of Healing
Grossmont College & the American Indian Movement invite the Indian community to participate in the National Day of Healing to coincide withthe opening ceremonies at the American Indian Museum in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Congress official Apology to Native American Indians will be read in Washington, D.C. and here at Grossmont College on the 21st. AtGrossmont College Indian leaders from reservations and urban organizations, drum performance and more will be in attendance with hundreds of other Indians and non-Indians to celebrate the 21st as a National Day of Healing. Go to; www.aimsandiego.org for more info
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PowWOW Schedule for Southern California
August 7th - 8th, 2004: 4th Annual Friendship Powwow, Fedde Jr. High Baseball Field 1409 S Elaine Ave (Pioneer & 215th St) Hawaiian Gardens, CA. MC: Daniel Tom; Arena Director: Michael Reifel; Spiritual Advisor: Jimmy Castillo; Headlady: Josie Montes; Headman: Andrew Vasquez; Host Drum: Wildhorse Singers. Info: (562) 420-2641x229.
August 11th, 3pm: American Indian Issues goes on World Talk Radio, WWW.worldtalkradio.com The weekly show "American Indian Movement Today" will be every wednesday at 3 pm. Topics will cover many issues important to Indian country. co-hosted by; Joseph Red Bear 951-767-1743, Marty 760-231-6169 or martyhh@cox.net
August 27th - 29th, 2004: Southern California Indian Center 36th Annual Pow Wow
Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa, CA. Info: (714) 962-6673.
September 3rd - 5th, 2004: Barona Powwow, Barona Ball Field, past Barona Casino behind the Barona Museum & Cultural Center Lakeside, CA. Contest dancing, food booths, craft booths, camping. Info: (619) 443-6612.
September 5rth 1 pm, 2004: AIM monthly gathering will be at the Barona campgrounds during the Pow Wow.
Sept. 10-12: Sycuan 15th Annual Pow Wow, Sycuan Reservation, El Cajon, CA.
September 17th - 19th, 2004: Soboba Powwow, Soboba Ball Field, San Jacinto, CA. Info: (909) 654-2765.
September 21st, 2004 Grossmont College, El Cajon, CA...... Major Event
Reading of the U.S. Government Official Apology, and San Diego & County Proclamation celebrating the Smithsonia Institution opening of the American Indian Museum in Washington, D.C that same day. Sponsored by American Indian Movement, Grossmont College, and the Council of American Indian Organizations of San Diego County. Info: martyhh@cox.net, 760-261-6169 or 951-767-1743 or 619-442-9203
September 24th - 26th, 2004: 14th Annual Thunder & Lightning Powwow, Casino Morongo near Beaumont, CA.
November 6 & 7, 2004: 19th Annual Many Birds Pow Wow, The Wickerd Farm, 25853 Scott Road (off the 215 north), Menifee, CA. POC: Julie Singing Wolf Wickerd, 909-672-3030. Saturday, Nov. 6th, 10 AM to 10 PM; Sunday Nov 7th, 10 AM -6 PM. All drums, dancers and lodges welcome.
November 13th - 14th, 2004: 3rd Annual Veterans Powwow. Gourd Dancing, Switch Dance Contest, MC: Michael Aviles, Arena Director Victor Chavez. Whittier
Narrows Park, Legg Lake Section, north of 60, South El Monte, CA.
November 20th, 2004: Healing the Earth Traditional Intertribal Powwow. Gourd Dancing 10am, noon grand entry, closing 9pm. Children's arts & crafts, storytelling,
opportunity drawings, native foods, games & giveaways. Admission is free, reserved campus parking $5.00. CalPoly Pomona Campus, Southeast Campus Soccer Field,
Pomona, CA. Info: (909) 869-6877.
December 10th - 12th, 2004: 29 Palms Band of Mission Indians Annual Powwow,
Trump 29 Casino, Indio, CA. Info: (760) 775-3239.
Lonard PELTIER to be on California Presidential Ballet
Two weeks ago, I had the distinguished honor of meeting the vice president running mate of Leonard Peltier, Janis Jordon, a "too cool for school" Irish and N. Ute Indian lady who was very honored herself to be chosen as Peltier side kick. Peltier, who through sheer perserverance of his supporters, is on the California Presidential Ballat.as a candidate of the Peace & Freedom Party, who are hoping to get enough votes to open the publics blind eyes to his plight. To compound matters for the Presidential Candidate, Ft. Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary is banning the media from interviewing Leonard Peltier. In the last week all pending interview requests from established media networks and reporters were denied. Prison authorities say they are facilitating too many press visits and their staff is unable to handle the volume. However, Peltier has not done an interview for several months.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!
Write, fax and flood the phone lines of Kathleen Hawk Sawyer, BOP Director
320 First St. NW
Washington DC 20534
202-307-3198
Fax 202-514-6878
Write, fax, and phone your family , friends and neighbors to let them know who to vote for come November, cause so far, the candidates who are getting the press aren't worth the sweat from a hog. :) haha- get it?
Write, fax, and phone your senators and representatives
To find out who your senators and reps are and how to contact them, call the
U.S. Capitol switchboard: 202-224-3121
Now Live Weekly on World Talk Radio.
"AMERICAN INDIAN MOVEMENT TODAY".
Beginning August 11th, & Every Wednesday at 3 pm.at
The weekly show is accessible on the Internet Shows are archived and accessible anytime. Future Show Topics, Links, Guest, Live Call-in, & More
he "American Indian Movement Today" co-hosted by Joseph Red Bear (Hunkpapa Lakota) and Marty Hiles (Anishinaabe) with AIM San Diego. Our goals will be Indian unity and healing through education and spirituality. The show will be informative with local and nationally known special guests. The diverse topics will include but not limited to national policies affecting Indian country to religion & spiritually; from urban and reservation life to traditional oral stories and historical facts; from tribal cultural resources management to economic development; from social issues such as poverty & alcoholism to regaining dignity and stereotyping.
It is time--it is past time--for us to heal our land of division, all divisions, and bring us together as one people, this empowerment through unity is the objective of this talk show. Students and educators should find our topics very enlightened and informative.
Each week we plan to present two to three different topics with a special quest or two. Our special guest will include Indian educators, authors, local and national activists and tribal leaders. We may occasionally throw in a politician or two. We plan to begin each show with a prayer to the creator and finish with a quote from Indian country past and/or present. For more info: martyhh@cox.net
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Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit)
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Visit the St. Joseph's Indian School web site at www.stjo.org
