American Indian Movement's topics - tribe.net

what happened to inawah?

2004-07-17T18:34:15Z

am i missing something?
is he gone?

posted in American Indian Movement - 2 replies

Regae in Havasupai...

2004-07-13T01:35:28Z

A 3 year dream manifested in Havasupai when a Regae band Helicoptered their equipment down to the lush land in the bottom of the Grand Canyon. There were many speakers who expressed many insights(more to be posted). The music was awesome and uplifting. It was called the Healing of the Nations Gathering... Represenatives from Hopi and for Lennard Peltier were their sharing their messages. Two anglo angels from the eastern states were the producers of this gathering and have created many others like it in Hopi land and in Jamaica... It was a wonderful experince staying in the village and visiting the wonderful falls. Many first for me that I am greatful for. Many blessing to all involved, especially the Havasupai...
Honiqu

posted in American Indian Movement - 2 replies

Hopi stop Casino...

2004-07-12T05:04:27Z

The Hopi Nation just over a month ago voted against a Casino being built. It would have been 2 hours away from their res. on I40 that would have brought in an estimated 27 mil.$'s in a year. Wow... A blessed sister was the main contributor in getting the voting youth involved. Imagine what they said no too finacially and materialy and what they said yes too spiritualy... The healing has begun and the new world in here waiting for us...

posted in American Indian Movement - 2 replies

Cannibis

2004-07-11T17:13:49Z

The more I look into the detailed history of hemp in this country, the more I realize the question again boils down to destroying the economic base of all indigenous, good people in this world.

Long before other nations came to this continent, native peoples had knowledge of this sacred plant, this sacred medicine. We understood that it could help one breathe better; it could help one see better; it could help people attune themselves to the harmonies and vibrations of Creation. When one smoked the sacred plants, one came closer to the natural powers of Creation.

...Those who understand the power of this plant and the uses of this plant have become potential victims upon the sacrificial altar of multinational corporations... that have vested interests in products that make you sicker, and against a natural plant that will bring you back to health.

When we look at the defamation and assassination of this plant for the War on Drugs, we see that this war is nothing but a war perpetuated by those that control the cartels of resources against the natural world people. Subsequently, just as we were killed by rich nations through the use of their military forces, who set up a process of encroachments to steal the resources of the lands of traditional people - the very same thing that happened to us where we lost our lands, we lost our culture, our religion, and we lost millions of lives, could very well happen to you with the repression of the marijuana laws in this country.

You could very well soon understand, from a traditional perspective what it must be like to lose your house, to lose your land and to lose your life in the defense of a sacred tradition that is a gift to you by the Great Spirit.

...When I look at these facts and see how these facts relate to indigenous peoples, I have to say that when the Europeans came into this continent they came in droves with their Gatling guns and their cannons, and destroyed and decimated nations for what? The resources of the people. So subsequently most indigenous people like the Big Mountain people, the people of Fort Belknap, the people of the Black Hills, the people of Oklahoma, of lands throughout the Western Hemisphere have basically been decimated economically.

And when I think of all the potential for the growth of hemp for textiles, for fuel, for food, for clothing, for anything imaginable by the thousands of uses, I think there could possibly be, among indigenous nations, a revival and a resurrection of economic stability, of economic self-dependency by coming to grips with the possibility of growing this sacred plant by Native, indigenous nations, and then interacting through international exchange and cooperation.. I believe that this sacred plant could have world-wide implications.

And one thing I know for sure, that the war against this sacred herb, a gift from the Great Spirit, a gift from the spirits of the world, has a planetary significance at this time. And I submit to you this day, this time, there is an allegiance that needs to be built and a networking that needs to go nonstop... that the time for fighting and resistance is now, and we must escalate to protect the plant, to protect the interests of indigenous populations, and to forge a merger for the salvation and survival of all peoples in Creation.

Spliiting-the-sky Hill
Washington D.C. hemp rally July 4th, 1991

posted in American Indian Movement - 1 reply

For Native American Church, peyote is sacred

2004-07-11T03:20:15Z

By Karen Lincoln Michel

Last Updated: Dec. 17, 1999
All his life, Tommy Billy has faced ridicule for practicing a religious belief as old as the red canyon rocks near his home on the Navajo/Dine' Reservation in northern Arizona.

He is a follower of an ancient religion that uses the peyote cactus - classified as a hallucinogenic drug in this country - in the manner that Catholics use sacramental wine.

He has come to accept that mainstream America misunderstands his way of worship, the Native American Church, which claims about 250,000 members, 30,000 among the Navajo/Dine'. But there is another kind of disregard toward his belief that worries him. This time, it is the people on his own reservation who are the perpetrators.

Non-believers, mainly Navajo teens, reportedly have been using peyote in the way some people take recreational drugs. The active ingredient in the cactus is mescaline, a mind-altering stimulant that the federal Drug Enforcement Administration has placed in the same category as heroin and LSD. A federal law, however, exempts church members from prosecution when peyote is used in religious ceremonies.

The Navajo/Dine' Nation government is holding public hearings around the reservation to discuss stricter tribal laws that will crack down on illegal use of peyote without obstructing the religious freedom of bona fide church members.

Billy, who is a chapter board member of the Native American Church of Navajoland, says there is a proposal to remove peyote from the tribe's controlled-substances law. A new ordinance would authorize the use, possession, sale, trade and delivery of peyote by an American Indian for bona fide religious use.

It hurts Billy that his own people would abuse something he considers a holy medicine. And it hurts me, too.

Just like Billy, I have been chided, criticized and looked upon with suspicion because of my standing as a Native American Church member.

I was born into the church and baptized in the Half-Moon Fireplace of the Native American Church of Wisconsin. The principles of the Wisconsin chapter are built on the belief in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We sit on the ground and worship the triune God in all-night prayer services. We listen to sermons, sing praises to the Creator, offer prayers and foster fellowship among the congregation.

We also partake of the sacrament, a sacred rite that opens our souls and senses to fully receive the Creator. That's the part non-believers have difficulty understanding.

There are people outside the church, however, who accept and support our beliefs. A Catholic priest once told me that many Christians hear the word of God, but few allow the Holy Spirit to enter and connect on a divine spiritual plane. After hearing me talk about my religious beliefs, the priest said it sounded as though sacramental use of peyote was a conduit to reaching that spiritual level. Well put.

Now if only Navajo teens abusing peyote could grasp that concept, we would be making progress.

Ironically, these teens are following in the footsteps of the hippie culture of the 1960s, whose abuse of peyote prompted the government to add it to the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. It's unfortunate that the "psychedelic '60s" had such a dramatic impact on a way of worship that scientists and archaeologists have traced back 10,000 years.

Most Americans believe the First Amendment has protected the right of all organized religions to practice their faith. But after the federal government listed peyote as a hallucinogen nearly 30 years ago, the cactus was outlawed in 22 states. It wasn't until the American Indian Religious Freedom Act was amended in 1994 that religious use of peyote by Native American Church members was legalized nationwide.

Billy blames himself, other church leaders and their followers for failing to educate their own people about the significance of peyote as a holy medicine and the struggles the church has endured to protect it.

Billy doesn't have much faith in the media helping to educate the public about this issue. He criticized a recent Associated Press article that said seeing "visions" is part of the spiritual experience when peyote is ingested. He said that's how misconceptions get formed about his way of worship.

I agree. It's hard to understand beliefs of another culture when society views them through Euro-centric and Judeo-Christian eyes.

The Navajo teens abusing peyote will, I hope, grow out of their ignorance. I hope the rest of society will, too.

Karen Lincoln Michel, past president of the Native-American Journalists Association, is co-owner of News from Indian Country

posted in American Indian Movement - 0 replies

Welcome to our online chapter.

2004-07-08T16:44:51Z

Welocome to all...today is our first day...i have sent out a few invitations and am just now getting feedback.. i have started this tribe so that members of the native community that find themselves removed from Indian afffairs across the country can have a voice. My name is Inawah and i am from Cherokee, Comanchee, Ottawa, French and Irish heritage.. I am proud of all my blood lines, but am not happy with the government that has controlled our native peoples for the last few hundred years. i have been removed from various other native groups on tribe because i stand up and speak out when i hear someone make a statement that i find unjust.

posted in American Indian Movement - 8 replies

Can Native Practitioners of Native Religion Participate in the Interfaith Pagan (Polytheist) Movement

2004-07-08T06:33:52Z

The question is certainly not
SHOULD we, because there to me the answer is profoundly YES, but rather whether we can put aside our differences and realize that all peoples who understand the great power of Mother Earth and the energy all around us, and our peoples can work together to overthrow the dominant monotheist paradigm that appears to be collapsing all around us. comments?

posted in American Indian Movement - 1 reply

Quebec gathering

2004-06-29T19:02:24Z

GRANDFATHER WILLIAM COMMANDA’S ANNUAL

CIRCLE OF ALL NATIONS SPIRITUAL GATHERING

AUGUST 1, 2 and 3, 2003

KITIGAN ZIBI

Grandfather William Commanda is pleased to invite you to his annual international spiritual gathering at his home at Bitobi Lake, Kitizan Zibi Reserve, Maniwaki, Quebec.

The key themes that Grandfather advances at the Gathering, through a series of presentations and workshops, are

Indigenous Wisdom, Respect for Mother Earth and Healing,
Racial Harmony,
Social Justice and
Peace Building.
The Gathering provides opportunity for community development, networking, individual and communal healing, spiritual growth and creativity. Its key objectives are to

Share the wisdom, knowledge and sacred teachings of Indigenous Elders, Spiritual leaders and Medicine people,
Promote discussion on a range of topics – justice, poverty, aids, racism, spirituality, peace, leadership, healing
Raise awareness about our relationship with Mother Earth
Facilitate individual healing, spiritual growth and creativity
Foster positive inter personal relationships and harmony
Celebrate life, share and socialize
A special priority is to advance the vision to establish a Healing and Peace Building Centre on Victoria Island.

The daily activity plan is simple and comprehensive:

Sunrise pipe ceremonies,
Morning presentations by special guests,
Afternoon workshops, sweat lodge and other healing ceremonies and creative activities,
Late afternoon time for personal reflection,
Evening drumming, dancing and socialization.
On Saturday evening, all participate in a community feast, and on Sunday afternoon, in a traditional Giveaway.

Grandfather encourages participants to engage in all the activities; the weekend is an unprecedented blueprint for experiencing the timeless wisdom of the Sacred Medicine Wheel, with extraordinary opportunity for emotional, physical, spiritual and mental development.

The Gathering is a very special event that engenders a spirit of generosity and generates harmony, peace and unity.

ALL ARE WELCOME!

DETAILS:

Date

1 - 3, August, 2003, commencing at sunrise on Friday, and closing on Sunday afternoon
Camp set up commences on Thursday
Location

Grandfather Commanda’s residence, 231 Pitobig Mikan, Kitigan Zibi Reserve, Maniwaki, Quebec.
Camping space is available; there are also hotels and motels in town.
Please bring your own tents, sleeping bags, personal supplies, equipment and food.
There are outdoor toilet facilities and bathing at the lakeshore shower
Spaces

Parking – special parking lot across the road
Camping – north of homes, alongside the road
Security – entrance and elsewhere
Communications and Registration – beside Grandfather’s shop
Vendor for fast food – beside Grandfather’s shop
Kitchen, Elders’ Eating Space – North of Grandfather’s home
Sweat Lodge Ceremonies – East of Grandfather’s home
Sacred Fire, Sunrise Ceremonies, Meditation – Sacred Point
Morning presentations – Lakeside Arbor
Children’s activities, Drumming, Giveaway – Round Arbor
Workshops – Lodge, Lakeside Arbor, grounds
Ceremonies

Please respect the expectations of the Fire Keeper, Elders, Lodge Keepers, ceremonial leaders and security, with respect to individual protocols – tobacco offerings, dress (especially for the sweat lodges: cotton, long gowns or loose cotton skirts and t-shirts for women, shorts for men), moon cycles, etc.
Considerations

Please: NO DRUGS; NO ALCOHOL; NO PETS.
This in an indigenous spiritual gathering and all are asked to dress with decorum throughout.
Please take special care with dress, noise and conduct in the area designated for the sacred ceremonies - East of Grandfather’s home
Children are welcome and some activities are organized for them; however, there is no babysitting, and parents are fully responsible for them at all times.
No boating or swimming.
Donations for the Giveaway and Community Feast are welcomed.
Volunteers

Grandfather Commanda hosts this Gathering in its entirety; his friends volunteer to prepare for the Gathering and to clean up afterwards, and to take care of most needs during the Gathering.
ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED THROUGHOUT THE GATHERING to help with security duties, food preparation and cleanup, assisting elders, facilities cleanup etc. Please be generous with your support.
Agenda Outline

Attached
A detailed agenda will be posted prior to the Gathering
Directions:

From Ottawa and points South:

Go North to Maniwaki
As you approach Maniwaki and enter the 50 km per hour zone you will see
a flashing traffic light in front of a Freshmart Grocery store.

There is a "T" shaped intersection there, turn left, go down that road, cross a small bridge and continue past a sharp curve until you come to another "T" shaped intersection located just before a children’s playground equipped with colourful plastic slides and castle like structures.
There is a stop sign there, make your stop and turn left.
Stay on that road for approximately 4 kilometres.
You will see the Gathering grounds on your left as you drive along a lake on your left.
From Montreal and points East:

It is much shorter to come through Grand Remous.
Approximatly 20 KM past Mont Laurier, there is a small town called Grand Remous.
Just past the town bridge, there is a flashing traffic light indicating the intersection to Maniwaki.
Turn left to go to Maniwaki.
Drive South through Maniwaki until you get to a flashing trafic light in front of a Freshmart grocery store.
Turn right at that intersection, go down that road, cross a small bridge and continue past a sharp curve until you come to another "T" shaped intersection located just before a children’s playground equipped with colourful plastic slides and castle like structures.
There is a stop sign there, make your stop and turn left.
Stay on that road for approximately 4 kilometres.
You will see the Gathering grounds on you left as you drive along a lake on your left.
From points West:

It is shortest to come trough Pembrook and cross the Ottawa River to the Province of Quebec.
Follow direction to Cambell's Bay and from there turn North West to Kazabazua.
From Kazabazua, turn left to Maniwaki.
As you approach Maniwaki and enter the 50 km per hour zone you will traffic light in front of a Freshmart Grocery store.
There is a "T" shaped intersection there ,turn left, go down that road, cross a small bridge and continue past a sharp curve until you come to another "T" shaped intersection located just before a children’s playground equipped with colourful plastic slides and castle like structures.
There is a stop sign there, make your stop and turn left.
Stay on that road for approximately 4 kilometres. You will see the Gathering grounds on your left as you drive along a lake on your left.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE WRITE TO US AT info@circleofallnations.com of call 613-599-8385

ELDER WILLIAM COMMANDA’S

CIRCLE OF ALL NATIONS

ANNUAL SPIRITUAL GATHERING

AUGUST 1 – 3, 2003

DAILY AGENDA

5.30 – 7.30 SUNRISE CEREMONY

7.30 – 9.00 BREAKFAST

9.00 – 12.00 DAILY PRESENTATIONS AND TEACHINGS

12.00 - 1.30 LUNCH

1.30 - 3.00 SMALL TALKING CIRCLES – LIST AT COMMUNICATIONS BOOTH*

SWEAT LODGE CEREMONIES COMMENCE

3.00 - 8.00 INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES, DINNER

8.00 - 11.00 DRUMMING, DANCING AND SOCIALIZATION

NOTE:

SATURDAY 6.00 PM - COMMUNITY FEAST

SUNDAY 1.30 PM - CLOSING CEREMONIES, GIVEAWAY

*Circle of All Nations volunteers and other interested parties will be coordinating small talking circles on various topics of interest: Victoria Island Healing Centre Project, Circle of All Nations, women’s issues; French talking circle; conflict resolution; nutrition; health issues etc. Participants are encouraged to participate, share or coordinate circles on topics of interest to themselves and others on the grounds. You are invited to communicate your interest in this regard to volunteers at the communications booth.

Circle of All Nations volunteers thank Grandfather William Commanda and his family for sharing their home with us and we commit on behalf of all participants to honour and respect this generosity.

posted in American Indian Movement - 0 replies

Trail of broken treaties.

2004-06-28T16:09:35Z

here is another interesting page. http://www.aimovement.org/ggc/trailofbrokentreaties.html

posted in American Indian Movement - 1 reply

Brief history of A.I.M.

2004-06-24T20:56:42Z

her is the link to the A.I.M. site. http://www.aimovement.org/ggc/history.html it has all of the history of the movement.

posted in American Indian Movement - 0 replies

Leonard Petier.

2004-06-24T20:50:53Z

i encourage yo all to write to Leonard in your freen time. His adress is #89637-132 p.o.box 1000 Leavensworth,Ks,66048. Im sure you all know the story by now..

posted in American Indian Movement - 3 replies