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Living Arts
Freedom, Liberty and Justice:
Basic Native American Rights
by Walks With Thunder
Have you ever seen those shirts and posters that say “Fighting Terrorism Since 1492” with a picture of Sitting Bull in his war paint? This is a statement from people who hold negative feelings. It was not that long ago that Indians, along with African Americans, had to use the back door instead of the front, unable to walk as equals in America because our skin was not White, but Red. Our people, the old ones and some middle aged ones, still remember this. They hold hatred for the White people whom they feel took our way of life and our land.
It is time to let that hatred go. We are a conquered people and we should own that. The Japanese are also a conquered people, but they’re doing it with style. Did you know that Japan owns much of the United States? Ever hear of Sony, Honda, and Toyota—those Japanese companies that have invested in real estate here in the United States? Yes, we Native Americans are a conquered people, but let’s use that casino money and reinvest in our people and real estate here in our ancestral lands. Let’s buy our heritage back!
To my people I say: Stop drinking, drugging, and abusing. Let go of the negative feelings about those who conquered our people. That is a past generation’s burden, not ours. It is time to use our Liberty and hold our heads up because we are the Native People of this land. Our spirituality is a great way of life; embrace it once more. You do not need to have red skin to do this. It was foretold that the children’s children of our conquerors would embrace our spiritual ways while the parents looked on in wonder. This is happening right now.
Let’s stop holding ourselves back and move forward into a future that embraces everyone. Let’s share our spirituality with those who want to learn. Let’s own our Freedom to choose how to live. Let’s stand up for our Liberties to become educated, own property and have a voice. Let’s find the Justice we deserve by standing up and being proud of who we are.
Our people come from great nations: the Sioux, the Black Foot, Crow, Caddo and many more. The Code Talkers in World War II stood next to the White people and served our new nation. I know it was not popular to be Native American until Kevin Costner made Dances with Wolves, at which point, everyone realized they had some Indian in them because at long last, it was cool to be Native. That movie began to heal our nations, and the prejudice that we had felt for decades started to ease. It helped; but it wasn’t a magic cure. However, it’s still cool to be free, Native, and have the liberty to walk in the front door. Take pride in yourself, your nation and follow our good, wide Red road in style.
Walks With Thunder is a non-traditional shaman who helps people heal themselves and learn to heal others. Contact him at 253.350.5755, www.walkswiththunder.ning.com, or http://shamanism.meetup.com/270/.