Message from Arvol Looking Horse on protection of ceremonies..

[Mato Winyan]

Protection of Ceremonies, O-mini-c'i-ya-pi



I, Chief Arvol Looking Horse, 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred
White
Buffalo Calf Pipe, would like to thank all the People that attended
this
historic 'Protection of Ceremonies' meeting.



a.. Bernard Red Cherries - Northern Cheyenne Nation - Northern
Cheyenne
Arrow Priest and Elk Society Headsman
b.. Tweety Little Bird- Northern Cheyenne Nation - Northern Cheyenne
Elk
Horn Scraper Society
c.. Lee Pedro - Southern Arapahoe Nation - Southern Arapahoe Rabbit
Man
(Holy Man)
d.. Dave Chief - Ogallala Nation - Lakota Spiritual Leader
e.. Dave Swallow - Ogallala Nation - Medicine Bundle Keeper
f.. Kevin Horse Looking - Ogallala Nation - Medicine Bundle Keeper
g.. Floyd Hand - Ogallala Nation - Medicine Bundle Keeper
h.. Silo Black Crow - Ogallala Nation - Medicine Bundle Keeper
i.. Sam Moves Camp - Ogallala Nation - Medicine Bundle Keeper
j.. Chris Leith - Prairie Island Dakota Community - Medicine Bundle
Keeper
k.. Gaylen Drapeau Sr. - I-hank-to-wa (Yankton Sioux) Nation -
Medicine
Bundle Keeper
l.. Gaylen Drapeau Jr. - I-hank-to-wa (Yankton Sioux) Nation -
Medicine
Bundle Keeper
m.. Ambrose Little Ghost - Spirit Lake Dakota Nation - Dakota
Spiritual
Leader
n.. Calvin Medicine Bear First - Assinoboine Nakota Nation - Nation
Spiritual Leader
o.. Leonard Crow Dog - Si-c'an-g'u Rosebud Sioux Nation - Medicine
Bundle
Keeper
p.. Roy Stone Sr. - Si-c'an-g'u Rosebud Sioux Nation - Medicine
Bundle
Keeper
q.. Ned Medcalf - Si-c'an-g'u Rosebud Sioux Nation -
Interpretor/advisor
r.. Leon Red Dog - Hoh'-wo-ju Cheyenne River Sioux Nation - Medicine
Bundle Keeper
s.. Steve Vance - Hoh'-wo-ju Cheyenne River Sioux Nation - Medicine
Bundle
Keeper
t.. Francis Yellow - Hoh'-wo-ju Cheyenne River Sioux Nation -
Medicine
Bundle Keeper
u.. Jacob Sanderson - Cree Nation Canada - Medicine Bundle Keeper
v.. Kevin Ta-c'an - Sioux Valley Manitoba Dakota Nation - Dakota
Spiritual
Leader




On March 8th and 9th, Spiritual Leaders and Bundle Keepers of the
Lakota,
Dakota, Nakota Nation, Cheyenne Nation and Arapahoe Nation were called
together to discuss the protection from the abuse and exploitation of
our
ceremonies. The meeting was held at the Cultural Center in Eagle
Butte,
South Dakota, hosted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. I would also
like
to acknowledge the financial donation from the Prairie Island Dakota
Community.



Discussions in the meeting included the molestation taking place in
ceremony, indecent mockery, mixing of new age beliefs, charging for
ceremonies and death, which was never heard of before in our ancient
ceremonial history. There was also discussion of the use of other
"medicines" (drugs) in and around our ceremonies. When the White
Buffalo
Calf Woman brought the Sacred Bundle, she instructed that only those
with a
pure mind and heart should touch the C'anupa. The ceremonies in
question,
in reference to all the Plains Tribes, were the I-ni-pi (Purification
Ceremony), Wi-wanyang-wa-c'i-pi (Sundance Ceremony) and Han-ble-c'i-ya
(vision quest) Sacred Rites.



We put out notice in the newspapers, native radio stations and also
contacted people through the phone. I offered prayers for the safe
journey
of the People to this very important historic meeting. Those that
could not
attend, I acknowledge their prayers for a good outcome for our
concerns.



After long discussion and testimonies of the concerns and issues, it
was
decided that it would be up to me, as the Keeper of the Sacred White
Buffalo
Calf Pipe to make a decision. It was good to feel the beginning of a
Unity
amongst our People. This has been my concern for many decades,
especially
now, when we are facing an oncoming war. We need to stand strong with
our
ceremonies!



I will state what the decision is and also explain the reasons. I will
state the protocols to our Seven Sacred Rites, which were passed down
to me
when I became the next Keeper at the age of 12 years old. These
protocols
are traditional knowledge passed down through our oral history and need
to
be brought back to strengthen our 'Ho-c'o-ka' (our sacred alters) once
again.



I will also address the areas that I cannot be involved in. My
responsibility is the Seven Sacred Rites.



It was decided, from March 9th, 2003 and forward, there will be no
non-Natives allowed in our sacred Ho-c'o-ka (our sacred alters) where
it
involves our Seven Sacred Rites. The only protection with this
decision in
Government law; is that only enrolled members can carry an eagle
feather.
In all the Seven Sacred Rites, there has always been the understanding
of
earning and a requirement of an eagle feather while participating in
these
Rites. The eagle feather stands for Indigenous knowledge and guidance
in
our spiritual ways.



a.. The Wi-wanyang-wa-c'i-pi (Sundance Ceremony): The only
participants
allowed in the center will be Native People. The non-Native people
need to
understand and respect our decision. If there have been any unfinished
commitments to the Sundance and non-Natives have concern for this
decision;
they must understand that we have been guided through prayer to reach
this
resolution. Our purpose for the Sundance is for the survival of the
future
generations to come, first and foremost. If the non-Natives truly
understand this purpose, they will also understand this decision and
know
that by their departure from this Ho-c'o-ka (our sacred alter) is their
sincere contribution to the survival of our future generations.


a.. Please understand the Wi-wanyang-wa-c'i-pi Ceremony is not only
taking
place in the center (Ho-c'o-ka) with the dancers. The ceremonial
participation also depends on all the supporters on the outside of the
arbor
who should be in prayer. From the gate, to the cook shack, to the
fire-keepers, to the supporters around the arbor, to even the moon
camp, all
people are still a part of this sacred ceremony.


a.. There should be a preparation of 'Han-ble-c'i-ya' (vision quest)
before you become a participant of the Sundance.


a.. We shall go back into this ceremony with the proper protocols
before
and during
the ceremony itself. Only those that have had the dream or direction
through a

ceremony, in concern of someone's health, should be dancing.
Dancers
should be

secluded from outside participants, as to not be contaminated by
other
people's

energy or thoughts. There should be absolutely no food or water
during
this

four-day ceremony. If there are health problems, you should
choose a
person to

finish your commitment. This ceremony is supposed to be for those
that
believe

they can fulfill all required four days of the ceremony.



a.. Han-ble-c'i-ya (Vision Quest): The vision quest should be only
for
Native People that have had the dream or vision. This Rite is also for
the
young men and women that reach the age of 12 years of age.


a.. I-ni-pi (Purification Ceremony): Those that run this sacred rite
should be able to communicate with Tun-ca-s'i-la (our Sacred
Grandfathers)
in their Native Plains tongue. They should also have earned this rite
by
completing Han-ble-c'i-ya and the four days and four years of the
Wi-wanyang
wa-c'i-pi.


a.. The other four sacred rites of the Hun-ka ka-g'a (Making of a
Relative), the Ta-pa kah'-g'o-ya (Throwing of the Sacred Ball), Wi-yan
is'-na ti (Womanhood Ceremony) and the Na-g'i glu-ha (Keeping of the
Spirit
Ceremony), should be only handled by legitimate Lakota, Dakota, Nakota
Oyate
(People).
· It was also decided only legitimate Lakota, Dakota, Nakota
Oyate
Medicine Bundle Keepers should handle any other ceremonies that are
connected to our Ho-co-ka, such as the Lo-wa-pi and U-wi-pi ceremonies.

· There should be no price tag allowed to participate in any of
our
Sacred Ceremonies. The only protocol needed for a ceremony is to
o-pa-g'i,
meaning to offer your C'anupa or offer tobacco that has been prayed
with, in
which the Medicine Person accepts or not accept if he is not able to
assist.
Medicine People do need to survive, and if people wish to give a
monetary or
any other gifts after they receive their help from ceremony, giving it
from
their hearts, I see no problem with that. We have to have faith that
the
Grandfathers will provide for our needs to survive in this modern
society;
whether the gift is money, blankets, food or anything that represents
how
much they appreciate the help. Some people can afford big gifts, some
people cannot. It all balances out.

· My position is only for the Seven Sacred Rites. I cannot
dictate
to our Medicine People who they allow to attend and support these
Rites, in
reference to non-Native People. I cannot dictate who they choose to
doctor
in their ceremonies. I cannot dictate where they travel to doctor.

· I have my own personal feelings on who should be Keepers of
our
Sacred C'anupa (Pipe). The C'anupa is very sacred and the Keeper
should
first be given a dream and be of Native decent. This issue should be
further discussed in our future meetings. The reason for my feelings
is
that I am aware the C'anupa has gone out to the International community
and
has been for sale. I know that most non-Native People do not
understand the
important protocols or have had the Traditional background to carry
this
sacred item properly. I am aware of women in their moon and men with
blood
on their hands (to take ones life intentionally) have been allowed to
touch
and carry the C'anupa. These serious situations were never to be
allowed.
I offer thanks to the non-Native People that have returned the C'anupa
to
our People, after I privately shared my concerns with them. I
acknowledge
their true sincerity in assisting our Nation to protect the survival of
our
Traditional way of life on behalf of our future generations. They have
helped us bring back honor and respect to our sacred Ho-co-ka and
C'anupa.

· There was also discussion of only the Plains Tribal members to
participate in the Ho-co-ka of the Wi-wanyang wa-c'i-pi and the Han-ble
c'i-ya Ceremonies. In the early 70's, Chief Fools Crow and my father
Stanley Looking Horse decided to allow other Native Nations to
participate
in these Rites. Their reasons were based on the fact that most Nations
have
lost their ways through assimilation or lack of Teachers to teach their
Indigenous ways. They honored and understood the unity of the First
Nations
People when different Tribes came to the aid of the Wounded Knee
Occupation.
I cannot undo their decision out of respect for our Chief and Elder.
It has
also been in our history that our Ancestors have respectfully shared
our
ceremonies with other Indigenous Nations.

· The original teachings were that the Pipe Carrier should make
their
own C'anupa. There was an understanding of the sincere spiritual
energy and
the traditional values passed down through our bloodlines. All the
values of
compassion, love, honor, respect and truth are molded into the
spiritual
life they are creating. I hope that one day the future generations
will
again pick up this important protocol.



I would like to invite all our Lakota, Dakota, Nakota Nations to the
next
ceremony when I bring out the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Bundle. The
dates
in the fall will be announced. During this time we will place the 12
honorable compassionate men to assist in taking care of the concerns of
the
Sacred C'anupa. We will also discuss the protocols of the need to have
a
good mind and good heart to be a member of the Societies that will
carry out
these decisions in a respectful manner.



There will be another Protection of Ceremonies meeting to further
discuss
and address these serious issues in the future. This meeting will be
sponsored by the Cheyenne Nation.



Once again, I thank all those that have offered prayers for these very
serious issues to be discussed and handled in a good way.



In the Sacred Hoop of Life, where there is no ending and no beginning!



Mitakuye Oyasin,



Arvol Looking Horse,

19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe

[Wakalapi]

Well, there it is. I am grateful that our elders and leaders have taken the opportunity to settle these important issues.

[SNAGgles]

Aho To-gway-yok

I totally agree. There is a reason the creator gave these ceremonies to us native people. If everyone was to have them, he would have given these ways to all people.

Hopefully everyone can respect their decision.

[Bob B Bob Firechief]

Great! About time. Now, how are they going to enforce this? Can't something be done like an ammendment to the feedom of religious act to state that the breakers of this are not protected?

:Mad

[Wakalapi]

The Spirits do not need wasicu's laws in order to act in defense of their teachings, or to do anything else for that matter.

:14:

[Bob B Bob Firechief]

yeah, ok. :coffee!:

Now what can we do to stop this travesity while coffee dude is waiting on the spirits?

[Wakalapi]

I'm sorry that you don't take my waiting on the Spirits seriously.

[Dawg Stylez]

Bump

[dawning]

Protection of Ceremonies, Statement by Chief Arvol Looking Horse

I got this through email from my friends and family back home in SD just thought i would pass it along to all you.





Thank you for bringing this to us... but this was already posted .. I agree it is important and we all need to be sharing this with others..
Thanks...
Mato

[scharbear]

This is such good news! Perhaps now more non-native people will do the correct thing and return those sacred items that belong to the Native people.

Thanks for posting this for all of us to read.

~schar

[Jacques]

Now i might piss a lot of people off with my post but here it goes:


When you want to stop prostitution,you dont invite the pimps!!

Some of the so called Bundle keepers on that list are themselves making a buck or 2 selling lakota spirituality.Ever been to Prayer day?No? "DON"T!!!!" unless you want to see the biggest reunion of spiritually challenged retarded people that i have ever seen!!!!

Who is keeping the sacred white buffalo pipe of the lakota people?

Most of the time? a padlock!!!!So much for facing the bundle towards the sun during its everyday journey! And why are non Lakota allowed to approach the sacred bundle?

No sweat?No hanbleceya?
Who said that the Lakota were the only one using these rites?
It is all over the world!!!!!!!!!!!
No Sundancing for non indians?I wonder if they are going to enforce this at Crow dogs??? Or at many others......
How about the sacred ceremonial songs put on the world market for everyone to buy and play with?

I believe like wakalapi ,that the spirits are big enough to take care of business,Plains indians do not need a POPE

[Morninghawk]

Could not say it any better, Jacques....

I have seen "Show-Dogs" operation there on Rosebud and all I see are back east and California plates, 300 sundancers, and a production that rivals anything by Cecil B. DeMille!!!

Most of those guys that "supposedly" are bundle keepers (another creation in Lakota country since everyman is to have the chanupa to walk a good life) and never heard of such things.

The white buffalo calf pipe is in a shed in Green Grass and the protect, Arvol, should be there to watch over it instead of going to Tutu, Dalai Lama or traveling the planet (and where do you suppose he get the money to do this...it ain't growing on Cheyenne River Rez. for land sake....must be from those wasichus again)...

This is made me sick of all religion and do as course now refrain from any ceremonies...period...it is all for show or sport like whiteman's religion...

Spirits and tunkashila must be laughing their butts off after this pronouncement.

My two cents,

Morninghawk

[Sweet Syilx]

well, regardless of the politics surrounding this issue, I think it's the proper approach to our ceremonies and rites. There is no way in heck would my Nation allow suyapis (whites) in our Winter Dancing. I am so sick of seeing non-natives exploit our cultures time and time again. Take your crystals, roadkill headresses and chicken feathers somewhere else!! Or better yet, take some pride in your own cultures and learn about it!!

R.

[Mato Winyan]

[Ntvmanness]

The only right way is the red way.