Fran Dancing Feather

As the fog lifts, we can see the world more clearly. The colors of the sacred earth come to life in stages as the misty morning gives way to the light of a brighter day and a sustaining future filled with hope and renewal. The ways of the earth remind us that our soul cycles just like the seasons of time. When we first enter recovery, the future is dimmed by the fog of unknowing. We are told to put one foot in front of the other and stay focused on today. We learn to walk in the moment and live just one day at a time. Entering recovery is a solemn commitment. It requires courage. Read the rest of this entry »

Many indigenous peoples around the world believe that we can help each other heal from any affliction of the body, mind or spirit by using prayers, natural medicines from the earth and other components of ceremony. These beliefs for many of us, are older than any of us can remember. The skills of healing ceremonies have been carefully guarded and passed from one generation to another throughout the ages for thousands of years. The words and actions of various rituals have been held sacred and very private for most Tribal members and extended families. It is insulting, dangerous and disrespectful when these rituals are copied and corrupted by others who attempt to steal them for profit and recognition. Just last year, a non-native man from our area was arrested for attempting to imitate a Native American ritual that was performed outside Tribal or even Inter-tribal protocol without consulting local Tribal elders. As the result the innocent attendees were charged nine thousand dollars apiece and instructed to trust his leadership without question. Three of them died! The fake “spiritual guru” was jailed and the native community spoke out harshly against his actions in the media. This was a great tragedy and a valuable lesson for everyone. Ancient Tribal culture is not a game or a fantasy. It is to be practiced only under the direction of the Tribal elders being represented. Read the rest of this entry »

As an American Indian journalist for longer than the last twenty years, I have experienced both cultural resentment and spiritual awakening. Journalists have been called, “The Watchdogs of Society”. Some of us feel the responsibility to uncover and reveal deceptions often glossed over by the media, the hiding and justifying of those in power. For centuries native peoples have been portrayed inaccurately throughout American history. Early history painted the savage wars between the European settlers and the indigenous people, continuously justifying the actions of the settlers by blaming Indians for every atrocity of war. Those lasting historical records were written not by the victims of genocide and terrorist takeover, but by the conquerors themselves so they were naturally aimed at justifying the actions of only those who wanted to take the land for their own interests. As native people became assimilated, learned English and have been educated alongside the immigrants from Europe, we have learned together to present a more accurate portrayal of our common history and uncommon spirituality. Read the rest of this entry »

The rushing call of Beaver Creek can be heard a mile away. It is early September after a heavy night of rain and the valley is shrouded in a gentle mist rising from the surface of rushing waters of the creek. The entire mesa feels different today as though everything changed during the humid night. When various sounds, sights, smells and all other sensations change so quickly it is as though the Great Creator wants us to become aware and prayerful. Some may think the river is just part of the landscape and although the unmistakable sound is truly remarkable, it is just another sound with no spiritual message. Others believe we are called from thoughts of the self and our immediate surroundings, to a higher level of spiritual awareness. So what is the river trying to say to us? Perhaps it speaks many languages to a variety of different people, according to their interpretation. Read the rest of this entry »

The Rimrock Red Road Group is a fellowship of men and women who stay clean and sober by attending twelve-step meetings everywhere. The Rimrock Red Road meetings are regular AA meetings with a unique respect to American Indian culture and spiritual principles. They use the same twelve steps and twelve traditions as any AA meeting and are open to anyone who attends meetings anywhere else. The following paragraph is taken from the “Secretaries Report” of the Rimrock Red Road Group.

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A blanket of stifling heat settles oppressively over the dusky canyons like a purgatorial blanket. The air is completely still at 105 degrees and the swamp cooler quits working. Beads of sweat form on the forehead and begin to pour like rivers down the neck and chest. The serene song of the crickets rises to a disturbing crescendo of hundreds of thousands of creatures angrily protesting the oncoming assault, while charcoal colored thunderheads approach from the north. The dogs are barking. The soul is drawn outdoors to reconcile with a haunted stillness that feels as empty as a tomb. Who am I and what purpose do you have for me here?

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