Fran Dancing Feather

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 »

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 »