"Wanitu wakuwa," 3/30/2005

(Chief opinion: NoComment)

I am of Nakota, Dakota, Lakota Oyate, I find the Chief to be very offensive. I grew up in Collinsville Illinois. Their are few traditional Natives living in the Illinois area in comparison to the Dakotas and Arizona the two places I live in the summer and winter. On the opposing side I often hear people who are assimilated Natives trying to speak for traditional Natives. To me this is like a person who has Irish descent and doesn't live or practice Irish ways to speak on the troubles in Northern Ireland. Their is a big difference between a traditional Native and a non traditional or assimilated Native. To me the eagle feathers are as sacred as the cross is to a Christian. I think a better example to let the opposing side to understand is to give an example. If I started a team called the Phoenix Popes and had an Native guy dressed up in white makeup pretending to be the Pope and waving a cross(on the cross would be the mascot instead of Jesus) and chanting fake hymns that aren't even close to what is really sung and walking around pretending to give a fake mass. Then If Phoenix Popes fans said this Pope was not a mascot but was doing an honor and a great service to Chrisitians and they don't know the tradition of how our Pope came about and why it respectful to Christians. Would Chrisitian be offended if this was done? I would never do this as it would be such a great disrespect to anothers Religion. But I wanted to bring up an example so others may understand our viewpoint. Our Eagle feathers are as sacred to us as a Christians Cross is to them. Our dances are as are as honorable to us as is the Pope giving mass is to Catholics. Our songs touch our hearts just as hymns lift up Christians in church. Our regalia brings about a sense of Pride just when your Priests wear robes and stand at your alter you honor them. Please forgive me for It was hard for me to even write this example and I would NEVER dishonor anothers religion as I believe each others religions and lifeways should be honored and respected the way that those whos practive or live their religion or lifeway would honor their own religion or lifeway. So I leave with a good heart and I'll pray for a healthy respectful solution for all thos involved in this issue. Toksa Ake Pidamiya do Tunkasida Mitakuye Oyasin(We are all related) Wanitu Wakuwa

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