http://www.redrocknews.com/ Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:47:47 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 /?task=view#josc36 This is for all you "non-native" peoples (particularly you “new agers”) who feel or think you have a right to run Native ceremonies: Leave Our Ceremonies Alone!! This is how the Great Spirit will respond (Sedona Incident). You (Non-Native) people have already taken and polluted our lands, waterways, etc. but you can't have our ceremonies!! These native ceremonies were given (specifically) to native peoples by the Great Spirit/Creator and no one else. When these ceremonies were given to us, by the Great Spirit/Creator, they came with strict rules, guidelines, and protocols. And no one, but no one has the right to change, modify or combine the ceremonies, but for some reason people down in Sedona and other “New Ager” areas feel this does not apply them. I have seen these abuses down in Sedona many times and I have, in fact, shut down a few sweatlodges (as my right as a native) over the years. You non-people be aware: Of all the nationalities/ethnic groups in America, ONLY THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ religious ways are not protected under the Constitution. We didn’t have any religious rights until 1978/79 under the Jimmy Carter Administration. Why is it that we native peoples are the last ones, even on our OWN LANDS?! Now those of you who are non-natives and have or conduct sweatlodges are teetering this sensitive balance of allowing my people’s way of life to be left alone or unregulated…but with this stupid, abusive incident of a beautiful way of life could now be jeopardized. If I attended a few of your denominational services, does it now mean I can conduct them, such as Mass, Repentance, Church Services, Preaching, Baptism? This James Arthur Ray who is “self-proclaimed,” is the “fall-guy” for all you who abuse these native ways or don’t have traditional rights to conducted Indigenous Ceremonies. Now, we have to beautiful people who are no longer with us and others who are injured in one way or another. BOTTOM-LINE: Quit playing Indian when you’re not, leave our ceremonies to us as it was given specifically to Indigenous peoples, and if you want to become a spiritual leader, follow your own denominations (that you brought from whatever country you came from) and ask forgiveness. There should be a law stating that only Indigenous Peoples can conduct Indigenous Ceremonies and no one else, similar to the Eagle, Hawk and birds of preys’ possession laws (feathers, bones, etc.). I have spoken… Bii Tso, Sun Dance Holy Man and Ana Mae Sundance Camp Survivor 16 year Siege by the Gov’t of My Religious Rights ndnpet3e Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:58:31 +0100 /?task=view#josc37 I can't stop thinking about the ones who lost their life at Angel Valley Retreat. It is sorrowful to know that this area has become a pool for those looking to become a higher person spiritually. And even more so that one would pay money to an individual to attain what they already have. I hope that those of you who believe that others have what you do not learn something from those who lost their lives. I do believe that books and counseling are helpful at times, but when large amounts of money are charged, what is the person receiving that money really about? u2ramazing Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:50:25 +0100 /?task=view#josc38 I have been traveling to Sedona for over 25 years, always feeling rejuvinated and happy. I cannot believe what has happened here, and the number of persons involved, and the money paid for this joke of a retreat. From all accounts of what I am reading, I cannot believe people would pay this $ and follow another human being like a flock.....it is unfortunate people put stock in another marketing ploy...the only secret to 'The Secret' is this group found a new way to package it. I am totally for spiritual enlightenment, and will continue my travels there...it is too bad they didn't follow their own instincts and guidance, they might still be living...hopefully that will be the lesson lotus Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:01:56 +0100 /?task=view#josc40 This would be called karma. I live in the northern states. This is unheard of here. First of all we don't charge any money for participating in a sweat. We don't cram more than 20 people in a sweat. Then you can come out when you want. This is just straight up stupidity, greed from a white man that wants your dollar for his own. He can't do it on his own so he is using our great spirit to satisfy his greed. Well what comes around goes around. We learned at an early age not to use our medicine the wrong way. The most powerful medicine is water, then peyote, prayer, sweetgrass etc. If you use these the for all the wrong reasons such as to be wealthy. It will come back and bite you in your ass. Let this be a learning experience for all you non natives! bernie Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:58:31 +0100