Black Hills Area Chapter Contact Name: Betsy Mergenthal
1221 North Maple Office: 605-342-4010
Rapid City, S.D. 57701 Cell: 605-391-6985
www.blackhillsredcross.org mergenthalarc@rushmore.com
Red Cross Winter Weather Response
January 26, 2010….While the nation sees many images of the Red Cross here on a National and International front, locally the American Red Cross is responding to its own disaster on a regional level. First, power outages due to severe winter weather plagued North-Central South Dakota starting on January 22. Power has finally been restored to most of the main hubs in the region, but water has not returned to the majority of Dewey and Ziebach Counties and well as the community of Faith in Meade County.
Ziebach ranks as the 4th lowest income per capita county in the nation while Dewey County sits in the 11th spot. This in combination of the rough, remote location leaves many people desperate in the face of harsh winter weather.
The Black Hills Area Chapter of the Red Cross works year-round to prepare for these situations and has conducted training for many of the communities operating shelters. In addition we have pre-placed supplies which include cots, blankets, and ready-to-eat meals. Yesterday, our Emergency Response Vehicle deployed loaded with additional supplies including additional cots, blankets, MRES and water.
Today, Community Food Banks of South Dakota graciously donated space on one of their trucks for the American Red Cross to deliver supplies to the community of Takini for shelter operations.
The American Red Cross is traveling the region and assessing needs while working with state, local and regional officials.
In Rapid City, the American Red Cross along with partner agencies is assisting 41 dialysis patients who were transported from the Cheyenne River Reservation late Friday night to continue care. We are working to meet the needs which include clothing, food, personal hygiene items and medical equipment for people with disabilities.
This and many other disasters have faced the local Red Cross recently and we are currently looking to our friends and neighbors to support our relief efforts during these times. Whether it is a large scale disaster like the one we are responding to today or the one of 77 home fires we answered the call to last year. Our local Red Cross needs your support. South Dakota has a reputation of neighbors helping neighbors and that is what why we are asking for your financial support today.
The Black Hills Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, a nonprofit organization, continues to provide services to the Black Hills and throughout Western South Dakota in times of need. We do not receive federal monies for operations. Our mission is to provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Because of donors and volunteers, we are able to provide food, clothing, shelter, health and mental health services to clients and help them get through the emergency.
The Black Hills Chapter of the American Red Cross is a United Way Member Agency.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monday, November 30, 2009
response to David Swallow, Lakota Country Times
Greetings relatives,
First, I must say thank you, to Creator, for the strength and courage to write these words. Second, I must apologize to you, my Relatives, for having to write these words. But, the time has come.
On November 24, in Lakota Country Times, page A7, Letter to the Editor, David Swallow, Jr., Wowitan Yuha Mani, issued a statement to everyone. In the statement he spoke of his interpretation of the message of the White Buffalo. In this letter he made the following accusations:
1) I am taking advantage of this situation, to benefit financially from the message of the White Buffalo.
2) I am scamming all our Relatives, that I am a liar, that I cannot face facts and I hide behind Mary Johnson and other Elders.
3) I came to him four times to finish my Sundance commitment because another Lakota man would not let me dance.
4) He allowed me to dance for one year.
5) I never contributed a dime to his Sundance.
6) Creator burned my trailer house down because of these things.
For three years I have tried to quietly ignore these accusations. I have listened as the Elders instructed me to be humble; to be compassionate. I have now been instructed to respond. And as plain as I can make it, regardless of the harm that may befall me, David Swallow is a liar. For three years I dealt with him using me to get money out of my pocket. Every time he called I sent him money. And he called two and three times a week. Many were present during those conversations. When the electric company was pulling his meter because he gambled away the money for the bill, I paid the electric company on the spot over the phone. I paid for gas for him to travel to Deadwood, and gamble there. I paid for gas to and from Devils Tower. I sent him money for groceries. I paid to have his vehicles repaired. I paid the van he drives. I raised the money, some out of my own pocket, for him to travel to Pennsylvania. I paid for his expenses while he was here. I sent him more money when he left and got halfway home. I sent him $500.00 out of the first years powwow. Does he not think these records are available? Does he think he can simply say these things and I will go away? I have fought against him and his numerous attempts to get into this place, take over and suck the life out of everyone here. The only way I am leaving this post is if a) the owners of this facility ask me to leave or b) someone kills me.
I have given my life for this commitment. I make no money, and do not benefit. I remember to put our Relatives first, something David Swallow forgot. Yes, at one time he was a medicine person. He no longer is. Creator took that power away from him, because he misused and abused it. Stripping women in the lodge. Selling ceremony. Lying to white people to get money from them so he can gamble. Sexual encounters. The Elders do not like that he has made this public instead of coming to them. The Elders are well aware of his behavior. His reputation his well known. How he has abused his position and authority. How he has hurt people. How he has worked people for money. And publicly disrespecting his wife’s mother? An Elder of the Lakota Nation. A medicine person should be humble, compassionate and in harmony. Is this the behavior of a medicine person?
I came to David Swallow one year. I waited four days and was given permission to dance. I had danced one year previously in Rama under Bazel Braveheart at Leyton Cougars place. Bazel would not let me dance my visions. David did. But only because he thought he saw an opportunity to use me and take advantage of me. I knew what he was doing, and even attempted to defend him. After dancing for three years at his Sundance, I completed of my four year commitment and I left. At the end he tried to make me stay another two years, because he said I was weak. What he wanted was two more years of money from me.
I do not hide behind Mary Johnson or other Elders. Mary Johnson saw what David was doing to me, and stepped in to guide and assist me, because she saw I was trying to serve our Relatives. I deal with these Elders because they are not greedy and manipulative. They arent always looking to scam people out of money and hurt people. In other words, they arent like David Swallow. With the advent of the reservation system, it created a predator/prey lifestyle. David Swallow is a predator. He uses people to get what he wants, and throws them away when he is done. He is well aware this facility has immense financial assets. And he desperately wants to get in here and milk this place for everything he can get. The only thing stopping him is me. I actually live the original instructions. I give away everything I have. Money, cars, food, clothes. To anyone who needs. I have nothing, and get nothing for what I do here. All I do is provide for those Elders and Leaders who choose to come here. I raise money to pay their travel expenses, feed them, take care of them, and make sure they get home safely. I do not, have not, and will not ever make a dime for what I do. I live on a disability pension of around $1000 a month. I spend the majority of that on everyone else. I go without everyday. I have nothing, live alone, drive a beat up rez truck with 200 thousand miles on it. Where the hell am I profiting from, exploiting or benefiting? Yes, I live in an apartment here. But I was asked to live here. I offered to live in a tow behind trailer, with no utilities or facilities, in order to be here and keep this commitment, and keep predators like David Swallow from taking advantage of it. Before this I lived in a maintenance building. Basically a public restroom.
Everyone here involved in this does this for everyone else. Everyone here understands this isn’t about us, and gives everything of themselves for these two Sacred Animals, and the message they bring. Elders from many Nations have come and seen this to be true. Headman from many Societies have come and seen this to be true. All support the work we are doing out here. We put our Relatives first, everyday. David Swallow sees a gold mine, and he wants to drain it dry. You will have to kill me first. These are wonderful people who have stepped up, when no one else would, to provide for these Sacred Animals. I for one will do everything in my power to protect them from the predators in Indian Country. Predators like David Swallow, Jr.
This letter is written with the explicit permission, understanding and complete approval of Mary Johnson, Lakota Elder, Pine Ridge
First, I must say thank you, to Creator, for the strength and courage to write these words. Second, I must apologize to you, my Relatives, for having to write these words. But, the time has come.
On November 24, in Lakota Country Times, page A7, Letter to the Editor, David Swallow, Jr., Wowitan Yuha Mani, issued a statement to everyone. In the statement he spoke of his interpretation of the message of the White Buffalo. In this letter he made the following accusations:
1) I am taking advantage of this situation, to benefit financially from the message of the White Buffalo.
2) I am scamming all our Relatives, that I am a liar, that I cannot face facts and I hide behind Mary Johnson and other Elders.
3) I came to him four times to finish my Sundance commitment because another Lakota man would not let me dance.
4) He allowed me to dance for one year.
5) I never contributed a dime to his Sundance.
6) Creator burned my trailer house down because of these things.
For three years I have tried to quietly ignore these accusations. I have listened as the Elders instructed me to be humble; to be compassionate. I have now been instructed to respond. And as plain as I can make it, regardless of the harm that may befall me, David Swallow is a liar. For three years I dealt with him using me to get money out of my pocket. Every time he called I sent him money. And he called two and three times a week. Many were present during those conversations. When the electric company was pulling his meter because he gambled away the money for the bill, I paid the electric company on the spot over the phone. I paid for gas for him to travel to Deadwood, and gamble there. I paid for gas to and from Devils Tower. I sent him money for groceries. I paid to have his vehicles repaired. I paid the van he drives. I raised the money, some out of my own pocket, for him to travel to Pennsylvania. I paid for his expenses while he was here. I sent him more money when he left and got halfway home. I sent him $500.00 out of the first years powwow. Does he not think these records are available? Does he think he can simply say these things and I will go away? I have fought against him and his numerous attempts to get into this place, take over and suck the life out of everyone here. The only way I am leaving this post is if a) the owners of this facility ask me to leave or b) someone kills me.
I have given my life for this commitment. I make no money, and do not benefit. I remember to put our Relatives first, something David Swallow forgot. Yes, at one time he was a medicine person. He no longer is. Creator took that power away from him, because he misused and abused it. Stripping women in the lodge. Selling ceremony. Lying to white people to get money from them so he can gamble. Sexual encounters. The Elders do not like that he has made this public instead of coming to them. The Elders are well aware of his behavior. His reputation his well known. How he has abused his position and authority. How he has hurt people. How he has worked people for money. And publicly disrespecting his wife’s mother? An Elder of the Lakota Nation. A medicine person should be humble, compassionate and in harmony. Is this the behavior of a medicine person?
I came to David Swallow one year. I waited four days and was given permission to dance. I had danced one year previously in Rama under Bazel Braveheart at Leyton Cougars place. Bazel would not let me dance my visions. David did. But only because he thought he saw an opportunity to use me and take advantage of me. I knew what he was doing, and even attempted to defend him. After dancing for three years at his Sundance, I completed of my four year commitment and I left. At the end he tried to make me stay another two years, because he said I was weak. What he wanted was two more years of money from me.
I do not hide behind Mary Johnson or other Elders. Mary Johnson saw what David was doing to me, and stepped in to guide and assist me, because she saw I was trying to serve our Relatives. I deal with these Elders because they are not greedy and manipulative. They arent always looking to scam people out of money and hurt people. In other words, they arent like David Swallow. With the advent of the reservation system, it created a predator/prey lifestyle. David Swallow is a predator. He uses people to get what he wants, and throws them away when he is done. He is well aware this facility has immense financial assets. And he desperately wants to get in here and milk this place for everything he can get. The only thing stopping him is me. I actually live the original instructions. I give away everything I have. Money, cars, food, clothes. To anyone who needs. I have nothing, and get nothing for what I do here. All I do is provide for those Elders and Leaders who choose to come here. I raise money to pay their travel expenses, feed them, take care of them, and make sure they get home safely. I do not, have not, and will not ever make a dime for what I do. I live on a disability pension of around $1000 a month. I spend the majority of that on everyone else. I go without everyday. I have nothing, live alone, drive a beat up rez truck with 200 thousand miles on it. Where the hell am I profiting from, exploiting or benefiting? Yes, I live in an apartment here. But I was asked to live here. I offered to live in a tow behind trailer, with no utilities or facilities, in order to be here and keep this commitment, and keep predators like David Swallow from taking advantage of it. Before this I lived in a maintenance building. Basically a public restroom.
Everyone here involved in this does this for everyone else. Everyone here understands this isn’t about us, and gives everything of themselves for these two Sacred Animals, and the message they bring. Elders from many Nations have come and seen this to be true. Headman from many Societies have come and seen this to be true. All support the work we are doing out here. We put our Relatives first, everyday. David Swallow sees a gold mine, and he wants to drain it dry. You will have to kill me first. These are wonderful people who have stepped up, when no one else would, to provide for these Sacred Animals. I for one will do everything in my power to protect them from the predators in Indian Country. Predators like David Swallow, Jr.
This letter is written with the explicit permission, understanding and complete approval of Mary Johnson, Lakota Elder, Pine Ridge
Monday, November 16, 2009
LAKOTA WARRIORS ESTABLISH PROTECTION FOR PENNSYLVANIA WHITE BUFFALO
Cante Tenza Okolakiceye
Strongheart Warrior Society of Lakota Nation
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Monday, November 16, 2009
Contact: Duane Martin Sr, Headsman, Cante Tenza, 605-517-1547
LAKOTA WARRIORS ESTABLISH PROTECTION FOR PENNSYLVANIA WHITE BUFFALO
Announcement Follows Traditional Native Ceremony at Nemacolin Sanctuary
Farmington, Pennsylvania - On Monday November 16th, Cante Tenza the Strongheart Warrior Society of the Lakota Nation, announced the warrior society will oversee protection for the sacred white and black buffalos living at the Nemacolin Resort near Farmington, Pennsylvania.
Cante Tenza Okolakiceye, which has included famous Lakota warriors such as Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull and No Ears, and the Tokala Okolakiceye Kit Fox Warrior Society sent representatives to the Saturday Wopila (thank you) ceremony to protect the ceremony and its participants and to ensure traditional protocols are being followed related to the Inipi (Lakota sweat lodge) ceremony and other sacred aspects regarding the care of the buffalos and the donated land for their sanctuary.
"We are honored to come here with direction from the Grandmothers to ensure balance and traditional protocol is followed related to the recognition of the sacred white and black buffalos," said Canupa Gluha Mani (Duane Martin Sr.), headsman of Cante Tenza. "These beings are sacred to our people and their colors of white and black show us that we must all return to balance through the renaissance of traditional language and lifeway."
Cante Tenza will ensure the 50 acre buffalo sanctuary which is free and open to all people continues to be welcoming to Native people who would be concerned traditional ways are being honored on site.
"We have welcomed Hawk Goodfire (Holikachuk,Shawnee) and Mark "Kingfish" Wassler (Shawnee) of Buffalo Messengers into Cante Tenza to watch over the buffalo and traditional protocols," explained Canupa Gluha Mani. "They have been with the buffalo from the beginning and can help to ensure fairness and balance are practiced going into the future."
Representing the Tokala Okolakiceye was Louis Janis, who along with Martin are both Tetuan Oglalla Judiciary Council members.
Elders of numerous Indigenous nations have been coming to honor the white buffalo since its birth in November 2006. Both the white and black buffalo were transferred to Nemacolin in mid October of this year leading to Saturday's ceremony that included visitors from the Lakota, Shawnee, Oneida, Mohawk, Cherokee and Crow nations. Strongheart's announcement adds another level of significance to this historic event.
Canupa Gluha Mani said, "We want to bring our Lakota Elders to visit these sacred beings in the months to come. Ensuring traditional protocols are being followed will help to support the visits from our Elders and Elders of other Indigenous nations."
More information about the buffalo can be found at http://www.buffalomessengers.org/ on Myspace at http://www.myspace.com/buffalomessengers and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hawkgoodfire
Strongheart Warrior Society of Lakota Nation
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Monday, November 16, 2009
Contact: Duane Martin Sr, Headsman, Cante Tenza, 605-517-1547
LAKOTA WARRIORS ESTABLISH PROTECTION FOR PENNSYLVANIA WHITE BUFFALO
Announcement Follows Traditional Native Ceremony at Nemacolin Sanctuary
Farmington, Pennsylvania - On Monday November 16th, Cante Tenza the Strongheart Warrior Society of the Lakota Nation, announced the warrior society will oversee protection for the sacred white and black buffalos living at the Nemacolin Resort near Farmington, Pennsylvania.
Cante Tenza Okolakiceye, which has included famous Lakota warriors such as Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull and No Ears, and the Tokala Okolakiceye Kit Fox Warrior Society sent representatives to the Saturday Wopila (thank you) ceremony to protect the ceremony and its participants and to ensure traditional protocols are being followed related to the Inipi (Lakota sweat lodge) ceremony and other sacred aspects regarding the care of the buffalos and the donated land for their sanctuary.
"We are honored to come here with direction from the Grandmothers to ensure balance and traditional protocol is followed related to the recognition of the sacred white and black buffalos," said Canupa Gluha Mani (Duane Martin Sr.), headsman of Cante Tenza. "These beings are sacred to our people and their colors of white and black show us that we must all return to balance through the renaissance of traditional language and lifeway."
Cante Tenza will ensure the 50 acre buffalo sanctuary which is free and open to all people continues to be welcoming to Native people who would be concerned traditional ways are being honored on site.
"We have welcomed Hawk Goodfire (Holikachuk,Shawnee) and Mark "Kingfish" Wassler (Shawnee) of Buffalo Messengers into Cante Tenza to watch over the buffalo and traditional protocols," explained Canupa Gluha Mani. "They have been with the buffalo from the beginning and can help to ensure fairness and balance are practiced going into the future."
Representing the Tokala Okolakiceye was Louis Janis, who along with Martin are both Tetuan Oglalla Judiciary Council members.
Elders of numerous Indigenous nations have been coming to honor the white buffalo since its birth in November 2006. Both the white and black buffalo were transferred to Nemacolin in mid October of this year leading to Saturday's ceremony that included visitors from the Lakota, Shawnee, Oneida, Mohawk, Cherokee and Crow nations. Strongheart's announcement adds another level of significance to this historic event.
Canupa Gluha Mani said, "We want to bring our Lakota Elders to visit these sacred beings in the months to come. Ensuring traditional protocols are being followed will help to support the visits from our Elders and Elders of other Indigenous nations."
More information about the buffalo can be found at http://www.buffalomessengers.org/ on Myspace at http://www.myspace.com/buffalomessengers and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hawkgoodfire
Thursday, October 22, 2009
wopila ceremony - November 14th, 2009
Special Guest Elders:
Canupa Gluhamani ( Duane Martin, Sr.), Mary Johnson, Nagi White Owl, Star Hill, Gerald Ice, Harvey Arden
http://www.buffalomessengers.org/Wopila_Ceremony.html
Canupa Gluhamani ( Duane Martin, Sr.), Mary Johnson, Nagi White Owl, Star Hill, Gerald Ice, Harvey Arden
http://www.buffalomessengers.org/Wopila_Ceremony.html
Friday, September 11, 2009
White & Black Buffalo's New Home
Greetings Relatives,
As in all prayers, thanks must be given to Creator first. So we begin this prayer, acknowledging Creator, giving thanks to Creator. Beginning July 23rd, when we learned the home of the Sacred White & Black buffalo’s is closing, many have prayed for their safety and security. It has always been understood this crisis is in Creators hands, and what will happen will be what should happen. My Relatives, our prayers have been answered.
Many Elders & Spiritual Leaders have visited here, to offer prayers and conduct ceremony. All have said the same thing, they must remain here. This is where they were given to us, and we must do everything we can to insure they do not leave here. This, my Relatives, has happened.
Less the 5 miles from this property, Nemacolin Woodlands, a 3,000 acre resort is the new home for these two Sacred Animals. Mr. Joseph Hardy, his daughter, Maggie Hardy Magerko and manager Mr. Trey Matheu have come together with Buffalo Messengers to provide for these Sacred Animals. The mothers of these Sacred Animals were secured by Mr. Hardy earlier in the spring. There are also several other buffalo on this property. This is an amazing, beautiful opportunity for our People, along with a safe and secure home for the two sacred gifts. All will be welcome to come, at no charge, to visit with these two gifts given to each of us by Creator.
We, the First Nations People, have prayed someone, anyone, would come forward and assist us. We have said we will do the work, all we need is the opportunity. Someone with a good heart, who is willing to not just hear us, but to listen to us. Someone willing to help us with what we need, not tell us what we want. Mr. Hardy is an answer to that prayer. Through his benevolence and generosity, we will be able to provide many things, not only to First Nations People, but also to everyone worldwide, to all our Relatives.
Our culture will be shown respectfully and honorably, to educate those who know so little about us. Here in this place we can begin to do away with the stereotypes and misinformation that surround us. Here we can be sure our culture and spirituality will never be exploited or manipulated for greed. This will reverberate throughout Indian Country. This will reverberate throughout the world.
The staff and volunteers of Buffalo Messengers will work with Nemacolin Woodlands, to ensure everything we do is presented correctly, both culturally and traditionally. Since the birth of these two Sacred Animals, Buffalo Messengers has worked diligently to ensure no one is able to exploit or manipulate these spiritual events. With advice and counsel from respected and recognized Elders and Spiritual Leaders from many of the First Nations, we have always presented this message from Creator with honor and integrity. We will not fail in continuing this responsibility as we move forward with Mr. Hardy.
All funds that have been raised will be used for the benefit of these two Sacred Animals and continuing to pass on the message given to us by Creator. My deepest appreciation is extended to each of you who gave all you could to make sure these two gifts remain here, in a sacred way. Creator showed us today that we are doing the right thing. This morning, (Sept. 11), one of the red tail hawks that had turned white with the white buffalos birth, that lived at the buffalo’s original home, showed itself in the buffalos new home as I sang for them.
In October, as soon as it can be arranged, working with Mr. Trey Matheu and his staff, Buffalo Messengers will assist Nemacolin Woodlands in welcoming these two Sacred Animals to their new home. Elders have been contacted from many Nations, including the Delaware, Absentee Shawnee, Lakota and Onondaga. These visiting Elders will conduct the ceremonies needed, and everyone will be invited to be here. Nemacolin wants to insure everything is done correctly, with respect to our traditions and culture. In this way, Nemacolin will host a thank you ceremony. This is also referred to as a wopila ceremony, a potlatch or give away. Nemacolin understands they are being gifted a great honor in providing for these two Sacred Animals, and understand in this way we say thank you, to Creator, for this blessing. I pray each of you will be able to be here for this event in October and as soon as I can I will let you know the date.
We now have that opportunity we have prayed for, for so long. Now we can present our way of life the right way, with respect for all things. Here our Elders and Leaders can speak with the People, sharing their wisdom. Here the ceremonies can be performed correctly, by those who remember the gifts given to them were given to serve the People, not the person. This is where this country, and the demise of our Nations, began. Here, Creator placed these two gifts. The circle of life has turned, and come back to the beginning. Now we go forward, from the beginning, to correct all that has gone wrong. To show the world who we are. The prophecies say we, the First Nations People of Turtle Island, will lead the world back to a spiritual path. It began with the birth of these two Sacred Animals, the White and the Black Buffalo. This too, is the beginning of our responsibility. We understand life is a circle. We understand every beginning is an ending. Every ending is a beginning. This ends here. This begins here.
Thank you Creator, for the beauty that is this journey of life. Thank you, Creator, for bringing this opportunity, these individuals, this place. Thank you, Creator, for this message, this ending, this beginning.
hawk
As in all prayers, thanks must be given to Creator first. So we begin this prayer, acknowledging Creator, giving thanks to Creator. Beginning July 23rd, when we learned the home of the Sacred White & Black buffalo’s is closing, many have prayed for their safety and security. It has always been understood this crisis is in Creators hands, and what will happen will be what should happen. My Relatives, our prayers have been answered.
Many Elders & Spiritual Leaders have visited here, to offer prayers and conduct ceremony. All have said the same thing, they must remain here. This is where they were given to us, and we must do everything we can to insure they do not leave here. This, my Relatives, has happened.
Less the 5 miles from this property, Nemacolin Woodlands, a 3,000 acre resort is the new home for these two Sacred Animals. Mr. Joseph Hardy, his daughter, Maggie Hardy Magerko and manager Mr. Trey Matheu have come together with Buffalo Messengers to provide for these Sacred Animals. The mothers of these Sacred Animals were secured by Mr. Hardy earlier in the spring. There are also several other buffalo on this property. This is an amazing, beautiful opportunity for our People, along with a safe and secure home for the two sacred gifts. All will be welcome to come, at no charge, to visit with these two gifts given to each of us by Creator.
We, the First Nations People, have prayed someone, anyone, would come forward and assist us. We have said we will do the work, all we need is the opportunity. Someone with a good heart, who is willing to not just hear us, but to listen to us. Someone willing to help us with what we need, not tell us what we want. Mr. Hardy is an answer to that prayer. Through his benevolence and generosity, we will be able to provide many things, not only to First Nations People, but also to everyone worldwide, to all our Relatives.
Our culture will be shown respectfully and honorably, to educate those who know so little about us. Here in this place we can begin to do away with the stereotypes and misinformation that surround us. Here we can be sure our culture and spirituality will never be exploited or manipulated for greed. This will reverberate throughout Indian Country. This will reverberate throughout the world.
The staff and volunteers of Buffalo Messengers will work with Nemacolin Woodlands, to ensure everything we do is presented correctly, both culturally and traditionally. Since the birth of these two Sacred Animals, Buffalo Messengers has worked diligently to ensure no one is able to exploit or manipulate these spiritual events. With advice and counsel from respected and recognized Elders and Spiritual Leaders from many of the First Nations, we have always presented this message from Creator with honor and integrity. We will not fail in continuing this responsibility as we move forward with Mr. Hardy.
All funds that have been raised will be used for the benefit of these two Sacred Animals and continuing to pass on the message given to us by Creator. My deepest appreciation is extended to each of you who gave all you could to make sure these two gifts remain here, in a sacred way. Creator showed us today that we are doing the right thing. This morning, (Sept. 11), one of the red tail hawks that had turned white with the white buffalos birth, that lived at the buffalo’s original home, showed itself in the buffalos new home as I sang for them.
In October, as soon as it can be arranged, working with Mr. Trey Matheu and his staff, Buffalo Messengers will assist Nemacolin Woodlands in welcoming these two Sacred Animals to their new home. Elders have been contacted from many Nations, including the Delaware, Absentee Shawnee, Lakota and Onondaga. These visiting Elders will conduct the ceremonies needed, and everyone will be invited to be here. Nemacolin wants to insure everything is done correctly, with respect to our traditions and culture. In this way, Nemacolin will host a thank you ceremony. This is also referred to as a wopila ceremony, a potlatch or give away. Nemacolin understands they are being gifted a great honor in providing for these two Sacred Animals, and understand in this way we say thank you, to Creator, for this blessing. I pray each of you will be able to be here for this event in October and as soon as I can I will let you know the date.
We now have that opportunity we have prayed for, for so long. Now we can present our way of life the right way, with respect for all things. Here our Elders and Leaders can speak with the People, sharing their wisdom. Here the ceremonies can be performed correctly, by those who remember the gifts given to them were given to serve the People, not the person. This is where this country, and the demise of our Nations, began. Here, Creator placed these two gifts. The circle of life has turned, and come back to the beginning. Now we go forward, from the beginning, to correct all that has gone wrong. To show the world who we are. The prophecies say we, the First Nations People of Turtle Island, will lead the world back to a spiritual path. It began with the birth of these two Sacred Animals, the White and the Black Buffalo. This too, is the beginning of our responsibility. We understand life is a circle. We understand every beginning is an ending. Every ending is a beginning. This ends here. This begins here.
Thank you Creator, for the beauty that is this journey of life. Thank you, Creator, for bringing this opportunity, these individuals, this place. Thank you, Creator, for this message, this ending, this beginning.
hawk
Sunday, August 30, 2009
new WHITE BUFFALO photos
These photos were taken 8/25/09 and they show the white buffalo with a distinctive reddish orange cast to his face and back. His rump is still white. Thank you for these pictures, Raven & Family, who came to visit.
hawk
hawk
Friday, August 28, 2009
White Buffalo - 1st Color Change
greetings Relatives,
As was told to the People, the White Buffalo will change colors. He is going through his first change, from white to red. As of now he has a very distinctive orange cast about his head and shoulders, with his rump still white. As soon as I can get some photos of him I will post them. This is expected, and I have contacted a few of the Elders to let them know. I have been told he will go from red, where he is now, to yellow, then black, then back to white. As was foretold, the prophecy continues to unfold. What is going to be real interesting is if the black begins to change colors!
With all that has been happening, this is simply a little more information for you. Maybe this can help you to process what is happening here is real, and does affect you. In a few more days, Sept. 1, we will know the final outcome. Until then I will continue to move forward, giving to you all I can about what is happening here. Travel safe, my Relatives, along this journey of life. We will talk soon.
hawk
Buffalo Messengers
the measure of success is altruism
As was told to the People, the White Buffalo will change colors. He is going through his first change, from white to red. As of now he has a very distinctive orange cast about his head and shoulders, with his rump still white. As soon as I can get some photos of him I will post them. This is expected, and I have contacted a few of the Elders to let them know. I have been told he will go from red, where he is now, to yellow, then black, then back to white. As was foretold, the prophecy continues to unfold. What is going to be real interesting is if the black begins to change colors!
With all that has been happening, this is simply a little more information for you. Maybe this can help you to process what is happening here is real, and does affect you. In a few more days, Sept. 1, we will know the final outcome. Until then I will continue to move forward, giving to you all I can about what is happening here. Travel safe, my Relatives, along this journey of life. We will talk soon.
hawk
Buffalo Messengers
the measure of success is altruism
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
