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

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

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





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

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Why here of all places?

Greetings relatives,

One of the questions I am asked regularly is why? If these two buffalo, the black and the white, are what the Elders and Spiritual Leaders claim they are, why were they born here? What is it about this place? Why are so many unexplainable spiritual events happening here? The birth of the white deer. The wild hawks turning white. And many, many other things. You need to get past the “my People don’t recognize the buffalo as sacred” thing. The buffalo are only one part of what is happening, and continues to happen here, every day. So, why here? In this out of the way little corner of nowhere? Why not anywhere else? Why not someplace sacred?

Well, I had a post it moment. Post it moments are those times when you realize something, and probably should have realized it all along. The realization was, it all began here.

The next door neighbor, and I mean right next door, next property over, is Fort Necessity. And Fort Necessity is where it all began. Fort Necessity is accepted as being where the French and Indian War began. And it is accepted that the French and Indian War began the American Revolutionary War. If the battle at Fort Necessity had never happened, the French and Indian War of 1812 would have never happened. And, if the French and Indian War had never happened, the American Revolution would have never happened. Therefore, this country would not exist as it does today. We could be speaking French, or German, for that matter.

Everything that is today, everything, began right here. This country as it is, this society as it is, this government as it is. The way we are, the way we behave, it all began right here. To solidify that point, uh, these two are here. If somewhere else, anywhere else, was the starting point, they would have been born there. These events would be happening there. But they are happening here. Right next door to where it all began. Where the destruction of the First Nations began. The subjugation of the original Peoples of this country.

Therefore, obviously, if it began here, it will all end here. Life, reality, what we perceive as existence, is a circle. And it would appear the circle has turned. And come back to the beginning. If this doesn’t make you rethink whether what is happening here is real, what more can I say? Do you still think this is a hoax? Do you still believe this has all been made up to exploit and capitalize? One thing for sure, these two, and everything that is happening here is not man made. Whatever concept of a higher power, God, the Creator, you might have, that concept put these two here. That concept is in full control of what is happening here. All of the spiritual events that take place here. Maybe, you might want to rethink a few things?