| First Nations Outreach Project
The Hill Of Many Nations
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The Truth About Spirituality
Facts and Fiction concerning "Native American Spirituality.
Over the years it has become necessary to dispel many myths and even outright deceptions concerning “Native American Spirituality.
I cannot tell you the times I have been asked, “Can you teach me about Indian Spirituality?”
Therefore, though many are not going to like it, I will make an effort to do just that here.
First, let us start with some facts. There is NO generic “Native American Religion.
How many different Tribes are there?
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible
To Receive Services From the United
States Bureau of Indian Affairs
AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs,Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the current list of 562 tribal entities
recognized and eligible for funding and services from the Bureau of Indian
Affairs by virtue of their status as Indian tribes.
Of these 562 Indian Nations, there are many different languages, beliefs, customs and traditions. There is not a generic “Native American Religion”.
Terms you will often her.
1. I am a Native American Shaman
2. I am a Native American Holy Person
3. I am the chief of such and such.
It is important for you to know that;
1. Shamanism is not and never has been part of the spirituality of First Nations People.
2. You will never hear a Traditional Holy Person say “ I am anything”
3. A List of those elected to Tribal Positions is available through the bureau of Indian Affairs.
You will often hear people say, “ Our traditions were all but lost but weare reviving them. Traditions have NOT been lost. They are simply isolated in specific areas. This is essential to prevent the corruption of these Traditions by outside influence.To learn these Traditions,you have to go to where they are taught, and learn them in the Traditional ways they are taught.
You will see books that claim to teach “Native American Spirituality” These are obvious frauds. Spiritual teachings, just like Traditional cultural teachings are done through “Oral Tradition” period.
You will see people who claim to provide certain ceremonies for money.
These are frauds. Money is never exchanged in return for Traditional Ceremony.
Later on I will provide some direct information to people seeking to learn more about some popular ceremonies that are most often sold. Sweat Lodge and Sundance ceremonies for example.
Before you follow anyone, make sure they are not lost too.
Many people are seeking something more than what they see. The key to achieving this knowledge are, respect and persistence.
Issues of the Dakota, Nakota and Lakota Nations
American Indian Movement
White Clay
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