KOLA News: Protection of Ceremony Meeting March 8 and 9, 2003

KOLA News

March 6, 2003

Subject: from Chief Arvol Looking Horse

Protection of Ceremonies Meeting

A meeting is scheduled for March 8th and 9th

at the Cultural Center in Eagle Butte, SD.

This meeting is the third of four meetings scheduled with the Cheyenne, Arapahoe and Lakota, Dakota, Nakota Nations to discuss the protection of our ceremonies. We have already met previously in Lame deer, Montana and Ethiti, Wyoming in November 2002.

The participants were Spiritual Leaders and Bundle Keepers of these Plains Tribal Nations. It was decided in order to come to a sound decision with this issue; we should have two more meetings for further discussion. One in South Dakota, which would be held in Eagle Butte and the next in Oklahoma, sponsored by the Southern Cheyenne Nation.

This important issue concerns the abuse and exploitation of our Plains Tribal Spiritual ceremonies that is taking place here in the Americas and Internationally. Bernard Red Cherries, a Cheyenne Arrow Priest and Elk Society Headsman, initiated these meetings for discussion on how to proceed in protecting the ceremonies early last year. I submitted a support statement on November 12th to the NCAI to support the resolution that he presented. The NCAI committee acknowledged the need for important steps to be taken to avoid the possibility of the US Government interference with our Sacred Ceremonies, by passing this Resolution. The reason for this decision is based on the recent accounts of deaths and molestation occurring Nationally and Internationally in the misuse of our Ceremonies.

It was decided that the Plains Tribal Spiritual Leaders would be the decision makers for the measures that will be taken. Preparation of a purification ceremony with guidance from Wakan Tanka, will be the protocol to address this important issue. A discussion of the revival of our Traditional Societies will take place to carry out the decisions. Part of the agenda will allow an open floor discussion from attendees to give a 3-5 minute viewpoint of the issues.

This meeting will be conducted in the most Peaceful manner. We all know the many stories of the violations that have been done to our ceremonies. We will address the protocols that need to met in order to conduct our ceremonies in the most respectful manner. This meeting is not to discuss the stories and judgments on possible violations. We seek to find solutions to maintain the integrity of our ceremonies. We need to move beyond the judgments and gossip to provide our future generations with a positive healthy understanding of our Traditions.

In the Sacred Hoop of Life, where there is no ending and no beginning!

Mitakuye Oyasin,

Arvol Looking Horse

19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe