Post by blackcrowheart on Nov 18, 2005 22:57:50 GMT -5
Faithkeeper urges living for seven generations to come
Posted: November 14, 2005
by: Brenda Norrell / Indian Country Today
Photo courtesy John Rae/NYC 2005/raephoto.com -- Oren Lyons urges independence and preparedness for what is coming, including catastrophes worse than Hurricane Katrina.
TULSA, Okla. - While presenting honors to outstanding programs from Harvard's Honoring Nations project, Oren Lyons urged American Indians to begin planting, and maintain the drumming and lifeways, for the seven generations to come.
''These honorees inspire us all. But even more, they plant seeds that provide for our future generations,'' said Lyons, Faithkeeper of the Onondaga Nation in New York state and chairman of the Honoring Nations advisory board.
During the honor banquet at the 62nd annual convention of the National Congress of American Indians, Lyons spoke of Hurricane Katrina and said Indian prophecies foretold of the catastrophes that would come and now increase in severity.
''There is going to be more of that,'' he said, urging everyone to become more self-sufficient.
''We cannot depend on anyone; we have to depend on ourselves.'' Lyons pointed out that if the ancestors had not been quick on their feet, today's Indian people would not be here.
Today, he said, Indian people must work together in order to survive.
Instead of a Bill of Rights, he said that he always felt there should have been a ''Bill of Responsibility.'' The Creator intended for decisions to be made, not out of concern for one's own self or even one's own family, but for the seven generations that are coming.
''It seems that around the world, they are starting to hear our voice.''
This voice is resonating for all life, he said, not just human beings. The most important issue to give voice to is global warming.
''Katrina is just the beginning; these will be coming stronger, faster and bigger.''
Lyons said people must be prepared and become more independent in order to survive. Addressing tribal leaders, he said, there is always trouble waiting, such as that 4 a.m. telephone call, but the old leaders and the old clansmen are depending on each person to become responsible.
''It is always the land: if you have land, hold on to it, don't give it up, don't trade it. Be careful of your decisions.''
Oil is a thing of the past and new forms of energy are coming, he said. Urging Indian people to look into the future in a responsible way, he said, ''Better start planting.''
Lyons said a possible definition of Indian people would be ''those who give thanks to the earth, for that is what we do.''
Drumming and keeping the traditional ways must be continued. He said these are becoming more important than ever.
''That is who you are; your culture.''
Speaking of the people who admire American Indians in countries throughout the world, he said, ''There are many, many people in the world who just love American Indians.'' But then he added, ''But I don't know about downtown Tulsa,'' which brought laughter from the audience.
Although some people refer to diverse peoples as members of the red, black or white races, Lyons said, ''We are all one people: we are all relatives.''
Posted: November 14, 2005
by: Brenda Norrell / Indian Country Today
Photo courtesy John Rae/NYC 2005/raephoto.com -- Oren Lyons urges independence and preparedness for what is coming, including catastrophes worse than Hurricane Katrina.
TULSA, Okla. - While presenting honors to outstanding programs from Harvard's Honoring Nations project, Oren Lyons urged American Indians to begin planting, and maintain the drumming and lifeways, for the seven generations to come.
''These honorees inspire us all. But even more, they plant seeds that provide for our future generations,'' said Lyons, Faithkeeper of the Onondaga Nation in New York state and chairman of the Honoring Nations advisory board.
During the honor banquet at the 62nd annual convention of the National Congress of American Indians, Lyons spoke of Hurricane Katrina and said Indian prophecies foretold of the catastrophes that would come and now increase in severity.
''There is going to be more of that,'' he said, urging everyone to become more self-sufficient.
''We cannot depend on anyone; we have to depend on ourselves.'' Lyons pointed out that if the ancestors had not been quick on their feet, today's Indian people would not be here.
Today, he said, Indian people must work together in order to survive.
Instead of a Bill of Rights, he said that he always felt there should have been a ''Bill of Responsibility.'' The Creator intended for decisions to be made, not out of concern for one's own self or even one's own family, but for the seven generations that are coming.
''It seems that around the world, they are starting to hear our voice.''
This voice is resonating for all life, he said, not just human beings. The most important issue to give voice to is global warming.
''Katrina is just the beginning; these will be coming stronger, faster and bigger.''
Lyons said people must be prepared and become more independent in order to survive. Addressing tribal leaders, he said, there is always trouble waiting, such as that 4 a.m. telephone call, but the old leaders and the old clansmen are depending on each person to become responsible.
''It is always the land: if you have land, hold on to it, don't give it up, don't trade it. Be careful of your decisions.''
Oil is a thing of the past and new forms of energy are coming, he said. Urging Indian people to look into the future in a responsible way, he said, ''Better start planting.''
Lyons said a possible definition of Indian people would be ''those who give thanks to the earth, for that is what we do.''
Drumming and keeping the traditional ways must be continued. He said these are becoming more important than ever.
''That is who you are; your culture.''
Speaking of the people who admire American Indians in countries throughout the world, he said, ''There are many, many people in the world who just love American Indians.'' But then he added, ''But I don't know about downtown Tulsa,'' which brought laughter from the audience.
Although some people refer to diverse peoples as members of the red, black or white races, Lyons said, ''We are all one people: we are all relatives.''