War Against Exploiters of Native Spirituality

This is a very important document, written by Lakota-Sioux Elders: http://puffin.creighton.edu/Lakota/war.html

So much formal legal talk. What's he talking about?

Basically, the Sioux Elders (Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota are specifically mentioned in the document) felt that their spiritual culture and sacred rites had been co-opted by non-Native people, and not in a respectful way. The document is their reaction to the shaman-for-pay types, the non-Native "pow wows" and sweat lodges and sun dances, etc., especially when for profit. I don't know what these specific Elders would think of, say, my roommate if she were to blend Lakota beliefs with some other form of Paganism (or any other spiritual path for that matter) since she is part Lakota herself.

Oh, well then...
I guess I understand thier veiws, they get enough bad reporting anyway, which is really sad, but at the same time, shouldn't they, like, want to share thier religion? Just an idea...I dunno...

I think part of the issue is that, to them, it's more than just religion, it's an integral part of their culture. We "pale-faces" don't have much of that left anymore, which is why I think a lot of Pagan 101 books and sites etc. stress that Paganism is a way of life, not just something you do once in a while.

That makes sense. It's sad really.
Though, a lot of the Native American historical societies around here like to share their culture....I dunno...

True enough, but I think maybe that contributes to their resistance, the fact that their culture is a living one. Although, some would say it's also dying out, and so again that might strengthen their want to keep their spirituality and culture as intact and pure as possible. It does become a sticky situation though when someone is spiritually drawn to a culture that is not their own, what happens then? You're a perfect example, called to both Egyptian and Mayan beliefs, but again, some would argue that since those cultures and religions are essentially "dead," it's OK *shrugs, sighs* It's a tough spot either way, to be sure.

Yeah, it's confusing