Blessings from the Elders

The Blessings from the Elders

The fight to keep sacred indigineous ceremonies held in respect and honor to those who sacrified all that they had to preserve them is an on-going battle. Many Native Americans feel strongly that the indigenous ways must only be practiced by those with Native American blood. The movement against cultural appropriation is gaining strength.

Cultural appropriation is the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of an element or elements of one culture or identity by members of another culture or identity. An excellent example of this would be those who attend music festivals with Native headresses and simulated weapons of war. The check point is this: are you being respectful or are you using another culture for your own gain and prominence.

However, sharing the sacred teachings of the Native Americans of Northern and Southern America is an entirely different matter. In the case of Oklevueha Native American Church, we have received multiple blessings and admonitions to take the medicine to the white people (and by extension, all races.) The Elders understand that these ways, this Red Path, is a path of service and honor, especially to our Mother Earth, and all Our Relations.