This picture was done for me by Tim at Sioux City Ranch

Native Americans 

Just the fact that there are still American Indians is proof of their strength. In the movies I've heard it said "the only good Indian is a dead Indian". Our ancestors tried their best to make sure there were none left. Since we never honored any of the treaties we made with them I would think that technically they should still own all the land we took away from them. For those of you who don't know, the Indians didn't believe the land could be owned. Chief Seattle wrote the American Government, in the 1800's, explaining why you could not own the Earth. It's worth the read. I believe the Indians were the first hippies. Think about it. They wore feathers in their hair . Wore what the white man thought were funny clothes. The Indians were the first conservationist. They had great respect for every living thing. They smoked funny tobacco in their pipes and used mind altering plants in their ceremonies. In the beginning they shared with the first colonist. Many of our settlers would have died if not for the Indians. And what was the reward for those that weren't killed? We shipped them off to reservations and even today many still live on reservations.

What has always fascinated me is the spirituality of the Indians. I have participated in sweat lodge ceremonies and you would be amazed at how much it puts you in touch with your inner self. For many years the ceremonies were banned by the government because the Indians would not claim it as a religion. There the government of the United States of America (the home of the free) classified it as a pagan ceremony and would not allow it to be practiced. Fortunately there were medicine men that carried on the tradition in secret. I'm now also fortunate to live about forty miles from a reservation. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians have pow wows and other events that I attend. If you ever have the opportunity to attend one of these you shouldn't miss it. They're held all over the country and you can learn a lot about about the culture.

After all these years the Native Americans are getting something back at the casinos they are now allowed to have on their reservations. Of course our government now wants a part of the take. We need to let our elected officials know that it's wrong. We need to stay out of their business. That's all they need is more government interference. Learn all you can about the beliefs and traditions of the Indians. You won't regret it. 

Native American Links

Official Site.

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Unofficial Site.

Silver Wolf Visit my friend Buddy. He's a true medicine man. The Turtle Island Worm Band of Choctaw Indians in West Monroe, Louisiana.

Long House's Home Page This page may take a while to load but it's worth every minute. I'm at a loss for words to describe it. Wonderful is just not enough so you'll have to experience it yourself.

 Deer With Horns Excellent home page. You'll really enjoy your visit.

First Nations Excellent site with great links. You have to check this one out.

What do you know about Native Americans? Test your knowledge. Bet you don't know as much as you think.

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