Lightning Bolt Chichakos

The impact of these policies upon the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas have been a continued all out assault on culture and tradition, just the next chapter in the same old story. We have even received a report where an Elder who was prosecuted never even made it to trial because the pressure and stress created by the federal government in said case upon the elder caused a heart attack and the Elder died. We have heard reports of the U.S. Fish and Game showing up at Powwows and seizing truck load of feathers and regalia. The Feds also claim they can seize anything the feathers are in, such as feather cases and cedar boxes, Motor Vehicles, R.V.'s, etc. The Feds also claim they can seize anything the feathers are attached to, such as dream catchers, Rattles, Drums, Pipes, etc. This kind of extremist behavior is unsettling and unnerving.

In 1975 there was a policy written by Secretary of the Interior Rogers C.B. Morton that was released called "The Morton Policy." This policy has even proven effective in the defense of members of State recognized Native American tribes from federal prosecution, in which the State recognized tribal members have had their feathers returned by order of the U.S. federal court (see Federal Case Saenz V. Department of the Interior). This policy gives full rights to the Indigenous Peoples of North America to use, transport, wear, give and loan feathers of all federally protected birds that are a part of Indigenous culture, as they see fit, in accordance to Indigenous Peoples spirituality and tradition, as it says, "Without fear of federal prosecution, harassment, or other interference." It is refreshing yet hard to believe that this policy was actually written by a white man! On September 13th 2007 the U.N. passed and released their "U.N. declaration on Indigenous Peoples Rights" provided by the International Work Group on Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA), we also provide this here in pdf file format . In the event of legal prosecution an Indigenous person, if they want protection under this declaration, needs to state "I claim protection under the U.N. declaration on Indigenous Peoples Rights" in order to call upon these rights and protections. Then they need to contact their U.N. representative.

There is also Public Law PL95-341 "The American Indian Religious Freedom Act" and the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act". These have also proven effective in the defense of Indigenous peoples rights. However bare in mind, knowing your rights and knowing how to enforce your rights are two different things! It is very clear that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are the same old Cavalry, they are just using new tactics, and some of the Native Peoples who work for this agency (along with tribal governments) are not helping or protecting their people but only helping to prosecute their people in an alien court (so much for "Sovereignty"). But one must remember in true Native American spirit that sovereignty begins with the individual!

With our feet firmly planted in the present, We look forward to tomorrow, and what it will hold for our children. We ensure a bright day for them by stepping forward fully aware and with our eyes wide open. We are the present of our past. We give, that others may give again, and always we should be mindful of what is best for the seventh generation to come.

We must come together and set aside our differences as a people i.e. federally recognized Vs. State recognized tribes, this tribe Vs. that tribe, Casinos, old feuds, and unite as one people. For we are one people, and at times we forget that. United we can embrace any opposition with our arms outstretched in love and understanding, as one big sacred hoop, a whole complete unit, a whole complete family, clan, band, tribe, a sacred hoop of arms, under the once again flowering shielding tree.

It is our duty as a people to be ever mindful of our rights so that we can pass on truth, righteousness and freedom to our children, that they may grow in a circle of safety and security. We must step forward as a family (for we are all related) in a circle of love, compassion and understanding, that truth and light may shine in a bright and hopeful tomorrow, full of possibilities, for our children, our future. This is our responsibility. All Our Relations.

"We bound ourselves together for many purposes, so that our people and grandchildren shall remain free in a circle of security, peace and happiness. Our strength should be in union, and our ways, the ways of reason, righteousness and peace."
-Dekanawidah (the peace maker)

Photo Credits

shoseph - Dancer and Child at Siletz Powwow

driftlessMedia - Line of Dancers at Ho Chunk Powwow

Uncle Jerry in Golden Valley - Ute Powwow Children Dancers

Casey Lessard - Kettle Point Powwow