Dear Editor:
Being a white man, I have been fortunate and honoured to learn and share in the traditional First Nations spiritual world. I entered with respect and have been richly rewarded for that offering with respect being returned plus much humour, inclusion, even adoption and a beautiful understanding of the deep ancient spiritual practices unique to this part of the World.
Attempted integration of First Nation society into an alien Christian society was a flawed colonial attitude that never worked for those subjected to the integration. Total rejection of an inconvenient culture that had functioned for thousands of years was an extremely short sited and selfish attitude of colonialism. The open spiritual concept of personal growth as opposed to a strict and structured Christian church was viewed as a threat to that Christian structure therefore not worthy of enough study to find the good points of those ancient practices.
Great strides forward have been accomplished in the past few decades in recognition that the flaws of Colonialism have been the basis of negatively hardened attitudes. Educational, political and legal awakening now recognizes inappropriate and prejudicial past practices and has transformed to accommodate greater inclusion and opportunity for Native society to contribute to our greater community. Quite possibly the greatest stride forward may be Standing Rock where the spiritual connection to the land gained full media display. Traditional, not for profit, belief in Creation challenged and stood in the way of Capitalist profit and was successful not just in becoming a stumbling block to industrial destruction of the environment but to awakening a spiritual understanding that environmental allegiance is crucial to the survival of the human race.
Native society is a matriarchal society and for good reason. It is only the female in us that recreates the miracle of new life and naturally nurtures that life into logical positions for a recognizable society. The Female is recognized in many aspects of Native culture but has no greater recognition than in respect for Grandmother Earth from whom all life comes, is nurtured, and to whom all life eventually returns. This is the circle of life and the healthier the Earth, Water and Air then the healthier is the circle. To recognize this understanding in political and legal fashion heals wounds, respects spiritual understandings and gives opportunity to bring our cultures closer together to share the values of our collective assets in love, understanding, respect and honour for one another.
Still there is a pervading cloud of fear between our peoples. It may not be entirely unfounded but can never to be rectified with hardening intolerance or prejudicial attitudes based on personal or ideological grievances.
One of the main Native teachings for healing is forgiveness and acceptance of present conditions. The practice of those teaching, whether it is on a personal or societal basis is incredibly rewarding for peace on Earth.
Greg Chatterson
Fort San
