Kwai, Nidobak

I would encourage all of us who are Abenaki to really study our culture, language, songs, crafts, etc. and to be certain we know as much about them as we can. Understand the symbols which is a visual language so that when making regalia,(or crafts) we actually know what we are putting on our rattles, beadwork, etc.

There is a group of "Abenaki" who continue to conduct what they say are "Longhouse" ceremonies, but we are not Longhouse People. Only the
Iroquois bear that name. We had longhouses, but we are not longhouse people because the way we lived is different and the longhouses served us differently then the Iroquois.

This same group has published photos of one person's medicine bag which was filled and worn. This is not done. Nor should pictures of a drummer offering blessings to the drum be published on their web site, but they are there for all to see. And the person doing the prayer is their "chief"!

Such things are not respectful of our spiritual rites and we must be careful of how we approach things in order to protect and preserve that part of us. Very early on a man told me not to allow anyone to touch my medicine bag because they might put their own spiritual energy on it. Since a bag is specially prepared for the wearer, it
made much sense to me and I have never worn one on the outside of my
clothing since.

Especially disappointing is that the group has an Elder who should know these things, but seems to look the other way, making no attempt to correct them. It is up to the various Abenaki Elders to take notice and guide the members of any group in the right direction.  Unfortunately, this is not being done for this particular group.

The best we can do is to each take notice of what is appropriate and what is not. When something does not appear right in a ceremony, it may seem rude, but one may have to excuse themselves and walk away.  To be part of it only lends approval and in the spiritual world, it can lead to hard lessons.

The best thing we can do for our culture is to learn as much as we can and to use common sense. Teach our children and instill in them the same lessons and the came caution. Share the joy of who we are, not what others think we should be. Be true to our ancestors and not to "new" ideas that distract us from the real lessons.

Morningstar

Material from my website "Olidahozi" may not be forwarded nor reprinted without permission of the author. Permission was not asked for and was not provided. Unlike a news item printed in a "tribal" newsletter, such information is not considered public beyond the web site upon which it appeared.

I just noticed that on your home page there is a photo of you, Lynn, smudging Gail. Smudging is another one of the ceremonies we do not photograph and to publish the photo on the web site is just further disrespect by those involved. I would respectfully suggest it be removed.