I chose the United South and Eastern Tribes web site as a
discussion topic for this blog. The USET is a 26 Tribal member organization
dedicated to the protection of Native Tribes right to sovereignty with the
motto “because there is strength in unity”. Posted on the site is a video that
gives background history to not only USET but to the history of development of
indigenous Native peoples within North America and the various members tribes
that cover areas from Texas to Maine. (USET n.d.) The USET shows the
continued ability of the Native Peoples to learn and adapt to the changes in
political environments they were faced with from first contact, learn how those
political systems work and intelligently fight for continued Native sovereignty
within those political systems.
My mind is having difficulty grasping a group of peoples
that developed in the Americas for 14,000-20,000 years and how these cultures
were able to develop similar spiritual documentation of creation of such
similarity among the various indigenous tribes. I think my difficulty may be
due to my limited knowledge biased by atypical Christian teachings of a relatively
shorter time span of 2000 years in comparison. I think there is a historical
significance in the disparity of these varying time spans and the
sustainability of the spiritual beliefs of the Native Peoples that I am just
beginning to grasp and believe there may be a higher meaning to. Perhaps it is
the peace and tranquility of opening one’s mind that all things are significant
to life no matter how seemingly insignificant they may initially appear, at peace
with things surrounded by. As I was writing this I let the USET video stream in
the background, and listened, perhaps that may be best to read this post with
also.
USET. United South and Eastern Tribes. n.d.
http://www.usetinc.org/ (accessed May 28, 2016).
Wayne,
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to see tribal organizations such as USET participate in community events. In early May, USET helped raise $2.61 million in support of the community foundation and non-profit organizations across Middle-Tennessee. This information was obtained through the Oneida Nation’s Indian Country Today Media Network, led by CEO Ray Halbritter, who I discussed in my journal post. I enjoy seeing the positive role portrayed by Native American communities across the U.S., and the networking in Indian media. The Oneida outlet’s website is a treasure trove of historical knowledge and current events, setting the record straight on a variety of topics, and creating a cohesive, strong identity within the Native American community.
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/04/29/united-south-and-eastern-tribes-inc-participating-big-payback-154649
Wayne, I appreciate with all my heart your reflections on the similarity of creation stories in native american nations, the length of time spent with this land by native peoples, and the spiritual depth and mystery birthed by and giving birth to these cultures. I have goosebumps. Thank you for bringing the richness of this whole subject to life, without trying to explain anything. I will dream with this for a while.
ReplyDeleteWayne great post and that's for giving so many examples on how organizations like USET help their communities out. I am glad you talked about the adaptability of it all and agree with much of what you said. I think it is great that you talked about the significance of the spiritual beliefs and timeframes. Great blog and I look forward to reading what you have to say in your future blogs.
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