Letter: Response to “The price of those”

We are writing in response to the article titled Ceremonies & Teachings: The Price of Those reflecting the misuse of honorariums by corporate elders practicing Nishnawbe Spirituality related to ceremony, healing and teachings.

First, we would like to commend the woman who has come forward to stand tenaciously and speak the truth related to her personal experience and observation of some corporate elders. Unfortunately her observations are correct. There is an ugly truth that we need to deal with. As men, a majority of our teachings come from women. In this world and the spirit world, we are appalled as men to see some of our elders who have chosen to cross the line and who have chosen to abuse women. We choose to use the word “abuse” for that is exactly what it is! When we choose to abuse these gifts, we abuse men, children, spirits, ethics, ourselves, culture, Earth Mother and all she provides and the women who gave life to us. Some corporate elders have chosen to create business using traditional ceremony and teachings. This has caused much turmoil within the culture and people. History has taught us that riches should never be used for healing or ceremony.

The spirits explained this line that we speak of to me. Imagine a line, one side is positive and one side is negative. We try our best to stay on the positive side of this line though sometimes our human nature carries us to the negative side. We believe that some elders have stepped so far beyond this line that they may never make it back in time.

We wish to remain anonymous and autonomous in our reflection of our own experience. We recognize ourselves as We Love You. We and others like us can be found if we are sought. There are elders and groups who have devoted themselves to providing ceremony at no cost. Unfortunately there are some people who will charge for these ceremonies and teachings. They have been invited into schools, children’s facilities, native service programs, and people’s lives to fill their pockets with high honorariums for: teachings, ceremony, and healing. It is believed that when Spirits are called upon to provide healing or ceremony, Shunia (Money) should not be. Shunia (Money) has a spirit also, and should be respected in this fashion. If we misuse or disrespect this spirit, we can only expect negative results.

We do understand that in the physical world there are costs of travel, accommodation and food if an individual or group is called upon to provide ceremony outside of their community. These costs can be calculated earnestly and honestly using a mileage chart or fuel costs (these can be found in most local social service centers), and accommodation and food. Any financial cost should be in this area; it should have no direct reflection on the healing or the ceremony. A truthful and honest elder will speak on behalf of themselves and the spirits, transparently. They do this so not to bring shame to themselves, their namesake, their culture, their spirits, their clans, and their ancestors.

Now we would like to send a message out to the people who are confused, hurt, and misdirected because of some corporate elders. These actions are no longer whispered behind closed doors, they are open for change; and over time change will come.

One of the greatest teachings is to listen and observe. This is when your spirit will tell you if you are in the right place or not. If you believe you have been misdirected, MOVE ON, and seek an elder or group that feels right.

Here are some of our beliefs and practices we use to live a good life. We believe that tobacco carries the healing and the knowledge. When tobacco is passed, right there and then communication begins in the spirit world. Individuals who pass the tobacco as request for healing and ceremony are acknowledging the elder and the spirits. The elder who accepts the tobacco will listen to what that person is requesting.

The elder will advise that individual what will be needed for that ceremony. Usually cloth will be needed in certain colors, and food will be needed. Food is needed to for the spirits to feast upon, as they need food as we do. The spirits will use the cloth as we clothe ourselves. Gifts are provided to the elder or group to appease the spirit of the sickness or what ever the individual requests. The gifts allow the illness or request to go with the spirit and not remain with the elder or group facilitating the ceremony. Gifts can be personal belongings; things that can be made, things that have spiritual value (tobacco, sage, sweet grass), cloth of different colors, or gifts can be purchased. The elder or group can use many of these gifts, after time, or pass these on to individuals who need them.

We do realize that there are many different practices and protocols when it comes to the teachings, individual lodges, and ceremony.

We do not wish to conflict with these practices in any way shape or form. What we do know is this; if they are making you pay money to take part in those ceremonies then THEY ARE DOING IT WRONG and people may get hurt. We have experience and witnessed this on a personal level.This document has been prepared in hopes of others coming forward to express their opinions and ideals. We also choose not to give our names. These corporate elders are looking for fame, as well as fortune. They want everyone to see them and hear their names, so they will go to them. We do not wish to practice these teachings. There are good people and teachers out there. This is our message.

Miigwetch
We Love You