As we go further into Native American history for this course I am learning more about how Native American culture can influence many topics that mainstream society has brushed aside. Through time and education Native cultures and their ways may breathe some light into today’s world.
I used a few resources for this post the first web resources that I used was from PBS but a bullfrogsfilm.com “In the Light of Reverence”. The documentary focuses on three different communities and landmarks. The Devils tower in Wyoming, the four corners area of the Southwest and Mt Shasta in California. All places are used for a multitude of outdoor activities except for the use of native spiritual reasons.
I was only able to watch the trailer but for those two minutes the filmmakers made some interesting points. It appears that sacred lands that Natives have used for hundreds of years as a spiritual place are no longer allowed to use those lands for their religion. One of the questions asked in the trailer from a Native Elder is a person can ski and hike on these lands but we (Native peoples) are not allowed to go there and use the land for spiritual reasons. Even if you do not know the laws around the use of National parks for recreation the question asked by the elder is an interesting one.
Using these web resources for this module gets the reader thinking of how religious freedom for all is not as equal as you might think. The director of the film Christopher McLeod states, “Across the USA, Native Americans are struggling to protect their sacred places. Religious freedom, so valued in America, is not guaranteed to those who practice land-based religion” (In the Light Of Reverence).
My view has changed in light of the readings and web resources from this module. Up until this point I had no idea that the use of lands could not be used for spiritual reason but they could be used for every other activity.
I attached the trailer for the movie below if you get the chance take a look it will take two minutes of your time. I not only watched the trailer but researched the web for more information into this discussion and found many interesting topics to back this video.
McLeod, Christopher, dir. In the
Light of Reverence. Prod. Malinda Maynor. 2001. Film. 18 Feb 2013.
<http://www.pbs.org/pov/inthelightofreverence/film_description.php
You hit the nail on the head about religious freedom. As a taxpayer, citizen,and a supporter of the Constitution and rights,(not to mention fellow human) I have no issue with Natives going to, what are now National Parks, etc.., and using that land for religious ceremonies, etc... However, the government, once again, thinks they know better than everyone! I believe most American citizens would find it outrageous if they actually knew, but like many other issues and policies that are in place in the United States, they aren't aware. It's truly one of the dumbest policies that still exists!!!
ReplyDeleteIf you are able to hike, ski and have a BBQ on them then I see no reason why going their and using the park as a spirtual outlet would be a problem.
Deleteuntil taking this course, i didn't really think about how the general public gets information about issues affecting different groups. Basically, if you don't look things up yourself,a lot of information is just not widely broadcast. Is it because news about minority groups doesn't attract that many people, so they isn't that much money to be made out of it, or is it that unfair policies are actually hidden from us?
DeleteBianca,
DeleteIt is probably a little of both. I heard of how Native Americans were not allowed to use Federal property for spiritual gatherings only because I hike and camp out West and of course through this course. That is why this story intrigued me.
Bianca,you're right. To find out most things, you have to pretty much research it yourself. Even the news is limited with the information they provide. I am also a believer that there are some things "they" (the higher ups, government, etc) don't want the everyday American to know, therefore we have to look things up ourselves.
DeleteI am currently also taking a course on Caribbean History and right after I posted my comment on your blog this morning I started doing some research on a paper about Santeria. I came across some information about a Supreme Court case / ruling from 1993,Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah, (BBC,2013) which basically said animal sacrifice is okay if done for a religious purpose. I started to think of that and your post and I was just amazed and baffled. The government okays animal sacrifice for religion,but not fasting/prayer/ meditation, etc.. on sacred lands. I have no problem with animal sacrifice in a religious context, and believed the Court ruled justly, but I have my doubts that the general public feels the same. But at the same time they basically outlaw practices that I believe the general public would see as more "peaceful" forms of spirituality and worship. It makes no sense! NONE!!!!
ReplyDeleteSanteria."Sacrifice". BBC, 15 Sep. 2009.Web.http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/santeria/ritesrituals/sacrifice.shtml.
Wow that is very interesting thanks for the website.
DeleteYes, unfortunately many Religions, Native Americans being one of them, are not allowed to be expressed or practiced. For instance, Wicken is still not recognized as a religion by the US Government and is viewed by many as a Pagan Religion. One of the biggest ways to suppress a culture is to take away religious practices. Religion in the Native Americans case is a major root of who they are, and by rediscovering their religion, they find themselves.
ReplyDeleteIt is also a reason why so many people left their native country's to come to America.
DeleteCurrently the U.S. Government thinks suppressing all religion is the correct path for us to be on in my opinion. But you're right, one of the biggest ways to suppress a culture is take away their religion. Santeria both developed and went "underground" for just that reason. Many "alternative" religions do the same. I can't say that I blame them, but at the same time they shouldn't have to. As long as a religion / belief isn't calling for the death of individuals, I could careless what any one does, or does not practice and that is how it should be through out the U.S.
ReplyDeleteI agree as long as its peaceful it shouldn't be a problem. They let White supremacits rally in certain cities as long as they have filled out the correct paperwork. I wish they wouldn't let them but it lets the public see how stupid they are so it works against them in the end.
DeleteYes it does! Something like that I have mixed feelings about. On the one hand I believe they have a right to their opinion (no matter how disgusting it is) and a right for the use of public land (as long as what they are doing isn't actually threatening physical harm to anyone), but at the same time I don't want to see it and makes me mad! But we cannot say it is not alright for one group to express,(nonviolent) views and yet let everyone else. Catch 22 of free speech!! But as you said, in the end it actually works against them !!!
ReplyDeleteIts sure does and kind of shows how uneducated they really are.
ReplyDeleteI'm just reading your initial blog now - better late than never! It really struck my heart when you wrote about the Native Elder who questioned why the land could be used for skiing and hiking, but not for their spiritual use. We are learning how spiritually connected Native Peoples are to the Earth, so I would assume that this would really conflict with their very being.
ReplyDeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteThat is OK there are so many blogs to read and keep up on it does get confusing. This particular subject is very interesting to me. Since reviewing the video for class I have found some great articles on the subject. I will post one to my blog.
Interesting. Wow. So the Native Americans are not allowed to worship on a land that was once theirs? So much for freedom. I think when it comes to NA, there are definitely different rules that apply compared to someone who is an "American." I think that is really unfair and that they should be able to express their religion. Everyone else in America does, why can't they?
ReplyDeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting and a bit strange that many recreational activities can be performed on Federal Land but Native Americans cannot use that land for spiritual means.