The American-Indians: We understand terrorism [Image Gallery]
August 25, 2008, 12:55 pm |
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By Andrew L. Jaffee
Albuquerque, NM — A peaceful riot of color and motion, all timed to the drumbeat of archetypal Indian rhythms and chants — such was the atmosphere at North America’s largest pow-wow, the Gathering of Nations (GON) 2008, held April 25 and 26. Themes of tradition, family, and service to country and tribe dominated the event.
Navajo basket dance. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Waiting in line for early-bird tickets before the pow-wow, I kibbutzed with a young Navajo woman. Her husband will be serving in Iraq for another five months. Native Americans have a higher enlistment rate in the U.S. armed forces than any other ethnic group.
This willingness to serve America is quite an enlightened attitude for a group of people once driven from their lands, fed diseased cattle, sent on death marches, and forced into boarding schools where their native tongues were prohibited.
Obvious at GON, the travails of American Indians haven’t broken their spirit, as over 3,000 dancers performed, accompanied by at least 43 drummers and singers, from over 500 tribes hailing from North and South America — even Pacific Islands.
The 15,000-strong audience was a shinning example of a healthy society. Close-knit families abounded. Well-behaved children watched and/or participated. Peace, calm, patience, and politeness ruled. There was no need for ultimate thrills as people were satisfied with friendly dance competitions and a Miss Indian World Pageant.
Young boy dances his heart out. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
At a run-up event to the main GON spectacle, a Navajo cantor told the audience, “We understand terrorism,” referring to the crimes committed against American Indians in the past, but he emphasized that his people have been in the forefront of protecting the U.S. through voluntary military service. He also alluded to Navajo societal problems, underscoring that preserving cultural traditions is one of the most positive outlets for tribal young people: “I tell kids, ‘you should be an asset, not a burden to your community.’”
During GON’s grand entrance of the 19 New Mexican Indian Pueblos (accompanied by Arizona’s Hopi), the MC stressed that American Indians have peaceably preserved their culture. I would add that they haven’t taught their children to become homicide bombers, nor have they indoctrinated their children with hatred, nor have their spiritual leaders incited violence. American Indians have tenaciously clung to their traditions while seeking legal and peaceable remedies to their plight.
For example, the Navajo have established an entire national infrastructure based in Window Rock, AZ, including a Tribal Council (national assembly) and agencies responsible for public safety, public libraries, native language education, environmental protection, etc.
American Indians are not without their own troubles. For example, they have the highest rate of meth addiction and widespread alcoholism, but the GON proves that many are committed to tackling these challenges through their ancient traditions, their greatest asset.
A peaceful riot of color during the grand entrance of the dancers. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
All Americans have ethnic heritages. Taking a little time to learn and practice these traditions may go a long way to lessen the endemic stress of modern society. We have a lot to learn from the First Nations, and if the GON is any measure, Native American culture is alive, well, and here to stay.
(Notice I prefer the term, “American Indians.” Around these parts, one gets tired of being corrected. “I’ve been an ‘Indian’ all my life. I still am.” Such is what one often hears when trying to use the politically-correct “Native American” term.)
NOTE: A full image gallery is shown below. You are welcome to enjoy the pictures I took during GON and shown here. You may not download, distribute, and sell these pictures without the express, written consent of microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Young Indian begins the grand entrance. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
U.S. war veteran performs in the gourd dance. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Young men drum and chant as their ancestors did for many generations. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
When the eagle is un-hooded and raised, all are urged to bless themselves. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Teenagers compete, dancing their hearts out. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Tribal elders lead the grand entrance of the dancers. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Overview of the Gathering of Nations. At this time, all 19 Pueblo Nations of New Mexico marched together for only the 3rd time in history. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Jemez arrow dance. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Women perform a more subtle shawl dance. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Boys line up to find out how they fared in a dance competition. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Woman exudes anticipation as she walks to join the grand entrance of dancers. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Boy gives his best in dance competition. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
U.S. war veteran performs in the gourd dance. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
A peaceful riot of color during the grand entrance of the dancers. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
One of the many children present, fully immersed in ancestry. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Young men chant and drum during the gourd dance. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Elders lead the grand entrance of the dancers. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Young Indian begins the grand entrance. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Young woman walks proudly during the grand entrance. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Man with his good friend the eagle. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Face paint is important to several tribes. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Young girls dance their hearts out. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Related: Society, History, Native Americans, Photography
August 27th, 2008 at 12:56 am
thanks for this. more people should know about the beauty and spirituality of american indian culture. as we say in hebrew: yasher koach! continue in strength!
August 27th, 2008 at 1:07 am
thanks for this. more people should know about the beauty and spirituality of american indian culture. as we say in hebrew: yasher koach! continue in strength!
the people of israel, the people of the torah also have the four directions (see ezekiel and the four winds) as well as a special place for the eagle: we are liberated on wings of eagles and our prayer shawl, ‘tallis/tallit’, has a blessing comparing it to an eagle hovering over her eaglets.
we also have our sacred land, sacred mountains etc.
shalom, peace and wholeness, to all our american indian brothers and sisters.