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... "slow down and reconsider your life, your choices and your perceptions." In doing this I became faced with the burning question that I had to answer first before I could tackle anything else, and that was: "What Makes A Person An Indian?"
The only way I could answer this was by attacking it in reverse and identifying what does not make someone an Indian. Consequently:
- Blood quantum does not an Indian make.
- Being able to dance or sing does not an Indian make. I know many individuals who can sing and dance - and all they know are the steps and the sounds - not the meaning or power of what they do, nor do they care, so they miss the beauty of it.
- Wearing beads, feathers and Indian stuff does not an Indian make. I know many individuals who wear all types of Indian stuff to proclaim to the world that they are INDIAN. But the superficial does not make them Indian.
- Participation in ceremonies does not an Indian make. I know many individuals who go to the ceremonies and are really no more than tourists. ... While they may know the words, songs, and moves - they fail to live the way in their day to day existence.
- Being spiritual does not an Indian make. I know many individuals who have a spiritual heart, but many blend Christian, Hindu, or other beliefs with Indian concepts in a new age hodgepodge religious belief. As long as the individual does not continue to follow the "original instructions as handed down by the Creator," he is not fulfilling his duties that are inherent to being an Indian.
- Having others think of you or look up to you as an Indian does not an Indian make.
- What's left? In my mind, it is a person who is willing to sacrifice his/her pleasures and freedoms ... It is one who cares for himself, his siblings, his family, his wife, his children, his people and their inherent traditions. It is a person who judges his own actions based on two concepts: respect and the effect of one's actions for seven generations hence.
The Native American Ten Commandments (Author Unknown)
Treat the Earth and all that dwell thereon with respect
Show great respect for your fellow beings
Work together for the benefit of all mankind
Give assistance and kindness wherever needed
Look after the well being of mind and body
Remain close to the Great Spirit
Do what you know to be right
Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good
Be truthful and honest at all times
Take full responsibility for your actions
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