Since the beginning of time, most creatures have sought to belong to a
herd, a pack, a tribe, a flock or such. Man is no different. We seek out
others of our species for many reasons. To breed, security, etc, but I think
it has more to do with our simple need for each other. A longing for
belonging.
Tribes are formed by likeminded people, who accept the values and
conditions under which they can live in harmony with each other. These
usually began with what is considered to be acceptable behaviour being
outlined for all who wish to belong there. This in turn promoted respect
for the group as a whole and especially to those who had more knowledge
than the rest, the Elders.
It was expected that the head of each household would ensure each and
every member of his family abided by these rules of lore. To ensure peace
was preserved strict rules were laid down by the Elders and became
Tribal Lore, the tribal law that bound everyone to their duty to perserve
what had been begun by the Elders.
Each tribe gave itself an Identity so others would know of their lore and
so, be prepared to abide by it in their company and lands. Safe passage
from one place to another depended on which tribe you belonged too and
what alliances were in place.
If we think on it, not much has changed except the laws have become
more complex , in some cases much more lenient in their ideas of
punishment and yet, priced out of reach of those who most need it.
The time for tribalism is past I feel. We all belong to the one tribe of
Humans, Natives of Mother Earth and should by now have found a way
to be as one with each other. We each owe it to the future generations to
begin this journey within ourselves and our families to ensure they live in
peace and harmony with all things.
Each journey begins and ends with one step. We each need to make that
step. Never does one stand so tall as when he stoops to take the hand of a
child.
Wahya Udoi.
Cherokee.
The Quest.
Why are we here? Why are we seeking the knowledge of the Old Ones? What good will
it do us? These questions I hear many times each day from people of Native decent seeking
their heritage.
Most have lived in the world of the White Culture and are mostly blood of the White
Culture.But, now, seek once again to "become" as our ancestors were in deeds, actions
and in the eyes of others: Pride in our culture, Respect for all things and simple Human dignity. Our ancestors were all these things and more, when they first met
the ancestors of the White Cultured ones we live among and share blood with today.
However, these decendants of theirs are more sophisticated, better educated and
generally, more tolerant of others than their ancestors were. Personally, I feel they don't
owe us anything for things their ancestors did, but they should learn not to perpetuate it
either. We cant blame them for our general problems as they didn't directly cause them.
Today, most western cultures have a "welfare System" to assist the indigenous Peoples.
The key word here is "assist". We were never a People
who sat and expected to be hand-fed. Our ancestors didn't have "welfare" but they survived. Some it seems managed to "slip into" the
white world very well, hence the trouble we have finding them. They
covered their tracks very well. Most Native
decendants these days live White but have Red hearts. Many others hold on
tenaciously to their culture, laws and values and try to teach the young ones the ways of
the First People
.
In my personal circumstances, I neither want, nor need anything other than the right to be
who and what I am. I don't want land or money, I
have sufficient for my needs of both. I choose to live this last part of my life being Cherokee, by trying to preserve and pass on
what I have learned about my ancestors and from my life experiences
It is my belief, these values, passed down to us, are the path to Peace, Balance and
Harmony with ALL things. We must first find this Path and then live it fully in words,
deeds and actions. In time we will meet others who also wish to follow this Path.
And so, the individuals become friends. Many friends become groups of friends, who
become Families, who become Tribes, who become Nations.As it was in the beginning,
so it must be again.
It is said "every journey begins and ends with one step". The steps between are our
lifetimes.
I have long ago begun my lifes journey. My wife, the most important part of my life,
accepts my Cherokee heritage and my right and need to observe the values, practices and
customs of my Ancestors. I am happy. Others who also accept this, also honor my right
to do this. I, in turn, accept their right to their beliefs and practices and respect them for them.
We have known of the White culture world and now we have the opportunity to choose
our own Path to our own happiness in either world or a combination of both. The
Ancestors prided themselves on their adaptability to change.
A few weeks ago at our local shopping mall, a young boy of about 6 or 7 years stopped
next to me as his Mom adjusted the load in the shopping cart. I usually wear a choker and
carry a walking stick with a carved Eagle head handle. He looked at me with that "wide-
eyes" look only a child has and asked "Are you an Indian ..like in the movies?"I held out
my hand and said "Nope..Im a real one"and told him my name and my People. He
smiled. His Mom was about to scold him when I said to her " I'ts good you teach him to
be curious," we can never know the answer if we don't ask the question". We chatted a
few moments and they were gone.
Last Saturday morning as we were leaving the Mall, I heard a small but very loud voice
call out "Hello Wahya..remember me?" I will never forget him. He is one of them who
recognise me for what and who I am, a Cherokee. This is the gift the Ancestors left for us
and want us to pass on to the future generations.
I say "I am Cherokee" to honor my Ancestors and I feel humbled by the pride and dignity
those three word afford my Spirit. Hayv.
Aisv nvwadohiyado (Walk in Peace)
Wahya Udoi.
^-_-^
"The eyes say what the heart thinks"
Wahya Udoi.