Buffalo Spirit Articles - Second Issue Buffalo Spirit Articles - Second Issue Preservation & Education Chief Adam Dick - In his own words Mary Thomas - In her own words Ruth Brass - In her own words The Medicine Wheel Why do they ride? Helping the Young Preserving Wisdom Designs recount personal achievements - Transfer of rites Long Arms - Elders warn against it Your words - comments

Phone: (780) 455-2700Fax (780) 455-7639 Email: edwind@ammsa.com Your words Dear Editor: We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to Boye G. Ladd and Kahkakew Larocque for sharing their views titled "Abuse of sacred ways need to stop." Plus we thank you Windspeaker. There is nothing more powerful than the truth. Both of these young men spoke from their hearts and every word was felt in ours. When we had been taught the teachings from a great friend, who now has passed over to the spirit world, there was only a handful of people that used to show up to hear him speak,and take part in his ceremonies. This was going back 23-24 years. He used to come out to the East Coast at least four times a year or more if called upon. He never said no. We heard him share his widsom and knowledge with our people for many years. Those of us that could afford it would go to Morley, Alta. for a week of spiritual teachings and sharing that took place. We took the teachings of this good man and learned to mold them in our way of life. These did not happen overnight. These beautiful changes took time, but 'til this day our lifestyle centres around the teachings that he shared with us all those years ago. Now our childern will share these teachings with their families and those who cross their path in their future. This was our job as Indian parents to teach our childern the teachings of our Indian sacred ways of life. There is no excuse for my family. They have been told. Over the years so much has changed, so many people have giant egos now and look to feed on people of need and who are in distress. Yes! It is true our people will get hurt, but we have to make sure that we are there for them when they return. When our people are in search of something, there's not too much we can do at that time. They have to find out for themselves what it is they are looking for. It is a journey they are on to learn. No matter what, we have to make sure that we practice what we speak. We have to live our own lives accordingly. By this we set the example for others to follow. Our people will know who to turn to when they are ready to make a true commitment to our Indian way of life. Until then we contiue to speak the gift of truth to our people. Then and only then, our wise spiritual teachers, our wise Elders, plus our good friends who took the time to share with us will not go to the wayside. All will not be in vain. We have our work cut out for us.We are tomorrow's teachers. We are the future Elders. Yes, some of us spiritual teachers also. With this, I'll end by saying these special words that were shared to us long ago. "I've told many people in the past and some have listened, and those that didn't, tomorrow was too late." In friendship and brotherhood Martha and Joe Francis Rexton, N.B. Important to save These Buffalo Spirit columns should be looked upon as scrolls, like the Holy Bible. It should not be thrown out, used to start stove fires, or wrapping fish in, for the words are sacred and should be respected. Put away with important papers. Andrew Big Smoke Beauval, Sask. In regards to Buffalo Spirit. . . I went onto the web site to read it [and] I just wanted you to know that it couldn't have come at a better time. I have spent the past five years on my own spiritual journey and like many people am still stumbling along the way. I read constantly and I am always interested in how others nurture their spirits. I often feel the need for a teacher and I am open and ready for this person to come into my life. I have tried to grow on my own but I would love the comfort of a wiser soul who could help guide me to the next level of Spirit. I don't know why I am sharing this with you, but I do think what you are trying to achieve with Buffalo Spirit is very important. We often worry so much about what is politically correct that we don't do anything at all for fear of offending someone. There are many different souls on this earth, some are open to learning and growing and some fear it so they try to stop what makes them uncomfortable. Just know that Buffalo Spirit has had a positive effect on one individual today. - Therese Hello Buffalo Spirit! While stumbling through various sites on the internet, I found your incredible site. How very timely for me as I am struggling to start my quest for my spiritual identity. Let me tell you a bit about myself. I am originally from Saskatchewan and belong to the Muskeg Lake Band. I live in Edmonton when work doesn't take me on the road throughout Canada and Los Angeles. I am half Cree, from my father's side, and have always struggled between both the Native world and the white world. I am at a point where I believe I am strong enough to begin my spiritual journey, but I am not sure how or where to start. Then an idea came to me while reading the section about sweetgrass. My apartment was recently broken into and because of work I have only spent a few nights there. I am wondering how I will be feeling when I get back in Edmonton for a length of time. I recall how a cousin of mine was having troubles and had her house smudged to cleanse it. I'm thinking that if I can get my apartment smudged, it might begin to feel more like my own place again instead of a place intruded upon by strangers. - B.J. A special thank you to everyone who has shared their views and their thoughts about what Buffalo Spirit could/should be. Many have spoken with us directly, others through e-mails, voice mails and snail mail. We would still like to keep hearing from you. Click here and send us an e-mail.