I am writing a research paper and just looking for input from members of the community- I have done much research but looking for any ideas I may have missed.
Any input you have would be appreciated, as well as any spiritual practices you may know of that break the "law"
2007-02-27 01:38:43 · 8 answers · asked by Crystal K 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
I am a Native woman.
Why should Native people not be allowed to practice their spirituality?
Who were the laws created by? They were created by colonizers who generally hated and brutalized Native people.
Some laws are illegal for no reason other than they come from racism. They come from a time when all Native religious ceremonies were forbidden and illegal. Natives who were caught practicing such things were tortured and killed. They kidnapped Native children and took them to Christian boarding schools to get rid of these practices. And there is no reason other than they generally hated Native people. Most ceremonies have no controversial components, it is just a ceremony.
Some ceremonies they didn't like because individuals would provide flesh offerings (pierce themselves), they would not die or get seriousally injured, Europeans just didn't understand the practice.
Today the use of Peyote is controversial. This is because the American government refuses to acknowledge Peyote as a medicine instead of a drug. But Ibprofen is sold over the counter (both medicine and drug). It's a double standard.
For more information look at the Peyote Right's Trials involving Al Smith. You can also read Like a Loaded Weapon which talks about Supreme court decisions based from racism.
Here is a more contemporary issue for you. The use of Sweatlodge in prisons. Sweatlodges have been shown to be very effective in substance abuse recovery and for prisoners who are in or currently out of prison. Some prisons do not want to allow this practice in their prison. However the freedome of religion act says they must comply. Also, some prisons won't allow traditional food in prisons and just won't do it even though it violates the freedom of religion act.
This is just stuff I know as a Native woman. I know people who are involved in these things. I don't know how to provide you resources but maybe you can look it up.
Oh and another contemporary issue is the use of sacred lands. The government is greedy and just wants what it wants. It takes away the traditional places Natives use to practice thier religion/spirituality. Sometimes they do this just to put in nuclear plants. Read Winona Laduke "All Our Relations". Look at the Black Hills. This is a very sacred site. But what did the government do? They put Mt. Rushmore on it. And now a sacred site was used for unnecessary government means. Americans flock there and look at it. It is a ceremonial sacred site for Native people. This is just disgusting.
Why would basically everyone else be able to practice their religion except Native people???? It makes no sense, think about it, it's just blatant racism that stems from colonization.
I hope you are writing in favor of Native rights....
www.lectlaw.com/files/ind03.htm
http://www.fcnl.org/issues/item.php?item_id=1475&issue_id=96
http://www.religioustolerance.org/nataspir.htm
http://www.nativeweb.org/pages/legal/trapp/index.html
2007-02-27 08:49:16 · answer #1 · answered by RedPower Woman 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless I woke up in a communist country that would be classified as religious freedom. Native Americans were here before the lawmakers that imposed the rules. That is why some tribe are declared to be sovereign nations. Try asking for info on the Official website of The Cherokee Nation.
2007-02-27 01:47:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely, screw the Feds. Spiritual laws transcend federal laws. The Feds need to leave the Natives alone. They should be treated like royalty if anything, but they should be allowed the same religious freedom any individual is inherently entitled. While we're at it, the Feds should leave everyone alone. Just do your job, feds. Keep yer greasy fingers out our business. Don't forget- without us you're nothing!
2007-02-27 01:48:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am part Native American, on my mothers side, and have family that live in America. Most rituals are peaceful and are aimed at being spiritual in essense, as far as I know the rituals my family participate in are legal, however I feel Native Americans ought to be allowed to practice their religion, as no true religion preaches violence, I feel that they were unjustly treated and forced to live on reservations, that's why some of my family moved to England. One day wrong will be put right.
2007-02-27 01:47:48 · answer #4 · answered by A-chan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Native American and First Nation People should be allowed to practice their Religious Belief System under supervised conditions of their Shamans and Elders who know what they are doing. under these conditions any Religious Services and Practices should be allowed because of the Freedom of Religion Act. end of discussion.
2007-02-27 01:44:57 · answer #5 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
To an extent, yes. After all, they were here first and we stole their land. They should be given autonomy. The only time I would want to limit that is if their practices violated the rights of others.
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2007-02-27 01:43:41 · answer #6 · answered by Weird Darryl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as all practitioners are willing, and it takes place on tribal land, yes.
2007-02-27 01:52:22 · answer #7 · answered by Ray H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think so, as long as it doesn't have to do with killing somebody or something like that.
2007-02-27 01:42:29 · answer #8 · answered by majnun99 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋