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Table Of Contents To the Secretariat of the Continental Indigenous Summit Warriors Principle Websites Devoted to Indigenous Peoples' Human Rights To the Secretariat of the Continental Indigenous Summit Mar de Plata, Argentina November 2, 2005 The Legend of Truth and the Doctrines of Power MAY IT BE KNOWN Amixpanzinco, Amixtlamatqueh, We take this opportunity to deliver the attached documentation regarding the agenda of responsibilities which are of priority to the Indigenous Nation Pueblos gathered in Summit in Mar de Plata, Argentina November 1-4, 2005. We stood by the Sacred Fire in Quito, Ecuador in 1990 at the First Continental Encounter of Indigenous Pueblos and Nations and recall now the mutual commitments made under the principles embodied under our ancient ethics of International Indigenous Law. These are the traditional systems of jurisprudence, of tradition and liberation which emerge from the essential fundamentals of the sacred inter-relationship of all life, and the obligations of we who are the earth children of the Continental Confederation of the Eagle and the Condor. We again participated at the Second Continental Encounter of Indigenous Nations and Pueblos in 1993 in Temoaya, Mexico and returned to Teotihuacan, Mexico in the year 2000 for the First Continental Summit of Indigenous Nations, Pueblos and Organizations convened by the Continental Council of Indigenous Nations and Organizations - CONIC. From July 21-25, 2004 we attended the II Continental Summit Abya Yala in Quito, Ecuador where the accords of the previous First Continental Summit of Teotihuacan 2000 were once again validated and reasserted before the Sacred Fire of the altar of the Continent. These mutual commitments are given _expression by the Treaty of Teotihuacan, a mutual commitment at the continental level among the Indigenous Nation Pueblos with four aspects: Spiritual Alliance Political Solidarity Cultural Understanding Commercial and Economic Agreements of Exchange and Development - Pochtecayotl And so today we stand once again among our relatives of the great and humble family of Indigenous Nation Pueblos of our mother continent Abya Yala in summit at Mar de Plata. May the Creator continue to guide our footsteps, as we leave a trail for the future generations. The previous assertion of the sequence of continental gatherings from Quito 1990, Temoaya 1993, Teotihuacan 2000, back to Quito in 2004 and now Mar de Plata is not meant to be controversial: it is history. It is our history, related not from within the manipulative context of the government states or the "compra-cumbres" crowd: it is our story, the legend of a continent emerging from centuries of genocide and colonization. In fulfillment of these sacred obligations and the mutual commitments made under the Treaty of Teotihuacan at the First Continental Indigenous Summit of Indigenous Nations and Pueblos, we now submit the following for discussion and action before the Continental Indigenous Summit Mar de Plata, Argentina: Issue: Self Determination and Decolonization A basic issue for the Indigenous Nation Pueblos of the continent Abya Yala (the Americas) continues to be the discrepancy of the eventual outcome of self determination for the Indigenous Peoples as viewed from the perspective of the interests of the government states in contrast to that of the culturally based cosmovision of the Nican Tlacah, the Indigenous Peoples themselves. The elemental issues derive from an utterly divergent view of the relationship of human society to territory, individually and collectively, as either government states or the reality of the Nican Tlacah Indigenous Peoples and Nations. The jurisdiction of the states is one of dominion and colonization, that of the Nican Tlacah is one of inter-relationship and reciprocity. As evidenced by the Global Millennium Assessment (MA), recently commissioned and completed by the United Nations, the reality of the Indigenous Peoples relationship of territoriality is increasingly recognized scientifically at a global level as being the best hope for humanity to achieve homeostasis within the environment of the world's ecosystems. Any political position on self determination, whether by the government states or the Nican Tlacah will inevitably be determined within the context of the sum of global ecological systems as sets of parameters, including humanity itself as a subsystem among all these relationships. In terms of the continent Abya Yala, (the Americas) a centuries old Doctrine of Denial takes its place among a regime of genocidal policies that is centuries in the making and continues till today. Beginning with the Papal Bull Inter Cetera of 1493, continuing with the present US militarily enforced Monroe Doctrine and now projected under the Free Trade Area of the Americas, the Doctrine of Denial is insidious for presenting to the world's Peoples a denial of the very processes of history in terms of recognition and self determination for the Indigenous Nation Pueblos of our continent. In view of the above, we now propose that: A special session of the Decolonization Committee of the United Nations established under section 73(e) of the United Nations Charter must be held in order to evaluate the above mentioned Doctrines of Power in light of the Spirit of Truth, and in the context of the principles of evaluation established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1514 "The Right of Self Determination" and GA 1541 which outlines the processes and criteria for identifying and rectifying the crime of colonization under the norms of international law of the member states of the United Nations system. An finally, we propose that in the process of undertaking such an initiative, namely the implementation of the processes of DECOLONIZATION for the Indigenous Nation Pueblos and territories of our continent Abya Yala, without which any declaration of self determination would be of limited rhetorical value in the practical sense of International Law, special attention be given to the establishment by the United Nations of the regional organization of the Organization of American States itself, as yet another example of the usurpation and violation of the Right of Self Determination in our hemisphere by establishing yet another regime of political representation on our territories in our continent without our participation or consent and in violation of GA 1514, and as evidenced under the principles of GA 1541. Respectfully submitted, Tlahtokan Nahuacalli Izkalotlan, Aztlan ******* II Continental Summit of Indigenous Peoples and Nations Abya Yala Kito Kara Territories Quito, Ecuador July 21-25, 2004 Resolution for Action Presented to Plenary Session Submitted by: Tlahtokan Nahuacalli, Izkalotlan Pueblo, Aztlan Issue: Call for Tribunal of Justice, by all Humanity, in the Court of the Indigenous Peoples Abya Yala regarding the Doctrine of Discovery of the Americas, specifically the ongoing colonization and genocide perpetrated with the guise of intellectual authorization of the Papal Bull INTER CETERA of Pope Alexander VI, 1493. Action: We call for a permanent tribunal of justice at all levels of humanity across the globe, to address this issue in the historical and legal context of the universal principles of justice and jurisprudence of the Indigenous Peoples. Precedent: Chief of State of the Vatican The indigenous delegates present at the Palace of Nations, in Geneva, Switzerland, in debate regarding the Universal Declaration of the rights of Indigenous Peoples, convened by the "Working Group on Indigenous People" of the United Nations, hereby present and declare: In view of the declaration on May 3, 4, 1493, of the Papal Bull INTER CETERA, by which territories of Indigenous Peoples are conceded to Spain and Portugal, without taking into account the material or spiritual rights of the Indigenous Peoples in the case of ABYA YALA (America) and other parts of the world; In defense of the sacred rights of the indigenous people, and in promotion of human dignity and harmony that should reign among humanity on this planet For all these purposes: 1) We demand from the Vatican state a denunciation of the unilateral treaty of Pope Alexander VI (TORDESILLAS) as being contrary to the Universal Human Rights of Peoples. 2) Whereas the year 1993 completes 500 years of a supposed spiritual conquest without clear rectification of this universal injustice, allowing the nation-states that have benefited from the inheritance of Pope Alejandro VI to continue progrommes of genocide and ethnocide, denying the indigenous people the recuperation of a harmony based on reciprocal human respect, we demand that the Papal Bull of May 3, 4, 1493 ÍNTER CETERA be annulled. 3) We direct John Paul II to accede to universal concepts of justice including the spiritual and material rights of Indigenous Peoples, in furtherance of life, harmony of human beings with our Sacred Mother Earth, and the spiritual peace of the Great Creator in accord with the cosmovision of each one of our Indigenous Peoples, free from all oppression. Thus we proclaim in the name of Human Dignity, in harmony with our Mother Nature and in the Spirit of Truth. Signed, The indigenous delegates, and organizations. NAHUACALLI Tel: (602) 254-5230 Some Native Healing Concepts Our future lies in two directions, forwards and backwards. Forward to embrace technology, education and the development that will assist our people. Backward to renew our connection to our cultures, our ancestors our sacred geography, our traditions and rituals so that the world will once again make sense. Yav Pa Irahiv, make it a better world. SACRED SMUDGING Smudging is a common practice among Native Americans for the cleansing of energy through the burning of sage, tobacco, and sweet grass. These substances emit certain smells that are pleasing and help convey the prayers of the people: "Sweet grass grows high in the Rocky Mountains, and is known as the grass that never dies. It is a gift from the Creator, and one of the great smells for reminding us of the mountains and the open air. Sage is the cleanest smell of the desert, and is also given to us by the Creator. Tobacco is yet another gift. Our thoughts and prayers are carried on its smoke. It is a visual representation of our thoughts and prayers being carried, more so because it carries the two great smells of the mountain and desert. "The smudging itself is performed by mixing the sweet grass, sage, and tobacco in a bowl, usually an abalone shell, burning the ingredients, and then blowing or fanning the smoke over a person. Often, an eagle feather fan is used, as Native Americans believe that the prayers and thoughts contained in the smoke are carried to the Creator on the wings of eagles, which fly the highest and are in direct communication with the Creator. Smudging plays a central role in traditional healing ceremonies because it is believed that once negative energies are cleared out, a sense of peace and relaxation take over, putting spiritual difficulties to rest. Joseph explains why this aspect of healing is so important: "Western medicine primarily looks at physical causes, and often does not consider the spiritual well being of the individual. You have to understand that there’s a big difference between healing and curing. Curing is a quick fix and will only be long-term if the spiritual site is fixed." Smudging is often combined with other modalities that get to the root of illness, such as talking to a medicine person, taking long walks, fasting, praying, and engaging in purification ceremonies. THE MEDICINE WHEEL The Medicine Wheel, can be a profound way of knowledge and path of healing. The Medicine Wheel is life in a circle showing our connection to all things and our way back to center, our way home. Medicine means everything that heals and brings wholeness or holiness. Our medicine is our unique gift and contribution to the world. The Medicine wheel contains the four directions. The Medicine wheel enables us to understand the multitudinous powers that create and effect life in the third dimension of material reality. In the beginning of time, Creator sat the children around in a circle on Mother Earth and told each race about its individual responsibilities and its roles in the great sacred hoop of life. The sacred teachings were divided into four equal parts and one given to each tribe. The four root races were then sent to the four directions, each had been given a special knowledge of creation. The Yellow People were entrusted with Spirit and the element of fire. The Black People were given Soul corresponding to the element of water. The White People learned about the Mind and the element of air. And the Red People had Body and the element of earth. Red is for NORTH, to honor our Brothers, the Buffalo (Buffalo calves are red). Black is for WEST, the direction of the thundercloud which brings rain to Mother earth. White is for SOUTH, the direction the Spirit goes when it leaves the body. Yellow is for EAST, the direction of the Sun in Father Sky which brings warmth and causes green things to grow on Mother Earth. The Medicine wheel has four Direction, each direction offering it's own lessons, color, and animal guide. There are to paths shown which cross in the center, at which point for me is the heart. (for when you work from your heart, you can reach all directions.) The path from East to West is the path of spirits, (the Blue Road) the path from South to North is our physical Walk (the Red Road). East - beginnings, purity, family, innocence, amazement of Life South - youth - passions of life, friendships, self-control West - Adulthood - solitude, stillness, going inside oneself, reflection North - Place of the Ancient Ones who have gone over - place of wisdom Above - Freedom of mind, body, spirit below - Nurturing, Mother, life. The direction of the South is the Path of the Inner Child - to access that part of ourselves that uses the faith, trust and innocence that we had as children to make our way through life. From the South we are able to see things with greater clarity and to begin to understand our own individual natures. The South is where our journey through life begins - with the knowing of self. The quality embraced by the South is trust and innocence. It is enjoying the experience of discovery, finding joy in new knowledge and letting go of fears and false values. The totem of the South is the Coyote (and sometimes the Mouse). Coyote is the trickster - he shatters illusions and laughs at himself. His lessons may sometimes be harsh, but they do bring us knowledge of ourselves. This teaches us to examine our own feelings and emotions - and to be guided by them. The element of the South is water. This refers not so much to the physical quality of water, or even its ability to cleanse, but to the essence of water - that it flows through life. Here we are asked to allow our emotions to flow freely. The color of the South is red - the color of life force (blood), health and vitality. The Kingdom associated with the South is the Plant Kingdom. To align yourself with the healing properties of the South - walk amongst this kingdom. Touch the plants, touch the trees - share your energy with them, and they will share their energy and knowledge with you. The time period of the South is the past. Emotions that we are holding on to, that are blocking us, are from the past. This is where we need to heal. Through the South we become as children - we understand, and we heal. The medicine of the West is that of Bear and Owl who bring us the 'dream' and remind us that night and the dark is half of life. 60% of life is spent awake, about 40% is used up in sleep. Dreaming is the art of using that time usefully as well as waking time, and of bringing the two into relationship, opening the doorway between the worlds. The direction of the West represents introspection - looking for knowledge within ourselves. Here is what we find that we need to change to make progress in our lives. This is the emphasis of the West - change and transition. The direction of South was our beginning of knowing who the "self" is. The direction of the West deepens this knowing through dreams and visions of the future. The quality embraced by the West is that of change and transition. Here we begin to understand our life patterns, what our lessons have been, and what we need to let go of to continue our learning. The totem of the West is the Bear. Bear brings us strength and connection to Mother Earth, and represents the quality of introspection. Bear seeks truth. The power of the Bear is the power of knowing, the power that allows one to enter dreamtime and walk the path of questing for answers - the internal path. The element of the West is earth. Earth is passive, receptive and nurturing. A deep connection with earth is needed to bring ourselves into balance with Universe. The color of the West is Black. Not the black of "nothingness", but the black of "all things". It is the color of mystery and of the unconscious. The Kingdom associated with the West is the Mineral Kingdom. This is the kingdom that holds and controls energy. It holds knowledge of our past and our future. Through the mineral kingdom we heal ourselves by finding our connection with both the past and the future. The time period of the West is the present. The present is the only place that we can invoke change. Our future is created by the beliefs that we hold in the present. Changing those belief patterns changes our future. The season of the West is Autumn - a time of gentle change brought about through turning inward. Use the time of the West wisely to see how your current goals are affecting your future. The quality embraced by the North is knowledge and wisdom. This is the sense of understanding that one gains through living - through personal experience. Wisdom comes from applying this knowledge to our lives in a meaningful manner. The totem of the North is the Buffalo. Buffalo energy is that of abundance - in supporting the sustaining of life through the giving of itself for food, clothing and more, and of prayer - the giving of thanks for all that has been received. The element of the North is Air. Air is movement and freedom - the clearing of thoughts and the carrier that allows us to manifest our dreams. Air represents the mind. The color of the North is White - that of balance and purity - the combination of all colors. White represents ones highest aspirations. The Kingdom associated with the North is the Animal Kingdom. We learn from the soul of animals in two ways - by watching how they interact with their environment, and by allowing them to connect with us on a soul level. The time period of the North is the Future. We create our future in many ways - by the decisions we have made and actions we have taken in the past, by how we interact in the present, and by what we are destined to do with those future energies. The season of the North is Winter - a time of preparation and regeneration. Use the time of the North to find your soul's purpose for this lifetime. The direction of the East represents spirituality and enlightenment. The direction of South was our beginning of knowing who the "self" is. The direction of the West deepened this knowing through dreams and visions of the future. The quality embraced by the East is that of enlightenment. Through the East we begin to see where we are - we have an inner knowing that comes from our understanding that we are united as one with all things. Here we find the courage to extend our visions - to see the broader picture of our lives. Here we learn perspective. The totem of the East is the Eagle. The Eagle soars high and has the ability to see great distances. Eagle receives inspiration from Great Spirit, and brings balance into our lives. The element of the East is Fire. Fire is the radiant energy of transformation. Fire contains the great power of expansion. The color of the East is yellow. The Kingdom associated with the East is the Human Kingdom. Here we see the dual nature of man - child of earth reflecting the immortal being of Great Spirit. The time period of the East is momentary. The power of a moment lies in the quality of that moment - that is why it is important to live "in" the moment. The season of the East is Spring. Spring is the awakening of new life. It is becoming aware of what lies within ourselves and what lies outside of ourselves. Use the time of the East to see where you are headed in your life. SWEAT LODGE PURIFICATION This ceremony helps re-purify ones self. Pre-contact there was not the abuse of alcohol by Natives) brought about. And due to alcohol and the loss of connection to our culture spouse and child abuse illness, and suicide is epidemic among Native people. We desperately need to find our way back to traditional ways of living, and the Sweat Lodge is one answer. Not only can it draw out the poison of alcohol but also the behavior that goes along with drunkenness, through intense heat and steam. Physically they sweated out the toxins inside the Sweat Lodge. With the help of Medicine Men and Women they also repaired the damage done to their spirits. It is a place of refuge and healing but also a place to get answers and guidance by asking spiritual entities, totem helpers, the Creator and Mother Earth and seeking within yourself.The spirits are awakened in the stones by heating them in a sacred fire until red-hot. Then they are swept clean by means of a cedar or sage bundles. One at a time they are placed into the Sweat Lodge in a shallow pit. The ceremony begins in the lodge. At this time water is poured and keeps pouring until he is told by the spirits to stop. Then he begins his prayers, songs and chants. The steam can be overwhelming but helps cleanse our bodies, minds and spirits and reconnects us to the world.During the purification of one's spirit inside an Inter-Tribal Sweat Lodge, all sense of race, color and religion should be disregarded. After all, in the Mother's womb we are all the. As the steam rises so do our senses and we begin to see things that are messages from another world (presenting itself to you). It is the job of the Sweat Lodge keeper to decipher these messages and deliver them to the person whom it is meant for. Some Tribes permit sweats to be conducted with mixed Genders but many only allow same sex ceremonies. Healing also begins here for all sorts of ailments such as physical, emotional, directional and diseases. One at a time all the people inside get an opportunity to speak, pray and ask for forgiveness from the Creator and the people they hurt. As they go around the circle, they must tell who they are, so the Creator can recognize them. At this time, they must also tell where they are from and who their family is.One type of Sweat Lodge is made up of poles of willow lashed together with hide and covered by blankets, skins, or other materials all intertwined with sweet grass, sage, pine or cedar boughs and other medicines. Nowadays the skins can be replaced with a simple heavy gauge canvass sheet. The entrance must always point directly to the East. This has very significant spiritual value, for the Sun lives in that direction and has immense power. There is no set size for a sweat Lodge.When you are called upon to go into the Sweat Lodge you will have some tobacco to offer the fire. At this time, you would say a prayer for someone or ask a question. You then would crawl into the lodge and take your place after stating who you are. Bringing personal sacred items is allowed but some rules apply. Items such as: Eagle feathers whistles and medicine pouches are allowed and welcomed. You cannot bring anything that is not natural into the Sweat Lodge, such as: watches, ear rings, gold, silver, eye glasses, false teeth and any female on her time.This purification ritual has different rules depending on Tribes. Be sure to check with the hosts holding the sweat, unfortunately you may not be able to participate, but your prayers and support are still important. Drink water during the break and rub sage on your body. This is a very strenuous activity and care should be take to ensure you are ready both physically and mentally for the challenge. NATIVE AMERICAN CODE OF ETHICS 1. Rise with the sun to pray. Pray alone. Pray often. The Great Spirit will listen, if you only speak. 2. Be tolerant of those who are lost on their path. Ignorance, conceit, anger, jealousy and greed stem from a lost soul. Pray that they will find guidance. 3. Search for yourself, by yourself. Do not allow others to make your path for you. It is your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you. 4. Treat the guests in your home with much consideration. Serve them the best food, give them the best bed and treat them with respect and honor. 5. Do not take what is not yours whether from a person, a community, the wilderness or from a culture. It was not earned nor given. It is not yours. 6. Respect all things that are placed upon this earth - whether it be people or plant. 7. Honor other people's thoughts, wishes and words. Never interrupt another or mock or rudely mimic them. Allow each person the right to personal _expression. 8. Never speak of others in a bad way. The negative energy that you put out into the universe will multiply when it returns to you. 9. All persons make mistakes. And all mistakes can be forgiven. 10. Bad thoughts cause illness of the mind, body and spirit. Practice optimism. 11. Nature is not FOR us, it is a PART of us. They are part of your worldly family. 12. Children are the seeds of our future. Plant love in their hearts and water them with wisdom and life's lessons. When they are grown, give them space to grow. 13. Avoid hurting the hearts of others. The poison of your pain will return to you. 14. Be truthful at all times. Honesty is the test of ones will within this universe. 15. Keep yourself balanced. Your Mental self, Spiritual self, Emotional self, and Physical self - all need to be strong, pure and healthy. Work out the body to strengthen the mind. Grow rich in spirit to cure emotional ails. 16. Make conscious decisions as to who you will be and how you will react. Be responsible for your own actions. 17. Respect the privacy and personal space of others. Do not touch the personal property of others - especially sacred and religious objects. This is forbidden. 18. Be true to yourself first. You cannot nurture and help others if you cannot nurture and help yourself first. 19. Respect others religious beliefs. Do not force your belief on others. 20. Share your good fortune with others. Participate in charity. | ||
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