__._,_.___In the summer of 1997, high in the mountains of central Colorado, a
group of over 3000 Native American men gathered to hear the unified
voices of Elders representing over 100 North American tribes on what
it means to be a man of character in today's word.
Seven "Philosophies" were presented to them as a guide to becoming
the very highest expression of what it means to be a man.
These teachings are being passed on to men of all races through an
ancient tradition called the "Buffalo Lodge". Traditionally, a
special lodge was set up in many Native American villages as a place
where men of all ages could gather and share life's lessons as well
as its frustrations. This tradition is carried on today through the
teachings of the Buffalo Lodge. These teachings are not for every
man, but if you have long felt a pull in your heart towards Native
ways, if you yearn to be the best man, father, mate or citizen you
can be, then you may want to explore these teachings further. Through
them you can learn how to truly honour and respect all of creation,
including yourself.
The Seven Philosophies: © White Bison Inc.
Philosophy 1: How to relate towards women.
Philosophy 2: How to relate towards children.
Philosophy 3: How to relate to your community.
Philosophy 4: How to relate towards Elders.
Philosophy 5: How to relate towards Creation.
Philosophy 6: How to relate towards the Creator.
Philosophy 7: How to relate towards yourself.
Other teachings of the Buffalo Lodge discussed are the Seven Totems
of a successful relationship
given to the Lodge by Alvin Baker, jr. Chippewa.
The Seven Totems {Levels} of a strong relationship.
1. Turtle=Truth
Truth is the foundation of any good relationship. First, you must be
truthful with yourself, and then with those you would be in
relationship…right from the start. It is foolish to build on a false
base that will only be found out in the future. Often we think we
will present ourselves as one thing hoping that once they get to know
us, the thing we misrepresent will not matter.
2. Beaver=Commitment
Picture in your mind a beaver. They are what one would call "single
minded". They will work day and night to build a dam. The damn
provides for a multitude of natures children. If something should
threaten the damn they will work none stop until it is repaired. So
it is with a relationship. It is like the damn, and if the
relationship is one called forth by the Devine, then we need to be
committed to doing whatever is needed to build, maintain or repair it.
3. Porcupine=Loyalty
Porcupines are the image of loyalty in a relationship. They will stay
by the side of their partner even after they die. They will morn the
loss for days, much as the elephants of Africa have been known to do.
Being loyal to someone no matter what their condition or circumstance
is vital for a good relationship. How do you talk about your partner
when they are not around?
4. Wolf=Humility
If you watch a wolf pack, you will see what true humility is. It is
understanding not only who you are in the pack, but who you are not.
The only way an extended family can function properly is if everyone
fulfills their role in that family. Are you an alpha leader? Or are
you an uncle, one who helps the alpha fulfill its roll?
5. Bear=Courage
There is no more apt example of courage than that of a mother black
bear defending her cub. Even in the face of certain death from a male
grizzly bear, the black bear will be so full of love inspired courage
that the grizzly will back down even though in the physical realm it
would easily kill the mother. A good relationship needs to be
defended with this kind of courage in order to access the
supernatural help needed for its full expression.
6. Gitchi Sabe=Strength
This name translates into "Great Friend" and refers to what is known
as "Bigfoot". This being is a very real part of the Anishinobie
existence with many reports of interaction through out the centuries.
Since you may not have any first hand exposure to the Great Friend, I
will describe what has been told to me. Gitchi Sabe is the most
powerful, physically as well as in other ways, creature in the woods.
It is also one of the most gentle. It depicts for us the gentile but
firm use of amazing power to protect and nurture a relationship.
7. Eagle=Service
When Golden Eagles mate, they mate for life. Not only this, but
should one of them die, the other will not find a new mate. There is
a type of wedding ceremony called the "Eagle wedding". It is when a
couple who have been married for some time decides to devote their
relationship to the service of the people. In the ceremony, vows are
taken that if one of the couple should pass over, the other will
continue to serve the people instead of starting a new relationship.
The entire focus of the Eagle marriage is to serve selflessly as a
team. This kind of service is often only attempted after the children
are grown and the couple has proven the strength and endurance of
their relationship. It is the highest expression of a relationship to
have Eagle medicine; it is to realize that the purpose of the
relationship is to serve others..
__,_._,___
"Indian blood is like gold, no matter how thinly spun it shines just as bright."
"Only if we stand together as one people can we hope to overcome all the injustices suffered by our people. We have to learn to agree to disagree, and stand as one people regardless of our personal differences."
Strong Heart Woman
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