Don't Pay To Pray

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Don't Pay To Pray

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"Everything passed down from the Creator is a gift of love. How dare others demand payment for a gift that is not theirs to give?"

Marty Firerider, 2005

Native American Spirituality

Most Native Americans do not regard their spiritual beliefs as a 'religion' in the same way that Christians or other organized faiths do. They see their spirituality as an integral and seamless part of their being and their culture.

Also, some Native Americans have felt that some non-natives are practicing "spiritual exploitation" of Native American spirituality. If you remember nothing else about Native American spirituality, remember that to Native Americans everything is sacred.

Native American Spirituality

Don't Pay To Pray

There are really too many shame-ons /plastic medicine people to even attempt to list them all. So we have listed just a few.

The best way to tell if someone is full of BS or not is to "know them by their actions". Another way is if they say they are a medicine person - Then put your walls up and become very cautious.

If there is ANY meantion of ANY type of compensation for ceremony in any way then the chances of the person or group being genuine is unlikely. Some will ask for a donation, but if it is a set price, you may just want to move on.

There are correct and fundamental ways to participate in ceremony and community within our different cultures - food is usually an element, shared at the end of the ceremony or during a non-ceremonial event. Giveaways at dances/ceremony - any gathering is appropriate if done in a humble and respectable manner. Giveaways are not to show how "good or generous" a person you are - giveaways are from the heart and not to be made into a show.

Use some common sense when deciding to participate in any ceremony that is solicited through the internet and those that are advertised in nu-age papers. Those may NOT have anything constructive or healing to offer - just more fluffy feel-good crap!

And remember - Indians DON'T recruit! We don't ask for converts - in fact most traditional people are very tired of all the "seeking" by those only interested in "feeling good about themselves"! Indian way is always for the good of the people - not the good of the individual. The ceremonies are to show us how we "FIT" into Creation - not how to stand apart from it.

The Shane-Ons

A.I.M. Mission Statement

The American Indian Movement Riverside is a proactive advocacy and educational organization concerned with promoting the unity and security of Indian communities, families, and drug free youth programs. The organization is dedicated to representing the many interests and concerns of all Native American Indian people, particularly renewal of spirituality to empower Indian people with dignity regarding political, social and legal issues, including cultural traditions and inherent sovereign rights.

Make A Donation Supporting Our Positive Community Work in Indian Country.

A.I.M. Riverside Chapter

P.O. Box 135

Mountain Center, California 92561

aim@aimriverside.org

AIM DISCLAIMER: The American Indian Movement its Chapters and Support Groups do not support, nor condone Violence or acts of Malicious behavior. Such behavior by individuals acting on their own, do not represent AIM. AIM is a spiritual movement of committed individuals who walk the red path of tolerance, peace and respecting all life as sacred.

Any questions or comments regarding actions, events, etc., involving or regarding participation of ANY American Indian Movement Group or Individual, please contact us at aim@aimriverside.org

Site Established Dec 2005

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