This whole initiative thus far has been driven by intuition, by just letting the ideas flow to the surface. Once again, that intuition has connected me to goals that feel so right, and I know that I must push forward.
As I was simply navigating videos across the internet, I came across one that just stood out in the search results. It wasn't something I was searching for, yet I was immediately drawn to it. The video was focused on a group that has always triggered a deep emotional and spiritual energy within me. With that connection being so apparent, this video not only captured my attention....but locked me into a long standing research mission. A mission that for one, confirmed the information detailed in that video and also uncovered an incredibly sad and disgraceful history....A history that took place right here in the United States. A history, that I (and most people) had been shielded from in all the years I was in school and it was not included in any of the history books I had ever been exposed to.
To say the least, I am completely blown away by truths that have been uncovered and the unfortunate reality, that the foundation of this nation is partially built upon such ignominious events.
To say the least, I am completely blown away by truths that have been uncovered and the unfortunate reality, that the foundation of this nation is partially built upon such ignominious events.
The video was focused on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The land where the native Lakota people were "placed" after being "conquered" by Europeans that so selfishly and unnecessarily pulled the homes and land from beneath the Lakota's feet. A people that were so dedicated to their environment and truly appreciated nature - so in touch with the energy of spirit - forced into and more so destroyed by a society focused primarily on material gain and personal (temporary) satisfaction, at any cost. And what a price that was paid, with lives of the Lakota and so many other native people across this continent.
I have seen many articles and videos that have indicated that these reservations should have in fact been named prison camps. As the twisted history continued on far beyond the days when they were forced to settle in these locations.
It brings me to tears to think of the suffering that these people have endured at the hands of greed, as it does in any similar situation across this planet. Where greed overpowers compassion to such extremes that humans view others as mere obstacles. Clearly, empathy was lost in blindness of human ego and the light and culture of a people that were more spiritually in tune with their surroundings than most could ever be at this stage - grew so dim....so dim that some have become almost completely consumed by darkness.
I've shared some of videos and links below that I have found - please, if you have the time watch and read through them.
Some might be quick to assume, that it's their fault at this point in time....But if you understand how they reached this reality you will realize how much (and how many times) they actually tried to rebuild what they once were and how they were constantly pushed back.
What can you do when you are left with almost nothing? No resources, as they too were stolen completely from the land which was supposedly set aside for your people.
I feel that we need to step up and help bring these people back into the light.
I can only imagine how different this nation and this world would be if the culture and spiritual beliefs of the Native Americans had kept pace with our technological advancements - I can only imagine...
It brings me to tears to think of the suffering that these people have endured at the hands of greed, as it does in any similar situation across this planet. Where greed overpowers compassion to such extremes that humans view others as mere obstacles. Clearly, empathy was lost in blindness of human ego and the light and culture of a people that were more spiritually in tune with their surroundings than most could ever be at this stage - grew so dim....so dim that some have become almost completely consumed by darkness.
I've shared some of videos and links below that I have found - please, if you have the time watch and read through them.
Some might be quick to assume, that it's their fault at this point in time....But if you understand how they reached this reality you will realize how much (and how many times) they actually tried to rebuild what they once were and how they were constantly pushed back.
What can you do when you are left with almost nothing? No resources, as they too were stolen completely from the land which was supposedly set aside for your people.
I feel that we need to step up and help bring these people back into the light.
I can only imagine how different this nation and this world would be if the culture and spiritual beliefs of the Native Americans had kept pace with our technological advancements - I can only imagine...
Some recent statistics around the Pine Ridge reservation:
- 90% live below federal poverty line
- The infant mortality rate is the highest on this continent
- 60% of homes are infested with black mold
- The life expectancy of a man is 46-48 years old (currently overall the US average is 78)
- 85-90% are unemployed
- Many freeze to death, as they do not have any source of heat at all
As Spirit will donate 100% of all revenue received from our Spiritwear clothing throughout March of 2011 to help the Pine Ridge Reservation. Visit http://AsSpirit.com/shop.html
A very informative presentation from Aaron Huey (watch this first):
The video that first captured my attention:
- Follow Friends of Pine Ridge on twitter - http://twitter.com/FoPRR
- Friends of Pine Ridge - http://friendsofpineridgereservation.org/
