A forgotten Nation?
Monday, May 25th, 2009
“You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man’s freedom. You can only be free if I am free.”
- Clarence Darrow
In 1493 Christopher Columbus returned to Spain with tales of a discovery of the “New World”. This “New World” was the discovery of what is now known as America, a land that had been long inhabited by a civilization of self sufficient and spiritually evolved human beings. This discovery marked the inception of a new era for this civilization – the need to fight for their heritage and right to live freely in a country that was their home.
The catastrophic clash between the “Native American’s” and European American societies maybe one of the most well hidden, under publicised atrocities of the world today.
When the colonies revolted against the United Kingdom and established the United States of America - the idea of “Manifest Destiny” became an integral part of the American nationalist movement. Manifest Destiny (1845) was a term coined to explain/justify the American expansion and invasion into Native American territory. The American government took it upon themselves to capture the children of the natives and sent them to boarding schools where they were forbidden to speak their native language, denied the right to practise their religions and forced to abandon their Native American Identities. This process was deemed “naturalisation” and mandatory for Native Americans to become citizens of the “New” America - a country they had inhabited for centuries.
The Native American people of today’s world are still struggling to keep their traditions alive. Over time their land has continued to be captured and their way of life controlled and suppressed by the American Government.
We had the privilege of meeting and learning from Russell and Pearl Means and Phyllis Young during our inaugural WEFC event. They shared a unique perspective on life and a culture so few of us have ever heard of. The Native American way of life promotes compassion and respect for all life. They believe in a Matriarch system – a system provides for a strong, compassionate, peaceful and harmonious foundation. It is a tremendous tragedy we have oppressed a civilization we could learn and benefit greatly from. How different could our world be if we were able to let go of our fears and live peacefully amongst one another recognising our differences are blessings as each individual, race, culture, religion and country brings something unique, and potentially beneficial to all of humanity.
