I speak in love and respect of everyone. I know I may be sticking my neck on the guillotine because of what I am about to discuss. But I am in conflict and am in need of the spiritual counsel of my friends. There is a discussion of who is the
best U.S. President in another forum. I personally find such a discussion insulting. Why? Because I am an American NDN, and I do not see how I can honor the memory of any U.S. President or see one as the best. I do see one as the worst though and that is
Andrew Jackson. So there lies my inner confliction and turmoil. The '
founding fathers' established this country with land that did not belong to them and claimed lordship over these lands behind the cloak of Christianity. I ask, how can I be a proud american after what was done to the American NDNs in the founding of this nation and what happened to them thereafter? I simply cannot in good conscience. If I make it known I question whether I should be patriotic, I am often met with criticism by those who believe in G-d and country. I am often confronted with accusations of being anti-american and treated as if I am related to Benedict Arnold. But I feel if I am patriotic then I betray my people and dishonor the memory and sacrifices of my ancestors. What am I to do? I know what was done to the North American Indians in the past cannot be altered, but knowing that does not does not alter the grief I feel in my heart because of it. I look around me and all I see is what was once Indian land.
Indian land that is now dominated by others who claim lordship over it. The state of
Oklahoma was once Indian territory but even that land was taken. Indian land that is now fenced off, with more and more of it being polluted and stripped of its natural beauty. It just makes my heart sick. This land is dying and there are very few who care. It seems to me that there are so many whose only concern is dominating more. I am in need of spiritual counsel and healing myself.