BROUGHT TO YOU BY SNOWWOWL.COM-NON-COMMERCIAL NATIVE AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL WEBSITE RELEASING OF THE BUFFALO SPIRITS CEREMONY- to be held in Yellowstone National Park April 15, 2008 Noon Message from Arvol Looking Horse
Information About the Ceremony<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~> MESSAGE FROM ARVOL LOOKING HORSE
April 15th, 2008 - Noon - Gardiner, Montana
Simultaneous Prayer Vigils are encouraged to pray for the 1,302 (+)buffalo that have been carelessly slaughtered this winter alone and the thousands more slaughtered in the past decade since the last Releasing the Spirit Ceremony held back in 1997!
From Chief Arvol Looking Horse
Mi-ta-ku-ye (my relatives),
I have been called upon to perform the Spirit Releasing ceremony for the thousands of buffalo that have lost their lives in the last decade, in the mountains of the Yellowstone River country.
Many, many generations ago, our relatives, the Pte O-ya-te (Buffalo People) came up from Wind Cave in the Black Hills; the heart of Un-ci Ma-ka (Grandmother Earth) and prepared the way for our existence. From that time forward, they gave of themselves for our survival, as
long as we respected their gift. They taught us how to live in an honorable and respectful way by example and through the teachings of the White Buffalo Calf Woman. She brought the Sacred Canupa (Pipe) to remind us of our responsibilities and also provided us with
the knowledge of the sacred rites that are necessary to discipline ourselves.
From the Buffalo Nation, our ancestors learned to have an honorable relationship of being connected with Un-ci Ma-ka; this way of life that identifies us of who we are as an O-ya-te (a People), with all its sacred teachings. They understood the gifts from Un-ci and carefully
lived in harmony with her wellbeing. For that reason, we hold them to be sacred. We co-existed in a good way until we were nearly destroyed. Ob un-ka-so-ta-pi tka. The sacred Buffalo Nation in these mountains are the survivors of that natural way of life. We are
culturally and spiritually indebted to them and we still need their guidance, to remind us how to be at peace and harmony with Un-ci Ma-ka.
Let it be known that Yellowstone territory; the habitat of the last wild Buffalo Nation - is sacred ground, it has been a SACRED SITE for the First Nations people, and for all humanity who hold deep respect for all Creation. The Buffalo Nation has confirmed this fact; by where they have ended up, continuing to survive in their natural migration, struggling to live in a peaceful manner. Our ancestors also gave us this message by fasting in this area long ago, as they recognized this place of sacredness. This understanding is how we maintain the
balance upon Un-ci Ma-ka, to protect these places, especially for the survival of our future generations to come.
These Buffalo that lost their lives in Yellowstone did not die by Natural Law, nor were their spirits honored with ceremony. This is why we must go there to perform a ceremony of honor for those that lost their lives by the misunderstanding of human-kind and pray to Wakan Tankan (Great Spirit) for pity of how gifts were unappreciated. We must pray with all those who grieve and be grateful for them. Many of the people who are deeply concerned of what has happened in the manner of which their lives were taken; we see this as an unnecessary massacre. We have known that this particular herd is the last original Buffalo Nation that still follows their migration pattern, the little that is left in tact; they are the sign of our connection to our wellbeing of living in harmony. I humbly ask for all People to make prayers on April 15th, at high noon; for a healing of humanity - for the decisions that are being made with no regard for the sacredness of life, for the massacred Buffalos spiritual journey and to protect what is left - in understanding of what our journey in this life represents in being responsible! We must pray for the healing of the human Spirit, to understand the connection to all living beings on Un-ci Ma-ka. In a Sacred Hoop of Life, where there is no ending and no beginning!
Can-te Mi-ta-wa I-ta-han (from my heart)
Chief Arvol Looking Horse
19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~> INFORMATION ABOUT THE CEREMONY-to be held in Yellowstone National Park- THE CEREMONY IS OPEN TO ALL AND ALL ARE WELCOME!
- WHEN - Tuesday, April 15, 2008 and begin 12:00 noon (MST
- WHERE - Stephens Creek Road and Old Yellowstone Trail, west of the Yellowstone River, 2 1/2 miles north of Gardiner, Montana.
- DIRECTIONS - From the Arches landmark, located near the Gardiner, Montana Fee Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, head north past the football field/local school along the Old Yellowstone Trail County Road for 2 1/2 miles to Stephens Creek Road, that leads to the bison trap. Please note that Yellowstone National Park has a closure in effect from near the Fee Entrance to Stephens Creek west of the Old Yellowstone Trail. Please do not park off-road or block traffic. For people who are car pooling, there is extra parking at the Arches landmark along the gated fence.
- RECORDINGS - Actual ceremony is not to be filmed, recorded or photographed. Media/journalists should register with media coordinator for protocols.
- LODGING - Accommodations in Gardiner, Montana and the surrounding area can be found online:
http://www.gardinerchamber.com/directory.asp?cat=1- TRAVEL ADVISORY - DUE TO CLOSED ROADS IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, it is advised that you take the route from Interstate 90 through Livingston, Montana to Highway 89 south to Gardiner, Montana.
- COMMUNITY MEAL FOLLOWING CEREMONY - Bear Creek Council is co-hosting a community meal in the historic Eagles Hall Gardiner Community Center on 206 Main Street following the ceremony. The purpose of our community meal is to share our gratitude with everyone who traveled near and far to participate in ceremony honoring America's wild buffalo. We thank the Gardiner Community Center for sharing their space, and extend an invitation welcoming all to share in a meal together.
- FLYER FOR DISTRIBUTION AND POSTING -2.21 MB pdf file.
Media & Outreach
Buffalo Field Campaign
P.O. Box 957
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
406-646-0070
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org
BFC is the only group working in the field every day in defense of the last wild buffalo in the U.S.
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This article was sent to us by Stephanie M. Schwartz - http://www.SilvrDrach.homestead.com .
~~Thank you Stephanie for continuing to keep us aware. ~~Stone Woman<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>+<~>
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