Morning of Day One in Camp (Friday): I met an Elder camped near us. I didn't know this at the time but he came to be a great teacher not only to me but others camped around us. He informed us of a march being led by native veterans to the burial site that had been plowed by the pipeline workers Labor Day Weekend. He told us where to meet for the March. So a little before the march, we gathered our protest signs and met at the main gathering spot. Around a thousand people were gathered to march.
It was then we learned during sacred ceremonies, no photography was allowed.
Men with beautiful sacred staffs (no photos allowed) led the march and we all followed the three ish miles from camp to the sacred sites. Along the walk there were signs tied to the fence as well as little bits of fabric. One of the signs caught my attention as it was placed there by my friends of the Kanosh Piutte Tribe. I knew I missed them by only a few days but it warmed my heart to see some of the steps they walked while there.
To honor my mothers wish, I did not enter the site but rather stood on the side of the road to watch the ceremonies from afar. I held a sign made by my mother that said, "Mother Matters More Than Money."
As we walked back, we were offered a ride in the back of the truck. Those in the cab handed us drinks and jerky to share. We picked up others along the way and shared the gifts with them as well.
SEVEN DIRECTIONS
The seven directions were shared with me by Antonia (several photos on this blog were taken by her----in camp she was my neighbor for a weekend when camp was estimated at 7,500)
There are men that have dedicated their lives to the horse. A man and his horse represent the seven directions.
These are the seven directions:
The four hoofs represent North, South, East, and West
The tail of the horse points down to the earth and represents the direction toward the land--toward the earth.
The horses head reaches toward the sky, the heavens, the Creator.
The seventh direction is represented by the horseman. This direction is the direction that comes from within.
These men are the protectors. The messengers. It was then I learned these men circle camp on horseback in shifts 24 hours 7 days a week. They are their to ensure the safety everyone in camp.
Photo Credit: Antonia Ybarra
Antonia's Photography
ELDER'S FIRE
One night several of my neighbors were around an Elder's fire. Late in the evening three young women entered the circle surrounding the fire. They had been at this fire before had returned for more stories. The Elder shared a story but then asked for those of us around the fire to share as well. One young woman told a fun story about how the coyote got his tail. Another young woman sang us her prayer song--so very lovely--and then told us the story of how she had come to write it. Another young woman, a sister to one of the younger, thanked the elder for sharing his stories and igniting an excitement in her younger sister....not only about his stories, but to share them with others, as well as returning home to hear the stories of her tribe's Elders. Then she sang a song. Her voice drew me in as did all the young women. I was so thankful to have been invited around this fire.
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