[Oe List ...] PC(USA) Native American Day: Song: "Red Cloud"

[Ellie Stock]

A reflection on Native American (American Indian/First Nation, etc) Day as recognized by the Presbyterian Church (USA)...

In the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s program calendar, today September 23 (4th Sunday of September) is designated Native American Day--maybe other faith communities do so as well or in various ways --I don't know.  Below is a song in honor and remebrance of the First Nation Peoples whose legacy and presence still implore and challenge us to honor, care for and live in harmony with Creation and each other, walking lightly on Earth's sacred space.

Red Cloud was an Oglala Lakota Sioux Chief in 1800s-early 1900s who defended his people and land against the continual encroachment, plundering and broken treaties by the U.S. government, military, and economic interests.  He was the only one to defeat the US military in what was called Red Cloud's War (although the US started it) 1866-68 when the US built forts on Lakota land.  He was a leader before, a contemorary of Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, Big Foot and others and outlived them, dying on the Pine Ridge Reservation in 1909.  Today, Pine Ridge is the poorest community in the United States.  Some statistics indicate its poverty rate and hopelessness level lower than Haiti.  Similar patterns of political oppression, economic exploitation and religious legitimation (Borg) continue to be US policy toward populations in this nation as well as other nations.  Such behavior, especially our attitude toward the earth, is coming back to haunt us.

Ellie Stock
elliestock at aol.com 

REDCLOUD APPEARED IN A DREAM
 
 
RedCloud appeared in a dream—
nowarning, no words,
headunbowed, spirit free,
cryingout, silently.
“Creaturesbeware!
Whatwas done to my people
isturning back on your league.”
 
RedCloud appeared in a dream—
defender,protector of
life,land, and liberty.
Prophesy,warrior chief,
boldtruth declare
midsttreaties broken and breached,
victoriesand tragic defeats!
 
RedCloud appeared in a dream—
samevision for Earth,
forits fate, flowing tears:
mountainsgone, rising seas—
critterstake care—
dyingrivers, chopped down trees,
landsgrabbed by power’s rampant greed.
 
RedCloud appeared in a dream—
eyesopen and wise—
laseringpoverty,
violenceand disease,
heartbreak’sdespair,
shatteredlives and families.
Isthis how Life is to be?
 
RedCloud disappeared from a dream—
hiswisdom still heard,
hispresence lingering,
callfor justice and peace—
notime to spare—
seventhgeneration to reach
tobuild Earth’s new community.
 
                        ejhs
                        
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