October 4, 2012
“The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their oneness with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that its center is really everywhere, within each of us.”
Hehaka Sapa (Black Elk) 1863-1950
Born into the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Nation, Black Elk had visions and claimed contact with the spirit world from an early age. He fought the US Army in the battles at Little Big Horn and Wounded Knee, but later joined Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show, touring the US and England re-enacting those same battles. Twice married, he had six children, and was revered among his people as a holy man and sacred jester. In 1932 his life story was published as Black Elk Speaks, by John Neihardt, from which the above quote is taken. In the Lakota language Wakan Tanka is often translated into English as ‘Great Spirit’, but according to Native American activist Russell Means, its meaning is closer to ‘Great Mystery’.
Good Morning Gloucester 
Having spent a week with the group called Re-Member which is working to rebuild relationships on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, home of the Great Lakota Sioux people this past summer, it is great to reconnect with their love of the spirit, respect of life, and connection with the earth. So in honor of these wise people who were here before us and true stewards of the land before Columbus ever thought of making his famous journey, let’s take a moment to honor our Native American heritage.
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