Accused of Racism 2 - OP here

[nativedancer12]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? CA

to everyone: thanks for the replies.

To Laura: We were essentially banned from there over this *one letter,* which we believe is incredibly unfounded, not to mention the manner in which the ED ultimately responded - through desecration of a sacred NA ceremony and the presence of guards. We haven't been able to go back at all.

As mentioned before, our elder already tried to speak with her prior to the incident, but his words fell on deaf ears. She won't speak to anyone now.

Our elder has gone through much pain and suffering over this incident as much as many others did who were present. I mean, how would anyone feel when his/her religious observations are trampled on, over one person's absurd claim, especially if a group has contributed much work into the "social development" of the center, through events, and even during its groundbreaking ceremony, generating popularity of the center, and ultimately, revenue?

 

[HomeGuru]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? CA

to everyone: thanks for the replies.

To Laura: We were essentially banned from there over this *one letter,* which we believe is incredibly unfounded, not to mention the manner in which the ED ultimately responded - through desecration of a sacred NA ceremony and the presence of guards. We haven't been able to go back at all.

As mentioned before, our elder already tried to speak with her prior to the incident, but his words fell on deaf ears. She won't speak to anyone now.

Our elder has gone through much pain and suffering over this incident as much as many others did who were present. I mean, how would anyone feel when his/her religious observations are trampled on, over one person's absurd claim, especially if a group has contributed much work into the "social development" of the center, through events, and even during its groundbreaking ceremony, generating popularity of the center, and ultimately, revenue?

**A: why are you posting a new thread?

 

[rmet4nzkx]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? CA

to everyone: thanks for the replies.

To Laura: We were essentially banned from there over this *one letter,* which we believe is incredibly unfounded, not to mention the manner in which the ED ultimately responded - through desecration of a sacred NA ceremony and the presence of guards. We haven't been able to go back at all.

As mentioned before, our elder already tried to speak with her prior to the incident, but his words fell on deaf ears. She won't speak to anyone now.

Our elder has gone through much pain and suffering over this incident as much as many others did who were present. I mean, how would anyone feel when his/her religious observations are trampled on, over one person's absurd claim, especially if a group has contributed much work into the "social development" of the center, through events, and even during its groundbreaking ceremony, generating popularity of the center, and ultimately, revenue?

You have not included all the facts

Our native american (tribe unrecognized) dance/cultural diffusion group was the resident dance group at a cultural center for roughly five years, since its grand opening. Our elder had even taken part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the center, in which he presented an offering, etc.

We used to hold practice dance ceremonies, which are highly regarded as sacred; as soon as we begin, we say a prayer, invoke the four directions and "close" the circle and do not open it up until we are usually done.

Often times our ceremonies would bring attention to passers-by, due to the loud drumming, which was fine. We always welcome "spectatorship," so as long as they respect the circle in the same manner as he or she would when entering a church or synagogue.

One afternoon, a white woman and her daughter came around, our circle had already closed (we usually don't talk to folks on the outside -- the circle is "closed", standard NA ceremonial protocol) when she wanted her daughter to come in and dance. The elder, trying to avoid a conversation then because of the seriousness of our ceremonies, told her briefly to wait until we were through. The woman got upset, the daughter (I believe) she began to cry, and they stormed out of the area.

She then wrote a letter to the exec director of the center (being new herself, only a few months at that time) ranting about her "experience" on the basis of racism.

This same exec director in response, desecrated a later ceremony (by walking into our closed circle), with guards standing by at three entrances, and had us leave, including the elder.

The elder had previously tried to explain himself, though since they were both of the same ethnicity, it was believed she would have understood such sacred protocol. Apparently not.

Do we have any recourse? Thanks in advance for any insight.
nativedancer12
......
The center was built on taxpayer funds, and is now maintained by the city.

First of all, your dance troop is not a recognized tribe and this dance practice is taking place in a California public access building, not tribal property covered by tribal law or a private religious sanctioned event. Your practice is totally at the pleasure of the management of the center.

You were violating this child's constitional rights by excluding them from a public event which was in no way restricted.

Most adults recognizing a child's minority would not treat a child in such a manner. Your elder's actions were totally out of line and disrespectful to the Great Spirit.

Native American's have always respected both the land and children. It should not matter that the child was ignorant of your religious beliefs or that they were Caucasian/While, that ws an apportunity to educate them, not exlcude them. It sounds as if your dance troop could use the laughter of children.


The Reed Dancers
[Menomi]

Once after a long journey Manabush entered a pleasant little valley. Here he heard the sound of a drum, rattles and people singing and dancing. As he drew nearer he saw the dancers stepping about in a very lively fashion. Their headfeathers were moving about in every direction. It was just at dusk, he did not recognize any of the dancers. No one paid any attention to him. He received no friendly greeting. He felt like dancing and wanted to join in this dance. He laid his bunting bag and knife at the roots of a tree. Several times he asked to be invited to dance, but the dancers brushed by him and none replied to his request. So he joined in the dance anyway and greatly enjoyed himself. Then the bright moon overhead revealed how he had been deceived. He had wandered into a field of tall reeds, mistaking these with their feathery plumes for warriors with eaglefeather headdresses. Wearily now he spread his blanket beneath a tree and went to sleep.