outershell

i didn't knwo where best to put this. but i wanted to make anyone in the area aware of:

April 14th, 2007, 1:00pm to 4:00pm
An open invitation to all to attend a one day discussion on the white buffalo calf, its significance and gifts for the world. 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Your help is needed. Donations are needed and being accepted to help pay for David's travel and lodging expenses. For more information contact the zoo or Michael "Hawk" Spisak at 724-516-2751.

website:
http://www.woodlandzoo.net

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they_drag_him

I wouldn't donate a penny. The organizers are to be well prepared ahead of time, not to be begging and peddling for money.

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Yanktonai Hunkpati Dakota Sioux, Crow Creek SD

outershell

"A delegation comes from South Dakota to explain teh significance of the rare birth"

"The white Buffalo shows itself because there is a great need... the white buffalo comes to give us a warning"

full article:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt.../s_502858.html

I am curious, is it considered disrespectful to photograph the white buffalo?

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they_drag_him

No, but it is disrespectful if a white buffalo is touched by a wasicu.

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Yanktonai Hunkpati Dakota Sioux, Crow Creek SD

Wojapi4Me

I doubt a sacred animal is a racist.

Also, I remember David Swallow getting into trouble - possibly being fined - by our tribal council back in the 1980s or early 1990s for selling ceremonies. Maybe he isn't the best choice to give a talk on these matters.

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under_the_white_wolf

I think not! I would rather put my donations into something more worthy such as cancer research or children's hospital. non profit organizations are transparent with their finances, who knows this money might be used to pay off a brand new 4x4 truck or pay for a night out at the local casino, looks fishy to me.

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omaciw

outershell

i didn't mean to offend anyone with the first post. I just copied the info straight from the website.
I'm not actually asking for money or anything.
again- sorry

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Lakota Wiyan

I remember driving through Porcupine and seeing alot of cops at the entrance to his sundance one time..which is just yards away from the road, for all to see. I asked my uncle, who was a cop, what happened and he said that they had to come and try to recover some firearms, and also to respond to elder complaints that there were wasicu people who PAID to sundance that week, who were drinking and raising cain with some of the Lakota people who were there. I remember what you said about him getting into trouble with the tribal council.

A few months ago, this same person who was trying to fundraise for this, contacted me and asked me to put it on my former website. I had to refuse because he told me that Mr. Swallow requested the solicitations himself.

People, if you read this, remember this: You shouldn't have to pay a Lakota, or any tribe, "holy man" for his knowledge or wisdom. He should NEVER solicite money, and should NEVER EVER require an "admission" fee, or any money to participate. If you HAVE to horn in on Native spirituality, at least go about it the proper and respectful way, otherwise, you NEVER know what you will actually be getting. Remember, you can't sue a spiritual person for bringing bad things upon you, and if you actually pay for a ceremony, you obviously have no idea what you are getting into, so they could do just about ANYTHING. If you are disrespectful to turn Native American spirituality into commercialized products, then you kind of deserve getting taken advantage of. Just dont try and cry foul afterwards.

outershell

I wouldn't have known that. Thank you.
I'm gald i posted it then.

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eap7

I'd also like to echo Lakota Winyan's words that you shouldn't pay people for ceremonies, and also to caution you about this family. I know Tim Swallow, David's brother, and his family. They moved to Boston (where I am) about 5 or 6 years ago, after the brothers ran into trouble in California (where they were previously staying) for charging people for ceremonies there. It seems like this is a pattern. Although I'm not saying they are bad people, you should be cautious about dealing with them.

outershell

now that I know.
(along with anone who calls themselves a medicine man, guru, savior, or expert .. isn't)

but i've also been taught that donations are often necessary.
most ceremonies do end up costing money to perform. the travel and the materials aren't always free and i've been taught that its polite to make a donation to cover these things.
its not the same thing as charging but i've seen ppl try using "they shouldn't charge money" as an excuse not to donate

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Lakota Wiyan

I think that donations, coming from the heart, and not solicited are very much appreciated and very appropriate. But when someone solicites money for themselves, or on behalf of another, in order to receive blessings, or wisdom, or advice, or ceremonies, kind of detracts from the whole spirit of it all. Giving someone money or gifts out of appreciation for their time and willingness to share is entirely different from what this guy was trying to do.