Untitled Document

Response to Arvol Looking Horse Statement 2003 from Francis Primeaux Jr.

Relatives/Relations, my name is Francis Primeaux Jr., I come from the Brule band of Sioux from Rosebud, South Dakota. My Lakota name is Wanbli Wihaka Eyoyampa Mani ( Eagle Feather that Walks in the Dawn). I come from the Lance people, my grandfather was a shirt-wearer, a protecter and provider of the people, the elders and the children. Three summers ago I was made chief, by Chief Leonard Crow Dog, at Crowdog's Paradise Rosebud, SD.

Over the years I've come in contact with the white, black, yellow, and red brothers and sisters. We have shared laughter, we have shared tears, and we have always supported one another in the walk of life. I've recently read the proclamation and decree made by Arvol Looking Horse concerning the "protection of the pipe and the allowing of non-natives in the Lakota ceremonies" ,in March 2003. I understand the concern for protecting the pipe and our Lakota ceremonial ways, but I think we should first look at ourselves and our respected elders who conduct these ceremonies. Many of our relatives who conduct these ceremonies sell out the ways to the non-natives. The non-natives are not to blame for this.

This last summer my son was born on the island of Kauai in the Hawaiian islands. His name is Wanbli Nathaniel Primeaux. In the time I've spent out here I have heard that Arvol Looking Horse was on the island of Kauai a couple of years ago, and conducted a sweatlodge for many non-native people, and smoked the chanunpa with them. It is important to not contradict ourselves, as this will give confusion to the next generations. My son is half Lakota and half PuertoRican, and I am concerned for his generation, and the changes that are being made now. And what will this mean for his children? We must come together as one people, because our children are watching our every move. If we live in separation, there will always be fighting and there always will be war. We must help one another, red, yellow, black, and white people.

The changleska (medecine wheel) represents the red, yellow, black, and white coming together as one in unity. We need one another to complete this circle of life. I believe that it is right for Lakota to conduct Lakota ceremonies, but I also believe that we cannot close our doors to our other colors of brothers and sisters inside of these ceremonies. There are many different people who disrespect the sacred ways, including our own people, charging money for workshops and ceremonies. This is not right. But the solution does not lie in excluding the non-natives, but in identifying the source of the problem. Many of our own people suffer from Diabetes, alcoholism, violence and sexual abuse that starts in the homeplace. Here amongst our relatives is where we must look to resolve our problems and our own separation amongst our own brothers and sisters.

Let us make this year a time to come together in unity and stop fighting with one another. Let those with good intentions and pure hearts pray together and dance together, no matter what color. Let us make our ancestors proud, and our futures brighter for the next generations.

Aho Mitakuye Oyasin