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Eagle flies higher than any other bird
He brings messages to us from Creator
He takes our message and prayers back to Creator

The following post is from one of our newest members, Teboe. It is so special I wanted to share it with those who visit the Campfire Circle. Teboe posted this in the "September 2010 NA Newsletter" thread:

Teboe
Newbie

Registered: 07/10/10
Posts: 2
As I read about the geese at the Nevada Territory Wild West Fair, I couldn't help but think of earlier this summer when the Standing Bear Council of IA/IL/MO came together to sing and dance for the Boy Scout Camporee held in Mt Pleasant IA. As the drummers were finishing the flag song, an eagle started circling the area. For most of the younger Scouts it was the first time they had seen an eagle. There was a moment of silence in the area followed by one call of the eagle and it flew away. I'm sure I wasn't the only one with chills in the moments that followed.

Can we talk of integration until there is integration of hearts and minds? Unless you have this, you only have a physical presence, and the walls between us are as high as the mountain range.

Chief Dan George, July 24, 1899�September 23, 1981

Thank you Phyllis. I need to make a correction to my story... it was my Great-Grandfather and Maw was my Great-Grandmother. I do not know what I was thinking when I put (Great-Great Grandfather)

That is ok, SoulSeeker. We all make a mistake once in a while. It is still a really great and beautiful story. I am so glad you shared it with us.

It was our belief that the love of possessions is a weakness to be overcome. Its appeal is to the material part, and if allowed its way, it will in time disturb one's spiritual balance. Therefore, children must early learn the beauty of generosity. They are taught to give what they prize most, that they may taste the happiness of giving.

If a child is inclined to be grasping, or to cling to any of his or her little possessions, legends are related about contempt and disgrace falling upon the ungenerous and mean person ...

The Indians in their simplicity literally give away all that they have - to relatives, to guests of other tribes or clans, but above all to the poor and the aged, from whom they can hope for no return.

Charles Alexander Eastman (Ohiyesa) 1858 - 1939, Santee Sioux

Spirit of the Drum

It is said that when Creator was giving a place for all the spirits to dwell who would be taking part in the inhabitance of Mother Earth, there came a sound, a loud BOOM, from off in the distance.

As Creator listened, the sound kept coming closer and closer until it finally it was right in front of Creator. "Who are you?" asked Creator. "I am the spirit of the drum" was the reply. I have come here to ask you to allow me to take part in this wonderful thing." "How will you take part?" Creator questioned." I would like to accompany the singing of the people. When they sing from their hearts, I will to sing as though I was the heartbeat of Mother Earth. In that way, all creation will sing in harmony. "Creator granted the request, and from then on, the drum accompanied the people's voices.

The Spirit of the Drum is the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Eagle comes to Drum and takes the messages of the people to Creator.

Hold on to what is good even if it is a handful of earth.
Hold on to what you believe even if it is a tree which stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do even if it is a long way from here.
Hold on to life even when it is easier letting go.
Hold on to my hand even when I have gone away from you."

~Pueblo Blessing ~

I was looking out on the little mountain this morning. It is so
beautiful with snow covering it. The sun was shining down on
the snow and it glistened like someone had scattered diamonds
all over it.

As I was admiring the beauty, I noticed several little trails of
tracks where the rabbits had been traveling back and forth.
Soon I saw a jack rabbit following his trail. He kept stopping
to listen to something. Before long I saw a squirrel following
the rabbit. It made me think that a little story about them
would be fun.

So, now I am trying to think of a story titled: Rabbit and Squirrel. Hmmm... if I come up with one, I will post it here.

Indian Prayer
Chief Yellow Lark, Lakota

Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the winds.
And whose breath gives life to all the world.
Hear me! I am small and weak.
I need your strength and wisdom.
Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes
Ever hold the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have made.
My ears sharp to hear your voice.
Make me wise so that I may understand
The things you might teach me.
Let me learn the lessons you have hidden
In every leaf and rock.
I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother.
But to fight my greatest enemy, myself.
Make me always ready to come to you
With clear hands and straight eyes.
So when life fades, as the fading sunset.
My spirit may come to you without shame.


Retrieved from: First People of US and Canada