The first time I went to fast on Bear Butte, in 1980, was to understand the name that was given to me when I was 12, on one of our visits with relatives at Wakpala on the Standing Rock by my Lala Walter Strong Heart. He gave me, his father's name, Shunkmanu, Horse Thief. As I prayed and cried, I asked for the deep spiritual meaning of this name given to me by Lala.
The more I prayed and cried, with no food and water, prayers and questions, begin to be revealed. Just to be sure it understood, this was not a Black Elk type Vision of Global Importance, this was merely a much deeper understanding of the relationship between the spiritual name given by Chante Waste and my physical being.
I am what the US Government calls a "Mixed Blood." That is both my parents are "Half Breeds." My father is an enrolled member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe, and my mother is an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation. Both came from families of Hereditary Leadership.
Naturally, when someone sees me, it is clear that the French and English got involved in out Tiosapaye and our extended family, including out beloved Hunka Relatives of Chief Pizi, Gall and our many other relatives on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, across the Oceti Sakowin, and our many Hunka Relatives across the Northwest and Southwest of Turtle Island. Love knows no skin color or any other superficial physical dimension. True love sees the spirit as the foundation of our physical being.
The Chickasaws were known as the " Spartan's of the Southeast." They were the only Indigenous Nation in the Americas that fought both the English to the North and the French to the South. My Chickasaw Unchi, Ella, told me that the only force that eventually defeated our Chickasaw Nation was Alcohol. As we know has happened to many Indigenous Nations, in the great grief and pain of colonization and continuing and deepening oppression.
At the same time, my beloved grandmother always told me the Chickasaw Nation would rise again, and they have! The Chickasaw Nation, today, is one of the most healthy and prosperous Nations on Turtle Island. In fact, the first Indigenous relative to travel into space, Commander John Herrington, is a very distinguished member of the Chickasaw Nation.
The women of the of the Chickasaw Nation were for their stainless virtues, chastity, and great intelligence. This is a brilliant reflection of my mother and grandmother who raised me from my female side. Stronger than steel, and who demonstrated their love in action, not just in hugs and beautiful words!
This is a part of myself that I have never shared before, but the time has come for all of us to reveal ourselves! To stand into our greatest dreams and visions! To be all that we are!
I will continue my spiritual realization on Bear Butte, after some good sleep. I just arrived home after eight intensive days at the World Parliament of Religions in Toronto.
We will also speak about this with Tonska Brian, on Make No Bones About It, KAOS Radio, 4-6pm on Sunday, November 1, PST. Tonska Brian, if you could leave the coordinates of our visit here, it would be gratefully appreciated. Our visit is entitled " Prophecies, Dynamic Change and a New Global Civilization.
Have Good Dreams
PS. This is the Chickasaw Nation Today
The Chickasaw Nation operates more than 100 diversified businesses in a variety of services and industries, including manufacturing, energy, healthcare, media, technology, hospitality, retail, and tourism. It also owns and operates Bedré Fine Chocolate in Davis, Lazer Zone Family Fun Center and the McSwain Theatre in Ada; The Artesian Hotel in Sulphur; Chickasaw Nation Industries in Norman, Oklahoma; Global Gaming Solutions, LLC; KADA (AM), KADA-FM, KCNP, KTLS, KXFC, and KYKC radio stations in Ada; and Treasure Valley Inn and Suites in Davis. Their estimated annual tribal economic impact is over $3.18 billion.[1] In addition, the Chickasaw Nation operates historical sites and museums including the Chickasaw Cultural Center, Chickasaw Nation Capitols, and Kullihoma Grounds.
Their casinos include Ada Gaming Center, Artesian Casino, Black Gold Casino, Border Casino, Chisholm Trail Casino, Gold Mountain Casino, Goldsby Gaming Center, Jet Stream Casino, Madill Gaming Center, Newcastle Casino, RiverStar Casino, Riverwind Casino, Treasure Valley Casino, Texoma Casino, SaltCreek Casino, Washita Casino and WinStar World Casino. They also own Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas and Remington Park Casino in Oklahoma City.