For the past 57 years, I have done my utmost to remain outside adversarial, partisan politics. This choice reflects the deep understanding carried by our ancestors—that the path of discord and division is not the way to unity. Adversarial, partisan politics, focusing on conflict and opposition, sows the seeds of separation and disunity, diverting us from the sacred vision we are called to fulfill.
The sacred prophecies entrusted to us by our ancestors guide us toward a future of unity and harmony, where the Human Family stands together in unity and diversity. To fulfill these prophecies, we must consciously and resolutely avoid the snares of adversarial dynamics that pit us against one another. This is not our way. Ours is the Path of the Sacred Hoop, where all nations, beings, and creations are interwoven in mutual respect and balance.
Our focus must remain on principles—timeless truths that transcend personalities, parties, and political boundaries. Principles are the Sacred 8th Fire that guides us, rooted in our ancestors' wisdom and the Teachings of the Sacred Pipe's, Čhąnúpa Wakan. They remind us of the interconnectedness of all life and our sacred duty to nurture this unity, to honor and restore Mother Earth, which sustains us all.
Principle-centered leadership requires us to walk in humility, to listen deeply, and to act with respect and reciprocity. It is a path guided not by personal ambition or allegiance to fleeting political powers but by the enduring values that uplift the collective spirit of humanity. This is how we honor the Great Spirit, Wakan Tanka, the Maker of All Good Things.
As we walk this path together, let us draw strength from the wisdom of the Medicine Wheel, whose four colors—red, yellow, black, and white—symbolize the unity of all races and the harmony of all directions. Let us remember the sacred teachings of the White Buffalo Calf Woman, Pte Ska Win, who came to bring balance and sacred law to the people. Through these teachings, we find the courage to transcend division and walk the good road of life together.
This is our sacred responsibility. Upholding the principles that bind us as one human family and walking in unity, respect, and harmony are the only ways to fulfill the vision of a just, sustainable, harmonious, and prosperous world. It is not a path of ease but one of profound purpose, a journey that calls us to live the sacred teachings in all we do.
Let us walk this path together, hand in hand, guided by the light of our ancestors and the love of the Great Mystery, as we strive to bring the sacred hoop back into balance for all our relations.
Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ—We are all related!
Šúŋkmanu Hé Miyédo! Čhaŋnúpa Sápa Hé Miyédo!
Ĥeȟáŋ Wičhášta/Delória Tiwašpaye, Iháŋktȟuŋwaŋ, and Chickasaw Nations.
