With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it's no wonder that November has been chosen as the month to celebrate American Indians. I don't have native blood in me, but I never cease to be fascinated by their culture. Just this past summer, I was up in Oscoda, MI, when a local told me and a few others I was with, about the annual Gagaguwon Powwow that was taking place that day. Naturally, we went to check it out, and all I can say is that it was truly an amazing experience. It was so interesting to witness the culture firsthand, and listening to their speeches was a humbling experience.
As a supporter of various causes that surround Native American life today, it's heart-wrenching to see the things those living on the reservations experience in their day-to-day lives. Most of them don't have access to the opportunities many others take for granted, like getting an education. Thanks to various non-profit organizations, such things are slowly becoming more possible, but there is still a long way to go. My respect for the endurance and strong spirit that runs through these people is deep. So, this month I hope all people can take a moment and pay tribute to the first Americans.
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2 comments:
One of these days, if you get the chance to go check out their celebration at the Calgary Stampede it'd blow you away. Not that Canada has always been fair to the First Nations either but the celebration there truly was an integration of them back into our country's heritage.
Thank you for shariing
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