I am new to NAFPS and look forward to reading more about what is happening around the world with indigenous people and those that culturally appropriate that which is not theirs for reasons known only unto themselves.
Cultural appropriation has been an issue of concern by bonafide knowledge keepers and one solution is to educate the public about respecting the protocols that are inherent in Indigenous Culture and Traditions.
The late George Tinker has shared the following observations. George Tinker states, “A curious reversal has seemingly occurred in the attitudes of many white American and Europeans towards Native American peoples.
One of the more significant problems faced by Indian peoples today is not the intentional and overt imposition of European culture in the guise of Christianity. Nor is it the federal legislation and policy that made many tribal ceremonies illegal or the official church and state displeasure that made nearly all ceremonies difficult to sustain. Rather, our modern problem is just the opposite of the problem the tribes confronted a century ago in the presence of the missionary. Nevertheless, in a subtle way the systemic imposition of Euroamerican culture on Indian peoples persist [sic].
Paradoxically, the modern appeal of Indian spirituality to many white people has, I believe, become a major destructive force in our Indian communities. The withering of white Christian spirituality has so disillusioned people that many have engaged in a relatively intense search for something to fill the spiritual void, from Buddhism, Sufi mysticism, or Hindu meditation to Lynn Andrews hucksterism or the so-called “men’s council” movement, with channeling, astrology and witchcraft falling somewhere in between. In this time of spiritual crisis (Indian spirituality) which just a short while ago was the anathema of heathenism, has now become an appealing alternative to many of the seekers.”
Tinker E. George (2004) Spirit and Resistance:
Political Theology and American Indian Liberation
Fortress Press
In an effort to be respective the unknowing and even naive person will unwittingly leave themselves open to predators who go about making false claims about their person and what they profess to be reality.
Respected knowledge keepers will advise those that want to learn to choose their helpers well. Look before you leap!
