The following is Suraj's closing statement from the meeting... She did not address the peoples Questions that were asked.. The meeting went from 4:30 to 7:00. Everyone had a chance to speak and ask questions....
It has been said by her that she is turning over her feathers to Fish and Wildlife...That she will not wear her ?"regalia"? to her Prayerformances anymore...and that she will not play her drum in Michigan.... This does not cover the rest of Turtle Island.... Be aware people....
Suraj and her followers stated that the drum is not "Native American" that it is from many cultures.... and that was followed by responses from the people that they have seen her advertisements in the paper and she is calling it Native American!!!!! Her and her followers also stated that what htey do is Not Native American but soemthing they put together....
....
She can no longer say that she is unaware that what she is/was doing is unacceptable to the Native Peoples on this Continent.... She has plainly been told "to find your own way and to not take from others.".... (PLease be aware that I did miss a few sentences....I am not a fast typer but I got down 97% of her statement....)
So here is her lame closing.... I pray that what happened today touched her heart and that she will change her ways....
We at the Fraud Board are not done yet and will continue to watch what she is doing.. The Native communities and others across this continent are aware of her now...... It wont be easy for her to resurface... lets watch for her.. and we're not quitting on Yellowstone yet either.... stay tuned people!!!!!!
Cat
Meeting with Suraj May 2 2008
Surajs response
Thank you for all of the education that you have shared with us about who you are and how this is important to you…
Yes – I have spoken to a fish and wildlife officer the feathers are from Australia – I have offered to give them back…I also wish to say that there are many other people in this room and I stand here as a human being not as a native person or a WHITE person.. I DON’T LIKE THE NAME WHITE! I am Suraj and a human being…There is no question In my heart…
I believe the teachings of earth based spirituality are the right of every person to practice!
And there are people from every race who are lost right now…and many who know where they are going…
And I respect that this is the way you practice your way with God it is your right and it is not for me to judge but there are others in this circle who have the right to practice what they want and they are not lost and not confused… and we are at the threshold of an amazing opportunity for an amazing discussion…
(Then something about respecting her way)
It hurts me to hear your stories it hurts me to hear my peoples stories and that means all people. Darfur, Iraq everywhere and we are at a pivotal moment….
I have heard your incredible stories…
And I am deepfully sorry that that ever happened…
I am deeply sorry It ever happened to you.. by people who are lost confused disconnected
And I feel we are all working from different places for the same goal for honor respect communication….and for me ... tonight has been a prayer…
All the people …
And I think this is an awesome opportunity. And I am humbled on how far you have come and how you feel for truth understanding for healing.
For education….
We were here to really listen tonight thank you very much. I thank the Grandmothers’s especially Mona…
I want to thank you for the love you showed me tonight…
And the honor
I am young on that road.
And I appreciate the wisdom I got to hear tonight from all of you..
Suraj….
Closing prayer