Kosowith - you make excellent points! Tradition did not stop evolving at the time of invasion! Traditions had evolved continually up to that point, and during that moment in time, and thereafter that event. For Tradition to survive it must evolve - and while we could wish for it to evolve more gradually and in consensus - the times often call for something more radical in order to endure at all! (think Wavoka... Handsome Lake...) It reeks of (internalized) colonialism when people impose a nonexistent line between "tradition" and today's needs/practices/inspirations. Everyone practicing their interpretation of Tradition is responsible for doing their best with what they have inherited. The only pan-NDN "tradition" I am aware of (until the past few years) is to never criticize another's spirituality/religion/ways of connecting with the Creator. I wonder what the future will have to say about this very recent twist whereby we now think it is somehow alright to wag fingers at others for not being "traditional" (the way WE interpret those traditions) when that very finger wagging isn't traditional (nor condoned by any "Traditionals") either.... Good job Kosowith.
