Hello,
My name is Oriona Rendon. I am Manny Twofeather's daughter, one of many. First, I would like to say that I can understand how anyone who didn't know my father (or anyone with some kind of influence, for that matter) would be suspicious due to rumors they heard. But I have to exercise the right to defend my family. Quite frankly, I was both offended and hurt upon finding this website because none of the postings were from people who had met him. My father was not perfect, no one is. But he certainly doesn't deserve this kind of criticism from those who did not know him. My father was not a 'plastic shaman' and he was never trying to dupe anyone and he NEVER charged for ceremony, ever. He was not that kind of person and greatly frowned on people who did. His books did not claim to teach anything, he was simply sharing his own experiences. My father believed in equality and he spent his whole life looking after anyone who came to him for help. All these book sales and seminars that "Edge" mentioned are what kept him away from home so much, but also kept our heads above water. His death was very difficult, and turned both my family's life and the life of many others upside down. I can not express to you the pain that we have suffered ever since. He was not only my father, but also the father, friend and leader to many others. Furthermore, I would like to address what "educationindian" said. My family and I are in no way "profiting off the exploitation." In fact, we are currently living in a women's shelter. Also, my father was never "exploiting" anything, except maybe himself in order to provide for us. He was the most selfless person I have ever met. All he ever really wanted was his coffee in the morning, done the way he liked. You seem to think he was this evil man who sought after riches and simply used his spirituality to get further in life but that isn't true. He had a deep respect for his spirituality and he was humbled by it right until the very last moment of his life. He did not choose to be a leader; he simply followed his heart and his spirit and helped those who sought him. The Sundance that he started was not out of vanity, but out of a need. He could not understand how Native Americans would show the same kind of prejudice that was shown to them for so long. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. We are all the children of the Creator, all of us and there is only one human race. After so many years of conflict, how can we continue this intra-species war with one another? Since when did skin colour or land of origin determine how much you love the Creator, or how you should pray to him? Everyone should be able to follow the path that the Creator has put them on. Mother Earth is everywhere; she belongs to everyone, not just us. The ceremonies are for the People, and it has never been specified that they were for only one people. We are living in a time where the general population is starting to lose its connection with the Earth and the Creator, why then would we turn those people away who just want to come back home? I will admit, these beliefs may be seen by some as unconventional and maybe not even completely traditional. I have even been called, to my face, a “hippie dippy” but I know that these beliefs are not wrong. Different yes, but wrong? No. This is what my father believed. I wish that you could have known him, maybe then your opinions would be different, or at least more informed. I am eternally grateful that he raised me the way he did because he raised me to show love and compassion for everyone, even if they have wronged me. I hope you know that I am not here in hostility, simply as a defender of a person whom I knew to be good.
All My Relations.
