Hello,
I realize this is an old topic, but I wanted to contribute my experiences and thoughts. I have actually participated in several "vision quests" with School of Natural Wonder. I am acutely aware that some indigenous people feel that any use of indigenous concepts, ritual, or practice constitutes appropriation. I can absolutely agree that through time grave abuses and misappropriation has occurred. There is no excuse for this. AND, I would like to draw a distinction between appropriation and respectful use.
Flynn Johnson provided a program based on the North American Indigenous peoples' rite of passage, the Vision Quest. In this program various rituals were explored for the participant to choose what felt most appropriate given the purpose of the quest. The Medicine Wheel was used as a guide and occasionally quests would include a sweat lodge.
At all times Mr. Johnson has been respectful and has educated participants on the history and ethics of using the Native American version of a Rite of Passage. He never pretended to be anything he was not, nor took/encouraged "fake Indian" names. Mr. Johnson has ties with the Native community and demonstrated deep respect for the culture.
I understand that to some people, these programs will never be acceptable. However, I offer this...Rites of Passage have existed in every culture. And they have been lost to many/most modern cultures...yet it is a vital and necessary ritual that people still need. Our current Rites of passage mean little...old enough to buy cigarettes and alcohol, old enough to drive, vote, and die at war. In the absence of meaningful Rites of passage suffering and incomplete transitions are prevalent. That some non-Natives find solace, instruction, meaning, or resonance with Native American spirituality should not be surprising. For some of us, Nature is our worship center; and a Nature-based spirituality is in alignment. I experienced very powerful healing and guidance through Nature. I have a deep reverence for Native American spitituality and culture. I am not from the culture (although my nieces and nephews are) and I am interested in ways to support and honor Native people.
Specifically, I wanted to contribute to the discussion about School of Natural Wonder; to say that Flynn Johnson offered a strong program grounded in Native American concepts and executed with the utmost integrity and respect for Native American culture and traditions. If we are judging on a case by case basis, Flynn's program was above-board.
Thank you,
Laura Young
