Wakiyan Ka Wakizi "Thunder Lance"

[NanticokePiney]

   What's this?  


   http://wakiyankawakizi.org/Home_Page.html

[Smart Mule]

I searched for Wakiyan Ka Wakizi via guidestar.org, irs.gov and pa.gov.  There is no record for them as a nonprofit, which they claim to be.  I didn't check under Thunder Lance though.  I'll do that now.

edit* nothing for Thunder Lance either.

[critter - a white non-ndn person]

For what it's worth, I wouldn't go near these people.  I have no proof, I haven't been able to find too much on either of the 'board of directors'..  or their organization name.  PA Charities does not have them listed as a charity registered in PA.

[Don Naconna]

This is not a legitmate organisation, as it claims to work with the youth of SW Pennsylvania getting employment "on and off the reservations". There are no state or federal reservations in Pennsylvania, nor are there any state or federal recognised tribes/nations. This group sounds like something that might be affiliated with the Erie "Moundbuilders" (Dugadamoundsduya) and Tecumseh Brown Eagle.

[flyaway]

I Have found this, have not found anywhere, where these 2 are NDN but as you will read in the by laws they are going to teach...
BYLAWS OF WAKIYAN KA WAKIZI
JULY 1, 2009
 


ARTICLE I – COPORATE NAME
The name of the corporation shall be Wakiyan Ka Wakizi
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE
The corporation shall have unlimited powers to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful activity for which nonprofit corporation may be incorporated under Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation law of 1988, as amended, under the provisions of which the corporation in incorporated.
  :oThe corporation shall undertake such acts, as it deems necessary to serve Native American Elders and Spiritual Leaders, so they may teach true Native American Culture, Values, and Traditions.
ARTICLE III – OFFICES
The principal office of the corporation shall be located in Acme, Pennsylvania.
The corporation may also have offices at such other places as the Board of Directors may from time to time appoint or the activities of the corporation may require.
ARTICLE IV – SEALS
The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the corporation, the year of it’s organization and the word “Corporate Seal, Pennsylvania.”
 

ARTICLE V – MEMBERS

The corporation shall have no members.  All powers, obligations and rights of members provided by law shall reside in the Board of Directors.
 

ARTICLE VI – DIRECTORS

Its Board of Directors shall manage the business and affairs of this corporation.  The number of directors shall not exceed seven.
In addition to the powers and authorities by these Bylaws expressly conferred upon them, the Board of Directors shall have the maximum power and authority now or hereafter provided or permitted under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to Directors of the Pennsylvania nonprofit corporations acting as a Board.
The Annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held annually during the calendar year as such time and place as the Board of Directors shall designate in the notice of the meeting.
Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall occur at least every three months as such times and places as it shall designate from time to time.
The Chairperson may call special meetings of the Board of Directors at such times, as the Chairperson shall deem necessary.
Written or personal notice of every meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given to each Director at least five (5) days prior to the day named for the meeting.
A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of two (2) Board members.  The acts of a majority of directors present and eligible to vote at a meeting shall be the acts of the Board of Directors.  Any action which may be taken at a meeting of the Directors may be taken without a meeting, if the consent or consents in writing setting forth the action so taken shall be signed by at least a majority of all directors in office, and shall be filed with the Secretary of the corporation.
Except where inconsistent with law or these bylaws, corporate the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern proceedings.
The Board of Directors may, by resolution adopted by a majority of the Directors in office, establish one or more committees to consist of one or more Directors of the Corporation to report back to the Board on the matter{s} within the committee’s jurisdiction.  A quorum for the purpose of holding and acting at any meeting of a committee shall be a simple majority of the members thereof.
All Board members shall be nominated and elected to serve on the Board.  The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee.  In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he/she or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another director to act at the Board shall serve at the pleasure of the Board.
The Board of Directors may, by resolution adopted by a majority of the Directors in office, establish any Advisory Committee to advise and assist the Board of Directors in carrying out its responsibilities.
One or more persons may participate in a meeting of the Board or a committee of the Board by means of the conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other.  Participation in a meeting pursuant to this section shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
The Board of Directors may declare vacant the office of a director if he or she is declared of unsound mind by the order of court or is convicted of felony, or if within sixty {60} days after notice of his or her selection, he or she does not accept such office either in writing or by attending a meeting of the Board of Directors and fulfill each other requirements of a qualification as the Bylaws may specify.
Any Director or Officer of the corporation is authorized to receive reasonable compensation from the corporation for services rendered and for actual expenses incurred when authorized by the Board of Directors or its designee.  No Director of the Corporation shall revive compensation merely for acting as a Director.
 
 
 
 

ARTICLE VII – OFFICERS

The executive officers of the corporation shall be natural persons of full age, shall be chosen [flash=200,200

[E.P. Grondine]

This is not a legitmate organisation, as it claims to work with the youth of SW Pennsylvania getting employment "on and off the reservations". There are no state or federal reservations in Pennsylvania, nor are there any state or federal recognised tribes/nations. This group sounds like something that might be affiliated with the Erie "Moundbuilders" (Dugadamoundsduya) and Tecumseh Brown Eagle.

Don, I thought the Lenape had the Alleghenny Reservation?

[flyaway]

I did email Trey Mathen manger of Woodland Resorts, they are the one with the Buffalo and the "Thunder Lance" group is using this on their site. There is also a woodland indian forum that this group warns against posting on.

This is a new group, started early this year. I could not see where they are charging, BUT it is only a matter of time. This man does not claim to be NDN but is going to teach etc.? I hope the links work and please forgive my spelling.


"wykinyan posted bs on here"
http://woodla ndindians.org/forums/viewtopic.php?id=6953

 
http://wakiyankawaki zi.org/Up_Coming_Events.html

 
http://wakiyankawa kizi.org/Board_of_Directors.html

 
http://photos.wakiyankawakizi.org/GalleryFilmstrip.aspx?gallery=261793

[Don Naconna]

This is not a legitmate organisation, as it claims to work with the youth of SW Pennsylvania getting employment "on and off the reservations". There are no state or federal reservations in Pennsylvania, nor are there any state or federal recognised tribes/nations. This group sounds like something that might be affiliated with the Erie "Moundbuilders" (Dugadamoundsduya) and Tecumseh Brown Eagle.

Don, I thought the Lenape had the Alleghenny Reservation?

There are no recognised tribes or reservations in PA
http://www.native-languages.org/pennsylvania.htm

[bls926]

This is not a legitmate organisation, as it claims to work with the youth of SW Pennsylvania getting employment "on and off the reservations". There are no state or federal reservations in Pennsylvania, nor are there any state or federal recognised tribes/nations. This group sounds like something that might be affiliated with the Erie "Moundbuilders" (Dugadamoundsduya) and Tecumseh Brown Eagle.

Wakiyan Ka Wakizi "Thunder Lance" has no connection to the Erie Moundbuilders, Tecumseh Brown Eagle, or any other group in the east. They claim ties to the Lakota at Pine Ridge, David Swallow, Gary Christensen, and Josie Leyva.

[bls926]

Neither of their directors, Robert E Steck or Teresa Shropshire, is American Indian. That in itself wouldn't be a problem, except that they give instructions on sweat lodges and smudging on their website. That's a problem. When non-Natives think they can not only appropriate Native American Spirituality, claiming it for themselves, but are qualified to teach it . . . that's called exploitation.

Purification Lodge (Sweat Lodge)

Well there is a lot to tell about a Purification Lodge...

Things needed for the lodge tobacco, natural clothing to wear in the lodge, Red cotton fabric to make tobacco ties, red string to tie tobacco ties, min. of 2 towels. Donations of food and cash is always needed and greatly appreciated. This allows the lodges to continue. Many of the Spiritual leaders pouring water for the people travel here from South Dakota to share their knowledge with us and need support for their efforts. So we ask for you to please remember that they have traveled a great distance in this economy and we need help to share the expense. When you attend a Lodge it is also polite to bring wood and flat cedar to share with the Lodge and is greatly appreciated by the fire tenders (fireman) has a lot of work and reasonability to insure the fire heats the rocks properly. The Fireman are the one's who collect the wood the rocks and serve all those attending the lodge + go into the lodge also for purification. So your contribution is greatly appreciated.

The Purification Lodge is a cleansing lodge and belongs to the Lakota People. This is the Lakota tradition of church, a cleansing of the Mind, Body and Spirit. When you enter a lodge and smell the willow supports and then marvel at the structure and how it was constructed you realize the simplicity and the strength of the lodge.

When the Lodge is constructed all four directions are observed and the placement of the lodge poles coincides with the 4 directions North, South, East and West. The Door and the fire face West, there is meaning to each action in the construction. During the construction a Medicine Man or Spiritual leader gives the blessing and thanks for all the materials taken and tobacco is given back. If you take something you must give something in return. We offered prayers and tobacco for good things to work from the lodge.

A fire is built in the direction of west the fire is to heat rocks until they are glowing red-hot.
When the rocks are red hot the Lodge leader will call everyone to gather and enter the Lodge after some instructions from the Headman. We enter on our hands and knees to show symbolic humbleness. We enter clockwise all the way around the center rock pit till the first person comes to the far end of the western door. Find a spot to lay your towel down and make yourself comfortable till everyone comes in. The headman then obverse’s the placeman of the first 4 rocks and then enters after there are a total of 7 rocks in the center rock pit.

Once the headman enters he will talk about the lodge and some of the meanings of the lodge. To start the lodge, the lodge is smudged with Cedar. (Flat Cedar)  The door is closed and the first round begins. (There are 4 rounds) after each round the door is opened and time is given to relax.

This is the same as any and all church’s it is a time to pray sing and rejoice and be thankful. A time to pray for loved ones those in need of help or healings…

When you attend a lodge it is best to wear natural materials such as cotton. Ladies usually wear a lodge dress that is free of metal or plastic cause the metal or plastic's can heat up and burn the body. Men usually wear gym shorts or swimming shorts. Also you will want to have at least 2 towels, one to sit on while in the Lodge and one to wipe away the toxins that are being pulled from your body thru the purification ceremony.

After the lodge is over a feast takes place. All those who attend bring prepared food for the feast. People bring what they can. People like making different things usually what they like and make the best of and want to share with the people.

http://wakiyankawakizi.org/uploads/purification_lodge.doc

Smudging History and Instructions
Smudging is the common name given to the sacred smoke bowl blessing. A powerful cleansing technique from the Native North American Tradition is smudging calls on the spirits of sacred plants to drive away negative energies and restore balance. It is the art of cleansing yourself and your environment using simple ritual and ceremony. For thousands of years smudging has been a part of Native American tradition.

The Power of Smudging
How can smudging be so powerful? The answer lies in the subatomic world of subtle or spiritual energy. Homes and bodies are not just made of purely physical matter; they also vibrate with quiet, invisible energy.  Cleansing a space or our bodies with techniques such as smudging clears away all the emotional and negative feelings that may have gathered over the years or even hundreds of years.  The effects of smudging can be surprisingly swift and dramatic. They can bring your family closer together and let you adjust to the healing seasonal rhythms of the year. Above all they can turn any space, however humble, into a soothing sanctuary - a place of renewal and happiness.

The Native American Way
Originally, mixtures of sacred herbs and resins were burned in a special bowl. Smoke was then wafted around the person or place needing purification and cleansing. However, smudge sticks (bundles of dried sage tied together with colored thread) offer an easier way of smudging that is just as effective. The herbs most often used in smudge sticks are sage and sweet grass. Sage drives out negative thoughts, energies, spirits, and all influences.  Sweet grass is used to attract positive energy after all the negative energies have been banished by sage. Native Americans see smudging as a way of shifting between various levels of reality connecting us here in the material, physical world to the subtle realm of spirits.

How to Smudge
Get any small, flat, heatproof container.  Light the sage and let it flame for a minute or so. Extinguish the flame so the sage is smoldering and smoking.  Take the smudge and using circular clockwise movements, encircle yourself with the smoke, asking that all negative energies be cleansed away.
You can do this for the whole room and even the whole house. Start at the most northerly room and working again, clockwise, through your home, let the smoke from the sage permeate throughout. Try and finish off the smudging process by ending up at an open door towards the most northwesterly part of your home. You should have come full circle around your home. By saying a little prayer over and over as you do the smudging, asking the 'powers that be' (Spirit of the sage) to remove all negativity and unwanted energies.

http://wakiyankawakizi.org/uploads/Smudging_History_and_Instructions.doc

[bls926]

From their webiste:

WAKIYAN KA WAKIZI

"THUNDER LANCE"
ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION

Our mission for Wakiyan Ka Wakizi a non-profit organization is to help support in the training and educating of Native American youth and adults on the reservations and in the community.  We provide the means to allow the elders to educate the youth about their culture, understanding the beliefs and values that their culture holds.  We offer through the youth summer camp the ability for the elders to teach the next generation how to live with the land and give them a new perspective of the world around them through the eyes of their elders and spiritual leaders.

In this area of Southwestern Pennsylvania there is limited access to true Native American Spiritual Leaders, leaders the people want to meet and gain knowledge from share in their experiences and participate in True Native American ceremonies such as the Purification lodge. The Purification Lodge is very sacred and is used by many different Native American cultures.  The Native American Culture is a dying race, language, and culture that needs to be preserved for the youth of today! Wakiyan Ka Wakizi and many Native American Elders are working together jointly to teach the next seven generations what the elders taught today’s elders when they where “the youth”.  We are the seventh generation and it is our responsibility to teach the next seven generations. (Lakota tradition)

In today's society many young American Indians suffer from many problems of the modern world - ranging from alcohol and drug abuse, early pregnancies, gangs and psychological disorders are everywhere!  

Wakiyan Ka Wakizi (THUNDER LANCE) is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, scientific literary, prevention to cruelty to children & animals, relief of the poor, the distressed, underprivileged, advancement of Native American religion, advancement of Native American art, eliminating prejudice, community deterioration, juvenile delinquency, at risk youth, employment on or from Indian Reservations, community awareness, community gardening,  job training, vocational school, transportation, secondary schools, anti-drug and alcohol prevention/ intervention.

 
http://wakiyankawakizi.org/Home_Page.html



"The Native American Culture is a dying race, language, and culture that needs to be preserved for the youth of today!"  . . . What makes this group think they should be the ones to take on this task? White privilege at it's finest. We know what's good for you, better than you know yourself.

[bls926]

I did email Trey Mathen manger of Woodland Resorts, they are the one with the Buffalo and the "Thunder Lance" group is using this on their site. There is also a woodland indian forum that this group warns against posting on.

This is a new group, started early this year. I could not see where they are charging, BUT it is only a matter of time. This man does not claim to be NDN but is going to teach etc.? I hope the links work and please forgive my spelling.


"wykinyan posted bs on here"
http://woodlandindians.org/forums/viewtopic.php?id=6953

 
http://wakiyankawakizi.org/Up_Coming_Events.html

 
http://wakiyankawakizi.org/Board_of_Directors.html

 
http://photos.wakiyankawakizi.org/GalleryFilmstrip.aspx?gallery=261793

I fixed the links, flyaway.

Yes, Steck did post BS on the Woodland Indians Forum, more than anyone knows. He made several inappropriate posts that had to be deleted. He gave details about the 2008 Medicine Wheel Sundance. Several of us tried to tell him that he shouldn't talk about sundance on the internet; he continued to post. He gave details about a healing sweat lodge. Again we told him the internet was not the place to discuss these things. He posted a personal e-mail, including full names, e-mail addresses, home addresses, and phone numbers, without the person's consent. This wasn't someone who was being accused of fraud or exploitation; it was a private individual who had every expectation of privacy. The e-mail was deleted. These are the reasons Steck feels that we are angry, hateful, racists who discriminated against him. He has his statement about the Woodland Forum on his website. Flyaway gave the link.

Anyone wanting to read what actually happened, in painful detail, can check out the Woodland Indians Forum.

Animals and Anomalies, Prophecy and Miracles (starting w/ post #340)
http://woodlandindians.org/forums/viewtopic.php?id=3019&p=14

Are Sweat Lodges Safe?
http://woodlandindians.org/forums/viewtopic.php?id=6953

[ska]

Hi bls,

The group's translation of the term "wakiyan ka wakizi" to "thunder lance" is a great lesson for why interpretation of the Lakota language should be left in the hands of Lakotas who are fluent in their language.  Anyway, my husband had a good chuckle over this translation of words from his language.

Sorry, it just gets to me, cuz it's another element of spiritual exploitation: all these internet language groups that claim to be able to teach the Lakota language, but it seems many of the teachers are not Lakota, not from any Lakota communities, and the "teaching" is all about ego gratification for the "teacher", self-aggrandizement and/or making money.  

There's a yahoo group that claims to be teaching Lakota, but the teacher is a white woman who claims "Celtic" roots.  When I tried to ask her several questions, I got the standard "your heart is full of hate, you will never find happiness, you are racist for noticing that I am white, I have been adopted by the Nation, I will pray for you" routine, then I was barred from joining the group.

Pardon me, I don't mean to divert the focus of this thread.

The misinterpretation of the Lakota language by this group is a further indication that they don't have a clue.

[bls926]

Your post wasn't a diversion at all. I don't speak Lakota and had no idea whether the translation was correct or not. Much of what he has said makes me realize he doesn't have a clue. It's good to hear what the Lakota think about this. Thank you, ska.

[ska]

I can't really say what the Lakota think cuz there's too many of them, and I'm not any of them!  But I can say there is one Lakota (my husband) who got a good chuckle out of this translation.

Best, ska