by Claudia Windal

Created on: August 17, 2008

Those who criticize Native American worship do so based upon superficial understandings of our theologies, spiritual ways, and external expression of our beliefs. Although today, much is written about Native American spirituality and worship, non-Natives will generally pick and choose what they want to affirm as "okay" for worship.

"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" (Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket", Senaca). Red Jacket speaks volumes in this question. Many Christians argue over the validity of different faith expressions. We have a strongly divided Nation between the Religious Right and the more open minded and progressive Left.

Fear of and prohibiting Native American worship and spirituality began with the missionaries who invaded "Indian Country" in order to convert the "heathen." Judgments were made by Christians based upon what they did not understand and consequently, judged to be wrong or pagan.

Let Native Americans worship in peace. Our traditions teach us to begin our day thanking the Great Mystery for another day and asking that we walk through the day in a good way. Some of us include smudging in that early morning prayer; a means of purifying ourselves and raising our prayers to the Creator. What is there to be feared in these rites and rituals? I would rather know that my neighbor begins her or his day with prayer than by beginning the daily ritual of over drinking and becoming belligerent and acting un-Christian.

The inipi ceremony has become one of the latest fads for non-Natives. I don't even want to know what is done by them in a sweat lodge. For us Native Americans, the sweat lodge is where we bring our concerns, ask for help from Creator, renew our commitment to walking in a good way, and in cleansing ourselves from what causes us pain, anxiety, and separation from Creator and our neighbors.

Many non-Natives enjoy attending pow wow's. Little do most of them know that when we dance, we pray. People ask dancers to dance/pray for their recovery from an illness, anxiety or depression, loss of a job, their children who have strayed from the way of the people, and so on.

Many of us attend Christian churches where we are expected to abandon our Native spirituality and ways. Some churches make an occasional concession to the use of sage (smudging) while others says they welcome our traditions

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