Mending the Sacred Hoop

Black Elk said the sacred hoop was broken, and now many leaders of the tribes across Indian country are trying to mend the core of our beliefs. Being born to mixed race parents my mother is Lakota, Cheyenne, and Scottish-Irish. My father being Danish, Italian, and Cherokee has caused me to search for where I belong in the aspect of this New World.

My maternal grandmother was forced into a Mission School in Porcupine, South Dakota on the Rosebud Reservation. Her hair was cut and she was shamed to speak her mother's language. Her great grandfather was a famous Hunk-papa Leader named Sitting Bull. Grandma Two-Sight learned from an early age that being red was not something to be proud of and she tried to hide her shame with anger. To be more accepted she embraced the Catholic Church and raised her 12 children (one being my mother) in this belief.

My father's family, the majority being white, were very wealthy Southerners and lived to rebel against common law abiding people. His family was a mix of confederates, union, and federals. The Cherokee blood was never mentioned anymore than a shadow cast against a wall. My father's family were not religious they believed more in pagan or masonic temple beliefs.

Therefore my upbringing was very much Catholic influence. My father converted for my mother and I was raised attending Catholic School. I couldn't help but look at the priest while he was breaking the Eucharist, "You phony!" I would often have to fight my screams and outbursts during church. I thought they were all liars and to confess my sins to such a sinful man was an experience I will never forget.

As I grew older and started learning more about the world. I talked with my family and learned the Native Way. It was the only way for me and has been ever since. Every two years I make a trip to Mato Paha (Bear Butte, SD.) and hang prayer ties on the Sacred Mountain. Many of my family practice the Inipi (sweat lodges), and several of my uncles are very closely involved in the Sun Dance each year. These are strong traditions that not even decades of suppression could take away. We have fought and are winning the fight for the return of our sacred hoop.

Learn more about this author, Jade Hawk.
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