The STRENGTH of the People.

What many do not realize is the history of strength of Native People.  Oppressed over hundreds of years, robbed of land, of culture, pushed out and ignored by society except when convenient, they are people who have known great suffering, great trials and yet, overall they have maintained a great spirituality and strength-love based, compassionate strength that is incomprehensible, and admirable. I don't know a people that have remained so peaceful and steadfast in the face of this kind of horrific abuse.

We all have our breaking point, but it may be  that Native Peoples tolerance comes from their place of spirituality-how else can you explain it? The ability to remain peaceful while witnessing your people being beaten, abused, humiliated and in the past killed is truly otherworldly.  The moments that I have spent in my past, and recently attest to the fact that there is something unique about them.  Perhaps it is their true connection with nature and the Creator, a connection which is practiced everyday, all days, not as a routine religion, but as a way of life.

Even I, being the peaceful hippie that I am, when standing in front of aggressive riot police had mixed emotions of compassion and sadness for what they are doing, and a conflicting anger of wanting to punch them.  It is so difficult to remain compassionate in the face of injustice.   Often when people on our side would even say the slightest harsh words, they were reminded by someone nearby of love and prayer. Whether it was directly spoken to them or not, before the negative thought completed itself, you heard and felt an overwhelming sense of love, prayer and peace from the protectors.

And even in the recent face of aggression, rubber bullets, baton beatings, mace, tazers, wrongful arrests, humiliation of arrests, abuse and killing of horses, you still hear prayers, peace, and love resonating from our side.  The protectors are water and nature protectors.  But now even more I believe, this title also translates to protection of our true spirits. Protection from the infiltration of negative in the form of aggression, anger, hatred, greed, selfishness.

The overall spirituality of peace, love, compassion, and prayer that exists there reminds us to protect what we should be as humans-exactly the example that we see in the faces of the people who struggle constantly against the aggressors.

Daily Life, Connections and True Education

Each day I was blessed to connect with at least one new person who greatly expanded my mind.  From the friends I made while helping with security, to the sit down conversations I shared with Lakota Youth members, and other Natives that shared their stories of life with me.  Each person touched my heart greatly and I immediately felt a sense of love for them.  Whether it be because we were all working wholeheartedly for this important mission, or other reasons, these connections were true, meaningful and strong. 

We talked of history, the battle of Wounded Knee as one young guy was from Wounded Knee.  We talked of strategic ideas, past anomousity between whites and natives and both agreed that there is no room for that in this new paradigm.  They identified and helped to relieve me of my “white guilt”.  I was struggling at first- feeling like I had to go over and above to make up for the atrocities our ancestors. In true Native nature, they showed me love and compassion, and were wise and forgiving in their words to me.  We ,in our small conversations were consciously agreeing to move forward together, and create new solidarity as humans, as warriors for the people and nature forgetting the color differences of our skin, the past,  and focusing on the work to be done for the future.

I spent several nights awake, watching the gate, seeing the sunset, the moonrise, the amazing view of stars, the moonset, and then the sunrise.  Watching it over this beautiful open country further stirs your desire to protect it, as you can literally feel the energy of the river in front of you and the earth beneath your feet.  The quiet night, and darkness where at times the only sound heard was the crying coyotes , and the crackling fire makes your world and mind go in slow motion.  This silence is profound, clarifying, cleansing in comparison to the fast paced lives many of us come from. 

The non existence of quantified time is another blessing that truly allows your spirit to soften.  I truly believe our society’s demand for a constant schedule creates a deep anxiety in our souls.   There was never a talk of which oclock it was -or to be somewhere at a specific time.  Our prayers began at sunrise when you heard a loud speaker call for the water protectors.  Sleep often began at night, because all day was for work and preparation, and when the sun set, often times dancing began and later people sleep, all in their own time.   Even though you are operating on this non-schedule, its amazing to watch as a natural sync begins among the people and place.  Its surprising, and so beautiful.  Most people are so mindful of the others, there is little need to worry about self.  Often, as you begin to struggle for something, before you even have to ask for help, someone is aiding you.  It’s a beautiful, refreshing way of life. 

Keep in mind, I am trying to convey many positive moments and I had the blessing of spending a vast amount of my time just as the militarization of police was happening.  We had planes and helicopters flying over constantly, we stood face to face with police in riot gear, we watched our brothers and sisters dragged across lines that the police established and be arrested and treated unfairly, but this was far less than what has escalated in the past week or so. 

Working with the Water Protectors

These posts are directly from my journal, so they may not seem edited, or even grammatically correct, however, I want them to be authentic, from the heart and somehow convey the random thoughts that go through your head as you are experiencing something that is literally hard to explain.  So, please be patient as you read my words which at times ramble and jump from place to place.  The truth is when you are living under duress, in a minimalist way, within the changing elements and under the watchful eye of daunting forces,  my thoughts presented themselves just like this:

Soon after I arrived, even though I am a photographer and a writer, I chose to be present 100%, I chose to be a water protector and work and become a part of this movement, instead of taking pictures, interviewing people and writing “the story”. I ENTERED the story whole-hearted.

You learn a lot of things primitive camping, like that when it is 20 degrees out, even the honey doesn’t want to come out of its container. Tribal, I know but the point is that we forget the little things we are blessed with every single day, we go about our routines, in our overly convenient lives, not thinking about how much struggle and challenge life can be. The life here is challenging, but the sacrifices seem small in relation to the blessings.

Life at camp, is challenging, simple, and based on necessity.  There is food- but its random and not an overabundance, clothing-based on practicality, (not the latest trends or looks), you have shelter- usually a tent, tipi, longhouse – depending on what you bring, build or are gifted.  There is water available but no running water.  Our big luxury is the portolets that were brought in for obvious reasons. 

The interesting thing is that you really don’t want for much there.  Even in the times that the food was gone and someone showed up late, I literally witnessed twice people sharing their food with the latecomer.  There is a sense of unity, of family-that "we are in this together".  Including the family squabbles that happen.  But overall, There is a flow to things, not according to time (I never saw a clock or heard anyone speak of TIME) but it’s a flow that works almost magically.  You seem to find the person you are looking for, without any technological way to connect with them.  At first you may be a little taken back by the lack of structure but then you settle into it and move along with it.  And once you do, you relax, and it feels amazing.

I believe that these grounds are sacred.  I repeatedly witnessed things manifesting.  If you don’t believe in this idea, then perhaps you should GO there.  I think you will experience the same.  All day long, either I or someone else would speak or think something and it would later happen or appear when we needed it.  It happened so often it began to seem commonplace.

What you learn about the camps is that they are work camps.  Most everyone has a “job” more better thought of as your personal camp mission and looking around you see a bunch of worker bees created a hive of harmony.  There are some”tourists” who show up for a little amount of time, walk around taking photos, talking to people, some even eating from the camp kitchens as no one is ever turned away for food.  I feel a bit sorry for them, even though they are seeing whats happening from the outside, they are really missing the best part.  Being a part of the mission, the unity of purpose and connection with several like minded people is one of the greatest blessings.  The other, witnessing the biggest gathering of Natives in our time, being a part of that energy and just hearing the songs, joining in the prayers, it helps you to appreciate what an AMAZING culture it is.  I think every school should bring kids to this gathering, I don’t thing you will ever find a more diverse and intense cultural study the our Native People in one sacred place.   The place….when I sat looking over the Cannonball river, and the big open landscape made it very real to me that this country is Lakota Country, this is the land of Sitting Bull.  That realization that I was walking on the ground of such a profound spiritual man and leader truly gave me goosebumps,  followed by a huge smile.    As I walked around, all of the time, I felt that his prayers, and the prayers of the Lakota people had truly blessed this land.  It just feels like a magical place!

Headed home and making plans for the return

Celeste is traveling back to Vermont - most likely sans sleep, as she hopes to get the rental back by noon on Wednesday. She's excited to share and to invite everyone to pledge their support - by making your own visit to North Dakota and/or by contacting your state's congressmen and women.
Here's an article Celeste attests is pretty on target. Click HERE.
More soon!

Red Warrior Camp page provides daily updates

Guest blogger here to give you a short update on Celeste's travels to North Dakota.
Our Celeste is on site. She is sharing space with a beautiful tribe and gathering details for on-going support as the people prepare for winter. Celeste reports that it was 19 degrees on Wednesday night, and there has already been talk of snow. The Water Defenders have no plans to give up the fight due to weather, so Celeste will keep us informed in the coming months how we can continue to communicate and support the people on the ground.
Celeste is without internet and phone service in the camp, so we'll have to wait until she departs the camp on Saturday to begin to hear the amazing stories of strength and spirit she is gathering each day. She asks that we all follow the Red Warrior Camp Facebook Page to keep up with the latest news from the forefront. 
Stay tuned!

A Common Theme Throughout

A common theme throughout this journey has been faith in the greater plan. As I said before, I left literally on a wing and a prayer, and each step along the way as reaffirmed my belief in the flow of the universe, and how it provides everything we need.

Passing through Chicago, I reached out to a very good friend from Mexico who graciously welcomed me into her home for a shower and a good night's sleep. Well needed, because I was driving this adventure solo….much like I travel often. I am comfortable with solo travel, because it encourages you to talk to those new people around you. And I always meet the best people. This morning, after a late-night nap in the (surprisingly cold) truck, I was feeling a bit under the weather and emotional…I guess it was partly the excitement - of finally arriving at the camp today and the reality of what is happening. I stopped to get a coffee in a local shop and was in line behind a young boy about 10. He was wearing an arm brace, and at first glance I thought maybe he had a broken elbow. He paid for his coffee and there was a dollar extra he looked over his shoulder to his aunt and called out, Aunt Lucy, is it okay if I put this in the tips? Adorable I thought, he didn’t even think about keeping it for himself. So thoughtful.

The line moved and he got his frappaccino. I noticed he forgot to get a straw, and as he looked around from his table, I began to walk over with a straw…his aunt said, there's an angel right there…he met me in the middle and smiled, said “Thank you.” It was when he walked away, that I noticed he had two prosthetic legs. I thought, that kid could have easily felt that he deserved that dollar or maybe is family needed it for his care, but no, he thought, and was probably taught that you give. That reaffirmed what I too, was taught; you do not give because you have extra, or you don’t need it, you give just because, YOU GIVE.

You cannot wait to give until you feel like you have enough, or as many more do, until you feel you have too much. Our society subconsciously teaches us that it is never enough, so you may never feel rich enough to give. But, the truth is, the majority of us have way more than “enough.” If you have two apples, you have one to give..actually you have two to give. The principle is simple.

Also, while in Chicago, I stopped at Lake Michigan. I have never seen a Great Lake before. As I did my meditation, I watched the movement of the water, it literally looked like it was breathing. And I thought how perfectly synchronized this view, this water is with the reason I am on this journey. Water is life, I thought. Water is alive; it moves, it almost looks like it breathes, and it being life then sustains life. Thousands of creatures depend upon it, and call it home. Water gives life, without water, we cannot live. And when you think about it like this, the massive importance of fresh water, it makes this battle seem so sensible.

There are two sides to this battle. One is working to protect this huge life force, water. It is working to protect the rights of people. It is working to protect the duty to honor agreements. It protects ancient tradition and culture….the first culture of the lands we call home. The other side destroys. It destroys our water - with imminent pollution. It destroys our land - the oil moved through the pipeline is from fracking. (Check out 10/5/16 blog for in-depth information on fracking). It destroys trust between people - taking back given reservation lands. There is no question which side of this battle is right, which is probably why there has been such a lack of media coverage. The average person can see how sensible this fight is. But greed outweighs sensible and right in our country. Big money comes from oil, no matter the cost. This situation also reveals the power of big oil, big corporations, big money. It is powerful enough to cause the government to violate long standing treaties and take back given lands. And if they can do this to native people, remember they can do this to anyone. 

I also realized what a duality we have in our lives. I was in Fargo, just a few hours from where the camp is, and life is busy. There are retail shops everywhere, and no visible signs of what is happening over at the pipeline. People are rushing around in the stores, buying stuff, and it really seems surreal to me. I think about how we are all so BUSY, DISTRACTED and numb to things that are happening, sometimes even in our backyard. I, just like everyone, am guilty of this. But it alarms me, it alarms me that things are happening all around us, and we do not notice.

It happens everywhere, if disaster is not right in your face, we often turn a blind eye to it. Its easier that way, because when we begin to wake up, and acknowledge the things around us, we get emotional, fearful, angry, and many would just rather remain numb.

I met a beautiful soul this evening, who lives in Fargo, and is originally from a few hours south. She told me stories about how the southern towns boomed from oil, and that there are many very wealthy people around these places whose money came from oil. At one point she worked for a bank, and she said the royalties that come into peoples accounts from oil rights, etc. are ridiculous amounts of money. That makes sense I thought, that this pipeline is going right through here. She was an enlightened, positive soul full of energy, and the more we talked, the more I realized how much we had in common. It’s a very cool thing when you drive across the country alone, stop at a coffee shop and meet a friend you totally would have picked out if you had the choice. It really makes me feel protected and cared for and grateful, so grateful for the flow of the Universe. I told everyone that I would be fine, because I would meet people out here. And, she also donated to the cause, again another affirmation that the money always comes when you need it.

Another beautiful blessing occurred when I ran into the store to get a few supplies the other day, I came back and there was an anonymous note tucked into my door, see photo, saying “for the cause….” Someone had actually emptied all the cash in their wallet to contribute. Love and support are all around us, waiting, you just have to reach out a bit. Thank you beautiful person, I wish many blessings for you.

And the 30-hour Journey to ND begins with a lesson - Faith.

Before I begin, I want to express so much gratitude to the beautiful souls that made this mission possible, with donations of goods, money, time, prayers, delicious driving snacks and so much love and good vibes. This expression of unity for this makes me smile huge, and warms my heart. I will do my very best for all of you, all of US. THANK YOU, you are truly angels.

And the 30-hour Journey to North Dakota begins with a lesson… Faith.

As I rented the van, there were enough donations to pay for it, but not for all the gas. I have no financial cushion left (no credit cards I can use, no money in the bank) - I proceeded with faith.

You see this year, my step father passed away and I spent four months in Florida helping my Mom and Gram (who is 96) so my savings is gone. I was visiting Vermont, and the idea for this mission was born. Like many things in my life, I go for it, without a safety net.

I believe in this mission, with all of my heart and soul. I believe that it's meant to happen. So, I gulped and handed over the bulk of the donations to pay for the van rental.

Then, I arrived at Tina’s place. Tina graciously donated her garage to serve as a donation headquarters for the past few weeks, and... there was an envelope with more donations which covered the gas needed to make the drive. There are still donations coming in, and I know all needs will be met, and whatever extra will be given to the tribe for other needed supplies. Faith.

We have a van full of beautiful warm jackets, blankets, sweaters, sleeping bags and food. It all works out, just as it is meant to. My travel partner wasn’t able to come; she is nursing a very serious back injury. That too, all worked itself out. Being one that travels alone often, – I own a worldwide travel business – and I travel up and down the east coast from Florida to Vermont at least twice a year, I'm quite happy making the drive myself. I know the mission, and I am willing to do what it takes to get there.

We got the van all loaded, decorated up and on the road.  

I am overwhelmed with gratitude and humbled by the number of people who have helped this all happen. I thank each and every one for your donations, prayers, kind words and love. Unity is so powerful, it accomplishes AMAZING things.

I drove most of the night with a short nap along the way, I will be stopping in Chicago to pick up some more donations and should arrive in Standing Rock by Friday evening. I will do my best to take as many photos, videos and stories as possible. If you know me, you know I'm not shy to talk to people… :) I am so excited to bring things and work for the people in whatever capacity they need me. I worked in the schools when I worked with the Iroquois, so I would be happy to help with that….but I remain open. I am also strong and can and will do what is needed.

I am committed to asking questions, determining needs and prioritizing them for us so we can all continue to provide support even after I return. I will make solid contacts to make on-going mailings possible. I plan to continue to provide support after I leave, and I hope others do as well. We often jump into something and then lose interest, especially in our fast-paced, over-stimulating world. But let's all remember the value of tenacity and dedication in battles. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

Today I was thinking a lot about the grace and forgiveness shown by Native People. We created a genocide in their society over hundreds of years, ruined their sustainable culture, delivered toxins to the nature that they hold sacred, yet they still remain a peaceful people. There is a lesson in that. And yes, maybe some of them hold resentment against people for what has been done, but if you put yourself in their place, wouldn’t you? Generally, though, they have still maintained a beautiful, soulful, Earth-loving peaceful people. I recognize, commend and admire that. Which is a huge part of standing behind them, helping them…showing that not all “whites” are betrayers, liars and as heartless as they have witnessed in the past.

It is up to us to create a social revolution. By definition revolution is “a forcible overthrow of social order in favor of a new system.” Forcible doesn’t have to mean violence… it means a strong opposition of the present situation. Overthrow doesn’t necessarily mean taking down the government…it means a CONSCIOUS CHANGE!

Haven’t we all complained enough, been disappointed enough in how things are done and talked enough it to death? The time for ACTION is now. This is a real part of why I am doing this…as an example. I am financially insecure, I have no job right now, I have very little, but I can create an idea, and WE work together, and we are accomplishing this mission.

CHANGE is possible. Can you imagine what other things can be done with more unity and more resources??? We must stop disconnecting from each other. We must wake up and identify distractions in our life, and start focusing energies on the things that are truly important.

I will say this 100 times. UNITY IS POWER. We may feel powerless at times, but we are NOT powerless.

I know I am passionate about all this… but please take time today and just really THINK about what I am saying. The Native People in Standing Rock are the same, they don’t have lots of money, they don’t have possessions, or investments, or savings…..but they have heart, conviction, courage and a strong belief in what is truly important. These things have FAR greater value than money. They are setting the example, let us follow it.