Adios, Native Americans?!?

[Vernon Windsor]

I can't shake the feeling that our community has lost both a valuable resource and a place of safe harbor—a place of recognition, with the disappearance of the Native American group. The community feels somehow less diverse. That's a shame. Although I didn't subscribe to every comment or post I read there, I did feel grateful to have such a place to connect with others of Native heritage and those non-Natives who were interested in the cultures of First Nations people.

I have never been a "joiner," although I probably have the same desire to "belong" as other people. I've been okay going my own way. But there is an indescribable joy in being in the company of Native people. There is usually some skepticism at my presence, but there has always been someone with a welcoming presence as well. I've found the same to be true of most African American gatherings.

Everyone has their own way of living who they are. Some people make sure you know what their heritage is, while others never mention it. There is confusion and conflict around issues of identity and some people (understandably) prefer to avoid the drama. Our paths through life are individual ones, connecting and intersecting at times with others, but our choices remain our own. It is good to come together, even if that means "circling the gathering" for some, as opposed to jumping into the middle of things. There are so few enough opportunities for "us" to come together. It's sad to lose one.

There was a lot of information in the Native American group about cultures and traditions. I thought it was a great asset to the community, but one of the quotes I always keep in my head is "Change is the only constant." I guess all things must come to an end. Too bad.

[Golanv]

Thank you Vernon. I feel the same and I am concerned to see this group gone. There was so much wisdom there that I would get caught up in reading and often forget to post. I feel that we are also losing a valuable resource and place of safe harbor in the moderator of that group, Tina. It saddens me that truth was not allowed on old site and she seems to be shut down now, after another round of undeserved personal attacks. The Light Brigade is still here for now, and is based on Native American spirituality, which allows for all to participate. I will be adding the Native Elders words back into the group as I am able to. But so much has been lost. It is just so sad.