Traditionalism is the adherence to statements, beliefs, legends, and customs that have been passed down through generations orally or by practice. Native traditionalism is based on the natural world surrounding native people and their relationship to that world and everything that lives there. With such an environment-based belief system, there are obviously differences in the concepts of traditionalism due to the contrast of geographical environment and aboriginal nations across North America. Never the less there are three common traditional concepts that apply to the majority of Native Nations.
1. Balance Between All Things
The most fundamental of these is the concept of balance which manifests itself in the belief that all of creation is inter-related and interdependent. The concept is frequently symbolized by a circle known as “The Medicine Wheel” Every component of creation can be expressed within the circle. The medicine wheel is further discussed in the self-titled link under spirituality.
The Four Directions – Home to the Four Races of Man To the east is the read man – caretaker of the earth – he posses the knowledge of vision. To the south is the Yellow man – caretaker of air – he posses the knowledge of time. To the West is the black man – caretaker of water – he posses the knowledge of reason. To the North is the white man – caretaker of fire – he posses the knowledge of movement.
The Four Stages of Life: Newness, growth, Rest, Renewal
The Four Components of Self:
Spiritual, Emotional, Physical, Mental Balance can only be achieved when the four sections of the circle are brought together
2. Importance of Ceremony
Another central concept is the tradition of ceremony: to honor, celebrate, and maintain the sacred balance. Every nation in North America possesses songs, dances, stories, and regalia that are unique to their world view. All of these teaching depend on them being passed down through generations. In conjunction with ceremony, all the nations have medicines that are used for healing, purification, prayer, and thanksgiving. The four most commonly used medicines in North America are: tobacco, sage, sweetgrass, and cedar. Again geography will determine which medicine is most widely used and which is most sacred.
3. A Sacred Place
The third link is the concept of a sacred place. Because native traditionalism is based on the land, the vast majority of Nations have a “sacred center”, be it a river, a mountain, a plateau, a valley, or another natural feature. “Devil’s Tower” in Wyoming, and “Rainbow Bridge” in Utah are two examples of sacred sites where Aboriginals use under the Native American Religious Freedoms Act which was challenged by the U.S. Supreme Court. Fortunately, some sacred places are on reserve land and are protected by reserve laws. This is the case of the Ojibway vision quest site of “Dreamers Rock” on Manitoulin Island. Although these basic traditional concepts form a common bond between nations, disputes concerning fundamental concepts of traditionalism have resulted in three major divisions within the traditionalist movement
1. Armed Conflicts
Wounded Knee – In 1973, the American Indian Movement (AIM) took up arms to fight corruption within the department of Indian and Northern Affairs and the local reservation’s Tribal Council. This led to the famed 71 day stand-off and battle with U.S. Armed Forces. AIM states that their philosophy of self determination is deeply rooted in traditional spirituality, culture, language, and history of native peoples. They have provided the modern day model of traditional resistance OKA - In 1990, the Mohawk Warriors society halted a golf course expansion using barricades and firearms. The Warriors claimed to be acting in accordance with the traditional teachings of the Great Law. This was disputed by those who viewed their prior support of gambling and internal violence contrary to traditional long house teachings. In this case, unity over the issue of protecting Mohawk land scuttled by inconsistent views of Mohawk traditionalism
2. Fundamentalism
Due to the oral tradition of Aboriginal culture, most Native beliefs were passed down without the benefit of a written guide. As a result, it is not uncommon to find some contradicting practices of beliefs, even within the same community. Examples of unclear practices include the amount of days one must abstain from participating in ceremonies if they have been drinking or using drugs. Another area of indecisiveness is the restriction of activities for a woman who is on her moon cycle. Simple variations of conduct or slight alterations of practice can breed intolerance and harsh judgment. Ironically, this behavior contradicts the traditional Native belief that what people believe to be true is not as important as what they experience to be true for themselves.
3. Internal Discrimination
This brand of discrimination can be linked to traditionalist fundamentalism, especially when a traditionalist fears that traditions, blood line, or language are threatened by outside influences. Other times, traditionalist are discriminated against by the governing body of the community because their traditional way of life does not support the bureaucratic decisions of the band council and could possibly stand in the way of change. This discrimination can result in violence, segregation from one’s community, the prevention of marriage to another Nation or Clan, and even the disowning of family members
Sources Vine Deloria, God is RedChief Jacob Thomas, Teaching from the Long House Chris Smith, The Sacred and Profane Collide in the West (article) Laura Waterman Wittsock, the chronological History of AIM (article)