From the Cowboy Indian Alliance (CIA) to Neil Young touring with a message to Honor the Treaties we have witnessed an unprecedented wave of indigenous activism. With good reason, First Nations Peoples are building alliances with environmentalists, celebrities, and artists in solidarity with people everywhere to protect sacred land from exploitation by industry. Inspired by the Idle No More Movement and traditional teachings, The International Treaty to Protect the Sacred signed January 25, 2013 between the Pawnee Nation, the Ponca Nation, the Ihanktonwan Dakota and the Oglala Lakota planted the seeds for the flowering of tribal solidarity. Unify supported the call from Chief Arvol Lookinghorse on World Peace and Prayer Day to honor sacred sites (#reclaimthesacred) and thousands of people in countries around the world joined in synchronized prayer and ceremony for the June 21 Solstice Celebration.
Why you might ask? Because native issues are all of our issues. Their ancient love, reverence, and commitment to honoring the land is an example to everyone around the world during a time when industry has threatened the very fabric of life on the planet. Fracking recklessly threatens watersheds, tar sands threatens to unleash a tidal wave of carbon into the atmosphere, and toxic spills are more frequent than we can keep up with. Humans everywhere are realizing that a large-scale change in the way we do business is in order.
Recognizing the importance of hosting gatherings for people of all backgrounds to converge, network and celebrate, Uplift Connect is hosting a free Unity Concert in The Black Hills this weekend Sept 13 and 14. In addition to the local event there will be a live broadcast with interviews and music from luminaries and artists gathered in the sacred Black Hills. There is also a Facebook group for added networking.
The Sioux have refused to take money for their ancestral lands from The US Government making the important statement that sacred land is not for sale. In a capitalist society it is so important for the world to remember that there are things that money can not buy. The value of life itself can not be measured in dollars.
Enjoy the video below and share this important message with your friends!
