Face of Wisdom: Nellie Red Owl (clip)

Nellie Red Owl is a Native American elder of the Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. Born only 16 years after her tribe's massacre at Wounded Knee, she lives with the conviction that her land and native traditions must never again be compromised. Most Native American women have carried on an immense struggle to keep their tradition from being destroyed and absorbed into a culture that has little understanding or appreciation of its worth. Nellie Red Owl has risked her life, more than once, in order to be able to pass on to her children and grandchildren the values of nature-based living and ritual expression.

This is part of the 1993 series "The Face of Wisdom: Stories of Elder Women," by filmmaker Catherine Busch-Johnston, which focuses on the wisdom and experience of women who are models for others trying to realize their potential and express their values, creativity and cultural traditions. These films remind us to appreciate and cultivate our own relationships with one of our most valuable resources, our elders, who can serve as our mentors and guides.

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[JOSH1669]

hi there im a 16 year old white male from Canada and i would just like to say that i have alot of respect for ALL aboriginal people's and people should stop being racist whether they are white,black,asian,or native

[ashkmelater]

RunningBear, it's not right of you to say "white people" as a generalization. I am white, my skin is anyways. My father was half Shawnee but he passed on before I even knew him. I believe that it is a good thing that the "white man" is interested in the Native American way. Should have been when Columbus landed, but things happen. I go to sweat lodges, and I hope someday a vision quest. I dont think ones skin color determines beliefs or ways of life, it is up to ones heart and mind

[IkyTheBear]

this is my great grandmother! her daughter fermina is my grandmother!

[AlyTennyson]

@JOSH1669 when you talk about the sick evil the whites did to the First People, you are not racist, you are just accurate and thruthful. The whiteass did the crime and so must carry the shame of their might is right megalomania.

NOTE: I am NOT taking the time to talk about every single white human that ever lived. A few black grains of sand will not change the colour of a white beach...get it?

[AlyTennyson]

@ashkmelater says "RunningBear, it's not right of you to say "white people" as a generalization. "

When speaking on a subject of this depth, one can say white people as a generalization. The listener must realize the speaker does not mean every single person, but the general nature of that specific society.

Perhaps there were a few whities to stood up for the First People back in these days, but not many, and NOT enough to change the nature of white culture. I am white too but NOT ego bound.

[hueco52]

When we all become "children of the cosmos" accepting their pathethic new-age philosophies then they have you where they have always wanted you. You have now become assimilated but more importantly for them they know that sociologically and politically you will now absolve them and their forefathers of all their sins--so to speak. It is still a cultural "war of attrition" and we are losing because we don't have the spirit of resistance that our ancestors did nor do we have their common sense.

[hueco52]

@ashkmelater The worst atrocity that occurred to the Native American people didn't occur during the 19th century, it occured during the 20th century. My elders remember going to the Indian Hospital one day and it being packed with non-natives. Seems it was the year a certain tribe--now corporation--allowed members onto their tribal rolls who were only 1/128 blood. Donald Trump is an ***hole but he once said, "Don't you have to look Indian to be Indian?" I not only say yes, I say HELL yes.

[noutubeusrnames]

I love that where I live interracial couples & children are the norm. But I have to admit that it saddens me to see our cultures (what makes all different & special) are dying. My dad is Mexican & mom is Native American, but while my dad kept his Mexican traditions alive, my mother was adopted and knows nothing about hers & is closed lipped about her roots. So, I can't pass anything down to my son about that part of himself. I think it is very important to keep traditions alive.

[samthor]

@ashkmelater the problem is that some white ppl are interested in because they think they can make money at it. look at the recent tragedy James Ray created selling a corrupted sweat lodge experience that killed ppl. They misrepresent the culture and prey on innocents. It only takes a few to do damage. Many tribal members find this com-modification of their most sacred beliefs offensive.

[MystSilverDragon]

Sometimes I think the old ways are FAR more reverant

[MystSilverDragon]

many say: *the Great Spirit* is not God.......they are wrong. GOD has spoken to ALL people. The Truth has been given to everyone, inside. Whether they will believe it or not is up to them, There Is only ONE Creator, GREAT Spirit, GREAT Father :) One and the SAME

[MystSilverDragon]

My grandmother one one side was 1/2 Blackfoot........you all should know thier legacy in behavior. My greatest descent is irish/celtic descent, highly opposing...I think what is in the HEART of menkind is what matters as my irish greatgrandmother said in her journals. The past is past, the future is yet to be seen. We write the future from how well we make it to be, regardless of many many dark pasts