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Reader comment on:
American Indian Chief Performs Healing Ceremony for Upper West Siders
in response to reader comment: Outraged

Submitted by John Cannon, Nov 4, 2007 01:53

I find this judgmental approach to healing ways that are available in so many Traditions, to be quite offensive. You may have been brought up on the rez, but I ask you, are you familiar with Norbert (Elmer) Running, a highly respected medicine man. As I remember, he did not inherit his spiritual gifts because of genetic linkage. The story of how he received his altar is quite moving and, to my knowledge, it was not unusual in the old days for people to purchase altars. I mean no disrespect to you personally, but, as I read all these responses to an article placed in a New York paper, I am deeply upset by the avarice expressed by people who have read words written by a third person, who may or may not know about the Traditions of which she writes.

I am quickly approaching sixty and have been lucky enough to know a number of spiritually gifted people; many of the Lakota and other Indian spiritual people have passed on. I have come close to death a few times because of my poor health. There is a silver lining as it were. These people are not divine, nor, do I think they pretend to be. I have either been emersed in pain or in visions and dreams, been talking with many spirit beings. I don't think I'm special. I do want to say respectful words about my friend, Harold.

With all respect, I would ask those people who are so quick to judge, to meet Harold and his wonderful wife before they make such harsh statements. Is this what all true spirituality is about? I am a Buddhist, a pipe-carrier and sundancer, a mesa holder, and initiate in a number of great spiritual Traditions. I find beauty in all Paths.

I only ask people to consider these words. Our time on this Earth is limited and is so precious! We all have work to do. Do we need to spend time criticising teachers even if we disagree with them?

Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right to reject anything we find objectionable.

Other reader comments on this article

Comment By Date

if any one knows who cheif whitehorse was please contact me or how he died. he belongs to the cherokees. [MORE]

anna

Jan 24, 2008 10:34

Thank you ... deeply and sincerely, and with love, The truth is an offense, ... but never a sin ... (Bob Marley) Your... [MORE]

Lori Ani

Jan 8, 2008 15:28

I just read the article on the internet. I was a bit surprised by the dollar amount at the end.... [MORE]

John Cannon

Nov 4, 2007 01:11

i´d like to say a few things to all those who criticize harold thompson on the ground of this article.you... [MORE]

lars kegler

Oct 1, 2007 11:34

FYI: Harold White Horse has been conducting a Sundance ceremony in Germany for quite a while now. Next year... [MORE]

Hartmut Mayer

Sep 10, 2007 14:35

I met Harold and his wife here in Germany. They have been invites from people here. He did Lowampi ceremonies... [MORE]

dudu

Sep 4, 2007 15:13

Medicine people do not go around all over the country practicing their ways. As I understand, they stay at home... [MORE]

betty greencrow

Aug 6, 2007 11:10

Harold Thompson is a member of the Sicangu Lakota Oyate, or the burnt thigh band of the Lakota people. He... [MORE]

Isnala Wicasa

Jul 21, 2007 02:26

I am sure that you meant to say "We Indians need to pick up our ways so that they are... [MORE]

John Nichols

Jul 23, 2007 01:15

Come on people, lighten up. I have known this man for many, many years. His first language is the Lakota... [MORE]

Grover

Apr 30, 2007 10:41

This is way off, from the little I know and have seen, it isn't the medicine man who shakes... [MORE]

Oyate

Apr 14, 2007 00:11

I know this man and his wasicu winyan. They own the White Horse Herbs in Mission, SD. I was very... [MORE]

Lakota Winyan

Mar 22, 2007 10:12

If your culture is rooted in disconnection by its very nature, interpersonally and intrapsychically, then how can you even begin... [MORE]

RezDoc57

Feb 14, 2008 12:04

first of all, why is he saying children of life?? every individual has a place in the tribe. the nacas,... [MORE]

quick bear

Mar 21, 2007 13:34

so, why couldnt you ask a local tribe to have a ceremony on their rez?? if these folks are willing... [MORE]

hoksila zi

Mar 21, 2007 13:22

These are the things that go on that help us Native Americans get sterotyped, and its not right, and for... [MORE]

Sally Jo

Apr 5, 2007 00:09

well what lakota tribe is he from?????? 44 years old, huh wonder who taught him. what dialect of lakota does... [MORE]

kwikbear emaciyapi

Mar 21, 2007 13:07

why so many haters out there? white horse received the ceremonies in a good way. he helps the people. people... [MORE]

chanupa

Mar 7, 2007 21:53

I am very appalled that a newspaper like this would put information out there to the public that is negligent... [MORE]

Isnala

Mar 15, 2007 08:55

"one of the big problems is all of this judgement. there has become an orthodoxy that is trying to contain... [MORE]

respect

Sep 25, 2007 10:30

I find this judgmental approach to healing ways that are available in so many Traditions, to be quite offensive. You...

John Cannon

Nov 4, 2007 01:53

Time and time again, I see these people who say they are "medicine men". One that charges money is not.... [MORE]

Martin KnifeChief

Mar 6, 2007 18:47

In my tribe, Seneca, as I'm fairly certain is also the case with the Lakota, it is a tremendous insult... [MORE]

NDN B4U

Mar 6, 2007 18:44

I can't believe you are actually promoting such nonsense by posting an article in a News Paper. There is a... [MORE]

Dakota

Mar 6, 2007 12:19

Being a man/woman of the medicine path is nothing one can take easy on, with it comes a lot of... [MORE]

GB, TX

Mar 6, 2007 03:22

I`m a dancer too the Sundance in Germany and in White River and I have too say this i Know... [MORE]

Oliver

Sep 24, 2007 08:50

This is exploitation at it's fullest. A traditional medicine man would not charge for his services. This guy needs to... [MORE]

Wade Crowe

Feb 28, 2007 13:40

I am sorry to read this article. Another fraud. Shamans do not go to the cities to show or share... [MORE]

Annette F. Lynnwood WA

Mar 6, 2007 01:44

This turns my stomach. A life long member of the Lakota Tribe of the Sioux Nation? Give me a break.... [MORE]

JM from TX

Feb 15, 2007 15:31

I found this article to be a insult to the Lakota People. First he states he has been a Lakota... [MORE]

Angela Swanson

Feb 13, 2007 23:39

Just another exploitation of the Native People! you do not decide yourself to be a chief or a so called... [MORE]

SF in MI

Feb 28, 2007 15:34

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