Should non nativesbe allowed to participate?

[henny]

This has been a thought of mine and my families for years.

Just looking to see what other people think.
Also why all of a sudden its the cool thing to be native?

Should the non natives be allowed to be active in native american ceromonies?
I know some tribes think its ok but some of those members have issues even though they are half breeds of less.
I have heard of some participating in a sweat lodge but then I heard of some places allowing other to be at sundance ceromonies.

[mami]

I've heard that many native americans are glad that others find their religion spiritualy furfilling but that they would like if they looked to their own herritage to find the conection, that they would find something simmilar but it would be much more meaningful because it would be part of there make-up and run deaper for them plus it would be honoring to their blood line of sorts and honor and pride of your herritage is important to native americans as I understand it.

[watershield]

Here in Canada it's a real mix of feelings.
I myself am Metis. On my mothers side that a blend of native and French with the native part coming from Northern Quebec.

From every one I've been in contact with, outsiders are welcome to participate in various rites, sweat lodges, etc at specific times.
But when the cerimony is important, it's insiders only. If your not a member of the tribe or community you don't participate.

[henny]

What has given the native american cultural beliefs such an up swing.
Its not really a religion if its based on tribal/community/family.
So even being a Metis do you feel you should be able to practice with the chippawa?

Really no different that people wanting to be celtic. or (what ever some of the others are but I had a brain fart and can't think of any).
The people in the UK don't have this problem as far as I know.

[watershield]

I think people are starting to see paths like wicca are still as dogmatic as say the Catholic church. Even the so call eclectic paths seem to draw in a basic wiccan concept before it brings in various personal aspects.

I think people are slowly moving toward a more "in touch with nature" perspective. Not really shamanic but nature oriented.

As to sweat lodges, etc, If I were welcomed by a community to participate as a brother, sure. But generally, I would/ and do keep to myself

[henny]

I prefer to take my saunas by myself too.

I'm a spritiual person not the worshipping type.
I can listen better to what the universe is trying to tell me or tell
it when things are quiet and calm.
When you get to many people together it ends up being a dog and pony show.

[redwolf]

Just wondering but while I do not really have any Native American in me(a drop of Maya I learned last month) why should non_Native Americans not be included? As a Central American I am neutral in this and bring no fiery passion to it.

[watershield]

Why should non natives not be included? (to para phrase)

For the most part, a native rite is a cultural thing. To be included one must either be of that culture or be held in great respect.

Why is it that non natives think they have the right to participate in every form of ritual that's out there?

[henny]

Do to the fact of they were pushed to become productive memebers of society.Those wishing to choose the Native lifes style were pushed to reservations.
They were forced to be christen and loose their "savage" way of living by those immigrating to this country.
LOL..can't blame the British the French,Spanish and the Norweigens did it first.

[redwolf]

"For the most part, a native rite is a cultural thing. To be included one must either be of that culture or be held in great respect."

In a very real sense I understand and can accept that very well.

There are other 'cultures' that make up the American society and being a member of one I resent non-members meddling or thinking they know anythign about us, what we think or feel when the very best they can do is shut up and butt out.

So in regards to Native American rituals I will shut up and butt out.

[tomas]

Just my two cents worth:

To be invited to participate in Native American/First Nation ceremonies of any sort is a huge honor and should be treated with the utmost respect. Any attempt to copy these same ceremonies by non-natives simply for the sake of "looking good" and/or "being cool" is disrespectful in the extreme. Flattery may be the sincerest form of a complement but is not acceptable here where deeply held beliefs are the case.

tomas

[joyisa]

I have the deepest respect for native americans/canadians ...its been with me forever..I have relatives in BC who sent me so much literature whilst growing up I feel an affinity with the place and i crave to go and visit.......
Participating in rituals tho, nope, I want to observe and absorb...and learn ..i`m no trendy new ager..and dont do anything just to try to be *in*.