Indigenous is the proper term<\/p>\n
The misnomer \u201cNative American\u201d is a slap in the face to all indigenous red \u201cIndian\u201d nations and peoples. Terms like \u201cfirst nations\u201d imply that we got here \u201cfirst\u201d in front of \u201cAmericans\u201d \u2014 usually via the Bering Strait lie that was taught in schools during the 1950s, a time of blatant racism throughout the U.S.<\/p>\n
But through indigenous language, such as the Ihanktunwan DaNakota \u201cYankton Sioux\u201d of the Great Plains, facts appear that place the Ihanktunwan in the middle of, as example, the evolution of the horse, called Shunka Wakan or \u201cMysterious Dog.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fossils show a small, three-toed animal (a dog-like creature that roamed the plains and ate grass) shaped like a horse. Later fossils millions of years \u201cnewer\u201d show a taller version with two-toes. The latest is the Indian mustang that was not \u201cbrought here by the Spanish.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shunka Wakan evolution was witnessed through ancient, 63 million-year-old languages from the people who came forth from Grandmother Earth here upon Great \u201cTurtle Island\u201d \u2014 with their origin accounts to prove it. The Ihanktuwan come from the sacred Red Pipestone Quarries in Minnesota.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s no wonder why indigenous horse riders and trainers like the \u201cLakota Sioux\u201d are known as the greatest horse people on Earth.<\/p>\n
Origination accounts as preserved in indigenous languages that must be heard and respected, despite attempts through mid-education to belittle and keep indigenous people from their nationhood.<\/p>\n
Please attend the indigenous music, dance and arts and crafts festival at Aspen High School from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 13, and witness beautifully preserved songs, dances, and languages of the numerous red nations and peoples who will be representing there. Feel free to listen and ask the surviving indigenous people any questions you have and enjoy the show!<\/p>\n
Scott Barta<\/p>\n
Carbondale<\/p>\n