Welcome Back the Thunders (Wakiya Oyate) Ceremony Honoring the Horse (Sunka Wakan Oyate) Nation
-An important message from Chief Arvol Looking Horse
In the past the Welcome Back the Wakiya Oyate - Thunder Ceremony has always been done on March
21st, but because there is an International effort to respect the Mini wic’oni – the Water of Life – it was decided to unite our prayers and our energy, and to hold the event on March 22nd, on United Nations World Water Day.
In the history of our People, this is the time to do our ceremony to Welcome Back the Thunders. This ceremony for our Nation – The Buffalo Oyate (Lakota, Dakota, Nakota), has always taken place in the Heart Of Mother Earth – The Sacred Black Hills at Harney Peak, South Dakota. Russell Eagle Bear and Ben Rodd have been in the forefront for organizing this important ceremony for a long time. Each year many school bus loads of children, along with Elders and the People make this pilgrimage to offer prayers on top of Harney Peak.
As the Keeper of the Sacred Bundle, I would also like to acknowledge the importance of the Sunka Wakan Oyate – the Horse Nation. When I was taught the teachings and history of the Bundle, the Elders told me that the Horse Ceremony came along with the original teachings - 19 generations ago. We pray to the West, the Horse Nation, who attends to this direction in order to bring rain. The main medicine of the rain brings life, health and well being, this is why water is called Mini wic’oni – Water of Life.
Today the Horse Nation is being dismissed as having no worth any longer in this Society.
There is no-where for them roam free and in places were they feel they
have worth along with humans, they are being dismissed and replaced. Along with the Buffalo, they have been massacred, with no respect for
their spiritual energy they give to this turtle island. If the assault
of the Horse Nation is allowed to continue: this disrespect can affect
the blessings from the Wakiya Oyate.
Today we are faced with many global challenges that affect the Mini Wic’oni in order for its medicine to be pure. We are at the time where these challenges can affect the survival of the generations to come; we need to pay attention.
I
humbly ask People of All Nations to open your hearts and minds to this
important information of how all things are connected. The future
generations and all life upon Mother Earth depend on you to offer your
thoughts and prayers on this day with us. I will be in Grandmother
Country (Canada) spreading this important information and joining all
who hold these issues sacred.
In a Sacred Hoop of Life, where there is no ending and no beginning!
Ana-h’opta po
Hear my words!
Hear my words!
Chief Arvol Looking Horse
19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle
19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle
To download the pdf of this message please follow this link:
www.savingamericashorses.org/Welcome_Back_the_Thunder_A_message_from_Chief_Arvol_Looking_Horse.pdf
About Chief Arvol Looking Horse:
Arvol Looking Horse was born on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. At the age of 12, he was given the responsibility of becoming the 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe, the youngest ever. He is widely recognized as a chief and the spiritual leader of all three branches of the Sioux tribe.
He is the author of White Buffalo Teachings and a guest columnist for Indian Country Today. A tireless advocate of maintaining traditional spiritual practices, Chief Looking Horse is the founder of Big Foot Riders which memorializes the massacre of Big Foot's band at Wounded Knee.
Cheif Looking Horse's prayers have opened numerous sessions of the United Nations and his many awards include the Juliet Hollister Award from the Temple of Understanding, a Non-Governmental Organization with Consultation Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. He lives on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota.
Cheif Looking Horse is also a lead speaker and Honorary Board Member in WFLF's documentary film, SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES.
www.savingamericashorses.org/Welcome_Back_the_Thunder_A_message_from_Chief_Arvol_Looking_Horse.pdf
About Chief Arvol Looking Horse:
Arvol Looking Horse was born on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. At the age of 12, he was given the responsibility of becoming the 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe, the youngest ever. He is widely recognized as a chief and the spiritual leader of all three branches of the Sioux tribe.
He is the author of White Buffalo Teachings and a guest columnist for Indian Country Today. A tireless advocate of maintaining traditional spiritual practices, Chief Looking Horse is the founder of Big Foot Riders which memorializes the massacre of Big Foot's band at Wounded Knee.
Cheif Looking Horse's prayers have opened numerous sessions of the United Nations and his many awards include the Juliet Hollister Award from the Temple of Understanding, a Non-Governmental Organization with Consultation Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. He lives on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota.
Cheif Looking Horse is also a lead speaker and Honorary Board Member in WFLF's documentary film, SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES.
