The Auction of the Sacred

page 2 of 2

Winona LaDuke - Anishinaabe

In the time of the sacred sites and the crashing of ecosystems and worlds, it may be worth not making a commodity out of all that is revered. A 2005 editorial in the Rapid City Journal points out that protecting Lakota sacred sites is of interest to all. "…Non-Indians have little to fear if familiar sites are designated as sacred; visitors are still allowed at Bear Butte, Devil's Tower and Rainbow Bridge, even though they are being managed as Indian sacred sites. And in fact, expanding non-Indians' knowledge and appreciation of the Indian lore surrounding such sites could lead to greater cultural understanding…"

Meetings are being held in most of the Lakota nation this week, with organizers hoping to secure both a stop to the auction, and a plan to protect Pe'Sla from the auction block and encroachment.

It is 2012, and it is a good time, in any calendar-election year, Mayan, or upon this earth, to recognize and protect what is sacred. Today I return to Wind Cave, and have the wind blow on my face, hoping to greet the Great Mystery and, perhaps, hoping to see something sacred preserved.

« previous page 1 | 2

Winona LaDuke, Anishinaabe, is an internationally acclaimed author, orator & activist. A graduate of Harvard & Antioch with advanced degrees in rural economic development, LaDuke has devoted her life to protecting the lands & lifeways of Native communities.

Editor's Note: This opinion by Winona LaDuke first appeared in www.lastrealindians.com on Wednesday. The Native News Network was granted permission to republish it by Winona LaDuke and Chase Iron Eyes.

posted August 17, 2012 11:30 am edt