Learning the Ways of the Native People

When Mr. Gottfredson first began his quest to know the Native people, he was invited by his Native friend Marcelino to visit the grand opening of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC in 2002. They spent an entire week there, as tens upon thousands of Native Indians came from every corner of the world. This had a profound effect on Phillip, and would set him on a decade long journey to learn more about the First People, that would forever change his life. Phillip eventually had the honor of living among the Indian people, learning from them their life-ways and traditions. "It is always a good experience to visit their pow wows whenever possible. There you are able to get acquainted with the First People, their crafts, food, and ceremonies." Begin a journey of your own, this is a good place to start.

 

 

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CONVERSATIONS WITH THE FIRST PEOPLE OF AMERICA  Our forum is brand new. The best way to learn the ways of the First People is to ask them. Your comments, questions and discussions are welcome! An open online discussion between American Indians and non-Indian people. We firmly believe that by having an open and honest dialogue between or cultures we can learn from each other. Speak your voice. Get registered! It's FREE!

 

BOOKSTORE It is not easy to find literature written by American Indians, we have put together a great selection of the History of the First people in our online bookstore. Not only books but DVD's, and CD's.

INDIAN CODE OF ETHICS

Understanding American Indian people relationships. The first step in learning about other cultures is to understand their customs and proper etiquette. Respect, kindness, integrity, wisdom, love, honesty, and humility are the 'seven teachings' that are the underpinnings of their culture. Often we mistake them as being shy or unapproachable because of their humility. Being 'Indian" has nothing to do with race, it is a mindset. Important especially for educators and students.

 

AMERICAN INDIAN POETRY AND PRAYERS An excellent collection of poetry and prayers of the First People. American Indian people are very creative in their words and life ways.

 

INDIAN NEWS AND ISSUES It is important to remember the American Indian people today are the survivors of the greatest holocaust in world history, which took place here in America. For non-Indians we look upon the past with amusement and many say we should just forget about it. For the First People of America it is a much different experience, for you cannot fully understand who they are without understanding they are the victims of mans inhumanity toward man. Becoming familiar with current issues they face each day is essential in our learning Native ways. There are many sources, this is an excellent one to subscribe to.  

 

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATIONS OF THE SMITHSONIAN'S

National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC.  2005   

Hundreds of thousands from all over the world celebrated this event the fulfillment of a 500 year old Hopi prophecy. We were there for this historic event, and bring to you this firsthand account.

 

THROUGH NATIVE EYES  Larry Cesspooch Ute filmmaker, storyteller, and spiritual leader.

RUSSELL MEANS The following speech was given by Russell Means in July 1980, before several thousand people who had assembled from all over the world for the Black Hills International Survival Gathering, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It is Russell Means's most famous speech.

 

TREE OF LIFE GUARDIANSHIP A Native American Indian non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Native land and culture. This website has a plethora of traditional Indian teachings.

 

AMERICAN INDIAN ARTS, CRAFTS AND MUSIC  Utah's premiere source for Native Indian arts, crafts and music.