Two gopher sites:
1. "Native American Resources" at George Mason University in Virginia
absolut.gmu.edu dir = /free_info
2. "Costanoan-Ohlone Indian Research" in California
scilibx.usc.edu at the Univ. of So. Calif.
Noso-n Newsletters - concerning indigenous tribes in California
Anne Marie Sayers - MUTSUN Tribal Chariperson
Glenn
Here are few poems from that source:
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DANCING SPIRITS
Grandfather, many have tried to destroy what you have created. The Dancing
Spirits have reached deep within my heart. They shall protect the Sacred
Circle you have created in my heart. Your gift of such a Sacred Dance is
as a precious breath of Mother Earth. The rage of her nostrils shall not
harm the ground the Dancing Spirits have danced on.
My Grandson, know that the beauty of this Sacred Circle, you are just a
part of. Your brothers build along side of you, take this hand and increase
your strength. Seek his wisdom for a river runs swift when streams become
as one. You shall honor his deeds for his hand reaches for yours as the
Mighty Redwoods reach for the Sacred Skies.
Old One, I shall be as the Standing Bear, his strength has carried him
through harshness. Your teaching of the Great Warriors that have turned
into dead trees is wise. In how many seasons will they turn into stone?
Those before me shall keep the Dancing Spirits buried in my heart.
Young Warriors, what you have built let it stand Mighty as the Paha Sapa.
We can not change the past but Father Sun shall guide our tomorrows. It is
I that has granted you the Dancing Spirits. You have learned well my sons
that Warriors turn into trees and then stone. Listen to the words the Great
Winds Have carried to your ears. You cannot live on the empty promises of
those that cause hunger to your women and children. My son, let no man
break the Scared Circle of the Dancing Spirits.
Thank you Grandfather,
Crying Wolf
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SACRED FLIGHT
Grandfather, the Mighty Eagle has much wisdom, for it follows the footsteps
of the old one. Your new journey takes you beyond the Great Waters. You
shall always walk at my side, for in you I have found my way. I have
listened to the trees their song has touched my heart. This sacred place
among the mountains and clouds shall be filled with your spirit?
Grandson be as the fresh winter snow for it provides new waters. For it is
I, Eagle Guides His Arrows, that shall provide for you. Keep your visions
keen as the sight of the Eagle, your strength as his great wings. Our paths
are of the same, the sky has many shades. When the sacred rains come they
are for your pleasures.
Grandfather your bow has much strength, your arrows have soared to great
lengths. Your great shield has protected your heart, from many enemies. In
all my strengths I shall find the wisdom to carry my own shield. The White
Eagle has left me with a saddened heart. In the Scared Sky I shall see your
face, Father Sun shall carry your warmth.
Young brave go and hunt well for many go hungryDit is you that shall become
as I. The Mighty Eagle always grasps for the arrow of wisdom. Feed not your
people the meat that fills their stomachs. I have gifted you with the many
ways a spirit can be filled. My lance has found the hides that have kept
your people warm. We have found much wisdom in the many seasons throughout
our journey?
Grandfather my heart has cried and my tears are silent as this Sacred Flight.
I shall see the Eagle catch his meat and my arrows shall fly in the same
winds. Have a safe journey grandfather, for the footsteps you leave I shall
follow.
Thank you Grandfather,
Crying Wolf
Crying Wolf is an Indian poet and artist living in Southern California.
These three pieces speak to the eternal struggles we face and the strengths
we find in our ancestors.
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Song for the Ohlone
We have walked these hills and valleys long before your time
When the waters ran clear, the forests stood tall
The earth gave us all we could ever need
And we lived our lives in dignity
When the padres came into our land
We met them with a smile
We shared what we had
And we learned what we could
They came to save us we were told
Our sacred ways were not the way
To save our souls
In this land of the brave and the home of the free
Tell me what freedom means for me
My land is gone, my people scattered
And no one seems to think it matters
That the sacred ways we lived our lives
Are now only told through the white man's eyes
We built the missions, worked the land
Toiled for days on end
When we tried to return to the life that we loved
They beat us and chained us
We did not understand
They said we no longer belonged to the land
In this land of the brave and the home of the free
Tell me what freedom means for me
My land is gone, my people scattered
And no one seems to think it matters
That the sacred ways we lived our lives
Are now only told through the white man's eyes
And if crumbling mission records do not clearly show
Our births and deaths from then 'til now
Then the government says we cannot be
What we've been, who we are, the Ohlone
Our habitat destroyed, our numbers thinned,
It doesn't take too much to see
If we were four legged or winged or finned
You would call us an endangered species
Martha Robrahn January 20, 1993
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Kanyon's Song
( the Element Song )
pire kan'ama
Earth My body
sii kanpatytyan
Water My blood
hitrtrew kannosow
Wind My Breath
sottow kannossow
Fire My spirit
Mutsun children's song, rendered by Richard Levy, PhD.