Due to receiving a PM from another member, I thought I would provide a resource thread on the CCAI, an organization began in 1950. It serves a couple purposes. One, it is an organization for those who are of Indian descent who are and are not actual "card carrying" Indians. A person may also become adopted if recognized by the chief/another member as living one's life in an Indian manner or by walking one's path in the Red Way. A second purpose is the preservation of Indian lore and the promotion of Indian values via education and community. Third is the recognition that many Indians and/or Indian friendly persons exist....on and off the Rez; card carrying and non card carrying; full blood and mixed/partial blood....yet, all part of the First Nation or First People. Since 1987, it has been headed or chiefed by Leland Conner, a Turtle Clan Chief of the Piqua Band of the Shawnee Tribe. In 1998, I myself was adopted (in an open air ceremony) into the CCAI, with Leland Conner/Thunderhawk officiating it with his wife, Summer Dawn. My mother was also adopted into the CCAI at that time. If I can, I will add more to this thread if able.
though i did not know the chief who has crossed over, i want to extend my prayers and heart to all of you who are touched by this respected elder and his boundless spirit. the creator calls us. the value our lives hold is measured by how much we share of ourselves and how much we give of ourselves to honor the creator. when we are given the gift of being warmed by the light of another, honoring that gift by passing it to others and strengthening our unity as one tribe is what keeps us strong. those who have gone before us will glimmer in the eyes of our children; and through them, will continue to teach us and inspire us to listen to the wind, see the smoke rise, and challenge us to be strong enough to live as the creator gave us the potential to be.
i wanted to let everyone know that you can sign chief thunderhawk's memorial guest book online. you can post a message for his family there. i don't know enough about computers to post the site where you can just click on it. just go to the list of people and click on leland conner.
here is the site: www.cardaras.com . peace to you and your family wolfie. my family is still a wreck, except the kids. we chose not to tell catie, she is very sick and she really loved chief thunderhawk. catie does not need to know someone very long for her to love them deeply. his death would break her little heart. the only peace i can find, is that if catie dies he will care for her in heaven until i can get there. grandfather conner will be waiting when she gets there. also i believe that he is looking down on us and watching out for us all.
Southernurse
144 Posts
to all...
though i did not know the chief who has crossed over, i want to extend my prayers and heart to all of you who are touched by this respected elder and his boundless spirit. the creator calls us. the value our lives hold is measured by how much we share of ourselves and how much we give of ourselves to honor the creator. when we are given the gift of being warmed by the light of another, honoring that gift by passing it to others and strengthening our unity as one tribe is what keeps us strong. those who have gone before us will glimmer in the eyes of our children; and through them, will continue to teach us and inspire us to listen to the wind, see the smoke rise, and challenge us to be strong enough to live as the creator gave us the potential to be.
deepest blessings,
s