July 29, 2011
Native American Indian 10th Annual Gathering of the Lodges
 Recovery &, Sobriety Oakland, CA

Addiction and alcoholism is a huge problem in America  especially
for the Native American Indian community. This community suffered
unnecessary racism, theivery of their land, suppression of their religion,
and mass murder and rape of their people and land. Alcohol was introduced
to them as the Spaniards, English, French, Dutch, Italian & Portugese explorers  claimed Indian land as their own, trading trinkets and measly sums of money for invaluable land and abundant resources.
Colonists also brought along diseases that killed many Indian tribes.
The list of war atrocities is too long to recount here.
RECOVERY from this pain and suffering by quitting drugs and alcohol has been along and hard struggle.  Yet, the US government continues to cut much needed social service programs to this culture at a time when it is so necessary for survival and good health.

The beauty of these people is amazing in spite of all these many challenges.
Participating in this gathering with a focus on recovery
was a great experience for me.  Having the countdown of sobriety of people who are now clean and sober is inspiring for others who struggle with this.  People received gold chips that had a Indian prayer inscribed
which I like.  This is what is inscribed:
"Great Spirit whose voice I har in the wind, whose breath gives life to the world hear me I come to you as one
of your many children.  I am small and weak I need your strength and wisdom. May I walk in beauty."
Simple yet a powerful invocation.
Besides crafts booth of  Native jewelry, there was also giveaways such as sage & cedar, painted rocks with the Indian flag,beautiful art work on posters by the keynote speaker artist Sam English, free lunch and goodie bags.  Various organizations who serve the community such as the Native American Health Center in Fruitvale, Oakland,Richmond, and S.F.
were represented and did great job organizing this big and successful yearly event.

People came from as far as New Mexico and Sacramento for this gathering.There was also some fun entertainment provided by an Elvis impersonator, Rick Torres, who danced and sang for an appreciative audience.

Here is the link for my photos
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/emailAlbum?uname=108393733416926585171&aid=5635974699650023457




 


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