Native Americans have always had a strong connection with the environment in which we live. Our entire culture and way of life utilizes various elements within our surrounding areas. Although our Tribes and Nations have different ways of using these elements, we all share a common belief and respect for these elements. Nearly all our ceremonial ways are centered around the use of air, water, pant life, animal life, and the use of fire. For this reason, a member of the 1995 Executive Committee of the National UNITY Council by the name of SleepyEye LaFromboise (Seneca/Dakota) asked one of his grandfathers, Warren Skye (Seneca) pictured, how UNITY could utilize these elements during the national conference. At the time, "Grandpa Skye" explained that whenever the Nations of the Hodensaunee people meet to conduct business or have ceremonies they always utilize a fire with prayer. Since many Nations of Native youth come together during the National Conference to better themselves, the concept of the fire was presented. In 1995, the youth and UNITY officials adopted the concept of using the fire for ceremonial purposes during its annual conference in San Diego, CA. During that first year, the San Diego Fire Department came to put the fire out and within minutes hundreds of Native Youth held hands and circled the fire stating they would never let the fire go out!! Since that time, Grandpa Skye has been back nearly every year to take care of the fire and fire departments throughout the United States have supported the use of the fire! Fire has always been a necessity for Native people of this land. It was used to cook our food, it provided heat, provided light, and it was utilized in many ceremonial ways. During the National Conference the UNITY fire is strictly used for ceremonial purposes and has provided conference attendees an opportunity for healing and spiritual nourishment. Throughout the years youth councils have brought a rock to place around the fire during the conference from their respected communities. The rock not only symbolizes where they come from but also is used to absorb all the good thoughts and prayers that take place around the fire so they could take them to their respective communities. As with all elements given to us, the fire belongs to everyone. Therefore, we ask that all conference participants - who can - spend some amount of time taking care of the fire. Also, while around the fire, we just ask that everyone be courteous, reverent, and respectful. "A fire burns within us and has so since the beginning of time. We must continue to strengthen it and keep it bright for generations to come," Warren Skye, Tonawanda Seneca Pine Tree Chief. Grandpa Warren Skye, Conference Elder, Fire Keeper unityinc.org/index.php/conference/197-the-unity-fire #UNITYLA2013
Posted on: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 15:58:53 +0000