wiki.occupyboston.org - User contributions [en]

Decolonize To Liberate

2012-05-04T01:25:18Z

KyleReese: /* See Also */ People of Color

'''A Working Group of Occupy/Decolonize Boston'''
Decolonize to Liberate seeks to shed the dominator ethos and systems of oppression that come from colonization, to stand in solidarity with indigenous resistance worldwide and to help restore our relationships to Mother Earth. 

[[http://groups.google.com/group/decolonizeboston/subscribe?hl=en&note=1 To join the email discussion group]] To join the low-traffic "announcements only" list, send a request to: Decolonize-subscribe@lists.occupyboston.org

'''Regular IN-PERSON Working Group Meetings'''
<div style="text-align: center;">'''Each Friday, 6:00 - 8:00 PM''' </div><div style="text-align: center;">'''First Parish (UU) Church in Harvard Sq.'''</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 Church Street Cambridge, MA 02138 </div><div style="text-align: center;">'''([http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3+Church+Street+Cambridge,+MA+02138&hl=en&ll=42.375241,-71.119483&spn=0.002001,0.003484&hnear=3+Church+St,+Mid-Cambridge,+Massachusetts+02138&t=h&z=19 map])'''</div>All are welcome to our regular weekly meetings.  In general, half of the meeting is discussion/self-education/to help us decolonize ourselves (see our [http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Decolonize_To_Liberate/resources resources section]).  Half of each meeting is for planning events and actions to help decolonize the movement.
= Special Upcoming Events =

See [http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Decolonize_To_Liberate/Upcoming_Events Upcoming Events page] for more details

= Getting Connected with the Working Group =

''To sign up on our new announcements-only (low traffic) list, please send an email to:                                                  ''Decolonize-subscribe[at]lists.occupyboston.org
<div><div>''To sign up for the high-traffic, discussion-based working group google group, please sign into your google account and follow this [http://groups.google.com/group/decolonizeboston/subscribe?note=1 link], or email a request to join to'' decolonizeboston[at]gmail.com</div></div>
 ''Feel free to contact decolonizeboston[at]gmail.com with any questions or to get involved.''
<div>
Please Follow us on Twitter!: [http://twitter.com/decolonizebos @DecolonizeBos]

'''''And now we have a [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Decolonize-to-Liberate-Occupy-Boston/216397535110561 facebook page], too!'''''
</div>

= Decolonize Resources =

''[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Decolonize_To_Liberate/definitions What is "Decolonization"?]    ''A collection of definitions and explanations 

''[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Decolonize_To_Liberate/resources Decolonize To Liberate resource page]'' Links, articles, videos and 'zines!

''[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Decolonize_To_Liberate/declarations Decolonizing Declarations from Occupies Across the Continent]''
<div> </div><div><div style="text-align: center">'''' </div><div style="text-align: center"> </div><div>
= Past Events =
</div><div>
 ''Many thanks to everyone who joined us for the Decolonize to Liberate Occupy Boston Community Gathering.  Check out the recap of the event on OccupyBoston.org:''

[http://www.occupyboston.org/2012/03/06/decoolonize-99-liberate-100/ http://www.occupyboston.org/2012/03/06/decoolonize-99-liberate-100/]

''''' '''''

'''Many thanks to all who were able to join us in Plymouth for the 42nd National Day of Mourning! '''

The Boston Globe produced an article and a video about our visit to Plymouth. 

You can read the article,"[http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2011/11/25/solidarity-occupy-group-joins-with-native-americans/uGgtpNbhAaYmKRNmLvnmTK/story.html?s_campaign=8315 In Solidarity, Occupy Group Joins with Native Americans]"  also a video, "[http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/video/?bctid=1293351417001&pconnect_name=501249 Occupy Boston Protesters in Plymouth]" 

A member of the working group was also interviewed in a Democracy Now! special on the event:
</div></div>
== [http://www.democracynow.org/blog/2011/11/30/we_are_not_vanishing_we_are_not_conquered_native_americans_commemorate_day_of_mourning_on_thanksgiving Native Americans Mark Day of Mourning on Thanksgiving: 'We are not Vanishing, We Are Not Conquered'] ==

''' '''

==See Also==

*[[Council of Elders]]
*[[People of Color]]

[[Category:Working groups|Decolonize to Liberate]]

Decolonize To Liberate

2012-05-04T01:22:20Z

KyleReese: I think this is relevant. I'm not sure why Terra removed it with no explanation.

'''A Working Group of Occupy/Decolonize Boston'''
Decolonize to Liberate seeks to shed the dominator ethos and systems of oppression that come from colonization, to stand in solidarity with indigenous resistance worldwide and to help restore our relationships to Mother Earth. 

[[http://groups.google.com/group/decolonizeboston/subscribe?hl=en&note=1 To join the email discussion group]] To join the low-traffic "announcements only" list, send a request to: Decolonize-subscribe@lists.occupyboston.org

'''Regular IN-PERSON Working Group Meetings'''
<div style="text-align: center;">'''Each Friday, 6:00 - 8:00 PM''' </div><div style="text-align: center;">'''First Parish (UU) Church in Harvard Sq.'''</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 Church Street Cambridge, MA 02138 </div><div style="text-align: center;">'''([http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3+Church+Street+Cambridge,+MA+02138&hl=en&ll=42.375241,-71.119483&spn=0.002001,0.003484&hnear=3+Church+St,+Mid-Cambridge,+Massachusetts+02138&t=h&z=19 map])'''</div>All are welcome to our regular weekly meetings.  In general, half of the meeting is discussion/self-education/to help us decolonize ourselves (see our [http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Decolonize_To_Liberate/resources resources section]).  Half of each meeting is for planning events and actions to help decolonize the movement.
= Special Upcoming Events =

See [http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Decolonize_To_Liberate/Upcoming_Events Upcoming Events page] for more details

= Getting Connected with the Working Group =

''To sign up on our new announcements-only (low traffic) list, please send an email to:                                                  ''Decolonize-subscribe[at]lists.occupyboston.org
<div><div>''To sign up for the high-traffic, discussion-based working group google group, please sign into your google account and follow this [http://groups.google.com/group/decolonizeboston/subscribe?note=1 link], or email a request to join to'' decolonizeboston[at]gmail.com</div></div>
 ''Feel free to contact decolonizeboston[at]gmail.com with any questions or to get involved.''
<div>
Please Follow us on Twitter!: [http://twitter.com/decolonizebos @DecolonizeBos]

'''''And now we have a [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Decolonize-to-Liberate-Occupy-Boston/216397535110561 facebook page], too!'''''
</div>

= Decolonize Resources =

''[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Decolonize_To_Liberate/definitions What is "Decolonization"?]    ''A collection of definitions and explanations 

''[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Decolonize_To_Liberate/resources Decolonize To Liberate resource page]'' Links, articles, videos and 'zines!

''[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Decolonize_To_Liberate/declarations Decolonizing Declarations from Occupies Across the Continent]''
<div> </div><div><div style="text-align: center">'''' </div><div style="text-align: center"> </div><div>
= Past Events =
</div><div>
 ''Many thanks to everyone who joined us for the Decolonize to Liberate Occupy Boston Community Gathering.  Check out the recap of the event on OccupyBoston.org:''

[http://www.occupyboston.org/2012/03/06/decoolonize-99-liberate-100/ http://www.occupyboston.org/2012/03/06/decoolonize-99-liberate-100/]

''''' '''''

'''Many thanks to all who were able to join us in Plymouth for the 42nd National Day of Mourning! '''

The Boston Globe produced an article and a video about our visit to Plymouth. 

You can read the article,"[http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2011/11/25/solidarity-occupy-group-joins-with-native-americans/uGgtpNbhAaYmKRNmLvnmTK/story.html?s_campaign=8315 In Solidarity, Occupy Group Joins with Native Americans]"  also a video, "[http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/video/?bctid=1293351417001&pconnect_name=501249 Occupy Boston Protesters in Plymouth]" 

A member of the working group was also interviewed in a Democracy Now! special on the event:
</div></div>
== [http://www.democracynow.org/blog/2011/11/30/we_are_not_vanishing_we_are_not_conquered_native_americans_commemorate_day_of_mourning_on_thanksgiving Native Americans Mark Day of Mourning on Thanksgiving: 'We are not Vanishing, We Are Not Conquered'] ==

''' '''

==See Also==

*[[Council of Elders]]

[[Category:Working groups|Decolonize to Liberate]]

Talk:Arts/Outreach/Indigenous

2012-04-24T19:11:03Z

KyleReese: More explanation

Greetings, I am new to this Wiki but not new to Decolonize/Occupy. My initial problem is with the racist and anti-racist history of the term "Outreach". "Outreach" declares that you are a group of non-Indigenous people (that part is true), who have already set the terms and structure, and now wish Indigenous people to come and join you in your thing. This is not empowerment or full acceptance for Indigenous people, or other People of Color (POC). If you truly wish to build coalitions with Indigenous people, the whole thing needs re-envisioning: as a '''coalition'''. Indigenous people need to be involved from the ground up on every decision from structure to naming to activities. Otherwise there is the serious risk that Indigenous people and other POC will be merely tokenized, and subtly or not so subtly exploited. Right now the page is full of links to fraud organizations run by non-Indigenous people who are colonizing Indigenous identities, including the racist "Rainbow Prophecy" that was written as deliberate propaganda by a white, Christian minister, with the agenda of saying it doesn't matter if Native people die out, that non-Natives are to be the true inheritors of Indigenous spirituality and lands. Given this, I am going to remove all the links to fraudulent orgs and fake prophecies, as the mere sight of these links will make most of us run away and never have anything to do with this group. [[User:KyleReese|KyleReese]] 14:44, 24 April 2012 (EDT)

I don't know who the guy on Facebook who claims Cherokee heritage is, but his statements do not sound like a person from ''any'' Cherokee or traditional Native culture. He linked to many fraudulent sites, and is using language and concepts that are not Cherokee, as well as quoting writings and websites by white people to "explain" (misrepresent) Lakota and Hopi cultures. I have left most of his words, just cut the links, for the most part. But personally, I don't think his statement is a useful thing to have here. [[User:KyleReese|KyleReese]] 15:11, 24 April 2012 (EDT)

Arts/Outreach/Indigenous

2012-04-24T19:03:57Z

KyleReese: Cutting links to appropriators, colonizers and frauds. If after council it's agreed to put some of these links back, OK, but right now, no.

== Please [http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Decolonize_To_Liberate follow this link ]to the new working group page for Decolonize to Liberate. ==
 ==

== '''http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ImZf9CZSHQA/TtwTHo4SoeI/AAAAAAAAAzw/Z8LIxo7fP2U/s1600/isoheader.jpg''' ==

== '''Next Meeting:''' ==
'''Friday December 30, 2011, 5:00 PM''''''Christ Church Cambridge''''''0 Garden St.  (right near Harvard Square)'''
== ''Contact decolonizeboston[at]gmail.com with any questions or to help'' ==

If you would like to join the working group list-serve and have or don't mind creating a google account, please follow this [http://groups.google.com/group/decolonizeboston/subscribe?note=1 link].

Otherwise, email a request for membership to the above email, and we will send you an invite.

Follow us on Twitter!: [http://twitter.com/decolonizebos @DecolonizeBos]

''Check out our new Decolonize Boston [http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Indigenous_Solidarity_and_Outreach/resources resource page]!  Links, articles, videos and 'zines!''

Many thanks to all who were able to join us in Plymouth for the 42nd National Day of Mourning! 

The Boston Globe produced an article and a video about our visit to Plymouth. 

You can read the article,"[http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2011/11/25/solidarity-occupy-group-joins-with-native-americans/uGgtpNbhAaYmKRNmLvnmTK/story.html?s_campaign=8315 In Solidarity, Occupy Group Joins with Native Americans]"  also a video, "[http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/video/?bctid=1293351417001&pconnect_name=501249 Occupy Boston Protesters in Plymouth]" 

A member of the working group was also interviewed in a Democracy Now! special:

== [http://www.democracynow.org/blog/2011/11/30/we_are_not_vanishing_we_are_not_conquered_native_americans_commemorate_day_of_mourning_on_thanksgiving Native Americans Mark Day of Mourning on Thanksgiving: 'We are not Vanishing, We Are Not Conquered'] ==

''''

[note:  this wiki page is a temporary landing page for decolonizeboston.org - Pending collaboration with related working groups and other entities, the domain will direct to a collaborative site networking and connecting various efforts to "Decolonize the 99%"  If you are interested in collaborating in this effort, please contact the working group at decolonizeboston[at]gmail.com]

== ''http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6199077688_bb98888e73.jpg'''''' ==



''''''

''''''

''' '''

 '''Occupy Boston - Memorandum of Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples''' ''The following resolution was passed by the Occupy Boston General Assembly on October 8th, 2011:''

RESOLUTION: Memorandum of Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples

WHEREAS, those participating in “Occupy Boston” acknowledge that the United States of America is a colonial country, and that we are guests upon stolen indigenous land that has already been occupied for centuries, Boston being the ancestral land of the Massachusett people; and

WHEREAS, members of the First Nations have continued to resist the violent oppression and exploitation of the colonizers since they first arrived on this continent, and as a result have a great amount of experience that could strengthen this movement; and

WHEREAS, after centuries of disregard for the welfare of future generations, and the consistent disrespect and exploitation of the Earth, we find ourselves on a polluted and disturbed planet, lacking the wisdom to live sustainably at peace with the community of Life; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That we seek the involvement of the First Nations in the rebuilding of a new society on their ancestral land; and

As a signal to the national “Occupy” movement and to members of First Nations who have felt excluded by the colonialist language used to name this movement, it shall be declared that “Occupy Boston” aspires to “Decolonize Boston” with the guidance and participation of First Nations Peoples; and

Extending an open hand of humility and friendship, we hereby invite members of the First Nations to join us in this popular uprising now taking place across this continent. We wish to further the process of healing and reconciliation and implore Indigenous Peoples to share their wisdom and guidance, as they see fit, so as to help us restore true freedom and democracy and initiate a new era of peace and cooperation that will work for everyone, including the Earth and the original inhabitants of this land; and

We hereby declare that Columbus Day should be referred to as “Indigenous Peoples’ Day.”





'''The Occupy Movement and Ancient Prophecies'''

''Charles Laster, a Native American of Cherokee descent, noted the following in an open letter on facebook:''

I was in full support of the Occupy Movement, for a number of reasons. Some of which was that their goals were in harmony with my views as a Native American of Cherokee descent. When I read the following Resolution by the Occupy Boston group, I was deeply touched and moved.

What was profound for me was how this action and the worldwide Occupy Movement meshed with the prophecies found in many Native Tribes.

Listen to these excerpts of their words.

'''''RESOLVED, That we seek the involvement of the First Nations in the rebuilding of a new society on their ancestral land... with the guidance and participation of First Nations Peoples.''''' '''''... [We] implore Indigenous Peoples to share their wisdom and guidance, as they see fit... [and] initiate a new era of peace and cooperation... including the Earth and the original inhabitants of this land.'''''

They know they have lost the way. That the killing of the Earth and its peoples must stop.

More importantly, they know that we the Native people of the Earth have the wisdom to guide them.

Has this ever happened before, has anyone ever said this to us!

When I look upon the crowds at Occupy protests, I see all races and people of the earth in all their diversity, a rainbow of races and people from all walks of life around the globe.

The worldwide Occupy movement reminds me of a number of Native American Prophecies.

It is not just Native American Tribes that see this in prophecy, the Tibetan Buddhists have a similar prophecy, and the Dali Lama has spoken with Hopi Elders about this. There are more such prophecies from tribes and people around the world, I can not list them all.

Now is the time, the White Buffalo has been born. Will we let its promise die?

It is not just the light skinned man that must make a choice. The words of our ancestors show we must also choose!

Will we grasp the hands extended from around the world and complete the Great Hoop? Shall we give them the wisdom and knowledge of our ancestors they seek?

Or will we in fear and anger not join the hoop? Let prejudice and spite withhold our council from them?

The Earth filled with the blood and bones of our ancestors cry out to us, the words they spoke long ago ring in our ears today, stand or die, we must choose.

Are we content to sit around the fire and tell stories of our suffering while moaning how things will never change?

The Earth calls out to her children around the world. The words of our ancestors call out to us. Those that have answered call out to us. I raise my voice to the Creator, I pray for the strength for what I know is to come, I pray that all will hear and answer the call.

We can not sit by and let the Earth and her children die a slow death in the name of profit!

We must stand together, one great hoop around the world.



==See Also==

*[[Council of Elders]]

Decolonize To Liberate

2012-04-24T18:48:34Z

KyleReese: see also

'''A Working Group of Occupy/Decolonize Boston'''
Decolonize to Liberate seeks to shed the dominator ethos and systems of oppression that come from colonization, to stand in solidarity with indigenous resistance worldwide and to help restore our relationships to Mother Earth. 

[[http://groups.google.com/group/decolonizeboston/subscribe?hl=en&note=1 To join the email discussion group]]

'''Regular IN-PERSON Working Group Meetings'''
<div style="text-align: center;">'''Each Friday, 6:00 - 8:00 PM''' </div><div style="text-align: center;">'''First Parish (UU) Church in Harvard Sq.'''</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 Church Street Cambridge, MA 02138 </div><div style="text-align: center;">'''([http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3+Church+Street+Cambridge,+MA+02138&hl=en&ll=42.375241,-71.119483&spn=0.002001,0.003484&hnear=3+Church+St,+Mid-Cambridge,+Massachusetts+02138&t=h&z=19 map])'''</div>All are welcome to our regular weekly meetings.  In general, half of the meeting is discussion/self-education/to help us decolonize ourselves (see our [http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Decolonize_To_Liberate/resources resources section]).  Half of each meeting is for planning events and actions to help decolonize the movement.
= Special Upcoming Events =

See [http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Decolonize_To_Liberate/Upcoming_Events Upcoming Events page] for more details

= Getting Connected with the Working Group =

''To sign up on our new announcements-only (low traffic) list, please send an email to:                                                  ''Decolonize-subscribe[at]lists.occupyboston.org
<div><div>''To sign up for the high-traffic, discussion-based working group google group, please sign into your google account and follow this [http://groups.google.com/group/decolonizeboston/subscribe?note=1 link], or email a request to join to'' decolonizeboston[at]gmail.com</div></div>
 ''Feel free to contact decolonizeboston[at]gmail.com with any questions or to get involved.''
<div>
Please Follow us on Twitter!: [http://twitter.com/decolonizebos @DecolonizeBos]

'''''And now we have a [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Decolonize-to-Liberate-Occupy-Boston/216397535110561 facebook page], too!'''''
</div>

= Decolonize Resources =

''[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Decolonize_To_Liberate/definitions What is "Decolonization"?]    ''A collection of definitions and explanations 

''[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Decolonize_To_Liberate/resources Decolonize To Liberate resource page]'' Links, articles, videos and 'zines!

''[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Decolonize_To_Liberate/declarations Decolonizing Declarations from Occupies Across the Continent]''
<div> </div><div><div style="text-align: center">'''' </div><div style="text-align: center"> </div><div>
= Past Events =
</div><div>
 ''Many thanks to everyone who joined us for the Decolonize to Liberate Occupy Boston Community Gathering.  Check out the recap of the event on OccupyBoston.org:''

[http://www.occupyboston.org/2012/03/06/decoolonize-99-liberate-100/ http://www.occupyboston.org/2012/03/06/decoolonize-99-liberate-100/]

''''' '''''

'''Many thanks to all who were able to join us in Plymouth for the 42nd National Day of Mourning! '''

The Boston Globe produced an article and a video about our visit to Plymouth. 

You can read the article,"[http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2011/11/25/solidarity-occupy-group-joins-with-native-americans/uGgtpNbhAaYmKRNmLvnmTK/story.html?s_campaign=8315 In Solidarity, Occupy Group Joins with Native Americans]"  also a video, "[http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/video/?bctid=1293351417001&pconnect_name=501249 Occupy Boston Protesters in Plymouth]" 

A member of the working group was also interviewed in a Democracy Now! special on the event:
</div></div>
== [http://www.democracynow.org/blog/2011/11/30/we_are_not_vanishing_we_are_not_conquered_native_americans_commemorate_day_of_mourning_on_thanksgiving Native Americans Mark Day of Mourning on Thanksgiving: 'We are not Vanishing, We Are Not Conquered'] ==

''' '''
==See Also==

*[[Council of Elders]]

[[Category:Working groups|Decolonize to Liberate]]

Talk:Arts/Outreach/Indigenous

2012-04-24T18:44:31Z

KyleReese: Serious problems.

Greetings, I am new to this Wiki but not new to Decolonize/Occupy. My initial problem is with the racist and anti-racist history of the term "Outreach". "Outreach" declares that you are a group of non-Indigenous people (that part is true), who have already set the terms and structure, and now wish Indigenous people to come and join you in your thing. This is not empowerment or full acceptance for Indigenous people, or other People of Color (POC). If you truly with to build coalitions with Indigenous people, the whole thing needs re-envisioning: as a coalition. Indigenous people need to be involved from the ground up on every decision from structure to naming to activities. Otherwise there is the serious risk that Indigenous people and other POC will be merely tokenized, and subtly or not so subtly exploited. Right now the page is full of links to fraud organizations run by non-Indigenous people who are colonizing Indigenous identities, including the racist "Rainbow Prophecy" that was written by a white, Christian minister, with the agenda of saying it doesn't matter if Native people die out, that non-Natives are to be the true inheritors of Indigenous spirituality and lands. Given this, I am going to remove all the links to fraudulent orgs and fake prophecies, as the mere sight of these links will make most of us run away and never have anything to do with this group. [[User:KyleReese|KyleReese]] 14:44, 24 April 2012 (EDT)

Council of Elders

2012-04-24T18:15:11Z

KyleReese: an

There is wisdom in experience.

Intact communities already have longstanding, traditional Councils of Elders, and do not need to form new ones. Young communities like Occupy are in a different position, and are often looking for guidance.

There are "Councils of Elders" forming around the globe, but it can take time to learn who is and isn't a respected Elder. It seems these days there are elders and Elders all over the place. Some have been appointed as representatives, others are self-proclaimed, some are outright frauds who are capitalizing on a disparate, young community's need for guidance.

One thing to look for when you find a "Council of Elders" is to research who formed the Council, and who controls the group's contact with the media and other non-Council members. Make sure the "Elders" are not just random elderly people, or people selling something, but people who have been appointed as Tradition-Bearers and Advisors in the community they were raised in. People from outside those communities cannot say who is and isn't a respected Elder in that community. While we listen with our heart to their words, we must also trust the communities they speak for to choose who has the right to speak for them.

Our Occupy Boston definition of an Elder is someone we look to for guidance and mentorship. These are individuals who are given this position by consensus within their respective communities. Younger adults raised in wisdom from a young age could be selected to be mentored by an designated elder, and after a period of time become an elder when the community decides they are mature enough to handle this role.

Accountability, long history of serving the community in a beneficial manner, and grounded, non-exploitative spiritual practice is essential for an Elder, along with a demonstrated history of respectful, kind, and useful guidance that enriches the community as a whole. Mentoring skills, and generational and multi-generational thinking are also marks of an Elder. While Elders may sit in Council some of the time, they should also be grounded, integrated members of the community. They do not sit on pedestals; they are human beings who walk among us and choose for themselves what group activities they will or won't participate in. They are not to be objectified or tokenized.

==Working Group==

If you are an activist with experience with social change, please consider joining this new working group to help us recognize and develop a Council of Elders in our Occupy community.

The goal of our WG is to gather together (physically and on discussion lists) activists who have extensive experience, and to discuss these issues of importance. We also seek to gather "community" elders who can help advise us on issues of community development and societal change.

The goal is not to try and control anyone. The group is simply to gather people together that have ages of experience, to see what we as a group, and our advisors, think about issues specific to Boston.

Point of Contact: kendramoy8 @ hotmail.com

==Existing Elders Councils and Organizations==

These are not necessarily endorsements, just some examples of existing councils. Unless otherwise noted, these groups have not offered to work directly with Decolonize/Occupy, and some concern themselves ''only'' with issues of protection of culture, but this is a sampling of groups for comparison.

*[http://www.theelders.org/ The Elders] - an international, multi-racial and multi-ethnic organization which includes very prominent politicians, clergypeople, artists and activists such as Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter and Mary Robinson.

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVM90JzmJWo The Council of Elders] - an independent group of leaders from the farm workers, sanctuary and human rights movement, formed to address issues, and take an active role in, the Occupy encampments. Includes artists and activists like Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, Rev. James Lawson, Jr. and Dolores Huerta.

*[http://www.thepeoplespaths.net/history/elders.html Resolution of the Fifth Annual Meeting of the Elders Circle] - Inter-tribal Elders Council of Navajo, Hopi, Muskogee, Chippewa-Cree, Northern Cheyenne, Haudenosaunee and Lakota Elders speak out against those who would misappropriate Indigenous identities.

*[http://taskforce.cherokee.org/ Protect All Tribal Citizens] Hundreds of false Indian groups are claiming to be sovereign tribes and are teaching their own fabricated culture and history as if it were Indian. Contains important documents such as statements from the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes.

==WARNING!!!==

Important information for those working in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples! Woody Vaspra, the man who formed one of the "Elders Councils" that was formerly listed above, is being protested by the real Lakota, Dakota and Nakota Elders (and their allies) for appropriating and selling fake Lakota ceremonies, for forming a largely-fake council, and for exploiting the few actual Indigenous people he has had contact with. This is his website: http://worldcouncilofelders.org/

Here is background info on exploiter Woody Vaspra and his unauthorized, fake Sun Dance: [http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=1760.0 http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=1760.0]
This particular post in that thread is about the efforts of Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people to stop Vaspra: [http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=1760.msg24644#msg24644 http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=1760.msg24644#msg24644]

submitted by Sky Davis - asgasdiusdi @ gmail . com

Please be aware and make sure our community does not support frauds or exploiters, even unintentionally.

[[Category:Working groups]]

Council of Elders

2012-04-24T18:10:49Z

KyleReese: expanding and checking links and formatting

There is wisdom in experience.

Intact communities already have longstanding, traditional Councils of Elders, and do not need to form new ones. Young communities like Occupy are in a different position, and are often looking for guidance.

There are "Councils of Elders" forming around the globe, but it can take time to learn who is and isn't a respected Elder. It seems these days there are elders and Elders all over the place. Some have been appointed as representatives, others are self-proclaimed, some are outright frauds who are capitalizing on a disparate, young community's need for guidance.

One thing to look for when you find a "Council of Elders" is to research who formed the Council, and who controls the group's contact with the media and other non-Council members. Make sure the "Elders" are not just random elderly people, or people selling something, but people who have been appointed as Tradition-Bearers and Advisors in the community they were raised in. People from outside those communities cannot say who is and isn't a respected Elder in that community. While we listen with our heart to their words, we must also trust the communities they speak for to choose who has the right to speak for them.

Our Occupy Boston definition of an Elder is someone we look to for guidance and mentorship. These are individuals who are given this position by consensus within their respective communities. Younger adults raised in wisdom from a young age could be selected to be mentored by an designated elder, and after a period of time become an elder when the community decides they are mature enough to handle this role.

Accountability, long history of serving the community in a beneficial manner, and grounded, non-exploitative spiritual practice is essential for an Elder, along with a demonstrated history of respectful, kind, and useful guidance that enriches the community as a whole. Mentoring skills, and generational and multi-generational thinking are also marks of Elder. While Elders may sit in Council some of the time, they should also be grounded, integrated members of the community. They do not sit on pedestals; they are human beings who walk among us and choose for themselves what group activities they will or won't participate in. They are not to be objectified or tokenized.

==Working Group==

If you are an activist with experience with social change, please consider joining this new working group to help us recognize and develop a Council of Elders in our Occupy community.

The goal of our WG is to gather together (physically and on discussion lists) activists who have extensive experience, and to discuss these issues of importance. We also seek to gather "community" elders who can help advise us on issues of community development and societal change.

The goal is not to try and control anyone. The group is simply to gather people together that have ages of experience, to see what we as a group, and our advisors, think about issues specific to Boston.

Point of Contact: kendramoy8 @ hotmail.com

==Existing Elders Councils and Organizations==

These are not necessarily endorsements, just some examples of existing councils. Unless otherwise noted, these groups have not offered to work directly with Decolonize/Occupy, and some concern themselves ''only'' with issues of protection of culture, but this is a sampling of groups for comparison.

*[http://www.theelders.org/ The Elders] - an international, multi-racial and multi-ethnic organization which includes very prominent politicians, clergypeople, artists and activists such as Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter and Mary Robinson.

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVM90JzmJWo The Council of Elders] - an independent group of leaders from the farm workers, sanctuary and human rights movement, formed to address issues, and take an active role in, the Occupy encampments. Includes artists and activists like Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, Rev. James Lawson, Jr. and Dolores Huerta.

*[http://www.thepeoplespaths.net/history/elders.html Resolution of the Fifth Annual Meeting of the Elders Circle] - Inter-tribal Elders Council of Navajo, Hopi, Muskogee, Chippewa-Cree, Northern Cheyenne, Haudenosaunee and Lakota Elders speak out against those who would misappropriate Indigenous identities.

*[http://taskforce.cherokee.org/ Protect All Tribal Citizens] Hundreds of false Indian groups are claiming to be sovereign tribes and are teaching their own fabricated culture and history as if it were Indian. Contains important documents such as statements from the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes.

==WARNING!!!==

Important information for those working in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples! Woody Vaspra, the man who formed one of the "Elders Councils" that was formerly listed above, is being protested by the real Lakota, Dakota and Nakota Elders (and their allies) for appropriating and selling fake Lakota ceremonies, for forming a largely-fake council, and for exploiting the few actual Indigenous people he has had contact with. This is his website: http://worldcouncilofelders.org/

Here is background info on exploiter Woody Vaspra and his unauthorized, fake Sun Dance: [http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=1760.0 http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=1760.0]
This particular post in that thread is about the efforts of Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people to stop Vaspra: [http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=1760.msg24644#msg24644 http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=1760.msg24644#msg24644]

submitted by Sky Davis - asgasdiusdi @ gmail . com

Please be aware and make sure our community does not support frauds or exploiters, even unintentionally.

[[Category:Working groups]]