My professor, Melissa Nelson, took us to visit Anne-Marie Sayers, an Ohlone Elder, at her home in Indian Canyon for the Native American Philosophy and Religion class at SFSU one semester.
The most important part of this day was being inside their Sweat Lodge, a place where they hold ceremonies. (Note: we did not participate in a Sweat Lodge ceremony, we were graciously invited into the sweat lodge by Anne-Marie to make a pledge. The ceremonies are not for tourists). We were encouraged to make a tobacco offering and give a pledge to Mother Earth, either audibly to the group or silently in our hearts. My pledge was to continue my work with composting and waste diversion, and to make others aware of opportunities to help the environment.
As I lay in bed, I realized that I was doing this everyday and that the impact of that trip began influencing my actions in a very powerful way.
So, this is dedicated to Anne-Marie Sayers for her strength, perseverance, and radiant beauty. I would also like to thank Melissa Nelson for her passion, her wonderful ability to create understanding, and for opening up the opportunity for us to experience Indian Canyon.
To learn more about the Sweat Lodge ceremonies at Indian Canyon:
http://www.indiancanyonvillage.org/SweatLodge.htm
To hear Anne-Marie speak:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8040290680520747381
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