Hassell

Sophie Hassell
Professor Katsanos
LBST 2102
6 April 2016
A popular revitalization movement for indigenous peoples is the Native American
Church. According to the Oklevueha Native American Church website, all people are welcomed
to experience the ways of the church. Although most of the website is available to the public,
some aspects are restricted only to the members ("Oklevueha Native American Church", 2015).
The Native American Church brings together Native Americans, utilizing Christianity and native
traditions. While some agree uniting Native Americans through the church is a positive
occurrence, others speculate that tradition becomes lost through the process (Esposito, 2012, pp.
66-67).
The Oklevueha Native American Church works to ensure the Native American culture
and history does not become history, but the present. The Federal Government plays a key role in
helping to protect Native Americans on and off the reservations. Interestingly, it is mentioned
that the Native Americans were able to survive such harsh and degrading conditions though their
deep rooted connection with Grandmother Earth as well as Grandfather Sky ("Oklevueha Native
American Church", 2015). It is really cool to see that the Native Americans have an attachment
to nature and natural aspects in their spiritual ways.
Nature plays a huge part in the Native American Church. Herbal doctors utilize natural
remedies to improve the health and lives of their patients. Recently, new innovations in the
scientific world have verified many of the ancient practices made by native herbalists. The
Oklevueha Native American Church also has many rights that the general public does not have.

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An example of this is their utilization of illegal substances, such as cannabis and peyote, in their
healing regiments. The Church makes it clear that when used, the use of the drugs is very
controlled and not abused in any way, shape or form. Different ceremonies and events include
different herbs because of the ancient traditions that have been passed down ("Oklevueha Native
American Church", 2015). By using controlled substances, the Native American Church often
has to deal with situations with the U.S. Government trying to limit their traditional usage
(Esposito, 2012, p. 66). Without specific rights and regulations, the Oklevueha Native American
Church would not be able to practice many of their traditions. By being able to continue their
traditions, the Native Americans enable the continuation of traditions set forth by their ancestors.
Recently, Native Americans have been moving away from their ancient traditions. Instead
of following practices from the past, some have been entering into the Christian world or are
becoming more agnostic in the way they perceive the world (Brewer, p. 262). This connects to
the idea stated by Esposito. Native Americans are worried about their ancient traditions being
forgotten as more of their people continue to abandon their practices. While this might not
happen because of the pride and cultural awareness many Native Americans present, it is still
cause for worry. Although the indigenous populations are making a come back, there is still the
constant outside threat of the modern world.
The Oklevueha Native American Church has revitalized many ancient traditions by also
incorporating outside religious aspects. While some aspects of the church are restricted to only
members, The Oklevueha Native American Church is very welcoming to outsiders. Members
want to help non-indigenous peoples on their spiritual journeys while also educating them on
Native American culture and history. It is important to them that members understands the
horrible history that Native Americans faced in the past and the issues the threaten them in the

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present and future ("Oklevueha Native American Church", 2015). Native Americans have been
extremely oppressed from outsiders. By joining the Oklevueha Native American Church,
outsiders must comprehend the severity of the past and work towards a peaceful future.
An important aspect of the Oklevueha Native American Church, and others, is
participating in events and spiritual ceremonies. A variety of ceremonies are held that continue
the traditions from the past. These ceremonies connect individuals with ancestors and help them
with their spiritual journey. An example includes The Birth Ceremony where there is new life
being introduced to the world. Sweat Lodge Ceremonies are also common. During this
ceremony, people devote themselves to serving those in their community ("Oklevueha Native
American Church", 2015). These ceremonies, as well as others, revitalize many ancient traditions
and continue procedures that may have been lost.
In class, the loss of many indigenous cultures and ways has been discussed. It is horrible
to think that a groups traditions and ancient practices can be completely forgotten when people
stop caring to practice them. Understanding the oppression and historical issues Native
Americans have faced is important when trying to revive their religious and cultural traditions.
Many indigenous groups, especially the Native Americans, have dealt constantly with outsiders
trying to assimilate them into the right way of life. By making an effort to reestablish Native
American cultures and ways, the Oklevueha Native American Church has continued not only
interesting, but ageless traditions.
Learning about the Oklevueha Native American Church and the ideals it stands behind,
has provided information and knowledge about unique traditions. The Oklevueha Native
Americans have worked hard to establish a church where they can practice their old traditions,
incorporate new religious values and help to educate and enlighten those seeking such. While

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some many not see the importance of revitalization, it keeps many traditions continuing that may
have been forgotten otherwise. Indigenous peoples have faced tremendous difficulties in the past,
but many are moving forward to overcome being told to forget.

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Works Cited
Brewer, Teri. Touching the Past, Teaching Ways Forward: The American Indian Powwow. Print.
Esposito, John L., Darrell J. Fasching, and Todd Lewis. Religions of the West Today. New York:
Oxford UP, 2012. Print.
Oklevueha Native American Church. 2015. Web. 04 Apr. 2016.
<http://nativeamericanchurches.org/#>.