Faith and Science

The Modern Way

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The balance between faith and science has always been an interesting one. This dance of beliefs and pragmatism has shaped societies, driven progress, and stirred debates. Yet, in the heart of this dialogue lies a parallel: the journey of Native cultures through the tides of assimilation into modern ways.

The Ancient Wisdom of Native Cultures

 For countless generations, Native culture has thrived on a harmonious blend of faith and observation, embodying a holistic understanding of the world. Our ways have always been deeply rooted in the spiritual, where every element of nature is infused with sacred significance.

The earth is a living entity, a provider, and a guide. This worldview isn’t just about respect, but about a deep understanding of ecological balance, sustainability, and interconnectedness. (Hence the 80’s commercial of a Native crying from seeing people litter on the highway.)

Ceremonies, rituals, and oral traditions aren’t mere customs; they’re sophisticated frameworks for preserving knowledge. The patterns of nature, the healing properties of plants, the behavior of animals are all part of the spiritual narratives that shape our lives.

The Rise of Modern Science

With the start of the Enlightenment, the Western world began its eager march towards scientific rationalism. The objective was clear: to understand the world through observation, experimentation, and evidence. This was a thrilling era of discovery, but it often came at the cost of sidelining traditional knowledge systems. The separation of faith and science became pronounced, with faith often dismissed as superstition.

Modern science brought undeniable advancements, life-saving medicine and technology. It provided a new lens to view the universe, one that could unravel the mysteries of the cosmos. Yet, in its quest for progress, it sometimes overlooked the wisdom of the ages, including the profound insights of Native culture.

The Clash and the Convergence

As Native communities encountered the forces of colonization and assimilation, our people faced a difficult challenge: to preserve their ancient ways while navigating the demands of a rapidly modernizing world. The pressure to conform to Western norms often meant eliminating traditional practices and adopting new ways of thinking. The boarding school era was a different kind of evil suppression of Native knowledge.

However, in looking for the silver lining, this clash has also given rise to a unique merging. Today, there's a growing recognition of the value embedded in Native knowledge systems. Scientists are increasingly exploring how traditional ecological knowledge can inform modern conservation efforts. The principles of holistic medicine, rooted in Native healing practices, are finding importance in modern health care.

Bridging the Divide

The true beauty lies in the realization that faith and science are not adversaries but complementary powers. Native cultures have long understood this, viewing the spiritual and pragmatic as intertwined threads of the same fabric. Modern science, too, is beginning to appreciate the wisdom of this perspective.

As we strive to bridge the divide, there's much to learn from the Native journey through innovation. It's a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the power of integrating diverse worldviews. The blending of ancient wisdom with modern science offers a more nuanced understanding of our world—one that honors the past while embracing the future.

In this light, the journey of Native cultures isn't just a narrative of survival; it's a profound lesson in the art of blending everything together. It shows us that the path forward doesn't lie in choosing between faith and science but in finding harmony between them. This is a dance as old as time itself, inviting us to step into a future where tradition and innovation coexist in beautiful, dynamic balance.

So place some medicine on the dash of your new car, thank creator in your language right before you eat some Nobu, or plug in that sewing machine as you create new regalia for dance season. As we continue to explore the vast expanse of knowledge, let us always remember to find ways to practice and promote our Native ways.

Aa always, If you don’t know now you know, a Native!

Kyrie Irving’s Latest Sneakers Honor His Native Heritage

Article via GQ

Kyrie Irving is playing some of the best basketball of his career. The 32-year-old guard has weathered scandals, criticism, and multiple ill-fated forays onto different rosters in his decade-plus in the NBA.

Now, competing in his first conference finals since 2017, Kyrie is clearly thriving alongside Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, showing out with a spectacular 30-point performance earlier this week against the ascendant Minnesota Timberwolves.

Almost as dazzling as that Game 1 showcase were Kyrie’s shoes: He hit the court wearing the Anta Kai 1, his latest signature sneaker with Chinese athletic brand Anta Sports, in a wildly distinctive colorway. The ‘Chief Hela’ Kai 1, done in brown leather and suede, features a striking suede fringe along the collar and heel, reminiscent of the moccasins favored by some Native American tribes.

 Kyrie fans will remember that he wore a similar fringe on a pair of Nike Kyrie 8s during the 2023 All-Star game, in part to hide the Nike logo after the brand dropped him from its roster following remarks that were perceived as antisemitic.

The Native American connection is an important one for Kyrie. His mother, Elizabeth Larson, was of Standing Rock Sioux heritage, and both his grandparents and great-grandparents were from the Standing Rock reservation in South Dakota. 

 In 2018, after Kyrie announced his lineage and connection to the Sioux, he was given the Lakota name Little Mountain in a ceremony at the Prairie Nights Pavilion in South Dakota. “I had no idea about the history and how inclusive this group is and what it means to be part of the Sioux tribe,” Kyrie said at the time.

Gary Farmer - Mohawk

Gary Farmer, born on June 12, 1953, in Ohsweken, Six Nations Reserve, Ontario, Canada, is a distinguished actor, musician, and activist known for his powerful performances and tireless advocacy for Native rights. With a career spanning several decades, Farmer has become a prominent figure in both the entertainment industry and the Native rights movement.

Raised on the Six Nations Reserve, Farmer was deeply influenced by his Mohawk heritage and the teachings of his ancestors. His upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of cultural pride and a commitment to social justice, which would shape his artistic endeavors and activism in the years to come.

Farmer's acting career began in the late 1980s when he landed his breakthrough role as Philbert in the film "Powwow Highway." His portrayal of the wise and charismatic character earned him critical acclaim and established him as a rising star in Hollywood.

Throughout his career, Farmer has continued to deliver standout performances in a wide range of film and television projects. From his roles in films like "Dead Man" and "Smoke Signals" to his appearances in television series such as "The Red Road" and "Longmire," he has consistently brought depth, authenticity, and nuance to every character he portrays. Our favorite role of his will always be as Arnold Joseph. Hey Victor, what about your dad?

In addition to his work as an actor, Farmer is also a talented musician, drawing inspiration from his Native heritage to create music that reflects his experiences and worldview. He has performed with his band, Gary Farmer & The Troublemakers, and collaborated with other artists to blend elements of rock, blues, and traditional music.

Beyond his contributions to the arts, Farmer is a dedicated advocate for rights and environmental conservation. He has been actively involved in campaigns to protect land and water rights, using his platform to amplify the voices of Tribal communities and promote greater awareness and understanding of their struggles.

As Gary Farmer continues to use his talents and influence to uplift Native stories and causes, his legacy serves as a reminder of the power of art to inspire change and foster empathy across cultures.

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