The group that went off to the East became known as the red race and the medicine wheel is painted red on that side. This group was given care of Mother Earth and all the animals and plants found there.
The group that went off to the South became known as the yellow race and the medicine wheel is painted yellow at the bottom. This group was given care of the air and all the birds found there.
The group that went off to the West became known as the black race and the medicine wheel is painted black on that side. This group was given care of the waters and the seas and all life found there.
The group that went off to the North became known as the white race, and the medicine wheel is painted white at the top. This group was given care of fire, which in time became mathematics and science.
Each group was given the additional responsibility of remembering in their hearts that all men are brothers, that there is but one race.
While going through the cycles of time apart, the people learned to speak each in their own way, and in so doing they almost forgot that they had once all been alike. Many came to think of each other as strangers.
We've learned much while apart and as the Creator promised, we are sharing what we've learned. In so doing, we're coming back together. We're remembering who we are.
Those who would keep us apart have yet to learn that neither heat nor light is lost from sharing the camp fire. That when all people join the sacred circle we will have returned to Turtle Island and there will be Peace and Prosperity. As our Lakota Brothers say: "Mitakuye Oyasin" (We are all relatives).
“Now that we are through from the treaties, Turtle Island has become one big Indian reservation, which includes everyone that is living here” (Canupa Glupa Mani).
The Lakota people have taken a big step towards healing their nation, as well as the entire American nation. I stand in awe of this brave people who are doing what most just talk about. Canupa Glupa Mani ended our conversation with this note: “We will speak again.” Keep pushing forward, my brother. I am with you in the return to Turtle Island.
Copyright 2007, Barbara H. Peterson
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