Category Archives: Block 3: 2013-2014

Lacourt’s Description of a Tree Outside the Forest was my favorite article out of the feminism articles we read. The reason I liked it so much was because our conversations about insiders and outsiders on the reservation in class and … Continue reading →

Modern society has become far from communal especially in America where the dream is to own one’s own piece of property separate from one’s neighbors and the rest of the community.  This creates a kind of isolation between people, which … Continue reading →

One theme from the past week that we explored in a variety of ways was when models are appropriate for describing an experience and when personal experience is appropriate.  While the ceremony reflection in part addresses this, I thought I … Continue reading →

I am a great believer in living in the world but being not of the world.  My path in the past has been detachment toward all things of the world to allow my authentic Self shine through.  Therefore, I was … Continue reading →

Perhaps never before have I felt so in touch with my ancestors and with my presence here on this earth, as I did during the few days we spent at Pine Ridge. Over the past week, I recorded thoughts on … Continue reading →

I believe in a universal energy. I believe in the soul, I believe in spirits. I wanted so badly to believe in power Sweat Lodge and the other ceremonies we participated in may have held. I believe Big Mike was … Continue reading →

The thing that hit me hardest about Pine Ridge was listening, watching, and feeling the prayers needed there. This reservation is one of the, if not the, most impoverished and suppressed community in the United States. The reservation has a … Continue reading →

Twelve of us are riding in a van along a highway. The truck in front of us pulls off the road. Are we cutting wood here? How funny would that be? Stop. No, this is what’s going to happening. This … Continue reading →

Now that we’re back, I’m having trouble describing my experience in South Dakota beyond pretty vague and impersonal statements such as “it was really cool” or “pretty intense.” How to sum up a week of driving, singing, sweating, ceremony, and … Continue reading →