Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning

Description

Don Goodwin, tribal elder from White Earth Reservation will be talking about "Traditional Tribal Practices in the Ojibwe Culture".  This is the first of four programs sponsored by the MN Humanities Center.  Don Goodwin, or Yellow Cloud in the Ojibwe language, is a pipe carrier - a position similar to a deacon in the Christian faith.  For over 20 years, Goodwin has worked with county jails across Minnesota, performing ceremonies for American Indian prisoners.  Many of these ceremonies involve the burning of sage, sweet grass or cedar, and the smoking of a ceremonial pipe.  To Native Americans, these are cleansing ceremonies, a chance to heal.  Most people take for granted the right to pray, or worship as they choose.  But Native Americans have been denied that right often.  In 1890, as part of the US government's assimilation policy, American Indian religious practices were outlawed.  It wasn't until 1978 that Congress passed the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, restoring religious freedom to Indian people.