Photo By Rick Emert | FORT CARSON, Colo. — The Tree of Life, a cottonwood tree, which stood in the center...... read more read more
By Eric E. Parris
Garrison Public Affairs Office
FORT CARSON, Colo. — There was a common theme among many of those who gathered at the Native American Spiritual Encampment at Fort Carson’s Turkey Creek Ranch July 10-15, 2019, — it was their commitment to prayer.
They could pray for themselves, others and even creatures that roam the earth.
And prayer was at the heart of the purpose of the event for those of Native American ancestry, military veterans, military members, their Families and community members. The event was conducted by the He Ska Akicita Inipi, known as the White Mountain Warriors Sweat Lodge.
“To provide the opportunity to pray the traditional way,” said Michael Hackwith, the faith group leader for Native American spirituality, as he referred to the primary purpose for the encampment. “We allow everyone who believes in and supports the military to pray with us.”
While some of the more than 80 people came each day to pray, some also came to be part of the four-day ceremony known as Wiwanyang Wachipi or the sun dance.
“It’s a very powerful, very traditional ceremony,” Hackwith said about the sun dance. “I remind the dancers you’re out here to pray for the Soldiers.”
The ceremony was held in an open-arbor setting with a cottonwood tree that was selected from nearby land. The sacred tree was placed in the middle of the arbor area.
The 15 dancers were required to fast during the ceremony, Hackwith said. They were allowed to rest but could not have food or anything to drink.
“Dancers have given up food and water for four days and nights; they’ve given up communication with their families and given up communication with the world for four days and nights,” Hackwith said. “They are dedicated strictly to that prayer.”
Supporters come in and sit on the edge of the arbor and can pray, Hackwith said. Elders were also there to share stories. Native American representation was from many different nations.
“We have Cheyenne, we have Cherokee, western Cherokee, Black Feet — all of these different nations,” Hackwith said, who is a Lakota and Marine veteran.
Bringing them together is unique in itself. It’s never been done on any other military installation, he said.
The Fort Carson Religious Support Office along with other post agencies provided support for this event.
Colleen Heffner, the military liaison, provided support as the “go between” for Fort Carson and the encampment. She retired from the Army in 2006.
She worked with the religious support office and other Army units to provide logistical support, Heffner said.
Heffner stressed that for anyone who is not familiar with the encampment, it’s OK to ask questions.
“If you have an interest, ask,” Heffner said.
She’s witnessed what can happen for those who have participated.
“People find peace, well-being and a better understanding of themselves,” she said.
It’s educational as well as a spiritual experience.
The spiritual experience goes to a central theme for coming to the encampment: praying.
“We’re here to pray,” said Wesley Black Elk, a spiritual leader for the encampment. “We pray with our mind, body and spirit to ask for forgiveness.”
Black Elk said for some people it’s difficult to ask for help, so as a spiritual leader he will ask the creator to help them.
“We’re here to pray for them,” he said.
The prayers are tied to the cottonwood tree, or as Black Elk described it, the Tree of Life.
Black Elk said the point is for them to learn patience, have compassion and love.
“The Tree of Life represents all of our prayers,” Hackwith said. “It takes our pain, happiness and gives us peace.”
The dancers were required to make a string of 98 prayer ties that were hung on the tree, Hackwith said. They didn’t ask what the prayers were for. That was between them and the creator.
While this was a Native American encampment, it was open to the community. People from across the U.S. participated, including veterans from Italy.
“We want everyone — it’s not just for Native Americans and service members,” Hackwith said. “It’s our pleasure; it’s our honor and privilege to be able to do this.’’
This dance can be traced back seven generations.
“It’s about prayer and community — building better relations. There’s no politics here. We don’t allow it.”
In addition to this yearly event, services are offered every week and sweat lodges every weekend at Turkey Creek.
For John Freyta, a dancer who has participated in this event for six years, it’s in part, about the peace and solitude he finds.
Freyta said being here gives him an opportunity to be with other military veterans. But as much as it’s for himself, it has a deeper meaning.
“I do this for people who can’t do it, and it’s giving back to my family.”
| Date Taken: | 07.12.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 12.27.2019 14:42 |
| Story ID: | 357447 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 289 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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