
Gather with us in ceremonies across the country
CALLING ALL PRAYER WARRIORS ♥ PLEASE SPREAD THIS AROUND ♥
AND TO THOSE IN ARIZONA, YAVAPAI COUNTY, FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF ADAM YELLOW BIRD, WE ARE ~~~SENDING YOU ALL OUR PRAYERS AND HEALING LOVING ENERGIES~~~
Subject: Sweat Lodges are cited for Building Code Violations
Dear All:
As many of you know, last October a tragedy occurred here in the Sedona area where 3 people lost their lives during a Sweat Lodge. It was a tragedy that should not have happened and one that should not be repeated. Some of the local people are working towards finding solutions and answers so that this doesn’t happen again, yet allows the spiritual practice of the Sweat Lodge Ceremony to continue—in the way it was meant to be—-help and healing for the people and a place to pray.
Sadly there has been a ripple effect from this tragedy that now threatens to end all Sweat Lodge ceremonies regardless of whether they are being done in a good way or not. In an effort to control and stop Sweat Lodge ceremonies, Yavapai County has cited Adam Yellow Bird for building code violations on his Lodge. I had actually heard that Yavapai County was going to try to do this some time ago, but when I first heard it I thought the idea so ludicrous that it would never happen. I was mistaken. On May 11th a hearing will happen in the Yavapai County courthouse to determine whether or not Adam is in violation. If it goes against him he will have to shut down his Lodge. And if it goes against him, all other people running Lodges (including myself) will be subject to prosecution and cited for violations, and we will all have to stop our Lodges. Further, I believe that this judgment could have a ripple effect elsewhere and other counties and law enforcement officials could start shutting down Lodges all across the country. And of course this would affect not only Lodges, but all other ceremonies, Sundance, Hamblechi, Bear Dances, Animal Spirit Dances etc.
I find this absolutely abhorrent. It is nothing less than religious/spiritual persecution. I ask all of you to help support Adam Yellow Bird in his fight against this judgment. And in effect, by supporting Adam Yellow Bird you will be helping all of us who lead these ceremonies for the good of the people. There are several ways to help, write an e-mail, write a letter, contact your government and at the very least, prayers for Adam and all of us would be very welcome. This is very important!!!! Otherwise we will be taking a step back in time where once again people will be kept from their spiritual practices. This is not what this country was founded on—and while I know that our history is full of hypocrisy especially in regards to Native People, we need to end the hypocrisy, move forward and not take any steps that would send us backwards. Normally I like to stay in the background, but in this I will take a very strong stand. I cannot imagine not being able to go into the Lodge. And I urge you to send your support in this.
If you feel moved to write—here is a website and e-mail address. Also there is a very good video of Adam Yellow Bird on YouTube and available on the website I have listed.
www.ica8.org
info@ica8.org
Love and Prayers to you all,
Friends of Adam yellow Bird, Sisters and brothers to us all