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Reflection on Giving Thanks and the Wisdom of America’s First People



Conscience is the quiet presence of the Almighty within us. No matter what we do or say, deep down we all know we bear witness to our own actions. On this Thanksgiving Day in America, with the nation’s pulse beating heavily from months of turmoil and loss, a thoughtful mind can’t help but reflect.


I give thanks to The Almighty every single day with genuine gratitude. Everyone I call a friend receives maximum respect and appreciation from me, this is simply how I live and what I believe we should offer one an other on this planet .


Lately, I’ve been thinking about what this day means for the many Americans I consider family.


In 2006, I had an eye-opening experience in New Mexico. I was invited by Mr. Derek and his Queen Dr. Lita, and their daughter Melanie Mathews to perform at the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, the largest in the world where more than 700 Native American tribes come together in dance. It was my first true arena experience, a crowd over 25,000 strong. The spiritual energy in that space was unlike anything I had ever felt.


They placed me in the pit among the contesting Native drum groups, and the music alone was a revelation. I felt uplifted, almost outside my body. The American history I learned as a kid overlooked so many important voices, but nothing prepared me for this living, breathing, spiritual reality.


I befriended several elders and asked many questions. With every conversation, it became clearer: these are the original stewards of the land I call home. This is their home. Suddenly, I felt an unexpected sense of humility, as though I needed their permission, out of respect, simply to stand there.


My performance was short and heartfelt. I invited the Keeswood brothers to join me for my closing song "Freedom For Humanity", and the whole arena erupted with joy. Children came forward and threw money at my feet, an act that surprised and humbled me deeply.


The respect they showed me lifted my spirit, and it reminded me how much collective wisdom Native people carry, wisdom far too often dismissed. And look where that dismissal has led us: a nation confronted once again with the same hatred that caused centuries of pain. That darkness is no longer hiding, it’s showing its face through those who think themselves superior, through those who crave control, through those who believe in the illusion of ownership forgetting that we are all passing through.


Now is the time for every person of conscience to activate their inner light and drive hatred away. It’s time to show appreciation for one another, to acknowledge the wrongs of the past. We can’t undo them, but we can learn from them and move forward with conviction toward that more perfect union.


I strongly encourage every American to experience the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow. You will encounter the living chapters that never made it into our high school history books. See with your own eyes, walk on a bridge no books can provide, connect and get spiritual blessings.


Today, I give thanks for all the soul-conscious people in my life who inspire me to be a better human being and I pray through my work that I have offered the same.


Positivity is a necessity.


 
 
 

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