Russian Ice Dancers Recieve Unwarented Racism from Australian Aboriginal Leaders

(source) Macleans Magazine Canada-Feb 8th edition. Section: Newsmakers

CoachCanada, I quote;

"Russian champion ice dancers Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin wowed European judges with their program based on Australian Aboriginal music and dress, but they face a uncertain welcome at Olympic competition in Vancouver. Their costumes, dark-toned bodysuits decorated with paint, eucalyptus leaves and red loincloths, have enraged Australian Aboriginal leaders. Spokesman for four Olympic host First Nations in B.C. have already said they want to meet with the skaters to discuss issues of cultural sensitivity."

I am part Native Cree, born in B.C. And this is what I have to say about this story. Firstly, I will speak about the "Truths".

I use the word Free for understanding to all non-Natives, and some Natives as well. Neither the word 'free' nor any corresponding term occurs in the root languages of North America, in the primal concept: there never was anything for the Native to free himself from. When one was taken from one tribe, if you adopted their ways you became son, daughter, husband or wife with all rights. If not escape in the way of your choice. But for easier understanding here are some truths that were so ingrained they never had to be discussed; They were Known.

All the People have the right to Live Free- this is a Sacred Truth.
All the people have the right to Freedom of Choice- this is a Sacred Truth.
All the people have the right to Freedom of Expression- this is a Sacred Truth.
All the people have the right to Pursue and Express their Spirituality- this is a Sacred Truth.

All the people have the right to Sing, and to live a life Worthy of Song.

"If it is not of the Spirit, it is not Native." The Grandfathers have said so.

These are just a few of the "Truths" relating to this story. I believe the four spokesman from the B.C. First Nations should visit the Aboriginal leaders to teach them our "Truths". And remind them of theirs; unless they themselves have forgotten them. I will relate this story to the path as I have learned.

As a man, if I spend time with a different Tribe, or just see a person from a different Tribe. And something about the Tribe's appearance (hairstyle, dress, art, songs, dance etc.) appealed to me. I can without a second glance from my Tribe adopt this new way of looking, singing, or dancing etc. In fact some of my Brothers and Sisters would also like the new way I look or dance and join in. This is one of the Sacred Truths and one of the most important parts of (our), at least my Native Cultural; path.

"No one Man's way is better than another." The Grandfathers have said so.

The American Native, before Columbus, was one of the remnants of a very Ancient race. A race that had started spreading across the world some 100,000 to 60,000 years ago depending on who's scientific theory you adhere to. We are truly "One Race" with different skin tones, facial features, and beliefs; but at one time the "Truths" were known to all Tribes of Human-Beings." The American Natives had attained perhaps the highest working concept of individualism ever attained and practiced by a group of Human-Beings on earth.

Secondly, this applies to "US" all. In the past (and now), whatever we needed to know, nature sooner or later revealed to us. And that what we desired to know--the best way to achieve our maximum spiritual potential--was the only mystery we choose to investigate, not the way of the mystic, or psychic powers but only our own spiritual growth.

In conclusion, if the two ice dancers from the Russian Tribe choose the ice to "sing their song" and they choose Aboriginal music and dress to sing (skate). No Tribe, man or women has the right to judge and say this is not good, or culturally insensitive. Painting your face Black and acting the fool. Now that was culturally insensitive. Big difference.

I would hope that the Australian Aboriginal leaders would talk and think about their position. If they are still angry I would understand and respect them. But they must understand the Olympics are in Canada; a free country. And I hope the Native leaders from B.C. respect the Russian's right to freedom of choice and expression in their choice of dance music and costume.

In My Village I Stand Alone--Together
When Hunting I Stand Alone--Together
In Battle I Stand Alone--Together

The Grandfathers have said so.

My thoughts, thank you for reading.