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Inter-Tribal Council of California, Inc.

 

Essie Parrish, Kashaya Pomo Spiritual Leader

An Oration in Front of The Center Pole, Strawberry Festival: May 4, 1972

“These things we do, they speak of who we are, and the families we’re from, and about our relatives too. We are not just one person; we are many. In just one, there is the whole tribe, and our ancestors too. White people call this “history” or “tradition”, or something like that. I heard it said in the white church that a man is known by his works. This is true. I was educated about this by the Spirit in my dreams, and it’s true.

People from different places will know about us by what we do; the things we say; how we act to each other; and how we act around those people when we are among them.

Always do what you can. Learn all that’s in you, and bring it out for the people to see, especially the children so they won’t give up along the way.

Show the white people who we really are. Show them that we have minds too. Our people have talents. People think because we’re not like them, we’re not smart. But, they’re not like us; are they dumb too?

When our Heavenly Father created us, He gave us our minds too, not just our bodies. He gave us a great gift when He gave us our minds. Because our minds come from His, it’s special; it’s sacred. Our minds are sacred, and we have a duty to it. Never forget this. Always do your best because we can. Our teacher is the First Teacher and the Leader of all the Teachers. So don’t say you can’t. Don’t hide your talents. Bring them out of your minds for everybody to see.”