Onondaga Nation
August 9-14, 1981
via Nedrow, New York

COMMUNIQUE NO. 3
Since Communique No. 1 was drafted, dealing with Indian medicine men and their activities here and in foreign lands, we have received complaints of abuses by individuals and organizations, such as:

1. Medicine bags being sold to non-Indians and Indians.
2. Sweat Lodges being run by Indians for non-Indians, particularly in Europe, but not exclusively.
3. Exorbitant prices, as much as $250 per individual per sweat.
4. Instructions on the use of the sacred pipe given to non-Indians for a price.
5. Sundances being run in West Germany by a Lakota.
6. Seminars on Indian medicine being run by Indians and non-Indians for high fees.
7. Exploitation and abuses of sacred medicines of great power, with damaging results mentally and physically for those participating.
8. Commercialization of Indian ceremonies through books, films, seminars, instructions, and sales of sacred symbols.
9. Exploitation of Indian and non-Indian people seeking spiritual security, through Indian ceremonies.
10. Non-Indian individuals professing to be Indian through dress and insinuation.
11. Foundations established in the name of Traditional Elders and tribes without accounting to Elders.
12. The sacred drum is being abused by singing groups who drink and use drugs while using the drum, by singing sacred songs in public, by using different NationsĘ songs with the wrong drum, and by performing at public occasions for large fees. The drum is sacred, and must be treated with respect.

This list of abuses and exploitations of the sacred ceremonies and symbols of the Native people of this Turtle Island has been documented, and further investigation is currently being carried on to verify these accusations.

The Elders Circle is gravely concerned since the welfare of all people, and their future, is threatened by these abuses for personal gain. We ask further response from people who feel that they have been victimized by these activities.

The power of Native Medicine is through the spiritual purity of the ceremony conducted by the Native person who has been chosen by the medicine to do this. One cannot buy this at any price, and anyone who offers this, especially to non-Indians for fees, defrauds not only the victim but also themselves.

Contact will be made with those concerned, and the results will be made known to the people.

Daw Nay Toh

The Elders Circle
Onondaga Nation
via Nedrow, New York