If you look at the stars long enough in a culture of subsistence, you see, that stars wobble every 27,000 and the earth has moved since the tsunamie in Japan, just a few inches in the sky is bigger than our space in space…It is, as if, it was still long ago, inside this Dakota camp, that time stood still, that past, present, and future where not a part of it, but, that cannot be on this planet called earth. There were over 600 tipi’s, some of animal skins, some canvas, and pleanty of horses, all gathered together. a tiny nation hidden deep within this big coulee, It looked alike a hand, with five fingers spreading out from the palm of a huge hand, approriately called ‘Five Fingers Lodge’. But, don’t look for it, it is not on any map, even the local folks don’t know about it, you will never be able to find this secret place, only a select few, even know of it’s existence. Not visible from the land all around it, only from the sky above can it be seen, but, the trees, hills make it invisible, the world has gone instant with cyberspace and mass communication, wars and sickness growing with no end or cures, if you were to happen upon it would think it was just a pow-wow or traditional tiyospaye of Dakota oyate, some sort of insignificant celebration of some kind, you know, how those Indians do like their gatherings! There is four smaller circles in the fingers with a large semi-circle with an opening to the east. First thing one notices is a extra large tipi in the place of honor, centered with painted turtles. A blazing fire within creates a giant cone like candle of turtles. All are asleep and the firewood sizzling noise blends with the sounds of sleep. It is the time of sleep, which is part of dreamtime. When thousands of twinkling stars blink with sparkling anticipation in the dark abyss of morning time….
“Hiya, nooo!” screams the old man suddenly awakened from a deep sleep. Slowly sitting up while talking to himself or to whomever is listening, this is Sweet Grass, the old Dakota Chief and Holy Man, still vigorous sort in spite of over a century and decade of existence. He utters quietly, “Thunder and Lightning coming here!” With the dark clouds of raindrops that will deliver much pain, the great powers will mature out of the young storm of tomorrow.” There is a short silence…then a young voice responds, “Huh, what did you say, Grandfather?” Oh, please, do go back to sleep, it’s so early, Ok!!” He doesn’t reply even know who addressed him, for there is many people around him, it’s really an honor just to be in his presence. And, you know, that spirits surround him constantly, but, most not from where. Soon, the society will be returning, there will be a big gathering and dance for their wellbeing. The Turtle had told him where to find a large herd of elk nearby, when hunters returned with not enough game or food. But, is was way back when no one needed more because no one had less. They gave him the Sweet Grass, he has never had a last or christianized surname. In fact, there is no record of his existence, no birth certificate, never attended school, any hospital or form of work, not enrolled or any governmental list. He never was, but to his people, he was a gift. he was educated in the Dakota way, taught by the Chief, Headsmen, Elders, Medicine people, his grandmother and mother were always with him, until they had passed on, now, his granddaughter care for him, he was never alone, protected and provided for, day by day and year and year until now, 110 birthday it was September 11, 2001, he was told to wait for this date, for this day, of his birth, and this was that day! The 100th Grand Gathering of the Quiet Turtle Society. To be continued….