      
The following statement was written by Justin Wing a few days before
he went into the hospital on about June 24, 2004. He died on July
08, 2004. He was an inmate at Montana State Prison who tried to help
the young Native American inmates learn and follow their traditional
ways.
In the memory of this traditional warrior, who wanted very much to
help his People, I would like to fulfill one of his last requests:
that his statement be relayed to you and that it be taken into consideration.
I humbly ask that you help fulfill this last request. Please read
and take into your hearts what he wishes you to know.
Thank you,
Sue Buck
Statement from Justin Wing
June 2004
My name is Justin Wing, chairman of the High Side Prayer Warriors.
I have been asked to inform the Prayer Warrior's Supporters just exactly
what the High Side Prayer Warrior's Cultural Group represents.
In the struggle of the Native American People, one is reminded of
the Great Chiefs: Redcloud, Bigfoot, Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.
Their Honor and Dignity in placing their people's customs, beliefs
and traditions, before all else, has surpassed our great leaders to
come and live in each member of the Prayer Warriors Society.
With that honor and dignity in mind, the High Side Prayer Warriors
created the Cultural Group to ensure the survival of our Native American
customs, and traditions through cultural enrichment. Through the creation
of volunteer support teams of: Spiritual Leaders, Speakers, Traditional
Dancers, Singers and Drum Groups that will come and teach our youth
the beauty and meaning of our customs, traditions, languages and music
of the Native American Tribes. To see the glow of our Grandfathers
form in a younger Brother as he speaks and learns the words of the
old, is truly a sight to be held. To see the pride shine forth as
that young Brother says the same words of his Grandfathers.
In ensuring the survival of the Native People's heritage, the High
Side Prayer Warriors have created a program called "Give Aways"
that give back into the community that honor individuals upon the
reservations who have attended and completed their education studies
in college. Presenting them with a beaded Feather to show in their
hours of doubt in studying didn't go unnoticed and the pride of their
People is in their accomplishments.
Part of this program of "Give Aways" is the donation of
items such as earrings, key chains, chokers, drawings, dance sticks
and horse hair items to benefit auctions of the needy upon the reservations
and a board to ensure that the elderly, the sick, and the youth are
looked after which is traditional within the tribes.
Even with this, the High Side Prayer Warriors realize the need to
plan, promote and give whatever aid is necessary to create and maintain
self-help treatment programming such as chemical dependency and anger
management as seen through the Native American prospective for reintegration
into the communities - with the help of our supporters, we hope to
do so.
With the establishment of the High Side Prayer Warriors Cultural Group,
it will give the Native American population at Montana State Prison
pride in their heritage, which will become the most rehabilitative
incentive for them because it gives them their identity back. After
that, they don't have any reason to get into traps like drugs and
alcohol which is why most of them are in prison in the first place.
This program will enable the High Side Prayer Warriors Society Council
to conduct the main purpose of rehabilitation through cultural awareness
in Native American Culture and traditions.
           
|