|
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.
|
|
