MY ANCESTORS

"The national park idea has been nurtured by each succeeding generation of Americans. Today, across our land, the National Park System represents America at its best. Each park contributes to a deeper understanding of the history of the United States and our way of life; of the natural processes which have given form to our land, and to the enrichment of the environment in which we live."

George B. Hartzog, Jr., NPS Director, 1964-1972

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
March 15, 2013

His words are true, but they don't include the depth of Turtle Islands' worlds of community and ceremonies and stories that held the world together. My people and hundreds of other tribes held the world together for thousands of years, and the feeling we, in general get, and I, in particular, receive in these tributes from the visitors is non-inclusive, and saddens my spirit.

I know my ancestors feel these emotions. They come to us at different times in the sacred lodges, walks in the open spaces, during Tobacco exchanges and ceremonies, a child's play in the forest somewhere. They always talk to us who listen, and to those who don't they talk anyway. It is the way of our People. - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 5.5.13