Let us know peace.

For as long as the moon shall rise,

For as long as the rivers shall flow,

For as long as the sun shall shine,

For as long as the grass shall grow,

Let us know peace.

~ Cheyenne Prayer

A global one-hour synchronized praying event has been arranged to enable people all over the world to silently unite in support of the demonstration against the Dakota Access Pipeline currently ongoing at Standing Rock.

There is the option to attend one of many organized meets taking place in various locations across America, or to collectively and peacefully pray with clear intention alone, or in a group, from any place in the world.

The Native Americans believe in the power of prayer and dance, and they practice it as a way to enlist spirits to act on their behalf. Instead of using physical force or aggressive means to defend their way of life, they engage in peaceful activity.

One of the Native American’s most well-known sacred dances is known as the “Ghost Dance.”

This healing ceremony arose from the vision of the Paiute prophet, Wovoka. Wovoka prophesized the dance, which has unified Native American tribes, is capable of inciting an apocalypse resulting in the peaceful end of white American colonialism. Their faith holds that it could also bring forth the resurrection of indigenous people and the renewal and regeneration of Mother Earth, returning it to a primordial state of natural beauty.

Unfortunately, the Ghost Dance has a tragic history since the military opened fire on those who were dancing at Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge Reservation on December 29, 1890.

Two-hundred-ninety people were massacred that day, mostly unarmed Sioux men, women and children, including many who were relentlessly pursued as they tried to flee, and also resulted in the death of Sitting Bull, leader of the Strong Heart warrior society.

Since then the Native Americans were forced to disarm, and dance was rarely performed, as it instilled fear in the military and the Native Americans did not want to risk history repeating itself. However, the dance lives on with many tribes still ritually performing it, and others include its essence in their prayers.

The Standing Rock Sioux tribe is aware that the dance is feared, and so far there have been no known accounts of the dance being performed, likely as they won’t want to risk any retaliation against their ancient rituals.

Standing Rock is the birthplace and home of Sitting Bull, who is remembered by the Native Americans as an inspirational leader and fearless warrior.

“Memory is long in Indian Country. The ghost of Sitting Bull watches over the protectors. At night, drums thud to the fire’s glow, and the Northern Lights arc across the open sky. There is singing, ululation, laughter, and prayer. As you drift into sleep, you just might hear the hope and promise of a Ghost Dance of the Great Plains whisper through the buffalo grass.” 

The Standing Rock Sioux tribe pray with the words “Mni Wiconi” which translates to “Water is Life” to tackle threats to their land and water.

A Prayer Camp has been set up at Standing Rock in opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline construction and people from all over the world have travelled to show their support. For those unable to travel, it is believed that joining them in prayer will assist in delivering peace, strength, wisdom, deliverance and justice.

“As the winter comes, the water protectors are not giving up. Their movement is part of a long history of struggle. And regardless of what brutal force it faces, it isn’t going away.” ~ Jake Ratner

Please click here for a link to the Standing Rock prayer event on Facebook.

Please click here for a link to your time zone so that you can be in sync with the prayers

Please share on social media using the hashtag #PraywithStandingRock

This is a synchronized moment of Prayer across the world to express appreciation for Mother Earth, Clean Water and the Water Protectors at Standing Rock.

~

Author: Alex Myles

Image: Video Still

Editor: Travis May