Itse Dugalu

In our nation there is one element of our heritage that is predominant above all others.  It is the least disputed element of all of us that has remained in tact since long before records were kept.  Our heritage is one of survival and as long as we survive we may continue to exclaim "We are not yet conquered."

Survival comes through adaptation by way of learning and growth.  We often reference the 4 directions to help us teach this principle.  By balancing ourselves in the 4 directions we find ourselves ready to move up to higher levels where we'll be able to perfect ourselves and attain true peace.

The East (White)

Here we learn our spirituality.  As Eagle flies to the higher place, closer to the realm of Unelanvhi, we in turn focus ourselves to the higher plane.

The South (Red)

In the wooded areas you'll find many social animals, not the least of which is Rabbit.  Although not without his faults, he teaches us that we need not exist on our own.  Our companionships build us up and help us to balance ourselves.

The West (Black)

As we watch the path of Nvda we anticipate the inevitability of nightfall as the sun reaches the west.  This direction reminds us of our own mortality and so tests our strength.  This goes for mind as well as physical prowess.  Our example of strength comes from Bear. 

The North (Blue)

Crowned with his wisdom Buck shows us the ways of knowledge and application in the north.

These 4 Directions teach us many things and are as poignant today as they ever were.  The Christians often recognize similar teachings in St. Luke 2:52

Ale Tsisa kanequotsise agatahnaiyu gesv ale advsgvi ale Unelanvhi ale yvwi gvwageyuhiyu gesvi.

Jesus grew in the 4 directions: stature/strength, wisdom/knowledge, grace with God and with man.

Modern Applications:

East

The great mystery of our existence is sometimes also called the great truth.  We do not always understand it but it is wisdom that we put forth a balanced effort to making the most of what we can of it.  The medicine ways of our people teach us to work together to lift each other up to the 7th height.  By understanding better the force that is life we can strengthen ourselves and then those around us by sharing what we have learned.  Our modern day Northern Cherokees affiliate with numerous religions, each according to his or her own conscience.  So long as the teachings of the religion are centered on exaltation (lifting ourselves) we are in harmony with the world around us.  It is wise that we remember that we cannot lift each other if we are condemning others based on differing answers to the same questions.

Participate with your local churches.  Learn from them and share what you learn with others.  Beware of the tricksters that are all around you and be sober in your decision making.  If you have questions do not be afraid to ask them.  If you have questions that you cannot find the answers to we urge you to consult with your local Elders.  They are good men who want to help you.   

South

Many of us live in mixed communities of immigrants and indigenous peoples.  What a great opportunity it is for us to share with our neighbors the traditions that have preserved us and our land for so many centuries.  It is important that we do not hide ourselves like we've done in the past.  This is a new era and a time when we are free to live as our ancestors would were they in our shoes.  As the principle people we are still required by our own birthright to lead our fellow man in the preservation efforts of the land that holds us up.

By spending time out serving the community in clean up projects, youth activities, caring for the needy and other similar activities we are living as the Elders of yester- year and as our modern day Elders council us.  There are always local opportunities to help and I urge you to seek out ways to contribute to your local towns.  Missouri is a beautiful state, let's help to make sure it stays that way.

As we are made aware of local events they will be posted on this link so that you can find out more about how to contribute. 

West

We are a people of independence.  We are a people of unity but we are not afraid to be individuals.  We speak the truth boldly and this is how it should be.  The strengthening of our selves as individuals is important for the over all well being of our nation.  One lesson from the west is that of self preservation.  As the sun sets we face death and decide to continue to survive or to walk to our own afterlives.  Life is one challenge after the next and the more we face these challenges the more truly we are alive.  Although we do not always successfully overcome these challenges we strengthen ourselves with each attempt and slowly become more able to succeed against the following challenges.  The more actively we approach our lives the greater the impact we will have on those around us. 

Another application of the West is to take care of your body.  Our people once lived well into their 90's on average and a man or woman of over 100 winters was not uncommon.  There are many explanations given for this and I will share a small number of them.

Anything that you put into your body should be considered carefully.  Avoid "white man's water" like the plague.  It is a poison and a blind fold.  Modern tobacco products are poisoned with chemicals that lead to cancers and heart failure.  Foods in their natural state should be consumed regularly.  Remember our diets of old that consisted of the 3 sisters, fruits, fish, deer, small mammals, etc.  Herbal teas and water once sufficed well for our people.

We also need to continuously use our bodies to keep them.  If you practice sitting than you will certainly be a proficient sitter, but can you still stand and walk?  There are stories of old of elders well into their 90's and older that would walk some 20 miles a day.  Our bodies do of course age but the deterioration is significantly less when you actively maintain it.

North

In the North we take the lessons of the other directions and apply them accordingly.  We learn from the North to ponder the questions and challenges of each of the other directions and to find resolutions. 

Each of the directions overlap one another to a lesser degree but it is in the North that we take in all of our other lessons and we pull them together.  In our modern days it is important that we take the time necessary to pursue our studies and set ourselves up to not be beguiled by the world around us.  For those of us who can still go to school and College it is always in your best interest to do so.  If you need help getting enrolled or are interested in doing so please do not hesitate to talk to your local Elders and Representatives.  You can still exercise your mind without going to school.  Taking the time to learn new things and by feeding your curiosity you are going to be able to maintain your mind in much the same way as you would your spirit, social abilities and strength.  If you don't use it you lose it.