As Chief Crowfoot said,” Life is like the breathe of a Buffalo on a cold winter day, or the Flash of a Fire Fly on a warm, summer evening or the shadows vanishing before the setting sun!”
It was just a little over 30 years ago that our Tiospaye (Extended Family) was blessed by a beloved baby girl, who was named by my father Mato Gi, Brown Bear, Phil Lane Sr., Ampa’o’win, Day Break Star Woman, Deloria Dawn Lane Many Grey Horses. As her sisters before her, Ampa’o’win was born with an undefeatable Spirit an a soft, loving compassionate and courageous heart.
Franco and Deloria have been together now for more than three years. During this time they have traveled through the US, Canada, Venezuela and an extended time together working throughout SE Asia building Deep Social Networks with Indigenous and Ethnic Minority Young People! They are deeply in love or as my beloved Mother used to say, two peas in a pod!
As is our tradition, Deloria and Franco went to each of their parents to ask for our formal approval of their marriage. We all deeply appreciated this old tradition and gave them our utmost approval and support!
As I discussed with Franco’s parents last night, we both agree that a marriage is a not only a union between two individuals, but between two families, as well! So through the coming weekend our Tiospaye will grow to include South America!
I have been praying for the fulfillment of the Reunion of the Condor and Eagle for many years and now it is happening again before my eyes, as it did in the marriage of Deloria’s older sister Joslynn with her beloved husband Kris Santa Cruz whose roots reach deep into the Indigenous Peoples of Mexico! My heart is happy!
With other members of our Tiospaye joining in marriage and spiritual relationships with the great Tribes and Nations of Africa, Mesopotamia, and my beloved wife and son having cherished roots in Thailand and China, our Tiospaye now embraces, as it was in our beginning when we all stood under the shadowing protection of the Tree Of Life, all cherished Members of one Human Family.
For all of these heartfelt gifts and blessings I give my full thanksgiving to the Creator of all Good Things! May we all sleep well, have good dreams and good days!
With Warm and Loving Greetings and Thanksgiving,
Brother Phil Lane Jr., Ihanktonwan Dakota and Chickasaw Nations (Including some French and English in the background)