Mass highlights traditions, culture of Catholic American Indians

Published: 2007-08-10

PORTLAND, Ore. (CNS) -- A drum, a Lakota song and a smoke blessing were just a few of the ceremonial traditions that were part of a Mass this summer at St. Andrew Church in northeast Portland celebrating the culture of American Indians and highlighting their contributions to Catholicism in the Northwest. Jhon Goes in Center from South Dakota entered the church playing a drum, which in American Indian culture symbolizes a rhythmic heartbeat that connects everything -- animals, trees, humans -- to collectively make them "in tune" with creation. Goes in Center, a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe, also sang a Lakota song, "Tate' Topa Olowan," or "Four Directions." It addresses each direction -- west, east, north and south -- and the Great Spirit above and Grandmother Earth below. Ted Skinner, a member of the Gros Ventre tribe who lives in Montana, followed Goes in Center with a decorated staff. It is carried at the beginning of a sacred procession to represent the people present who are giving themselves to God.

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