Hana stood up in New Zealand's Parliament on January 4th 2024 to give what was to be her maiden speech, but something very different and surprising came out of her mouth and she was joined by others in the room. The video went viral and shows Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke in Parliament as a new member “performing” in her Indigenous language and style from Aotearoa (New Zealand) a haka’. (Link below in credits) A haka’, to the Māori people of Aotearoa (Land of the Long White Cloud), is a traditional way to excite warriors on a battlefield, but there are different styles for different occasions. An elder of the people, a rangatira has come forward to say, “The young 21 year-old was performing an angry war haka’ and it was very inappropriate for that setting at that time.” The Māori Dictionary Te AKA translates rangatira to be a male or female chieftain, or chieftainess. But because there are many chiefs at this time, translation to best suit the speaker is leader of leaders in their te reo mother-tongue. The dictionary continues to define rangatira as individuals who have, concern for the integrity and prosperity of the people, the land, the language and other cultural treasures (e.g. oratory and song poetry), and an aggressive and sustained response to outside forces that may threaten these. He went on further to say that although the young woman is from Aotearoa, she does not live on the North Island with the people and she attends a private school in Australia where she presently lives. Rangatira ended his thoughts on a solemn note by saying that most members of Parliament do not live in Aotearoa. That alone is a concern for many New Zealanders along with the fact the current Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, lives in Fiji. To watch the video of Hana, one witnesses the power of the haka.’ It can be mesmerizing. Most are not used to hearing such unabashed emotion expressed so powerfully in voice, body, and spirit in anyone, let alone a woman in a politically controlled environment. But it is the traditional way of the people of Aotearoa to sing (waiata) strong with heart. They keep their histories, their culture, and the wisdom of their people in their traditional songs, ceremonies and language. The Māori do not have a word for ceremony. In an effort to be clear, we turn once more to the Māori Dictionary to translate English thoughts and words into a more concise understanding. Sacred ceremony would be puaroa, meaning sacred and whāinga translates to: pursuit, aim, goal, objective, purpose. Indigenous people around the world have sadly lost much of their culture in-part due to faulty translations. Taking the time to be clear is a necessity. We are reminded as humanbeings that those who create spectacles, although gain fast attention, are not always wise. The young do well to listen and learn from their elders now more than ever for it is a critical time in human history. There is great accountability for every action taken and every word spoken. May we be mindful, respectful, and kind. Author Kristen Farquhar Lady Freedom Circle Website www.somaticsoundtherapeutics.com www.facebook.com/EnvironmentalVoice/ Photograph Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke performed a haka during her maiden speech in Parliament. Source: AP / Mark Mitchell Pictured, Hana looks to be wearing a Black Watch Scottish Tartan which is an "open tartan," meaning anyone can wear it regardless of clan ties. It is known as a symbol of bravery. Article New Zealand SBS News https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/meet-new-zealands-youngest-mp-whose-parliamentary-war-cry-went-viral/tewa1dqqo Video Youtube link for Haka’ In Parliament https://youtu.be/zf2qCAyBVhc?si=-kKjU4XXJVhjhD4q
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The Lady of Freedom can be seen above in the cold blue skies of December. She watches on with her eagle on-high while the new Capitol Christmas Tree stands quietly below. This fine tree arrived November 17, 2023 from its home in the Greenbrier Ranger District in West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest. For some, the tall evergreen echos the Great White Pine, symbol of the Great Law of Peace; that which inspired our democracy and was brought forth by the Iroquois Confederacy, First Nation people of the Northeast. Relationships abound for those with eyes to see. Every year, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is responsible for finding a Christmas Tree for the grounds. Since 1970, they have had a tradition with the United States Forest Service that they are provided a tree for the Christmas holidays. This year of 2023, a beautiful 63 foot Norway Spruce Tree was chosen and something quite out of the ordinary occurred…. A special name was bestowed upon the tree by the Shawnee First Nation People from their own language. The noble evergreen was given the name “wa’feem’tekwi”— pronounced as “wa thame tech we”— which translates to “bright tree” in English. “We are grateful for the strong relationship the Eastern Region of the Forest Service has with the Shawnee Tribe,” said Regional Forester Gina Owens. “And we deeply appreciate the name they have bestowed on the tree that (was) harvested from Monongahela National Forest this holiday season.” The Shawnee are part of an ancient Algonquian language that was spoken by the original people (Nacotchtank, or Anacostans) of the city of Washington area making “wa thame tech we” in perfect and peaceful resonance with the land. May she shine bright for many! Link to the full article is in credits. Author Kris Farquhar Lady Freedom Council Photograph Nancy Drew Lady of Freedom website: www.katyamiller.com Link for article: Shawnee Tribe Names 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mnf/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1141169 The Statue of Freedom, also known as Freedom and America, stood caged before our very eyes above the Capitol building in Washington during the recent month of October. Raised up during the Civil War in 1863, she has always beckoned for us to see her, but to no avail. Perhaps we needed to see our ourselves first and America. No coincidences, right? She came down from her pedestal May 9th of 1993 to be fully restored having been up for almost 130 years. She was returned to her place above the dome on October 23, 1993 - 30 years ago! I find that synchronistic as I saw her October 22nd and was amazed at the metaphoric imagry: caged/freedom/America. The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) states on their website, This project was last completed fall 2023. If we replace the word “project” with “America,” then she is now complete! Scaffolding was taken down October 27th. She, Lady Freedom, also known as America, is now FREE! Just before this special day, Congressman Steve Scalise, House Majority Leader, while introducing the new House Speaker Mike Johnson on October 25th, pointed at Lady Freedom and said this: " ...Those are the principles (referring to the faith held by Mike Johnson) that make this country so great. Those are the principles that cause people who believe in freedom all around the world to look up at that Statue of Freedom as a beacon of hope for all the world." Gratitude to you Mr. Scalise for seeing and honoring the Lady of Freedom. She was recognized as a Symbol of World Peace and Freedom by the State of Hawaii H.R. #406 in 1989. May her beacon of hope light up the world for many. Author Kris Farquhar Lady Freedom Council Photograph Public Domain Government Live Webcam To hear the full speech by Steve Scalise and he speaks more on Lady Freedom: https://youtu.be/4VYoswL3SPA?si=jhu_lC97kVEf76By To learn more about Lady Freedom see www.katyamiller.com To read more about her cleaning: https://www.aoc.gov/what-we-do/projects/statue-freedom-conservation
Lady Freedom watches o'er the country from atop the Capitol Building in Washington. She heralds in Constitution Week: September 17-23, 2023! What's quite amazing is that this week, dedicated to the signing of the Constitution for the United States, also includes International Day of Peace on the 21st, Native American Day on the 22nd and the Autumn Equinox on the 23rd! International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 and is observed throughout the world. The intention has always been to support non-violence and to build a culture around peace. Native American Day is celebrated by several states in September while others recognize the First Nation People on other days throughout the year. To honor Indigenous People of the North American Continent during Constitution Week seems right and good. Their history is important to America's history. The Iroquois/Haudenosaunee Confederacy in particular were instrumental in inspiring the Founding Fathers in the creation of the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. The last day, Autumn Equinox is a powerful time when the solar light and darkness is in balance. The time has been noted and celebrated by many people and the ancient ones around the world for millennia. There are no coincidences. It is a good week to celebrate what some have called the greatest human document ever written: The United States Constitution. Author Kris Farquhar Lady Freedom Council Photograph Public Domain Creative Graphics Lady Freedom website: www.katyamiller.com ,
I find the title unsettling, let alone the subject, especially after reading the opening paragraph on the United Nation’s website: Enforced disappearances has frequently been used as a strategy to spread terror within the society... So why use the words in the title? Our words are important. International Day for the Victims of Non-Consensual Disappearances might be a better name for the day and it honors them with our attention. We need no more terror within our societies. We need solutions. Who are the victims? The people who have been taken, abducted “without their consent” and this includes the high numbers of those trafficked for non-consensual sex and labor. Victims are also the families and friends of the person who has disappeared. Entire communities can be affected from the loss of loved ones. Eagle eyes are needed in every community. We do well to be awake and aware of how profuse this problem is, and we need to be able to act quickly. Know who in your neighborhood you can trust. Be vigilant. This crime against humanity is insidious how it hides in plain sight. Our Sheriffs have taken oaths to serve the people as Peace Officers. Click that hyperlink and know who they are, and when a person is found, let us envision a series of wellness steps in place for the individual and their family’s support, recovery and bright health. In 2021, the United States was recorded to have the largest number of missing persons in the world according to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). In 2022, they published a list that shows the 10 states with the highest number of missing persons.
May a new awareness of this day arise and ultimately assist to eradicate the problem and put solutions into the hands of the people. Things must and will change. World population: https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/missing-persons-statistics-by-country The List: https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/missing-persons-by-state Author: Kris Farquhar Lady Freedom Council Photographer: rawpixel Partner Website: Lady Freedom: www.katyamiller.com July 30-World Day Against Trafficking In Persons
The fact that child trafficking and slavery exists today at such a prolific rate in our communities, country and our world is a difficult and uncomfortable truth to accept. But we must see it for what it is, or it will continue to devour us and all of humanity. Human trafficking, or what is also called, trafficking in persons, is the fastest growing and most prolific business in the world. There are three different kinds of trafficking according to Tim Ballard, former CIA member and undercover operator for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS): 1) slave labor 2) organ harvesting 3) sex trafficking. The statistics are staggering at 30 million world-wide with men, women and children being used against their will under horrific and inhuman conditions. Women are number one at being trafficked, and children closely follow. Ballard also states that it’s even worse when one considers the number of children outside the commercial sex trade which involves abuse. Two million children were reported to be in the commercial sex trade by the state department in 2008. The numbers are thought to be much worse now due to the present state of the border between the United States and Mexico. The Washington Examiner reported in March of 2021 that traffickers at the border make up to 14 million dollars a day moving adults and children. Ballard tells us there are 85,000 unaccompanied minors coming across the border and thousands of them are “5 years old and younger.” It must stop. Studies show the United States to be the number one consumer of child exploitation and we are consistently in the top three for destination countries for human trafficking. An ugly and incomprehensible truth that can never be hidden again. In the past three years, leaders of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, also known as the Iroquois Six Nations, faced Justin Trudeau Prime Minister of Canada, their Parliament, and the Pope demanding accountability and restitution regarding the horrific mass graves of their children and babies found at Canada’s Residential Schools. We must bring the light of truth into this dark subject and be silent no more. Let us rally as one humanity. There is hope and great strength in the union of our good hearts and minds. The Lady of Freedom atop the Capitol dome in Washington is a Heart Center for World Peace, Freedom and Mother Law, which is Universal Law. If you suspect someone in danger, or you, yourself needs help, there is a toll free number to call. Also check your own states’ status in regards to a Human Trafficking Task Force. Begin there. The suffering must end, especially with the children. National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888. Call from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. Author: Kris Farquhar Lady Freedom Circle Photographer: Unknown Partner Website: Lady Freedom: www.katyamiller.com July 28, 2022 - Quebec, Canada As Onkwehoweh, we continue to suffer historic injustices that will no longer be tolerated. The Papal State visit a week ago with Rarihwawakon (Pope), the Governor General and Prime Minister of Canada were superimposed upon by the Vatican Agenda that was set to silence us. As a small delegation of Haudenosaunee who were invited to speak at three events to Rarihwawakon (the pope), we were denied our right to speak in the final minutes of the first event. However, in a dinner with the Bishops of Canada, we created a stir, and in the survivor’s session on the last day of his Pilgrimage of Penance, a young Wolf Clan Mohawk Mother, Kaianahawis, broke through the colonial papal wall and took the necessary time to express our deep grievances with the so-called apology and the complete lack of respect and action. Our mission is political as our focus is to revoke the Doctrine of Discovery. The fact remains that this law, imported by settlers of the old world, was forced upon Indigenous peoples and is still firmly entrenched in our reality past and present. We deny its restrictions and inhumanity. The Doctrine of Discovery is the law that dispossesses our lands through mere discovery and false conquest. It continues to prevent our rightful and human existence. The Doctrine is the basis for in- coming wealth acquired by the countries that straddle our territories and is also the decree that ordered our genocide through Government legislated policy. The police and the church were paid to carry out the executions of our children. The cradle boards that represented our Cradle Board Mandate brought before Canada’s Parliament in July of 2021, accompanied us. They were NOT gifts to be presented to the pope during the Vatican visit back in March nor were they gifts this time in Quebec City. The cradleboards kept our focus and they came home with us, the mothers. They are a symbol of the babies taken and who are still not home. Personally, I never wanted to meet Rarihwawakon. As Iakoiane (clanmother), I needed to go on behalf of our precious babies that never had a chance to be loved. We want the seventh generation to know that despite the military might of the colonial papal-powers and their harsh, dark criticisms — we had to show up. To the seventh generation, you must know, we love you enough to rattle these historical moments the same way our ancestors did for us seven generations ago. We were not silent and fought like hell to make your unborn voices heard. RESCIND THE DOCTRINE! Author: Wakerakats:te, Iakoiane of Roiane Tehanakari:ne Bear Clan Mother of the Mohawk Nation Council Louise Bear Herne Photograph: Katsitsionni Fox Haudenosaunee Bear Clan Artist & Filmmaker The Mothers of Nation’s Gathering that took place in early May this year was a powerful time of growth and introspection for all who were present. We gathered on Akwesasne Mohawk Territory in upper-state New York. Thank you to all who made our journey possible. It was an honor and a privilege to be on that land - land where the Great Law of Peace was first spoken — and to be under the “wings” of the Mohawk Bear Clan Mother. So many have strayed from our natural earth roots and cycles. However, mature women are reminded every month as their bodies respond to the call to carry life, or not. The gathering reminded me of what it means to be a mother of not only one child, but of a community, and the responsibility that comes along with that role, especially in these times of great change. Lady Freedom Council is very grateful to have been invited. Many others across the Americas and the Old World were also invited, for each carries a nation, (a community) unto themselves. But we all gathered as one heart in one purpose for the one Earth to convene and commemorate Mother Law and what that means to bring back into our nation and our world. Louise Bear Herne, Bear Clan Mother of the Mohawk Nation Council says it best in the words that follow…. MOTHERS OF NATIONS In Unity ushers in Mother Law and upholds an Ancestral Agreement that many people in the World have forgotten. We are each Mothers of a Nation. We come from an intricate woven Web of Women's Wisdom. We are the matriline of every life-giving ancestor and a descendant of Mothers. We hold the great wisdom of the cosmos and carry the seeds of creation within us. We are our Mother, the Earth, and she is us. We are Creation, we are Life. Restore the Heart of the Mother. When you live in a feminine world, there is LOVE, there is EQUALITY, there is BALANCE... NO MAN GOES HUNGRY. Protect her and she will provide. Author: Wakerakats:te, Iakoiane of Roiane Tehanakari:ne Bear Clan Mother of the Mohawk Nation Council Louise Bear Herne Author: Kris Farquhar Lady Freedom Council Photograph: Katsitsionni Fox Haudenosaunee Bear Clan Artist & Filmmaker Partner Website: www.katyamiller.com Haudenosaunee: People of the Long House Revisit Independence Hall May 12, 2022 |
Author: Kristen Farquhar is a Holistic Health & Arts Practitioner, book illustrator and
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