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OUR BLOG

By Deer Tribe / In October 15, 2024

Dedicated To Those Who Are In Service

Not long ago I pulled out my archived copies of every DeerTracks issue since 1991 and took a journey forward through time from then to the present, remembering significant events along the way, the many apprentices and friends who have shared the journey, and how this Sweet Medicine SunDance Path and DTMMS have evolved and matured over the years.

One of the issues featured “Self Discovery Through Service.” It contained an excellent message from Thunder Strikes about maku. He said, “. . . maku manifests as serving one’s destiny, no matter the cost, and giving away one’s gifts of Beauty and excellence to self, life, and others.”

It became clear to me that the growth of this metis* Path and the journey of self-development and spiritual growth of every apprentice has been, and continues to be, empowered by the selfless give-away, the honoring of maku. There are too many to name here, so we offer deep gratitude to all who practice the give-away as part of their medicine** and their walk in this, their path with heart.

Inspired leaders give of their time and medicine knowledge to guide us in our gateway process and offer counsel as needed to empower our journey. These are not paid jobs. As we advance in our medicine and gateway work to advanced levels of leadership, guiding new apprentices is our maku duty, our return and give-away back to the Path and the Lineage. However, it is very easy to take these leaders, apprentice guides for example, for granted and expect them to always be at our beck and call. We must remember to respect their time and space and take every opportunity to show our appreciation.

Dedicated study group and lodge leaders step forward to share their knowledge with others, thus providing general access to the Medicine, teachings, and ceremonies. They create community and the gathering together circles where people can care for and empower each other.

A-Road person’s do receive payment for their teachings. However, they also give freely of their knowledge and time by monitoring ceremonies and supporting fledgling study groups and lodges in a myriad of ways, ever ready to answer questions and enrich our experiences.

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The manuals and gateway guide books would not have been produced if it weren’t for volunteers. In the early days, DTMMS did not have the financial means to pay everyone for their contributions. Volunteers gave their knowledge and medicine experience, compiled information and years of ceremonies and teachings from Thunder Strikes, wrote drafts, and edited manuscripts. This need still exists for volunteer help in this essential work.

The members of the DTMMS Board of Directors are volunteers who give of their time and expertise to guide the work of the organization. Their responsibilities ensure that the organization maintains standards of excellence in alignment with the Ten Dictates from the Elders Council, oversees management of DTMMS operations, and supports apprentices and leaders in many ways. 

The give-away to this Sweet Medicine SunDance Path and to all apprentices given by the Hereditary Lineage Leaders is huge. Dharma destiny tapped them on the shoulder. They have vowed to preserve and protect the lineage of this Path and accept the maku duty demanded of them. They are ultimately responsible for the integrity of the teachings and the evolution of this Path.

And finally, we offer the deepest gratitude to Thunder Strikes, as Naqual Elder and Medicine Chief of the Deer Tribe Metis Medicine Society, who was directed by the Twisted Hair Council of Elders many years ago to take the teachings of this Path out into the world. His maku was also his destiny, as his leadership and guidance were an integral part of his own gateway process and maturation of his soul’s journey. He was a Heyoehkah War Chief on the Council and we are the beneficiaries of the Elders’ wisdom and knowledge, coupled with his own, that he brought to us. 

Thunder Strikes is no longer with us in the physical as he stepped across back to the Great Round in 2013. He encouraged, inspired, and challenged all “to seek illumination, empowerment, and wisdom in order to produce Beauty and make a difference in the world.” 

At its highest level, that is what volunteering, the give-away in service, is all about. 

NOTE:

  • metis – of mixed blood, diverse origins. Used here as people from all races, creeds, religions, etc.; i.e. the melting pot of humanity
  • medicine – Not a reference to modern medical practice. Used here as our knowledge and shamanic practices by which we heal, care for, and teach one another, and foster inter-connectedness for mutual benefit and welfare.

By Jan Morris

Jan created and built DeerTracks from a small publication to a digital magazine, and also, working closely with Thunder Strikes, has written “Song of the Deer” and edited and released the book “Elder Wisdom”.
We send much appreciation to Jan for her maku; her vision, dedication, the countless hours given, exceptional communication skills, and gifted writing.

© DTMMS. All Rights Reserved. Material cannot be used without explicit written permission.

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