The Anti New Ager Pledge

Going back through our old posts, we found this gem. It no longer appears to exist on the internet, and regretfully, we have lost the name of the person who wrote it. If any of you know the original source of this pledge, please forward it to us and we will add the author's name and a link.

1. I recognize that New Age Imposters and Exploiters posing as Native Medicine People and Native Elders is a huge problem and very damaging to Native Peoples and Causes.

I realize now I contributed to that problem, perhaps unknowingly.

2. I recognize that TRUE Native Peoples, Native Activists, Native Medicine People, and Native Elders are overwhelmingly OPPOSED to such Impersonation, Exploitation, and Abuse.

I realzie now I contributed to that problem by Ignoring Native Voices in favor of empty feel-good beliefs or false versions of Native Ceremonies.

3. I recognize that New Age Imposters and Exploiters posing as Native Medicine People and Native Elders DISRUPT Native Communities by trying to build their own power bases and in some cases cults.

I pledge to avoid being part of or contributing money or support to such cults.

4. I recognize New Age Imposters and Exploiters posing as Native Medicine People and Native Elders spread RACIST STEREOTYPES of Native Peoples that make it hard for others to see Native Peoples as they TRULY are, diverse, adaptive, and unbeaten.

I pledge to no longer believe in or pass along such stereotypes.

5. I recognize now that New Age Imposters and Exploiters posing as Native Medicine People and Native Elders are very disrespectful towards Native Beliefs when they sell Native Ceremonies, or False or Inaccurate Versions of them, for profit to outsiders.

I pledge to NEVER PAY TO PRAY AGAIN.

This includes any and all:

Ceremonies (including Sun Dances, Sweatlodges, and Naming Ceremonies)
Workshops
Seminars
Readings
Healing Sessions
Apprenticeships

6. I recognize that Ceremonies are VERY SACRED THINGS, and potentially, VERY DANGEROUS if done by those who are not Trained, Authorized, or Respectful.

I realize that Native Ceremonies have NO Place or Value outside of the Traditional Context of their Native Communities, or practiced by Outsiders with little understanding of their History or Place.

I PLEDGE TO NEVER SEEK TO TRY TO BECOME A WANNABE NATIVE OR SHAME- ON, or to pay someone seeking to exploit my misplaced desires.

7. I Do Hereby Pledge to Always Listen to Native Voices First, and to Show Respect and Honor for Native Peoples, Beliefs, Values, Traditions, and Cultures by Working WITH Them on This and Other Issues, and Not by Working AGAINST Them Based on Misplaced, Selfish, or Fantasy Images of What I Would Like Them To Be.