Goals

Here you can see a picture of some of the amazing children taking it all in at the Haidakhandi Universal Ashram Fire Ceremony in Crestone BACA. Most of these children attend our Ceremonies with their parents and really enjoy the sense of community and connection that comes with these spiritual Ceremonies.

        Oniyan Wakan Tipi began here at our home in the Crestone BACA with the intention of offering Indigenous teachings and Ceremonies.  There are so many wonderful spiritual paths to walk in this day and age, many of which are available right here in Crestone. What we see now is that many of the Native American people and teachings which were of this land have left with almost no trace of having existed. As we all know, the United States is a melting pot of people coming from all over the world. Many of us are a mixture of these varied ancestral roots and even have some Native American blood. Regardless of whether we have full, half, quarter or even a smidgen of Native blood or not, we all feel this connection to the Spirits who once honored, lived, and walked the land. Some of our ancestors may have been wonderfully balanced and peaceful people while some may have not. We feel that what really matters now is what is in our hearts. We are here to offer teachings and Ceremonies of the earth that were shared with us by individuals that we feel are carrying it in a sacred manner. The kinds of teachings and Ceremonies we are referring to are not watered down versions lacking integrity and credibility but are real traditions. We believe that these ways were tried and tested by our ancestors and we want to preserve what has been gifted to humanity. It is the future generations that will in fact be dealing with the condition that was formerly created by us. We really need to consider sharing and teaching ways that make sense, ways that honor our Mother Earth. After all, we are her children.

     Merging cultures can lead to a broader picture of this world that we share but also has a few drawbacks. This has many aspects to reflect upon. Isn’t it better to focus on one religion? To not get so scattered? If one were to never experience spirituality out of that familiar territory, then how would they really understand our world? Which part of my 10 different nationalities should I focus on today? Why are they learning my traditions and my language? I was raised by the television, What is my tradition? Great Mystery Alliance was created to help individuals of all colors to connect with the Great Mystery. It was formed to align everyone with this mysterious force and with all that is. We like to encourage unity among different cultures and feel really happy to offer our Ceremonies in a place that welcomes all traditions. It is up to each person to decide for themselves if one path is enhanced by experiences that come from a different place or if it really is better for them to stick with  one path. We are honoring these ancient ways that have been left for all of us and connecting with those Spirits that hear us through specific songs and rituals. What is really wonderful is the fact that we can do this and still honor each of our own individual backgrounds. We have seen these ways bring out the very best in each of us and it is our goal to continue this balance of honoring through Indigenous spiritual teachings and physical ancestral lineage.

     In this present day world we are bombarded by messages in the media through T.V., computers, magazines, billboards, and even schools which can make things even more confusing. It seems that this invasion on all of our bodies, minds, and Spirits really is a scary fact about these present times, especially when one considers the fact that many don’t even notice it is happening. As one enters Crestone it is plain to see that there are no billboards, no Wal-Mart, and not much of anything. Oniyan Wakan Tipi is far enough out that you have to drive 15 minutes from our land just to get to the small town of Crestone.  The air and water is of such a pristine quality that it is extremely beneficial for the physical body. This is one of the few places left on Earth that truly has that “untouched” feeling. The history of the land in the San Luis Valley includes migratory Native people who came to Crestone for healing and to seek visions. It is possible to really clear yourself of many conditions of the mind and even Spirit entities through the life changing Ceremonies that we facilitate as well as those we sponsor with experienced teachers. What we like to refer to as “getting out of the box” is one of our goals here. You can pitch a tent on our land or stay in our tipi and there you are, out of your cozy little box and experiencing the time of your life!

 

Short Term Goals (within 3 years):

- Assembling a crew of people able to perform Yuwipi Ceremonies

- Filling empty surrounding homes with O.W.T. participants

- Creating a grassy flat land with rock retaining walls for sweat lodges, fire pit, and open meeting area

- At least one permanent tipi and sweat lodge, maybe more

- Getting more work done on our home so that it feels less crowded and has a “finished feeling”

- Getting those bowls we’ve been talking about for Sacreds

- Having the support we need to efficiently facilitate  Ceremonies

- Including the children in ritual procedures and offering services such as children’s sweat lodges.

- Teaching and offering Indigenous Ways to various interested youths in the community

- Drawing dedicated individuals into our song troupe

- Drawing spiritual people into our Ceremonies

- Drawing people who are in need of what we offer and are willing to contribute in ways that are appropriate

- Assistance in travelling to places that are in need of what we offer

- Continued health and growth for body, mind, Spirit in a good way for all dedicated at O.W.T.

- Sponsoring Teachers and Leaders to come to O.W.T.  for various Indigenous Ceremonials and teachings

- Vision Quest occurring here at O.W.T.

- Greenhouse/Underground Ceremonial Structure

Long Term Goals (within 10 years):

- Purchasing the land behind our home and also within the general area

- A tipi village for people to stay on our land

- Finished home

- A strong and dedicated core group

- Fully participating and enthusiastic youth (this includes our children)

- O.W.T. becomes a larger group of individuals willing to travel offering Ceremonies

- A continuous flow of Teachers and Leaders coming to O.W.T. helping to further educate and open individuals through Indigenous Ceremonials and teachings

Long Term Goals (within 20 years):

- Radiant health and thriving Ceremonies accompanied by new and upcoming leaders (the children of today) as well as experienced elders

- Offering a highly organized and established Indigenous Ways organization which is full of helpful people with open hearts

- A Sundance is held in the area