Part of our shared American culture is our sense of humanity. Most of us were born into this sense, especially those of us over fifty. We were raised to consider what’s best for all of us, rather than just ourselves. We now can see that our shared sense of “we” has been gradually degraded over the past couple of generations. It seems the media has a lot to do with this. When I watch television I’m struck by this relentless message of self-centeredness. It comes across in both programming and advertising. Regardless of content, it seems to be all about “what’s in it for me.” How often do you hear these familiar phases? “Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps (and quit whining about it).” “I’m just looking out for number one.” “I have to take care of myself first.” “It’s a dog-eat-dog world.”
The opposite message would be that it’s good to look out for the benefit of others as only a part of caring for one’s own responsibilities. In Big Horn County we have ethnic heritages that historically encouraged a sense of “We’re all in this together.” I remember Ted Risingsun of Busby, quoting his grandfather, “If you are in need, don’t go to the best-kept lodge with the nicest tools and best horses. Go to the poorest lodge, the one that’s ragged and old, and not well kept. That’s where you will find generous people, happy to help you.”
One tribe in California has a remarkable story rediscovering these values. Recently I heard their story in an entertaining broadcast on Bioneers. As in Montana, tribes in California have used casinos as a means of economic advancement. Chairman Sarris, of the Federated Tribes of Graton Rancheria, found himself facing a daunting conflict. At first opposed to casinos, he tried to stop an outside organization from building one near the Graton Rancheria. Then, seeing that the casino would inevitably be built regardless of what the tribe did, he changed his mind. He pursued the option of tribal ownership. That’s when the opposition mounted. It came both from the white community and from within his own tribe. The struggle was complex, involving deep values. Could this tribal nation uphold its traditional values, benefit the land, and also benefit the local community with diverse economic status, and with divergent religious beliefs? Chairman Sarris invested in the common good for all sides, focusing strongly on the values of his heritage.
Turns out he was right. Through all the changes, Harris held up his cultural heritage, as a “Home culture, safe, and connected,” values compatible with all sides in the conflict. He contrasted this beliefs with the homeless culture so prevalent on the streets of his city, and imbedded in the horrendous history of his people since the Spanish conquest. Values held in common across the political, religious and economic divides of the community became visible in the way the tribe promoted and built the casino with his leadership. The “me” culture of homelessness was replaced with a common ground of caring and sharing in “coming home to a we culture.”
Before the Spanish arrived, the Sonoma/Marin county region in California was home to the largest urban population in North America (outside of Mexico City). After Spain claimed this territory, legalized enslavement of Indians began. It persisted for centuries, during which time the California tribes became homeless. Up to 1924, Indians in California lacked citizenship and legal rights. That’s when the Graton Rancheria was granted federal tribal recognition, and the new Indian nation was born. The last segment of the broadcast is the story of the casino, how it became a benefit to all in the community, Indian and non-Indian alike, and more importantly, how the “me” culture was defeated. The entire community still benefits together.
Most of us in Big Horn County claim a heritage that upholds these ancient values. Obviously, they are portrayed in our Judeo-Christian writings. Even our Lenten observances uphold these values of self-giving for the good of all. They also happen to be at the core of our two Native American heritages here in Big Horn County.
This is not a tale of fiction. It’s a story of whole community advancing for the common good, where “we” can include everyone. Check out the Bioneers Radio Series 13 - Revolution from the Heart of Nature broadcast, “Coming Home to a We Culture” https://www.prx.org/pieces/112182-betting-big-on-a-native-dream-coming-home-to-a
“Given the extreme economic disenfranchisement of Native American tribes, being an Indian in modern times has given rise to Indian casinos. Chairman Greg Sarris of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria found himself staring down the barrel of massive community resistance. Was it possible to create a casino that would uphold traditional values and benefit the land and local community? You wouldn’t want to bet against him.”
Further current information:
http://gratonrancheria.com/tribal-government/
David Graber
Hardin, MT 59034
graberdb@gmail.com
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