NAFPS Forum
General => Research Needed => Topic started by: Jim Tree on January 21, 2006, 12:22:55 am
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Hi All,
Has anyone heard about this guy. He claims to be "The Algonquin Shaman." That alone cries twink. Thanks,
Jim
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Found this:
http://www.algonquinshaman.com/
"Pete Bernard is an Algonquin Indian (Anishinabek) from the Algonquins of Pikw? kanag? n First Nation in Pikw? kanag? n, Golden Lake, Ontario. He has been a student and practitioner of Algonquin (Djasakid) and Inka Shamanism for many years, is a Practitioner and Instructor/Healer II for Taiji Five-Element Qigong, Integrated Energy Therapy® (IET) Practitioner, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Practitioner, Magnified Healing® Instructor/Practitioner, and Traditional Healer."
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Seems we have shamans coming out of the walls
htt://www.byregion.net/community/categorypages/Shamanic+Healers.html/
I do know there are shamans in some tribes but you will never know who they are, they do not walk up to you and say I am a shaman!! or Medicine man it just is not done if someone says that to you run because it just aint so!! I had a man approach me at a pow wow and tell me he was a shaman and stated" I am a shaman and I may not be able to communicate well as I spend all my time in the other world" I stated "ya right maybe you should go back there". As for this Bernard guy and all his "credentials" you do not go around teaching people "how to be shamans" and you certainly don't charge for workshops as he does "Healing Journey" $750 for 10 sessions, "The release of the Past" $375. shown on one of his pages on his web site. That in my opinion makes him a fraud and once again exploiting Native American Traditions, not to mention the harm all these "workshops" can bring to people, mentaly,physicaly and spiritualy.
Forgive my spelling. We are given specific gifts and traditions are handed down to us for the People to be shared freely and no charge is ever asked. Out of respect a gift of tobacco or cloth should be offered.or food or even a gift of money to help with gas and travel.
well enough, it seems I'm very upset with all these fakes today and rightly so!!!!
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Is there anything he does not claim to be?Selling Himalayan juice, Qui Jong, "luminous healing" Chakras, and "Inka shamanism". And what seems really contemptible to me, hospice work with those in the final stages of dying.
Also some bad poetry of his that suggests he's pretty much a white pagan in what he believes.
http://www.ilovepoetry.com/viewpoem.asp?id=71349
"In the Arms of the Goddess
By: Pete Bernard
In the Arms of the Goddess
I remember those days my Beloved
When we danced in the teardrops of the Goddess
And the only Angels I had ever seen....
All was warmth, and that night, we slept in the arms of the Goddess....
And from your eyes will fall the rain, and the Angels will come....
And once again, we will dance in the teardrops of the Goddess....
- Pete Bernard (Shaman)
About this poem:
Inspired initially by the death of my best friend Christine Dube, and realized when I began walking the Spirit Path on my journey through life, and in Shamanism."
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Saw some local adds for 'Algonquin Shaman' and did some research. Found Pete Bernard's website and a link to 'The 8th Fire - School of Algonquin Shamanism & Healing Arts'
www.the8thfire.com (http://www.the8thfire.com)
Seems he's running this program as well.
Later
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From the website -
Students are educated in the Lineage of the Bernard Family and it’s traditional teachings, and train in the Djasakid (jee-sah-ki) (or tent-shaker) tradition. These teachings include energy medicine (The Great Fire), extractions, journeying, retrieval of power, soul, destiny, prayer, ceremony, ritual, and much more.
It disturbs me that they are teaching shake tent tradition. I've been present at shake tent ceremony and this isn't something that you can learn to do safely in the two years that the propose.
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As a former student of his, I can attest to the fact that he is indeed a "shame on". He took courses from the Four Winds Society as well as many other courses and blanketed as "Algonquin" and changed wording around for the ceremonies. Unfortunately those ceremonies are now nothing more than rituals. I could say more but will not in this post. And oh, his course structure has now changed to "Earning the Light". http://www.algonquinshaman.com/earningthelight.html
We already are the Light.
The ones who have caught on to him and left, have truly "graduated".
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Lol, how on earth do these people find the time for all of this stuff?
Seems to me, it takes a whole lifetime just to get yourself straight, never mind having the time to go around selling "ideas" or making up new ones for other folks.
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I'm new here, and I am going to say up front that I joined just to post here, in this thread about Pete Barnard.
I met Pete about eight years ago and from what I saw he is as he says. That doesn't make him what no person could possibly be, but I do think that he is presenting himself truthfully in what he does. Pete has for many years conducted ceremonies at the start of the male sugar season for local people who have sugar bushes (stands of maple trees where maple sap is collected to make maple syrup) so he does indeed perform in a traditional capacity. He also contributes to programs that help disadvantaged First Nations youth, so he is indeed an integral part of First Nations culture.
I attended a demonstration Pete gave locally, wherein he physically pumped himself up using breath energetics before dispersing that energy into the room. I felt the energy pass into the room; but I also had my body tensed in a certain way and I could see Pete react when that energy bounced back to him from me. I don't think that had happened to him before but it confirmed to me that what I felt wasn't limited to my own perceptions. When I later contacted Pete about making a donation (because I could see he was authentic) he asked me to donate the money I was offering to the library where the demonstration had been held.
I can't do what Pete did that day, and I have been studying and practicing taijiquan and quigong since 1983. My academic background is in post-structural philosophy, and I sometimes publish in peer reviewed online journals (such as Issue 23 of Rhizomes, on Gilles Deleuze and Photography - my name is John Morton). If pressed on the matter, I would say that skills such as Pete's derive from training that cultivates an ability to make use of neural structures called microtubules; and like any training, anyone can do that but only after a long period of concerted effort.
Pete isn't something that can't exist but I do sincerely believe that he has cultivated a potential that is inherent in all of us. He is what he says he is, but some people may think that is something other than what it is possible for a person to be.
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I could see Pete react when that energy bounced back to him from me. I don't think that had happened to him before but it confirmed to me that what I felt wasn't limited to my own perceptions.
You could see? That is your perception, is it not?
Everything is limited to our own perceptions, and perhaps the hardest thing to learn is that 99.9% of everything we feel is what *we* feel, what *we* think, what *we* perceive, what *we* believe. Projecting onto others what we ourselves feel, think, perceive, and believe, is normal. The con twists that and makes their believers believe they (the followers and the leader) are something more than the norm.
I had every shred of trust in my self twisted by such a con game. All I can say is tread carefully, people who have an inkling don't advertise it, and those that do are not worth the loss that will come.
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I'm really confused here. This is a really old thread and I read the entire thread and went to the 8th Fire website. Is Pete Bernard now calling himself Tsho-Ten? http://www.the8thfire.com/#!teachers
As to TaiChiJohn's comments, I am not too impressed with playing ping-pong with energy. We all do that on a daily basis. When you walk into a room, and someone is in a bad mood, you pick up on that immediately. When we talk about someone having "charisma," we are picking up on their energy. And what I have learned about Mr. Bernard from the thread, he has studied many types of energy work. When someone does that, I always wonder, "Didn't it take with the first try?" Why do you need to keep earning "certificates" of different types of energy work? There is only one energy and we are all in it. There can only be one explanation to me (and this is my humble opinion, of course) and that it is to try to impress others and to make money from it.
As to Critter's comments about perception, I totally agree. I would have to wonder if the other people in the room with TaiChiJohn and John Bernard had the same experience as he did. If not, then that was their experience. I feel that the "placebo effect" has been proven over and over as a valid part in healing and the only explanation for that is that you are "perceiving" that something will heal you and it does.
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I'm answering my own question again. Pete Bernard and Zsho-Ten are the same person: http://www.facebook.com/events/337165399705599/
When someone keeps changing their identity, I just gotta wonder! The training (which is a total mish-mash of everything is $850.
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As I mentioned, I am new here; and while I am no stranger to the kind of people who make money preying on the needs and desires of others through the use of obfuscated, crypto-fascistic structures of power and knowledge, my impression from meeting Pete Barnard is that he is legitimate and sincere.
In reply to one poster, no, energy work does not "take" at the first sitting: it isn't like taking a pill, it demands long and dedicated training. Often, the transmission of techniques is so tentative over long periods of time (centuries) that it does take a dedicated practitioner many attempts from several directions before they find an approach that works well for them.
Yes, I am aware of the difference between perception and imagination: Jean Paul Sartre nicely circumscribed that distinction back in the 1940's. Yes, I am aware of the sensations that energy causes in my own body: practicing taijiquan (tai chi) for almost 30 years now, I am very sensitive to the flow of forces that transverse my own body while practicing a set. I am not talking about anything mystical here, but simply about inertia and force and waveforms that are the same amplitude as the medium they are passing through (solitons).
Again, I don't know what people expect from a person like Pete Barnard, but to me it appears he is simply trying to pass along what he has learned and put into practice for himself. That kind of material isn't of interest to everyone, and there are many who would discount the basic concepts involved because they do not fit into their culturally defined world view, but I think it is a mistake try and place Euro-cultural determinations onto another culture's translated concepts and then say "Oh but that's wrong" because often it is the translation and the application of foreign concepts which are misguided.
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While, I'm not a huge fan of it of the way he does things, when possible, I try to defer to how the people someone claims to represent feel about them. In this respect I'm adding this to the conversation.
I'm uncertain if this site is the official site for the Pikwaganagan First Nation, but I don't see any reason to believe it's not either. This page offers several short blurbs on distinguished members. Pete is mentioned just the way he presents himself.
http://algonquinsofpikwakanagan.com/people.php
"Pete Bernard
Pete Bernard is an Algonquin Shaman who provides healing services at Pikwàkanagàn, the National Capital Area of Ottawa-Gatineau, and in Brockville and other locations by request. He has studied and practiced Shamanism for most of his life, in both the Algonquin (Djaskid, or Tent Shaker) and Inka Traditions, and provides people with various forms of Spiritual Healing & Energy Medicine to deal with emotional, spiritual, and physical wounds or conditions, in order to bring about healing into their lives. Pete provides Shamanic Healing Services to Elders, Youth, and all members of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn, along with anyone else who requests a session, usually by appointment. See his website at: www.algonquinshaman.com"
For me...that says a lot. If his community accepts the way he does things, then he's not presenting himself fraudulently.
Superdog
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My experience, for whatever it's worth, is that mixing money and advertised title into the 'work' is a bad combination. I cannot say this person is or is not what he says. That wasn't the point of my previous post.
Well, part of it was.. there are cons out there, some that even do have ability, that utilize normal perceptual abilities of human beings to cultivate loyal followers and believers..
But my main point is that, I have met people with 'gifts' so to speak, ability, and they have all become twisted by either incorporating money or title or both into their lives, into the scheme of things.
I stay away from people pronouncing their self and especially those charging a fee for what is free. Spirit, energy, teaching to others what Spirit (or whatever one wishes to call that immensity) has shown, taught, or given to them is the purpose, not money making or being titled.
Spirituality, or energy work if you are not prone to thinking in terms of anything divine, should never have a price tag on it, nor should the carrier walk this Earth with advertisement of their stature, as that, to me, twists it into something dark.
This is my own opinion, based on my own experiences, after having witnessed it too many times.
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I don't disagree critter. I could say a whole lot on the quality I see offered in his services, but my main concern is when someone says they represent a community...do they represent that community. From what I see....the community he says he represents has no problem with him selling every new age "shamanism teaching" while using his membership in the community to do so.
But I could be wrong...the website is really only one voice. The blurb on the website looks like it was written by Pete...but they include it in its entirety. I'd be interested more in hearing first hand accounts from people from the community, but if this holds true then it's not my place to say he's wrong....(even though I think as Native peoples he's setting us backward in regards to cultural appropriation).
Superdog
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To my mind, it is an evolutionary fluke that we humans have even managed to develop a consciousness of our own consciousness. I suspect this occurred because of environmental conditions (dormant olfactory neurology being co-opted by other neural processes during the last ice age, when there would be little to smell at all for extended periods of time in northern latitudes), and then became incorporated into shared cultural practices which spread throughout humanity (as a matter of cultural, not genetic, evolution - the underlying genetic developments where already in place for all peoples everywhere).
Of course, this means that our sense of consciousness-of-self is a fragile, conditional thing; and it seems probable that within many cultures, small groups of people developed specific techniques for cultivating this invaluable conceptual development. this, I think, is what underlies many of the 'spiritual' techniques that have persisted from early cultures: not an ability to develop mental powers we no longer have access to, but techniques for cultivating mental abilities we all take for granted in our modern day and age. Yet many do now develop this now standard ability with specific contingencies impacting the stability of their mental health; and thus some of the ancient techniques from these technologies for self consciousness are still viable and valuable practices today.
I woud tend to take the word of someone who spends two or three hours a day engaged in such consciousness technologies over that of someone who spends that same two or three hours watching television.
I don't know what people expect to see from someone like Pete Barnard, but I think that in some cases unrealistic expectations might blind some to the true value of what is being offered by sincere and dedicated practitioners such as Pete.
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What do we want to see "The truth"
As a native who lives among my people we have been taught what is right and what is not right,
There are no Shamans in America, there is no selling of spirituality, we dont develop school to teach people,
we dont mix eastern religion with our ways.
I see many people who may have gifts but when they mix those gift with lies what kind of power do you
end up with Corrupt power.
None of these belong to native people here why sell them? "Himalayan juice, Qui Jong, "luminous healing" Chakras, and "Inka shamanism".
Oh wait............................... :o according to the LOST white people they have rights to everything and if it makes them feel good
it must be good.
Wrong is wrong some people are so damaged that they will believe anything that makes them feel good.
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To my mind, it is an evolutionary fluke that we humans have even managed to develop a consciousness of our own consciousness. I suspect this occurred because of environmental conditions (dormant olfactory neurology being co-opted by other neural processes during the last ice age, when there would be little to smell at all for extended periods of time in northern latitudes), and then became incorporated into shared cultural practices which spread throughout humanity (as a matter of cultural, not genetic, evolution - the underlying genetic developments where already in place for all peoples everywhere).
Of course, this means that our sense of consciousness-of-self is a fragile, conditional thing; and it seems probable that within many cultures, small groups of people developed specific techniques for cultivating this invaluable conceptual development. this, I think, is what underlies many of the 'spiritual' techniques that have persisted from early cultures: not an ability to develop mental powers we no longer have access to, but techniques for cultivating mental abilities we all take for granted in our modern day and age. Yet many do now develop this now standard ability with specific contingencies impacting the stability of their mental health; and thus some of the ancient techniques from these technologies for self consciousness are still viable and valuable practices today.
I woud tend to take the word of someone who spends two or three hours a day engaged in such consciousness technologies over that of someone who spends that same two or three hours watching television.
I don't know what people expect to see from someone like Pete Barnard, but I think that in some cases unrealistic expectations might blind some to the true value of what is being offered by sincere and dedicated practitioners such as Pete.
Honestly....you don't help him much with this....
Just a thought...
Superdog
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Quite a statement to say humans are the only ones with consciousness of self.
Too many people get too messed up with too much thinking.
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Quite a statement to say humans are the only ones with consciousness of self.
Too many people get too messed up with too much thinking.
With all of the higher primates that have been taught sign language, one thing has never happened: none have ever asked a question, because none realize others might have knowledge they do not. They do not realize that other animals are separate from them in having an individual consciousness.
Thinking is not a problem - lack of thought is the issue in most cases.
I don't agree that First Nations members should isolate themselves from the general economy: I hear that argument all too often, in the context of land claims, from racists who say "Well then they shouldn't be using cars and other modern technology if they want their land back."
Many early Jesuit missionaries took First Nations stories, inserted biblical elements, and re-introduced those stories back into First Nations culture in order to expedite the establishment of christianity; so it can be problematic to say what is and is not "authentic" to First Nations culture. Telling people that they should do things for free, for instance, is a very "christian" approach toward having others carry burdens which do not belong to them; and we could all carry crosses if convinced to do so but it is often better to learn how to put them down. Sometimes, those who want to disparage First Nations healers do so from the standpoint of evangelical christianity - not as a matter of reasoned discourse concerning "that which actually is."
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That's your proof? That apes who know sign language haven't asked a question? Until you are an ape, perhaps you shouldn't speak of what they feel consciously.
And.. what kind of b.s. is that about peoples land. So, if you own land and someone comes and takes it from you, or tries to, then you shouldn't use a car or a computer?
Thinking is often a problem. Perhaps you should think about that.
I'll leave what is authentic to Native peoples to Native peoples, they are the only people who know.
As for doing things for free being Christian, um.. no, perhaps they incorporated that idea when they incorporated aspects of other beliefs into their own in order to appease people of those times.. but no, I know no Christians who don't pay.. or "tithe" is that the proper word?
I don't understand your point of disparaging Native healers. I don't believe there is anyone on this forum doing so. If that is what you are taking away from this discourse, then you have not understood.
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Many early Jesuit missionaries took First Nations stories, inserted biblical elements, and re-introduced those stories back into First Nations culture in order to expedite the establishment of christianity; so it can be problematic to say what is and is not "authentic" to First Nations culture. Telling people that they should do things for free, for instance, is a very "christian" approach toward having others carry burdens which do not belong to them; and we could all carry crosses if convinced to do so but it is often better to learn how to put them down. Sometimes, those who want to disparage First Nations healers do so from the standpoint of evangelical christianity - not as a matter of reasoned discourse concerning "that which actually is."
John....you do realize you're talking to Natives here...and to top it all off your spouting uneducated gems such as this one as if they were true....
"Many early Jesuit missionaries took First Nations stories, inserted biblical elements, and re-introduced those stories back into First Nations culture in order to expedite the establishment of christianity;"
Wow....where did you learn that one?
You got a lot of opinions. Not a lot of info and you're embarrassing yourself, but I'm pretty sure you don't realize that.
Superdog
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What do we want to see "The truth"
As a native who lives among my people we have been taught what is right and what is not right,
There are no Shamans in America, there is no selling of spirituality, we dont develop school to teach people,
we dont mix eastern religion with our ways.
I see many people who may have gifts but when they mix those gift with lies what kind of power do you
end up with Corrupt power.
None of these belong to native people here why sell them? "Himalayan juice, Qui Jong, "luminous healing" Chakras, and "Inka shamanism".
Oh wait............................... :o according to the LOST white people they have rights to everything and if it makes them feel good
it must be good.
Wrong is wrong some people are so damaged that they will believe anything that makes them feel good.
Thank you for your comments, Earth. There is so much wisdom in your words and you make the most sense with the least amount of words. I agree with you that something positive can be used in an evil way. Sad but true.
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Many early Jesuit missionaries took First Nations stories, inserted biblical elements, and re-introduced those stories back into First Nations culture in order to expedite the establishment of christianity; so it can be problematic to say what is and is not "authentic" to First Nations culture. Telling people that they should do things for free, for instance, is a very "christian" approach toward having others carry burdens which do not belong to them; and we could all carry crosses if convinced to do so but it is often better to learn how to put them down. Sometimes, those who want to disparage First Nations healers do so from the standpoint of evangelical christianity - not as a matter of reasoned discourse concerning "that which actually is."
John....you do realize you're talking to Natives here...and to top it all off your spouting uneducated gems such as this one as if they were true....
"Many early Jesuit missionaries took First Nations stories, inserted biblical elements, and re-introduced those stories back into First Nations culture in order to expedite the establishment of christianity;"
Wow....where did you learn that one?
You got a lot of opinions. Not a lot of info and you're embarrassing yourself, but I'm pretty sure you don't realize that.
Superdog
Well, Superdog, I learned that one when talking to members of a group called YIEMS in Vancouver Canada back in the 1990's; a group of First Nations writers who have been trying to reclaim their traditional stories. I knew that what they told me was true because I actually found and read a copy of one such collection: a book republished as "The Book of Dene." I came upon that while working for a paper called The Native Press, operated for First Nations by First Nations under the auspices of The Native Communication Society of the Northwest Territories in Yellowknife, Canada.
The thing about the cross is one of the criticisms Nietszche had concerning how organised religion is so intent upon sucking all the fun out of people's lives. But of course there is also a control thing happening there, the same kind of thing one sees with the crypto-fascistic approach of may new age 'religions' wherein "mysteries" are simply a means for keeping people uninformed and so in thrall to an all-knowing leader.
Anyway, I happened upon this group when I googled Pete Barnard's name; because I wanted to see what he was up to these days. I joined up just to mention that, in my opinion, Pete is who he says he is and is sincere in what he is doing. I'm not going to spend my time arguing with people here for the sake of having an argument: as a photographer, desktop publisher, graphic artist, and writer I have no difficulty finding people who would love to have me do stuff for them for free but, I have to make a living so I try to minimise doing that as much as I can. I also don't get paid to do philosophy but I enjoy doing that so I do it for free.
The comment I made about land claims was an observation about what I have seen too many times: the idea that anyone owns history, be it the modern age or the distant past. That which is historical belongs to us all, it is our common heritage as humans. In Canada, the First Nations have distinct rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and some people seem to think that having such rights somehow disentitles the First Nations from partaking in the modern era, which is of course a ridiculous position to try and argue. My position is and has always been that, if the First Nations were paid what is due to them for the resources extracted from their traditional territories then they wouldn't have any of the problems they now face, which are directly related to poverty and the marginalization caused by economic exclusion.
I don't know why people here saw fit to go after Pete Barnard but I sincerely believe you have made a mistake in doing so.
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Many early Jesuit missionaries took First Nations stories, inserted biblical elements, and re-introduced those stories back into First Nations culture in order to expedite the establishment of christianity; so it can be problematic to say what is and is not "authentic" to First Nations culture. Telling people that they should do things for free, for instance, is a very "christian" approach toward having others carry burdens which do not belong to them; and we could all carry crosses if convinced to do so but it is often better to learn how to put them down. Sometimes, those who want to disparage First Nations healers do so from the standpoint of evangelical christianity - not as a matter of reasoned discourse concerning "that which actually is."
John....you do realize you're talking to Natives here...and to top it all off your spouting uneducated gems such as this one as if they were true....
"Many early Jesuit missionaries took First Nations stories, inserted biblical elements, and re-introduced those stories back into First Nations culture in order to expedite the establishment of christianity;"
Wow....where did you learn that one?
You got a lot of opinions. Not a lot of info and you're embarrassing yourself, but I'm pretty sure you don't realize that.
Superdog
Well, Superdog, I learned that one when talking to members of a group called YIEMS in Vancouver Canada back in the 1990's; a group of First Nations writers who have been trying to reclaim their traditional stories. I knew that what they told me was true because I actually found and read a copy of one such collection: a book republished as "The Book of Dene." I came upon that while working for a paper called The Native Press, operated for First Nations by First Nations under the auspices of The Native Communication Society of the Northwest Territories in Yellowknife, Canada.
The thing about the cross is one of the criticisms Nietszche had concerning how organised religion is so intent upon sucking all the fun out of people's lives. But of course there is also a control thing happening there, the same kind of thing one sees with the crypto-fascistic approach of may new age 'religions' wherein "mysteries" are simply a means for keeping people uninformed and so in thrall to an all-knowing leader.
Anyway, I happened upon this group when I googled Pete Barnard's name; because I wanted to see what he was up to these days. I joined up just to mention that, in my opinion, Pete is who he says he is and is sincere in what he is doing. I'm not going to spend my time arguing with people here for the sake of having an argument: as a photographer, desktop publisher, graphic artist, and writer I have no difficulty finding people who would love to have me do stuff for them for free but, I have to make a living so I try to minimise doing that as much as I can. I also don't get paid to do philosophy but I enjoy doing that so I do it for free.
The comment I made about land claims was an observation about what I have seen too many times: the idea that anyone owns history, be it the modern age or the distant past. That which is historical belongs to us all, it is our common heritage as humans. In Canada, the First Nations have distinct rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and some people seem to think that having such rights somehow disentitles the First Nations from partaking in the modern era, which is of course a ridiculous position to try and argue. My position is and has always been that, if the First Nations were paid what is due to them for the resources extracted from their traditional territories then they wouldn't have any of the problems they now face, which are directly related to poverty and the marginalization caused by economic exclusion.
I don't know why people here saw fit to go after Pete Barnard but I sincerely believe you have made a mistake in doing so.
Ok so I guess you know it all by talking with one group (not the Native people) but a group of people.i am getting this right? You are so much great than everyone else that you believe a man who lies about his self to save you? I am a historian for my people my people histories have been record in our winter counts for over 2000 years i know who i am. We have never lost our stories our histories and our culture in fact we still live it everyday. i am sorry but YOU DONT OWN MY HISTORY and you don't even know my history as a people. Where did you get these ideals from even though i reside in America, i am not disentitled. I have a college degree and work for a living but i live my culture, spirituality and way of life very much in the modern world but i follow my morals and values of my people. I find your statement so far away from what my people are today. How little you know of life, its no wonder you come to defend a fake.
The last thing i have to say is WE ARE IDLE NO MORE!
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Well, Superdog, I learned that one when talking to members of a group called YIEMS in Vancouver Canada back in the 1990's; a group of First Nations writers who have been trying to reclaim their traditional stories. I knew that what they told me was true because I actually found and read a copy of one such collection: a book republished as "The Book of Dene." I came upon that while working for a paper called The Native Press, operated for First Nations by First Nations under the auspices of The Native Communication Society of the Northwest Territories in Yellowknife, Canada.
Once again...a lot of opinions. Not a lot of info. smh....
Does your ego always get in the way like this? You actually gave a short primer on The Native Press like nobody here would know what that was. Your reasoning for believing your info to be "true" is the same reasoning behind people posting unmerited memes on their facebook walls (i.e. "I saw it on the internet...it must be true). You find one book...from one mission about one tribe (with no proof about the people you're talking about)....and somehow you've stretched your interpretation across all of NDN country. Here's one more bit of info you fail to consider...we are not all the same.
But I've been saying a few times now that you don't really help Pete. You're a clear example of what goes wrong in these types of situations...
Superdog
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Well, Superdog, I learned that one when talking to members of a group called YIEMS in Vancouver Canada back in the 1990's; a group of First Nations writers who have been trying to reclaim their traditional stories. I knew that what they told me was true because I actually found and read a copy of one such collection: a book republished as "The Book of Dene." I came upon that while working for a paper called The Native Press, operated for First Nations by First Nations under the auspices of The Native Communication Society of the Northwest Territories in Yellowknife, Canada.
Once again...a lot of opinions. Not a lot of info. smh....
Does your ego always get in the way like this? You actually gave a short primer on The Native Press like nobody here would know what that was. Your reasoning for believing your info to be "true" is the same reasoning behind people posting unmerited memes on their facebook walls (i.e. "I saw it on the internet...it must be true). You find one book...from one mission about one tribe (with no proof about the people you're talking about)....and somehow you've stretched your interpretation across all of NDN country. Here's one more bit of info you fail to consider...we are not all the same.
But I've been saying a few times now that you don't really help Pete. You're a clear example of what goes wrong in these types of situations...
Superdog
I find it interesting that, having signed in to offer my experience regarding a person who was under attack here, I was in turn attacked.
One person here actually seemed to take the time to look into the situation, and found that Pete Barnard is indeed recognised within his own community for what he does. Everyone else just turned to attack me.
I would suggest to you that, when a group of people get together and end up one-uping each other in denouncing others, then a dynamic inevitably develops whereby denouncing others takes precedence over actually looking into the situations which are supposedly being investigated.
This isn't a new phenomenon but it is one which has reached epidemic proportions with the introduction of the internet; because now groups can just connect with the like-minded, instead of interacting with society at large.
I am finding the arguments advanced here in support of your position(s) to be formulaic at best, with little regard to real life situations. There seems to be no concern given toward actual experience, and a very heavy weighting given over to what are essentially ideological determinations as to what is right and what is wrong.
I would suggest to you that, given the small number of genuine teachers relative to the abundance of frauds who are out there, that your efforts might actually be counter-productive if you end up denouncing legitimate teachers in your zeal to uncover posers.
I am nobody's ideal anything; I'm just a person who tries to do the right thing when I can. I am well aware of the diversity and depth of First Nations' culture; for the past twenty years, I have been working on reconstructing the traditional form of image writing used by the First Nations. I know that the First Nations were here in North America before the last ice age. I know that they were the people who invented writing. I know that they had a system for mapping their traditional territories. I know that their languages, systems of writing, and traditions are bio-regional. I have been entrusted with artefacts that are tens of thousands of years old, because sometimes a person well suited to do something makes themselves available and there isn't really anyone else to rely upon at that point in time.
I am very good at taijiquan, because I had to be: I've had very large (white) people try to beat me up in the attempt to stop me from helping as best I can (twice). I've had someone try to hit me with a speeding car. I've still kept going, doing the best I can with the training I have. This includes meditative practices drawn from Eastern traditions (I've had some of the best teachers in North America and, indeed, in the world); and so, when I see someone like Pete Barnard who is obviously very skilled at what he does, my impulse is to support him because in the real world people like him can and do make a positive difference.
It has always been my understanding and experience that members of the First Nations judge people as individuals, for are who they are as a person. That has been not my experience here in this group.
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No one is attacking you.
No one has denounced Bernard. In fact, it was pointed out that he may be supported by his community.
No one is one-uping another here.
Everything is written here very clearly, why you are not able to understand, I do not know, but it's very clear.
It's very simple. Traditional Native does not charge fees.
This guy is getting rich.. 90.00 for private healing.. too bad for those in need..
and 850.00 to 'earn the light' .... :/
There's something wrong with that.. if you don't think so, that's your privilege. But to come to a forum
where people are trying to fight this kind of exploitation and state that this is OK, is well, silly at best. What
could you expect except that some of us are going to point out the red flags on this type of activity and
give our experience and opinions on why it's wrong.
I don't speak for anyone but myself, and for me, this type of activity is wrong. If he was truly purposed to
help people reach more of their own spirituality or higher energy, then he wouldn't be charging fees, and
certainly not incredible fees.
IMO Charging fees changes the purpose. The purpose is twisted and no longer about helping people, but
about making a living.. and then some.
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Well, Superdog, I learned that one when talking to members of a group called YIEMS in Vancouver Canada back in the 1990's; a group of First Nations writers who have been trying to reclaim their traditional stories. I knew that what they told me was true because I actually found and read a copy of one such collection: a book republished as "The Book of Dene." I came upon that while working for a paper called The Native Press, operated for First Nations by First Nations under the auspices of The Native Communication Society of the Northwest Territories in Yellowknife, Canada.
Once again...a lot of opinions. Not a lot of info. smh....
Does your ego always get in the way like this? You actually gave a short primer on The Native Press like nobody here would know what that was. Your reasoning for believing your info to be "true" is the same reasoning behind people posting unmerited memes on their facebook walls (i.e. "I saw it on the internet...it must be true). You find one book...from one mission about one tribe (with no proof about the people you're talking about)....and somehow you've stretched your interpretation across all of NDN country. Here's one more bit of info you fail to consider...we are not all the same.
But I've been saying a few times now that you don't really help Pete. You're a clear example of what goes wrong in these types of situations...
Superdog
I find it interesting that, having signed in to offer my experience regarding a person who was under attack here, I was in turn attacked.
One person here actually seemed to take the time to look into the situation, and found that Pete Barnard is indeed recognised within his own community for what he does. Everyone else just turned to attack me.
I would suggest to you that, when a group of people get together and end up one-uping each other in denouncing others, then a dynamic inevitably develops whereby denouncing others takes precedence over actually looking into the situations which are supposedly being investigated.
This isn't a new phenomenon but it is one which has reached epidemic proportions with the introduction of the internet; because now groups can just connect with the like-minded, instead of interacting with society at large.
I am finding the arguments advanced here in support of your position(s) to be formulaic at best, with little regard to real life situations. There seems to be no concern given toward actual experience, and a very heavy weighting given over to what are essentially ideological determinations as to what is right and what is wrong.
I would suggest to you that, given the small number of genuine teachers relative to the abundance of frauds who are out there, that your efforts might actually be counter-productive if you end up denouncing legitimate teachers in your zeal to uncover posers.
I am nobody's ideal anything; I'm just a person who tries to do the right thing when I can. I am well aware of the diversity and depth of First Nations' culture; for the past twenty years, I have been working on reconstructing the traditional form of image writing used by the First Nations. I know that the First Nations were here in North America before the last ice age. I know that they were the people who invented writing. I know that they had a system for mapping their traditional territories. I know that their languages, systems of writing, and traditions are bio-regional. I have been entrusted with artefacts that are tens of thousands of years old, because sometimes a person well suited to do something makes themselves available and there isn't really anyone else to rely upon at that point in time.
I am very good at taijiquan, because I had to be: I've had very large (white) people try to beat me up in the attempt to stop me from helping as best I can (twice). I've had someone try to hit me with a speeding car. I've still kept going, doing the best I can with the training I have. This includes meditative practices drawn from Eastern traditions (I've had some of the best teachers in North America and, indeed, in the world); and so, when I see someone like Pete Barnard who is obviously very skilled at what he does, my impulse is to support him because in the real world people like him can and do make a positive difference.
It has always been my understanding and experience that members of the First Nations judge people as individuals, for are who they are as a person. That has been not my experience here in this group.
I think everything you said is what you are doing, like how you tend to make a point that you know us better than we know us. That so nice of you for help native people. ut you do not speak for us. You still do not know us. Plus you support a man who is not right
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TaiChiJohn, you do realize that this thread was started in 2006, with its last comment in 2010, and is still in Research Needed?
You claim you only joined this forum to put Mr. Bernard in a positive light and have better things to do than continue discussions in this thread since you feel you have been "attacked", but IMO, that is the problem. When you join a forum like this, you need to stick around and read comments day after day to understand the purpose of the forum, get the feel of the forum, and get to know the people posting here.
There are many people who come and go on this forum, but their comments will remain forever, so I guess you have achieved your purpose. You gave your "two cents worth" and someone wondering about Mr. Bernard will be able to come here and read the positive things you have said about him.
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One person here actually seemed to take the time to look into the situation, and found that Pete Barnard is indeed recognised within his own community for what he does. Everyone else just turned to attack me.
If you reread, you'll find that person was me. If you're feeling attacked from me, rest assured I hold no grudge against you as a person. But, your defense of Bernard is based on fragile logic and (once again) little information. You've characterized your argument by saying that the only reason Native people on this board feel upset in regards to paying for spirituality is because the Christians did this to all of us and we didn't know it....and you're the genius who's explaining that to us. Let me assure you...I know the difference. I didn't need you to attempt to tell me (and then get it wrong, but argue that you are right).
The fact that you can't see beyond your simplistic approach to Native cultures, the idea that we are all the same or that our values...are really not our values and in fact we should be listening to values you tell us....really exposes you. I can see you don't really want to learn, you have it all figured out. It's ok....I've seen it before. It's a common trait of folks that justify or minimize cultural appropriation and their effects.
You may find it interesting that I've studied Asian philosophies as well....the one thing that you seem to miss is the concept of awareness. You are not very aware of where you stand in regards to what you know about these topics. As such, you are not a very good help to Pete (something I've said all along).
Superdog
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I listened to Pete speak in Ottawa. It was a free event to attend. To me his words were very powerful and directed at healing.
My sister teaches a high school class with native students/curriculum. She had a hard time finding people willing to speak to them without being paid. Pete agreed to speak to her class for free and is paying his own travel expenses. Other than a tobacco offering she doesn't have anything to give.
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2013 event
Sunday April 28th, 13:45 - 14:30 (Conference in English) : Algonquin Midewin (Medicine Man) Pete Bernard is a Traditional Algonquin Indian from the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation in Golden Lake, Ontario and member of the Bear Clan. He is a spiritual teacher, healer, and intuitive who navigates the Lower, Middle, and Upper Worlds on behalf of people with questions, and helps them to get their own answers from Spirit. He is a professional speaker, workshop facilitator, and a Spirit Guide for the Seeker.
The Quantum Field and Healing": Algonquin Midewin bridges the theory of Quantum Physics to the practical applications of miraculous healing, manifesting, and builds the bridge between the two worlds that the Healer walks on. 'Applied Shamanics' is the answer of how the Shaman can do what they do, and how the quantum physicist is only beginning to understand the power of the Ancient Mind, through modern understanding. Time Travel, Inter-dimensions, Holograms, and how they work to heal."
http://www.the8thfire.com/#!events (http://www.the8thfire.com/#!events)
November 11th, 2011: There will be a special “Once in a Lifetime” Group Healing Circle with Algonquin Medicine Man Pete Bernard to receive a special Butterfly Teaching, Blessing, and all part of the Group Healing Circle.
http://www.algonquinshaman.com/whatsnew.html (http://www.algonquinshaman.com/whatsnew.html)
Removing what is not wanted or needed, and that which is not naturally occurring inside of a person is a key aspect of the Tent Shaking Tradition. It allows a person to simply be who they are without external forces that are unhealthy informing them (imprints, pathologies, blueprints, etc.), their energy, or lives.
http://web.archive.org/web/20060811004149/http://www.algonquinshaman.com/whatido.html (http://web.archive.org/web/20060811004149/http://www.algonquinshaman.com/whatido.html)
In energy medicine, Pete works with the chakras, or as his people called them when they first discovered them, the “Medicine Wheels” as they were circles of light (wheels) that determined a persons health (medicine).
http://web.archive.org/web/20060811005732/http://www.algonquinshaman.com/shamanism.html (http://web.archive.org/web/20060811005732/http://www.algonquinshaman.com/shamanism.html)
Another package is “The Release of the Past”, which offers half of the services of “The Healing Journey”, and deals with many of the Lower World issues. Clients who have taken this journey often request to continue, and upgrade to “The Healing Journey”, which is a continuation of this journey.
Please contact Pete directly for more information regarding pricing for services that you are interested in, to design your own package, or to book a single session. Single sessions are $75.00.
http://web.archive.org/web/20060811005854/http://www.algonquinshaman.com/pricing.html (http://web.archive.org/web/20060811005854/http://www.algonquinshaman.com/pricing.html)
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Pete offers help for a fee, he talks about buddhist and algonquin healing. He speaks for free, he is sincere in his beliefs.
His beliefs may not be yours or mine, but who are we to say how he conducts himself? Should piwàkanagàn first nation not be the ones to do that?
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Hi all, I can assist in this thread by contributing what I witnessed of his workshops (which he used to run from the attic room in my old house). Pete never really talked to me much, I found him to be shifty, with a tendency to avoid eye contact. I suspect it was because I was a little sceptical of his intent. I watched on a weekly basis as his clients would come and go from his workshop.
I have to say that my impression was that the people participating we're people searching for either help to deal with personal issues and the rest seemed curious to learn about "shamanism". My personal belief is that you can not pay to learn to become a shaman - period. Never mind that they expected to do this in a matter of hours over a few weeks.
The people that were seeking help, I get were desperate. My instinct on him charging hundreds of dollars was that he was preying on the weak and needy. I feel that I his intent was pure he would ask for donations only.
I knew a few participants dropped out after a couple of sessions, I never asked directly why they did so. But one woman told me that she didn't like what he was doing. It was that simple.
Now maybe some people get something beneficial from participating in these workshops, I hope they didn't go into debt to do so.
I also know of individals that have been "trained" by Pete and now claim to be shaman.
I asked an well respected elder once why he didn't intervene or say something to Pete. He agreed what he was doing was wrong. But refused to do anything. He just smiled and said what he is doing he will have to live with.
I just hope that no one gets hurt in the interim.
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What come around goes around as we say
evil is evil
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Save your time and money when it comes to Mr. Pete Bernard. If you ended up on this sight it is because there was something very off to begin with regarding the Algonquin Medicine Man / Pete Bernard / Tsho Ten. Trust your hunch!
I follow him on Facebook and it wasn't long ago he displayed his true persona when an ex-student of his called him on his own medicine. He obviously has a difficult time with answering questions. The way he handle himself was not like a medicine man, but of an egotistical, immature brat who was clearly out of control and who was trying to save his new age a$$. I had to personally thank the lady who had the guts and tact to put him to the test; one he failed miserably at. Mr. Bernard may have started out on the right path, but has quickly lost his footing in the grand scheme of things. He charges outrageous fees for healing sessions and classes. This is not the medicine way. This is the way of the salesman. He will have his own karma to deal with and it looks like it's starting to catch up to him. He's a good performer but obviously loses it when he puts his own wisdom to the test. The true teacher was his ex-student who IMO had a very valid question to which he had no valid answer. Congratulations to her and how gracefully she handled his out-of-control ego.
As for his community, they will play along because he collects donations for them through self-promoting talks and they have invested interest. No different than buying them. Just part of good marketing as both parties are scratching each others backs. Marketing is my specialty and Mr. Pete Bernard should consider a career in marketing/sales rather than in spirituality. He can sell anything to anyone who suffers at a premium price.
All around bad medicine and unethical. Perhaps this is why he has the need to change his name as one mentioned. It may be the symptom of a split personality disorder. Who knows!
Peace,
bl
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I knew a few participants dropped out after a couple of sessions, I never asked directly why they did so. But one woman told me that she didn't like what he was doing. It was that simple.
Now maybe some people get something beneficial from participating in these workshops, I hope they didn't go into debt to do so.
I also know of individals that have been "trained" by Pete and now claim to be shaman.
I asked an well respected elder once why he didn't intervene or say something to Pete. He agreed what he was doing was wrong. But refused to do anything.
Who are some of the individuals claiming to be trained shamans?
Which elder called it wong?
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Is there anything he does not claim to be?Selling Himalayan juice, Qui Jong, "luminous healing" Chakras, and "Inka shamanism". And what seems really contemptible to me, hospice work with those in the final stages of dying.
Also some bad poetry of his that suggests he's pretty much a white pagan in what he believes.
http://www.ilovepoetry.com/viewpoem.asp?id=71349
"In the Arms of the Goddess
By: Pete Bernard
In the Arms of the Goddess
I remember those days my Beloved
When we danced in the teardrops of the Goddess
And the only Angels I had ever seen....
All was warmth, and that night, we slept in the arms of the Goddess....
And from your eyes will fall the rain, and the Angels will come....
And once again, we will dance in the teardrops of the Goddess....
- Pete Bernard (Shaman)
About this poem:
Inspired initially by the death of my best friend Christine Dube, and realized when I began walking the Spirit Path on my journey through life, and in Shamanism."
Pete is enrolled and you are not Al. So who is plastic by that definition?
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Although this site is not about who is enrolled or not it is about people who take advantage of people for money,
Claiming some sort of spiritual beliefs and steal those belief from tribal people.
So if this person is enrolled! Which tribe and who are is relatives? I ask because I am enrolled and live
on my reservation know my culture. Most of all since there is no Algonquin Medicine Man because Algonquin
is a language dialect not a people. next why would a person who knew his culture mix up all kinds of beliefs
why would he not just stay to the long house? Oh wait it is the women who run the Long houses.
Why too many problems with this guy you have to be crazy or one of those really damaged people to
believe what he is selling. Oh wait that is the point he is selling which is wrong on points.
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This site is very often about who is enrolled and not enrolled. Al educatedindain has gone there many times in posts about so-called 'frauds'. Algonqiun is a language, a culture, a people. Governement-wise there are ten recognized 'Algonquin' tribes in Canada, nine in Québec, and one in Ontario. The border between the provinces Kitcisipi (Ottawa River) is tradtional territory.
You say there is no Algonquin Medicine Man? Then what is Midewiwin? Is the story of Nanabozho not obviously a part of that heritage? That story is a medicine not only for the Anishinaabe put for all people.
Bernard is a traditional name of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation in Ontario. Matthew Bernard was a skilled canoe builder and chief around the turn of the century. Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario is next to the Golden Lake reserve. With a good canoe in that park life is sweet.
All of this information is easily verifiable.
What is it that Pete is really selling in your opinion? I agree that selling spiritual ceremony is wrong, but what about healing work? Is it immoral to charge for healing work?
His core message is free, and as I understand it is this: All cultures are healing cultures, human beings are built to heal ourselves despite what we've been lead to believe, all healing wisdoms today in the world are needed for us(human beings) to heal, especially in light of the Algonquin Seven Fires Prophecy, hence his website name 8th Fire.
I don't claim what I say proves anything other than to myself. My experience has been that Bernards are good people. In Kanata in 2011 a sacred piece of forest was slated for development, the South March Highlands. Everyone with a conscience and an intact connection to the earth can see what a huge waste it was to clearcut this area for another housing development. Among those leading the protest were Bernards.
William Commanda, keeper of the seven fires prophecy belt, was to me the spiuritual leader of this protest. He was then 97 years old.
I wish both Pete and the members on this board the wisdom to know what is right.
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All cultures are healing cultures,
Then why not seek healing inside your own culture?
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I knew a few participants dropped out after a couple of sessions, I never asked directly why they did so. But one woman told me that she didn't like what he was doing. It was that simple.
Now maybe some people get something beneficial from participating in these workshops, I hope they didn't go into debt to do so.
I also know of individals that have been "trained" by Pete and now claim to be shaman.
I asked an well respected elder once why he didn't intervene or say something to Pete. He agreed what he was doing was wrong. But refused to do anything.
Who are some of the individuals claiming to be trained shamans?
Which elder called it wong?
Here are a few individuals trained by Pete and who are now calling themselves medicine people/shamans:
Becoming a Shaman is the path of a lifetime of wisdom, learning, harmony and balance. Traditionally, among the people of the First Nations, one NEVER calls oneself a shaman. It is others who give someone this title which we may someday be worthy of. For many years we have been walking on the path of self healing and self mastery which has helped us to become Meiecine People (Medicine Man and Medicine Woman) in the Algonquin tradition. It is in all humility and with infinite gratitude that we, Manon Richard and Philippe Côté, have the great honor and privilege to have been initiated and accepted into the ancestral lineage of Pete Bernard's family (Bear Clan) of the Pikwàkanagàn First Nation. We have received Algonquin shamanic teachings known as the 8th Fire and have authorization and knowledge to perform and facilitate shamanic Healing Ceremonies.
http://quebecshamans.com/index.php?section=shamans
(Note: Being a Medicine Man and Medicine Woman equals going through Pete's two-year training program):
The investment listed above is per module for eight (8) modules. The total
program investment is $7,600 plus taxes over the 2-Year period, payable in
instalments if needed
http://media.wix.com/ugd/c5a273_11907a14dbbb47813b60d61dd3f80d1d.pdf
Through the " 8th Fire School of Algonquin Shamanism ", which he founded, Pete is our teacher and mentor. He was himself tutored, from a very young age, by 6 teachers among which was his grandfather, Matt Bernard. Pete's Great Grandfather and Grandfather were Master Canoe Builders, and much of the philosophy of Manido Chiman, or "Spirit of the Canoe" is reflected in his Algonquin Tradition of Healing. It is through Pete's guidance that we have the privilege and honor to have received Great Fire Healing Energy and Sacred Rites. We have been accepted into his lineage and have his and his Ancestors', as well as our own Ancestors' and Elders', authorization to perform traditional Shamanic work.
A few years ago, "The 8th Fire School of Algonquin Shamanism" was created to fulfill a promise that was made by Pete Bernard to his Elders over 25 years ago: to bring the sacred teachings of the Algonquins, Bear Clan, of the family name that is currently known as the Bernard's to all the people of the world. This to ensure that the teachings will not be lost and that the New People will have a way of learning and practicing the Medicine Teachings.
http://quebecshamans.com/index.php?section=home&page=teacher.html
Here is a list of their ceremonies:
Description of Ceremonies
Stonework and Chakra cleansing/rebalancing
Formlessness to Form Journey
Inner Body Journey
Entity Extraction & Illumination
Crystallized Energy Extractions
Cedar, Tobacco and Sucking Extractions
Soul Gathering Journey
Power Totem Animal Retrieval
Power Retrieval Journey
Physical Healing Ceremony
Interdimensional Journey
Removal of Bindings
Healing the Inner Sorcerer Journey
Dark Forest Journey
Craddle of Life Ceremony
Egg Extractions
Palo Santo Extractions
Cleansing of Spaces
Seven Bands of Protection
Death of the False Self Ceremony
Meeting your Spirit Guide and Meeting your Ancestor Journeys
Journey to Heal the Story that lives inside of us
Other Ceremonies (please contact us for more information)
http://quebecshamans.com/index.php?section=healing&page=services.html
Manon has former training as a graphic designer and she is the founder of a multimedia company called Blak Kat. She has practiced Vipassana (Buddhist meditation), for many years. Now she is pursuing her true passion: canine psychology and the rehabilitation of dogs with behavioral problems and founded Maestro Canine Psychology. Since moving to the country, Manon has also opened, MiniMeute, a daycare and vacation camp for small dogs. This work is very complimentary to Shamanism and she considers herself lucky, through her work with animals, to be able to practice emotional balance and calm, assertive energy on a daily basis. Since childhood, her deep connection and relationship with nature and all its creatures has influenced her life and now resonates profoundly in her Shamanic work. Manon is a loving and empathic person and, during Ceremonies, information that needs to be transmitted to her clients comes to her in the form of emotions, messages or images.
http://quebecshamans.com/?lang=en§ion=shamans&page=manon.html
Before studying to become a Shaman, Phil had twenty-five years of experience as an electronics technician, specialized in the design, conception and installation of audiovisual equipment for cinemas and recording studios. This has given him a solid scientific background from which to understand and interpret Shamanism. He is also a great lover of nature and a sculptor. His artwork can be seen in the Artwork section of this site. Phil has the ability to perceive Shamanism from a « quantum physics » point of view and during Ceremonies information that needs to be transmitted to his clients comes to him in a clear and almost mathematical manner.
http://quebecshamans.com/?lang=en§ion=shamans&page=phil.html
Yes, my dear friends, spirituality is for sale! :'( :'( :'(
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as i repeated on this site a few time i am enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
I am Ihunktonwana, Pabaska, Sisseton- Dakota on my Father's side and Hunkapapa, Shispapa and Oglala Lakota
on my mother's side. My blood quantum is 7/8 Standing Rock with 1/8 Oglala my name is Ta Maka Waste Winyan
I live my culture and way of life and i live on my reservation and work for my people and my nation. I compile the history, genealogy for my tribe.
I am NOT A SHAMAN :o! We don't have shamans in Indian country.
We don't pay to pray,
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Pete Bernard offers a course entitled "Earning the Light."
There are two implications here: 1) We do not naturally embody the light; 2) Pete Bernard will judge when/whether we have "earned" it.
We do not need Pete Bernard or anyone else to judge our light-worthiness. No one has to "earn" the light - we are the light.
The title of this course tells us all we need to know about this sham "shaman."
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I'd like to clear something up. There most certainly Algonquin Peoples. It is not simply a language base. There's more than a few bands in Canada with status.
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"I find it interesting that, having signed in to offer my experience regarding a person who was under attack here, I was in turn attacked.
One person here actually seemed to take the time to look into the situation, and found that Pete Barnard is indeed recognised within his own community for what he does.
I would suggest to you that, when a group of people get together and end up one-uping each other in denouncing others, then a dynamic inevitably develops whereby denouncing others takes precedence over actually looking into the situations which are supposedly being investigated.
This isn't a new phenomenon but it is one which has reached epidemic proportions with the introduction of the internet; because now groups can just connect with the like-minded, instead of interacting with society at large.
I am finding the arguments advanced here in support of your position(s) to be formulaic at best, with little regard to real life situations. There seems to be no concern given toward actual experience, and a very heavy weighting given over to what are essentially ideological determinations as to what is right and what is wrong.
I would suggest to you that, given the small number of genuine teachers relative to the abundance of frauds who are out there, that your efforts might actually be counter-productive if you end up denouncing legitimate teachers in your zeal to uncover posers."
That was exactly my experience here...there also seems to be no attempt at actually talking to the individual they are labelling...the judge, jury and executioner stance is disturbing...as a result, I am deleting all my comments and won't be back to participate in further discussions.
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Cate, I've spoken with traditional people from the Algonquin communities and I'm sorry, they do not agree with or support what Pete and Nora are doing. No one attacked you, no one was mean to you.
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Cate, please check your private messages.
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Did you ever take the time to actually sit down and talk with Pete and Nora?
No I haven't. I don't live in Canada. I have however, spoke with people living within the Algonquin community. People allowed to speak for the community, who lead TRADITIONAL ceremony within community. I defer to them.
You wrote I was doing damage to the NDN community. What? because I came in and defended a friend? "When you take from another culture, when you sell ceremony and 'initiation' to members of the dominant culture". When did Nora ever do any of that?
Yes, what you are doing is damaging to the community. You are making excuses for your friend, who's conduct is disheartening and who's impressions are inaccurate. Nora is all over the place with her spirituality and she is providing disrespectful and inaccurate information. I private messaged you about one particular instance. Pete is initiating people when he has no authority to do so. It is offensive that you feel it is okay to tell indigenous peoples and their allies that simply because she is a good person we should not question her, period end of sentence.
I don't feel you have really done your research here...sorry, but I was really disturbed by this.
And the more I look into her goings on the more I am disturbed.
I totally understand the mission here, I get it...but be careful and really investigate people before you make these arbitrary decisions.
No, I don't think you get it at all. Again, the more I look into her, the more disturbed I am.
To take a good native woman who has had her own profound life experience and is trying to do some good in the world and to just drag her through the mud because no one has bothered to really talk to her or get her story is not something I can participate in...I'm sorry.
She is not doing good in the world when she is teaching things like the universal medicine wheel (that's obnoxious, she is imposing on the many many Nations and cultures that do not ascribe to this 'teaching').
I've met Pete once, he seemed like a good guy. The Bernards are very respected in Canada and Pete and Nora are members of that family.
Pete may be a fantastic guy but he's conducting himself in a not so good way. I know the Bernards are respected.
I don't know everything that Pete is up too, so I can't comment on that, but I do know Nora and I know her to be genuine and sincere.
If you don't know what he's up to then you may want to reconsider defending or making excuses for him. Nora may be sincere however she has a lot of stuff wrong when it comes to other cultures and communities.
Talk to them first and then decide. I know traditional people from the Algonquin community too. I live here and they don't have a problem with Pete or Nora so you should really put both of them in the "research some more" column. It is so upsetting to see her sitting in "Fraud" with all these negative and nasty comments surrounding her. She's a good soul. It's just really sad to me and disturbing and I can't be part of this if this is how this works...sorry...
Please do not tell us what to do. The elders I've spoken with DO take issue with them, more-so Pete. She may be a good soul but again she is doing damaging activities. I truly hope that your desire to help her is because you are her friend, not because of the association you both have to Cherry Valley, which host new age workshops where you both have taught/facilitated http://www.cherryvalleyretreat.com/010~Welcome/ (http://www.cherryvalleyretreat.com/010~Welcome/)
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I'm new to this board and I don't know where the messages are. I'm not good with computers. I belong to a different generation. We had typewriters :) Please talk to people first, that is all I ask...then I'll come back.
Go to the top bar where home is highlighted in orange. The button for messages is to your right a few.
I have talked to people. I'm from the pre-computer generation as well ;)
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This thread really went off on a tangent away from Pete Bernard. Is there any way that it can be split off? I realize that may be difficult to do, but the subjects now covered really have nothing to do with Mr. Bernard.
Thanks.
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Discussion on Cherry Valley and Essiac moved here: http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=4443
Nora Anderson / Nora WalksInSpirit thread here: http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=3612
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Although this site is not about who is enrolled or not it is about people who take advantage of people for money,
Claiming some sort of spiritual beliefs and steal those belief from tribal people.
So if this person is enrolled! Which tribe and who are is relatives? I ask because I am enrolled and live
on my reservation know my culture. Most of all since there is no Algonquin Medicine Man because Algonquin
is a language dialect not a people. next why would a person who knew his culture mix up all kinds of beliefs
why would he not just stay to the long house? Oh wait it is the women who run the Long houses.
Why too many problems with this guy you have to be crazy or one of those really damaged people to
believe what he is selling. Oh wait that is the point he is selling which is wrong on points.
What? I am Algonquin. I speak Anicinàpemowin. My family is Algonquin. My Band is Algonquin and my Nation is Algonquin. We have medicine people and we have Midewiwin Society. Why do you say we are not a people? We are recognized by other FNIW in Canada and we are recognized by the government. I am a status indian and I am from Wolf Lake First Nation. The address of my band office is Wolf Lake First Nation. P.O. 998, Hunter's Point, Témiscaming (Quebec) J0Z 3R0. The telephone for my band office is (819) 627-3628. We have a Ontario office to and the address is Wolf Lake First Nation. P.O. Box 27 Long Sault Island, P0H 2J0 and the phone number is (705) 981-0053. My chief is Harry St Denis. I was going to post about Pete, he is a crazy person but he IS Algonquin. I will post about him in a short while.
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Pete Bernard is status FN from Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn http://www.algonquinsofpikwakanagan.com/. The Pikwàkanagàn is recognized by other First Nation people and by the Canadian government. Pete has status yes but he is like the really crazy Uncle that you are really nice to but try to avoid because you do not know how he is going to conduct himself. I dont really know why he is on the bands website maybe because he wanted to and you do not say no to Pete because he can get confrontational and when he is angry or agitated it is not good. I dont think he is Mide. Society members would not tolerate his activities. He has participated in shake tent but does not have permission to teach shake tent ceremony. I am pretty sure that at one time he was respected and a good healer but not so much now. There is a book called A String of Pearls: One Woman's Search for Truth and in the book there is a quote from Pete that says "It is okay to disappoint everyone in your lives by doing what you love to do and not just what pleases others, you will begin to live a life of authenticity" to me that says lets ignore protochol and tradition and respect and do what we want. The white people seem to eat that kind of logic up because it validates appropriation and other activities that are disrespectful.
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Who are some of the individuals claiming to be trained shamans?
this was already answered by another post, and i would never name people without their permission.
Which elder called it wong?
i felt reluctance at the time to name which elder, as i feel each person should speak for themselves. lets just say that the elder in question is no longer with us, and is and was the most well known and respected elder arround ottawa.
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Is there anything he does not claim to be?Selling Himalayan juice, Qui Jong, "luminous healing" Chakras, and "Inka shamanism". And what seems really contemptible to me, hospice work with those in the final stages of dying.
Also some bad poetry of his that suggests he's pretty much a white pagan in what he believes.
http://www.ilovepoetry.com/viewpoem.asp?id=71349
"In the Arms of the Goddess
By: Pete Bernard
In the Arms of the Goddess
I remember those days my Beloved
When we danced in the teardrops of the Goddess
And the only Angels I had ever seen....
All was warmth, and that night, we slept in the arms of the Goddess....
And from your eyes will fall the rain, and the Angels will come....
And once again, we will dance in the teardrops of the Goddess....
- Pete Bernard (Shaman)
About this poem:
Inspired initially by the death of my best friend Christine Dube, and realized when I began walking the Spirit Path on my journey through life, and in Shamanism."
Pete is enrolled and you are not Al. So who is plastic by that definition?
Dumb question. He is and I am not. He makes a living by fraudulently posing as a healer. No one in this forum, except for the frauds who come to defend themselves. does the wrong he does.
You are not enrolled either. Does that make you a plastic shame on? No, just a shame on supporter whose ignorant.