NAFPS Forum

General => Frauds => Topic started by: Johnnie on July 11, 2007, 04:14:26 am

Title: Steve McCullough aka Iktomi Sha & Salt Creek Sundance
Post by: Johnnie on July 11, 2007, 04:14:26 am
Folks,

Some things happened here over the last week or so that were very disturbing.  At this time I cannot go into details except to say that someone who spent a lot of time here and was a wellknown member of the Indian community was murdered out west.

Surrounding this wonderful man's death, some people tried to take advantage of the situation to promote themselves.

Several of us who are active in the Indiana Indian community decided to start talking to the larger Indian community, including here, about what is going on.  So, I hope that this is the first in a series of posts about frauds in this area.

Over the last couple of days as I tried to navigate the difficult registration process here I was reading posts about other frauds from around the area and will comment on those as well. 

While I have never met Steve McCullough, I have talked to him on the phone.  According to information we developed he runs the Sundance down in the Hoosier National Forest.  He claims to be Shawnee which is a funny story in itself.  Over in Ohio is a man by the name of Hawk Pope, a sleazy character caught in a number of lies and potentially dangerous situations (for young people, especially young girls).  The point is he has a group called the Remnant Band Shawnee of which McCullough claims affiliation. The people affiliated with the RBS have also claimed affiliation with the Kishpoko Shawnee, and the "East of the River Shawnee" both of which are made up tribes which have caused fits with the three legimate Shawnee Bands in Oklahoma.

The trouble is that local non-Indians do not have a clue as to what federal recognition is, what tribal affilation means, and get all starry eyed when someone shows up with names like Walking Eagle, Crow Dog, or Barking Fox.  Although I will post more on him later, there is apparently some kind of feud between this McCullough and another fraud who claims to be a brother to Leonard Crow Dog, called John Crow Dog, who also holds sweats, yuwipis, and other "traditional Lakota ceremonies" for "donations."

As I said, more on this Crow Dog character in another thread as per the rules.

McCullough has managed to ingratiate himself with the local media and so appeared in a local PBS produced documentary on the Wabash River.  Which leads me to the point.  Filming ceremonies, as these guys tend to allow, is not a good idea.  I am Potawatomi and we would never allow such scenes to be filmed unless there were extenuating circumstances, ie, for teaching purposes or for some kind of posterity or with the permission of the family and so on. 

McCullough claims to be a medicine man of the Shawnee but since he is not federally enrolled he cannot sign off on the application to hold the Sundance in the Hoosier National Forest.  We have been unable to find out who signs off on the federal application for the special use permit, but do know they are people or a person associated with the Leonard Crow Dog followers from Rosebud, which also has led to some bad feelings between John Crow Dog and Steve McCullough.

More later when I post on this Crow Dog character.

Finally, one way to stop these guys is to turn them in for violations of the Migratory Bird Laws which require a federal Indian ID (that is a tribal or BIA card) which these clowns usually do not have much less carry.  If you transport or wear feathers from Eagles or other protected species you have to have that card on your person.

miguitch,

Johnnie

Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: educatedindian on July 11, 2007, 02:27:22 pm
Johnnie, there's also an older thread on McCullough in here at http://newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=221.0

It has some information you might find useful, such as that Vernal Cross never trained him like McCullough claims.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: sapa on July 11, 2007, 09:59:34 pm
I believe you will find Nathan Chasing Horse signs for the permit, at least he did a year a two ago.
It used to be on the net under the state parks page, seemed they required a card carrying indian...
might have a copy somewhere will look and let you know
sapa
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: sapa on July 11, 2007, 10:12:54 pm
I beg your pardon.....I was mistaken. I confused the Salt Cree k Indiana sundance with this subject. Please disregard.
sapa
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Johnnie on July 12, 2007, 02:15:08 am
Sapa,

It is the one and the same Sundance.

Johnnie
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Johnnie on July 12, 2007, 09:18:32 pm
Folks,

Although this thread is about McCullough, the feud between that clown and the other one in Indy is relevant.  Just heard from someone about the guy John Crow Dog.  Although he legally changed his name, his real name is John Wexler, or some have spelled it Wechsler, although I have seen it spelled Wexler only,

According to the story, back in 1985 or so, this Wexler character traveled to Crow Dog's paradise and sundanced.  As many of you know, Leonard has been notorious for allowing non-Indians to dance, get pipes, and be sanctioned as "medicine men."  Within a few years, Wexler changed his name to John Crazy Horse which gave fits to the local Indians here as well as drawing the attention of people from Oglala who demanded through Leonard that Wexler not use the Crazy Horse name.  So, presto-chango, Wexler takes the Crow Dog family name.

I have not seen more than a mention of Wexler/Crow Dog on any of the Fraud websites and this is the first place I have seen mention of McCullough.  Both these guys seem to have slipped below the radar.  Anyway, somehow one of those guys mentioned above (I heard it was Red Cherries) was visiting Wexler and heard about the Salt Creek Sundance and there was talk of busting it up at one point a couple of years ago.

I even heard that the local AIM group out of Richmond, Indiana headed by Albert Running Wolf (?), was trying to get the special use permit pulled for the Sundance.  That is when I also heard that Wexler Crow Dog, and some Lakotas from out in SD were planning the "raid" on the Sundance.  Nothing ever came of it.

How involved McCullough might be now is up in the air.  I heard he is withdrawing, and I also heard he is the Grand Poobah of the dance but cannot sign the application for the SUP.

More as I find it out.

Johnnie
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Johnnie on July 14, 2007, 09:59:59 am
Folks,

From the Blomington Herald Times: Indiana (Local Lakota Tribe?)  McCullough claims Remnant Band Shawnee

Sundance week starts Saturday

By J.J. McCorvey
jmccorvey@heraldt.com


Those who think American Indian sundances are all about fun,  feathers, and face paint
should think again.

The local Lakota Tribe?s annual Salt Creek Sundance encourages  personal and spiritual
growth and doesn?t just provide a week-long  getaway. The activities, which begin
Saturday near Sundance Lake in  Hoosier National Forest in Brown County and continue
through July 21,  include prayer, singing, fasting, and a piercing ceremony.

The actual sundance will be held at sunrise on Wednesday. The event  is open to the
public and participants are invited to stay on the  campgrounds for the entire week, but
must provide their own camping  essentials.

According to Sundance Chief Stephen McCullough, a sundance is a ?holy  dance? in which
people can ?concentrate on prayers and get results.?  Dancers will face a sacred tree
that will be cut down and brought in  the preceding Tuesday in a tradition called ?Tree
Day.?

The first Salt Creek Sundance ceremony was in 1992. It originated in  South Dakota, where
the Lakota Tribe culture comes from. The Lakota  Tribe practices the Way of the Pipe,
which teaches how to ?walk in a  good way.?

?It?s not so much of a religion as a way of life,? McCullough said,  adding that people
of all religions and backgrounds have come out to  participate in past sundances.

?We don?t try to change people?s religious faiths or be like us ...  there will nobody
getting up to preach,? he said.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: educatedindian on July 14, 2007, 12:47:53 pm
Albert is a longtime member of NAFPS, but he hasn't posted here for awhile. I believe he's still over at one of the yahoo groups. I remember him discussing their trying to get the permit for the national park pulled.

Have you thought about writing to these papers to point out the Sundance is not what they'e claiming? Notice that the paper refers to a "local Lakota tribe" in INDIANA. The reporter didn't do the most basic fact checking.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Johnnie on July 14, 2007, 03:16:58 pm
EI,

Sent an email to them, and several other Indian people sent one as well.  Mine is posted below.

Mr. McCorvey,

RE: Your Bloomington Herald Times story on the Salt Creek Sundance.

I have a suggestion for a way better story.  Ask the Forest Service why they would allow
a non-Indian named Steve McCullough a special use permit to conduct a "ceremony" that the
Lakota people have tried to shut down for the past five years.  This is not only highly
unusual but illegal since McCullough is a non-Indian about to run a "ceremony" which is
highly dangerous in the hands of someone who does not know what they are doing.

You might also ask Mr. McCullough what tribe he is.  If he says Lakota, he is lying.  If
he says "Remnant Band Shawnee," a little digging will tell you that the RBS are fakes as
well.  You will find that the Remnant Band Shawnee is a non-prifit organization which is
fleecing residents of Ohio and that it is run by a fraud and fake by the name of Hawk
Pope, a brother to another fraud named "Dark Rain Thom," who is the wife of your local
author Alexander Thom.  Pope has been repeatedly accused of sexual misconduct with white
women, making them (even those as young as 12 years old) run around his complex with no
clothes on "cause that is how Indians used to dress."

A much better story for a wonderful reporter like you is how the "local Lakota tribe" was
able to establish themselves here in Indiana, more than six hundred miles from their
original territory.

For more information:

http://newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=1245.0

New Age Frauds and Plastic Shamans has been tracking McCullough for years and not only is
he not who he says he is, he is conducting "ceremonies" for fun and profit.

That is a much more interesting story than the one you printed.

By the way, I am a Potawatomi who teaches Native American Religions at IUPUI and have
been involved in Native American ceremonies and traditions all my life.  Some things you
should know.

1. There is no recognized Lakota tribe in Indiana.  The nearest one is hundreds of miles
away in South Dakota.

2. There is no recognized Shawnee tribe in Indiana or Ohio, and anyone (including Ms.
Thom) who claims to be Shawnee is a fraud as well.

3. This is a highly dangerous and sacred ceremony not for amateurs and it is just a
matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed as a result of this
fraudulent behaviour.

4. Someone needs to find out why the National Park Service is allowing this kind of
conduct in the Hoosier National Forest in violation of its own regulations, in violation
of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, and against the wishes of the legitimate
Lakota Nations who have vigorously protested these kinds of rips offs.

5. Why did you not take the time to do a little research and ask the Potawatomi (Pokagon
Band) or the Miami of Indiana about this "ceremony." The sad fact is that most residents
of Indiana would not question this behavior or how a "local Lakota Tribe" as your article
asserts, was able to establish themselves right here in Indiana without a word of it
appearing in the history books or without notice to the other legitimate tribes here in
Indiana.

Good luck and good hunting Mr.McCorvey.  On behalf of Indian people I thank you in
advance for the next installment of this story.

Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: sapa on July 25, 2007, 01:58:57 am

Just stumbled across a relatively new website for the SCS complete with forum (however if you ask any semi hard questions the topic gets locked) and paypal to help defray cost.

Two other sundances eveyone is invited to are
One: In California run by Durwin WhiteLightening ( if the sundance is not enough for you there are also 2 peyote ceremonies available for open participation)
Two: The World Council of Elders is sponsoring an International traveling sundance the first in Montana and then around the world..
It is amazing to me that they all say this is the most sacred of lakota ceremonies and should be treated with the utmost respect but ................it simply isnt worth the time and effort required to travel to Indian Country, meet a reputable family, learn the ways and then maybe you will be invited to attend. It seems to me that far to many have forgotten that the leaders of old welcomed non natives to participate if they DID as the L/N/D ie live as one of the people........
Please excuse me, I guess I just woke up to how wide spread the abuses are.....
I apologise for the sarcasm
sapa
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on August 08, 2007, 04:45:28 pm
I remember before Steve McCullough decided he was indian, his father was a preacher on Rosebud so he spent some of his youth there. He was not trained by Vernal Cross as he claims, I am a good friend of the cross family and shortly after Vern's funeral his widow Darlene and her sister Emma were invited to the McCulloughs for ceremonies - Emma caught McCulloghs kids making "spirit rattles" that he claimed come in during his ceremonies and the supposed spirit lights moved im perfect circles of same intenity like laser flaslights do. Darlene was treated with disrespect and one of Vern's brothers found black tobacco ties intended to do harm all around where Darlene had to camp, she was not even given the respect of a bed in their house. Then while McCullough and his supporters promised to pay for a gravestone for Vern they reneged - I know this for a fact because I arranged for someone I know to donate one and my relatives brought it out to SD and I drove Verns son & nephew over to Rosebud to pick it up
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Charlie Two Shirts on April 30, 2008, 03:38:00 pm
I believe you will find Nathan Chasing Horse signs for the permit, at least he did a year a two ago.
It used to be on the net under the state parks page, seemed they required a card carrying indian...
might have a copy somewhere will look and let you know
sapa

Did you ever find this? What's going on with this guy now? Is he still alive and well?  Is that sundance still going on?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: tahcha_sapa on May 02, 2008, 01:32:23 am
Steve is NOT a native. He used to fondly proclaim that he was the "only white guy" jailed from the Wounded Knee II situation. His wife, Gwen, or his kids may level with you about Steve's true non-native heritage. Or they may love him too much and not wish to destroy this myth about himself that he has, for his own reasons, decided to create. He has claimed to be Shawnee but he's been unable to prove this. His most recent claims to be part Lakota are appalling. He knows it isn't true. His family knows that this isn't true. Ask his family. He's caught up in something else. Maybe he's been seduced by some kind of intense self-aggrandizing grandiose need for attention. Maybe he believes that he can heal the world by becoming part of the disease that he claims he can or wants or needs to cure.
He was a nice guy. He's become something else. What he has become is delusional.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Charlie Two Shirts on May 02, 2008, 03:32:25 am
Wopila.

I have been doing some looking around and found this earl this morning. It doesn't have his picture but it says he is "Rosebud Sioux".

http://www.mantlerock.org/aboutus.htm
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: tahcha_sapa on May 02, 2008, 02:46:38 pm
Steve McCullough has associated with enrolled members of the Rosebud Sioux tribe. Most notably, he associated with Norbert Running, an 85-87 year old medicineman. Norbert is the father of Norman Running. Norman Running was the subject of a scandalous series of claims by a Florida resident that surfaced several years ago. The victim had been taken for over $30,000, I believe, although there may be a thread on this matter somewhere on the net.
Steve McCullough may believe that he may be able to retreat to some kind of claim to being an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux tribe but, unfortunately for him, their enrollment system is guarded very well. Any claim to being "adopted" by a member of any tribe doesn't mean a thing. He's still not a member of any federally recognized tribe and if he possesses any parts of any endangered species of birds protected by the U.S federal wildlife system, he is in violation of the law. Enrolled members of federally recognized tribes have gone to prison for unauthorized use of these same parts. The law will come down harder, it seems, upon others clearly unauthorized to possess them for any purpose.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on May 03, 2008, 04:23:56 am
Actually Elmer Running was involved in the Sundance in IN the first few years but hasnt been involved with it since about 1993. Steve McCullough is not native and not an enrolled member anywhere. 
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: alpine cat on July 09, 2008, 09:44:50 am
Hi folks,

I read the threat on Steve ... He never said that he is a Native, if you ask him personally he will tell you that he is white.
You are talking on ancestry ....
If you take part on a ceremony of Steve you will see, that he is accepted by the spirits .. so what?
Someone know one who have heart something from a person who know anyone ... that's theory
It seems that this forum is more interested in talking then in understanding. the spirits takes her own chice - and this choice is undepending from race, color of skin or anything else.
You know that Wine Delora said to a white, that without the whites and their interest on native american ceremonies natives will forget its own roots?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Superdog on July 09, 2008, 01:57:12 pm
Hi folks,

I read the threat on Steve ... He never said that he is a Native, if you ask him personally he will tell you that he is white.
You are talking on ancestry ....
If you take part on a ceremony of Steve you will see, that he is accepted by the spirits .. so what?
Someone know one who have heart something from a person who know anyone ... that's theory
It seems that this forum is more interested in talking then in understanding. the spirits takes her own chice - and this choice is undepending from race, color of skin or anything else.
You know that Wine Delora said to a white, that without the whites and their interest on native american ceremonies natives will forget its own roots?


Wow is this post ever misled.  Sorry Alpine.  You make a terrible case for him here.  If he's not claiming he's native to you, he's claiming it to others either directly or indirectly.  How do you explain away the news articles and web pages presented that say he's Lakota???

If he's telling  you he's white....why in the world is he running a Lakota ceremony and calling it Lakota....it's wrong either way you dice it.  These ways aren't meant to be abused in this way and the participants put themselves at great risk.  Unfortunately it has a way of coming back on them and I'm assuming that includes you as well.  Protect yourself by stepping away from it.

As for you last quote about Vine (not Wine) Deloria.....sounds more like a desperate attempt to legitimize the attempts at cultural misappropriation here.  Not to mention it WREAKS of the "great white savior" attitude and is inherently ignorant of the other things Vine Deloria has said on this topic.  It's the exact type of attitude that angers people here and in any Native community.  It's like your saying "If we didn't do EVERYTHING for you who would do it...."  But what about all the people throughout history who've DIED or been persecuted trying to keep these ways alive.  Those weren't white people and this terrible misappropriation slaps their efforts in the face.

Not interested in taking part in the ceremony of a "self proclaimed" ceremony leader.  He does not have the backing of any Lakota communities and therefore that makes any delusion that anything he's doing is somehow Lakota complete fallacy.  The ceremonies you participate in are his own interpretation of these ways.....nothing authentic.  I might as well open a church based on Jedi Knights and call it Christian.  It amounts to the same thing. 
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: alpine cat on July 09, 2008, 02:27:46 pm
I'm sorry for writing wrong Vine's Name ...
Well you see ... basicly spirituallity is not for sale and no one who is straight will do this.
Superdog, what I see again is, that here is no discussion possible because this is a tribunal.
Why are Lakota people from Pine Ridge are going to Steves sundance? Why?
Obviously ... he is a man who act in respect to the spirits and not for its reputation or power.

People are making people, are the webpages made by Steve?
I.e. tahcha_sapa wrote, that norman running was involved in a scandal... Was his father Elmer as well involved or is this a related discussion? Please put out the emotions and read there is nothing behind this words than the words itself.
By the way ... I respect each of you here ... but the kind you wrote, there is no respect to people ... is that mitakuye oyasin?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: frederica on July 09, 2008, 06:05:30 pm
Sorry Alpine Cat McCullough's Salt Creek Sundance in in Indiana. He is not Lakota. Some of the people addressing him here are. He is not Shawnee either. He shouldn't be doing SunDances. That is what the "Protection of Ceremonies" declared in 2003 stated by Arvol Looking Horse was about.  http://www.geocities.com/wahohwahpe/ban1.html
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: educatedindian on July 09, 2008, 11:10:15 pm
Hi folks,

I read the threat on Steve ... He never said that he is a Native, if you ask him personally he will tell you that he is white.
You are talking on ancestry ....
If you take part on a ceremony of Steve you will see, that he is accepted by the spirits .. so what?
Someone know one who have heart something from a person who know anyone ... that's theory
It seems that this forum is more interested in talking then in understanding. the spirits takes her own chice - and this choice is undepending from race, color of skin or anything else.
You know that Wine Delora said to a white, that without the whites and their interest on native american ceremonies natives will forget its own roots?


I'm not trying to be rude, but I'm having a lot of trouble understanding you. I have to ask, is English your first language? It does not appear so. And then I have to wonder why you are presuming to know so much more than the many Natives here, and esp the Lakota in here.

The fact is, McCullough is an outsider. That is what is important, not claims of knowing better than any Indian could, from someone who is pretty obviously an outsider him/herself.

And obviously this is not a so called "tribunal" in any way, shape, or form. Do you see anyone here who has the power to put McCullough or anyone else in jail? Do you see anything except what we actually are, Native people trying to protect Native traditions? The "tribunal" claim is melodramatic posturing by someone whose probably never been through what Native have typically face, arrested for Driving While Indian. If you had grown up having lived my or any other Native's experience with police, you wouldn't make such a silly claim of McCullough supposedly facing charges.

One thing which you have not mentioned which is pretty important: Vernal Cross never taught McCullough like McCullough falsely claims. Cross's family are rightly upset that McCullough is lying and saying that he had.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: tahcha_sapa on July 11, 2008, 09:51:37 am
People are making people, are the webpages made by Steve?
I.e. tahcha_sapa wrote, that norman running was involved in a scandal... Was his father Elmer as well involved or is this a related discussion?
If you look at one website in particular that deals with Steve McCullogh's 'sundance', you will see that it is actually site that promotes the website designer's business as well as selling a book from a white author who claims that her husband is a "full-blooded Dakota" (but declines to provide a name that can provide a means to evaluate a claim to legitimate tribal claim). The website is a shingle from a  couple of shills, get it? If you ever go to a large US city, you may run into someone running an illegal Three-card Monte scam on a street corner.  Same thing.  It's an enterprise that relies on shills to perpetuate the fraud.  Shills are legal in Las Vegas casinos because they use the casino's own money to create the impression of a legitimate gambler participating in a game. 
Norman and Steve are frauds who are clever enough to see the kind of interest - money - that a legitimate Lakota medicineman, like Norbert, generates. Norman is a fraud who also happens to be an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux tribe. Steve is a fraud who is not an enrolled member of any tribe whatsoever. That's the difference between those two.

Definition of Fraud

All multifarious means which human ingenuity can devise, and which are resorted to by one individual to get an advantage over another by false suggestions or suppression of the truth. It includes all surprises, tricks, cunning or dissembling, and any unfair way which another is cheated.

Source: Black’s Law Dictionary, 5th ed., by Henry Campbell Black, West Publishing Co., St. Paul, Minnesota, 1979.

In these two cases, with Norman and Steve, who - besides the individuals bilked of money - are the victims? The victims are the enrolled members of the Rosebud Sioux tribe and their descendants. The history, culture and spiritual values of the Rosebud Sioux are stolen and corrupted in order to meet the psychological and fiscal needs of desperate people who would otherwise have to work at real jobs like the rest of us.
Cons seem to believe that they are above the laws. That they can outsmart the rest of us who are on to them. But, the prisons are filled with cons who relied on b.s. and luck in order to perpetuate their scams. Regardless of their success, cons need to remember that B.S. only takes a person so far and everyone's luck ALWAYS runs out.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Kevin on July 11, 2008, 11:42:52 am
"If you take part on a ceremony of Steve you will see, that he is accepted by the spirits .. so what?" (alpine cat)
I have never come across a more stupid statement in all my life! Let me guess, when this crook is doing some nuage ceremony all of a sudden everyone gets a text message from the spirits  saying, " we accept him, he is pure", right? Is that how it works? I mean, how the F else would anyone know the 'spirits' are accepting him? Oh, I should ask, do the spirits give their names???
This is wind spirit, STeve is so cool!
This is the ol' rock spirit, man! Steve really has it together, he is one of us.
This is the dead rabbit spirit, Steve really has it going
this is the spirit of the sparrows, ohhhh, Steve! you're smokin' baby, you're smokin'

I've got my cell in my hand, alpine, why ain't them spirits talking?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Superdog on July 11, 2008, 12:41:56 pm
I'm sorry for writing wrong Vine's Name ...
Well you see ... basicly spirituallity is not for sale and no one who is straight will do this.
Superdog, what I see again is, that here is no discussion possible because this is a tribunal.
Why are Lakota people from Pine Ridge are going to Steves sundance? Why?
Obviously ... he is a man who act in respect to the spirits and not for its reputation or power.

People are making people, are the webpages made by Steve?
I.e. tahcha_sapa wrote, that norman running was involved in a scandal... Was his father Elmer as well involved or is this a related discussion? Please put out the emotions and read there is nothing behind this words than the words itself.
By the way ... I respect each of you here ... but the kind you wrote, there is no respect to people ... is that mitakuye oyasin?

Others have responded and they are right on so there's no need to push it further.  I'd just like to say to you Alpine Cat that there was no disrespect to you  in my post.  No name calling...nothing of that sort.  I was only responding to your arguments as being completely misled.  Which they are and hopefully you'll read through some of the negative emotions you've generated with your own comments and see just how far off the track you are. 

Take the defensive shell off.  Read the words here more as a warning for yourself rather than trying to take sides in something you still need to learn a lot about as well.  You're puttin' yourself in a deep mess.  The amount of small lies you'll need to generate (whether you know your lying or not) to support this big lie only comes back on you and you're the one who has to pay for that....no one else....and it WILL happen. 

I'm assuming English isn't your first language by your posts.  If I'm wrong let me know...just seems like a pretty good assumption.  There's definitely a communication barrier going on, but if you open up...even with that barrier you'll start to see where truth lies. 

It's the nature of ALL human beings (no matter where you come from or what culture) to make an opinion on a person in the first few moments we meet someone and it's also human nature to HATE to admit we're wrong.

When you realize that you're deciding whether to like someone or not based on such little information and you also accept that by your own nature you hate to admit you're wrong about someone......all of a sudden people begin to become transparent and  you can read their behaviors and words together and form a better opinion on them....not a judgement....an opinion on what you can expect from them.  I'm not saying you have to all of a sudden flip over and not like Steve....but at least you can realize what to REALLY expect from him.

Superdog
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: tahcha_sapa on July 14, 2008, 11:27:32 pm
One thing which you have not mentioned which is pretty important: Vernal Cross never taught McCullough like McCullough falsely claims. Cross's family are rightly upset that McCullough is lying and saying that he had.
This is a very important point to keep in mind because I know how the message of Vernal's death got to Steve. Up until the moment Steve was told of Vernal's death, Steve didn't have a clue. But the moment Steve was told, he was quick enough to say that he would share that news with the people in a sweat that Steve was going to run that night.
One thing about a con like Steve is to understand how manipulative he has been all along and how he continues to perpetuate his lies. This example about Vernal is typical fare for a con artist: for who better to attribute one's "spiritual development" to than to someone who cannot challenge those claims? Vernal cannot come back from the dead to rub Steve's nose into this exceptionally disgusting pile of lies that Steve has tried to get everyone to believe is actually the truth.
The only reason Steve has not tried (yet, anyway) to attribute some kind of spiritual "apprenticeship" to Norbert Running is that Norbert is STILL alive and could and would put Steve in his place. Steve is very disparaging of Norbert because of this fact.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: MatoSiWin on July 19, 2008, 07:26:59 am
Wow, I am very glad I came across this thread.  I had been "invited" by someone I really don't know (via e-mail) to this "Sundance" ceremony... and initially thought wow, that's interesting.  Then I thought, "Hey... there's no Lakotas here, lol".  I made a few phone calls and realized that nearly all the people I talked to were touting this as a "Lakota" ceremony... yet none of them could name any Lakota elders that would be participating, and they were all wasichu (spelling?).  The red flags kept adding up, and I decided to do a search on the whole subject and it's founder, and found this site. 
I also called a very close friend (cousin) of mine who has participated in an authentic Sundance ceremony at Pine Ridge many years ago and told him some of the things that were conveyed to me, and he said, "If they want to participate in a Lakota Sundance, why don't they just come to the Rez?"  LOL. 
I'm not sure why people even do this... if they know enough about the ways to try to imitate them, don't they know what the possibly devastating side effects could be?  And don't they care that they could be exposing other "innocent" people to things they have no idea of?  I have no doubt this is a "spiritual" event... but one has to ask, "Which Spirits are we really connecting with here?"  The fact that these self-proclaimed "Medicine Men" often use these "powers" to influence women, and especially young impressionable girls, makes me feel that this is more a dance to attract the attention of Anog Ite (spelling?), whether they realize it or not.
When these people die, do they not know that they will be personally held responsible for all they do, and for all whom they lead astray?  That is why it is so important that people in leadership roles go through so much ceremony and qualification for whatever their role is... the responsibility is far greater than just this world. 
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Needs More Caffeine on July 21, 2008, 01:54:37 am
I know there was talk of some people confronting McCullough a few years ago at Sundance.  Anyone know if it happened?  Or might happen again?

He and another character, who calls himself "Chief Evans," pretty well represent themselves as "the" native voice in the Monroe/Brown County area.  As a native student organizer who in Bloomington I am always running into their followers and admirers.  When as native students groups we ask white people for support for our efforts on campus, a lot of the time we hear fawning over these two guys.  It makes it really harder to draw attention to our work in trying to get native students the same support services as other underrepresented groups...we do not seem "Indian enough" in comparison because we don't treat the stereotypes like a freaking to-do list and don't do Plains nations ceremonies that white people expect because whites learn about them from people like McCullough and Evans.  And, as MatoSiWan said, there is definitely an element of recruiting young women, particularly young women of distant Indian descent, into situations like mixed-gender sweats that have exploitative overtones. Even within the student organizations, some of these women want to be involved with us, but it's hard to help them because they are so in thrall of these self-proclaimed "Sundance chiefs" that they are defensive.   :-(   
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: MatoSiWin on July 21, 2008, 02:10:10 pm
Needs More Caffeine...
I agree, there is almost no point in trying to talk to those kinds of women, as they will only be defensive.  One of the reasons is because if they don't have people like McCullough to "believe in", then they would have to face the reality that the history really isn't theirs to hold.  People like Steve provide these people with a flase sense that "anyone can be Indian".  They use Lakota phrases such as Mitakuye Oyasin "we are all related" to further propagate this "belief", when in fact that is NOT what that saying means or ever meant to imply.  They encourage these people to say retarded things like, "I was an Indian princess in a past lifetime", and they use the little bit of true knowledge they have and mix it with a vast amount of false knowledge to further their own agenda.  This is why I have always said, "A little knowledge can be very dangerous". 
I remember when I was younger, one of my mentors took me to Inipi with her.  It was not one of these "open sweats" that Steve and his type promote.  It was a very tight group of friends and family, and the only reason I was there is because she was an "elder" who had a personal relationship with me and knew me well, and brought me.  But before I went, she sat me down and went over the proper ways and etiquette.  I listened, and while there, I observed.  I can honestly say, it was NOTHING like what these types of people talk about when they describe their "Sweats".  I have never gone, and never will, but apparently many people are falling for this crap.
I just don't understand why Steve couldn't just be one of those White people who respects the culture and admires it without having to possess it and claim it as his own.  there are plenty of White people who have a genuine interest in helping to keep the Indian culture protected, and they are able to remain true to who they are.  These kinds of white people are good hearted.  But then there are the Steve types, who claim respect for something out of one side of their mouths, but then exploit the very culture they claim to respect with the other side of their mouth.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on July 21, 2008, 04:30:42 pm
Is that other "chief" Evans White Face? He is from Pine Ridge, Medicine Root District I think and is related to Vernal Cross. He used to be ok but havent seen him or heard anything about him since Vernal's funeral (when the friend I was riding with gave his wife and daughter a ride back to Indiana.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Needs More Caffeine on July 22, 2008, 06:20:44 pm
MatoSiWin, it's nice to commiserate with someone about McCullough.  The pinnacle of his crap for me was when the local newspaper referred to the people at the Brown County mockery of a Sundance as "the local Lakota tribe."  Some people can be SO unquestioning of what to us is obvious fraud.  When the reporter was asked to at least do research and see, hello, there is no "local Lakota tribe" in Indiana, she did not (to the best of my knowledge) respond to any of the many letters.  So there were a lot of people who read that article and think there are tons of Lakota people chilling in Brown County, most of whom just happen to look and ACT exactly like white people...Funny thing...

Cetan, that might be him.  I only ever hear this person referred to as Evans.  I'll ask around and post after I find out.  If it is him, he's very in deep with the New Age around here.   
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: MatoSiWin on July 22, 2008, 06:33:02 pm
NMC,
Yeah, that was my first "red flag" about this guy... on a website I found "advertising" the Sundance, it mentioned that it was a Lakota ceremony.  It didn't say it copied a Lakota ceremony, so I got to thinking... if it's a Lakota ceremony, wouldn't it be sponsored by Lakota people?  I wrote my good friend about it, and am waiting to hear his thoughts on the situation.
I also mentioned it to my other good friend, who is Lakota, and danced in the Sundance many years ago, on the LAKOTA rez... not in Indiana, and he said that it did not sound legit at all.  he said the same thing everyone else here is saying... if it's Lakota, why is't it on the Rez?  People aren't going to travel that far. 
Apparently the people attending these are not researching anything at all.  Apparently those who believe in nothing will fall for anything.  I don't claim to be an expert at all, but I was taught enough growing up to sense when something isn't right.  I don't have to step in it to know it's $h!t.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: AskMeFirst on July 23, 2008, 06:01:25 pm
I have read what all of you are saying about this Sundance and the people who go there and have to ask a question- Have any of you ever gone to it?

I have signed up on this site specifically because of this thread. I go to this Sundance and know several dancers that dance there.

I was told that it was brought to Indiana because of the work Steve and his family did to get the NAGPRA laws passed after the 900+ graves were dug up at Slack farm in 1989 and was sanctioned by Vernal Cross and Elmer Running. Anything you want to know about McCullough and this Sundance, ask away and I will try to answer the best that I can.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: earthw7 on July 24, 2008, 02:33:46 am
I have a question
DO YOU FOLLOW THE PROTECTION ORDER BY AVROL LOOKING HORSE?
Do you allow non-indians to dance?
How many enrolled member dance

OH please not adopted member!!
if you want a definition of the adoption and the rights check out this post
http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=1294.0
To use the concept of adoption is fraud

Oh wait Steve is Non-Indian!!! of course not Lakota and not from my nation
he is just another fake who steal culture.

Who signs for your permit to use the grounds at the dances.

I also work on NAGPRA and know what the problem with steve.
He has been an issues with the family of cross and other native
people.

Of course white people get all holy with our beliefs


Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: MatoSiWin on July 24, 2008, 03:55:33 pm
AMF,

You said you joined specifically because of this thread, but this is not the only thread regarding Steve.  I'd recommend going back and reading all of them (you can find them by using the search feature).  Some of the things that were said were just hear-say, but other posters on here provided verification of what they were saying.  I don't know him personally, so can't speak for anything other than what I was able to find here.  But one thing to be careful about... you can't drop names in the NDN community (such as that of the Cross family), because eventually you are going to run into people who are either close to or related to this family.  Name dropping is common outside of the NDN community because non-natives don't really have the resources or connections to thoroughly verify things.  I don't like to judge anyone that I don't personally know, but when it comes to someone hosting an "open" ceremony and calling it "Lakota", I am responsible for researching it and using my best judgement. 
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on July 26, 2008, 09:37:41 pm
Elmer Running was there the first year or so but he left and never went back, I dont know why. The first year Vernal Cross was invited, Steve McCullough though Vernal would give his approval but he didnt and was asked to leave by Steve, without being given gas money to get home, one of vernals relatives who lives in Indiana went and borrowed money and drove down to Salt Creek at 2am to give Vern the gas money to get home. We never did understand why he went back the next year but a lot of family believes that is what caused his death. And McCullough and crew went to the funeral, while there they promised to buy a gravestone for him.  They also invited Darlene to come to Indian for a ceremony and she went with her sister-in-law Emma. While there she was treated really disrespectfully, they are Lakota sand they werent even given a place  to sleep off the ground. Emma caught Steve's kids making "spirit" rattles in the woods and she said he is a fraud. They also reneged on the promise to buy his gravestone. Someone I know made one (family is in the business) and my nephews and his dad brought it from MI to Rosebud, I took Michael and a cousin with a pickup over there to pick it up from my nephew and bring it back to 5 Mile corner. 
Vernal never taught Steve McCullough and what Steve is doing is not under Vernal's altar or sanctioned by his widow.  Steve McCullough is NOT Lakota.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: AskMeFirst on July 31, 2008, 01:22:49 pm
I meant no disrespect!

Earth, if you feel the need to attack me right off the bat, so be it. I'll try to answer all of your concerns because I do understand your frustration: I did not mention adoption and am confused about that. I am only here to present another view of what is going on by repeating what I was told.  I was not there at the Slack Farm and do not know anything more than what I was told about why the Sundance was brought to Indiana. Please forgive any disrespect.

I can't remember who said something about dropping names, but again, I mean no disrespect. I am only repeating what I was told. I saw where those family names had already been mentioned here so thought it was ok to say what I knew. Please know I meant no disrespect. 

Also, yes, there are several full bloods who dance there. 3 are from Long Plain, 4-5 are from Pine Ridge and a few from Rosebud. Supporters come from all over. Several helpers and singers are full bloods as well, and some are from the aforementioned reserves. I hesitate to mention names now, due to what I was told about name dropping, and I sure do not want to disrespect anyone here or the families that support that dance in any way.

No one has ever come there to "shut it down", at least not in the 5 years I have gone there.

Yes, there is a permit to have the dance there. Yes, there are permits for feathers used there.  Yes, there are mixed races who dance there.

I only responded to this thread because it seemed like people were trying to go about finding things out, almost as a covert operation, when there are plenty of people who are willing to answer any question you may have about this Sundance. As far as I know, there is nothing to hide about it. If there is, I'd like to know it, too, and thought I might learn something here.

I will try to answer any and all questions, but please don't shoot the messenger. I am only trying to give another view from someone who attends. This dance changed my life.

I am not a nuage anything. I am not a Sundancer. I am a supporter of a Sundancer which sometimes is harder, or so I am told. I'm not here to honk any horns, rat anyone out or start trouble. I only came to give another point of view. Our Creator works wonders everywhere, as all of you know, and if great things are happening at this Sundance, why is there so much turmoil outside of it? This is what I want to learn.
I understand about protocol and violations of the proclamation.

I am a bit reluctant now to tell what I know, but will ask a few people and see if its ok. I think its important.

Toksa,
AMF


Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Barnaby_McEwan on July 31, 2008, 05:43:15 pm
...there are plenty of people who are willing to answer any question you may have about this Sundance.

When will it stop?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: AskMeFirst on July 31, 2008, 07:25:22 pm
...there are plenty of people who are willing to answer any question you may have about this Sundance.

When will it stop?

Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on July 31, 2008, 10:43:13 pm
Who gave Steve McCullough, a non LDN, the right to run a Sundance?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: earthw7 on July 31, 2008, 11:29:45 pm
sorry did not mean to come off as attacking just asking questions.

Steve does not have the right to run a sun dance that is what
we are saying.

I still would like to know who signed the permit for the dance??
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: AskMeFirst on July 31, 2008, 11:31:00 pm
Who gave Steve McCullough, a non LDN, the right to run a Sundance?

Thank you, Cetan, for asking a legitimate question.

I will quote Steve's own words in an answer to your question. This is taken from a newspaper article, but they are his own words:

"He was working with his vision when he came here saying he felt led to bring the Sundance," said Mr. McCullough about Elmer Running, a full-blood Lakota from South Dakota who ran the first Sundance in 1992. "He wanted to honor the ancestors of Indian people in the area by having a dance here. "

The entire article can be found here:
http://www.linkcenterfoundation.org/wambliho/Democrat_Article_July_7_2004.html

While I do not put much stock in the media, I was there for this interview. The reporter got the name of one of the reservations wrong, but other than that, it is legit as far as I know. Members of that family mentioned continue to come to the Sundance.

I only quote the article because it answers the question in Steve's own words. I will not pretend to know more than I do, but can answer honestly and with facts I can quote when possible.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: earthw7 on July 31, 2008, 11:34:12 pm
so it is true that it is the Chasing Horse
I thought so......................................
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: AskMeFirst on July 31, 2008, 11:47:52 pm
sorry did not mean to come off as attacking just asking questions.

Steve does not have the right to run a sun dance that is what
we are saying.

I still would like to know who signed the permit for the dance??

Thank you, earth......to be honest, I do not know who signed it, but was under the impression that it was Steve himself. I do not know what he needs that would enable him to be able to sign it himself, but maybe someone here does?

Edited to add: Keep in mind that this was an article from 2004 so that is who signed it then.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on August 01, 2008, 02:17:29 am
Elmer has not been involved with them since the early 1990's and I do know that he never authorized Steve mcCullough to run a Sundance - so again who gave Steve McCullough the authority to run it?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on August 01, 2008, 05:17:09 am
Isn't it a fact that Gilley was involved with this dance too for a number of years?

Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on August 01, 2008, 05:41:46 am
I know there was talk of some people confronting McCullough a few years ago at Sundance.  Anyone know if it happened?  Or might happen again?

He and another character, who calls himself "Chief Evans," pretty well represent themselves as "the" native voice in the Monroe/Brown County area.  As a native student organizer who in Bloomington I am always running into their followers and admirers.  When as native students groups we ask white people for support for our efforts on campus, a lot of the time we hear fawning over these two guys.  It makes it really harder to draw attention to our work in trying to get native students the same support services as other underrepresented groups...we do not seem "Indian enough" in comparison because we don't treat the stereotypes like a freaking to-do list and don't do Plains nations ceremonies that white people expect because whites learn about them from people like McCullough and Evans.  And, as MatoSiWan said, there is definitely an element of recruiting young women, particularly young women of distant Indian descent, into situations like mixed-gender sweats that have exploitative overtones. Even within the student organizations, some of these women want to be involved with us, but it's hard to help them because they are so in thrall of these self-proclaimed "Sundance chiefs" that they are defensive.   :-(   


Albert Running Wolf was the head of that. He brought Bernard Red Cherries here to stop it. They confronted the DNR but got no back up so it was allowed to continue.

There are people from South Dakota that come and dance and some that come to support.

As far as you talking about and I quote "Chief Evans" he is not self proclaimed. He was presented a bonnet along with a medal honoring him from the federal government and he was also presented to his tribe in a ceremony as tradition requires.

I have known this man for over 12 years and do not know what you are basing your opinions on about him being involved with the new age but you could not be further from the truth. He is one man I see struggle to try to keep the ceremonies traditional.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: earthw7 on August 01, 2008, 02:49:26 pm
I know there was talk of some people confronting McCullough a few years ago at Sundance.  Anyone know if it happened?  Or might happen again?

He and another character, who calls himself "Chief Evans," pretty well represent themselves as "the" native voice in the Monroe/Brown County area.  As a native student organizer who in Bloomington I am always running into their followers and admirers.  When as native students groups we ask white people for support for our efforts on campus, a lot of the time we hear fawning over these two guys.  It makes it really harder to draw attention to our work in trying to get native students the same support services as other underrepresented groups...we do not seem "Indian enough" in comparison because we don't treat the stereotypes like a freaking to-do list and don't do Plains nations ceremonies that white people expect because whites learn about them from people like McCullough and Evans.  And, as MatoSiWan said, there is definitely an element of recruiting young women, particularly young women of distant Indian descent, into situations like mixed-gender sweats that have exploitative overtones. Even within the student organizations, some of these women want to be involved with us, but it's hard to help them because they are so in thrall of these self-proclaimed "Sundance chiefs" that they are defensive.   :-(   


Albert Running Wolf was the head of that. He brought Bernard Red Cherries here to stop it. They confronted the DNR but got no back up so it was allowed to continue.

There are people from South Dakota that come and dance and some that come to support.

As far as you talking about and I quote "Chief Evans" he is not self proclaimed. He was presented a bonnet along with a medal honoring him from the federal government and he was also presented to his tribe in a ceremony as tradition requires.

I have known this man for over 12 years and do not know what you are basing your opinions on about him being involved with the new age but you could not be further from the truth. He is one man I see struggle to try to keep the ceremonies traditional.


so who are you? what rez are you enrolled in?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on August 01, 2008, 03:14:15 pm
I'm a member of the NHCN in Manitoba. I'm from the Apetagon family.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: earthw7 on August 01, 2008, 04:40:45 pm
Thank you
gets confusing as who a person is talking too.

I guess my question is still why would native people dance under a white man?

If he has lied about how he became a sun dance leader would he lie
about other things too
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on August 01, 2008, 05:20:08 pm
Good question and one worthy of asking of anyone white or red.

What I am thinking here is (and I could be way off) people are not thinking of who they are dancing "under" but who they are dancing for and why they are dancing.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on August 01, 2008, 07:34:30 pm
"As far as you talking about and I quote "Chief Evans" he is not self proclaimed. He was presented a bonnet along with a medal honoring him from the federal government and he was also presented to his tribe in a ceremony as tradition requires."

Who is this Chieg Evans, what is his full name, what family and rez is he from?  And since when does a medal from the federal govt mean someone is a LDN leader?

Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on August 01, 2008, 09:42:29 pm
I mentioned the thing about the medal to show that not only is he recognized in his community and all but is also recognized by the government as to who he is. That was it.

Evans White Face is a OST member from the Wounded Knee district. That's all you need to know... contact the tribal office in Pine Ridge if you need to know more.

Now. Who are you and where do you come from? Who is your family? Do people on the board know you personally? People can say something online and how would we really know?  ;) I'm being funny here but you see what I'm saying. I'm just stating what I personally know and know to be true.

Edited to add: I just re-read what I wrote and I mean no disrespect. I am just making the point that we do not know anything to be true unless we know the people personally or have seen things in person.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: AskMeFirst on August 02, 2008, 12:14:46 pm
I mentioned the thing about the medal to show that not only is he recognized in his community and all but is also recognized by the government as to who he is. That was it.

Evans White Face is a OST member from the Wounded Knee district. That's all you need to know... contact the tribal office in Pine Ridge if you need to know more.

Now. Who are you and where do you come from? Who is your family? Do people on the board know you personally? People can say something online and how would we really know?  ;) I'm being funny here but you see what I'm saying. I'm just stating what I personally know and know to be true.

Edited to add: I just re-read what I wrote and I mean no disrespect. I am just making the point that we do not know anything to be true unless we know the people personally or have seen things in person.

Thank you for stepping in Creative Native.....I was afraid of taking all this on by myself but knew someone needed to speak up about these things that are being said.

I agree with all you are saying here. I too, know Chief Evans personally and he IS who he says he is. I might also add that when he received his medal and bonnet, Steve McCullough was there and also received that same medal. It was pointed out during that ceremony, that that medal is only given to Chiefs that are recognized by the gov as being from the Sioux nation, and it was also pointed out that Steve should not be persecuted as he has been. This is what I saw and heard with my own eyes and ears. 

I also agree with what you said about people dancing "under" someone, that its who they dance "to"- The sundancer I support is a full blood and I know that this dancer feels that way.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on August 02, 2008, 01:20:08 pm
My mom is from Ft Berthold - Hidatsa, Mandan and Lakota was also adopted by Frank Fools crow as his sister and Darlene Cross is an old friend of mine; I am also close friends with several other families from Allen and Pine Ridge Village.  My significant other is from St Francis.  I met Evans White Face many years ago in Indiana and again at Vernal's funeral. I am curious as to who gave him the Chief's bonnet; I have been present when several people were given bonnets including when Oliver Red Cloud gave a bonnet to Steve Dubray; ususally this is done for someone who is giving themselves to help the people in their community and is a recognized leader.  To the best of my knowlege there is no real Lakota community in Indiana.  And Steve McCullough is not Lakota, he may claim to be now but I remember years ago when he said he was not but he did live on Rosebud when he was younger because his father was a preacher there.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on August 02, 2008, 02:44:01 pm
I don't know what you mean by a "real Lakota community" but there are quite a few Lakota's living in Indiana. I know a lot of them gather together at different occasions and at different ceremonies and ban together if local support is needed.

You're right... Steve is NOT Lakota. That's been acknowledged over and over. He never was or will be, that's a given. As for myself, I've never heard Steve claim to be Lakota. I've never heard him to claim to be anything to be honest with you.

Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on August 03, 2008, 02:11:32 am


I agree with all you are saying here. I too, know Chief Evans personally and he IS who he says he is. I might also add that when he received his medal and bonnet, Steve McCullough was there and also received that same medal. It was pointed out during that ceremony, that that medal is only given to Chiefs that are recognized by the gov as being from the Sioux nation, and it was also pointed out that Steve should not be persecuted as he has been. This is what I saw and heard with my own eyes and ears. 





You are saying this medal is only given to chiefs that are recoginized by the govt as being from the Sioux nation and that Steve received the same medal yet is not not LDN so there seems to be a contradiction in what you are saying.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: AskMeFirst on August 03, 2008, 04:08:44 am


I agree with all you are saying here. I too, know Chief Evans personally and he IS who he says he is. I might also add that when he received his medal and bonnet, Steve McCullough was there and also received that same medal. It was pointed out during that ceremony, that that medal is only given to Chiefs that are recognized by the gov as being from the Sioux nation, and it was also pointed out that Steve should not be persecuted as he has been. This is what I saw and heard with my own eyes and ears. 





You are saying this medal is only given to chiefs that are recoginized by the govt as being from the Sioux nation and that Steve received the same medal yet is not not LDN so there seems to be a contradiction in what you are saying.

Sorry, that reply did seem a bit confusing......what I'm trying to say is that what I heard in the ceremony was that the medal is only given out by the gov to honor Chiefs of the 500 nations.  The man who gave it to him and recognized him is from Rosebud. Not sure I should say his name here. Does this mean Steve is federally recognized? I don't know, but by him being acknowledged with that medal, it seems so. 

Also, the newspaper does get facts wrong and though they might have said there is a "Lakota tribe" or whatever in Indiana, that doesn't necessarily mean that they were quoting Steve. I can say that he has never told me he is Lakota, either.  I just know that he told me he was raised on White River and learned things from a young age there.
 
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on August 03, 2008, 06:33:21 am
I don't know if Steve has a medal or not. He wasn't given one the same time that Evans received his bonnet and medal. Steve was asked to read the proclamation that came with Evan's medal, that's all I know about that.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on August 04, 2008, 03:00:31 pm
Thank you for clarifying that, Ask Me First made it sound like Steve was given a medal.  I am wondering who it was from Rosebud who gave Evans the bonnet since usually making a chief is done within the tiospaye.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: earthw7 on August 04, 2008, 03:40:54 pm
I was wondering why the rest of Lakota perple were not informed of this?
It would be nice to find out who did this and if they received any money for this
ceremony.
Anyone representing us should have been acknowledge by us.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on August 04, 2008, 05:29:36 pm
Thank you for clarifying that, Ask Me First made it sound like Steve was given a medal.  I am wondering who it was from Rosebud who gave Evans the bonnet since usually making a chief is done within the tiospaye.

The bonnet was given here since this is the area that Evans lives at now. He was presented it in the midst of the community here. He has been in SD the last two weeks being brought into the circle and presented before the tiospaye.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on August 04, 2008, 05:34:21 pm
I was wondering why the rest of Lakota perple were not informed of this?
It would be nice to find out who did this and if they received any money for this
ceremony.
Anyone representing us should have been acknowledge by us.

Now comeon... you're making it sound underhanded or sleazy here. Hell no .. no one received any money for this honor and to insinuate otherwise is insulting.

Since you're in Ft Yates it would be impossible to bring EVERYONE to one spot for a huge event . Even Oliver Red Cloud didn't have that. LoL I guess since he will be brought before the people he will be acknowledged by those that matter eh?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: earthw7 on August 04, 2008, 06:56:38 pm
I am sorry if you are offended but Indian country is small.
We all acknowledge that Oliver Red Cloud is a chief.
Steve Emery was made a chief last year we acknowledge that too.
In Indian Country the words get around.


which tiospaye?

so many questions that have to asked
I am in Fort Yates on the Rock but i have relatives on most of the reservations here.

Does this mean Steve is federally recognized? I don't know, but by him being acknowledged with that medal, it seems so. 

I don't think so.

Steve is not federal recognized



Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on August 04, 2008, 08:59:24 pm


Steve is not federal recognized


You're right. I don't think they meant federal tribal recognition meaning that he would be an enrolled member. That he could never be because he has no blood quantum.

I'm not offended. I was just saying that money had nothing to do with anything. ;-)
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on August 04, 2008, 09:33:45 pm
Who presented Evans White face with the bonnet and made him chief?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on August 04, 2008, 09:51:13 pm
It was a well known chief and he had the support and agreement from other chiefs. I have the feeling even if I said Crazy Horse himself came back to present it that it wouldn't be good enough for some. LoL
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Defend the Sacred on August 05, 2008, 01:17:42 am
It was a well known chief

Well, if he's well known he should have a name then, shouldn't he?

Quote
and he had the support and agreement from other chiefs.

I'd think they would have names, too.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on August 05, 2008, 03:09:04 am
Yes he does and some people applaud my effort in not plastering it all over the web.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on August 05, 2008, 12:34:19 pm
If someone is acting on behalf of the oyate they should not be afraid to have their actions made public; the fact that the name of the person who gave Evans White Face the bonnet is not made public makes me question whether he had the authority to do so. There are many so called chiefs and holy men back home who have become corrupt.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: earthw7 on August 05, 2008, 01:00:06 pm
I bet it is ol Crow Dog who has made instance medicine men all over the place
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on August 05, 2008, 02:48:38 pm
Quote
If someone is acting on behalf of the oyate they should not be afraid to have their actions made public; the fact that the name of the person who gave Evans White Face the bonnet is not made public makes me question whether he had the authority to do so. There are many so called chiefs and holy men back home who have become corrupt.

Then how bout you list the "corrupt" ones and I'll tell you if the name and the ones that were in support of this were on the list. ;-)

Quote
I bet it is ol Crow Dog who has made instance medicine men all over the place

What are their names? ;-)
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: AskMeFirst on August 05, 2008, 05:03:01 pm
Thank you for clarifying that, Ask Me First made it sound like Steve was given a medal.  I am wondering who it was from Rosebud who gave Evans the bonnet since usually making a chief is done within the tiospaye.

I was there at that ceremony and I saw the medal presented to Evans and then Steve was told that he was going to receive one as well. There were rumors of those there that wanted to strip Steve if his bonnet, and the man in the middle told all about it. He said that Steve was honorable and should not be persecuted in that way. There was alot more that happened there, but I will not say it here.
Since that ceremony I believe the medal has come to Steve. It doesn't mean he has blood or is federally recognized.....but it tells me this Chief sees him as honorable and also that in the eyes of the gov he is a chief and he can act on behalf of his tiospaye as a chief, at least this is my understanding.

As far as who presented Chief Evans Whiteface goes, when I first signed up I was advised not to throw names around on this board. Out of respect for the man who put that bonnet on Evans' head I won't say it, but people here can ask around back home and find out. I do agree with Creative Native that it wouldn't matter who did it, it would still meet with opposition here. No disrespect intended, its just the way it is.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: AskMeFirst on August 05, 2008, 05:05:28 pm
Isn't it a fact that Gilley was involved with this dance too for a number of years?



That was before my time there, but it is my understanding that he did indeed frequent this Sundance.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: AskMeFirst on August 05, 2008, 05:13:44 pm
People are making people, are the webpages made by Steve?
I.e. tahcha_sapa wrote, that norman running was involved in a scandal... Was his father Elmer as well involved or is this a related discussion?
If you look at one website in particular that deals with Steve McCullogh's 'sundance', you will see that it is actually site that promotes the website designer's business as well as selling a book from a white author who claims that her husband is a "full-blooded Dakota" (but declines to provide a name that can provide a means to evaluate a claim to legitimate tribal claim). The website is a shingle from a  couple of shills, get it? If you ever go to a large US city, you may run into someone running an illegal Three-card Monte scam on a street corner.  Same thing.  It's an enterprise that relies on shills to perpetuate the fraud.  Shills are legal in Las Vegas casinos because they use the casino's own money to create the impression of a legitimate gambler participating in a game. 
Norman and Steve are frauds who are clever enough to see the kind of interest - money - that a legitimate Lakota medicineman, like Norbert, generates. Norman is a fraud who also happens to be an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux tribe. Steve is a fraud who is not an enrolled member of any tribe whatsoever. That's the difference between those two.

Definition of Fraud

All multifarious means which human ingenuity can devise, and which are resorted to by one individual to get an advantage over another by false suggestions or suppression of the truth. It includes all surprises, tricks, cunning or dissembling, and any unfair way which another is cheated.

Source: Black’s Law Dictionary, 5th ed., by Henry Campbell Black, West Publishing Co., St. Paul, Minnesota, 1979.

In these two cases, with Norman and Steve, who - besides the individuals bilked of money - are the victims? The victims are the enrolled members of the Rosebud Sioux tribe and their descendants. The history, culture and spiritual values of the Rosebud Sioux are stolen and corrupted in order to meet the psychological and fiscal needs of desperate people who would otherwise have to work at real jobs like the rest of us.
Cons seem to believe that they are above the laws. That they can outsmart the rest of us who are on to them. But, the prisons are filled with cons who relied on b.s. and luck in order to perpetuate their scams. Regardless of their success, cons need to remember that B.S. only takes a person so far and everyone's luck ALWAYS runs out.


What website are you referring to?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Needs More Caffeine on August 05, 2008, 05:57:13 pm
So why does Steve McCullough tell people he is "Shawnee"?

And why are so many of his and Evans's community white PODIAs (many of them claiming to "be Cherokee" although they aren't enrolled anywhere)?

I'm genuinely curious.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on August 05, 2008, 06:10:10 pm
PODIAs??? I don't know what that is.

Have you been involved with Steve and Evan's personally? Have you talke to each and every "white" person that claims Cherokee or are you just throwing about broad blanket statements as fact?

As for myself I haven't heard Steve say he is any tribal member. That's all I know.

It isn't Steve AND Evan's "community". Actually they are in different parts of the state and do their own thing so I don't know where you are coming from.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on August 06, 2008, 02:32:10 pm
I did ask around among people back home and no one heard of anyone making Evan White Face a chief, so again who did this - if someone is doing something on behalf of the oyate it should be made public and this hasnt, at least not in SD
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Superdog on August 06, 2008, 03:11:42 pm
Just thought I'd throw another wrench in the works for people to discuss.  While I know the facts of an article can truly only be attributed to the author of the article, this is a short biographical piece about McCullough and worthy of discussion.  The article paints a good picture of him and  talks about the work he does with this particular Sundance and in other areas and highlights the things his supporters here in this discussion like about him.  It also includes the things that people on this board don't like about him.

http://www.roundaboutmadison.com/Inside%20Pages/Archived%20Articles/2007/06_07SteveMcCullough.htm
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: ska on August 06, 2008, 03:25:42 pm
I bet it is ol Crow Dog who has made instance medicine men all over the place

McCullough seems to know people from Rosebud and Pine Ridge.  White Face is a family name from Pine Ridge, so it's not necessarily Crow Dog.  On Pine Ridge, Swallow and Chipps are known for working with non-Natives, selling ceremonies, and making chiefs.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: educatedindian on August 06, 2008, 03:29:16 pm
That article raises a lot of questions. For me the most damning words come from McCullough's lies straight from his own mouth, or from the lies he told the reporter, which I've highlighted.

--------------------
Medicine man
 
 Bicknell’s McCullough followed childhood passion for his people

By Konnie McCollum Staff Writer

(June 2007) – Growing up on the Lakota Sioux Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, Steve McCullough, had a vision when he was 16 years old. It would be years later when he learned what that vision meant.

Steve McCullough travels the world performing  Native American
ceremonies
that promote peace and healing.
 
Today, McCullough, 54, is a Chief of the Sundance, or religious ceremony, for Native Americans. The Bicknell, Ind., native is also an intercessor and medicine man who travels the world performing Native American spiritual ceremonies for people of diverse faiths.....

Mona Wray of Bedford, Ind., is not of Native American descent, but she partakes in many of their spiritual ceremonies. She has taken part in the Sundance ceremony for years.

....McCullough’s unusual career actually began about a year after he had that vision. At 17, he went to the elders of the tribe and shared his vision. They worked with him and helped direct his path.

I became a medicine man, but it wasn’t something I studied for; it was something that just happened to me,??? he said.

At that time, McCullough also became involved in the political movement American Indian Movement (AIM), which became instrumental in shaping the path of Native Americans across the country.

....Years later, on Feb. 27, 1973, AIM came head to head with the federal government in a clash that became known as the historical Siege at Wounded Knee, S.D. McCullough was one of the Indians involved in the 71-day gun battle in the Pine Ridge Reservation.

......By 1992, McCullough began conducting Sundance ceremonies himself.

.....“We have even conducted pipe ceremonies for Muslims, although in Islamic-ruled Middle Eastern countries everything is actually forbidden and you have to really watch your step,??? he said....

He has been to places such as Brazil, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Asia, Istanbul, Jordan, Egypt, Israel, China, Russia and Africa.
 
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Superdog on August 06, 2008, 03:57:16 pm
Here's another where the article states that McCullough is not Lakota by birth, but has Shawnee heritage.

again....the facts of an article can only truly be attributed to the author, but the lack of continuity in information that crops up again and again and again about McCullough is also worthy of discussion..

(this is a cached version of the article from canku-luta.net)

http://74.125.45.104/search?q=cache:DhFJRjwfT9wJ:www.canku-luta.net/control.php%3F%26topgroupname%3Dartikelen%26groupname%3Dartikelen%26subgroupname%3D%26contentname%3DInterviewSteve+Steve+McCullough-sundance&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on August 06, 2008, 04:17:20 pm
Contradictions that McCullough has not seemed to have done anything to correct - one article says he grew up on Pine Ridge, the other says White River and as far as I know White River is still part of Rosebud. From what I remember hearing back in the day is it is true he grew up in White River but the reason is that his father was  Christian preacher there.  Never heard before that he was at WKII.  So he started conducting Sundance ceremonies by himself in 1992??? Then why, after Elmer pulled out of involvement in Salt Creek did he go around trying to find someone to go there to run the Sundance. 
The White Face family is from Pine Ridge, medicine root district, and that is where Evans is from which maked me wonder about someone from Rosebud making him a chief. Asking who did it is not "throwing names around". Dont know if it was Leonard since he usually gives bonnets to those moneymen for him and I dont think he is involved in that dance, too busy raking in the $ from the Southern Illinois Sundance.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: AskMeFirst on August 07, 2008, 08:40:25 pm
That whole newspaper article should be posted in its entirety, not just excerpts pointed out to make him look bad.

Steve McCullough is a personal friend of mine. He has never said he grew up on Pine Ridge, he told me he grew up on White River.
His mother married Gilbert Rattling Leaf when Steve was 13 and they took in over 100 foster children who otherwise would have been out
on the street. He has told me many, many things about his life, and never once has he ever claimed to be Lakota. He says he grew up on the rez, which he did. He shares his life stories easily and they never change from one time to the next, no matter who he is speaking to. Those articles posted are obviously misquotes.

I know Mona Wray. She does not sundance or sweat. She is a "hanger on" who just wants to be somebody, but McCullough won't let her do too much because of her attitude. She doesn't even come to the arbor to support at sundance. She stays in her camp and gossips. My guess is that she happened to be at the location of the interview and made herself available to the reporter and told stuff just to get her name in the paper. There are many, many reasons this stuff ends up in print, but unless you go to the man yourself and ask, you will spend all your time on this board speculating.

Furthermore, he is not a con man, as someone here accused him of being. I sing in ceremony for him. He has never, ever charged money for any ceremony I've been to. There are times that I'm asked to go to sing at ceremony and do not even receive gas money for going. That is on the people asking, not on McCullough. (He ends up offering ME gas money for coming) He does not work. He lives his life for the people, ALL PEOPLE, and he does not have much. He doesn't drive a fancy car, or wear expensive clothes, or have a pot to piss in, if truth be told. People seek him out, not vise-versa.

And all this about Wounded Knee II and Uniontown, KY. can easily be verified. Ask Dennis Banks or Chico Dulak or any of the other people who were in Uniontown in 1989. They will tell you that Steve was there and that he did help get laws passed protecting the ancestors. He is pictured along with many others in National Geographic magazine and that is easily looked up, if you feel so inclined. At Wounded Knee II he spent 3 days in jail for trying to stand up for the people.

I am not some blind follower. I live my life this way everyday and will stand up for someone who has proven themselves time and again. I also know that if you go around bad mouthing medicine men, regardless of whom you believe them to be, or whether or not you agree with what they do, it is not healthy for you. Are you willing to take the chance that McCullough is not the real deal? I've been to at least 100 ceremonies where he has come alone and no one there has "made spirit rattles in the woods" or done any sort of "set-up" or "rigging" that would make the things happen that happen there. I have watched him set up his alter, and he does not even have the things laid out that I see manifesting in his ceremonies. The spirits don't seem to mind that he has no Lakota blood. How do you know that way back down the line in his tree, he doesn't? Has anyone here done his family tree?
 
I would never, ever bad-mouth a medicine man and I do not know of any TRUE, traditional person who would. I was raised knowing better. To hear some of you tossing the names of these medicine men around and saying these bad things is just despicable and leads me to believe that
"your elders didn't raise you right." 

I just got a call from Steve. Seems he and Evans Whiteface were both presented to the people at Rosebud during the Sundance out there just last week. Steve DID receive that medallion and it happened in front of everyone there. Steve said afterward that he shook hundreds of hands, hands of traditional elders who welcomed him into that oyate. Ask around people and verify this for yourselves. 

In closing, I say enough with the newspaper articles, he-said-she-said crap and speculations. I know Steve so Ask Me First. If I don't have an answer for you, I'll call him up and ask him or better yet, any of you can call him up. His phone number is all over the internet, as is his address. If people here are so concerned, call him up and ask him or go see him. His door is always open to everybody and he always returns phone calls.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: ska on August 07, 2008, 08:52:01 pm
Dear AskmeFirst,

It is not correct to refer to "THE Sun Dance" on the Rosebud, as there are many - and increasingly, more and more Sun Dances are including non-Native dancers, which is causing a great deal of sadness and disgust amongst full-blood and traditional families.  It is also a bit vague to refer to growing up "ON the White River", as White River is the name of a town on the Rosebud - the river that runs through the rez is actually the Little White River (at least that is the colonial designation).

Earth may be right about where Steve is getting his recognition from - last weekend, Crow Dog's Sun Dance took place on the Rosebud.

best, ska
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: AskMeFirst on August 07, 2008, 09:42:34 pm
Dear AskmeFirst,

It is not correct to refer to "THE Sun Dance" on the Rosebud, as there are many - and increasingly, more and more Sun Dances are including non-Native dancers, which is causing a great deal of sadness and disgust amongst full-blood and traditional families.  It is also a bit vague to refer to growing up "ON the White River", as White River is the name of a town on the Rosebud - the river that runs through the rez is actually the Little White River (at least that is the colonial designation).

Earth may be right about where Steve is getting his recognition from - last weekend, Crow Dog's Sun Dance took place on the Rosebud.

best, ska

And who here cares about "correctness" or being "vague" or not? This is an internet message board LOL
People here speculate, quote "vague" newspaper articles, repeat gossip, rumor and bad-mouth medicine men! All you need to do is ask Steve. Call him. Stop all this internet crap and go to the man in question, that's all I'm saying.

Traditional people do not bad-mouth medicine men or put stock in an internet message board. I would hope that this board is in place for the gullible people out there- the interent ndns who seek to learn such things and can only do so via the internet. My hope is that my postings can at least give another side to the bashing that goes on here against someone I know personally. I just want to put to rest the misconceptions about Steve being a con-man and all the other things he is being accused of. Its not fair, not right and not true. The bottom line is that it can easily be remedied by just talking to him.

Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: ska on August 08, 2008, 12:41:01 am
AskMeFirst said:

"And who here cares about "correctness" or being "vague" or not? This is an internet message board LOL
People here speculate, quote "vague" newspaper articles, repeat gossip, rumor and bad-mouth medicine men! All you need to do is ask Steve. Call him. Stop all this internet crap and go to the man in question, that's all I'm saying.

Traditional people do not bad-mouth medicine men or put stock in an internet message board. I would hope that this board is in place for the gullible people out there- the interent ndns who seek to learn such things and can only do so via the internet. My hope is that my postings can at least give another side to the bashing that goes on here against someone I know personally. I just want to put to rest the misconceptions about Steve being a con-man and all the other things he is being accused of. Its not fair, not right and not true. The bottom line is that it can easily be remedied by just talking to him."

Thank you for your response, AskMeFirst.

Thank you for confirming that you care little about the accuracy of your statements.  Despite this, you want us to accept your assertion that Mr. McCullough is the real deal.  Your response made me realize that I myself was raising a concern in a rather vague way.  What I meant to say was: it is clear from the way you are expressing yourself that you know very  little about the Rosebud reservation, yet you are trying to make references to the reservation, and to traditional people who live there, as if you have a clear understanding of what is going on.  You clearly don't.

Although, like you, I choose to remain anonymous on this board, I still feel compelled to communicate with others in a respectful and truthful way.  I do not try to sound like I know much about something I know very little about.  And so, I try to refrain myself from saying too much, lest I lead astray those who may know even less than I do.   It is also true that, like many of us Settlers on this continent, I tend to think I know a lot more about Indian matters than I really do.  All the more reason to do what many Elders advise: practice silence.  There seems to be at least a few Lakotas on this board.  If we take the time to listen to what they are saying, we can learn something of benefit to ourselves and others.  We need not agree, but we should at least be wary of mixing things up further by speaking when we have little of substance to offer. 

I say this in a good way because, like you, I am concerned about the "gullible" - and I fear you may be one of these yourself.  I say these things not to disrespect your friend but because I know Elders, friends and relatives on Rosebud who have expressed concerns about him.

Thank you for your encouragement in inviting folks to seek out Mr. McCollough.  Since you are a close friend, perhaps you could assist in this matter.  Perhaps you could let your friend know that this discussion is going on about him and that he would be more than welcome to come on board and express whatever it is that he might want to express.  Clearly, he is not averse to using the internet, or to promoting his right to perform Lakota ceremony.  It would be wonderful if he could set everyone's heart at ease with his powerful, shamanic words of wisdom.  Perhaps there is something that the Lakota people on this board are missing and he actually HAS a good reason for standing in the center of a Lakota altar, for claiming to be a chief, and for selling Lakota ceremony. 

Respectfully, ska


Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Moma_porcupine on August 08, 2008, 02:37:06 am
I'm not Lakota and have no personal stake in this except I wanted to point out that people who are personally involved in this situation seem to be loosing sight of the bigger picture. 

Reading through this I have to wonder ....

What makes it OK for Steve to ignore the wishes of the many Lakota people who don't want non native people leading ceremonies ?

If a few Elders gave their consent why should their feelings on this outwiegh all the other Lakota people and Elders who are saying NO ?

If your friend invited you on a family vaction and 2 family members agreed it was OK and 8 more said it really wasn't OK , would you think it was OK to ignore the 8 and just pay attention to the 2 who said you could come? What kind of a person would do that? If you wouldn't do that to a friends family why is it OK to do it to the Lakota people ?

When so many traditional people have asked non native people to stop leading these sensitive cultural practices why does Steve think he knows better about whats good for the long term health of these ceremonies ?

Askmefirst may say good things about Steves character - but this really isn't about Steves general character - it's about what happens way too often, when non native people lead traditional ceremonies . The ceremonies get corupted and degraded and people get hurt. Even if 9 times out of ten this didn't happen ( and I think the odds are much worse ) most societies prohibit activities that go wrong that frequently. It just isn't worth it.  I don't understand how an ethical person would feel OK about doing this when so many say NO and when there is such good reasons behind this.

I hear people justify this sort of stuff saying " People Praying anywhere is good". If people use that justification then it's also true that non Lakota people don't need to use Lakota traditions to Pray, because "anywhere" includes "somewhere else". People need to learn to Pray where they are standing . And for non Lakota related people I can't see any reason that needs to be at a Sundance.   

Just what I found myself thinking after reading this the last few days ....
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on August 08, 2008, 03:07:15 am
Just to add, Ask Me First says that traditional people do not bad mouth medicine men - that is true but Steve is no medicine man. And as a non native does not have the right to be leading a Sundance. Since there are over 30 Sundances on Rosebud alone I do not know what Sundance you are referring to when you say "The Sundance on Rosebud"
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on August 08, 2008, 03:35:42 am
Moma,

I understand all too well this line of thinking, I do. I have to ask though are you just wanting non natives or non Lakota's to stop doing these things? I just would like a little clarification before I say anything. Thanks.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Moma_porcupine on August 08, 2008, 04:12:27 am
What I want is for non native people to start respecting what the large majority of Native Elders say , which is that non native people should not be leading traditional ceremonies.

It would be up to tribal Elders to decide whether or not it's OK to practice another tribes ceremonies. lf a substantial body of tribal Elders decide it is OK and they agree to be responsible to see these traditions are maintained in a good way, then I would assume these Elders knew what they were doing , and would be there to make sure things didn't go off the rails .
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: AskMeFirst on August 08, 2008, 12:04:27 pm
AskMeFirst said:

"And who here cares about "correctness" or being "vague" or not? This is an internet message board LOL
People here speculate, quote "vague" newspaper articles, repeat gossip, rumor and bad-mouth medicine men! All you need to do is ask Steve. Call him. Stop all this internet crap and go to the man in question, that's all I'm saying.

Traditional people do not bad-mouth medicine men or put stock in an internet message board. I would hope that this board is in place for the gullible people out there- the interent ndns who seek to learn such things and can only do so via the internet. My hope is that my postings can at least give another side to the bashing that goes on here against someone I know personally. I just want to put to rest the misconceptions about Steve being a con-man and all the other things he is being accused of. Its not fair, not right and not true. The bottom line is that it can easily be remedied by just talking to him."

Thank you for your response, AskMeFirst.

Thank you for confirming that you care little about the accuracy of your statements.  Despite this, you want us to accept your assertion that Mr. McCullough is the real deal.  Your response made me realize that I myself was raising a concern in a rather vague way.  What I meant to say was: it is clear from the way you are expressing yourself that you know very  little about the Rosebud reservation, yet you are trying to make references to the reservation, and to traditional people who live there, as if you have a clear understanding of what is going on.  You clearly don't.

Although, like you, I choose to remain anonymous on this board, I still feel compelled to communicate with others in a respectful and truthful way.  I do not try to sound like I know much about something I know very little about.  And so, I try to refrain myself from saying too much, lest I lead astray those who may know even less than I do.   It is also true that, like many of us Settlers on this continent, I tend to think I know a lot more about Indian matters than I really do.  All the more reason to do what many Elders advise: practice silence.  There seems to be at least a few Lakotas on this board.  If we take the time to listen to what they are saying, we can learn something of benefit to ourselves and others.  We need not agree, but we should at least be wary of mixing things up further by speaking when we have little of substance to offer. 

I say this in a good way because, like you, I am concerned about the "gullible" - and I fear you may be one of these yourself.  I say these things not to disrespect your friend but because I know Elders, friends and relatives on Rosebud who have expressed concerns about him.

Thank you for your encouragement in inviting folks to seek out Mr. McCollough.  Since you are a close friend, perhaps you could assist in this matter.  Perhaps you could let your friend know that this discussion is going on about him and that he would be more than welcome to come on board and express whatever it is that he might want to express.  Clearly, he is not averse to using the internet, or to promoting his right to perform Lakota ceremony.  It would be wonderful if he could set everyone's heart at ease with his powerful, shamanic words of wisdom.  Perhaps there is something that the Lakota people on this board are missing and he actually HAS a good reason for standing in the center of a Lakota altar, for claiming to be a chief, and for selling Lakota ceremony. 

Respectfully, ska




When I re-read my message, I realized it may have sounded like I didn't care and I apologize if I came off that way. I DO care, that's why I'm here. It matters to me what people are saying about Steve, it matters to me that I be respectful. My elders taught me to be silent as well, but this board was pointed out to me by someone I know who said "Why do they hate Steve McCullough so?" I wanted to come here and find out why. With all the horrible things being said, I have the right to speak from my own experience with him so I am not "speaking with little substance to offer." I know the man personally and spend a lot of time with him.

I do not know about the reservations on Rosebud, I have never been to any of them. I do have friends who go to several different sundances there. I am not pretending to know anything about that, all I can speak about is what I know about McCullough. I know that he said he grew up on or around White River. Maybe I did not day "around" the first time, and I guess that would make a difference to those who do know.

I took a chance by saying all of the things I said here. I am sticking out my neck because I do understand about being traditional. I care about this way of life- it is my life, too. I just can't see why someone who helps people to pray is being persecuted this way. Maybe there are things that happened in the past with Steve that make all of you feel the way you do. I can only speak for what I have seen in the 5 years I have been around him. I know people who have been with him from the beginning, I know his family, I play an instrumental role in the ceremonies he does. I am not gullible. I have pursued plastic shaman for over 10 years via the internet as well as in my everyday walk. I know the difference. There is someone in my own family who tries to replicate things he saw once in a ceremony and he is Lakota. Yes, I try to talk to him, yes I try to make him see that what he is doing is wrong, but when someone wants power and has a grandiose opinion of themselves, it is difficult to reason with them. I do know the difference.

"Perhaps there is something that the Lakota people on this board are missing and he actually HAS a good reason for standing in the center of a Lakota altar, for claiming to be a chief, and for selling Lakota ceremony." 

Steve does not "sell" Lakota ceremony. Go back and read what I have said. If someone can enlighten me on this, I would be most appreciative.
I can say that I have watched Steve take money from his own pocket and give it to people coming from out of town to our sundance. A new group of full bloods from Pine Ridge came this year. I went to dinner with them - singers, who had nothing but good things to say about our dance.       

"It would be wonderful if he could set everyone's heart at ease with his powerful, shamanic words of wisdom." I am taking this as sarcasm here. If you are being serious, then I would question why you are using these terms. Steve is not a shaman. The word refers to and originates from practicing healers in Siberia.

"Clearly, he is not averse to using the internet, or to promoting his right to perform Lakota ceremony."
I don't know what your basis is for this comment, but Steve does not even own a computer. Last I heard, someone in his family managed an email address he had, but I'm not even sure he has one anymore. I communicate with him by phone or in person and always have and anyone here can do the same. Google his name and you will come across his contact info. If you truly want to pursue answers to your questions about him, go for it.

Just like me, everyone here is nothing more than a nameless, faceless entity that could be anybody from anywhere in the world, but I trust that some of you are the real deal and that is why I came here. I recognize a few of the names from another board I have read from and I know you are who you say you are. Consistency is a beautiful thing and I appreciate those of you who are as honest as you can be, for a internet message board anyway.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: AskMeFirst on August 08, 2008, 12:41:19 pm
I'm not Lakota and have no personal stake in this except I wanted to point out that people who are personally involved in this situation seem to be loosing sight of the bigger picture. 

Reading through this I have to wonder ....

What makes it OK for Steve to ignore the wishes of the many Lakota people who don't want non native people leading ceremonies ?


If a few Elders gave their consent why should their feelings on this outwiegh all the other Lakota people and Elders who are saying NO ?

With all due respect, how do you know who has given their consent or who is against it? Is it by what you have read here on this message board?

If your friend invited you on a family vaction and 2 family members agreed it was OK and 8 more said it really wasn't OK , would you think it was OK to ignore the 8 and just pay attention to the 2 who said you could come? What kind of a person would do that? If you wouldn't do that to a friends family why is it OK to do it to the Lakota people?

When so many traditional people have asked non native people to stop leading these sensitive cultural practices why does Steve think he knows better about whats good for the long term health of these ceremonies ?

Askmefirst may say good things about Steves character - but this really isn't about Steves general character - it's about what happens way too often, when non native people lead traditional ceremonies . The ceremonies get corupted and degraded and people get hurt. Even if 9 times out of ten this didn't happen ( and I think the odds are much worse ) most societies prohibit activities that go wrong that frequently. It just isn't worth it.  I don't understand how an ethical person would feel OK about doing this when so many say NO and when there is such good reasons behind this.

Clearly, the need to regulate who does ceremony is founded, I agree. Too many plastic shaman are out there doing bad things, hurting people, charging money etc. All I'm saying is that McCullough is not one of them. And I have to ask again, how do we know that somewhere down the line he does not have any "blood"? I was taught these things are in the DNA. Not just anyone can perform a ceremony. The spirits would not come. You cannot run off with a medicine man's bundle and do what he does, it would not work. The spirits know the difference and they know better than anyone on this planet who is who. IMHO


I hear people justify this sort of stuff saying " People Praying anywhere is good". If people use that justification then it's also true that non Lakota people don't need to use Lakota traditions to Pray, because "anywhere" includes "somewhere else". People need to learn to Pray where they are standing . And for non Lakota related people I can't see any reason that needs to be at a Sundance.   

It's true, you can pray anywhere. How people choose to pray is an individual decision and I will not stand in the way of prayer. I will however, do what has to be done to protect these ways from be bastardized, and have. I do not judge people for how they look and that is what this all boils down to IMHO. But unless you have researched someones family tree, you have no idea what blood they carry.  I'm no scientist, but DNA is DNA. Our past speaks to us in ways few understand. I'm not saying Steve is Lakota or anything like that, so let me make that perfectly clear, my point is that you can't always tell who is who nowadays just by looking at someone. Well, some nuagers might be able to, but I can't.   

Just what I found myself thinking after reading this the last few days ....
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: AskMeFirst on August 08, 2008, 12:44:04 pm
Just to add, Ask Me First says that traditional people do not bad mouth medicine men - that is true but Steve is no medicine man. And as a non native does not have the right to be leading a Sundance. Since there are over 30 Sundances on Rosebud alone I do not know what Sundance you are referring to when you say "The Sundance on Rosebud"

Re-read the thread- there have been a lot of medicine men's names said here with snide remarks thrown in, Steve included.   
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: AskMeFirst on August 08, 2008, 12:48:11 pm
What I want is for non native people to start respecting what the large majority of Native Elders say , which is that non native people should not be leading traditional ceremonies.

It would be up to tribal Elders to decide whether or not it's OK to practice another tribes ceremonies. lf a substantial body of tribal Elders decide it is OK and they agree to be responsible to see these traditions are maintained in a good way, then I would assume these Elders knew what they were doing , and would be there to make sure things didn't go off the rails .

I completely agree with what you propose here. If this were to happen then all corruption would cease. Only problem is, no one would be able to agree with who the Elders should be, and even then would argue and dispute what they said. Sorry to say, I fear that would be the reality of it.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Superdog on August 08, 2008, 02:46:29 pm
Well the discussion sure got lively.  I just wanted to go back to the articles I posted and address a question to AskMeFirst.  I respect your desire to defend a friend AskMe so you'll find no sarcasm here.  Just honest questions all to add to this discussion.  My aim here is to address the things you want answered. 

Why do people not like Steve on this board?

There's the obvious things. 

1.  A non-Lakota running a Lakota sundance. 
Would you agree AskMe that there are ALWAYS gonna be people who will object to this??  Regardless of who the individual is there are always hard line traditional individuals who will just not agree to this being a good idea ever. 

2.  The newspaper articles about the Sundance involving Steve.  While I know this dance is held on public land and there's not much you can do about having the press show up....there seems to be a whole lot of news about this event.  More articles than I've posted here and all of them involving Steve.  This suggests STRONGLY that the press is encouraged to interview people and report on a CEREMONY.  You may have individuals (even Steve himself) saying the press should be discouraged from advertising, but the end result is there are ads and articles in the local papers before the event and then articles about the even after it happens.  Quite a lot of them.  This is another thing people brought up with these traditions would object against.  Even if it happened on their own rez they'd have something to say about it.

3.  The pattern of information in those articles. 
I've yet to come across one those articles that DOESN'T say this is a LAKOTA SUNDANCE run by a Lakota Medicine Man named Steve McCullough.  I've said before when introducing the articles in this particular discussion that facts in those articles can only TRULY be attributed to the author of the articles.  That's to be fair and honest about these articles....but.....a similar pattern of information flows from them...
That pattern of information also contains "consistant inconsistencies" about Steve's origins and heritage.  The two articles I've posted are both written to present Steve in a completely positive light and both apparently written with interviews with Steve himself, yet they say different things about him.  This pattern exists in ALL the articles I've come across about Steve and this sundance.  Askme...if, before you met Steve, you came across these articles yourself and saw all of this conflicting information apparently come from the man himself....wouldn't you question things?? 

4.  The pattern of inconsistencies contained in the articles also exists with words he's spoken to individuals.  There are people on this board who've also known Steve or have heard him speak first hand.  Those that have known him for a long time have all heard the same inconsistencies come directly from him.

5. Personal accounts.  There are individuals on this board with personal accounts of Steve making promises and not fulfilling them, taking money, etc etc....

6. The inevitable conclusion of running ceremonies far from their place of origin.  You can pretty much guarantee that there are people showing up to this Sundance...they're gonna take what they can get and somewhere along the line open up a website selling "the secrets of the Lakota sundance".  There will be individuals coming away from this particular sundance with a sense of entitlement that they understand Lakota spirituality better than other Indian people or even better than other Lakota people.

This is just a cross-section of the objections I've seen here.  I'm sure there's more and I'm also sure everyone doesn't share all of these objections.  These aren't unreasonable in my opinion however.

The last one (#6) is probably the one that scares people the most and unfortunately I see this pattern of behavior in your posts AskMe.  You seem to have a sense of entitlement to these ways....singing at ceremonies, sundance...etc. etc. yet you've never even been to the places where they come from.  How do you even know what you're being taught is right???  But you're kinda preaching to individuals here that it couldn't be anything but right.....do you speak Lakota AskMe??  Have you ever been to Rosebud and met elders there???  Have you spent time in that community to see what people there say about these ways and how you're doing them???

I don't ask those questions in a mean way....you don't have to answer them.  They are for you to consider for yourself.  You're stepping in the middle of something that truly only has to deal with people from the community Steve's representing and Steve himself. 

Your defense of your friend is noted.  It's also admirable.  We should all have such good friends.  But the emotion bordering on anger I'm seeing in these posts leads me to believe that you think you have the right to speak about another people's ways because you practice them after being taught by someone who's not one of them.  Can you see how that might turn against you??  Can you also see how that behavior STRENGTHENS the arguments against having these ceremonies in a place away from where it really comes from???

Just thoughts to consider.  We're all just humble human beings.  Even Steve.  None of us are immune from mistakes and I think maybe somewhere along the line Steve's made some, but doesn't do anything to rectify them or even acknowledge them.  Askme...right now your just kind of jumping on the wagon and riding it out hoping it's gonna be okay....meanwhile there's a steep downhill coming up and no one's talking about it.

Superdog
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Defend the Sacred on August 08, 2008, 04:16:26 pm
Good post, Superdog.

You know, AskMeFirst, you're giving me flashbacks to the surreal "What makes an NDN an NDN" thread: http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=1871.0  I'd kindly suggest you read the explanations there. Like the querent in that thread, you seem really, really unclear on what makes someone part of a traditional culture, and what gives someone the right to lead ceremony. Everyone has the right to pray. Praying is not the same as presuming to lead a traditional ceremony. You may be unclear on that, but traditional people are not.

Your words are full of entitlement and projection. You are here, anonymously, on the Internet, yelling at people that they are all anonymous and uninformed netizens. You are mistaken and hypocritical. Sorry if you feel that is impolite, but people have been polite with you and what you have given in return is offense. It is racist for you to think that you know more about these things than the very people whose ceremonies you feel you have a right to. You are mimicking them with one hand and insulting their intelligence with the other.

Like many outsiders to NDN communities, you seem to think things like standards and leadership are all a matter of opinion, and any stranger's opinion carries equal weight. Weird. And wrong. A very netizen view, but not a traditional one. Traditional communities know who the elders and authorized ceremonial leaders are. While everyone is just human, and not everyone has equal respect or agreement in every situation, or concerning every individual,  there is far more consensus in these matters than you are aware of.  How could you be aware of it? You are an outsider.

Google "Protection of Ceremonies" and "Declaration of War."  While you will find exceptions to these standards if you look hard enough, these statements agreeing that outsiders should not be leading NDN ceremonies have very broad-based support. As others have pointed out, there's something really wrong with violating a community agreement just because you can find a minority of dissenters (usually because it lines their pockets or feeds their egos).

It's really clear to me that your whole idea of what is traditional has been shaped by outsiders to NDN culture. It doesn't really matter how much verbiage you throw around about it, your words have already made it abundantly clear that you are an outsider, and uninformed or misinformed about these issues. I understand you feel loyal to your friend, but I feel that loyalty is blinding you to reality. The reality of NDN people may be foreign and confusing to you, but that is no reason for you to shout in their faces and insult them.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Defend the Sacred on August 08, 2008, 06:13:02 pm
I was told that it was  ...  sanctioned by Vernal Cross and Elmer Running.

Found this in another thread:

At least a year ago there was a website made for Elmer. He is a legitimate spiritual leader for the Lakota. The website maker seemed a bit naive about the outcome and as most here could have predicted, things turned bad. Here is whats in its place. Just thought it should be noted in case anyone comes up claiming Elmer Running is thei9r teacher.

http://www.norbertrunning.com/

Thanks to all who have helped Elmer

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that Elmer Running's website has been taken down from the internet. While I had great hope that this would help spread a positive message to others about the pipe way, and get some much needed financial support for Elmer, it has, in fact done just the opposite.

Donations to Elmer have been less than $200 sent in 3 years (mostly from sundancers). Yet, fools-who-call-themselves-wisemen have used information on the site to steal thousands of dollars from people, proclaiming that Elmer trained or endorsed them in some way.

This has come back on Elmer in a negative way and may even force his involvement in legal actions. I can't even come close to describing how much this sickens and angers me.

I ask that all of us spread the word through our personal contacts and address books to let everyone know that Elmer does not endorse nor train ANYONE INCLUDING HIS OWN RELATIVES, in in doing ceremony. Please also remind people that anyone who charges money for a ceremony is illegitimate. Perhaps we can at least limit these Grifters' opportunity to steal in the name of tunkasila.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: ska on August 09, 2008, 06:47:37 am
In a previous post, I said this regarding Steve McCullough:

"Clearly, he is not averse to using the internet, or to promoting his right to perform Lakota ceremony."

And AskMeFirst replied:

"I don't know what your basis is for this comment, but Steve does not even own a computer. Last I heard, someone in his family managed an email address he had, but I'm not even sure he has one anymore. I communicate with him by phone or in person and always have and anyone here can do the same. Google his name and you will come across his contact info. If you truly want to pursue answers to your questions about him, go for it."

I can assure you, AskMeFirst, I am not making anything up, but merely reflecting on what I have seen on the internet with my own eyes.  For example, at the website www.saltcreeksundance.com, one can find many different topics in the forum.  There is even an area called "Steve's Forum".  Please allow me to quote from there directly:

"This is a forum for specific questions that only Grandfather Steve Mccullough can answer for folks. [my emphasis]If you submit a question here it might be in another forum or Grandfather Steve may have asked someone else to answer it. Please remember steve this forum is for questions of a spiritual nature. Please respect Grandfather steve's time and not abuse this forum with questions that can be answered by other folks. Steve has worked hard to find folks to work with the forums that will get accurate answeres to folks in a good way."

The above quote from this website seems to indicate that Mr. McCullough is clearly able to access the internet and seems to promote this method of seeking his guidance and accessing the traditional Lakota knowledge that so many non-Natives are convinced he possesses. 

There are many disrespectful things on this sight, and the assertion is repeatedly made that this gathering is a "Lakota Sun Dance".  There is also reference made to "protocols" , a term my Lakota husband always laughs at and says will only be found in ceremonial gatherings dominated by non-Natives.  All and sundry are invited to learn sacred songs and people are encouraged to purchase tapes in order to learn these songs "for educational purposes", indeed a suggestion is made as to which specific recordings should be purchased.

And so, AMF, I can assure you that I am not conjuring up accusations from the air or making things up, I am only reflecting on what Mr. McCullough and his supporters are putting out on the internet.

By the way, I have not seen any indication that this man even speaks Lakota which, to me, would be the bare minimum that a reasonable person would expect of one conducting ceremonies of a particular culture. 

I have never met a single Elder or traditional person on the rez who thinks a non-Lakota should stand in the center of a Lakota altar.   The idea that someone who doesn't speak the language can sing the songs in ceremony or conduct the ceremony is simply laughed at!  However, far away from the reservations, the norm seems to be non-Lakotas and non=speakers running Lakota ceremonies. 





Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Defend the Sacred on August 09, 2008, 05:47:17 pm
www.saltcreeksundance.com

The site's a combination of misinformation and shameon how-to. Their attempt at Cheyenne is grammatically wrong, but in a form common in books written by outsiders (usually from a white, colonial source).

http://saltcreeksundance.com/component/option,com_prayercenter/Itemid,26/
Quote
Inipi ceremonies that are sanctioned by Steve McCullough


So, he's taken it upon himself now to "sanction" spinoff ceremonies. And it looks like you can even submit your request to be "sanctioned" over the Internet.

ETA: Googling "Steve McCullough" and Lakota turned up a number of workshops at Nuage events. Even better, it looks he's hit the European pay to pray circuit, all of which, of course, call him a "Lakota Medicineman":

Judging by a bunch of the hits in Dutch, including these:

http://www.inbalance-info.com/index.php?pageid=8
Quote
  April 2008
Ceremony Steve McCullough, Lakota traditions and rituals
Cost: tbd

http://www.grensgeval.org/grensverruiming/links.html
Quote
Steve McCullough, Lakota-medicijnman komt regelmatig naar Europa, en komt dan ook voor ceremonies op Grensgeval.
Google translation:
Steve McCullough, Lakota-medicijnman meet regularly to Europe, and therefore for ceremonies on Grensgeval.

http://compadres.nl/welkom/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=361&Itemid=87
Quote
Er worden veel Lakota songs gezongen. There are many Lakota songs sung. De hut wordt geleid door Madelon Witte die sinds 1997 intensief werkt binnen de Lakota-traditie. The hut is led by Madelon White since 1997 intensive work within the Lakota tradition. Ze draagt een heilige pijp, is zonnedanser, gaat regelmatig op vision quest en werkt nauw samen met Steve McCullough, een zeer gerespecteerde medicijnman binnen de Lakota-traditie. She wears a sacred pipe, zonnedanser, regularly vision quest and works closely with Steve McCullough, a highly respected medicijnman within the Lakota tradition. Ze ondersteunt (mede met de ontvangen donaties) projecten die ten goede komen aan de indianen. She supports (with the co received donations) projects that benefit the Indians.

it looks like he was over there leading ceremonies for white people, for a fee.

These, complete with Reiki and Celestine Prophecies and "Schamanisches" seems to indicate he's spawned European groups that now perform sweats and "vision quests":

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=
http://reiki-schmetterling.spaces.live.com/blog/&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=3&ct=result&
prev=/search%3Fq%3D%2522Steve%2BMcCullough%2522%2BLakota%26start%3D30%26hl%3Den%26
client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=nl&u=
http://compadres.nl/welkom/index.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26task%3Dview%26id%3D361%26Itemid
%3D87&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=2&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%2522Steve%2BMcCullough%2522%2B
Lakota%26start%3D30%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN

(You'll have to copy and paste those in, or just do the Google search and hit "translate". I put in carriage returns so this would be readable. There are more like that; these are just some of them.)
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Ingeborg on August 09, 2008, 11:08:50 pm
Yes, he is doing ceremonies in Europe; I found events with him in Austria, Germany, Belgium
and the Netherlands. As far as I saw, he seems to present himself not as a white person, but
as a Lakota - a or sometimes even *the* Lakota medicine man. Although this could be explained as us Europeans misinterpreting McCullough all the time, I also found an interview
of McCullough done in Belgium, in which he in fact presents himself as a Lakota, an AIM
member, an activist, and medicine man.

This is from an esoteric forum from Austria - please not the claim of having been adopted:

http://forum.wurzelwerk.at/index.php?PHPSESSID=e3745ff5575c581c273047e56df96b82&topic=3053.0

Shadow_Viper (Guest)
"Who's interested in meeting a Lakota Elder?
October 15, 2005, 19:44

Greetings,
well, there's the possibility that an elder I know may be able to come to Vienna for 1 or 2
days of consultations (talking circles). My question is who would be interested in such an
event? For traveling expense resp other expense for this elder so that he can stay here
(rent for a room, food etc) we will have to ask for about EURO 30-50 per person. The more
 persons take an interest and participate, the less we will be able to ask per person. Due
to space available, participation will be restricted to a max of 30 persons per daily event.

ATTENTION: this does not mean we 'sell' things - it just that I don't have the money to pay
the entire travel expense for him. When he comes, he will of course teach us during these
events and pass on his experience he was able to gather since he walks on the Red Road.

A few details about him:

His name is Steve McCullough and he is the Sundance Chief of Salt Fork Sundance for many
years, the first sundance which was done East of the Mississippi. He is also a pipe carrier
and a ceremonial leader after the Lakot tradition. He was adopted by the Chasing Horse
family who are descendants of the famous Sioux leader Crazy Horse. Steve was with the
American Indian Movement (AIM) right from the start and participated in the occupation of
the Wounded Knee Memorial in 1973 in which Native American activists were fighting FBI and
 US army soldiers due to violations of civil rights and similar violations. Steve also leads
sweatlodge ceremonies resp. Vision Quests, Sundance, and Pipe Ceremonies. He is a
person I personally hold in high esteem, not only for what he experienced and for his
abilities, but more so because his not egotistical and humble nature. This will be the first
chance we get in Austria to come into contact with him. If everything goes well, it is highly
possible he will come again to do ceremonies like e.g. sweatlodges for us in central Europe.

Udiyvli Galegi
the Shadow Viper"

.............................

http://home.arcor.de/wildbison/8.htm

"On June 3, 2005, a white buffalo was born in Shelby County (USA).
Buffalo Crossing Restaurant & Family Fun Ranch.
In a 90 minut ceremony, the calf was given the Lakota name "Cante Pejuta" (Medicine Heart).
As a symbol for unity, peace, and hope for all nations: red, yellow, black and white, Steve
McCullough interpretes the birth of "Cante Pejuta". Steve McCullough lead the ceremony and
thanked the Creator for this gift."

...................

http://reiki-schmetterling.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!62C0D0B17695AD16!1008.entry

"I just remembered I meant to show you a photo of Steve MC Cullough [sic].
Like I said in another entry Steve is the medicine man from Dakota USA who comes to visit
Elli twice every year to do sweatlodges with us. Steve leads the annual Salt-Creek-Sundance
in America and supports his people and at the same time is so humble one can hardly
describe it. I love this person very much. I am looking forward to see him again in autumn.
his time I will ask Steve for a healing, too."

http://reiki-schmetterling.spaces.live.com/photos/
The last two photos show McCullough.

.......................

This is the interview:
http://www.alcyone-vzw.be/dagallemaal2004.html

"An Article from "Hello all". March 2, 2004
Medicine Man Stephen McCullough leads Indian ceremonies in Flanders

'I don't mean to mission anyone, but the ways of our forefathers can help you,
too'

He fought during the occupation in Wounded Knee, then put down the arms and became an
outstanding medicine man. Stephen McCullough lives according to the traditions of his
people, the North American Lakota Sioux Indians, and gets invited to Europe regularly to
lead rituals. 'As Indian spirituality is universal and can contribute to save the planet', he
explains. [snip explanation of WK1]
In 1973, the Wounded Knee Memorial was occupied by Indian activists who stood up for
their own culture and the protection of their forefathers' sacred places. The American
government hit back hard. There was a bloody encounter and in its aftermath, several
armed confrontations with American police happened in various Indian reservations. In one
case, two FBI agents were shot during a raid. An Indian, Leonard Peltier, is still doing a
lifelong term in prison for this. "A murderer", according to FBI which still today resists Peltier
being let free, although no evidence has been presented. "A political prisoner, the Indian
Nelson Mandela", say North American sympathizers. [...]

An outstanding Lakota medicine man, Stephen McCullough, will come to Belgium to lead
certain rituals, among them the sweat lodge, a ceremony of cleansing and healing, and the
initiation ritual vision quest. McCullough is a 'pipe carrier', a man who has the gift of making
contacts to the spirit world and to help other people with this. Before, Stephen McCullough
was a commited Indian activist. 'I lived on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota and
little by little discovered our cultural heritage', he explained when I met him for a sweatlodge ceremony in Flanders. 'The book 'Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee' by Dee
Brown, published in 1970, changed my life completely. I became conscious of our culture, of the importance of the life vision for the whole world. Three years later I participated in the
armed occupation of Wounded Knee. I was armed all the time, too. In this time, there was
murder and rape on all reservations, not seldom by police or by militias supported by
police. When I could not stay deaf to the call of the pipe, of spirituality, I put down the arms
for nonviolent activism. It was daring at that time, but with the actions about the Black Hills
where it was about protecting of ceremonial sacred grounds and Indian burial grounds, I
and others proved that one can get respects and results without arms, too.'

How did you discover that you must work with this Indian spirituality?
I never asked for this. I negated the call as long as possible. Then I got a medicine bag from
someone. I didn't want this. I was an armed activist. I gave the bag to a medicine man I was
a friend of. Taking a detour, the bag came back to me. I saw that this was my fate, my call.
So I took up the pipe and began to lead ceremonies. Also the Sundance. The government
tried to boycott us with this for years. But I really resisted against the call. After my activist
time, I saw quite a different future for myself. I meant to think of myself. To earn good money. To find a wife, to have children and grandchildren. So it was certainly not my ambition to become a medicine man. I retreated into nature for four days to think. The spirits came to me and asked me to trust in their support and protection.

Of course you had hallucinations after 4 days of sacrifice.
No, I did not hallucinate, it was a real contact with the spirit world. As an aside, we don't use
hallucinogenic substances in our tradition. I was told to make a wish, as a token that the
spirits meant well. I asked for the protection of my father-in-law who was in hospital and
was very sick. His kidneys were blocked, he was almost blind after a stroke, and had survived a heart failure. My father-in-law has been a died-in-the-wool atheist for all his life.
He recovered quickly and wanted to go home. He lived for years and dedicated these
years to Creator. This convinced me. Through contact with the spirit world I can really help
people. Every day I see the work of the spirits about me.

Why is Indian spirituality relevant for Europeans?
Because it is a universal philosophie, no religion. The only reason it is seen as a religion is
for fiscal and other practical reasons. It is a way of thinking and a way of life, based on
respect for all life and all natural elements. From the conviction that everything is one. There
is BTW a really beautiful and simple Lakota prayer with the title "Mitakuye oyasin", "we are
all related". This is a philosophy which can help everybody to lead a decent life in dignity,
whether they are Indian or European, African or Asian. At the same time, it is more than a
way of life. Through our ceremonies, we get into contact with the spirit world, the world of
our ancestors who can help, heal and protect us. This does not mean all problems will be
solved with this. We must do something about it ourselves. Besides my spiritual occupation,
I lead a normal life as a husband and father.

We find such spiritual traditions all over the world. What makes the Indian spiritual traditions
so unique?
Many original spiritual traditions, e.g. that of European druids, were decapitated by
Christianity. But our tradition has been passed on by one generation to the next for centuries
and remained undefiled. From the end of the 15th century America has been colonized and
they tried to break our culture. This almost happened, but not completely. There were
always persons who, underground if need be, protected our culture and passed on traditions and ceremonies. Therefore we are in contact with the well of our culture. This can
be an advantage for others, too. This does not mean I don't respect the values of other
cultures or spiritual currents. When I lead a ceremony in Flanders, I first ask the agreement
of nature and of the earth here to be able to work. I don't want to mission. I don't want
followers. I want to help people and make them face life in a certain way. Everyone can walk
 the Indian path. Even someone who believes in something different, a Catholic, a Protestant
or Muslim, can be called to do Indian spirituality. This depends indeed on the Great Spirit
and the help of our forefathers.

If spirituality is so strong, why is the genocide of your people not prevented?
Up to Wounded Knee the Indians have often won against white armies. We fought with the
same military means, had modern guns. But the murder at Wounded Knee withdrew a
definite strike of massive resistance against the white government. About 24 years later,
World War 1 set the whole world on fire and set armies against each other with gas,
machine guns, tanks, and planes. When there was still a broad Indian resistance, the
American government used means to eradicate us. Seen in perspective, this protected our
people. Now we must go and spread the message of peace and respect for mother earth
to all human beings.

Not all Indian representatives are happy about this. Some think that it should be forbidden for non-Indians to do ceremonies like the Sun Dance.
I am convinced that the elders who have kept traditions alive and passed them to us
understand openness. At least as long as it happens correctly and with respect. But there is
also another side. From the 60ies, interested Europeans came to Indian reservations to
learn about traditions. They were welcomed by our people, treated as family. Some have
abused this. They made films, wrote books, took names, used Indian images and symbols,
called themselves a therapeut and earned much money with this. This exploitation was
wrong and we don't want to have it. But this does not mean we will exclude ourselves
completely. The movement for Indian rights received much support from the outside during
the last decade. There is no colour or race for the spirits.

You believe in the bond between nature and man. Nature is endangered all over the world.
Is there a way back?
We are still a unit with nature and with the spirit world. I have placed my sacred altar at many
different places of the world. Also at places where plants were dying and waters were
withour life. With the help of the spirits and a greater awareness of the local population,
such places can become viable again. This can happen everywhere. Same with humans.
There is war and violence all over the world. Does that mean we must not try and do
something about this? The more people are aware of our relationship with creation and  life
as a way to learn respect, the closer we come to an unification of the planet. Mitakuye
Oyasin: we are one. If I can contribute a little bit, I have fulfilled my life's mission.

DOMINIQUE TRACHET"
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Ingeborg on August 10, 2008, 03:32:30 pm
Here's a few more sites I found on McCullough's activities in Europe:

http://compadres.nl/welkom/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=361&Itemid=87

"Inipiweekend (Lakota traditie) 25-27/4
written by  André
Wednesday 16 April 2008

Hi dear people, from April 25 to April 27 there's a 'mixed' (for men and women) Inipi
weekend in the town of Epe. The weekend takes place under the sign of spring. There
will be two huts and as usual prominence for the songs, for Lakota tradition, and talking
circles will be held. Certainly, after the ceremonies with Steve, there will be many
questions about the songs. They are going to take a substantial place during this
weekend.
We will also do two exercises which can support your own process. The other 'mixed'
events in 2008 from May 30 to June 1: Lasse from Germany will pour an eagle hut and
share about the tradition he knows.
June 27-29: Supportive Inipi weekend for the Sun Dance of medicineman Steve
McCullough in Indiana (US)
August 8-10: Inipi ceremonies in which much is shared about Sun Dance
October 3-5: Inipi ceremonies, songs, Lakota tradition
November 21-23: Inipi ceremonies, songs, Lakota tradition

For newcomers, here's more details about the weekend in Epe, the sweatlodge, the
route etc. Please let us know if you're interested. I hope that I can welcome a fine group
of people in sunny Epe. Mitakuye oyasin, Madelon

The ceremony: The sweatlodge is an old ceremony which gained in strength after
White Buffalo Calf Women gave a sacred pipe to the Lakota Indians. It is a cleansing
ceremony wit a healing effect. Greatt [sic] Spirit (wakan tanka) and spirit helpers
(tunkashila ' s [sic]) will be invited to visit us and to help us to walk our path in beauty.
Everyone knows it is not always easy to be human. We always lose focus of important
things and lose connection. Sometimes we don't know how to go on, sometimes we get
sick. The sweatloge (the inipi) cleans you (physically, emotionally, mentally, and
spiritually), heals you and takes you back to the centre, to what it is all about. In the
inipi we ask for blessings, we pray for each other, for ourselves, and all our relations
(this is expressed with the term: mitakuye oyasin). We thank the seven generations
preceding us and ask for the help of those seven generations which will follow us.
Lakota songs will be sung. The lodge will be lead by Madelon Witte who since 1997
works intensely in the Lakota tradition. She carries a sacred pipe, is a sundancer,
does vision quests regularly and cooperates with Steve McCullough, a very respected
medicine man in the Lakota tradition. She supports (with the donations received)
projects for Indians.

Possibilities and contact
You can ask for a sweatlodge ceremony any time. The inipi's [sic] take place in Epe or
in a place you organize. There is the further possibility to participate in a weekend in
Epe during which two inipi-ceremonies will be held. The advantage of one of these
weekends is that you can go deeper and there will be more room to share. There is
more time for prayer and songs in the tradition.

You can contact Madelon Witte,  024-3220828
Emailadres: Madelon77@versatel.xx
This e-mail address is protected against spambots, you need Javascript to look at it.

Location and cost
Centrum Oostraven is at the borders of a forest looking across meadows. It is beautiful
and quiet there. We will stay in a little house with 5 bedrooms for several persons.
There is a small kitchen and a large livingroom. The cost for this house is EURO 450.
This sum will be split by the number of participants. When there are 10 participants, this
will be EURO 45 per person for one weekend. A further EURO 35 must be paid for
expenses (cost of transport, overhead, wood, stones, herbs, cloth etc for the
sweatlodge). Usually, a donation is given, too. The group will take care for their own
meals in mutual agreement.

Weekend agenda
You are welcome Friday from 5 p.m. Try to arrive before 8 p.m. Most meals will be eaten
together. First preparations for a first hut will take place (sawing wood, cover the hut,
make prayer flags etc). The following day, we will do a talking circle, practice songs,
and perhaps will do another lodge in the evening. The second lodge can also take
place Sunday. Every time, different issues, topics, and practice shall be in focus during
one weekend.

We try to close Sunday 4 p.m.
 [...]
Laatst geupdate op ( Tuesday 29 April 2008 )



http://groups.msn.com/HetHuisje---/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=1&ID_Message=842

"From: MSN NicknameBenjamin2Bears  (Original Message)   
Sent: 10/29/2007 1:59 PM

Dear people,
this is to inform you of the coming of a medecine man I'm a friend of and the healing
ceremonies he may lead. I will be in Germany November 1, and they're fully booked,
but there are still vacancies for the weekend in the town of Loenen. Also click at Canka
Luta [sic].
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The weekend with Steve this year will take place from Friday, November 16 till Sunday,
November 18 in the town of Loenen. For new visitors of this site, Steve McCullough is a
widely rspected Lakota medicine man and Sundance leader with whom we are already
working for years. He is a wise man with integrity. In the ceremonies in Europe and in
his Sundance in Indiana, he has the role of a median (intercessor) between our world
and the spirit world. To experience his teachings and his ceremonies has a very
nourishing and healing effect on many levels. Before you go into these ceremonies,
you must study the article "Asking for help in the Lakota tradition" in order to better
understand what the ceremony contents. You will read there that you are also right with
Steve for specific help. Even if you're an 'old hand' you must study the article again so
that you are fully aware what this old and sacred ceremony is about and how important
the focus on prayer and the support is. We see much sense in this. So does Steve. We
want to thank you for all contributions for the ceremonies. We hope to welcome a nice
group of people at Loenen.
We want to give everyone the possibility to get help. For the persons who cannot visit
this weekend for lacking time or lacking funds, there is a 'loose' ceremony on
Thursday evening, November 15. This ceremony is for persons who won't come to the
weekend. Other possibilities:

November 1-2 in the town of Gangelt/Germany with Ellie and Rolf (004924542802),
(booked out unfortunately, but he will be back next year)
November 10: near St. Niklaas in Belgium with Hilde (0032 93467588).
All these ceremonies are well visited, therefore please make a contact. Don't try to visit
several ceremonies so that other people have the chance to participate."


In the link section of the following site:
http://www.grensgeval.org/grensverruiming/36-bewoners/46-links.html?tmpl=component&print=1&page=

# Canku Luta
"Steve McCullough, Lakota medicineman, comes to Europe regularly and then also
comes to Grensgeval for ceremonies."


Another ad for McCullough in Europe. Please take due note these people are also cooperating with Mala Pope:

http://www.inbalance-info.com/index.php?pageid=7

"Lectures at In Balance
We also organize trainings, lectures, an ceremonies for others at our premises, so e.g.:
[...]
- Steve McCullough, on Lakota traditions, spirituality, and rituals
- Mala Spotted Eagle and Sky Pope, on Shoshoni traditions and Nanish Shontie, a
new form of living together

Meetings can be arranged on demand: Steve McCullough, healings followed by a  ceremony
Sky Pope, women's circle, on the position of female power and the connection with mother earth
Mala Spotted Eagle Pope, men's circle, on the position of the man in connection with his goal in life

Please inquire about fees"
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on August 11, 2008, 05:13:03 pm
I do know that Darlene Cross, Vernal's widow who keeps his altar, has said that his ceremonies are faked and his is not doing anything under any authority from their direct family (it is true that Evan White Face is a cousin). I asked some people who are close with Elmer Running and were in Indiana with him why he pulled out of that Sundance and was told there were a lot of different stories so they didnt want to say what may be rumor but that he did leave that Sundance and did not want to be associated with it.  AMF still has not said who gave a medal to Steve and put a bonnet on Evans and no onme at home (Rosebud) had any knowlege of it happening so I am still not sure who has authorized Steve to be running a Sundance. One of the basic issues is a non-Lakota running a Lakota ceremony, actually a non NDN running a ceremony; there are other tribes who have Sundances and similar ceremonies but they are done under their own altars. Read the Protection of Ceremonies Proclamation, it is very clear.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on August 11, 2008, 08:24:41 pm
AMF still has not said who gave a medal to Steve and put a bonnet on Evans and no onme at home (Rosebud) had any knowlege of it happening so I am still not sure who has authorized Steve to be running a Sundance. One of the basic issues is a non-Lakota running a Lakota ceremony, actually a non NDN running a ceremony; there are other tribes who have Sundances and similar ceremonies but they are done under their own altars. Read the Protection of Ceremonies Proclamation, it is very clear.

It's been said several times that names will not be mentioned unless the people that did it come on and say so.

As for people not knowing some things that went on that's understandable isn't it? sometimes it takes the moccasin telegraph awhile. LMAO  Trust me, The word wll get around. just be patient.

You know, it seems kind of strange that over 20 chiefs from all over (and no not wasicu chiefs) would accept someone and dance along someone at a sundance for four days if they REALLY had a problem with them. It make me go Hmmm.. lol

Also, if chiefs and tribal leaders have a huge problem wouldn't they file a lawsuit in federal law. They sure did with Ward Churchill. Hmmmm

These are questions I ask myself when I think of all this. Just some food for thought. 
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: ska on August 11, 2008, 09:48:03 pm
Dear Creative Native,

I've read on this board a couple of times where Lakota persons have mentioned that Lakotas do not have "chiefs" but is seems you are not listening - or there is so much BS out there that, when some truth is spoken, it is not acknowledged.

In your previous post you said "You know, it seems kind of strange that over 20 chiefs from all over (and no not wasicu chiefs) would accept someone and dance along someone at a sundance for four days if they REALLY had a problem with them."

I don't know any traditional person on Rosebud who even acknowledges "20 chiefs" on the reservation.  This new age practice of making chiefs at Sun Dances is frowned upon and not acknowledged.  I've heard traditionals say "there are no (or few) true chiefs today . . . but the real ones are coming back and will reveal themselves when the time is right and it is meant to be".

 A Sun Dance is not like a powwow, although people who go to Crow Dog's probably think it is.  At Crow Dog's, almost every group of people who camp there end up having a "chief" in their camp! I've been there, you can't swing a cat without hitting a "chief". Traditional Lakota Sun Dances don't have non-natives dancing, they don't use peyote, they don't have concessions stands and crafts tables, the dancers don't wear fancy outfits every day, the Sun Dance is not advertised, people don't make t-shirts advertising their ceremony -- and the true leaders conduct themselves as common and humble men, not as "chiefs".

You also seem to believe that "if chiefs and tribal leaders have a huge problem wouldn't they file a lawsuit in federal law."  Do you really think that there's so much time and money in Indian country that people are sitting around all day formulating lawsuits against all the people ripping off their cultures?  People want Indians to verify every incident of racism against Indian nations, instead of accepting that American society ITSELF is an instance of genocidal racism.  On the rez, people are trying to survive, trying to deal with epidemic problems of suicide, violence, and, of course, the genocidal practices of spiritual appropriation.

I know that, in the past, Arvol Looking Horse has publicly given some information about "buffalo teachings" ie.  a traditional Lakota cultural practice is to support and pray and guide a member of culture back to wholeness, not to confront, and attack, and maliciously rip apart.    I witnessed this at the wake of Archie Lame Deer, when Leonard Crow Dog used this occasion to try to promote his own agenda.  He kept using terms like  "by the powers invested in me by the Lakota Nation" and then he made a "chief" at this gathering as well.  I glanced around the room and most of the elders were looking away and had their mouths set in a straight line, a few even shook their heads and looked mad!  It kind of made me tremble to witness this strong disapproval - I'm used to seeing Lakota elders smiling and being so loving.  But maybe non-natives won't recognize these strong signs from the elders of a culture that is so sophisticated and uses small gestures to express so much.  For me, these were very strong signs of disapproval, but then, I respect elders and watch for cues from them about what they perceive to be right or wrong action. If you're looking for signs of disapproval, you won't find traditionals yelling and screaming, or taking these matters to the internet, or filing law suits.    If you're looking for someone who is going to stamp their feet, yell, write letters of protest on the internet, and publicly mock and humiliate someone, you aren't looking for a Lakota elder, you're looking for a White way of dealing with the problem, and White ways of showing approval and disapproval.   Don't ever think that people on the rez don't know what's going on - they know more than anyone.

At the wake of another elder several years ago, Arvol Looking Horse came to the funeral.  That month, in January 2001, someone on the rez died every day.  I remember at the wake, Arvol said something like "where are all the chiefs now, when the people are suffering?  Do they have time to come and sit with the people, help out a little, maybe bring a pot of soup?"  Many felt that the ones who call themselves chiefs are never around for the Lakota people, they're always chasing money, fame, and recognition from people OFF the rez.

When the goose-feather bonnet chiefs strut through town, driving their fancy trucks, adding another addition on to their homes, judging the ones who are suffering through their addictions, and inviting non-natives to come on the rez to Sun Dance, go on "medicine walks" or get "certified" as "firekeepers", who do you reallly think acknowledges them as "chiefs"?  A leader for the people would be there for them in their time of need, to support them in every way he knew how, and give of himself until there was nothing left to give. 
 
That, for me, is why it is dangerous to throw around this idea that 20 anonymous chiefs support McCullough.  And if they do exist, these "chiefs" are contributing to the destruction of their own people's spiritual ways.  They are taking their nation apart.  Don't try to justify McCullough's actions by the lack of vocal disapproval from Lakota traditionals.   Again, go to the communities, spend time there, learn the language, then you will start to understand what is what.

I express my apologies to the Lakota members of this board if I have said anything to offend you.  I speak with concern for Lakota children, like my son, who should be able to grow up in their way of life without confusion and outside manipulation.  And I speak with great respect for my Lakota relatives, friends and in-laws who will, no doubt, laugh at me for getting into arguments on the internet.

ska
   
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on August 12, 2008, 12:15:10 am
Thank you for trying to be respectful. I'll try to break your post down and answer some of your concerns.

Dear Creative Native,

I've read on this board a couple of times where Lakota persons have mentioned that Lakotas do not have "chiefs" but is seems you are not listening - or there is so much BS out there that, when some truth is spoken, it is not acknowledged.


I'm sorry but Lakota's do have chiefs. Ask Oliver.

Quote
In your previous post you said "You know, it seems kind of strange that over 20 chiefs from all over (and no not wasicu chiefs) would accept someone and dance along someone at a sundance for four days if they REALLY had a problem with them."

I don't know any traditional person on Rosebud who even acknowledges "20 chiefs" on the reservation.  This new age practice of making chiefs at Sun Dances is frowned upon and not acknowledged.  I've heard traditionals say "there are no (or few) true chiefs today . . . but the real ones are coming back and will reveal themselves when the time is right and it is meant to be".


I'm not talking about 20 chiefs from Rosebud. I mentioned that the cheifs were from OTHER AREAS.   

 
Quote
A Sun Dance is not like a powwow, although people who go to Crow Dog's probably think it is.  At Crow Dog's, almost every group of people who camp there end up having a "chief" in their camp! I've been there, you can't swing a cat without hitting a "chief". Traditional Lakota Sun Dances don't have non-natives dancing, they don't use peyote, they don't have concessions stands and crafts tables, the dancers don't wear fancy outfits every day, the Sun Dance is not advertised, people don't make t-shirts advertising their ceremony -- and the true leaders conduct themselves as common and humble men, not as "chiefs".

You also seem to believe that "if chiefs and tribal leaders have a huge problem wouldn't they file a lawsuit in federal law."  Do you really think that there's so much time and money in Indian country that people are sitting around all day formulating lawsuits against all the people ripping off their cultures?  People want Indians to verify every incident of racism against Indian nations, instead of accepting that American society ITSELF is an instance of genocidal racism.  On the rez, people are trying to survive, trying to deal with epidemic problems of suicide, violence, and, of course, the genocidal practices of spiritual appropriation.
 

Oh comeon. Please don't talk down to me.  I am not a NON native as some would like to believe. I was born and raised on the rez and just left in 2006. 

People sure had time and money to go after the flake Ward Churchill didn't they.

Quote
I know that, in the past, Arvol Looking Horse has publicly given some information about "buffalo teachings" ie.  a traditional Lakota cultural practice is to support and pray and guide a member of culture back to wholeness, not to confront, and attack, and maliciously rip apart.    I witnessed this at the wake of Archie Lame Deer, when Leonard Crow Dog used this occasion to try to promote his own agenda.  He kept using terms like  "by the powers invested in me by the Lakota Nation" and then he made a "chief" at this gathering as well.  I glanced around the room and most of the elders were looking away and had their mouths set in a straight line, a few even shook their heads and looked mad!  It kind of made me tremble to witness this strong disapproval - I'm used to seeing Lakota elders smiling and being so loving.  But maybe non-natives won't recognize these strong signs from the elders of a culture that is so sophisticated and uses small gestures to express so much.  For me, these were very strong signs of disapproval, but then, I respect elders and watch for cues from them about what they perceive to be right or wrong action. If you're looking for signs of disapproval, you won't find traditionals yelling and screaming, or taking these matters to the internet, or filing law suits.    If you're looking for someone who is going to stamp their feet, yell, write letters of protest on the internet, and publicly mock and humiliate someone, you aren't looking for a Lakota elder, you're looking for a White way of dealing with the problem, and White ways of showing approval and disapproval.   Don't ever think that people on the rez don't know what's going on - they know more than anyone.


Ok.  Then what isn't a proclamation sent out about Leonard Crow Dog and disputeing anything he says or does??

Don't know what circles you are in but that sure isn't true in all circles.



Quote
At the wake of another elder several years ago, Arvol Looking Horse came to the funeral.  That month, in January 2001, someone on the rez died every day.  I remember at the wake, Arvol said something like "where are all the chiefs now, when the people are suffering?  Do they have time to come and sit with the people, help out a little, maybe bring a pot of soup?"  Many felt that the ones who call themselves chiefs are never around for the Lakota people, they're always chasing money, fame, and recognition from people OFF the rez.

When the goose-feather bonnet chiefs strut through town, driving their fancy trucks, adding another addition on to their homes, judging the ones who are suffering through their addictions, and inviting non-natives to come on the rez to Sun Dance, go on "medicine walks" or get "certified" as "firekeepers", who do you really think acknowledges them as "chiefs"?  A leader for the people would be there for them in their time of need, to support them in every way he knew how, and give of himself until there was nothing left to give.
 

I do agree this is true with some. I disagree it is all.
 
Quote
That, for me, is why it is dangerous to throw around this idea that 20 anonymous chiefs support McCullough.  And if they do exist, these "chiefs" are contributing to the destruction of their own people's spiritual ways.  They are taking their nation apart.  Don't try to justify McCullough's actions by the lack of vocal disapproval from Lakota traditionals.   Again, go to the communities, spend time there, learn the language, then you will start to understand what is what.


I never and I repeat NEVER said all 20 chiefs supported McCullough. What I said was why did not a one of the chiefs say something, ask a question anything?

Also what people need to get clear is that Steve and Evans are two separate things. Evans is just what you say here. A man that is for the people of the community here. He gives of himself until there is no more to give then he picks himself up and gives more. The reason I speak of him is because I know him and am familiar of how he carries himself. So please don't lump him in with Steve. Thank you.


Quote
I express my apologies to the Lakota members of this board if I have said anything to offend you.  I speak with concern for Lakota children, like my son, who should be able to grow up in their way of life without confusion and outside manipulation.  And I speak with great respect for my Lakota relatives, friends and in-laws who will, no doubt, laugh at me for getting into arguments on the internet.

ska
 

I too am concerned with the Lakota children. My wife's family is from Pine Ridge and so I am concerned about preserving those things for my son who is being taught both Lakota and Cree.

I think that most of us are in agreement on most of these points. It's just that I hate seeing people and issues get lumped together.

I too hope I have been respectful.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on August 12, 2008, 01:02:14 pm
Yes there are some traditional chiefs such as Oliver, although there are some on Pine Ridge that do call him a treaty chief. As Ska said many object to the current practice of some who go around "making chiefs"; especially when the person being made a chief is non-LDN.   As far as filing a lawsuit, unfortunately there are no laws against a non LDN running ceremonies or even claiming membership. And most traditional people that I know don't want to work within the US legal systm since that is not our way or our culture. The actions against Ward Churchill were for plagarism, he copied others works and claimed it as his own and the University of Colorado had hired him under affirmative action and when submitting an application you have to sign that under penalty of law your statements are true and can be prosecuted if they are not.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Moma_porcupine on August 12, 2008, 02:24:50 pm
What I am noticing reading through all this is that on one hand there is 2 anonymous people claiming there is some Elders who recognize McCullough but these Elders want to remain anonymous,  and on the other hand there a couple people with verifiable connections in the Lakota community saying it isn't OK for non native people to run ceremonies and they have never heard of McCullogh being an exception.  ( I am referrring to Earth and I seem to recall Earth knows Cetan ) There is also a bunch of official statments from LDN leaders and Elders , from the protection proclaimation to the declaration of war , and all these statemetns say nonnative people should not be leading ceremonies .

If someone wants to dispute this, why aren't the Elders that people claim are recognizing these non native ceremony leaders being named ? Steve McCollough is advertising himself as a cermonial leader on line . It seems fair to assume that if the Elders who supposedly recognize Steve are functioning as Elders in relation to Steve , they would be willing to take responsibility and be named on line as references. If they don't want to be named, I think it is fair to assume these Elders either don't exist, or they don't really support Steve having a right to be running ceremonies. Because in the act of remaining unnamed they are clearly NOT supporting this.

Anonymous people telling about personal experiences shouldn't carry a lot of wieght on line ,  and as an anonymous person my own observations aren't worth much,  but I also have seen what Ska reports. I have only known a couple Native people who thought it was OK for non natives to be leading ceremonies. One was disconnected from their own culture and was taught by someone with a reputation of being a complete sell out and their own people avoided them. The other person who thought this was OK was running from the law for mollesting children in their community. I have also heard of some who teach ceremonies in exchange for gifts or money - not out of concern for how these ceremonies will be maintained . On the other hand I have known many many traditional Elders who have clearly expressed disaproval. Like Ska says , Elders give subtle signals. I also have seen Elders be polite to someone and have been suprised later to hear them strongly condem these peoples activities. Seeing an Elder shake someones hand doesn't mean much . You would have to ride home with them to find out what they really thought.     

AMF suggested this is all just a matter of opinion and different Elders have different opinions. It's true there are some Native people who believe it's OK to share these ceremonies outside the context provided by the rest of the culture. But I suspect people involved with non natives get a distorted impression as to how many Native people support this , as they tend to just meet the supporters . These people don't meet the large majority of native people who absolutely object to non native people taking over and running ceremonies . Why are these objections so hard to understand? 

If a choice in who to support needs to be made, I think the solution is simple.  It is the Elders who are thinking of the health of their own communities and culture who should be supported not Native people who are serving non native people
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on August 18, 2008, 05:37:47 pm
I saw some people the other day who go out to Elmer Running's every year for his Sundance and they told me 2 or 3 years ago Elmer kicked Steve McCullough off his property so I would doubt that he is running his Sundance under Elmer's altar.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: AskMeFirst on August 28, 2008, 05:54:41 pm
I understand whats at stake here. I questioned and prayed long and hard before I ever lent my voice to sing. We are all responsible for our own spiritual health and I am not about to sell my soul out for anyone.

I came here in a respectful way, despite someone's comment to the contrary. But respectful or not, I'll be attacked no matter what due to the subject matter. I get it. I understand it. So be it.

But, can anyone here answer me this: Just as Creative Native asked- why, when McCullough danced for 4 days out at Crowdog's beside other dancers, in front of so many chiefs and elders, why did not one person say anything to him about Salt Creek? If there are so many who are against him, why didn't anyone say anything, before or after the dance? Has anyone heard any rumors by now? Are the people talking about it?
I seek answers just like the rest of you, but I can only go by what my own family says.

Anyone?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Superdog on August 28, 2008, 06:59:54 pm

I came here in a respectful way, despite someone's comment to the contrary. But respectful or not, I'll be attacked no matter what due to the subject matter. I get it. I understand it. So be it.

But, can anyone here answer me this: Just as Creative Native asked- why, when McCullough danced for 4 days out at Crowdog's beside other dancers, in front of so many chiefs and elders, why did not one person say anything to him about Salt Creek? If there are so many who are against him, why didn't anyone say anything, before or after the dance? Has anyone heard any rumors by now? Are the people talking about it?
I seek answers just like the rest of you, but I can only go by what my own family says.

Anyone?

I'll answer that question with a story.  Reservation life is pretty close knit.  Everyone knows what goes over as ok and what is craziness, but sometimes the craziness is so entertaining you can't help but get in on it.  I have a friend who was born in Rosebud, but when his mother remarried when he was 5 he moved far away from the rez.  Their family travelled back once or twice a year, but that was all my friend ever saw of other Indians or reservation life.  He's full-blooded, but raised outside the rez.  His mother was a little upset about the things that happened to her in Rosebud so she made no effort to bolster his understanding of his heritage.  Well....fast forward. 

My friend's in his forties.  Through his life he's still made some infrequent visits to Rosebud.  Knows a few relatives there and hangs out every once in a while, but doesn't participate in anything, but eating and conversation.  BUT at his HOME off the reservation there is zero population of Indians in his area.  At his home off the rez he wears a buckskin shirt and leggings and dances at every non-Indian pow-wow there is.  He's got respect there because he's full-blooded (not for anything else) so people believe the great romantic stories about his childhood there.  They suck up to him like no other and it's gotten to his head.  On his visits to Rosebud everyone kind of sits back and watches what goes on.   Makes for some great and enteraining stories later on about this guy trying so hard to outdo everyone that it becomes like a show.  They don't say nothin' to him, because from experience you know...there's nothing much you can say to someone like that.  So they let him go.  The reality is, he's often making a fool of himself....he just doesn't know it.

So the last year I knew this guy he finds a woman at the non-Indian pow-wows.  Pretty nice looking, flaming red hair and a completely white buckskin dress with no beadwork whatsoever.  She's infatuated with him and moves in with him after the pow-wow (no joke).  A few months later my friend decides to take her to Rosebud to really seal the deal with her.  While there he presents himself as proudly as possible.  Parades her around, takes her to a few houses.  Well...she's just LOVIN' it....first time she's ever been on a rez although she says she's Choctaw from Ohio.

So there you go....imagine the sight.  My friend, tall dark-skinned full-blooded Indian, long-black hair (in a bit of a hollywood hairstyle, but still lookin' good) with someone 15 years younger than him hangin' off his arm, flamin' red hair, skin brighter than the sunshine and a permagrin.  Something than anyone who lives there looks and just KNOWS what that's all about and starts chucklin' to themselves.  But they're good hosts there and they show them both a good time.

They come back to their home off the rez.  I'm with some friends..one of them a fluent Lakota speaker.  See the happy couple at a conference (he's there to dance again).  Ask about their visit and she blows up with how great it was...and guess what...THEY GAVE HER AN INDIAN NAME THERE.....

Really???  So I brace myself....and with as much excitement and pride as you could ever hear in a voice she tells us the name and my friend's eyes almost start tearing up as he walks off quietly....I say goodbye to the happy couple they go off and she starts tellin 'the next people that stop them about her new Indian name. 

I go to check out my buddy and he's still laughin' in the corner while he watches them head around the room.  He said, "Do you know what her name means????"  They called her "Smelly *****(ummm..we'll just say it's a body part below the waist)"




Hope that helps you understand a little.  Just tryin' to help you from becoming the next "Smelly *****". 
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Defend the Sacred on August 28, 2008, 08:12:18 pm
But, can anyone here answer me this: Just as Creative Native asked- why, when McCullough danced for 4 days out at Crowdog's beside other dancers, in front of so many chiefs and elders, why did not one person say anything to him about Salt Creek?

Seconding Superdog's comments, here.

Also, letting an outsider be present at a ceremony is a whole other thing than giving them authority to run the ceremony.

And many just aren't confrontational. Especially when it's already been tried. They'll sit back and be amused, or even offended, but not bother talking to the offensive person because they know the person won't change. I've heard that people have confronted Steve before. He knows full well that what he's doing is in opposition to those who care about protecting the ceremonies. So unless someone is really spoiling for a useless fight... Yeah, "Smelly ______"

I've also got to say I don't buy any of these "in front of so many chiefs and elders" claims. *shrugs* I'm a bit more plainspoken than some.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on August 29, 2008, 12:25:04 am
It was Crow Dog who gave him the medal, well he goes around making lots of non-Natives chiefs, and on Rosebud he doesnt have a whole lot of respect from the local residents.  And elders dont really go up to someone and say anything even if they disapprove of what that person is doing; they may make a general comment but ususally just let someone go on making mistakes, especially if they have been told once.   
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on August 29, 2008, 04:08:10 am
Quote
It was Crow Dog who gave him the medal,


Who told ya that one? Not me.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on August 29, 2008, 04:17:16 am
Quote
And elders dont really go up to someone and say anything even if they disapprove of what that person is doing; they may make a general comment but ususally just let someone go on making mistakes, especially if they have been told once.   


Don't know what "elders" you're talking about but I've seen with my own eyes elder women go out and throw a shawl around a largly endowed girl in her twenties in a leather halter top while she was dancing and flopping all over the circle. I've seen a white dude show up in the fake buckskin costume pants in a headdress and have veteran elders go over and talk to him and refuse him to dance. I saw Gramma Nellie go over and throw a blanket over a nursing mother in the middle of Big Bats. Don't tell me elders say nothing.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on August 29, 2008, 01:02:48 pm
Someone who was at CrowDogs dance told me it was CrowDog who gave 3 medals - one to Steve McCullough, one to June Bug and one to a 3rd man she didnt know who he was. The person who told me this had traveled out to CrowDog's with some Mexican friends, one of whom had been a "chief" at the Sundance in southern Illinois that is under Leonards crew and a woman from Belgium who was a friend of Steve's and when he showed up there this Belgium woman moved her camp to camp with him and my friend was given the impression thiat she was his girlfriend!!!
As for the more than 20 "chiefs" at CrowDog's, well a lot of them are chiefs that Leonard made and the feeling amongst a lot of people is he has no right making anyone a chief and why is he making non-LDN and even non-Natives chiefs. Some of his so called chiefs include such non-Indians as Mary Thunder's ex-husband Horse and her son. As far as people not saying anything, a lot of people, especially local, do not know who Steve is and what he does. And an example of people politely not saying anything - about 6 years ago in Kyle Oliver Red Cloud put a chiefs bonnet on the intercessor for the Lakota Oyote Sundance which used to be the dance at Frank Fools Crow's and Oliver said as far as he was concerned this is the only Sundance that should be held on Pine Ridge.  Everyone there lined up and shook his hand, even those who previously and afterwards were bad mouthing him and that Sundance.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: MatoSiWin on September 02, 2008, 03:05:41 pm
I understand whats at stake here. I questioned and prayed long and hard before I ever lent my voice to sing. We are all responsible for our own spiritual health and I am not about to sell my soul out for anyone.

I came here in a respectful way, despite someone's comment to the contrary. But respectful or not, I'll be attacked no matter what due to the subject matter. I get it. I understand it. So be it.

But, can anyone here answer me this: Just as Creative Native asked- why, when McCullough danced for 4 days out at Crowdog's beside other dancers, in front of so many chiefs and elders, why did not one person say anything to him about Salt Creek? If there are so many who are against him, why didn't anyone say anything, before or after the dance? Has anyone heard any rumors by now? Are the people talking about it?
I seek answers just like the rest of you, but I can only go by what my own family says.

Anyone?

One of the reasons no one said anything is because during Sundance, the dancers are focused on their own dance, and if properly focused would hardly even notice/care what anyone else is doing there.  Steve is the least of their concern at that point.  And regardless of whether you're NDN or not, it is wasicu thinking to go around confronting someone, especially at ceremony, or to engage that person in a legal battle over spiritual matters. 
It's more like this... if people are taken in by someone who is misrepresenting themselves, then so what?  They'll get what they deserve.  It's not the NDN communities' responsibility to protect stupid wannabe's from themselves.  It's far too easy in this day and age to verify the validity of someone's claims to be a Lakota elder.  I'm not just referring to Steve, but to anyone who claims to have the authority to hold a Sundance.  So the people who fail to do the research are putting themselves in a position to be taken advantage of and are putting their own spiritual health at risk.  True Lakotas already know who is and who isn't authorized... so the only reason to be adamant about stopping Steve or others like him would be to protect those who are blindly following him.  It's not like he's pulling one over on the Lakota. 
Steve already knows he's wrong for claiming something that isn't his.  What would be the point in confronting him further? 
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: pink bear on September 22, 2008, 05:24:39 am
to inquire to ask me first . Are you not the one with the book for sale on Steve 's site?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on September 23, 2008, 02:29:53 pm
This was dead for almost a month then a new member or one with a new name comes and asks this one. Hmmmmm.... Where'd ya get that one from?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Defend the Sacred on September 23, 2008, 08:02:40 pm
http://saltcreeksundance.com/ website is offline now.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: pink bear on September 24, 2008, 02:29:35 am
yes the site for saltcreek sundance is down but only for a short while the message we recieved was it need redone because of a few problems. 
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on September 24, 2008, 01:23:17 pm
Steve's claims and credentials get questioned here and the website is suddenly down for maintainence; how convenient
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: pink bear on September 24, 2008, 01:35:05 pm
Yes I understand your feelings about it being convenient. It was also down for weeks during the summer. I quess she has much diffficulty with links. there is also a site on myspace .com blogs by Red Road Awareness  that has become very interesting in reading and this lady also seems to be helping to run the saltcreek sundance articles .
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Kristy983 on September 27, 2008, 04:49:42 am
Ok, I've read through this entire thread. All I want to know is if anyone who has posted here about their dislike of Steve McCullough has spoken to him, personally, or gone to the sundance in Indiana. Anyone? I've been to that sundance, and I know Steve indirectly, but please, don't judge me just yet. I have an open mind. I've looked at all the evidence against him and for him presented in this thread. There are some good arguments that make me question Steve and that Sundance. But from what I can tell, a lot of the evidence, for and against, is a bunch of he-said she-said. How is it fair to sit back and judge someone without giving them a chance to defend his or her self. Yes, you've invited Steve to come on the board and talk about all of this. The thing is, YOU are the people with the problem, so why don't you take a step up and ask the man himself? Give him a chance to tell his side of this. Call him, meet him somewhere, and discuss it. I'm sure he won't have a problem with it.

The only thing I can personally say about Steve is that no, he doesn't take money for what he does. Can you give physical proof that he does?

I'm sure my opinions aren't going to matter to many of you, since I'm not Lakota (as far as I know). I am, through both sides of my family, Shawnee, Delaware, and Cherokee. No, I don't have a tribal roll number, but my mother has all the proof I need to support it, since she's traced our family tree back through several, several generations.

I'm sorry if I come across as rude, or if I've said something that may seem "stupid". I do not claim to know everything. I'm just stating how I feel.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: C Standing Bear on September 27, 2008, 06:49:30 pm
I've read through this thing too. What would sitting down and talking with a fraud do? It has been mentioned time and time again how he is a fraud, how he cheats, lies, steals, is unfaithful. Would a talk REALLY do any good? no.

I tried the websighte and found it to be up. I had no problem with it.

As for myself I have met STeve, I have seen and observered some of his wrong doings and threatened to knock him on his ass because of some of it. I too joined with Benard in trying to get the sundance stopped but because of the DNR there was nothing we could do.

There is no medicine to Steve, it is smooth talk, smoke and parlor tricks done by him and his sidekick rattle shaker fakkers. One of which isnt Indian but a mexican claiming Indian and a Canuk claiming whatever- for theyre own personall gains and followings.

I'm going to stop here because this gets my INDIAN blood boiling. Just leave it at yea, this guy needs to be stopped and lets prey that it is before someone else gets hurt. In this past year he lost at least four sundancers out of his circle which most would say is a hight number. I hate to think what th e number will be this year.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on September 27, 2008, 11:20:44 pm
I have been there, met him, saw how he and his followers behave and am good friends with Darlene Cross who was treated with disrespect by him; she is Vernal's widow interpreted for him in ceremonies and she said he is a fraud, no medicine or spirits helping him.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: educatedindian on September 27, 2008, 11:41:07 pm
The first person I ever saw object to what McCullough does was Albert Running Wolf of Indiana AIM, back when NAFPS was just getting started and still a yahoo group. Albert is Lakota, lives not far from where the phony Sundance happens, and not only has seen it, he's met with park officials about it.

So that makes three Lakota, at least, who have talked to McCullough in person about this. Though like CSB said, that should not be a standard. Frauds and fraud supporters are always trying to hide behind that argument.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: debbieredbear on September 28, 2008, 11:42:35 pm
Kristy983 ,

You are missing the point:

Steve is NOT Lakota. The Lakota people object to what he is doing. They have a right to have a say over their spiritual practices. I do not need to go to his "sundance." I do not need to go to meet him face to face. The fact that he is not Lakota and they object is enough for me. If he was pretending to be a Catholic priest and doing mass, the Catholics would object because they have a right to control their own beliefs. Same thing. What is it about Indigenous beliefs that the New Agers think they have some superior "right" to co-opt them?? I don't care if you have native blood. You are not participating/learning about your OWN heritage when you participate in cultural theft of another nation's beliefs.




Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: C Standing Bear on September 29, 2008, 01:51:15 am
Yeah and to take it one farther, if you are a priest and are doing things that are not according to their doctrine then they can take away your priesthood or kick you out. What recourse does then native community have for those that are putting themselves in a teaching position? Even in the community schools a bad teacher loses their job. Maybe we need an Indian Board that oversees all teachers and they must meet certain criteria. wow. can you imagine the stink that would create if we band together and try to pass that one? <smilez>
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: C Standing Bear on September 29, 2008, 01:57:01 am
The first person I ever saw object to what McCullough does was Albert Running Wolf of Indiana AIM, back when NAFPS was just getting started and still a yahoo group. Albert is Lakota, lives not far from where the phony Sundance happens, and not only has seen it, he's met with park officials about it.

So that makes three Lakota, at least, who have talked to McCullough in person about this. Though like CSB said, that should not be a standard. Frauds and fraud supporters are always trying to hide behind that argument.

Actually Albert comes from the Kiowa. He was with Benard when they tried to shut down the dance in 2003 or 2004.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Kristy983 on October 01, 2008, 01:41:30 am
I never said I condone the things talked about in this forum. All I said was to confront the problem, instead of just sitting back and whining about it on a message board. As for participating in cultural theft, I learn where I can, when I can, and I cannot help if I misguided. I didn't know there was such an opposition until I found this forum. The only person I have to teach me about my heritage is my mother, and she does her best. Unfortunately, I don't have some of the advantages that others have. I wasn't born with elders to teach me. I'm sorry if I offended anyone, that wasn't my intention, and I'm not trying to steal anyone's culture. This is the last I'll post here, because I didn't come here to be judged.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: debbieredbear on October 01, 2008, 02:21:21 am
Funny how the ones who angrily huff how they do not want to be judged, are so judgemental. While I am sorry that you weren't born with elders around to learn from, you are not the only one. Most of those who are in that situation do not got to frauds. They seek out people from their own culture to learn from. But hgey, I GET why people go to  frauds: they tell ya what ya want to hear!
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: educatedindian on October 01, 2008, 09:24:16 am
Kristi, your claim of being "judged" doesn't hold up. And you don't seem to have bothered to read what three of us told you. At least three NDNs did confront McCullough in person, exactly what you claim we supposedly did not do.

No, you were never "judged," though in common with many Nuage people, you seem to think judge is a bad word, when it just means using your brain to make a decision.

Instead, what happened was that four different NDNs patiently explained and answered your questions, that's it. No one said a thing about you personally until you tried to twist our words in your second post, then threw a fit in public by saying you would not post anymore.

Hopefully you stick around to read and learn. Think about this: If a hatewatch site reports hate crimes and puts out reports to the public, are they "whining"? If a center for exploited children puts out information of how to keep kids from being abused, are they "whining"?

Or are they both doing something about the problem, the same as we are in here?

And do you contribute to the problem by making excuses for McCullough, or by twisting what Lakota and other NDNs have to say about him?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: rwaimin on October 01, 2008, 08:00:18 pm
Looks like old Frauds never die. I just joined the forum and I am here to say a few things. Please listen to with your hearts and then your minds. I make no claim that I am an Elder, or wise man, medicine man, or spiritual leader. I am who I am, and that is a warrior for the people. I have been silent for many years but no more. Over the years we have lost many of our leaders Micheal Haney, Floyd Red Crow Westerman, and Vernon Bellecourt to name a few. I knew these men, if only for a short time I did know them. I sat with Mr. Haney and had dinner with him and we spoke of many things, I sat Mr. Westerman at Pipestone AIM Sundance and we spoke of many things, I have sat on many occasions with Uncle Vernon and we spoke of many things. Out of all the talks we had they all taught me one thing and that was to never forget about the people may they be Lakota, Kiowa, Cheyenne, Dine', you name it. I have not forgotten about them, I have not forgotten the promise I made to many of our Elders and Leaders that I would always fight for the protection of our ceremonies, our people, and our way of life.
I want to make it clear to many that I have gone the extra mile and then went on further to do what is needed to protect our ways, but there are some people out there who were once heard to say "Albert, call us and we will be there by your side", I ask you where were you when Bernard Red Cherries and I went to the Hoosier National Park and spoke to the Head people there, who turned us away as if we were ghost. Where were you when I was getting calls in the middle of the night, threatening my family and my life. Where were you when McCullough's daughter came to an open AIM meeting with others and said we have no right to stop "THEIR" ceremonies, as far as I remember these ceremonies belong to the people not one group who claims to have a Shawnee medicine man, but was raised on Pine Ridge, from Rosebud. Yes his list of lies grows. Now he is wanting to take over a so called Native Center in Ohio. they say on their website that they do not charge yet they as ask for money to keep it going. They say and I quote :

"Written by Lynny Prince   
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Check out the details for this years Wopila ceremony!

The 2008 Wopila (thank you) ceremony will be held at Black Swan Lake on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008. As this is a private campground, there will be an entrance fee of $5.00 per person, to pay the rental fee. There will be primitive camping sites available for Friday and Saturday nights for all those who wish to stay. Electric hookup is available at extra cost for those who want it. Check out time is 6:00 PM Sunday evening, but individual arrangements may be made with campground hosts if you wish to stay longer.

There are showers and toilets available. Meals, cooking and all other facilities are up to the individual campers. Remember feast food for Saturday evening. No dogs will be permitted this year, as the owners failed to clean up after them last year. A kennel is available a mile up the road. (see phone numbers below) Fishing is available at $2.00 per pole, per day. There is no swimming allowed.

Randy, the owner, will have a concession stand open this year. Ice will be $2.00 for a 7 lb. bag, firewood is $5.00 for an armload and breakfast can be purchased Saturday and Sunday mornings at the campground. If you enjoy this, he will do more next year. "

You tell me what that looks like. I have been to many Sundances and I have never been asked for a donation, or rental fees, or to pay for anything including food. Hell I have never been to a sundance where they had a "concession stand".
If you truly want to help stop this mockery of not only the Lakota ways but of all exploitation of traditional ceremonies then write the Hoosier National Park, write the Gov. of Indiana. Write to the agencies at Pine Ridge, Rosebud, Cheyenne River, and tell them to write the Hoosier National Park and the Gov. of Indiana. Have those true spiritual leaders who McCullough claims to be taught by, have those Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people come to the Hoosier National Park and tell them to STOP allowing a fraud to abuse our ceremonies, our culture and our spiritual way of life.
I have done my part and now it is up to those who talk the talk to come forward and be heard and seen.


In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,
American Indian Movement Indiana Chairman
Albert RunningWolf
14065 West St.
Brookville, IN. 47012
765-647-4947
rwaimin@verizon.net
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: MatoSiWin on October 02, 2008, 07:37:07 pm
DRB... if I could hug you or high-five you right now, I would!!!!

No one has the right to co-opt someone else's heritage.  And I agree 100%, not everyone has the benefit of elders, but if someone's intentions are true, they will seek out their own, not imposters.  And I completely agree with your comment about why people go to imposters... they tell you want you want to hear. 

All of it really needs to stop.  And voicing our opinions and facts on here is hardly whining and doing nothing, Kristy983.  you're the one whining about how people are judging you for not standing up for your alleged heritage.  Regardless of your alleged blood lines, you are of linear wasichu thinking. The free expression of ideas and sharing of information is how people start to move.  It's up to you which direction you choose to move in.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on October 04, 2008, 01:29:08 pm
Steve's claims and credentials get questioned here and the website is suddenly down for maintainence; how convenient

In reality that's kind of assumptive to think that the site being down has anything to do with what the people say here isn't it? Just trying to keep it real.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Creative Native on October 04, 2008, 01:33:37 pm
Actually the Wopila wasn't the sundance... it was a "thank you" for the sundance. The $5 charge was for the campground where it was held.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: pink bear on October 04, 2008, 04:22:47 pm
hello Albert ;  yes it seems you did not read the article well.  Yes it was a thank you ceremony.  And as creative native said it looks like it was to pay the rent on private property. Sounds  like a gift to me. Hot showers and two nites on his grounds.  As far as being able to buy ice and wood and not drive miles for them is a very nice  amenity. Have you never been to a sundance and made the medicine man or sundance chief an offering or give an offering to the kitchen in any way??? Sounds like a person who likes to take advantage of others to me!!!!!   But please notice that we are talking about a sundance and a thank ceremony which are 2 differant ceremonies here.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: pink bear on October 04, 2008, 04:40:55 pm
albert: you say you have done all you can but how can we believe your words?  You say steve is trying to buy a center in Ohio I do not believe you have done your research . Before you speak you need to know you are speaking the truth and have the facts.  My suggestion is to try again before you put words to the world.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: rwaimin on October 04, 2008, 10:07:28 pm
albert: you say you have done all you can but how can we believe your words?  You say steve is trying to buy a center in Ohio I do not believe you have done your research . Before you speak you need to know you are speaking the truth and have the facts.  My suggestion is to try again before you put words to the world.

Pink Bear is that your real name or some made up name you think sounds cool to all the other twinks. Steve sent out an email to you and all his "sundance" people stating that if you all can help the center then you can all take it over as well. How is this helping, We will bail them out but they are going to give us control. That is not helping, that is kicking someone while they are down. Understand that no matter how much you want to believe MR. McCullough is the way and the truth then maybe you should go back and read interviews that he has given, places he has spoken. First he is Shawnee now he is Lakota, hey next year he might be Cheyenne. Understand this and listen carefully when the time comes and all is said and done, that "sundance" tree of yours is gonna come down and when it does ain't no one gonna yell "Timber".
In another post you ask if I have ever been to a sundance, well let me tell you this. Not only have I been to sundance, I have danced. I was gifted pipestone from the actually quarries by Chief Harry Charger and Dennis Banks. I have given my blood, my flesh and my tears to the Sundance. I have always brought my own food and more to share with those who have none. I have traveled many miles to pick one up who was not able to get their way there. I have been to Sundance where the only people dancing were true Native People, no white faces. Tell me what you have done, tell us who have you helped besides those at "YOUR SUNDANCE", tell me have you given flesh, blood, tears and your life for the people.
BTW I am sorry for putting Ohio it is in Kentucky.   
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: educatedindian on October 05, 2008, 01:54:03 am

In reality that's kind of assumptive to think that the site being down has anything to do with what the people say here isn't it? Just trying to keep it real.
[/quote

Do a search and you'll find many times that frauds and exploiters like McCullough often alter or even drop entirely their websites after being exposed publicly, to hide their tracks, protect their profits, or avoid accountability.

Or you don't even have to search much. You could look at the recent threads on Amylee Schwartz and Suraj Holzwarth.

And actually, you've just been trying to keep making excuses for a fraud whose been proven to lie repeatedly (by the family of the one he falsely claims to have been trained by, Vernal Cross) and whose also been told numerous times by Lakota and others to end his exploitation.

As much as I don't like to use phrases ripped off from Black Hip Hop culture, that is truly "keeping it real."
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: educatedindian on October 05, 2008, 02:13:04 am
We have seen absolutely no reason to doubt Albert's word, and plenty of reason to not trust McCullough and his followers' words. Even if they say the sun is shining, check to make sure.

Pink Bear is apparently Jeff Wray, and as he admitted himself earlier, a supporter of McCullough's, involved in maintaining the spiritual exploiter's website. Earlier he tried to register as "White Bear", perhaps an admission of his racial background. So why the change to Pink Bear? Is he now claiming to have a little "red man" in him?

The other possible explanation is amusing. Bear is slang in the gay subculture for fat men, and pink of course..."Not that there's anything wrong with that!" Just with a silly Nuage attempt to take an "Indian" name.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: pink bear on October 05, 2008, 05:14:27 pm
educatedindian: Again the truth was not spoken here..You assumed you were talking to Jeff .....Wrong...You are speaking to his wife of 40 years. As the rest of your comments Well...they were amusing and gave me quit a chuckle. THANK YOU. I did need some laughter for the day. They say it is very healing.      The name white bear was given to me several years ago and until now it was kept private, personal and in my heart only. It was given to me by a very special person who now walks in the spirit world.  As we go thru live we carry several names it may be our birth name, a nick name or a name given to us that we have earned by a act in our lives. It may be wife, mother, or grandmother.  I CARRY MY NAMES PROUDLY
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Walks Proud on October 05, 2008, 08:50:26 pm
Mona Mona Mona. Why don't you tell them the rest of the story.

Yes, while it is two different ceremonies there is a ceremony at Wopila. A Luwampi. And why don't you tell them how many people paid five dollars to get in, what the rent was for the weekend and what Steve's take was for that. Forgetting a couple facts there aren't we? 

Also weren't you all for charging at the healing ceremony also? Isn't your true name "Mona Makes A Buck"?

And why would a white lady that doesn't participate in ceremonies want an indian name?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: educatedindian on October 06, 2008, 01:32:49 am
Mona Wray, everyone:

20Articles/2007/06_07SteveMcCullough.htm
"Mona Wray of Bedford, Ind., is not of Native American descent, but she partakes in many of their spiritual ceremonies. She has taken part in the Sundance ceremony for years. Wray met McCullough years ago at a Native American ceremony."

Mona, the condescending and racist way you lecture NDN people about NDN naming tells us all we need to know about your own low character as one of McCullough's followers.

Apparently your "Indian name" was so very precious and closely guarded you decided to try and use it on a very public internet forum to defend a spiritual exploiter. Instead it made us laugh because it sounds like something a gay fat man would pick as a name. So thanks for giving us all a laugh at your expense.

You're right, the truth has not been told....not by McCullough. His critics have not said a single falsehood.

Apparently even one of McCullough's defenders doesn't think much of you and said so on the fourth page opf this thread.

AskMeFirst:
"I know Mona Wray. She does not sundance or sweat. She is a "hanger on" who just wants to be somebody, but McCullough won't let her do too much because of her attitude. She doesn't even come to the arbor to support at sundance. She stays in her camp and gossips. My guess is that she happened to be at the location of the interview and made herself available to the reporter and told stuff just to get her name in the paper."
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Walks Proud on October 06, 2008, 02:31:03 am
Quote
"Mona Wray of Bedford, Ind., is not of Native American descent, but she partakes in many of their spiritual ceremonies. She has taken part in the Sundance ceremony for years. Wray met McCullough years ago at a Native American ceremony."



She has NOT taken part in the Sundance. She goes to the grounds if that is called taking part.




Quote
AskMeFirst:
"I know Mona Wray. She does not sundance or sweat. She is a "hanger on" who just wants to be somebody, but McCullough won't let her do too much because of her attitude. She doesn't even come to the arbor to support at sundance. She stays in her camp and gossips. My guess is that she happened to be at the location of the interview and made herself available to the reporter and told stuff just to get her name in the paper."

Like it's said. She has a bad attitude and character. She is not liked by many just tolerated.  Does she really not know Steve just keeps her around so he can get his pockets lined and she is the one that wants to be in a position so he allows he to be the gate nazi so that can happen.


I edited because I said some not so nice things that I feel were out of line. I apologize for the way I said that. I could have been nicer.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: MatoSiWin on October 09, 2008, 04:42:52 pm
One thing I have noticed is that "friends" of Steve's keep coming on here saying "Have you ever met him and actually talked to him?".

I'd like to address that here.  When someone hears "rumors" about another person, it is absolutely appropriate to go to that person directly to ask them about the rumors and to give them a chance to explain their version of the story, or to explain why people would feel motivated to spread said rumors in the first place (are they jeslous, was it a friendship gone bad, was it a business venture gone bad, etc...).  HOWEVER, when someone is giving interviews, and their own statements are being recorded (audibly and in writing), they are already speaking out on their behalf.  So when evidence comes up contradicting what that person said (or when that person later contradicts himself), such as the widow of the person he claims taught him this and that and gave him rights to this and that saying that it simply is not true, or someone claiming to be of a particular Native American Nation, and the people of that nation saying they don't recognize him as one of their own (or later saying that they are not Native American at all), or claiming to be teaching Lakota tradition and ceremony when the Lakota people as a whole (not just a few scattered individuals here and there who also have questionable standing in the Lakota community) do not recognize him as one of thier own and specifically go further to state that he does NOT have the right to perform or sell THEIR ceremonies, what reason could you have for needing to talk directly to him before forming an opinion that it's just not right?

Take the current political speeches.  It is very easy to find clips of speeches where a candidate says one thing, then find a clip of another speech where the same person says something totally different.  It is not necessary for me to speak to a politician directly to know he/she speaks from both sides of his/her mouth.
 
It's like a family, living together in one house.  If one family member invites you into the house, but then the rest of the family stands up and says you're not welcome there, why stamp your foot and insist that you belong there because the one person said so, when it is obvious that the views of that one person are not shared with the majority in the household?  I'll tell you why.  Because of a false sense of entitlement. 

I watched the news and there were friends of OJ Simpson's on there talking about how gentle and kind he was, how he was the most wonderful guy on earth.  Forgive me if I don't take thier biased words for truth... i heard his voice on the tapes.  I prefer to form my opinion regarding someone based on thier own words and mannerisms, and I don't need personal contact with them to form an opinion, especially when they are out in the limelight giving interviews and making statements.

When my kids are in trouble for something they have done that they know and I know is wrong, there is little point to talking to them about it because all they can do is offer their excuses or explanations as to why they did what they did, and no matter what they say, it doesn't change the fact that what they did is wrong.  Even if they tell me that someone else gave them permission, I'm still going to say, who has the right to give that permission?  ME! 
 
So even when someone says, "Chief So-and-So told me I am allowed to do this"... if the majority of the people to whom that ceremony belongs don't approve, that person should have enough common decency and respect to let it go.

Remember... these ceremonies do not belong to any one individual, and they are for the PEOPLE, so without the support and approval from the PEOPLE, there is nothing.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Defend the Sacred on October 09, 2008, 07:10:46 pm
Remember... these ceremonies do not belong to any one individual, and they are for the PEOPLE, so without the support and approval from the PEOPLE, there is nothing.

As in the people of the particular culture the ceremonies come from, not just any people, anywhere, from any background. And it's the people of that culture who get to say who is part of their community/family/culture, not outsiders who've misappropriated bits and pieces of it against the wishes of those people.

White people, or those raised by white people, hate to hear there's any place they're not welcome. As soon as anyone sets limits on their offensive, acquisitive behaviour, they love to pick up the mantle of the oppressed and wrap even that around themselves, without any understanding of why the people who are actually oppressed need to protect themselves from the appropriators.

People raised with privilege usually have no understanding of what actual oppression really feels like. They think having their feelings hurt by being told to take their hand out of someone else's cookie jar is somehow equivalent to living in a racist society when you're not a white person. They think you're somehow "oppressing" them when you remind them that the cookie jar and cookies are not theirs, and that they were never invited into the house in the first place.

(Excellent response, btw, MatoSiWin)
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: MatoSiWin on October 09, 2008, 08:53:07 pm
Thank you Kathryn for such an eloquent clarification/explanation of "The People".  I really like how you explained it, and I agree completely.  Having one's feelings hurt, or being told "No, this is not for you" is no where near the same thing as oppression, yet white people often seem to feel that way.  It all goes back to that entitlement mentality.  Oh, they never learn.
 
And before someone comes on here and starts calling me racist, I don't mean each and every white person, but I am referring to the White culture of taking and claiming everything as theirs.  If that doesn't make sense to you and you still think I am being racist... you're probably one of the people I'm referring to.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: MatoSiWin on October 09, 2008, 09:02:13 pm
One more thing I'd like to add....

I'm a thin-blood (sort-of, depends on whether you consider 1/4 thin or not).... but I can "Pass", meaning most white people thnk I am white because I have fair skin and light eyes, therefore many white people will say things around and in front of me that they wouldn't dare say if my mother were standing there next to me.  This gives me the advantage of knowing what kind of people those around me really are, because they don't have their fake smiles and dumb "we are the world" masks on when I'm around. 

Even today someone was talking to me on the computer about Steve's Sundance, and I could tell they thought I was white when they first started talking to me.  Apparently Steve's "Sundance" is not ending, and is staying right where it is.  This person said there were over 60 people there and they all were peirced.  He said that it is an "All Nation Sun Dance", but the website he showed me (the same one that was down previously) clearly said it was a LOkota ceremony, but was open to all.   He said there were people from all over the world there.  He claimed he was "half Cherokee" but seemed to know nothing about it.  Even after I told him that Cherokee don't Sun Dance, he said he knew but that he wants to learn the Native American ways... as if it's a one size fits all kind of thing.  I asked him why the people from all over the world don't just follow their own cultures and customs.  No real response to that one.
I about lost my lunch, so haad to end the conversation.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Walks Proud on October 10, 2008, 02:16:28 am
Thank you both to you Mato and Kathryn. You spoke the truth and you did it in a good way. I apologize to all for how I said some things earlier.  When things are spoken so harshly they go unheard and the point is lost.

I do wonder why pink bear (Mona) would call out the website she did when the person running it is supposed to be a friend/family of the sundance circle.

I also tried to read all of Ask Me First's posts and clicked on their profile and it said that he is no longer a member. ??
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: pink bear on October 11, 2008, 12:52:49 pm
I had been on many sites looking into new discoveries and wonders going on around the world when some one sent me the link to this site. It has been interesting. Yes there is only one way and truth and that is thru the creator of all life.  I respect all people who believe they are doing what the creator has asked of them, as long as they are doing it in a good and honorable way. Who am I to say what the creator has asked of  anyone.  We as spiritual beings living this human life can create miracles if we just set aside greed , hatred and jealousy.                                 In 1994 our neighbor and friend asked to help them host Dennis Banks and the walk for justice on their farm for a couple day lay over. Of course we said Yes and this is where we were introduced to Steve. Since then we are very proud to say he has become a close family friend. Thru the years I have seen him extend his hand to many people in need.  I pointed out the site I did was because they made several very good points on promises made ,promises not kept. They made some very excellent points on traditionall what women should and should not be doing. Most sites are not either all bad or all good, it is what you get out of that site that made it worth visiting.  Now I will end this and go probaly not to return. I have made the choice not to waste any more time or energy on politics and fussing, life is so precious and so short.  Yes you woke  up this morning next to your loved one but will you tomorrow? Enjoy today and find happiness in all you do. I pray the creator sends you and your familes many blessings and keeps you safe in the trying times ahead.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Alice on November 13, 2008, 12:24:59 pm
Just to tell you folks, that Steve McCullough is now in Belgium,"performing" Lakota ceremonies.
Belgium and the Netherlands are festered with "blond women,looking for an indian....taller than they" (Quote Mirabal)
Native spirituality and plastic shamans are very popular over here!
If this goes on then soon every "Indianist" (as they call themselves) will be in possesion of his own "shamanic" drum , will speak Lakota en smoke the "peacepipe".
I'am sorry to say that my compatriots want to be more indian than the indians.
We try to put things right but ours is the voice in de dessert.........
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: zoi lightfoot on November 13, 2008, 01:35:32 pm
Thanks for the warning i will notify the nations SGs based in both countries to be on the look out for this Aimster that was at Wounded Knee II.Most certainly those who are supporting directly the "movement" and veterans of Wounded Knee.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Walks Proud on November 13, 2008, 10:00:23 pm
Thanks for the warning i will notify the nations SGs based in both countries to be on the look out for this Aimster that was at Wounded Knee II.Most certainly those who are supporting directly the "movement" and veterans of Wounded Knee.

I don't really understand your post. SG's? And who are you calling an Aimster. Steve or yourself or someone else. Sorry. I can be slow sometimes.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: zoi lightfoot on November 14, 2008, 01:20:14 pm
That would be every documented Leonard Peltier Support Group more commonly refered to as SGs, or in his case LPSGs throughout Indian territory,Inclusive of the AIM documented Aim SGs,located throughout europe.Founded and authorized by the late Vernon Bellacourt.Sadly for Mr Mc Cullough,they were already well aware of him,most of them accociate directly with some members of the Cross family on Pine Ridge,due to the established works of the Peltier foundation.But they were not aware of the fact he was in the Netherlands or Belgium.I certainly made no reference to myself in relation to Aim Or Aimsters.But i would be a blatent liar if i said there was no connection.However being an Aimster is not something I claimed or would claim.With respect,your not slow,you just read what you wanted to 'Think' I said.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Walks Proud on November 14, 2008, 03:04:59 pm
Oh no.... don't take it wrong. I was just asking for clarification. I wasn't thinking anything. I have known in the past that steve claims to be an AIMster that occupied at WKII but wasn't.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Walks Proud on November 14, 2008, 03:06:01 pm
Check this link out I found. http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=nl&u=http://alcyonevzw.wordpress.com/steve-mccullough/&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=3&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dsteve%2Bmccullough%2Btunkasila%2Bcenter%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG

Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: zoi lightfoot on November 14, 2008, 06:35:42 pm
Don't worry,didn't take it the wrong way,i am just a very direct person.I know Mc Cullough has claimed to be an Aimster who was present at Wounded KneeII,while there were loads of kids running around there,he certainly was not an Aimster present at that occupation.Guys like this with thier nutty attention seeking claims,have one effect on the REAL campaign work,and that is to disrupt it via thier twinkets.Non of whom have a clue whats going on in the Indian world,what affects us,our peoples,our needs and basic human requirements.Above all they get gullible naive white folks fighting with Indian peoples about thier individual cultures and spiritual practises.
I ask where are they all when councils are having to turn away moms and thier hungry kids or have folks still starving and freezing to death?Thats happening right now in Indian territory and not one of these parasites who claim to respect us and our ways so much is anywhere to be seen.....says it all realy.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Alice on November 20, 2008, 09:38:02 pm
Latest news about Steve McCullough from Belgium.
I just recieved a mail from a certain Elsje Devroy (www.Alcyone-vzw.be).
She presents Steve McCullough as an "Indian Medicineman from South Dakota" who needs money for his project i.e. "Leading the rez.youngsters back to the Red Path".
We  think We have enough of it now. We will take action .We will spread the word about who they really are!
Greetings
Alice

Title: Steve McCullough
Post by: kosowith on March 11, 2009, 08:44:25 pm
a friend just sent me this  - I couldn't copy the tables, so just listed what it says and translated dates/days Below is the letter from the "team in balance" and list.  I have no idea who these people are or how my friend got this letter/info.  I sent a more info request back to him, but have not heard back yet.





Hello Everyone,
 
See below the tour agenda from Steve McCullough.  Unfortunately, we are not able to host Steve in this voorjaars tour, but maybe in the future we can.
Many greetings,
Team In Balance

Beste,
hieronder vind je een overzichtje van de tour van Steve dit voorjaar.
Dit vind je ook terug op onze website http://alcyonevzw.wordpress.com.


Barrle-Nassau, Netherlands – march 6-7 – ceremonies – Lowompi & Wopila
contact person - Daniel Keersmaekers  tuvaman@gmail.com

Lier, Belguim – march 13-14 – ceremonies – Talking circle, Lowompi,  Wopila
contact person - Phillipe Vander Zee donderelf@yahoo.com

Neer Netherlands – March 13-14  - ceremonies - Lowompi/Wopila
Contact person - Witte Madelon madelon77@versatel.n

Schellebelle, Germany – March 18 – ceremonies Lowompi, Wopila -
Contact person - Hans Coudijzer hanscoudyser@yahoo.com

Melsungen Kassel, Germany – March 21-22, ceremonies - Lowompi, Wopila
Contact person - Kurt Van den Wijngaard

Gangelt, Germany – March 27,28,29 – ceremonies Lowompi, Wopila
Contact person – Rolf

Huckeswagen, Germany – April 8-9 – ceremonies – Lezing, Sweatlodge
Contact person Bernd Richter

Moerbeke-Waas, Belguim – April 11-12 – ceremonies - Lowompi, Wopila
Contact person V. Alcyone & Hilde Herman alcyone@pandora.be
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on March 11, 2009, 11:18:51 pm
somehow I am not surprised, there are several threads about him under the Frauds section, here is one of them http://newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=221.0 and here http://newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=1245.0
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Samuel-Joseph Lone Wolf on March 12, 2009, 03:36:09 pm
I do not know this man called Steve McCullough, but I do know Norman and His Father Norbert Elmer Running. But first let me make this ststaement. Who gave anyone the right to judge another man? A true spiritual man or woman would know how to forgive. Because as a
famous man once said, " he who is without sin, cast the first stone". So tell me this, you armchair computer jockeys who sit in judgement of others, are you without sin? Yes Norman and Norbert may have made mistakes in their lives, but that waas some time ago.
Today they are both very fine men. I have gone to the Sacred Tree numerous times with Norbert, and my son in law who pass away several months ago went to Norman for help, and it was given without asking for one cent. And as for Norbert, he has never once ask
anyone for money, because he help them. So here is what I have to say, " get off of your high horses and judge yourself first, before you
have the notion to judge someone else. I also ask this, "Have you been to see Grandpa Norbert, he is ninety something years old and is not in the best of health right ?"  Yet the love in His heart for all people, is hundred times stronger than yours will ever be. Quit trying to kick someone when they are down. I will stand beside Norbert and Norman, and their families any day and defend them as a warrior should. Trust me, when I say I can back up my talk. Are you strong enough to back your talk ( all of you, who have nothing better to
do than judge someone.) Because their are far more non - natives out their charging for our ceremonies which they have learn to some degree, than their are of our people. Ask people about Lampasas, Tx. Sundance and ask them about Mary Thunder and the Crystal Skull she has, that was stolen from where it was in the first place. How would she know what the Aztec and Mayan ceremonial people of
where all the crytal skull come; what these skull were use for. How would she love for some one to go an dig where ancestors are
buried and use what they find for ceremonies. Also how about the wasicu called Sheridan Murphy who lead Florida AIM  Office, as a student at Vermillion, he was and still listed as a wasicu; and now at University of Florida in St. Petersburg, Florida , he was and still listed as a wasicu and still is listed as a wasicu. Yet his wife was supporting the Florida AIM Office, by working for a Phone Sex Line.
And that is very denegrating to American Indian Women every where. And also there home has artifact that were taken by them from
burial grounds by them. So before you are anyone like Sheridan Murphy sit in judgement of anyone, sit in judgement of yourself first.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: earthw7 on March 12, 2009, 04:35:49 pm
I guess what does this have to do with Steve McCullough??

I know a few years ago some white guy put up a site in
Nobert Runnings's name and had his picture on there and poor
Mr. Running did not know he was even on the net.

This is an abuse that happens all the time to our elders.


Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on March 12, 2009, 06:54:33 pm
No one has been criticizing Elmer or his family on this thread; they have been distanced from Steve McCullough for a long time and never gave him the authority to run ceremonies.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: frederica on March 12, 2009, 07:07:18 pm
We have a lot of people posting now as distractions.  These people have nothing to do with the McCullough thread. And McCullough has always and only been the one in question.    A lot of smoke and mirrors.  As for Mary Thunder there is a thread on her back in 2004 and 2005. 
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Sacred4s on July 02, 2010, 05:20:08 am
As of July 1st, 2010. The elders of Lakota Sioux nation is look for the name of the person sign off to National Forest Service in hoosier. Please we all indigenous and our way of life is not for give away in wrong hands for profit, asking who sign off. Steve McClough is chain line to across sea Sun Dance and Sweat lodge Ceremony chaos in Europe.   
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: earthw7 on July 02, 2010, 01:54:36 pm
I thought it was Nathan Chases His Horses, the actor from Dances with Wolves
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: sapa on July 03, 2010, 02:44:35 pm
A few years back (maybe '07) it was posted on the Nat'l Parks page the permit that is and it was Nathan Chasing Horse that signed. Dont know if I can find a copy and dont know if its still under his name but you can request a copy of current permit under freedom of info act, must be done in writing and will take a little time but they have to give it to you by law
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Ogichidaa on July 12, 2010, 08:20:33 am

Can't believe this is still going on.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on July 13, 2010, 03:48:46 pm
I cant believe Steve McCullough is still claiming to be NDN and claiming he has the authority to ryun ceremonies but I guess people will still trust these frauds
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on July 20, 2010, 05:40:34 pm
Just re-reading this thread and one thing ...


The only reason Steve has not tried (yet, anyway) to attribute some kind of spiritual "apprenticeship" to Norbert Running is that Norbert is STILL alive and could and would put Steve in his place. Steve is very disparaging of Norbert because of this fact.

Unfortunately Elmer (Norbert) has passed on but I do know that the last time he tried showing up at Elmer's Sundance on Rosebud a few years ago Elmer had him thrown off of his property.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Ogichidaa on October 14, 2010, 05:36:33 am
Oh my god here we go again could someone call the Archdiocese of Louisville? Everyone call and tell them about Momfeather and Steve? This is so damn old! Chief Red Spider? Seriously? It has come to this?

They doing the ceremony posted below at the Festival of Faiths cosponsored by the Archdiocese of Louisville

For more information about the Festival of Faiths please contact:

jacque@interfaithrelations.org

For information about the Center for Interfaith Relations please contact:

vicki@interfaithrelations.org

502.583.3100 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              502.583.3100      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

415 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd
Louisville, KY 40202
 

Native American Community
Soil Blessing
5 to 6p, Brown-Forman
Amphitheatre,Waterfront Park,
The Circle of Indigenous Spirit Women
offer prayers and a community ceremony.
Participants include Martha “Momfeather”
Kaelbli Erickson, founder and Executive
Director of the Mantle Rock Native Education
and Cultural Center in Marion; Steve
McCullough, “Chief Red Spider” of the Salt
Creek Sundance, a medicine man who travels
the world performing Native American
spiritual ceremonies; and Native American
and Kentuckian Sarah Elizabeth Burkey a
singer, song-writer and musician. Native
American ceremonial drumming provided by
the Kentucky-based “Istayapi.” Please bring a
handful of soil collected locally or from around
the world to offer as part of this ritual.
Title: Re: Chief Red Spider McCullough and Momfeather Ride again!! Yawn!
Post by: Ogichidaa on October 14, 2010, 06:17:24 am
It almost feels like it is not worth doing anything anymore.These hobbyists are being paid left and right to perform at museums, to play NDN for the archdiocese, to dance around with pajamas on and some feathers and no one cares. It is very disheartening and at the same time, slightly funny? We used to confront these people back in the day. Now we just post on a message board? Isn't there more to us than this. Yes I know momfeather and Stevie are on here and reading this stuff. I had pretty much moved on with my life because in the past it was just one or two of us that wouldn't take a pay off to say something. Furthermore if people are willing to pay Chief Red Spider to rip their chests out? Then he is a talented salesman. Supposedly and this is second hand but if it is true it is a dismal state of affairs. John Crazy Horse/Wexler/Fools Crow and Steve paid thousands of dollars to a certain respected Sundance Chief and were anointed Chief Red Spider and Chief Buffalo Dung. If and I said if this is true then it is a sad day. I would be wiling to stand up and say something but I guess NDNZ are getting paid to anoint these "Chiefs" so at least someone is getting paid? NO NO NO!!! This is wrong.
Title: Re: Chief Red Spider McCullough and Momfeather Ride again!! Yawn!
Post by: Ogichidaa on October 14, 2010, 04:09:57 pm
% bucks a head to see the Wopila ceremony? There's a new one.

On Labor Day weekend, September 4, at the Mantle Rock Center, 318 Sturgis Rd (this is also SR 60), in Marion, KY 42420, next to the Pamida, there will be a traditional, Native American thank you ceremony, also known as a Wopila. It is a spiritual and festive occasion with a feast after the Saturday evening thank you ceremony, which will be led by Chief Steve McCullough and will be accompanied by singing of ancient songs.
Momfeather Erikson, the founder and spiritual director of Mantle Rock will also share in the event. All people from the community are welcome. Entry fee to the center is $5 per person. The feast is a potluck.

The annual Salt Creek Sundance, under the leadership of Chief Steve McCullough or Iktomi Sha, had its 19th year at the Hoosier National Forest location near Freetown Indiana. The Sundance is an ancient Native American ceremony in which all participants fast and pray. Often times one may pray to the Creator for a specific reason, perhaps asking for special help, maybe a relative is sick, or someone needs help with a major decision. Whatever the reason, people often make vows with the Creator that if he has pity on them and hears their prayers, they will pray for the people and sacrifice themselves in this way upon the Sundance altar to show their gratitude in return for his kindness. Prayers are given that the elderly will be cared for, that they might have food, clothing and shelter, and that they will not be forgotten in their age. Prayers are also said for the children, as they are the life blood of the people. Additionally, dancers pray for all people on the earth, that whatever burdens they carry or struggles they are experiencing might be somewhat lessened and eased. This is just a taste of the Sundance. It is a very powerful and sacred ceremony that has withstood severe oppression many times since it was given to the People. Yet it has survived and continues on today on many reservations and in our communities.

The participants will meet to share stories, to do a thank you ceremony and also to have a good time with each other. For them the Sundance and the Wopila (giving thanks) ceremony that will be conducted, is the start of a new year. The location, the Mantle Rock Center, in Marion, is a Native education and cultural center, where Native traditions are thought and shared with people. It is the first time that many people from different tribes will gather in Marion for this specific occasion and our hope is that this will happen more.
Title: Re: Chief Red Spider McCullough and Momfeather Ride again!! Yawn!
Post by: Walks Proud on October 30, 2010, 05:09:42 am
It almost feels like it is not worth doing anything anymore.These hobbyists are being paid left and right to perform at museums, to play NDN for the archdiocese, to dance around with pajamas on and some feathers and no one cares. It is very disheartening and at the same time, slightly funny? We used to confront these people back in the day. Now we just post on a message board? Isn't there more to us than this. Yes I know momfeather and Stevie are on here and reading this stuff. I had pretty much moved on with my life because in the past it was just one or two of us that wouldn't take a pay off to say something. Furthermore if people are willing to pay Chief Red Spider to rip their chests out? Then he is a talented salesman. Supposedly and this is second hand but if it is true it is a dismal state of affairs. John Crazy Horse/Wexler/Fools Crow and Steve paid thousands of dollars to a certain respected Sundance Chief and were anointed Chief Red Spider and Chief Buffalo Dung. If and I said if this is true then it is a sad day. I would be wiling to stand up and say something but I guess NDNZ are getting paid to anoint these "Chiefs" so at least someone is getting paid? NO NO NO!!! This is wrong.

Yes. Very sad. Very true.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Johnnie on July 05, 2011, 12:00:34 am
Been a while since I posted cause I thought the site was down.  Been hearing some things about McCullough and John Wexler aka Crow Dog and what I am finding is not good.  What concerns me is how there are any number of Indians who are supporting what this Wexler character is doing.  Once again, someone who is federally recognized signed off on the permits for the sundance, or so I heard.  These characters get just enough support from Indians to keep pulling the wool over everyone's eyes.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on July 05, 2011, 02:34:21 am
I recently heard that a Sundance started in Kentucky and while I do not know for sure who was involved I know the "chief" was a Mexican who is a friend of McCullough.  Good to see you post here Johnnie.  
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on August 22, 2011, 01:31:56 am
Someone told me that he couldnt get the Forest Service permit to use the Salt Creek site - has anyone heard anything about this? It would be great if it is true :D
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Walks Proud on August 26, 2011, 04:31:53 pm
Do you know the last name of the person that is supposed to have started one in Kentucky?

The dance was held at the Salt Creek site again this year.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on August 26, 2011, 04:55:12 pm
I do not know the name of the person who supposedly started the dance in Kentucky, the man I heard was going to be "chief" is named Martin, I dont know his last name, his wife's name is Patricia
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: C Standing Bear on September 06, 2011, 02:38:03 am
http://labs.limecraft.com/spearandpipe/   >:(    Bet you cant watch it alll the way through with not wanting to punch some one.

Notice he says "the one that keeps the sword rules the world"  then he says he is the keeper.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Superdog on September 06, 2011, 05:55:08 pm
http://labs.limecraft.com/spearandpipe/   >:(    Bet you cant watch it alll the way through with not wanting to punch some one.

Notice he says "the one that keeps the sword rules the world"  then he says he is the keeper.

You have GOT to be kidding......

"The Spear of Destiny"  lol.....is this Tenacious D?

Haven't watched the vid yet as the the player doesn't seem to work for me, but I'm downloading it and will comment on it later, but from the synopsis, this is a documentary about McCullough working with a legendary spear that supposedly was used at Jesus' crucifixion called the "Spear of Destiny" and spending 9 years creating a ceremony to make it into an object of peace and travelling to Belgium to conduct it (and apparently have it all filmed).......

Wow......SMDH

Superdog

Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: educatedindian on September 07, 2011, 01:59:11 pm
This is pretty disturbing. That Spear of Destiny legend is popular and best known among neo Nazis. They claim Hitler, Napoleon, and other white conquerors all possessed it. It shows up in all kinds of bizarre sci fi and fantasies by racists. Just who is McCullough trying to appeal to?

And this also points one helluva messiah complex for McCullough. "I rule the world!"
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: educatedindian on December 11, 2011, 04:04:01 pm
I received an account from a Native support group in Europe about McCullough's latest ceremony selling.

-------
Dear friends,
Mister "spider" is at it again in Belgium, more precisely in Flanders.
Tomorrow he wil perform a Lakota "healing ceremony" in  Averbode for "voluntary donations"
As soon as the news reached us we did the utmost to prevent the session, although lots of people who ,in all honesty ,were ignorant will not attend the event, others on the other hand are furious and said that we preach 'aggression and hate".   
However we succeeded in the fact that a bona fide website immediately removed the announcement of the event.
Unfortunately, that is all what we could do, for the moment.
For 20 years now, we try to teach people to forget the "stereotype Indian."
We teach children about the past of the American Indian nations so they can understand the present better.
But men like Steve Mc Cullough and his followers make it very difficult.
On our blog you will find "news from Indian Country" translated in Flemish.
Alerts about Native American Frauds goes out instantly.
My question for you is: are  there any international laws against people like Steve Mc Cullough  ? When did he leave America (so we can try to find out if he is legally in Belgium, does he has an international working permit?) and so on.
So, I hope you can provide me with more recent news about his antics in America and everywhere in Europe.
Sincerely,
Alice

ps. For tomorrow 's ceremony we can only wish the weather will be so foul that they have to cancel the event.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: KaylaOmimi on January 31, 2012, 08:43:15 pm
Dear Friends,

I think that our people should be less worried about the frauds and more worried about our lives. We need to take care of our own and be happy for what we have. I understand that some of these people may not be full blood...that does not give you permission to criticize these people. I bet none of these people on here have even been to any of Steve Mccullough's ceremony's or even met him in person. He is a kind hearted man and I've seen miracles happen. I've seen many people cured of cancer after a healing ceremony. He doesn't ask for donations...He will kindly accept them but will never ask for them. He speaks words of kindness and equality of all races. Which is a beautiful thing. He awakens many hearts and opens many minds which we should be thankful for because that's what got us in trouble in the first place, close minded people.We all all human beings and we are all related. Why do you think that we say Mitakuye Oyasin? He does everything traditionally which should be our main worry. Please keep your hearts happy and your minds open. Also, about the "Spear of Desiny" it's a peace ceremony done with a replica of the spear not the real one so don't get all hyped up about ruling the world and everything because that's not that serious...hahaha There is no sundance with Steve in Kentucky. The reason the Salt Creek Sundance was started was to stop the digging of burial grounds...which we should be thankful for and it's a beautiful thing to have everyone working so hard together to create such Unity. :) Have a beautiful day.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: earthw7 on January 31, 2012, 09:37:25 pm
KaylaOmimi can you tell me if you are native then
what right do you have to tell a Lakota person that we
have no right to protect out way of life.
Then you want to use our words to promote the abuse
you newagers are doing. Im sorry a fraud is fraud no matter
what type of blanket you put on him. This man is not native
 
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: critter - a white non-ndn person on February 01, 2012, 05:22:54 am
Who the F*** would want to make a replica of a "spear" that is the instrument
to slaughter or enslave non Christians. What a horrible thing. It should be destroyed
not replicated. And to think he uses it for a ceremony of peace. There is no peace
there. And I can't think of one person who believes in peace that would want any
kind of replication of such a horrible thing.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Smart Mule on February 01, 2012, 06:17:36 pm
Dear Friends,

I think that our people should be less worried about the frauds and more worried about our lives. We need to take care of our own and be happy for what we have.

So we should just lay back and accept people stealing and bastardizing culture and tradition and be happy?

I understand that some of these people may not be full blood...that does not give you permission to criticize these people.

Yet you have permission to in turn criticize?  Again, we should just allow these people to conduct themselves in an untruthful manner?

I bet none of these people on here have even been to any of Steve Mccullough's ceremony's or even met him in person. He is a kind hearted man and I've seen miracles happen. I've seen many people cured of cancer after a healing ceremony.

Why should anyone here go to one of Steve's ceremonies when we have legitimate leaders from our own respective Nations to attend ceremony with?

He doesn't ask for donations...He will kindly accept them but will never ask for them. He speaks words of kindness and equality of all races. Which is a beautiful thing. He awakens many hearts and opens many minds which we should be thankful for because that's what got us in trouble in the first place, close minded people.We all all human beings and we are all related. Why do you think that we say Mitakuye Oyasin?

I do not think co-opting another cultures traditions and promoting the co-opting of traditions to be beautiful, I find it to be shameful.  I do not say Mitakuye Oyasin, it is not part of my culture.  Is it part of yours?  My Nation has it's own creation story and we are not related, sorry.

He does everything traditionally which should be our main worry.

You are right this is a main worry because these are not his traditions.

Please keep your hearts happy and your minds open. Also, about the "Spear of Desiny" it's a peace ceremony done with a replica of the spear not the real one so don't get all hyped up about ruling the world and everything because that's not that serious...hahaha

Did you watch the video?  I doubt it or you would not be supporting him lol.

There is no sundance with Steve in Kentucky. The reason the Salt Creek Sundance was started was to stop the digging of burial grounds...which we should be thankful for and it's a beautiful thing to have everyone working so hard together to create such Unity. :) Have a beautiful day.

Would you please respond to earth7's post?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: critter - a white non-ndn person on February 02, 2012, 01:08:56 am
He doesn't ask for donations...

Why do I see a "donation" button on the site if he isn't asking for them?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on February 02, 2012, 05:59:59 pm
I have met him and also am going on the word of Darlene Cross, Vernal's widow who said he is a fraud. The word of a full blooded elder who interpreted for her husband who was a ceremony leader is good enough for me!
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: KaylaOmimi on February 03, 2012, 07:41:13 am
Yes. I am Native. You shouldn't have to ask that question though because color and race doesn't matter to me. As long as someone has their heart in the right place then I think it's right. You're saying just because someone is a different race than us, Spirit cannot be with them too. I don't think that is in our hands. I understand that we want our traditions protected. I do too. It shouldn't be a matter of race. I'm happy that our ways are being taught. It is keeping them alive as long as they are taught the right way. I have been raised in these ways as have most of you and I know a fraud when I see one. Steve is traditional and respectful.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Smart Mule on February 03, 2012, 01:03:35 pm
Kayla are you Lakota?  Were you raised in community?  Have you read earth and Cetan's posts? Please be honest  :)

Why are you happy that McCullough is going to Europe conducting and teaching ceremony?  Why are you happy that, if McCullough is all he claims to be, he is not in community teaching the young people?  Are you aware of what is going on with the young people?  Doesn't it concern you that he is being less than honest?  Everyone makes mistakes but people usually learn from them, McCullough continues to be dishonest.  As Critter said there is a big fat donation button on his site.  I don't know of any traditional people in his (self-imposed) position that do this. 

Yes. I am Native. You shouldn't have to ask that question though because color and race doesn't matter to me. As long as someone has their heart in the right place then I think it's right. You're saying just because someone is a different race than us, Spirit cannot be with them too. I don't think that is in our hands. I understand that we want our traditions protected. I do too. It shouldn't be a matter of race. I'm happy that our ways are being taught. It is keeping them alive as long as they are taught the right way. I have been raised in these ways as have most of you and I know a fraud when I see one. Steve is traditional and respectful.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: earthw7 on February 03, 2012, 02:23:51 pm
Yes. I am Native. You shouldn't have to ask that question though because color and race doesn't matter to me. As long as someone has their heart in the right place then I think it's right. You're saying just because someone is a different race than us, Spirit cannot be with them too. I don't think that is in our hands. I understand that we want our traditions protected. I do too. It shouldn't be a matter of race. I'm happy that our ways are being taught. It is keeping them alive as long as they are taught the right way. I have been raised in these ways as have most of you and I know a fraud when I see one. Steve is traditional and respectful.

As In Native country we have the right to ask; who you are; how much blood; what is your family names;
it is how we deteremine if we are relatived, as you use my langauge to relate that fact but did not introduce yourself as we would among our people.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Defend the Sacred on February 03, 2012, 08:28:16 pm
Kayla, have you read this whole thread? Do you understand that people have to earn the ceremonies in a good way, and that they have to be accountable to the community these ceremonies arise from and serve? Do you understand why this statement by Cetan is so important?

I have met him and also am going on the word of Darlene Cross, Vernal's widow who said he is a fraud. The word of a full blooded elder who interpreted for her husband who was a ceremony leader is good enough for me!

Do you know who Vernal Cross was? Do you know what he said about McCullough before he crossed, and what his family has to say about McCullough now? Do you understand about being accountable to relatives?

McCullough is exploiting the lost people who go to him, seeking a particular spiritual experience they have no right to, and that he has no right to give. No one who knows who they are goes to him.

It sounds like you got caught up in his web. If you do have any NDN heritage, I suggest you do what NDN people have said, repeatedly: Find the actual ceremonial people (and just regular people) in the Nation from which you have some ancestry, or where you have relatives. I don't say this to hurt you, but the fact you would trust, and promote, a non-Native, pay to pray exploiter like McCullough tells us you are either non-Native (and yes, that matters) or you are too out of touch with your own heritage to recognize what McCullough is and how he is participating in cultural genocide.

Yes. I am Native.

You still haven't answered the Native people who have asked you: Native to where? To whom?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on February 04, 2012, 03:49:44 pm
One other thing which I may have mentioned in this thread is that the last time Steve McCullough showed up at Elmer Running's Sundance Elmer threw him off his property. Elmer was the one who started the Salt Creek Sundance.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: muse on March 17, 2012, 09:37:31 pm
if anyones intrestead thier going to hold thier sundance on private property this year down by the little town of catarac in my neck of the woods i know the people who own the land, i was invited thought about going just to see for my self whats going on.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Defend the Sacred on May 08, 2012, 11:29:51 pm
Looks like Steve fooled the hippies at Stonehenge (England) into giving him a photo op. At least a few different people filmed this, and are promoting him as a Lakota and a Chief. There's a whole series of videos of him on YouTube, leading weird prayers in English, and spawning whole new crowds of English pretendians.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1ZLPd5YwiE&feature=share

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fip_DUboOPI

In this one you can see the creepy spear he's been carrying around:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=abaArWaDs_o

Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Walks Proud on May 31, 2012, 05:58:27 am
Does anyone know why the sundance was moved and to where? Are the same people still heading it up?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Superdog on May 31, 2012, 02:10:06 pm
Quote
Looks like Steve fooled the hippies at Stonehenge (England) into giving him a photo op. At least a few different people filmed this, and are promoting him as a Lakota and a Chief. There's a whole series of videos of him on YouTube, leading weird prayers in English, and spawning whole new crowds of English pretendians.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1ZLPd5YwiE&feature=share

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fip_DUboOPI

In this one you can see the creepy spear he's been carrying around:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=abaArWaDs_o



Just watched the third video.  How anyone can believe this guy is legitimate anything is beyond me.  His behavior on camera is very odd.  The thing that stuck out for me....the sweetgrass won't light for him.  To me, that's a strong sign that something's wrong.  The comments pretty much say what others on here have said and so far has more dislikes than likes.  I'm wondering how long it'll stay up there.

Superdog
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Defend the Sacred on June 10, 2012, 07:22:42 pm
They're doing it again this year. Here they are listing it publicly on the Internet, on a mainstream site:

http://littleindiana.com/event/21st-annual-salt-creek-sundance/2012-07-12/
_________________________________________________________________

21st Annual Salt Creek Sundance
Welcome to the current edition of the 2012 Small Indiana Town Festivals and Events!

If I have missed your Indiana town festival, event, town wide yard sale, church chicken dinner, and so on, please let me know.

« Back to Events   

Event:
    21st Annual Salt Creek Sundance
Date:
    July 12, 2012
Category:
    Indiana Events   
Organizer:
    Chief Steve McCullough
Phone:
    812.201.0664
Updated:
    March 7, 2012
Schedule:
    Every day, recurring 8 times (See all)
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Walks Proud on June 28, 2012, 01:34:53 am
The sundance has moved. The new location is on private property down at the Indiana/ Kentucky boarder.  5037 Millstone Rd Cannelton IN 47520

There are burn bans out so I don't know how it will be able to happen. It's not in as much as a secluded place as the last one. You can see a pic of the property if you google map or mapquest and do the satellite shot.

One thing about this place they don't have to have an enrolled member of a tribe sign off to DNR giving him permission to have the dance. 
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Ogichidaa on August 12, 2012, 06:43:04 pm
Friends,

I am watching and reading all this and really appreciate the attention to detail and follow up that has been done to document Steve's circus and sideshow. I met Steve many many years ago, he always introduced himself as the "only white man at Wounded Knee". He always told the story that he was the son of a Christian minister there. From all reports of people who were on the ground there at the time Steve took pictures and film alot. He deserves to be commended for what he did at that time as a good WHITE ally doing what was asked of him.
Sometime around 1991 Steve started telling people he was Shawnee. In 1992 at he announced at Uniontown KY that he was bringing medicine men to Indiana to perform the sundance at Salt Creek to "honor the ancestors" desecrated at Uniontown? Why? That is a couple of hundred miles away. Why would he do that? Well the reason is that Uniontown was an AIM event and he knew the American Indian Movement would never go along with that. In fact at the time there were many who said "why do you want to bring the sundance outside of Sundance territory"? 
The people desecrated here were not Lakota. The elders who performed the reburials at Uniontown and since at other desecration sites have been from nations that were once here who have been moved to Oklahoma. Not the Lakota.
This "Ask Me" says "have you ever witnessed on of his ceremonies? My answer is yes, I was sent to witness for AIM and reported back the fiasco I saw there. I know fo ra fact that the first year he did this thing the American Indian Movement called him to a regional meeting in Cincy Ohio where Vernon Bellecourt and every Indian there Lakota, Ojibwe, Cherokee, Navajo and many others demanded he shut it down. He then said he "must finish out the 4 years and then he would be done. That was over two decades ago and he is not Chief Red Spider and the Spear of Destiny. Folks this is how a small thing gets out of hand.
I have a question and I do not mean to be rude to my Lakota friends nor anyone else but I feel as I have been meeting recently with Pokagon Potowatomis and others who have original tribal ties to the Ohio Valley and the state of Indiana. My question has been backed up by Rosebud and Pine Ridge friends I have met with face to face recently.

Why are Sundances being conducted outside of Sundance territory at all?

I think this is a fair question. I think that those conducting ceremonies outside Sundance territory have lost site of something a good friend from Rosebud pointed out recently. You travel to Sundance territory much like a pilgrimage if you do not live there. Those grounds stay sacred year round and are guarded by the people. Ilive near the Salt Creek site and I can tell you that White hunters and fishermen come there on a regular basis and drink and do all sorts of things on those grounds in between Sundances. I can tell you that the people of the nations who inhabit Indiana the Pokagon and others in Oklahoma who used to are watching all these dances curiously to see what the elders in Sundance territory will do. Many Pokagon find what Steve is doing in their territory to be offensive, as do Miamis, Shawnees, Delaware, and others. This is for certain the land of the 20 tribes who fought at Prophetstown, where the Potowatomi death march began that sent many West.  Steve needs to realize that the people of this land are watching and after watching politely for many years are ready for he and his circus to go away, Momfeather Ericson the fake who proclaims herself a Cherokee elder, and the rest who charge money for ceremonies at their "Wisdom of the Elders" event in September in Marion KY need to stop their charade. They proclaim themselves protectors of the Mantle Rock sacred site there. I can tell you we are at that site on a regular basis and are watching closely. We see the players in their pictures with Steve, Momfeather, and even or or two native people supporting them and are disturbed. They now call themselves the Overhill Cherokee group when just a year ago they called themselves the "Southern Cherokee Nation of KY".
All of this will be opposed. It is not going away. Now we know that now many in Indiana are calling themselves the Metis Nation of Indiana http://usmetis.weebly.com/ and that they are printing fake enrollment cards to make money and cover their asses. We are hearing rumors that Steve is now calling himself Metis but do not have direct confirmation of that. We do know of a group calling themselves the United Metis sponsoring a powwow in Bluff City Indiana near Rockport in September that is very troubling and found this article about one previous. http://city-countyobserver.com/2010/08/21/bluff-city-pow-wow-at-lincoln-pioneer-village-rockport-in/
We are hoping some light could be shed on any knowledge of this group? Anyway the cowchips are getting deep and ridiculous.
 Thank you for all the due diligence that has been paid to detail here. I will tell you as someone who has opposed Steve's activities from the beginning that most of the claims folks are making about him are true. Except the ones by this "Ask Me". I can tell you we were very happy he was not able to get his permit at Salt Creek again and will work extremely hard to see it does not get renewed again.
His activities in Europe have been absurd and I hope now people are paying attention. I think the most disturbing thing I saw in 2 years was his appearance alongside Wes Studi, Gary Farmer, and many other celebs at the DreamCatcher awards in Canada where he was an honored Indian Chief there.
http://www.exposay.com/chief-steve-mccullough-2011-dreamcatcher-foundation-heart-and-soul-gala-fundraiser/p/51243/1/?f=Chief+Steve+McCullough
We need to stir up quite a ruckus about this as now he is being passed in Indian Country without opposition as a chief alongside our legitimate artists. It must be stopped.
Let me also mention that we have the original applications for permit at the National Forest where he is listed by the title Medicine Man? Alongside Mr. Cross printed name. We know the Cross family is adamantly opposed to this. He needs to stop and realize he is a retired coal miner who took some great pics at Wounded Knee.

Migwetch
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Ogichidaa on August 12, 2012, 07:08:17 pm
Johnnie Thanks for starting this thread in 2007. We are working on this best we can We need a statement out of Rosebud or Pine Ridge or both. It would make fighting him so much more effective.
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Johnnie on September 04, 2012, 05:31:11 pm

Salt Creek Sundance Update

        We, the American Indian Movement of Indiana and Kentucky once known as the A.I.M. Support Group of Indiana, would like to announce a small yet major victory against New Age Frauds and Plastic Medicine Men in the state of Indiana.
             After years of pressure from this office and outside agencies along with calls and letters from the Native American community at large in and out of Indiana, the special use permit that was issued to Mr. Steve McCullough for “his” Sundance was finally denied.
             We would like to thank the American Indian Movement Grand Governing Council for standing behind us all these years and encouraging us to continue fighting. Also Mr. Arvol Looking Horse for his words of wisdom, prayers and blessings. Most of all we would like to thank the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota Oyate from Indiana to Rosebud and from Cheyenne River to Pine Ridge for all your support. We stood strong and firm and our voices were heard “Stop Abusing Our Ceremonies!!!!”
            Let it also be known that every time Mr. McCullough applies for the permit we will be there to oppose him.

Thank You,
Albert RunningWolf Ortiz
Indiana Chairman
And
Thomas Pearce
Kentucky Chairman
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Cetan on September 04, 2012, 05:37:37 pm
Glad to hear this (officially) - and good to see you posting Johnnie
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Defend the Sacred on September 04, 2012, 06:04:56 pm
Good to hear! Thank you for all your work on this!
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Johnnie on September 04, 2012, 06:12:45 pm
I am writing an article for an online journal about all this, so been reading the archives.  Will keep you posted.  And thanks.

J
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: tahcha_sapa on November 24, 2012, 03:39:30 am
Steve is a fraud and his family -- his wife & kids -- know this.  He's a man with serious psychological problems and he needs help.  It is pointless to try to convince him and, those around him, of this.  Because he can appear lucid and rational, the only ones who may be able to help Steve are his wife and his children.  They were there, at the very beginning, when he was dealing with a work-related injury and his psychological condition began to deteriorate and his delusions began.
They do love him, though, and they may have allowed this to cloud their memories.  After all, as their thinking may go, he was injured while he supported them and thus he deserves their loyalty: regardless of how ill he has become and continues to grown, and how they, too, are left to suffer with the confusion that his outright deceit is producing in them.  They were a rural family when this all began.  First in South Dakota then Indiana.  They lived in a small house, on his father-in-law's land, in IN.  That kind of isolation is stressful and compounded the suffering his declining mental health created.
He is sick.  I'm not trying to make excuses for him.  He is exploiting the Native American spiritual practices as a way of dealing with his delusions.  The only ones who can save him now are his wife and his children, unless he has incapacitated them, too, from critically thinking about how his condition is creating an enormous amount of suffering for everyone he comes into contact with while he is still sick.
Apparently, the video below was made this past year.   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abaArWaDs_o&feature=share&list=PL8Vyini29wniOjwEuUDqHEFooNnvLcY7D
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Defend the Sacred on November 24, 2012, 05:37:28 pm
Apparently, the video below was made this past year.   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abaArWaDs_o&feature=share&list=PL8Vyini29wniOjwEuUDqHEFooNnvLcY7D

Just noting for anyone new to this thread, the people in that video with McCullough, who are also speaking and singing at Stonehenge, are not any kind of traditional people, and that is not a traditional ceremony. It's a group of English Wiccans and hippies. The "non-religious prayer" they did is eclectic Neo-Wiccan. It's not surprising Steve was able to fool them and be welcomed there; I doubt they care any more about frauds from the US than do about the other white, English frauds at the event.

I don't recognize anyone in the video, and the lot that go to Stonehenge is very diverse. However, based on the videos of that event, I'm going to hazard a guess here: As we see with lots of the white people who want a token NDN (or any token Person of Color), they *love* it when there's a white person they can claim is a POC. That way they don't have to challenge any of their cultural or political biases. Frauds like McCullough are welcomed by those sorts. For those unfamiliar with the appropriative nature of Wicca, we discussed it in this thread: http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=3687.0
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: tahcha_sapa on November 25, 2012, 10:39:57 pm
Why are Sundances being conducted outside of Sundance territory at all?

Hello Ogichidaa, as almost anyone who has lived around Lakota reservations in South Dakota may know, there really is no one tribal authority on these reservations that legislate these kinds of events.  No one answers to anyone else when it comes to the Lakota sundance; or to cultural property such as traditional spiritual songs, language or art.  The White Christian agenda for destroying Lakota traditions has been complete.  This is what they wanted.  This is what they got.  Although their presence on the reservations may be diminished, the White Christians maintain their control via their proxies, the Lakota Christians who seem to believe that it's a true testament to the power of their Christian faith that the Lakota sundance is now riddled with frauds and corruption and is thus evil at worst or foolish at the least.
As to why the Lakota sundances are now conducted outside of the traditional Lakota domains, part of the blame has to lie with the "traditional" and enrolled members of the tribe who initially collaborated with non-Lakotas in order to provide the leadership, active participation and the misleading appearance of a tribal-sanctioned event.  Their motives?  Who knows?  Some kind of self-aggrandizing percieved power?  Status?  Women and sex?  Money? 
A big part of the problem is that there are no tribal laws to create or enforce such laws, so there is no tribal authority with power to punish those who fraudulently violate and/or corrupt tribal authority.  But the Lakota sundance seems to have been singled-out by the US and it wasn't until the late '70s that Nixon authorized a "Freedom of Religion" that allowed the Lakota to practice the sundance, although it had been practiced "underground" at various places on the reservations long before then.
Unfortunately for the Lakota people, as long as Lakota tribes refuse to assert a legitimate interest in controlling cultural property, such as the Lakota sundance, the Steve McCullough's of the world will continue to exploit this unwillingness to assume and enforce authority.   
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: earthw7 on November 26, 2012, 01:23:52 pm
Yes Black deer you are right it is our belief that stop us from setting up a formal way to protect ourselves,
It is our belief that each man has the right to do things his way and no one has the right to tell him how to
do it because our ways come from dreams, but do we want to make our ways formal? So many questions
that need to answered. I dont have the answers. back in the day we had those people who went around
to make sure people behave now there is no one that does that, so people like Steve would be challenged
all the time but the people until they threw him out. It is the Christian thought that cause so much problems
with the belief they have rights to other peoples culture. As you it was AIM who first invited the hippies, then from
there we have been having trouble
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: A Wasicu on February 16, 2013, 12:30:35 am
Thank you all so much for this forum and your comments About this man and this Sundance. You have answered many of my questions about it.

Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: tahcha_sapa on August 19, 2014, 10:17:17 am
Steve McCllough is still at it, this time he's reincarnated himself as "Steve Mc Cullough" on Facebook.  Why the space in Mc Cullough, Steve?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: brodjaman on February 18, 2015, 11:14:50 pm
the saga goes on  : https://steveontour.wordpress.com/about/
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Alice on March 11, 2015, 01:55:29 pm
In april 2015 Steve will run a 4 -day long ceremony-thing in Ieper, Flanders-Belgium
Today we published a warning article about this fraud.: Titel : Steve McCullough aka Iktomi Sha: Fraud and liar! http://www.denaisgazet.be/nieuws/steve-mc-cullough-aka-iktomi-sha-oplichter-en-leugenaar
We 'll be in place to confront him in public.
Alice
NAIS -activist news : www.denaisgazet.be
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Ingeborg on March 11, 2015, 09:38:57 pm
As the article Alice linked happens to be in Flemish language, I translated most of it fyi:

.................

It's that time of the year again!

Spiritual 'native' scammers leave their nests to please gullible souls who yearn for their lost 'spirituality'.
Steve Mc Cullough is a master in spreading lies hoping that everybody is so occupied with their own business that they won't do thorough research.
But NAIS will do exactly that!
In an advertisement for a ceremony planned in Ypres [Belgium], we read the following:

Ceremony with Steve McCullough (Iktomi Sha). He is a widely respected Lakota medicineman and Sundance leader. He is a wise and honest person. In ceremonies in Europe and with his Sundance in Indiana, he has the role of an intercessor between our world and the spirit world. To be present in his ceremonies has a nourishing and healing effect on various levels.
Iktomi Sha carries the vision of a 'peace bringer'.


This man calls himself a 'Lakota' medicineman … from Indiana?!?
Sometimes his ethnic origin changes to „Remnant Band Shawnee“.

He is a wise and honest man“? … so honest that the man, in the USA and with American Indians, is persona non grata and has several lawsuits hanging over his head in connection with illegal practices. Together with his companion John Wexler (sometimes Wechsler) aka John Crow Dog aka John Crazy Horse. The duo has caused so much bad blood with the Lakota that they were forced to vanish under the radar.
And Sundance leader?: The Sundance belongs to the tradition of the Lakota; the ceremony may not be done in Europe.

Whenever we dig deeper, we see that he claims to have been involved in the occupation of Wounded Knee: Steve McCullough has never been an AIMster! (There will be another article later on his alleged role with AIM.)

The prices he asks for his ceremonies are not being announced any longer. Since the team from New Age Frauds and Plastic Shamans tracked him down, he changed the exact prices to „donations“.

The real Steve McCullough was the son of a white minister who traveled the Indian reservations to convert „red brothers“. He probably learned the art of „playing“ [deluding] people from his father.
As a small boy, he accompanied his father and his eyes and ears were fed.
He later moved to Indiana where he opened up shop with a few other clowns.

A few suggestions:
Ask Mr McCullough which tribe he belongs to. When he says he is a Lakota, you will know this is a grave lie.
When he says he belongs to the Remnant Band Shawnee – well, a little research shall point out that RBS is a rip-off/swindle, too.

The Remnant Band Shawnee is a non-profit organisation screwing the inhabitants of Ohio. It is run by a crook by the name of „Hawk Pope“, brother of another crook named „Dark Rain Thom“. Pope has repeatedly been accused of sexual misconduct with white women. The guy made young women, among them very young girls, run about naked „because that's the way it's done among the Indians“.

Another question we must look into more thoroughly: „How did a 'local Lakota Tribe' establish in Indiana, more than 600 miles away from their territory, without this never leaving even a note in history archives“?
New Age Frauds and Plastic Shamans follows his tracks for years and they can rightly confirm that he is not who he says he is, and he 'sells' Native ceremonies for fun and for profit.

Other things you should know:
From a Potawatomi lecturer on Native American Religions at Indiana University-Purdue University IUPUI

1 There is no recognised Lakota tribe in Indiana. Even those living closest to Indiana are hundreds of miles away from Indiana, in South Dakota. There is no information on the establishment of a Lakota tribe in Indiana in the archives.

2 There is no recognised Shawnee tribe in Indiana or Ohio. And everyone who claims to belong to this tribe is a liar.

3 The Sundance is a very dangerous and sacred ceremony and may certainly not be lead by white amateurs.

[...]

To all good souls who follow Steve Mc Cullough and his congeners: be careful!

No matter how good you may feel after a session with this man, keep in mind that all is based on lies, deception, and shows a lack of respect towards traditional American Indians.

If you want to do something for world peace, there are enough reliable organisations and action groups who really work for peace.

Do you really want to help the Indians? Then support the American Indians in their daily struggle against environmental pollution, exploitation, racism, and abject poverty.

But don't have yourself fooled.

Steve McCullough is to be avoided!

................
Title: Re: Steve McCullough
Post by: Defend the Sacred on March 13, 2015, 06:08:54 pm
Brenda Norrell also posted in on Censored News http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.be/2015/03/fraud-chief-exposed-in-europe.html
Title: Salt Creek Sundance
Post by: DCBirtch on April 04, 2017, 02:20:47 pm
Hello,

After reading some posts about the Lakota Sun Dance, it became apparent that the fight against "unsanctioned" Sun Dances has been going on for some time. Learning about just how many people have tried - and continue to try - to stop these fraudulent Sun Dance ceremonies, re-ignited a flame within the had been almost extinguished by MY on-going 15+ year battle with the "owners" (they call themselves 'chiefs') of the non-profit corporation known as the "Eastern Delaware Nations, Inc., here in Pennsylvania.

To start with, I am a mix-blood Shawnee and have absolutely no tribal connection to or with the Lakota/Sioux nation, nor do I practice any Lakota/Sioux ceremonies, traditions, or customs - though I have in the past been invited to join in certain ceremonies of which I thought were very powerful and spiritual.
Anyway, as an eastern-woodland native, I have always strived to learn and maintain those ceremonies, customs, and traditions of my Shawnee ancestors, and, of those ceremonies, customs, and traditions of the Lenape, whom were "woodland Indians". Afterall, I do live in Pennsylvania.

So, over the years I have tried to share the knowledge that I have learned with others whom claim to be descended from one of the Delaware tribes. And, about 20 years ago, things were going pretty well. I had found myself associating with the PA "EDN", of which at the time had a "full" council with representation for every Delaware tribe except for the Susquehannoks - there was an empty chair with sweet-grass in honor of them.
It wasn't long, however, before things went straight down-hill, most because of the deceit and treachery of the "Taffe" family, whom completely destroyed the "EDN" shortly after the "Wyalusing Prayer Rocks" were purchased. I was there.
And then, I don't know the exact details, but, John "Tamaqua" Taffe, while claiming to be a "chief of the Nanticokes", met-up with Leonard Crow Dog. It wasn't long after this meeting that John Taffe went out to Indiana to partake in a "Sun Dance". I was very skeptical about this so I asked a good friend of mine about this Indiana Sun Dance thing. My friend, a Dakota native, said that this was not right and that John should not be going to support or partake in this. He even called back to his home and asked his uncles concerning this matter. And, again, it was told that this Indiana Sun Dance was "not good", and that there was "no permission" given for it to be held in Indiana.

Well, flash-forward to today, after 15+ years, or so, of fighting with the Taffe family over this. And let me tell you that during this time there have been plenty of scandal with the "EDN" and the Taffe family. Susan Taffe-Reed, the daughter of John Taffe, was hired by Dartmouth University to "head" their Native American Program. It didn't take long for the complaints to start rolling-in against Mrs. Susan Taffe-Reed, as she had absolutely no idea how to "connect" with tribal student who came off of reservations because Susan never lived on a reservation, being born and growing-up in north-east PA.
In the end, the school, as well as a few "full-bloods" did the research on Susan Taffe-Reed and discovered that she - her entire family - did NOT have any tribal blood in them at all as their entire family (both sides) came from Ireland in the late 1800's!!
But, this fact hasn't stopped the Taffe family from continuing their "appropriation" of tribal culture. They have long ago stopped teaching/learning the ceremonies, customs, and traditions of eastern woodland peoples, and have been slowly replacing that knowledge with that of the Lakota/Sioux. They have been doing this since they have been going to Indiana for the Sun Dance. they have even told people that they can't have their Eagle Whistles, Hawk Whistles, or anything of "strong medicine" unless they Sun Dance!!!

Obviously, woodland Indians didn't Sun Dance, but, they still had their whistles. However, there is a whole generation that has been learning this "Taffe-confusion" for some time now. And, they are once again preparing to go to Sun Dance - shortly after Father's Day weekend. And, even though the Sun Dance is still being held in Salt Creek, there is talk (not so much rumor) about the Sun Dance being "moved" to Ohio!!!!

what can be done to stop this from happening??? I know that someone needs to sign the "SUP", but, they always seem to find someone to sign it. And, from what I've been told, there are some women who will be "dancing" this year - and piercing too, I do believe.

I have added some links concerning the Taffe family. Interesting that Dartmouth University was so moved by the fraudulent claims by Susan Taffe-Reed, that they did their homework...perhaps they should have done their homework BEFORE hiring her, but, then, the info about the Taffe family being 100% Irish would still be hidden. (The third link has the genealogy records.)

 http://www.thedartmouth.com/article/2015/10/students-alums-reflect-on-susan-taffe-reed-decision/

 https://indiancountrymedianetwork.com/history/genealogy/susan-taffe-reed-dartmouths-dolezal/

 http://ancestorstealing.blogspot.com/2015/09/susan-taffe-reed-and-eastern-delaware.html 
Title: Re: Salt Creek Sundance
Post by: Diana on April 04, 2017, 07:27:30 pm
Hi DCBirtch and welcome, are you enrolled in any of the Shawnee Tribes?

Lim lemtsh,


Diana
Title: Re: Salt Creek Sundance
Post by: Defend the Sacred on April 04, 2017, 10:14:45 pm
We already have a thread on this. Merging.
Title: Re: Salt Creek Sundance
Post by: Sparks on April 04, 2017, 11:07:37 pm
We already have a thread on this. Merging.

I think you merged into another thread than you intended. Isn't this the right one?:

http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=4734.0  [Susan Taffee Reed and Eastern Delaware Nation]
Title: Re: Steve McCullough aka Iktomi Sha & Salt Creek Sundance
Post by: Defend the Sacred on April 05, 2017, 12:43:35 am

http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=4734.0  [Susan Taffee Reed and Eastern Delaware Nation]

They're all connected. I chose the one he titled it for. I suggest readers read the Susan Taffee Reed / Delaware thread as well. 
Title: Re: Steve McCullough aka Iktomi Sha & Salt Creek Sundance
Post by: DCBirtch on June 26, 2017, 06:10:22 pm
So far, this year is turning out to be quite interesting as I have been witness to just how much we truly are "all connected" in this Great Wheel of Life.

As it stands, the salt Creek, Indiana Sundance seems to be going pretty well, with little or no opposition from the Lakota/Sioux Nation - which only serves to make such cultural appropriations appear even more legitimized, especially in the legal aspect where "silence is consent".
You may wonder why I even care - I'm not Lakota, or even remotely related to ANY of the Sioux tribes. I'm Shawnee. However, even though the Sundance is a very, very sacred and powerful thing, and, has even been used to help the Mi'qmaq Nation regain the interest in reviving their own tribal ceremonies; powerful medicine. But, there have been those - the Nuagers - that truly care nothing for the long-established customs, traditions, and spirituality of tribal (Indigenous) peoples and/or their respective nations.
This kind of mentality, which has been allowed to foster for some time - being "reasoned-away" by many "excuses" - has virtually brought an end to the customs, tradition, and ceremonies of the Eastern Woodland peoples - especially those whom do not live on a reserve and have no direct way to receive such teachings. And, of course, most of you are already familiar with the shenanigans of the EDN, Inc., which has been a MAJOR player in the advancement of "Nuage Spirituality" at the cost of true and real tribal teachings....anything for that "feely-goody" kind of "personal spiritual connection".

This year, friends were made, and, those same friends were lost because of the Salt Creek Sundance - and, the "good vibrations" that the Sundance brings to the "spirit" of those ho participate. They, those "false friends", while claiming to be "native", have showed absolutely no concern for the cultural & spiritual appropriation that they commit on a daily basis. Often refusing to learn the custom, tradition, and ceremonies of their own "chosen" tribe, they had/have resorted to the all-to-familiar "you're attacking my spirituality" excuse.
And, as time for the Salt Creek Sundance drew nearer, the claims of spiritual-attacking just increased - no one want to hear the truth, let alone admit to it or to their mistakes....yet, oddly, I have been repeatedly told by other - many others - that the "truth of these things" is what they wanted...hm...must be not so much...

So, here is the link to the 2017 Salt Creek Sundance. As you can see, Steve McCullough will be - or already has been - "guiding" the Sundance ceremony. From what I've learned about Steve, both from this forum and others, I am quite surprised that this is/was allowed to continue.(?) Every year, more and more people fall victim to this as more and more of our tribal customs and ceremonies get sold or are "replaced" - as is the case with the Eastern Woodland peoples.

http://www.saltcreeksundance.org

 
 
Title: Re: Steve McCullough aka Iktomi Sha & Salt Creek Sundance
Post by: WINative on June 26, 2017, 09:37:45 pm
Wow most surprising was all those letters of endorsement he shows, albeit by known frauds and people willing to sell their culture for a price. The letter from Leonard Crow Dogs just seemed like rambling on and a bunch of incoherent thoughts that doesn't endorse or fully explain McCullough as a chief. I also cannot believe Elmer Running would come to Steve McCullough and give him a pipe and ask him to bring the Sundance to Indiana and gift him his medicine bundle. I sat in ceremony with Elmer and knew many that learned under Elmer Running, and he, especially in the finals years of his life was staying away from all those non-Indian Fat Takers. His family were protecting him from them since he was so willing to help people. I don't see any pictures of him with Elmer or any written endorsements by him. He would be the only one I would respect out of that list, but he was greatly taken advantage of by people in his life's work.
It's so sad and disgusting to see Native people endorsing this behavior...
Title: Re: Steve McCullough aka Iktomi Sha & Salt Creek Sundance
Post by: Defend the Sacred on June 26, 2017, 10:30:46 pm
It's so sad and disgusting to see Native people endorsing this behavior...

They don't.

At least a year ago there was a website made for Elmer. He is a legitimate spiritual leader for the Lakota. The website maker seemed a bit naive about the outcome and as most here could have predicted, things turned bad. Here is whats in its place. Just thought it should be noted in case anyone comes up claiming Elmer Running is thei9r teacher.


http://www.norbertrunning.com/

Thanks to all who have helped Elmer

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that Elmer Running's website has been taken down from the internet. While I had great hope that this would help spread a positive message to others about the pipe way, and get some much needed financial support for Elmer, it has, in fact done just the opposite.

Donations to Elmer have been less than $200 sent in 3 years (mostly from sundancers). Yet, fools-who-call-themselves-wisemen have used information on the site to steal thousands of dollars from people, proclaiming that Elmer trained or endorsed them in some way.

This has come back on Elmer in a negative way and may even force his involvement in legal actions. I can't even come close to describing how much this sickens and angers me.

I ask that all of us spread the word through our personal contacts and address books to let everyone know that Elmer does not endorse nor train ANYONE INCLUDING HIS OWN RELATIVES, in in doing ceremony. Please also remind people that anyone who charges money for a ceremony is illegitimate. Perhaps we can at least limit these Grifters' opportunity to steal in the name of tunkasila.

One other thing which I may have mentioned in this thread is that the last time Steve McCullough showed up at Elmer Running's Sundance Elmer threw him off his property. Elmer was the one who started the Salt Creek Sundance.

I strongly suggest you contact the other NDNs whose names McCullough is exploiting on that page and let them know about it.

Title: Re: Steve McCullough aka Iktomi Sha & Salt Creek Sundance
Post by: WINative on June 27, 2017, 08:18:05 pm
Yes it's good to reiterate that about Elmer Running since it was posted a long time ago and is new info on the Salt Creek web-site.
I wonder if Leonard Crow Dog has pulled support of Steve McCullough? Since this all came out that he gave him a medal and made him a chief at his sundance.
On May 27, 1994, I was an active participant on the Walk For Justice which was sponsored by AIM and led by Dennis Banks and I was on the walk from then to the end in Washington DC on July 15, 1994. I remember we stopped for a few days at the home of Steve McCullough and his wife in Bicknell, Indiana. He was just introduced as a Non-Indian supporter who was offering some place to camp.
I remember the family being pleasant but there was never a talk of him being a chief or medicine man or anything more then just an AIM supporter which should have just been good enough for him. It's unfortunate that he had taken it this far since then, and I know non-Indian men who go to his dance in Indiana, since it's the only place their allowed to dance, and come back to the Native community and think their allowed to pour lodges or conduct pipe ceremonies or even put Native kids through Vision Quest, thankfully the community put a stop to it. But it's always more deeper then just the person leading it. That's why we fight to stop these people...
Title: Re: Steve McCullough aka Iktomi Sha & Salt Creek Sundance
Post by: Cetan on June 28, 2017, 12:24:33 am
It makes me thing of Johnnie every time this thread comes up :'(
The Salt Creek sundance was never on National Park land, it was Forest Service land. I still remember how disrespectful Steve and his family were to Vernal and Darlene Cross
Title: Re: Steve McCullough aka Iktomi Sha & Salt Creek Sundance
Post by: educatedindian on June 06, 2018, 05:27:27 pm
McCullough has moved his phony sundance to Seaman Ohio. AIM Ohio is protesting it.

https://business.facebook.com/AIMofOhio/?hc_ref=ARSCzB83KLYor5KwaSscLj60R85U7M7e2EhQn4aWir1mRjxtvcPsHDSu1E0rjEbXFjw&fref=nf
Title: Re: Steve McCullough aka Iktomi Sha & Salt Creek Sundance
Post by: Cetan on June 22, 2018, 04:33:59 pm
The Grand Governing Council of the National office of the American Indian Movement publicly demands that Steve McCullough, also known as; “Chief” Steve McCullough, aka “Chief Red Spider Iktomi Sha”, stop identifying himself as a member of the American Indian Movement. Steve McCullough has never been a member of the American Indian Movement and will not ever be recognized as a member or supporter of the American Indian Movement by the National office.

The Grand Governing Council of the American Indian Movement also publicly denounces the so-called “Salt Creek Sundance”. McCullough has in the past proclaimed support from Dennis Banks, however Dennis Banks and other leaders, such as; myself, Vernon Bellecourt, Michael Haney, Kenny Kane, Kenny Irwin, Louie Erwin, Mary Crowdog, Charlene Teeters, and many others, demanded McCullough stop his fraudulent Sundance over 24 years ago. McCullough agreed to do this but has failed to do so. In the past 24 years, American Indian Movement Chapter Directors, Elders, members and supporters throughout Indian Country have called for him to cease and desist “performing” Sundances, and to stop appropriating Native American Culture and Spirituality, and he has blatantly refused and ignored their requests to do so.

Native Americans, since first contact, have died to protect and to preserve our languages, culture, religious and spiritual rights. This is one of the principal reasons that the American Indian Movement was founded in 1968. For the past 50 years, we have fought against the United States Government and various Christian sects that have sought the genocide and ethnocentric policy and strategy to annihilate Native people. "The Longest Walk" of 1978 was an AIM-led spiritual walk across the country to support tribal sovereignty and bring attention to 11 pieces of anti-Indian legislation. One of the outcomes to this walk was the Native American Freedom of Religion act, created to protect and preserve the traditional religious rights and cultural practices of American Indians, Eskimos, Aleuts and Native Hawaiians.

However, people like Steve McCullough, the New Age Movement, and “Indian Hobbyists”, are an equal, if not more insidious threat. They misrepresent themselves as Native people, they take ownership and appropriate our culture and spirituality. They skewer history with racial stereotypes, and “water down” our traditional and cultural ways. They profit by preying on the spiritually lost and deprived to support their efforts; financially and socially. People like Steve McCullough, and those that associate with the “Salt Creek Sundance” appear to use social media to create a false image of credibility and to promote and package Native Spirituality as if to be consumed by an audience, all the while still disregarding the call from Native people to stop “performing” this Sundance and appropriating Native culture.

The Grand Governing Council of the National office of the American Indian Movement stands with the American Indian Movement of Ohio and the American Indian Movement Indiana/Kentucky in their efforts to educate and inform the public that Steve McCullough is misrepresenting himself as an American Indian Movement member, and that the American Indian Movement does not endorse this “Salt Creek Sundance” and in fact, views this not as a ceremony but as a fraudulent performance that should not occur
Title: Re: Steve McCullough aka Iktomi Sha & Salt Creek Sundance
Post by: Cetan on June 25, 2018, 10:53:53 pm
https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/aim-national-director-clyde-bellecourt-denounces-fake-chief-wants-salt-creek-sundance-stopped/
Title: Re: Steve McCullough aka Iktomi Sha & Salt Creek Sundance
Post by: Sparks on March 26, 2021, 06:36:00 am
https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/aim-national-director-clyde-bellecourt-denounces-fake-chief-wants-salt-creek-sundance-stopped/

That link now yields "Bad karma: we can't find that page!". — I found it archived here:

https://web.archive.org/web/20200529113819/https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/aim-national-director-clyde-bellecourt-denounces-fake-chief-wants-salt-creek-sundance-stopped/
Title: Re: Steve McCullough aka Iktomi Sha & Salt Creek Sundance
Post by: anonymous123 on April 26, 2022, 07:13:26 am
This guy is still active in the Netherlands. I accidently joined a ceremony. He is a big fake. During the complete dark session there were lights ("spirits"), a bird flying and rattling. I am pretty sure he all produced those sounds by himself. We want to see if we can bust this disrespectfull guy. Anyone has any thoughts about what the lights, ratteling and bird flying in complete darkness?
Title: Re: Steve McCullough aka Iktomi Sha & Salt Creek Sundance
Post by: Cetan on April 28, 2022, 02:12:19 am
He would have one of his kids or supporters with small rattles to make the rattling sounds and lights can be easily faked with little led flashlights.  And once again I am thinking of our departed friend Johnnie
Title: Re: Steve McCullough aka Iktomi Sha & Salt Creek Sundance
Post by: DCBirtch on August 30, 2022, 01:07:34 pm
Yet another Steve McCullough "Sundance"...

https://tribtown.com/2022/07/09/salt-creek-sundance-returns-to-southern-indiana/