Quote by Gary White Deer

I think the Spirit, is the one thing we have to rely on. It has been handed to us as a live and precious coal. And each generation has to make that decision whether they want to blow on that coal to keep it alive or throw it away... Our language, our histories and culture are like a big ceremonial fire that's been kicked and stomped and scattered...Out in the darkness we can see those coals glowing. But our generation, whether in tribal government or wherever we find ourselves--Choctaw, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Creek, Seminole--are coal gatherers. We bring the coals back, assemble them and breathe on them again, so we can spark a flame around which we might warm ourselves.

I think the Spirit, is the one thing we have to rely on. It

Summary

In this quote, the speaker highlights the importance of the human spirit and cultural preservation. The "Spirit" refers to the collective essence and values of a community or group. The metaphor of a live and precious coal represents the legacy and traditions passed down through generations. The quote emphasizes the responsibility of each generation to decide whether to nurture and preserve their language, history, and culture or let them fade away. The speaker refers to their generation as "coal gatherers," who must gather the scattered coals of their heritage, reignite the flame, and keep their traditions alive for the benefit of their community.

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By Gary White Deer

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