March 16, 2008, I was in a meeting interviewing an individual of social influence in Provo, Utah, for our documentary film about the Black Hawk War in Utah. We discussed my work as an advocate for the First Nation peoples when the interviewee commented, "Sometimes when whites learn of the history of the Indians, they become so sympathetic toward them that they feel they should help them," she said. "And because they have some knowledge of their past, they feel that they can speak for the Indians and represent them. The Indian people can take care of themselves; they don't need such people speaking for them. Often these people who have good intentions do more harm than good." (Words to that effect).
"Because you were born human makes you superior to nothing."
A couple of years ago, I talked with a Shoshonee elder, and she asked me why I wanted to help Native people. I explained when she asked, "Who died and made you God?" Her stinging words brought tears to my eyes. I knew she was not trying to be mean-spirited. She went on to explain, "the biggest problem between the whites and Native people is that the whites have always believed that they know what is best for Natives. They never ask us what we need, they never listen, they only cram their ideas down our throats."
Indeed, that day was a valuable lesson that I will never forget. But it takes time to overcome arrogance, especially when you were raised with it from childhood as I was. A slap in the face was just the thing I needed to make me shut up and listen with humbleness. We can learn much from Native people if only we get out of our heads and listen with our hearts. Often, they reminded me, "We have two ears and one mouth. Listen more and talk less." I was there living with the Shoshonee to learn. I was there not to be critical and judgemental or teach them my ways. And if that meant putting aside my arrogance, then I had everything to gain and nothing to lose.
In our culture, we tend to think that our ways are superior. One reason for our arrogance goes back to the time of our ancestors. Manifest Destiny is the belief that God led our ancestors to the 'promised land.' Because of that, we believed that God favored our ancestors, who then thought they were superior to all others. The concept of being exceptional is not unusual in our culture; I recall a comment John Lowry made in 1894; fellow church members accused him of being the one who caused the Black Hawk War. He said, "We had to do these things or be run over by them. It was a question of supremacy between the white man and the Indian," he said.
In the Native American culture, I learned that no person is superior to another. When the world was created, the Creator touched it with his hand, and so it is sacred and spiritual. The Land is our home, our mother, nourishing all her children. The Land is sacred and belongs to all who inhabit it. If you think the world is about you, think again.
It follows that we are all interconnected and interdependent upon one another. We need each other to survive and live. The water we depend upon, the four-leggeds, winged, and those that swim, are all relatives through relationships. We are all in a relationship with each other. And each becomes a relative by relationship. It's about humility. For example, the plant breathes in the carbon dioxide we exhale to live. They breathe out oxygen so we can live. Who is more important? You or the plant?
It is not about me. It's about everyone in the circle of life - inclusive equality. When there are injustices against any individual, there are injustices against everyone and everything. In my passion for my work, I have said something wrong. But I don't know everything; I am only learning, as we all are.
I am not a spokesman for the Native people of Utah, nor do I pretend to be. But they are our fellow human beings, and I will defend their rights as I do my own. We need to stop blaming each other and look upon our past and present with compassion and equality as the human condition.
How many times have I heard people say about the Black Hawk War, "That's all in the past; we just need to forget about it and move on." A person saying that has no emotional intelligence. But the truth is, history doesn't belong to just one person or institution; it belongs to each of us, and no one has the right to hide it from us. Before there can be healing, we need to listen to each other. Listen not with your ears but with your heart.
To illustrate what I am talking about, I encourage everyone to look at what happened in a tiny town in Washington State called Twisp. Google 'Twisp' for the story, or get the Two Rivers video. Two retirees from California moved to Twisp. When they realized there was no diversity in Twisp, only white people. Curious, they began to talk to the locals and dug into the town's history. Learning that the land they were on once belonged to Indians, they became acquainted with two Native Americans in the area. They came together to discuss their history and how Native Americans were treated so poorly by early colonists. Each invited their friends, and the talks grew in number. The rules were simple; no religious entities could be involved in their discussions and no politics. They agreed to listen to each other with open minds and open hearts. Eventually, so many people became interested that they had to hold meetings in a community center. Over time their discussions culminated in a Reconciliation pow-wow, and thousands of people attended to celebrate their newfound friendships.
Where are the Heathens and savages?
In 1989, I embarked on a research journey into the Black Hawk War in Utah, seeking to understand the Native Americans' perspective and the origins of the 'heathens and savages' label. Little did I know this quest would lead me down an unexpected path.
Reflecting on my interviewee's suggestion that I was assuming the role of 'spokesperson' for the Native people, I realized that my perspective had indeed shifted. The years I spent learning from Native Americans transformed my view. I no longer saw 'heathens and savages' but kind, loving, honest, humble, respectful, and generous individuals. How could I not share this? How could I not love them? And in loving them, how could I not feel compassion for all they have endured?
Collaboration is key. I welcome Native American opinions and guidance as I continue my work to educate people about the irreversible damage Mormon settler colonialism in Utah has caused to Indigenous people. The same goes for Utah citizens whose ancestors were among the Mormon pioneers. I encourage and value open discussions, as they are crucial to fostering a better understanding of the Black Hawk War and ensuring that all voices are heard.
Note: Phillip has been researching the Black Hawk War since 1989. He has lived with Native communities across North and South America. Phillip was recognized by the Utah State Division of Indian Affairs and the state of Utah with the prestigious Indigenous Day Award.
Several Tribes invited him to participate in sacred ceremonies while learning about Native American history and culture. Phillip was requested by the elders to teach others what he learned and to help build a bridge between the two cultures. He holds deep respect and humility for the Indigenous people's trust in him. He promises to honor that trust and the sacred promises he made.
See: Phillip B Gottfredson Bio & Source Material
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