"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 and Seminole-- are coal gatherers.
We bring the coals back, assemble them and breathe on them again,
So we can spark a flame by which we might warm ourselves."
by Gary White Deer,1994
