For a great many Aboriginal peoples, Clans or, in my language, Dodems [the source of the English word "Totemic"], are a very important part of family relationships and identity.
I am Bear Dodem - that's what my screen name here at SlashDot means, "Bear."
I can understand how people who don't know very much about Indigenous traditions - and the beauty which we have with the enduring wisdom of our ancient legacy - might think that our sacred relationships with wolves and bears and eagles... and lots of other animals... are HaHaHa funny.
To us, they are sacred. If you'd like to read more, several years ago my (now-deceased) husband, Wub-e-ke-niew, wrote an article explaining some of our culture and its value for us. It's online at http://www.maquah.net/AhnishinahbaeotjibwayReflections/1996/1996-02-11_Ahnishinahaeotjibway_Dodems.html I followed the link, and more, spent an hour or so and have ordered at least one book. Obviously this has touched a chord for me although I certainly belong to the Anglo-European "invader" group.
For the past few days I have been unable to link to anything past the top page at the New York Times unless I switch from Netscape to MSIE. Does this have anything to do with it?
I tried the AQ test, scored 30.
I was born 30 years too soon to become a geek, spent all my time in automobiles and other things mechanical. Never touched a computer until after retirememnt but now I read/. and spend about 5 hours a day at the keyboard.
Slashdot Mirror
http://www.ecost.com/Detail/Monitors/Samsung/2343BWX/44831341.aspx?navid=155439091
Here's high resolution + portrait mode and it doesn't even cost much.
I am Bear Dodem - that's what my screen name here at SlashDot means, "Bear."
I can understand how people who don't know very much about Indigenous traditions - and the beauty which we have with the enduring wisdom of our ancient legacy - might think that our sacred relationships with wolves and bears and eagles... and lots of other animals... are HaHaHa funny.
To us, they are sacred. If you'd like to read more, several years ago my (now-deceased) husband, Wub-e-ke-niew, wrote an article explaining some of our culture and its value for us. It's online at http://www.maquah.net/AhnishinahbaeotjibwayReflections/1996/1996-02-11_Ahnishinahaeotjibway_Dodems.html I followed the link, and more, spent an hour or so and have ordered at least one book. Obviously this has touched a chord for me although I certainly belong to the Anglo-European "invader" group.
As a member (30+ years standing) I have been saying for a long time: The people Mensa needs don't need Mensa. Corollaries are obvious.
.....don't use several letters, including IJO & Q.
I'm sure they avoid I & O and maybe Q but J is in use for sure. My Postal Code is L0S 1J0
For the past few days I have been unable to link to anything past the top page at the New York Times unless I switch from Netscape to MSIE. Does this have anything to do with it?
I tried the AQ test, scored 30. I was born 30 years too soon to become a geek, spent all my time in automobiles and other things mechanical. Never touched a computer until after retirememnt but now I read /. and spend about 5 hours a day at the keyboard.