NANTICOKE DANCER
[Photo by Raymond Taylor]
By Cynthia L. Taylor
SEAFORD, Delaware--Pastor Raymond Taylor participated in a historic reconciliation ceremony at the 23rd annual Nanticoke Indian Powwow Sept. 10.
At least 21 tribes were represented in the Delmarva (the peninsula of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia) Powwow, one of the largest powwows on the East Coast.
Assistant Chief Charles C. "Little Owl" Clark IV spent almost an hour weaving a story of the account of God's creation from the Nanticoke heritage. In mid-afternoon, he announced that a special ceremony was about to begin. A federation of pastors (members of The Coalition for Regional Unity and Prayer) offered an apology on behalf of the white man for atrocities against the Nanticoke Indians. Past injustices have left a 300-year-old open wound.
Assistant Chief Clark prayed for peace and presented the peace pipe as a symbol of his people and their relationship first to God and then to the pastors.
Pastor John Betts of Abundant Life Church carried a flag picturing a cross inside a circle. The Nanticoke have a prophecy that real peace will come with the white man only when a group comes to them bearing a cross inside a circle. Fulfillment of this prophecy was proclaimed to come in the seventh generation. Assistant Chief Clark represents the seventh generation from the time of that prophecy.
Pastor Robert Muncy of the Williamsville Christian Fellowship church read the Proclamation of Repentance and Reconciliation to the Nanticoke Tribe.
The ceremony concluded with Assistant Chief Clark leading an honor dance, of all the tribal dancers. As the voice of the singers and the beat of the drums fell upon the ears and hearts of everyone present, Assistant Chief Clark warmly embraced each pastor. The tribal dancers followed in a long procession as each dancer shook hands with each pastor.
"Such a warm embrace and handshake. I could feel the spirit of forgiveness," commented Pastor Taylor.
Assistant Chief Clark proclaimed on behalf of his people that nothing like this had ever happened before. His acceptance of the apology was graciously expressed.
"None of these who stand here have blood on their hands," he announced to the crowd, "but the covenant we have made today will not be forgotten. This is a covenant of peace."
"Our forefathers stole virtually everything from them, but they are not a bitter people," Pastor Taylor said. "Rather, they show a deep respect and love for peoples of all races. The spirit of forgiveness has freed them from holding grudges."
The proclamation was signed by each pastor in the presence of Chief Kenneth S. Clark Sr. and will be placed in the Nanticoke Indian Museum in Millsboro, Delaware, as a testimony to an event of forgiveness and reconciliation.
NANTICOKE DANCER
[Photo by Raymond Taylor]
RECONCILIATION--From left:
Assistant Chief Charles C. Clark IV,
Raymond and Cindi Taylor.
[Photo by Amber D. Taylor]
HONOR DANCE--Tribal dancers perform dance for pastors.
[Photo by Amber D. Taylor]
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2000